The choice of a sleeping bag is based on several basic criteria — direction, season of use, appearance (type), comfort temperature and size. All other factors are less significant, although they may also have some influence on the final choice.

According to the direction , all sleeping bags are divided into:

  • Camping — for use during short hikes or various events. Such models are often distinguished by increased comfort. Well, since it is assumed that they will be carried in a car, manufacturers of camping sleeping bags usually do not care too much about such indicators as size and weight.
  • Tracking — models for long walking or cycling trips. They differ in less than camping weight, usually less than three kilograms. They are also better suited for use in harsher environments.
  • Expeditionary. These models are initially developed for really difficult conditions. They will be useful for winter expeditions and high-altitude ascents. Some of these bags can be used even at temperatures several tens of degrees below zero.
 

Seasonality of use means the time of year for which the sleeping bag is intended. So, summer models can also be used at a temperature of a couple of tens of degrees above zero, while expedition models are intended exclusively for winter. Most of the sleeping bags are designed for the spring / autumn season, that is, they are able to tolerate fairly low, but still plus temperatures. It should be noted here that some models can be used with a fairly large temperature difference, although it is better to purchase a specialized solution.

Comfort temperature. This is the name of the maximum ambient temperature at which you can sleep with sufficient comfort, that is, without sweating. Most models have a comfort temperature of about +10 degrees Celsius (off-season models). If the comfort temperature is below zero, then we have a winter model in front of us. However, it should be remembered that this indicator is quite conditional — a lot depends on the characteristics of the body and on how warm underwear is worn on a person. For example, some people tolerate low temperatures more easily, a sleeping bag with an increased comfort temperature may be uncomfortable for them.

Usually manufacturers also indicate the temperature of the comfort limit, which means the minimum air temperature at which the sleeping bag can be used with an acceptable level of comfort for a sufficiently long time.

There is also the so-called extreme temperature, which shows the minimum temperature at which a sleeping bag can provide a more or less comfortable sleep, without the risk of hypothermia.

Naturally, all these three indicators are quite conditional. So, with the help of additional clothing, you can adjust the temperature parameters of the bag. However, it is still necessary to pay attention to them when choosing.

There are two types of sleeping bags:

  • Cocoon bag (mummy) — such a bag, due to its uneven shape, fits tightly to the body and saves heat better. However, it is tighter, and therefore less comfortable. Tracking bags and bags for extreme operating conditions are almost always of this type.
  • A blanket bag. In this case, we are talking about a rectangular bag that can be unzipped and used as a bedding or blanket. Such models are more convenient, but they retain heat worse. In addition, they take up more space. Sometimes there are also bags-blankets that can be combined together (the so—called possibility of quilting), getting one large sleeping bag - this approach is often used in extreme conditions when sleepers warm each other with the warmth of their bodies.

As for such a parameter as the size (length of the sleeping bag), then everything is clear — you need to choose the model that best fits the dimensions of the sleeper. It will be uncomfortable in too tight a bag, and it will be cold in a spacious one. By the way, there are bags for men, women and children. And the differences here are not only in shape, size and colour, but also in taking into account some physiological features. So, it is believed that the female body tolerates the cold worse and, accordingly, some parts of the bag have additional insulation.

 

The weight of the bag should also be included among the important, but not always key parameters. This indicator is influenced by its size and what materials it is made of. Warm enough, but at the same time a light bag will cost more, but it should be remembered that when hiking, you need to take into account every gram. And if all the equipment will be transported in a car, then it makes no sense to pay special attention to the weight.

The properties of the bag and its cost are largely influenced by the type of insulation used in it. Today it can be natural fluff or synthetic. There are also models with a combined filler. Natural fluff provides good thermal insulation, but it gets wet easily and dries for a long time (it is advisable to follow certain drying rules). Synthetics are worse in terms of heat, but it dries very easily, and is not afraid of moisture at all. Combined models are probably optimal, but they usually cost more.

You can often hear that an important indicator is also the number of layers of insulation — the more of them, the warmer it will be in the bag. This is partly true. But in fact, a lot depends on the design of the bag, the thickness of the insulation layers, the type of insulation and some other factors.

And the last thing that makes sense to mention is the various additions. So, when spending the night in harsh conditions, a hood that protects the head and provides better thermal insulation can be very useful. The hood can be detachable. A thermal collar also serves the same purpose. Loops for drying will not be superfluous, thanks to which drying the bag will become easier. Also, modern sleeping bags may have other additions that increase the usability and quality of sleep. But, as always happens in such cases, the more such additions, the higher the cost of the bag will be.