Winter sleeping bags: description, types and choice

True connoisseurs of outdoor recreation are not afraid of Russian winter frosts, because now special sleeping bags help to provide comfort in a cold winter forest. The attribute is necessary for lovers of winter hunting and fishing, for those who plan to climb a mountain peak or relax at a ski resort. However, in order for a vacation in nature not to be overshadowed by harsh conditions, a winter sleeping bag must be chosen correctly.

The product is a warmed sleeping bag with a 4-layer filler. It is usually able to protect a sleeping person from the cold at temperatures from -7 to -20 degrees Celsius. In stores there are models for extremely low temperatures, as well as for traveling at an altitude of over 5000 meters above sea level.

The task of the sleeping bag is to keep warm inside and hold it for at least 7 hours. Usually these are compact assembled specimens that weigh a little (from 2 kg) depending on the size, material, and the presence of additional elements.

The winter sleeping bag is made for its high strength, light weight and quick drying. Most often, manufacturers offer products with a synthetic outer fabric, the inner upholstery can be made of light flannel or cotton fabric. For the most severe conditions, it is recommended to choose specimens with a shell based on membrane fabric.

During severe frosts, you can not think about the humidity of the product, but if the temperature is not lower than -10 degrees, then dampness may appear on the material. If this is a downy bag, then under the influence of humidity it will not retain its functional qualities, synthetic products are more appropriate in this sense, therefore, for trips in which dampness is expected, it is better to give preference to synthetics.

The design of the product should include fasteners at the collar, which ensure the preservation of heat throughout the night. Due to the felted material, the product may pass cold air in some areas, so it is recommended to wear thermal underwear at night. Be sure to stock up on a hood so that as little heat as possible is lost through your head. And also the design can include a warming strip along the zipper - it allows you to keep warm air without passing it through the fittings. There are models with pockets where it is convenient to store various camping accessories.

Additional elements make winter sleeping bags more functional. For example, they may include double zippers that allow you to unzip the bag from the bottom. Velcro prevents accidental opening while sleeping. Cotton liner protects materials from sweat and dirt.The repair kit included in the kit makes maintenance of the sleeping bag much easier.

By design, winter hiking bags are divided into blankets and cocoons. The choice of one or another type depends on the purpose and specifics of the winter trip.

• Sleeping bag-blanket is a rectangular product with a zipper on three sides. If all 3 zippers are unfastened, the pattern transforms into a blanket. There are models with two fasteners that are connected to each other. In this case, the instance forms a 2-bed. The product is well suited for joint trips to areas with a harsh climate, for spending the night on a mountain top or in a glacier.

• Cocoon looks like a bag, tapering downwards. The kit includes Velcro closures, ties, and a hood. There are no zippers on the product. In this case, only 1 person can fit, although sometimes you can find 2-person cocoons. This sleeping bag is smaller than a blanket. Users of such bags appreciate the presence of a hood, which does not allow heat to escape through the head.

The sizes of winter sleeping bags are more diverse. There are the following types:

• adults;
• children's;
• standard;
• elongated;
• wide.

When choosing a bag, it is recommended to choose a product that is slightly larger than the parameters of the body in the equipment. It is necessary that there is room inside the sleeping bag for movement in a dream, as well as an air cushion that retains warm air. In the standard version, the bag is designed for a person with a height of 175 cm plus 10-15 cm for more comfortable rest.

As already mentioned, the filler between the layers of a winter sleeping bag is downy and synthetic. Usually professional tourists prefer downy options. They can be used when hiking at an altitude above 5000 meters above sea level. In this regard, down is more appropriate, as it has effective heat-insulating qualities, combined with low weight, which is of no small importance during a long journey.

A down bag is used for sleeping at temperatures from -7 degrees. The lower the temperature at which it is recommended to use a sleeping bag, the greater its weight. Among the minuses of a downy specimen, it is worth highlighting the prolonged drying of the material, active absorption of moisture, the need for special washing, and the high price.

Synthetic sleeping bags are 2-3 times cheaper than down options. As a filler, holofiber and synthetic winterizer can be used, since these materials are lightweight and have good thermal insulation characteristics.

The disadvantage of an artificial sample is a short service life. It is especially reduced for cheap models. So, the synthetic winterizer quickly becomes unusable, wipes, becomes thinner, some areas roll down, cold zones appear, and the bag loses its heat-insulating properties. In this regard, holofiber is the most practical material, although such an instance costs more. It is treated with silicone, does not roll, does not compact, so the service life is quite long.

Among the advantages of synthetics over down, one can single out not only the price, but also the ability not to absorb moisture, the ability to quickly dry the product, and hypoallergenicity. The main disadvantage is the weight. So, a downy sleeping bag, which is designed for hiking at a temperature of -10 degrees, weighs approximately 1-1.3 kg, while a similar synthetic version will have a mass of 1.9-2.1 kg

According to the reviews of connoisseurs of extreme recreation, the three most popular models of winter sleeping bags can be distinguished.

Designed for outings into nature at temperatures up to -20 degrees. The length of the product is 220 cm, the width is 90 cm, the length of the unfolded headrest is 40 cm. Users note that the model is made in an interesting camouflage style, therefore the bag is suitable for those who prefer to spend their holidays in solitude and be invisible in the forest. Insulation - holofiber. The upper part is made of polyester, the lining is made of fleece. According to buyers, Very handy for carrying in a backpack.

There are winter models in various variations - 0, -5, -10, -15, -20 degrees. Wattfiber is used as a filler. The size of a bag designed for relaxation at a temperature of -20 degrees is 250x150 cm. The weight of this option is 3.45 kg. If preference is given to a more compact bag (250x97 cm), then the weight is reduced to 2.24 kg. The density of the material is 400g/m2. Users speak well of this model, they are attracted by the availability of products and its quality.

Made on natural sheepskin. An option for those who prefer a harsh holiday in the wild. Able to keep warm inside at temperatures up to -30 degrees. Can be turned into a blanket when unzipped.Thermofiber acts as an additional insulation. It has 3-layer reinforced thermal insulation, drawstrings on the hood, collar to protect the neck, cotton lining.

Tourists note that such a sleeping bag protects well from wind and moisture, in addition, it can be washed both in a typewriter and by hand, and can be easily and quickly repaired. Weight with a width of 75 cm - 1.4 kg, 95 cm - 1.8 kg.

Before purchasing a winter sleeping bag for your holiday, use the recommendations of experienced tourists.

• If you plan a short trip, and in general, winter trips are arranged infrequently, then you can get by with a budget synthetic option. And also synthetics are suitable for those who are not afraid of additional weights. For a lightweight option, as well as for a long expedition, give preference to downy specimens.
• For the winter, choose the shape of a cocoon. Tapering down allows you to save the space of the sleeping bag, creating thermal insulation inside, besides it is a lighter option. For small family trips, it is better to buy blankets.
• When buying a synthetic bag, choose a sample with holofiber. It is more expensive, but it has high quality and additional properties: it does not absorb moisture, does not roll, and has less weight.
• Give preference to models with natural lining materials. If this is a completely artificial product, then the sweat accumulated inside will make the sleeping bag heavier, creating a beneficial habitat for the development of microbes. Inside should be at least 80% natural fabrics.
• Lightning should be strong and non-metallic, this will not get stuck in the cold. Tourists recommend choosing tractor zippers with two dogs and large parts.Well, if the model has ties along the contour and Velcro at the head.
• It is better to buy sleeping bags with a hood. This detail will help keep the heat inside.

In order for a sleeping bag to serve for a long time, you need to take care of it and properly care for it. Try to wash the product as little as possible, with each wash the life of the bag decreases. Especially synthetic options do not like chemical treatment. It is recommended to wash the sleeping bag on the most delicate cycle or by hand.

It is important to store this thing in a free form so that the filler does not fall off. In extreme cases, storage in the form of a loose twist is suitable. As soon as the winter season has come to an end, the product must be thoroughly dried, storing only in a dry state.

In the next video you will find a detailed review of the Rock Empire Montana winter sleeping bag.