Just because the cool weather is rolling in doesn’t mean we can’t be thinking about camping around the world, right? Whether you’re visiting Alaska, Costa Rica, Iceland or anywhere in-between, each location will have a unique set of factors that will determine the kind of gear you need to bring. Preparing for the climate, the terrain and the intensity of the trip will help guide you to choosing the right sleeping bag. Looking for some helpful tips? Take it from someone who has spent a few nights shivering and a few nights uncomfortable: your sleeping bag is important!
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Here are 3 tips to help you choose the right sleeping bag for your next adventure
The Temperature
Now this probably seems like the most obvious factor and honestly it’s the most important factor to consider. If you’re travelling to Thailand you will need a very light sleeping bag whereas a trip to Iceland will call for a much warmer bag. Consider the time of year you’re going, the area in the country you’re visiting and the amount of additional gear you’ll bring. If you’re travelling somewhere that sits around 14 degrees at night you may be able to get away with a thinner bag as long as you bring plenty of layers. Most bags will have a temperature rating and it’s usually recommended you get a bag that has a slightly lower rating than where you intend to be-just in case!
Comfort
Depending on your destination, you may be sleeping on pebbles or soft grass. If you plan to wild camp you may prefer a thicker bag (or bringing a mat) as it will provide comfort if you end up sleeping on a bed of uneven, rocky terrain. If you know you’ll be in designated camp grounds it may be safe to ditch the ultra thick bags as you’ll likely be on even, soft ground.
Weight
If you’re backpacking, you’ll likely be carrying everything around on your back! With this in mind you need to consider how long you’ll be hiking with your gear to determine if the weight of your bag is going to make your trip difficult or not. If you’ll have access to transportation throughout the trip you won’t need to let the weight of the bag hold you down but if you’re going to be in the backcountry for a week alone then you may want a lighter bag.
