Winter sleeping bags: description, types and choices

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

The product is a warmed sleeping bag with a 4-layer filling. Usually he is able to protect a sleeping person from cold at a temperature of from -7 to -20 degrees Celsius. The stores come across models for extremely low temperatures, as well as for traveling at an altitude of more than 5,000 meters above sea level.

The task of a sleeping bag is to keep warm inside and keep 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 availability of additional elements.

Winter sleeping bag is made taking into account its high strength, low weight and fast drying. Most often, manufacturers offer products with a synthetic outer fabric, the upholstery can be made of light flannel or cotton fabric. For the most severe conditions, it is recommended to choose specimens with a membrane based on membrane tissue.

During severe frosts, the humidity of the product can be avoided. but if the temperature is not below -10 degrees, then the material may appear damp. If it is a down bag, then under the influence of moisture it will not retain its functional qualities, synthetic products in this sense are more expedient, therefore for hikes in which dampness is expected, it is better to give preference to synthetics.

The design of the product should include fasteners at the gate, which ensure the preservation of heat throughout the night. Due to fallen material, the product may allow cold air in some areas, therefore it is recommended to wear thermal underwear at night. Be sure to stock up on the hood so that as little heat as possible is lost through the head. Also, a warming strip along the zipper can be included in the design - it allows you to keep warm air without passing it through the fittings. Come across models with pockets where it is convenient to store various hiking accessories.

Additional elements make winter sleeping bags more functional. For example, they can include double zip sliders that allow you to unzip the bag from the bottom. Velcro warns of accidental undoing during sleep. Cotton liner protects materials from sweat and dirt. The included repair kit greatly facilitates the maintenance of a sleeping bag.

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

• Sleeping-blanket It is a rectangular product with a zipper on three sides. If you unzip all 3 zippers, the sample is transformed into a blanket. There are models with two fasteners that are connected to each other. In this case, the copy forms a 2-berth.The product is well suited for joint travel in areas with 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 locks, ties, hood. There are no zips on the product. In this case, only 1 person can fit, although sometimes you can find 2-seater cocoons. In size, this sleeping bag is less than a blanket. Users of such bags highly appreciate the presence of a hood, which does not allow to release heat through the head.

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

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

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

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

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

Synthetic sleeping bags are 2-3 times cheaper than downy options. Hollofiber and synthetic winterizer can be used as a filler, as these materials have a low weight and good thermal insulation characteristics.

The disadvantage of an artificial sample is a short lifetime. It is especially reduced in cheap models. So, the synthetic winterizer quickly comes into disrepair, is wiped, thinned, some sections roll off, cold zones appear, and the bag loses its insulating properties. In this regard, holofiber is the most practical material, although it costs such a copy more. It is treated with silicone, does not roll, does not condense, so the service life is quite long.

Among the advantages of synthetics before fluff, it is possible to single out not only the price, but also the ability not to absorb moisture, the ability to quickly dry the product, hypoallergenicity. The main disadvantage is weight. So, a down sleeping bag, which is designed to hike at a temperature of -10 degrees, weighs about 1-1.3 kg, while a similar synthetic version will have a mass of 1.9-2.1 kg

According to reviews of fans of extreme rest, you can highlight the top three most popular models of winter sleeping bags.

Designed for attacks on nature at temperatures up to -20 degrees. The length of the product is 220 cm, width is 90 cm, the length of the head restraint when unfolded 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 inconspicuous in the forest. Insulation - holofiber. The upper part is made of polyester, the lining is fleece. According to buyers, very convenient for transportation in the backpack product.

There are winter models in different variations - 0, -5, -10, -15, -20 degrees.As the filler is used the water filter. The size of the bag intended for rest at a temperature of -20 degrees is 250x150 cm. The weight of this variant 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 - 400g / m2. Users speak well of this model, they are attracted by the availability of products and their quality.

Made on natural sheepskin. An option for those who prefer a harsh rest in the wild. Able to keep warm inside at temperatures up to -30 degrees. Can turn into a blanket when unzipping. As an additional heater serves thermofiber. It has a 3-layer reinforced insulation, ties 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 with hands, 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 a holiday, Use the recommendations of experienced tourists.

• If you plan a short trip, and in general, winter travel is arranged infrequently, then you can get by with a budget synthetic option. As well as synthetics suitable for those who are not afraid of additional weights. For a lightweight version, as well as for a long expedition, give preference to downy specimens.
• For the winter, choose the shape of a cocoon. Narrowing down allows you to save sleeping space, creating insulation inside, besides it is an easier option in terms of weight. 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, has less weight.
• Prefer models with natural materials lining. If it is a completely artificial product, the sweat that has accumulated inside will make the sleeping bag heavier, creating a beneficial habitat for the development of microbes. Inside there should be at least 80% of natural fabrics.
• Lightning should be strong and non-metallic, it will not get stuck in the cold. Tourists recommend choosing tractor zips with two dogs and large parts. Well, if the model has a screed on the contour and velcro at the head.
• It is better to buy sleeping bags with a hood. This item will help keep you warm 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 reduces the life of the bag. Especially processing chemicals do not like synthetic options. It is recommended to wash a sleeping bag on the most delicate mode or manually.

It is important to keep this item loose in order to prevent the filler from falling over. In extreme cases, suitable storage in the form of loose twist. As soon as the winter season has come to an end, the product should be dried thoroughly, sending for storage only in a dry state.

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