We may not all have common interests, but anything to do with nature becomes our locus. We experience lots of things on our way to the campsite. No one will deny that grasslands, vegetation, and all manner of trees will give those memorable moments. Birds are among the amazing living things you will see in plenty while in the woods. Their chirping with melodious and varying voices relived the old age when you were a kid when all you could do was cry, and your mum reciprocated with the lullabies!
Outdoor experiences are thrilling, and you will not stand by anything that attempts to ruin your experiences in the woods. But have you stopped to wonder about the comfort when you settle in your tent? Of course, the experiences on the road could be quite memorable, but you need something that will harness your night sleep at the campsite!
Regardless of your camping destination, sleeping bag is an essential asset that you must never miss in every camping expedition. Whether you will be staying in the desert, beach, forest, or even the mountains, you have a tent as the only shelter, and you won't have the comfort that you are used to while you are staying at your home.
Because we are certain that the temperatures will drop at night, we recommend that you carry a quality sleeping bag with you wherever you will be heading because you deserve a good sleep after a long day expedition.
The article will highlight seven reasons why a sleeping bag will be necessary. But before that, let us consider the lead features that you will be factoring in when choosing a sleeping bag.
Check the temperature ratings of your sleeping bag!
Before you press that order button, the first consideration is to check the temperature rating. Temperature ratings vary, and if you are headed for summer camping, it will be imperative to purchase a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 20 degrees Celsius or less. You will need a goose-down bag with a temperature rating of -20 degrees Celsius for the winter campers.
The insulating material is vital!
Yes, a sleeping bag is not if the insulating material does not preserve the heat. You will find two types of insulations in the market: downs and eh synthetic insulation. They are both good insulations depending on your needs. If you need versatile insulation that can store heat even when damp, you should choose synthetic insulation. If you want a lightweight sleeping bag, you should get goose-down insulation that serves better during cold and dry weather.
The implicit here is that a goose-down sleeping bag will be best for winter campers, while summer campers will perform better with a synthetic sleeping bag. The point to keep in mind is that a goose-down sleeping bag ought to be dry all the time. Make sure that you keep it dry every time you have it. Please keep it in a dry place because it takes time to dry up when it gets wet.
The shapes of the sleeping bags do also vary!
Yes, the sleeping bag manufacturers are not the same. That is why you will have myriads of shapes to choose from in the market. There are four shapes currently available: rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy and double bags, and kid's size.
You will choose a rectangular sleeping bag if you need enough space for your legs and arms. Mummy (semi-rectangular) is another shape that will offer you ample space and warmth. The difference between rectangular and semi-rectangular is that the Mummy sleeping bag gives a snug fit, making it warmer than the spacious rectangular sleeping bag.
The double size sleeping bag will be best for couples who intend to sleep close to each other, while the kid's size sleeping bag is suitable for the family camping with their kids though it can also suit someone who needs something cheaper and shorter.
So, why should I have a sleeping bag on my camping expeditions?
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A Good Night's Sleep
All campers should be aware that they will be staying away from the comfort of their homes, and they will technically be sleeping on the floor. It should not frighten you because that is the essence of camping. But, you can change your experience by giving your back a bit of cushioning by sleeping on a sleeping bag. If you need more cushioning, it will be nice if you add a sleeping pad to get close to the comfort you always have at your house. The bottom line here is to sleep, and you can do it when you have a quality sleeping bag and a sleeping pad that does the job for you.
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Ayamaya Sleeping Bag is Great for Emergency Use
When you have a sleeping bag, it means that you are prepared for anything that comes on your way to the campsite. If you encounter any unexpected incidents on the way, such as a car breakdown, it may mean that you will have to spend the night there. The goal is to survive any unexpected incident, such as the damage of the tent and hammock. In instances where thugs take away your hammock or tent, you will be lucky to have a sleeping bag that will accord you a peaceful night despite not being inside a tent.
While it may be better to choose an airbed because of the comfort that it gives, you will notice that it is not sufficient to keep you warm even as it gets colder. At this point, you will realize the benefits of a sleeping bag.
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Compactness
You deserve a smooth camping experience free from heavy luggage that hurts your experience. We often strive to minimize the bulk in our backs, which brings us to choosing a lightweight sleeping bag.
Note that all sleeping bags are compacting, implying that you can carry them in a small piece of a paper bag. As a bushwalker, you will need a light sleeping bag because you do not have a huge backpack to carry the beddings with you. There are even sleeping bags that you can put on as jackets, giving you an easier way to carry them to your campsite.
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Easy Setup
When you have a place to rest, you pull out your sleeping bag, and it is ready to sleep on, unlike the air bed that will take at least four minutes to inflate it fully. You pull it out and lay it on a flat ground that you will be sleeping on. You choose how to set it up, whether it will face the vestibule or the tent flap. You should also ensure that it is not touching the tent's edges because the moisture will dampen the sleeping bag.
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Water Resistance
This is a bonus feature of a sleeping bag, giving you yet another incentive to add it to your camping checklist. Some seasoned campers recommend investing in a synthetic bag because of its ability to dry quickly and retain heat even when damp. On the other hand, Goose-down bags lose their insulating capacity when wet, which is why they must be kept dry at all times.
Although goose-down bags with a water-resistant shell are more expensive, they are an excellent investment. There’s nothing wrong with taking sleeping bags. That arena isn't water-resistant as long as you have nice bright days ahead of you and no wet activities planned. However, it is still a good idea to come prepared. Sleeping bags are available in a variety of sizes.
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Cost Efficiency
A lightweight sleeping bag with enough insulation is usually a costly purchase. It may be comparable in price to an air bed. However, due to the numerous accessories and functions of air mattresses, they are still more expensive than sleeping bags. Some air beds are built to last longer than traditional beds. Despite this, some campers continue to have troubles with their air mattresses (e.g., air leaks, pump problems, mildew problems), necessitating the purchase of replacement parts. You don't have to worry about these problems with a sleeping bag as long as you clean and preserve it properly.
Factors to consider when buying a sleeping bag
When purchasing a sleeping bag, you should exercise caution. It's not just another accessory for a camper to brag about. You are investing your money and will determine the comfort you will get while out there on a campsite. Like your other camping gear, it can assist you in surviving a dangerous expedition. If you're camping in the winter, it's even more important to include it on your camping list. It may be difficult to fall asleep and replenish your energy if you do not have the right sleeping system.
Don't just grab the first sleeping bag you come across. When purchasing a sleeping system, price and colour should not be the only factors to consider. Not all high-priced gear or brands will meet your camping demands. However, it would be best to acquire a cheap one if you were not so hasty because you will be the one to blame. Remember the old saying that cheap is expensive! So get something that will accord value to your money.
Consider the weather conditions.
We all have different camping needs. Some campers prefer to go out in the summer when the weather is warm and dry, while others prefer to go out in the winter when the weather is cold and wet. You are, of course, entitled to your choices, but make sure that you are carrying the right tools that will augur well with the prevailing weather conditions. Many like to camp during the wet season. This feeling of assurance is common among experienced campers.
However, no matter how seasoned a camper you are, it is still prudent to exercise caution. Nature is unpredictable, and even the most experienced travellers’ plans might be derailed. Whatever you decide, make sure you're prepared. Use a thinner sleeping bag if you're going on an adventure in the summer. Choose a tent that performs well in cold weather for winter camping.
Size
The sleeping bags come in different sizes and shapes. It would be best if you carried a sleeping bag that fits you properly; otherwise, you will not be able to sleep soundly. Avoid purchasing one that is too lengthy or too short for your height. Small sleeping bags won't provide you with enough room, and you'll end up resting on the ground uncomfortably.Â
Your sleeping bag will need some open space to allow for air circulation. A bag that is too lengthy for you, on the other hand, will not be able to warm the empty area adequately. Your feet, as well as other body endpoints such as your head, hands, and knees, must be kept warm; otherwise, your body would shiver more easily in the cold.
Campsite location
The campsite location is also vital, and you should conduct thorough research before heading out on such an expedition. Some campsites are home to wild animals such as bears, rodents, snakes, and other vicious animals. When packing for camping, ensure that you carry the tools to enhance your stay at the campsite. If you stay on the beach, you should carry a heavy sleeping bag. For those who may opt to spend their stay in campsites inaccessible with cars, it may be necessary o carry a lightweight sleeping bag because you will be responsible for transportation.
Bottom line
A sleeping bag is such an asset when you are heading camping. You should know all the reasons that make a sleeping bag necessary and the specifications that must come in handy when choosing a sleeping bag. Note that many manufacturers are out there, and they all boast that they have the best sleeping bag! Don't fall victim to a poor-quality sleeping bag. Me smart enough and define your needs properly before ordering a sleeping bag from a manufacturer.
