Goose Down Sleeping Bag: For Serious Campers and Backpackers!
A goose down sleeping bag provides the best quality in camping equipment for those who want the real comfort of home while camping outdoors.
A goose down sleeping bag is generally the best quality sleeping bag that you can find because of the superior down fill and the high quality construction. These types of sleeping bags generally cost more than others, but they also last 3 times longer than synthetic fill if taken care of properly.
Goose down fill is superior for use in any type of goose down bedding because of its ability to provide good insulation. It provides a lot of warmth for being such light material and is preferred by campers, backpackers and extreme sports enthusiasts who value not only quality but comfort. A goose down sleeping bag is very soft, isn't heavy and when it's compressed, takes up very little space.
It is easily folded and stored in a stuff sack, then can be fluffed out and ready for use in a moment. The best quality down sleeping bags have a fill power of 500-800 cubic inches per ounce. The higher the fill power, the warmer the sleeping bag.
Choose Sleeping Gear with Good Heat Retention
The most important consideration in choosing the right sleeping bag is selecting one with good
heat retention, especially when using it to camp or backpack in colder weather. Besides choosing sleeping gear that is filled with high quality down, it's important to choose the right size for your body. If the bag you choose is too large for you, it will allow heat to escape and you won't be as warm as you would be if you choose a well fitting bag that retains the air as it is heated by your body. You can find just about any size that you need from small to extra large. Children's sleeping bags are also available.
Also, remember to check the temperature rating for a camp setting for any sleeping bag that interests you. A good rule of thumb is that for every temperature rating listed, always add 10 degrees to it in order to be really comfortable. Temperature ratings can range from sub zero
to above freezing. More experience campers know how to find the right rating that provides the best comfort. Keep in mind to add 10 degrees to any temperature rating and you will generally make a safe choice.
Types of Sleeping Bag Shell Material
A sleeping bag shell can be made from materials such as nylon, taffeta, polyester, canvas, cotton, Ripstop or Dryloft. Generally, the best outer shell material for sleeping gear is Dryloft which is extremely durable, soft, totally moisture proof and very breathable. A Dryloft sleeping bag can be used for 4 seasons and is a very good investment for those who camp, enjoy canoeing trips or backpack in various climates and weather conditions.
Lining Material
The lining materials include silk, nylon, cotton, flannel, taffeta and polyester with silk being the
most comfortable. Silk is usually used in more expensive down filled mummy sleeping bags and is the most expensive of the lining materials. It keeps the heat evenly distributed throughout the bag without allowing any hot spots to occur. It is also very soft. The only negative is that it is easily torn and harder to repair. Nylon is the most popular lining material used in the widest variety of sleeping gear because of its durability, comfort and because it is less expensive than silk.
What Styles of Sleeping Bags are there?
When choosing a goose down sleeping bag, keep in mind that there are two general styles of
sleeping gear:
1. Mummy - This style resembles an Egyptian case for mummies from which it gets its name. These are very popular sleeping bags and are more expensive that other types. Many of the better quality sleeping bags are the mummy style which is fitted to the body and provides a much better environment in which to stay warm.
Mummy down sleeping bags are very light and provide superior comfort even in sub temperatures. Another positive note about this type of sleeping gear is that most mummy sleep bags can be unzipped at different sections of the bag as needed. The negatives of this style is that you have to sleep on your back and movement is restricted by such a fitted sleeping bag. Some people feel claustrophobic with only their nose and eyes uncovered.
The hood strings and zippers can be loosened in warmer weather which will allow for more air circulation as well as less restrictive movements while sleeping. You can find mummy sleeping bags for 3 seasons or 4 seasons depending on what type of outing you are planning.
In order to find the right mummy sleeping bag, you should always measure the shoulders, hips
and foot girth area so that you select the bag that fits your body the best. There are many sizes from which to choose and either a man or women should have no problem in finding the right size.
2. Rectangular - A rectangular sleeping bag is generally less expensive, offers more room and is
heavier than mummy sleeping gear especially if using other fill material than goose down. Obviously, they don't offer as much warmth since the shape allows more air cirulation around the body during sleep. Some people enjoy them more since they allow a sleeper to toss and turn as well as sleep in any position that is comfortable. These sleeping bags can be found in cotton, canvas, nylon, taffeta, or polyester and filled with down or synthetic fill.
Rectangular sleeping bags can easily be zipped together for a double bed if you choose two of the same kind. They are great for use on top of an air mattress or sleeping pad. This shape also can be found in a modified mummy style that is rectangular, but tapers a bit toward the base for a bit more fitted sleeping bag.
Extra Features
There are many extra features on various sleeping bags such as zip pockets, interlocking zip mechanisms, sleeping bag hoods, draft collars to keep the neck warm, draft tubes behind the
zipper to keep drafts out, sleeping bag loops to secure it to an air mattress and compression
bags for storage.
Prices
A good quality goose filled sleeping bag that is mummy style can range from $200 to over $500. The best sleeping bags are filled with 750 or more down fill power and are made from high quality materials for the lining and outer shell. You can also find a reasonably priced goose down sleeping bag for under $200 if you compare products at several online outlet stores that offer camping gear.
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