Decide how the sleeping bag will be used. Consider your travel habits, future plans and any special circumstances that might come into mind. Some of the points to consider are:1. The time of year that you will travel and possible temperature variances. 2. The possibility of bad weather such as rain, snow, high winds or extreme heat.3. Whether you will have to carry this bag during your trip, and whether it will be packed in a car or other transportation.
Determine the style of sleeping bag that will work best for your situation. There are two basic types of sleeping bags: 1. A simple blanket-style bag that folds in half and closes with a zipper. These are good general sleeping bags and work well for most situations. They usually roll up and are secured with straps or a canvas bag. 2. A "mummy" bag, so called because of its shape and design. Mummy bags are best for extreme weather conditions and can provide excellent protection in the cold and during high winds. They can be easily stuffed into a backpack or duffel bag.
Consider the insulation material. There are several choices:1. Cotton. Although cotton presents a comfortable, warm option, it also has several drawbacks. It holds water, can be heavy and does not compress easily for packing. A cotton bag is best suited for when you have a dry tent and won't be carrying it very far.2. Wool. Wool repels water better than cotton, but is also very heavy. It does not compress easily and should be considered for the same situations as cotton.3. Synthetic. Insulation made from synthetic fill provides a lightweight bag that dries quickly. It is a firm and resilient filling and can provide excellent heat retention in a cold situation. Unfortunately, bags with synthetic fill do not compress well and will take up some room in your pack. 4. Down. Down-filled bags weigh less than synthetic bags and usually retain heat more efficiently. They do not perform well when wet and can be very expensive.
Consider the rating of the bag. Sleeping bags are usually rated using the following specifications:1. Upper limit. The highest temperature at which an adult male can sleep without excessively sweating.2. Comfort rating. How well an adult female can sleep comfortably. 3. Lower limit. The lowest temperature at which an adult male can sleep comfortably. 4. Extreme rating. Survivability for an adult female.Purchasing a sleeping bag rated somewhere between the comfort and lower limit will generally offer your best purchase.
Select the sleeping bag best-suited for your outdoor needs. As mentioned, you may need to purchase more than one bag if you plan to camp in very different weather conditions during the year.
