81
votes
Sleeping solo in a double sleeping bag
In my experience, most standard single sleeping bags, are built so you can zipper them together to make a double. They are designed to zipper to an identical/matched bag, so don't count on buying to ...
- 30.5k
55
votes
What are the differences between a $25 sleeping bag and a $440 sleeping bag if they have the same temp rating?
There is various features that can cause a huge difference in price for seemingly similar pieces of equipment. The place of manufacturing can play a role but rarely to such a huge extend.
Material ...
- 7,850
38
votes
Two kids sharing a sleeping bag
Not a bad idea.
I happen to have a 5 and 3 year old. I can think of reasons for not letting them sleep in the same sleeping bag, but none of them are because it wouldn't work in theory. If your two ...
- 53.7k
27
votes
Accepted
Sleeping solo in a double sleeping bag
The parameters of your girlfriend would matter depending on the ratio of 'space' occupying, but let's ignore that for now.
I would put a cord or something around it to minimize the space; air needs ...
- 1,919
22
votes
30°F / -1°C sleeping bag vs a 50°F / 10°C sleeping bag whilst wearing layers
I would go with the bag they recommend. It's much easier to cool down than to warm up.
You state a "multi day hiking and backpacking trip". I have been caught out with an inadequate bag, and ...
- 4,785
21
votes
What are the differences between a $25 sleeping bag and a $440 sleeping bag if they have the same temp rating?
To answer the particular case of the bags in this question, the main differences between these bags are:
Properties of a $25 china made "32 degree" bag:
Low quality synthetic insulation (ie. less ...
- 311
17
votes
Accepted
How could a lighter winter sleeping bag also be warmer?
I think it is easiest to see the difference here: Specification Chart
The heavier one is a semi rectangular bag while the lighter one is a mummy bag. Both bags have the same amount of loft, which is ...
- 10.7k
16
votes
How to prevent sleeping bag from expanding in its bag
Get a special bag for the sleeping bag. Your special bag should have compression straps. If it's also a dry bag, it should ideally also have a valve.
I have bought the compression dry bag PS10 with ...
- 27.5k
13
votes
Down sleeping bag stored in sack for years
Given the cost of down bags, it should be worth the effort to revive it. Here are the key issues:
HOW BADLY IS IT DAMAGED?
How good is the down?
I've been told by an industry insider that soft down ...
- 11.8k
13
votes
What are the differences between a $25 sleeping bag and a $440 sleeping bag if they have the same temp rating?
I was looking at sleeping bags in a real shop only a couple of weeks ago. My budget would rule out the $400 bag, which I assume is down-filled, but even at the lower end there's a big difference. I ...
- 27k
11
votes
Will I be warmer in my sleeping bag inside or outside of my tent, when winter camping?
The tent will definitely be warmer because it keeps the wind away. As you are sleeping your body produces heat and a tent helps keep that warmer air around instead of it blowing away in the wind.
...
- 69.4k
10
votes
Accepted
Sleeping in a sleeping bag only compared to tent camping
A tent would protect you from rain and snow, and it would keep you warmer since it will create a warm pocket of air around you. It would also keep the bugs away.
However, if rain and/or snow and bugs ...
- 69.4k
9
votes
Will I be warmer in my sleeping bag inside or outside of my tent, when winter camping?
You will always be warmer in a shelter of any sort than you will be out against the raw elements of winter.
You would be surprised how much warmth a tent can provide, but they still aren't the best ...
- 53.7k
8
votes
Emergency measures: sleeping bag not suitable for the current weather
Bit late to the party, but here goes:
my 1-season sleeping bag turns out insufficient for the spring snow that surprised me at nightfall.
Well, that one season the sleeping bag refers to is not ...
- 4,328
8
votes
Sleeping solo in a double sleeping bag
If the bag is laid flat like it would be for two people, it will not be nearly as warm. Basically you are doubling the effective surface area in which to lose heat relative to a single person sleeping ...
- 10.7k
8
votes
What are the differences between a $25 sleeping bag and a $440 sleeping bag if they have the same temp rating?
I still use the very expensive down sleeping bag I bought in 1972. I've used it an average of at least 30 days a year for nearly 50 years. Of course, I treated it very well between uses: It reposed ...
- 24.3k
8
votes
Any way to save down sleeping bag after washing?
Any way to save down sleeping bag after washing?
I would try rewashing, rinsing thoroughly (see below) and dry/fluff/dry/fluff/etc.
I wash down sleeping bags, down pillows and down comforters, and ...
- 436
7
votes
How to select a good sleeping bag liner?
Vapor barrier liner gives about 10 F. You wake up damp and they are not real comfortable but they work. Not only does it hold some heat in it prevents moisture from building up in the bag. ...
- 7,184
7
votes
Will I be warmer in my sleeping bag inside or outside of my tent, when winter camping?
Yes, a tent would have kept you warmer.
Tents block the wind and thus will eliminate wind-chill.
While insulation of a tent is not good, it will still allow your escaping body heat to be trapped ...
- 13.4k
7
votes
Any way to save down sleeping bag after washing?
It all comes down to using the right approach in the first place.
Theory
The primary goal of down care is to preserve the fluffiness of the feathers. There are three enemies to it:
Dirt: fat and ...
- 1,629
7
votes
30°F / -1°C sleeping bag vs a 50°F / 10°C sleeping bag whilst wearing layers
It may not be enough, but sometimes you can add a sleeping bag liner or a bivy to enhance the insulation and humidity and wind resistance of your sleeping bag.
Liners can be made of cotton, silk or ...
- 189
6
votes
Pros and cons of Tent vs bivvy bag
Here's some advice about sleeping in a bivvy bag.
Do not close the bag when you sleep. Leave it open and use the mosquito net, then the air you breathe can get out.
When it is really cold leave it ...
- 77
6
votes
How to select a good sleeping bag liner?
The basic criterion should be keeping the sleeping bag clean, and allowing moisture to wick away from the persons skin. If it adds to the warmth, its win-win situation.
First and far most obvious ...
- 31.8k
6
votes
What are the considerations for using chemical heat pads in sleeping bags?
It is true that the instructions say not to sleep with the Thermacare on you. Most electrical hot pads have the same warning. For some people, particularly those with compromised circulation, the heat ...
- 2,388
6
votes
30°F / -1°C sleeping bag vs a 50°F / 10°C sleeping bag whilst wearing layers
If you are either going alone and can easily go back, or have enough time to collect e.g. leaves to bolster insulation, you can give the lighter bag a try. Then it's your decision.
If you will be ...
- 161
6
votes
Accepted
30°F / -1°C sleeping bag vs a 50°F / 10°C sleeping bag whilst wearing layers
Summary
Layering clothes to "boost" the sleeping bag about 11 °C is unpractical: too heavy and too bulky, and likely won't fit into the sleeping bag.
A 2nd summer sleeping bag to layer/...
- 4,328
5
votes
How to select a good sleeping bag liner?
If you're looking for a liner to add some serious warmth (10-15 degrees Fahrenheit), look into the Thermalite Reactor series. They weigh generally in the 8oz range.
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