How to choose a sleeping bag suitable?

Feeling very cold or sweating excessively at night can be signs that you bought a sleeping bag inappropriate. With hundreds of models on the market, choosing one that is really suitable for the location of your trip requires some basic knowledge.

When we sleep our body produces only 25% of the energy it produces during the day, so it's crucial for a peaceful and restorative sleep that isolation is adequate. Generally, sleeping bags for all three seasons - spring, summer, autumn - support up to 10 ° C. However, it is important to note that each person reacts to changes in temperature, as long as you feel good com20 ° C can be your friend shivering. A tip is to think of the worst weather condition you might experience during your trip . It's harder to stay warm in a sleeping bag is not suitable for low temperatures than otherwise.

Here's how to choose your sleeping bag in 3 steps:

1st step - Choose the filler

It filler material that will insulate and retain body heat. It may be of synthetic fiber or fiber. The synthetic fiber is a set of hollow filaments that trap air which acts as a thermal insulator. Are silicone to increase its power compression and filling with air. His power is little affected insulation in moisture and requires less maintenance than a feather. The plumes, Duvet (in French) and Down (in English), are commonly used goose. A bag high performance ratio is 90/10 (90% down to 10% of small feathers). Although higher compression ratio and are lighter and more insulating only function well in dry climates, for moisture compromises insulation power.

2nd step: Choose the format

Sleeping bag Mummy (sarcophagus)

There are the rectangular bags and coffins. The rectangular are more used to camping and not for trekking. They are best suited for those who will spend the night in a cottage or shelter. Have the ghouls are the most suitable for trekking and hiking, especially in colder regions. Ideally, use a sleeping bag that you view, as the more space left over will need more heat to heat. Some details are essential when the camp is in cold regions: having a hood with anatomical fit, a pocket pillow for camping and runners setting different colors for easy adjustment; Tues Velcro strip to prevent zipper opens; Tues insulating tape to prevent heat loss through zipper, have a zipper that can be opened from the inside or outside and allows coupling with another sleeping bag, having a heating collar with Velcro closure and elastic to prevent cold air from by the neck, have a extra layer of insulation in the feet; Tues fabric treated with water repellent on the head and feet for moisture protection; Tues inside pocket with zipper closure.

Third step: Choose the temperature range

The third stage is one of the most important and must not be neglected: the choice of the temperature range. Some manufacturers are accused of imposing values ​​arbitrarily, without any study. The insulation depends on many conditions, such as wind, temperature, floor insulation, humidity, among others. Not to mention the fact that each person reacts to the cold. In general, women feel colder than men and the norm now separates the temperatures of comfort for men and women - in geral5 ° Cmais high. Younger people, up to 25 years, have a metabolic rate greater than that of older and thus generate more heat. The fitness also influences: a depletion reduces heat generation. Experience also counts: people with outdoor experiences are better prepared to assemble the tent in the best place. Season, the historical maximum and minimum temperatures in the region and also have altitude.

Thermal insulating

The tip is: never buy your sleeping bag based on Extreme Temperature. The ideal is that women buy in temperature and men in Comfort Temperature Limit. It is recommended to always leave a margin of error of 3 ° C a5 bigger than you need. From the Extreme Temperature range there is a great risk of injury to health and hypothermia. Plus, sleep comfortably on camping does not only depend on the sleeping bag, but also the surface where you installed. A thermal insulator adequate to cover the floor is as important as a good sleeping bag. A balanced diet and a hot drink before bed can make a big difference in sleep. Making a jumping jacks or some heating prior to entering the bag also help much, because the sleeping bag does not generate heat only retains heat produced by the body.