What to look for in sleeping bag?

I'm going camping for the first time next month, so I've got to buy a sleeping bag. I was just wondering if there's anything in particular I should keep in mind. Is there an advantage of synthetic over down? Thanks for any help.

Peace

 

Down is warmer and lighter, but does not perform well at all when wet (can be dangerous, since it will take a good amount of time to dry). Synthetic costs less and still keep you warm when wet.

Here's some great info, it's a 5 article series about what to shop for.


1) http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFPage?&mode=article&objectID=28705&cat=&subcatID=0&objectType=article

2) http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFPage?&mode=article&objectID=28706&cat=&subcatID=0&objectType=article

3) http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFPage?&mode=article&objectID=28707&cat=&subcatID=0&objectType=article

4) http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFPage?&mode=article&objectID=28708&cat=&subcatID=0&objectType=article

5) http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFPage?&mode=article&objectID=28709&cat=&subcatID=0&objectType=article

 

Depends on what kind of camping you are doing. I prefer synthetic over down because it dries faster and is cheaper. If you are backpacking try to find something light (sleeping bags can be heavir than you think) and something that compacts. If you are just regular camping you don't need to be so picky unless you are in the cold, then you want to make sure that the temp range of the bag will suit the climate.

 

try MEC''s web site u can search for info ....mec.com

 

i would reccomend not skimping on cash as a cheap sleeping bag can let you down, get one that has a very good temperature thing like towards -10 degrees and look for a good strong zip beciuase if your zip breaks then you dont get as much warmth

 

its summer an ya dont even know if ya gonna enjoy an get addicted..

buy as cheap as ya can,, although id reccomend a pad..

 

during the summer i usually just sleep on the tarp or tapestry outside the tent door, its hot as hell in the tent anyways!

 

get a wool blanket and a poncho, make a big pile of grass or leaves, then lay down the poncho or groundcloth, then lay down the blanket, then take some extra cloths and wrap up your feet, fold up a jacket and put it at your head, lay down stomach down on the edge of the blanket then grip both the blanket and ground cloth and roll over so you are encapsulated in a cozy woolen tube, a lot of heat is lost through your head and feet so cover them. also try to get a lot of insulation under you against the ground, the cold ground will such the heat right out of you.

 

this tip was passed on to me by the guy who sold me my tent, who actually seemed to be interested in seriious camping rather than just selling equipment. (poor guy probably won't last long at his job in a chain store!) if you want to boost the temperature rating on a cheap, "low-tech" sleeping bag, try lining it with a synthetic fleece blanket. they're easy to find at second-hand stores. warm and snuggly, keeps you warm even when damp and dries quickly spread out in the sun.

 

Thank you all for the excellent information. All very helpful. I bought a cheap synthetic for the time being, since I'm just doing some real basic camping. But I'm going to make my way out to California this summer, and I plan on doing alot more camping, so I will keep all this information in mind for a better sleeping bag.
Peace

 

Check out Backpacker magazine website for bag reviews. check out

www.campmor.com for great deals on gear. I used a Sierra Designs mummy(synthetic fill) bag on my '98 AT thru hike. Now I use a North Face mummy(synthetic fill) that I got on sale for only $90.

Important Note: Use ONLY front loading washing machines for washing sleeping bags. Using a top loader machine will destroy the baffles in your bag have a severe negative impact on you bag's thermal effiency.

 

Crabs.

 

A year ago last xmas i treated myself to a new sleeping bag at Galyans. I got a Slumberjack down mummy bag (0°F) that was ridiculously reduced because it was xtra long and zipped on the wrong side. Doesn't bother me...it was the best investment ever. I can't say enough good things about the real down bags. They are just incomparable to synthetic for warmth, loft, and overall snuggle-factor (i try to avoid camping in the rain at all costs, so i'd factor that in as per a previous post when considering down vs. synth). In fact having spent a good portion of last summer sleeping in the pop-up top of my best friend's VW bus, my only complaint would be that there were nights where it was just too hot for a bag like that. But in general, and esp. for cold-weather camping, it is my one "never leave home without" item. Feels just like a toasty cocoon. You won't wanna get up!

 

get a few stout woolen blankets, cheap and warm!

 

my sleeping bag is the shit...it's not wool, it's not down...although it keeps u warm unless it's below 30 degrees..it is very light weight....it fits into a bag that is 10 inches around and twelve inches tall..and can be smushed even smaller than that..i say go to dicks sporting goods and have the workers tell u about the different brands and such...
I also recommend thermarest sleep pads..they have this groovy foam underneath and if ur sleeping on a big tree root u can't feel it..hehe...
TOUR LITE!!!!