There are different types of sleeping bags, but these can mainly distinguished according to indoor and outdoor use. Outdoor sleeping bags come in many designs, shapes, and styles. Knowing which outdoor sleeping bag to get will depend on where you plan to use the sleeping bag, the climate, current weather, sleeping conditions, and conditions of the camping site such as distance to get there, and whether you need to hike to the area or you can just drive up to the site.
Some of your choices of outdoor sleeping bags are the air mattress, double sleeping bags, and army sleeping bags. You can also choose according to the extent that it can handle hot or cold temperatures. This would mean taking into serious consideration the insulation and fill used on the sleeping bags.
Although as a camper, you would probably want to try different locations, making it a difficult choice as to what kind of weather conditions your sleeping bag can handle, you could be guided by your personal preferences. For instance, if you like mountainous areas, this would inevitably mean colder weather conditions. On the other hand, if your personal choice of vistas and horizons is flatlands and somewhere near the ocean, rivers, or lakes, then you can have an outdoor sleeping bag that can handle warm to moderately cold temperatures.
You should also take into consideration whether you will be sleeping in a tent or under the stars. If you plan on sleeping outside without a tent, be sure to get a sleeping bag that is rugged enough to handle the bare ground. You don’t want sticks or burrs to tear your bag. On the other hand, if you have something like a 6 man dome tent to sleep in, you don’t have to worry about the terrain tearing up your gear.
An outdoor sleeping bag should be handle with care so that it will last longer. Of all your camping gear, this is the one that you will love to death because it will set the tone for your mood when you wake up. Thus, maintaining the fluffiness of your sleeping bag is incredibly important.
Here are some tips to help you do this:
- Never store your sleeping bag if it is wet
- Never carelessly store your sleeping bag in its cover stuff sack because it will lose its fluffiness and loft
- Make sure to follow the care instructions that come with the sleeping bag such as using the gentle cycle with mild laundry detergent and low heat.
- If you are not going to use your outdoor sleeping bag for a long period, try to shake it out of its stuff sack once in a while. On the other hand, if you have not used your outdoor sleeping bag for a long time, the minute you get a chance, try to air it out before using it.
- If you can avoid storing it in places where rats or other vermin can find it and damage it, then do so. If not, find something made of hard plastic to protect the sleeping bag
If you take proper care of your outdoor sleeping bag, you will be able to enjoy years of use, making it a practical and economical part of your camping gear.