Guide to choosing a sleeping bag

How to choose the right sleeping bag?

Whether you're going on a mountain hike, camping with the family or an expedition into winter conditions, you must never forget your sleeping bag at home. But how do you choose the right one so you don't just take home memories of cold nights? Our shopping guide will help you choose and add some handy tips. Now you'll know what the temperature ranges mean and why some sleeping bags come in pairs...

Basic questions when choosing a sleeping bag
What sleeping bag fill to choose
How about temperatures and comfort
Stypes of sleeping bags by temperature comfort
What role does the shape of the sleeping bag and the right size play
Other parameters to choose from
Care for sleeping bags

Basic Questions

To choose the right sleeping bag for you, it's a good idea to answer a few basic questions about using it. The answers will guide you in your choice and prevent possible disappointment with your purchase.

What time of year will I most often sleep in my sleeping bag?
Less can sometimes be more. So if you use your sleeping bag most often in the summer, choose a lightweight and compact summer option. You'll be unnecessarily hot in a three-season sleeping bag, plus you'll be carrying extra weight on your back.

Will I use the sleeping bag more in dry conditions or often in wet conditions?
The issue of humidity is often underestimated, but it also has a major impact on the thermal comfort and durability of the sleeping bag. You can't always dry your sleeping bag easily after a wet night. If you want to simplify the situation, choose sleeping bags with synthetic filling instead of down.

Will I carry my sleeping bag myself, or do I usually carry it in the car?
If you mostly travel to events by car, you probably won't care about the extra weight. If, on the other hand, you carry your gear on your back, think about lighter and smaller down sleeping bags and don't be afraid to invest in equipment. It will pay for itself after a few miles.

How often will I use the sleeping bag and how much do I invest in it?
The question of price is one that everyone has to answer for themselves, but as we've already outlined, it's not necessary to spend a lot of money on a sleeping bag for an occasional overnight stay at a campsite where you'll also be driving. If, on the other hand, you are planning an expedition, a good quality sleeping bag should be the first item on your list.

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Which sleeping bag filling to choose

Synthetics

Sleeping bags with synthetic fill (hollow fibre or microfibre on higher end models) are a popular choice for less demanding outdoor enthusiasts due to their ease of maintenance and affordability. Synthetic materials offer excellent insulation even in wet conditions, dry quickly and are resistant to mould and micro-organisms. In addition, they are often more affordable than down sleeping bags.

PLUSES: Lower price, easier maintenance, hypoallergenic, moisture resistant

DOWNSIDES: Higher weight, greater bulk, breakage of fibers and loss of insulating properties

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Sleeps

Peer sleeping bags are designed for more demanding users who spend more time in the outdoors and require greater thermal comfort in a minimal footprint. For the same volume and weight, feathers offer much better thermal properties. Feather sleeping bags are ideal for expeditions in cold conditions, winter camping or mountain climbing. Their exceptional breathability and compressibility make them the ideal choice for demanding adventurers.

The downside is the need to dry thoroughly when wet. Of the fillings, goose feathers are considered to be of better quality, but duck feathers are also used. However, it has its typical aroma when wet.

PLUSES: Best thermal comfort, smaller volume and lighter weight

DOWNSIDES: More maintenance and washing, higher price, need for careful drying

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Parameters to watch for in down sleeping bags

Fill-ability

Fill capacity is a key indicator of the quality and insulating properties of down sleeping bags. This term describes the ability of down to gain volume and hold air, which is essential for keeping warm. Fullness is measured in cubic inches per ounce (cuin). The higher the fullness value, the better the insulating properties of the down. For example, feathers with a fill of 600 cuin are standard quality, while feathers with a fill of 800 cuin or more are considered high quality. Therefore, a higher down density means that the sleeping bag will provide more warmth with less weight.

Ratio of down to whole feathers

This ratio reflects the percentage of down feathers (finer, lighter, warmer) versus whole feathers (firmer, heavier) in the sleeping bag filling.

90/10 means that the filling contains 90% down feathers and 10% whole feathers. Such a sleeping bag will be very light and will insulate well, but will have a slightly lower durability.

80/20 means that the filling contains 80% down and 20% whole down. This sleeping bag will still be high quality, but a little heavier, with less insulation, but also longer lasting.

Sleeping bags and thermal comfort

To begin with, it's good to remember that thermal comfort is measured in laboratory conditions on a mannequin, while in real conditions it depends on the habits of each "sleeper", their fitness, their current fatigue and the "type" of cold that surrounds you at the moment. The data on the products should therefore be taken as approximate only.

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Comfortable temperature - essential for choosing a sleeping bag
This temperature indicates at what temperature the average woman (or person more sensitive to cold) will feel comfortable and warm in a sleeping bag. It is the temperature at which a person can sleep in a relaxed position (for example, on their back) without feeling cold.

Limit temperature - the limit of sleeping without getting cold
This temperature indicates the temperature at which the average man (or person less sensitive to cold) will still feel comfortable in the sleeping bag, but already in a slightly bundled up position (for example, on his side) without feeling cold.

Extreme Temperature - Determined for Survival, Not for Sleeping Bag Selection
This temperature indicates how much more the body can handle in the sleeping bag for 6 hours without extreme risk.

Types of sleeping bags according to thermal comfort

Summer sleeping bags

Logically, they are designed for use in warmer conditions well above freezing. However, they are also easy to pack, often very lightweight (typically under 1.4kg), and affordable if you choose a synthetic option. However, you can also get a miniature summer sleeping bag with down.


Mummy 1 Summer Sleeping Bag	Mummy 2 Summer Sleeping Bag

Three Season Sleeping Bags

Universal sleeping bags for use in every season except winter. This category is the most numerous on the market, so there really is something for everyone. Comfortable temperatures can be close to zero for the larger sleeping bags. Weight most often slightly over 1.5 kg.

Winter sleeping bags

They are designed for overnight sleeping in cold and temperature challenging conditions. You will feel best in them in temperatures around zero and below. Once it gets above 10 degrees at night, prepare for the opposite "extreme". Weights go up to two kilograms depending on the type of fill.

Which sleeping bag shape and size to choose

When choosing a sleeping bag size, we recommend a rule of thumb of approximately Body Height + 25 cm. This is so that you have a margin for freely stretched feet (not like when standing). This is because feet pinned against the end of the sleeping bag stretch the fabric, compressing the filling and thus reducing thermal comfort.

Mummy shape

Currently the most common variant, the cut of which roughly follows the shape of the body. It therefore tapers at the legs, saving material and thus overall bulk and weight when packed. The slightly tighter shape also helps retain heat better, as you're not heating up an unnecessarily large space. Beware of a too-tight "fit" though. You could feel cramped in it at night and sleep would not be comfortable.

Sleeping Bag Mummy 7

Blanket shape

The simple rectangular blanket shape is still available on the market for less demanding use, when you want to feel mostly comfortable while sleeping and the low temperature does not threaten you so much. The advantage is a more natural "duvet-like" sleep, but you have to accept the higher volume and weight.

spaci_deka Sleeping bag blanket with headrest

Other parameters to choose from

Compatibility of two sleeping bags

It is ideal, attempt to travel in two and want to indulge in more shared warmth. Just have two similar sleeping bags (usually identical due to zipper compatibility) and especially the same length in L and R versions (you can find the designation on some models directly in the description). Together you can generate much more heat, keep your loved one warm or simply create a more romantic atmosphere.

Filling weight

If you don't want to rely purely on the Comfort Temperature figure, you can also go by the cartridge weight figure:

200 to 400 g corresponds to a summer sleeping bag
400 to 800 g corresponds to a lighter three-season sleeping bag
700 to 900 g is already a warmer three-season sleeping bag
800 to 1400 g means year-round use and use in mountain conditions

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How to care for sleeping bags

As illogical as it may seem, never fold a sleeping bag like a shirt in its cover. The fibers benefit more if you stuff them into the pack in a neat way, i.e. differently each time.
If you are not using the sleeping bag for a long time, store it unpacked so that the fibres/feathers are loose.
It is a good idea to let the sleeping bag dry thoroughly after each use.
Washing according to the manufacturer's instructions is not a problem. On the contrary, it is very beneficial for the life of the sleeping bag as it cleans and degreases the fibres so that they do not stay stuck together. However, it is not necessary to overdo it with the frequency of washing. You can either wash at home or in a specialised laundry.

No matter what adventure awaits you, it's important to plan all your gear as best as possible. Consider all of these aspects to find a sleeping bag that will meet your expectations and last for many seasons. Remember that the right sleeping bag can make all the difference to your well-being during your travels.

And if you're simply not sure, feel free to contact us by email or phone. We will be happy to advise you.

Your KUBIsport team

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