We have compiled a guide to show you want is really a winter bag so we will dispense with the season 1 and 2 as they are really for camping in warm and spring months with the 2 season going into early autumn.Remember a lot of factors come into play. Are you using a liner, are you fully clothed, using a sleep mat or foil mat.These factors can help with reducing the cold on your body. We have put together some hints and suggestions to help you choose the correct winter sleeping bag. Choosing The Correct Winter sleeping Bag.
These sleeping bags are for cold autumn and possible some winter days and nights that is not below freezing .Not really recommended for frosty or freezing nights. A few extra points can be earned if it is used with a sleeping bag liner.This will give you 2 to 3 degrees less drop in comfort.
This type of winter sleeping bag can be used for really cold nights with freezing conditions and will keep you warm. There are a great selection on our site and we can do next day delivery.Some manufacturers have a very special bags which can go down to comfort -20c and extreme -30c which means it is a top of range model and could be used in the Arctic. Snugpak have a softie 12 ,18 and Antarctica bag which will definitely keep you warn on a cold night. The temperature rating of the sleeping bag can be taken into account and many manufactures only use this. Pay attention to this rating.
The comfort rating maybe some like 0c. This is a guide to the temperature that you will feel comfortable in the bag. Comfort ratings can vary from person to person and what is comfortable for one may not be for another.It is important to take all the factors in account when choosing a bag.
Man made fibre fillings for bags has come a long way in recent years and with advancements in technology some great bags have appeared on the market. Snugpak sleeping bags have some great fillings with the softie fill. in their winter sleeping bags with softie fill will be easy to clean and will not lump up when wet.A down filled bag can have problems when wet. Down bags tend to be a bit smaller but much more expensive
An envelope style bag will re rectangular and usually not go up to winter conditions. There are more suited festivals and sleeping out in the summer rather than be used for a cold weather bag. One main advantage is that they have lots of room. Some can be zipped together to make a double bag.
A mummy style sleeping bag like our Snugpak range are designed to be snug fits and the elite range comes with a special baffle that allows you to alter the with of the bag.This is a handy addition as it helps to control the temperature.Some of this type of bag can be made into doubles.Most people go for a mummy shape bag and you will have a better selection to choose from.
If you are going backpacking you do not want a bag that is like a rolled up bed and cannot fit into you rucksack. If you have transport then the size of the bag does not matter so much. Some bags are lighter than others so take this information for your calculations on what you need.
Most of our Snugpak range come with left hand zips.It does not really matter much what side the zip is on although some people are fussy about the position of the zip.It does not affect the performance of the bag but for convenience only.Some sleeping bags can have a full length zip and some a three quarter zip. Good quality zips are essential in a winter bag.Fabric for the outer is mostly an nylon derivative or rips-top material.
A draw cord on the hood allows you to close the hood to stop the cold seeping and to keep the hood hood against your face for added warmth.Inner pockets can be another feature found in the sleeping bags and most come with a stuff sack.3,4. Winter sleeping bags are constructed in such a way to keep you warm in bitter winter nights. No point in being cold if you can help it.Ratings, important as they are, are only a guide and, lots of different factors must be taken into account.If in doubt go for a warmer bag.
Be sure to use a good quality sleeping mat to insulate you from the ground and it will make life a bit more comfortable. Without a mat you will loose much of the efficiency of the bag. In the winter wild camping can be fun but make sure you have the correct kit and plenty of food.See our ration packs.