Camping High Life » Sleeping Bags

Why a Sleeping Bag Liner is a Travel Essential

Bill — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:39:02 +0000

A sleeping bag liner is an essential travel item for everyone, whether you are on just a short trip or planning a year-long backpacking trip around the world. Most people will not need to pack a regular sleeping bag, unless you’re planning on camping or staying in very cold countries, but a sleep sheet or sleeping bag liner will give you just the right amount of warmth and comfort and doesn’t take up much space in your backpack.

A sleeping bag liner is basically a sheet that has been folded in half and sewn down the two edges in order to form a bag. It can be used either in combination with a full sleeping bag to protect the inside and give an extra layer of warmth, or you can use it on its own in hot countries or under hotel or hostel sheets and blankets.

It’s possible to make your own sleep sheets if you are on a tight budget but they are inexpensive to buy and often come with handy features like a pillow pocket or in a mummy shape to fit mummy shaped sleeping bags. The range of fabrics and colors is also extensive including cotton, silk, bamboo and man-made fabrics.

A silk sleeping bag liner is the choice of seasoned travelers as they pack down very small, are incredibly light, dry quickly and do not get too hot in warm weather. They are not as expensive as they sound and can be bought from any outdoor activity or travel store.

You can also buy extra wide sleeping bag liners to fit a double sleeping bag – handy if you’re travelling with your partner, although the single versions are more flexible for cuddling up in when you’re waiting in an airport or bus station.

Don’t forget this essential piece of travel kit when you’re compiling your packing list.

Bunk Anywhere With Sleeping Bags

Bill — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:45:59 +0000

Owning a sleeping bag is like having your own personal bed that you can take around anywhere. Although sleeping bags are normally associated with outdoor activities like hiking and camping, they can actually be used anywhere. If you’re having a sleepover party or need to stay overnight somewhere where there might not extra beds, a sleeping bag provides a convenient impromptu place to sleep. An inflatable mattress and a sleeping bag are a great combination.

The most common type of sleeping bag is the familiar rectangular-shaped type, which is effective in moderately chilly climates; they are available in one or two person sizes, allowing couples to get cozy with each other. Two person sleeping bags also come with pillows and can even be divided into two separate bags. But if you need a warmer bag, opt for a so-called mummy bag, which in appearance vaguely resembles an Egyptian sarcophagus. Unlike rectangular bags, mummy bags can only be unzipped part of the way, leaving your feet permanently secured and ensuring that they will stay warm. The least familiar type of sleeping bag is one with arms and legs that looks like a thick parka. The advantages of this kind of bag are that it provides you with the maximum amount of movement and flexibility while sleeping and they are rated for temperatures ranging down to zero degrees.

There are also sleeping bags that are designed specifically for women, with contours designed to fit the feminine shape. In contrast to regular bags, women’s sleeping bags are shorter, narrower at the shoulder and wider at the hips.

When buying a sleeping bag, the first consideration is where it will be used. Indoor slumber bags, for example, commonly cannot be used for camping since they are not waterproof. Next, think about what kind of insulating material the bag should be filled with. Natural fills such as down are lighter and retain heat better, but synthetic fills are more water-resistant and can provide some warmth even when soaked. Then, consider the weight of the bag vs. features such as roominess. Finally, pick a bag that has a temperature rating that matches the coldest temperature you expect to encounter.

If you are headed out to camp, besides the sleeping equipment, consider what else you might need like folding camp tables and chairs, flashlights, and bug spray.

Click on the images below to visit Amazon and purchase cheap sleeping bags:

Coleman Fairmont Sleeping Bag (Purple)

Teton Sports Celsius XL 0-Degree Sleeping Bag (Olive Green,Right Zip)

Eureka! Lady Bug Sleeping Bag

3 Types of Sleeping Bags

Bill — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:59:05 +0000

No other item has been used as frequently as sleeping bags in regards to keeping people warm at night while sleeping outdoors. They are perfect to protect a person from the cold while they are camping. They can also be used as a quick resource for bedding for guests or sleepovers.

There are three different types of sleeping bags that are produced. The most common type is in the shape of a square. It is essentially a blanket that connects two sides together with a zipper so that the user is completely covered. This type of bag works well for camping. But it does not adequately protect against extreme temperatures. If a person plans on climbing Mount Everest, they should not pack this type of bag.

The next type of sleeping bag is also referred to as the mummy bag. These are commonly issued in the military. It keeps the person warmer than the traditional sleeping bag because it covers them from head to toe, only leaving the face to be uncovered. The top and bottom of the bag is tapered to keep in more body heat.

There are also sleeping bags made with arms and legs to fit a person’s limbs inside. They look similar to a large insulated body suit. These are made for comfort and allow the user to move around better as compared to the other types of bags.

There is a sleeping bag for any outdoor condition a person will be exposed to. The more extreme temperatures calls for a more extreme bag. If somebody is planning on sleeping outdoors in a place that will drop to very low temperatures, they should make sure they purchase a sleeping bag that will keep them warm. There are many sources online to check to make sure that the bag they intend to use is the correct one.

This guest post was written by the great guys at Sleeping Bag Camping.

Baby Sleeping Bags

Bill — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:56:16 +0000

Baby Sleeping bags are a great invention for keeping a baby warm in their cot or when they are travelling somewhere. They enable the baby to have a level of guaranteed comfort to ensure a great nights sleep. It is vital that the correct baby sleeping bag is chosen so that it doesn’t risk the health of your child. It is often easier as a parent to gauge whether or not your child is cold in the Spring and Autumn. In the Winter however, it can be quite tricky to ensure your child is not too cold, or even too hot and overheating. Babies sleeping bags make this easier to get the correct hot/cold balance for your child, especially if you are out and about in the fresh air. When trying to ensure that your baby has a restful nights sleep, and that you do not have to get up to tend to him or her, you could use a baby sleeping bag to keep them comfortable and warm during the night.

When making the decision about which baby sleeping bag to purchase you should look at a couple of different factors such as ease of use, ability to wash and dry it, and are the zips and fasteners safe for the baby?

Try to make sure you provide your baby with enough space in their sleeping bag so that you do not cause them discomfort. On the same token, make sure the sleeping bag is not too large otherwise it will not keep your tot warm and snug.

The Grobag Baby Panda Baby Sleeping Bag 2.5 Tog is a popular choice of baby sleeping bag that retails for approximately $45. It is available in two sizes, 6 – 18 months and 18 – 36 months and measures approximately 37 x 20 x 0.5 inches with a weight of 14.4 ounces. The tog measurement is a European measurement and basically means the higher the tog rating, the warmer the blanket is. The 2.5 tog model has both cotton lining and cotton outer and they include a two way travel zip on the front of the product and a velcro fastening back vent to the rear. These grobags come in many different cute designs such as Pandas, Strips, and many other design and they come in three different tog ratings; 0.5 tog, 1 tog and 2.5 tog.

Another product available is the Lafuma 41°F Patrol Baby Sleeping Bag. This model retails for approximately $40 and has a soft fleece like interior as well as being lightweight. This model is aimed at the toddler group and comfortably sleeps a toddler along with his or her favourite teddy bear. It is made in a rectangular style and measures in at 47.2×23.6 inches with a weight of 1lb 12 ounces.

Another model is the Vaude Charlie 95 Comfort Baby Sleeping Bag and this one costs approximately $75. It weighs in at 815 grams and measures approximately 21 x 14 cm. the front section has a zip the entire length of it that when undone can make the sleeping bag function as a changing mat or even a play basket. Its lining is made from 100% PES fleece and the shell is 40D 260T 100% PA.