Materials Used - Sleeping Bags for Camping

The key components of a sleeping bag are:

Outer Shell

This is typically based on a tightly woven synthetic fabric with a durable water-repellent finish (DWR). The water and wind resistance are determined by the tightness of the thread weave in the fabric.

Sleeping bags where there is any evidence of leaking fill should be avoided, as the thread weave is too loose.

Ripstop nylon/polyester is now frequently used as it has thicker threads woven into the fabric to increase its durability.

Gore-Tex® can be used but this is often replaced by Dry-Loft (also from Gore) because, although less waterproof than Gore-Tex®, the breathability is much better.

For this reason, Dry-Loft is a good choice if you need some water-proofness as well as breathability.

Microfibre provides the best breathability so this is the best choice if you don't plan to use the sleeping bag in damp/wet conditions.

Fill

This is the business end of a sleeping bag. The insulative material (that actually keeps you warm) is packed between the Shell and the Lining and kept in place using devices such as baffles (seams that run across the sleeping bag to stop the fill moving).

There are two main types of insulation:

Down provides the best overall warmth/weight ratio. It is also more durable and breathable than synthetic equivalents. However, if it gets wet it loses most of its warmth and almost doubles in weight - and takes a long, long time to dry out.

In contrast, whilst synthetic materials tend to be heavier and bulkier than down of comparable warmth - they will retain most of their warmth even if wet and will dry more quickly.

Neither do they require as much maintenance (eg airing after use) as a down sleeping bag. The technology being developed by the fibre manufacturers is improving all the time producing fibres that are getting close to matching down for warmth/weight ratio and compressibility.

Zip

A two-way zip is preferable as it gives you more options for ventilation. Most sleeping bags these days have an insulated flap (or baffle) over the zip to prevent heat loss.




Follow go4awalk.com on Twitter Follow go4awalk.com on Facebook


Home


Find new Friends to go walking with

Walk all 214 Wainwrights in just 59 Walks. Download GPS Waypoints - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge Walk - All the Latest Route Information, GPS Waypoints and Split Times to keep you on Schedule

Walk The British Three Peaks Challenge Walk - All the Latest Route Information and GPS Waypoints

See our pick of The Best Walks in The Lake District - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of the Best Lake District Ridge Walks - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of the Best Lake District Walks to do in the rain - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in Snowdonia - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Ridge Walks in Wales - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in The Brecon Beacons - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in The Yorkshire Dales - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in The Peak District - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in The Forest of Bowland - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in Shropshire - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in Cheshire - Walks you must not miss!

Walk our pick of The Best Walks in Lancashire - Walks you must not miss!

Not sure where to walk next? Try Peak Bagging - Great Walks you must not miss!

Not sure where to walk next? Walk part of a National Trail - Great Walks you must not miss!

Walks with Downloadable and Uploadable GPS Waypoint Data

Walking Kit and Gear Tested by Walkers

Full Site Search
Do not miss our pick of the Best Walks in the UK