Hiking

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. . . It’s All About Balance (And Keeping Warm)

The right adult sleeping bag can make all the difference between your next overnight backpacking trip being a complete success or a right turkey. Sleep . . . we all need it, some need more than others, but everybody needs somewhere warm and cozy to put their heads down at the end of a long day, especially a long day spent back packing with your fellow hikers along the most beautiful hiking trails around. You really can’t appreciate the beauty and splendour of these hiking trails if you’re having to keep your eyes open with matchsticks and are constantly bickering with your back packing companions . . . that’s what will happen if you don’t get enough shuteye, and you won’t get any shuteye without the right sleeping bag to keep you warm.

Adult Sleeping Bag Shapes

• Rectangular back packing sleeping bags – are a rectangular shape . . . are you managing to keep up with me?
• Double backpacking sleeping bags – are also rectangular, but they’re bigger because they’re made for 2 people to share, so whether you are married, partners or just good friends it’s certainly worth thinking about investing in a double backpacking sleeping bag.
• Mummy sleeping bags – don’t worry, we’re not being sexist here, (and before you ask, no there isn’t a Daddy sleeping bag). Mummy sleeping bags are the ones shaped like an egyptian mummy . . . they are very popular amongst backpackers and hikers (they’re supposed to keep you extra warm and toasty) but personally I find them very constricting indeed. I’m not happy sleeping in anything which makes me remain in the same position I’ll probably take in my coffin for all eternity (or just while I’m on the way to the crem). Got an itchy toe, well bad luck because you certainly won’t be able to get your finger nails anywhere close to scratch it. You can’t even rub one foot up and down on the other leg . . . . I love the freedom of hiking and mountain trails but I also love the freedom of moving my legs to get a comfy sleeping position, especially after a long day backpacking.
• Semi rectangular sleeping bags – are a kind of compromise between the Mummy and the rectangular . . . for people like me. They are sort of rectangular but not quite, which is why they’re semi rectangular. Anyway, they can keep you warm and toasty with the ability to scratch your toes if absolutely necessary.

Female Adult Sleeping Bags and Male Adult Sleeping Bags

No, this is nothing to do with Mummys, but adult sleeping bags are available which have been designed specifically for either men or women, of course, there are some unisex ones too. Men and women have different needs when it comes to sleeping temperatures, so it stands to reason that different sleeping bags are desired for the perfect nights sleep when you’re out backpacking.

Other Considerations When Choosing the Right Adult Sleeping Bag

• What time of year will you be backpacking or hiking . . . what types of temperatures can expect
• The weight of the back packing sleeping bag . . . you’re going to have to carry it so you need a trade off between a good nights sleep and not weighing yourself down too much during the day
• The size of your backpack when it’s fully squished . . . okay, compressed into the stuff sack. The least amount of valuable space your adult sleeping bag uses the better
• Down or synthetic. Some people prefer down sleeping bags insisting that they are more “squishable” and warmer, but there are some terrific synthetic sleeping bags around too these days
• Keeping your sleeping bag dry has to be another consideration. You will not be able to sleep at all in a wet (or even damp) sleeping bag . . . yuk!

Adult Sleeping Bags by Price

This is one area in your hiking and backpacking equipment where you really don’t want to skip on quality for the sake of a few bucks. Adult sleeping bags are available from around $60 to maybe $700 or even $800. I’m not suggesting that you need to spend quite that much, but a poor quality, cheap sleeping bag is the simplest way to completely spoil your hiking trip, not only through the night but during the day time too. Nobody can truly enjoy their backpacking or hiking experience without the benefit of a good nights kip.