What Sleeping Bag to Get Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is a great way to explore the great outdoors, but it’s important to make sure you have the right gear. A good sleeping bag can make a huge difference in your comfort and safety while backpacking. Here are some tips on what sleeping bag to get for backpacking.

Temperature Rating

The most important factor in choosing a sleeping bag is temperature rating. Make sure you get a bag that is rated for the lowest temperature you anticipate encountering while backpacking.

If you’re primarily backpacking in the summer months, then a lighter bag with less insulation will suffice. However, if you plan on camping in colder climates, then look for a sleeping bag with more insulation and a higher temperature rating.

Sleeping Bag Type

There are two main types of sleeping bags: mummy and rectangular. Mummy bags are tapered at the feet for extra warmth, but offer less space than rectangular bags.

Rectangular bags are roomier and can be zipped together with another one to create a double-wide sleeping space. Choose the style that best fits your needs.

Filling Material

Most sleeping bags are filled with either down or synthetic material. Down is lightweight, compressible and very warm, but it also tends to be more expensive than synthetic filling materials. Synthetic materials provide good warmth at an affordable price and hold up better in wet conditions than down does.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sleeping bag for backpacking can be daunting, but taking into account factors such as temperature rating, type of bag and filling material will help you find one that fits your needs. Make sure to do your research so that your next camping trip is as comfortable and safe as possible.