Which is the right one?

On a camp you will probably spend a third of your time tucked inside a sleeping bag so it is important to make sure that you have one that suits what you need. You don't want to make that time miserable by being uncomfortable, too cold, too hot and lose out on precious sleep.

Down or Synthetic?

The first decision that anyone usually makes is whether the sleeping bag's filling is down or synthetic. Each has its pros and cons, so here is a quick guide to the difference:

Down - It is the fluffy feathers that

you find on geese and ducks. It provides the widest range of comfortable temperatures and packs down smaller and lighter than synthetic. This makes it ideal for carrying. Unfortunately, its drawbacks are that it is more expensive than synthetic and does not work as well when wet. It will however, last longer and perform better than a synthetic one if it is cared for properly.

Fill Power - a number between 550 and 800. The higher the fill power, the warmer the bag.

Feathers Ratio - A ratio of the amount down to feathers filling the bag. 85/15 is standard, 96/4 is best. The more down the better.

Synthetic - The new modern fibres such as Microloft and Polarguard are much better than what you would find in a standard bag and the quality of these is catching up with that of down. The benefits of synthetic are that they are much more easy to look after. They dry out quickly, work better than down when wet and can be machine washed.

Synthetic. Fill Weight - Means how much fibre is in it. '2 x 300' means that there will be 2 layers of insulation at 300 grams per sq. metre. Sometimes there might just be a total. Obviously, the higher the quantity and layers, the warmer the bag.

Season Ratings

The season rating of a bag gives an approximation of how warm it generally is. Sometimes you might be given a temperature rating which is much more accurate. Both of these assume that you have a sleeping mat and tent though.

Here is a guide to what the ratings mean:

This doesn't mean that you need 3 different bags for the year! Remember that you can always wear extra clothes in cold conditions and open up a bag a bit in warm ones. We do undertake camps in the winter on occasions but you aren't really going to have need for a 5 season unless you are planning a trip to the Himalayas os similar in the near future. We recommend that you go for around a 3 season bag.

Features

There are many different features that you can get with a sleeping bag.

• Draft Collar or Neck Baffle - An adjustable part around the base of the hood that forms a collar to help prevent heat escaping.
• Full Length Zips - Allow easier access to the bag.
• Two-Way Zips - Allow ventilation at the feet.
• Draft Tube - a bit that covers the zip to prevent draft coming in and keep the cold zip from touching you.
• Hood - A good 'cocoon' style hood is essential as it helps prevent heat escaping from the head. Must be easily adjustable.
• Shaped Foot - A shaped one is better than flat for keeping feet warm.
• Lining - This is the bit that touches the skin so it should feel good. Nylon and Polyester dry quick and don't absorb as much water and weigh less.
• Stuffsack - The sack that the bag is packed in. Compression sacks are best as the pull-cords on the outside squeeze the bag to fill a much smaller space.

• Remember - Keep your bag stored uncompressed so that the filling remains in best condition

  Wear resistant bases - Some bags have a special base that prevent damage and water getting in.

Final Words

It is always best to get the best you can afford. Remember that the best is not necessarily the most expensive. What is ideal is what suits you and suits the conditions you are going to be sleeping in. Don't forget, when camping, you may have to carry your sleeping bag in or attached to your rucksack. You therefore are wise to look at the weight of the bag to make sure it is as light as possible.

As with any equipment look after it and it could serve you a long time. Many people that used to be in the troop 10 years ago are still using some of the same equipment today as they kept it in good condition.