Because sleeping bags are available in a variety of types and styles, it is hard to choose the right one. First, you have to consider what the environment will be like that you will be using it in. Warmer weather requires a more lightweight bag, but if you will be using it in a colder climate, then you may want to decide on a thicker sleeping bag or you can opt to just wear warmer clothes as added protection. Another thing to consider is your personal tastes. Choose a bag made from a material that you like, is that appropriate size and shape, and also leaves you room to move around.
Sleeping bags generally come in two shapes, the rectangular bag and the mummy bag. The rectangular bag is the traditional style, and features a rectangular shape that zips on 3 sides and is roomy and unfitted around the feet. This kind of sleeping bag can sometimes be unzipped and used as a comforter. If both parents or more than one child wants to share a bag, two bags can be zipped together to provide more room inside for multiple sleepers; or zipped together to provide a double size comforter for a bed.
The mummy bag is a modern version of the old rectangular sleeping bags and is designed to fit more snugly around the sleeper. This allows the sleeper’s own body heat to accumulate within the bag and keep them warm. This kind of bag is generally made from less material and so is lighter weight which can make a difference if you are hiking and carrying supplies. Mummy bags can keep a sleeper warm if outside temperatures fall to 40 degrees fahrenheit or below.
Both kinds of sleeping bags are available in three standard sizes. Bags can be purchased in junior (or child) sized, standard length and extra long. Small children fit well in the junior bags, but as children can grow rapidly, buying a standard bag will provide them with the extra space to accommodate their inevitable growth spurts without the need to purchase a new bag. If you are claustrophobic, you might opt for a larger bag anyway so you will be more comfortable as you sleep.
Higher quality sleeping bags were once exclusively insulated with prime goose down. However, down is not easy to clean and the cost has become prohibitive to include it on standard camping bags. Modern technology has afforded the development of a synthetic fiber to insulate sleeping bags. These fibers are just as effective (if not more so) for retaining warmth, cost much less, and can be laundered without difficulty. However, highly specialized mountaineering bags still use down in order to balance the requirements of an extremely light bag that can handle intensely cold and dry climates.
More : Sleeping Bags