Buying A Double Sleeping Bag? Here Are Some Tips
Well, these are some ideas to help get you started with looking for your double sleeping bag. Buy one that is comfortable and of good quality and you will have a reliable piece of camping equipment that should last you many years.
So, you have made the decision to buy a double sleeping bag instead of single sleeping bags for you and your loved one. This may well be a wise decision especially if you are planning on camping in fairly cold conditions. The extra body warmth and close proximity could make the long cold night a lot more bearable. Now you have to decide which bag is best for you.
So what should you look for? Here are some suggestions:
What temperature rating do you think you will need? Sleeping bags are rated according to a degree of temperature. You should choose a sleeping bag that will be suitable for the coldest temperature you consider you will be likely to encounter on your camping adventures.
What type of insulation material do you prefer? There are two main types of insulation - down and synthetic. Down is usually warmer and lighter, which is important if you are a backpacker. However, it is more expensive and does not insulate you from wet, while synthetic bags perform much better in damp or wet conditions. If you are prone to allergies, then be careful when purchasing a bag with down insulation. Synthetic bags are usually non-allergenic.
What type of lining fabric is most comfortable for you? The most common lining fabrics are poly taffeta, cotton flannel and brushed polyester fleece. The lining fabric used will probably be governed by the type of insulation in the bag, its temperature rating and the overall fabric preference of the manufacturer. Choose one that feels comfortable for you and offers the greatest degree of warmth retention.
Ensure that the size of the bag is more than adequate for the people who will be using it. Is it wide enough? Is it long enough?
Check the zips to ensure that they are strong. Nothing is worse than having zips jam in sleeping bags stopping you from getting out easily and swiftly. Make sure the zips move freely and do not get caught in the lining fabric. Also, ensure that they are good quality zips that will not break. If you can't zip up your sleeping bag then it is very difficult to keep out the cold. Look for a double sleeping bag that has zips that open fully down each side so that one person can get out of the bag without disturbing their sleeping partner.
Does the bag fully zip open to enable it to be used as a blanket? This is a bonus. If the weather is not that cold you can use the fully opened sleeping bag as a double blanket or in extremely cold weather use it as a blanket over other sleeping bags for extra warmth. Some double sleeping bags can even be unzipped and then used as two single sleeping bags. Great! Two for the price of one!
Does the bag have pouches to keep valuables safe? This is not essential but it is a small 'extra' that can be a deciding factor. Your valuables are close by for security and also, when not needing them, you know where they at least 'should be'.
Does the bag have a draft collar to avoid drafts around the shoulders? This is an important consideration in very cold conditions for double sleeping bags because of the wider opening that can allow more cold air to enter from the top of the bag.
Does the bag have zipper flaps to keep out the cold? Another important consideration in very cold conditions. The flap should stop cold from entering through the zipper area.
What shape is the bag? Is it rectangular or is it tapered around the feet area? If warmth considerations are important then a tapered bag may be a better choice for you as there is less air space that needs to be kept warm.
Does the bag come with a storage sack? While this is not essential, it is very handy to have a proper storage bag to protect the bag and keep it clean when not in use.
Well, these are some ideas to help get you started with looking for your double sleeping bag. Buy one that is comfortable and of good quality and you will have a reliable piece of camping equipment that should last you many years.
About The Author:If you are interested in learning more about RVing and Camping or if you are looking for some ideas for great camping equipment for your next camping adventure please feel free to visit us at http://www.nomadrebel.com
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