Best Sleeping Bag
Blanket Sleeping Bag
The blanket model is the most recognisable by the rectangular shape and providing the most room to move freely. The blanket model can also be used as a regular blanket as it has zippers that can be completely opened. The disadvantage of this model is that more cold air can circulate throughout the sleeping bag. This model is often colder then the close-fitting mummy style sleeping bag, thus the blanket model is less suitable for people who get cold easily.
Recommended for:
- In house use
-People who are not as demanding of sleeping bags
- Smaller budget
Mummy Sleeping Bag
The mummy model does justice to its name as this sleeping bag model is very close to the body. A mummy sleeping bag is warmer than a blanket sleeping bag as there is less air that circulates in the sleeping bag. The mummy model is often easier to roll up and is lighter in weight, which makes this type very suitable for backpackers. Although, it is less suitable then the blanket model when you need a lot of space and room to move in your sleep.
Recommended for:
- Backpackers / alpinist / hikers
- Sleeping in a very cold environment
- Medium to large budget
How warm should a sleeping bag be?
Comfort Temperature
Scientific research has shown that women on average get cold faster then men. The comfort temperature is the lowest temperature in which a woman with a normal build does not get cold in a sleeping bag. The comfort temperature for men is almost always between the comfort temperature and the temperature limit, unless the man has a slim figure.
Limit Temperature
The limit temperature is the same principle as the comfort temperature but is for a man of a normal stature. A man in a sleeping bag will find that the limit temperature will not be cold but for many women this temperature would be uncomfortable.
Extreme Temperature
The extreme temperature is when a woman of a normal build experiences a temperature in which the risk of hypothermia or frostbite could occur. In theory she would be able to survive for 6 hours. When the temperature outside comes close to extreme temperatures, it is highly advisable to spend the night in a sleeping bag that can handle this.
Our Advice
If you are of a small stature or generally get cold quickly, you should at all times maintain the comfort temperature in order to have the best quiality sleep in a sleeping bag. If you are going to a place where the night time temperatures are below freezing, be sure to check whether the comfort temperature of your sleeping bag is warmer than the outside temperature. If the comfort temperature is below it you will get cold easily.
Where are you going?
Home / Day Trip
1-2 days
These types of sleeping bags are to be used at home, or with family and friends for a night at a campsite. Additionally, you do not very often need to pack a sleeping back in a compact place to travel by car or train. For these purposes, it is less important to purchase a sleeping bag that is very light weight and occupies little space. Outdoorsupply offers a a number of choices of sleeping bags with different qualifications.
Our advice is to choose a blanket sleeping bag, since most of them easily zip off and can also serve as a blanket.
Camping / Festival
1-7 days
You can use these sleeping bags for several nights at a campsite, festival, or sleepover. For example, if you sleep in a tent or a caravan and take other luggage these sleeping bags are lightweight and will take up less space in your travel bag, backpack, or suitcase.
A mummy sleeping bag is more convenient than the blanket model since they are easier to roll up and take up less space. The blanket model however has the advantage that zippers entirely open which allows this sleeping bag to also be a blanket.
Backpacking / Tours
7+ days
If backpacking for a long time is your plan and you need a sleeping bag for extreme hot or cold places then the mummy model is the best model for your needs. These sleeping bags take up little space and are lightweight which make them easy to pack.
The advantage of a sleeping bag with a sythetic or down padding is that it is very light weight. When you look closely at the other properties of these materials, it is easy to make a good choice between a filling of down and synthetic materials.
Which is the most suitable filling?
Down filling
When you know you have to deal with colder nights, it is advisable to choose a sleeping bag that is down filled. A down filled sleeping bag ensures good insulation and provides optimal warmth. Additionally, a down filled sleeping bag is compact and easy to pack.
The bulk density of a down filled sleeping bag is a good indicator of the insulation performance of this type of material. It retains air which ensures the sleeping bag protects you from the cold outside. The thicker the layer of air, the better it is against the cold.
Synthetic filling
A synthetic filling has the advantage of drying faster than a feather filling, making a synthetic filling preferable by people who have varying allergies. Furthermore, these sleeping bags can be washed up to 60 degrees.
A fill of hollow fibres has the advantage of being light weight. In addition to that, the fibres are breathable, anti-allergy causing, and provide optimal insulation. This type of filling is also more affordable.
