Sleeping
Bags
Having chosen the tent
that fulfils all your requirements attention then must be given
to the type of bedding suitable for your needs. There are many sleeping
bags available. Choosing the right one for the use you intend it
for is important. Nothing can spoil a holiday as much as nights
spent shivering in an unsuitable sleeping bag. At night the temperature
drops, as does our heat output. Air is the best insulator and so
what is needed is a method of cocooning us in trapped warm air around
our body. This cocoon should keep the air still and prevent loss
of heat but should be breathable to allow body moisture to escape
into the outside air. Factors to take into account when choosing
your sleeping bag include warmth ratings, materials used, design
shape and size, weight, pack size and cost.
Warmth ratings
Sleeping bags are rated for different seasons and temperatures.
Most manufacturers will list the season rating along with a minimum
temperature and a comfort temperature rating that the bag will be
suitable for.
- A one-season bag is designed for summer use only, June
to August.
- A two-season bag is for late spring to early autumn,
when temperatures do not drop below zero.
- Three season bags are for late autumn and early spring
when the temperature may drop below zero or for mild winter nights.
- Four season bags are for cold winter nights.
This is a general guide and note must be taken of the temperature
ratings given to each sleeping bags. Seasonal conditions can vary
greatly e.g. frosts occurring in May or September. Also note that
all these ratings are for valley use and that temperatures will
usually be colder high in the hills and so a warmer sleeping bag
may be required. The amount of insulation required can vary greatly
from one person to another, with one person comfortable in a one-season
sleeping bag for two season temperatures or another needing a three
season bag to be warm in the summer. What you sleep on or in matter
greatly too. Ratings assume use of a mat and tent. If you choose
to sleep on the ground under the stars you will not feel so warm.
See our "Basic essentials
guide to Sleeping mats"
As sleeping bags work by trapping warm air, is best to get into
your bag while you are feeling warm and giving off heat. Opening
the bag from the foot end can cool hot feet. Mummy style bags can
be zipped together to make a double size and will be marked left
or right zip to ensure that they match together.
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