Sleeping bags

Lighten the load and sleep in more comfort by camping out in a sleeping bag designed for the warmest months.

TEMPERATURE RATING

The bags here are designed to be warm enough (for men) around +1°C to -3°C, which is ideal for summer use in the UK hills. Research shows that women tend to feel the cold more, so may prefer a bag rated up to 5°C warmer. Manufacturer’s temperature ratings provide a good estimate of how warm a bag will feel, but as health, fit of the bag and even what you’ve had to eat all play a part in keeping you warm, these ratings are only a rough guide.

SIZE

Some bags are available in a choice of lengths or widths. Women’s models tend to be smaller and some have extra insulation.

ZIP

Side zip designs vary from half-length to full-length – the former offering a weight saving, the latter making a more versatile bag for hot nights. To prevent the zip from jamming it may have an anti-snag strip behind, while a wide insulation-filled baffle is important to prevent cold spots along the length of the zip.

PACKED SIZE & WEIGHT

Sizes stated are those obtained when the bag is stuffed into its stuffsack. If a compression bag is provided the bag is measured at its compressed level. Weights stated included the stuffsack.

INSULATION

The bags featured here use synthetic or down insulation. Down has the advantage over synthetic insulation of being more efficient at trapping air, and therefore it can be used to produce lighter and less bulky sleeping bags. However synthetic insulation is lower in price and maintains its performance better than down when damp.

SHELL & LINING

To protect the insulation, the shell and lining benefits from some water resistance, and in some cases this may be enhanced on the base, foot and hood areas. Nylon is often used for the shell and lining, but polyester is used to reduce prices.

SHOULDER BAFFLE

A good shoulder baffle keeps the warm air in the bag, which increases its insulating ability.

The best can be adjusted to fit closely, while lighter or lowerpriced bags may have nonadjustable shoulder baffles or no shoulder baffle at all.

HOOD

The fit and degree of insulation in the hood is important in colder conditions. A drawcord will be provided to cinch it in but some hoods are easier to adjust, and their fit and comfort level will be better than others.