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Choosing A Sleeping Bag There are a number of factors to consider before purchasing a new sleeping bag. So while initially the range available may appear overwhelming, using these factors, the information in our Buying Guide, and with help from The Wilderness Shop, you will make the right choice! Most factors are interrelated as explained here.
Range At The Wilderness Shop we have around 30 different sleeping bags. We are sure we have one to suit you!
Decision Making Read the information here. Discuss your needs with us. Get a bag that suits those needs. Don’t get one designed for Mount Everest if you are going overseas to sleep on Grandma’s couch!
Download The Wilderness Shop’s Sleeping Bag Brochure for more information.
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Factors to consider Shapes that sleeping bags are available in are generally defined as rectangular or mummy shaped. Most of our rectangular bags are called tapered rectangular, as they are slightly narrower at your feet than at your shoulders. Some prefer a mummy shaped bag, as this maximises warmth while minimising weight and bulk. Others prefer a tapered rectangle for greater room and flexibility of use: they can be unzipped fully and used as a doona in hot weather, or in summer a couple can use one bag over the top as they sleep. Temperature Range that a sleeping bag is suitable for is a guideline. Some people are warm sleepers, others are not. In general, men feel the cold less than women, and a young person will feel the cold less than someone who is older. The warmer temperature listed for each bag is for someone who feels the cold, the colder temperature is for someone who does not feel the cold. Other factors that affects how warm or cold you feel are: how tired you are, how well you have eaten, your hydration level, how good your sleeping mat is, and if you are tenting on your own or with another person.
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Fill type is on many peoples lists. Advantages of down fill is it is light, compact and has a longer life. There are different loft qualities available, higher loft gives greater warmth for the same weight. The advantages of a synthetic fill are a lower price, is better than down if damp and may suit someone with an allergy. All our down sleeping bags loft figures use the European Standard EN12130. Be aware if making comparisons with American brands that they use a different standard. The approximate comparisons are: 560 EU = 610 US 660 EU = 725 US 750 EU = 850 US Weight is important, and is related to the above factors. If you are carrying it in your pack over long distances, get one that is light and compact, yet still within your weight and shape factors. Higher quality fill will add warmth without weight. Features can increase comfort and warmth, and will increase the price. Hoods add warmth, a 3D hood is even better. Draft tubes along the zip keep out the cold. A 3D foot keeps feet warmer. Vertical baffles in the chest area reduce down from shifting during the night. Horizontal baffles allow down to be moved around the bag for greater flexibility in temperature use. A water-resistant Hydronaute XT shell adds warmth with negligible weight increase, even more so in damp conditions. A Waterbloc keeps the down drier in the worst conditions, hence you stay warmer.
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