Ever been on an overnight camping or backpacking trip but didn't have a sleeping bag so you borrowed one from a friend or someone you knew? Then, after a hard day of hiking it was time for bed and you looked forward to getting some shut eye because you were so weary? So you climbed into that bag only to find through the course of the night that you either froze to death because you weren't warm enough or tossed and turned because of discomfort or maybe even both. Ultimately, what was supposed to be a great time left you cranky and exhausted because of a lack of sleep?I can admit that I've had one too many occasions like that and boy, that was enough for me know that if I really want to appreciate my trips, finding the ultimate sleeping bag for me is a key. The problem is that when I went to look for my "perfect bag" there were so many styles I didn't know which bag would work best for me. So I did some research and found out what I needed to know in order to make my choice. Here are the facts. You have basically two options in sleeping bags. One is the mummy bag and the other is the "old school" rectangular sleeping bag. Now there absolutely, ain't nothing wrong with old school at all. In fact, it may be your best option once you discover what it offers verses the mummy bag.The large difference between the two styles is the cut and shape of the bags. The mummy bag is more restrictive. You can think of it like your own personal cocoon where you can go to sleep at night as a caterpillar and wake up the next morning as a butterfly. You're wrapped up tight with little to no room to move. The rectangular bed on the other hand gets its name from its rectangular shape and offers lots of room for the movement of your legs. Based on the cuts of the two bags and the room they offer you may find that you're on your back sleeping in the mummy bag while the rectangular bag will let you sleep on your side, stomach or back. And depending on how big the rectangular bag is you can shift your body into even the most odd but standard for you sleeping positions in order to get a comfortable night's rest. There are some sacrifices though in going with a bag that offers all that room to move. The biggest possibly being your heating capabilities and warmth ratings. See, while having all that room is nice, just like having a big house with tall ceilings it takes a lot more to heat the inside. The extra space requires more effort to keep warm and therefore, isn't as effective for keeping out the cold as a mummy bag is. Of course having said that, the pajamas you opt to sleep in can help cover for the warmth differences between the bags as well...up to certain temperatures. Suffice to say that artic temps may require more than a teddy or pair of boxers.The other sacrifice is the size or bulkiness of the bag. A mummy sleeping bag for the most part will be much smaller for carrying around which is why it is a preference for many backpackers/hikers. The rectangular sleeping bag isn't as small but since it's not typical to be carrying it, other than somewhere in a truck while drivingto your intended destination, the bulkiness of the bag is not as big an issue.Temperature ratings are pretty significant pieces of data to consider when choosing a bag as well. And although mummy and rectangular sleeping bags can cover a wide variety of temperatures, mummy bags are the typical designs for the extreme polar temps such as those you would find in the Artic.If you see a +20 degree rating that would mean that the bag should be warm enough for temperatures that are 20 degrees or warmer. And if you see a - 20 degree rating then it has been determined that the bag should be warm enough for minus 20 degree weather. It is important to remember though that the temperature ratings are guides for reference only. Because, just like spicy food, eating a jalapeno pepper for some isn't a big deal...but for others eating one would feel like it would burn the skin right off their tongue. The same goes for a sleeping bag. A +20 degree rating would mean that for many the bag would be warm enough. The best way to pick a warm enough bag is to go with one that handles a 10 degree colder weather than what you're anticipating to be sleeping in. Choosing in that manner should have you...covered. (No pun intended.) And again of course, appropriate sleep wear should accommodate the colder or warmer needs you may have.The final biggest consideration in choosing a bag is the insulation that is used in that bag. There are basically two types of insulations available. One is the goose down and the other is a synthetic blend. While both will do the job to keep you warm, they both have their pros and cons. For example, the goose down is soft and very lightweight contributing to the ease of travel when hiking. However, it is much more costly and if it happens to get wet, doesn't dry easily. Synthetic insulation on the other hand is heavier, bulkier, and not as soft. Yet, it is less expensive and the wet weather isn't as big an problem because the synthetic blend dries in a quicker manner than its down counterpart. Regardless which one you choose, some type of padding below the bag is highly recommended. Beyond these points given to buying a sleeping bag there are other things to consider, but these are the most important. Having these details themselves will provide you with what you need to choose the perfect sleeping bag for a comfortable night's relaxation during your next overnight outdoor excursion.
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Not all sleeping bags are created equal. In fact there are a large number of options available. To help you find the one that is perfect for you, learn everything you need to know for making your sleeping bag purchase.
Is a comfortable night's sleep important to you? I chose the Coleman Colossal 20-degree rectangular sleeping bag (super-king). It gives me the warmth I need, the comfort I want, and the room to move that I desire all in one. This is the perfect time of year for some camping. This is the perfect bag to take with you when you go. Learn more about this bag at http://www.squidoo.com/coleman-colossal-20-degree-rectangular-sleeping-bag-super-king.
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