Winter sleeping bag camping is not for everyone but for those of us who just have to get out in it there is equipment that makes a big difference for our comfort and even survival. A good sleeping bag is a basic necessity and choosing the best bag for subzero comfort isn’t a hit or miss game. When minimal weight and size are not the main consideration, a good canvas between you and the ground is a start; the heavier, the better. It’s meant to help dull the rocks and sticks where you roll out your sleeping bag and can increase the efficiency of your sleeping pad. A sleeping pad under your sleeping bag is required for warmth and comfort. Some sleeping bags include a padded bottom but for best comfort you should always use a separate pad too; in colder weather, two pads can increase your bag’s warmth considerably.
Your choice of a sleeping bag depends on your location, the weather forecast, your size and your sleep habits. Some folks get comfy and barely move all through the night while others sleep lightly and every little sound can keep you awake. The lighter you sleep, the better your sleeping bag needs to be. If you toss and turn, you might be more comfortable in a roomier sack type bag than one of the “mummy” style bags that restrict your foot movement somewhat. Make sure your sleeping bag is designed for the kind of weather you’re expecting to have at your destination. A sub-zero sleeping bag can be just what you need for an outing in February but the same bag will make you mosquito bait if you try to use it in July- it’s just too warm to sleep inside.
The materials used to make your sleeping bag make a big comfort difference too. Plan to change into clean dry clothes before bedding down to help keep your sleeping bag cleaner and help you sleep more comfortably. Natural fibers like cotton and wool will keep you drier than synthetics. The outer layers of your sleeping bag need to keep moisture at bay and synthetics do a better job of repelling moisture. The fill makes the biggest difference between summer and winter type bags. Down is one of the warmest fills there is but it makes for a bulkier pack when you roll it up and takes a lot longer to dry out if it does get soaked. Down can last years longer than synthetics but initially costs more. Synthetic fills may be long or short fibers and long fibers are longer lasting but less efficient at providing a dense air barrier. Short fiber synthetics warmer and softer but less durable. Down fill is not recommended for high moisture locations.
With a little information about the materials and comfort factors that go into a good sleeping bag you can start looking for the perfect bag for you. Keep in mind the features that are most important to you and plan to pay for the level of quality that suits you. Subzero weather sleeping gear is not where you want to skimp on protection.
