Sleeping bags make a real difference when it comes to sleeping outdoors. They were invented by Pryce Jones, a Welshman who had a big bag production in 1876 – he was supposed to make 60,000 sleeping bags for the Russian army. But his contract was soon terminated because the Russians were very efficient against the Turks at Plevna. This new situation left him with 17,000 unused bags.
He wanted to remove the pillow and fill the empty space with cotton, wool or feathers. He was even willing to sell bellow production price, just to get rid of them. The first commercial production of sleeping bags began in Ajungilak, Norway, in 1892. Since then, sleeping bags have developed and significantly improved in design, materials used and overall quality.
Basic Types of Sleeping Bags
If you don’t want to shiver on your first camping trip, you should choose a sleeping bag. Depending on where you’re going, there are a few options. Different bags are designed and produced for the summer and winter months. Manufacturers listened to hikers, campers and adventurists, so today, you can easily find your sleeping bag Australia wide with just a few clicks of a button.
Winter Sleeping Bag
Winter time is the hardest one for outdoor sleeping. Temperatures can drop fast in a short period, and you need to be ready to stay warm during those times. You can find winter bags in two varieties. The first is for temperatures around –17 degrees Celsius, and the second is for temperatures between –28 and –40 degrees Celsius. If you’re a mountain climber, these bags are a must. There is no other way you could get through the night. You’ll be sure there won’t be any threats to your safety.
For winter camping, experts recommend goose-down sleeping bag insulation. This filling holds good warmth and can compress easily, making packing more convenient. It’s no secret that these bags are expensive. But having good protection against the harsh winter temperatures is crucial, and the goose-down filling provides just that. But no matter the cost, always go for the safest, warmest option because your survival depends on it.
Three Season Sleeping Bags
This is the most common and versatile sleeping bag on the market. Because there are so many manufacturers and the bag has many purposes, the quality will also vary greatly. You can find low-quality bags sold for far less than the most expensive ones. With these bags, always choose synthetic insulation because if it gets wet, it’ll dry faster than the goose-down filling. For the best experience, experts recommend getting a bag with temperatures from –9 to –6 degrees Celsius. These bags are easy to pack, stand to their insulation even after getting wet and are lightweight.
Lightweight Sleeping Bags
These bags have their purposes and are perfect biking bags. They’re good for sleeping at lower elevations when camping or hiking in warmer climates. They offer maximum compression and are very lightweight because of the goose-down filling they have. Their temperature rating is 0-4 degrees Celsius, but in reality, they’re suitable for 7 degrees and above. If you have this type of bag and need to go through tougher mountain temperatures, there is a bag liner that can add up to 5 degrees more. You could also wear a fleece hat, clothing and a blanket.
Sleeping Pad
It doesn’t matter if you’re camping in hot or cold weather; it’s important to have a sleeping pad. Its function is to keep the person comfortable and warm at all times. It prevents you from sleeping on the ground and creates a barrier of insulation between you and the earth. So, to not sleep on the ground, grab one pad for you, and you’ll be warm and safe through the night. There are three thickness levels, and those are:
- Ultralight – for backpacking;
- Midweight – for backpacking and camping;
- Luxury Weight – for car camping.
Sleeping Bag Shapes
Rectangular
This is the most popular shape when it comes to recreational camping. These provide comfort, and you can sleep in a natural position, making it the most commonly bought sleeping bag Australia wide. Rectangular bags also have a couple of disadvantages, though. The first one is how bulky it can be because of the added material. And the second is its inefficiency in warming you up because of the free space between you and the bag. You can zip two bags together to get a double one or unzip one and use it as a blanket.
Double
The most effective technique to stay warm while camping with a companion is to purchase a double bag and share your partner’s body heat. A double bag is a great way to reduce your backpack’s weight. You’ll get a lighter model that doesn’t require a lot of insulation because you and your partner rely on each other’s body heat to keep you warm. But remember to split the weight. If your partner is carrying a sleeping bag, you get the camping tent or other accessories. Make sure you both have equal weight on your shoulders.
Mummy Bags
Even though they can be very claustrophobic and unpleasant for some people, mummy bags are one of the lightest on the market. Since there is very little dead space for your body to heat up, they’re incredibly effective at keeping you warm. A sleeping bag must have at least some air circulating through your body to function effectively; therefore, be cautious of a mummy bag that is too tight.
Quilts
This type of sleeping bag is relatively new. Because the insulation gets squeezed when you lay down, manufacturers of quilts decided to remove the bottom insulation altogether. Instead, you lie straight on your sleeping pad while wrapping the quilt around your body, tucking your legs and feet into the lowest third, completely enclosed or fastened with a zipper. They have adjustable straps and zippers that can fit your needs, so no draft passes through the bag.
In Summary
Sleeping bags can be handy when you’re camping, hiking or biking. You just need to choose the one that fits you and your needs and prepare for a new adventure. Even if it seems overwhelming and difficult to do, read reviews and experiences, ask questions and test some of them, and you’ll make the best decision.
