Selecting a sleeping bag

Choosing a sleeping bag can be overwhelming. There are a lot of shapes, sizes, material selections and options to choose from. Everyone has there personal preference when it comes to sleeping. Window open or closed, stomach, back or side sleeper, etc. Here are some questions I found useful when picking out a sleeping bag. Try to answer them. At the very least, think about these questions before shopping for a bag at the store or online. For each question, rate how important each feature is in a sleeping bag. Consider lightweight, water resistance, temperature rating, and comfort/roominess.

• Why are you buying a sleeping bag, is there a specific trip? If the answer is yes, focus your selection on the type of trip you’re taking. This is a great opportunity. Remember to rate what would be the most important feature for a sleeping bag on your trip. Consider light weight, temperature rating, and comfort/roominess.
• would you ever go winter camping?
• Will you ever be hiking to campsites or cycling with your gear from site to site?
• Do you mainly be going to drive up campsites or backcountry campsites?

The importance ratings will be different for everyone. Select your bag based on it matching most of the features that rated the highest for you. Happy trails!