winter sleeping bags
Sleeping during the winter can sometimes be challenging. Finding the right amount of warmth to make sleeping comfortable is just not enough with a heater–it also has to be with the right bedding. But what if you’re on a camping trip, or have an outdoor activity, or just need extra warmth? The proper winter sleeping bags should be your trusty friend. But how do you look for them?
Adventure expert Michael Hodgson names three things you need to look into when purchasing winter sleeping bags: zipper draft tubers and shoulder collars, ergonomic hoods that cup and insulate without being claustrophobic, and temperature rating of zero or below. “In the winter it is far better to err on the side of warmth,” he says of the temperature rating. Hodgson says that down is most preferred by designers because of its power-fill rating. A synthetic cover will keep it dry in case of moisture. Many mountaineers also prefer bags that are longer, “at least an extra 8 to 10 inches of space at the foot once you’re nestled comfortably inside. That’s so there will be adequate space to store cameras, water, boots and such–items for which freezing would be a detriment to either you or their performance,” Hodgson further explains.