Sleeping Bags

Nothing makes or breaks night in the backcountry like your sleeping bag. And selecting the right quality bag is a decision you will have to sleep with for years, so do it right.

Here are the bag basics: Goose down has been the preferred insulation for years, and synthetic materials are still trying to match it. The best sleeping bags, like those from The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Exped or Sierra Designs come with high loft ratings – say 600 to 700 or more fill – a number corresponding to how fluffy the down is and therefore how much warm air it traps.

Since down loses its insulation powers when wet, waterproof bags are a great idea for those traveling in rainy regions, or humid areas where tent condensation can easily drip down and soak sleeping bags by morning.

Bags are rated according to how warm they are. A fully-cinched-up 15-Fahrenheit bag should provide a comfortable sleeping temperature for a person wearing long underwear in cold down to 15 degrees, but will be way too hot and heavy for a 45-degree night. But be wary of sleeping bag ratings. Equipment manufacturers are notoriously generous at rating their own bags – add 10 degrees to be safe. Cold sleepers should be especially skeptical.

To make the most of your bag, it should be paired with an insulated sleeping mat. The mat prevents direct contact between the cold ground and compressed goose down beneath you – keeping your heat from literally slipping out from under you.

Quick tip: Never store your sleeping bag for long periods in its compression sack – it will reduce the loft of the down inside and hamper insulation. It's also helpful if you have a pack in your selection of backpacks that allow you to secure sleeping bags easily.

Sweet dreams.