How to Buy a Sleeping Bag

For some, the real joy of camping comes from the ability to “rough it”—a situation where comfort takes a backseat to the satisfaction of doing away with the luxuries of home. That said, casual and frequent campers alike generally favor a comfortable sleeping bag over one that provides less support. Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so choosing the right one requires a little digging.

Steps

Method 1 Deciding on a Sleeping Bag

1. 1 Choose the shape of sleeping bag you want. The majority of sleeping bags fall under one of two categories:
   • Mummy sleeping bags are so named because they allow users to completely “entomb” themselves in the bag, thanks to its hooded top. These bags are designed to keep body heat contained within, making them ideal for cold-weather campouts or people who naturally feel chilly. Those who move around a lot in their sleep or are claustrophobic will want to steer clear of the mummy sleeping bag, which is far more constrictive than the alternative.
   • Rectangular sleeping bags are the more conventional model, allowing more freedom than mummy sleeping bags and providing comfort in any climate or weather conditions. The majority of these types of bags can also be unzipped completely and used as a blanket. Some even provide a fabric extension that allows users to keep their upper body or head covered depending on the temperature. The biggest downside with rectangular bags is that more body heat escapes.
2. 2 Choose your fill type. Sleeping bags come with two types of fill:
   • Natural (down/goose feather) fill are bulkier but provide better insulation than alternative fills. Down and goose feather sleeping bags are widely considered to be far more comfortable, as well, although they become incredibly cumbersome when wet. They can also be considerably more expensive than synthetic options, making them less appealing to those with budgetary concerns.
   • Synthetic (polyester/nylon) fill is the prevailing choice among most buyers. The fact that synthetic sleeping bags are cheaper, lighter, and non-allergenic cause people to gravitate toward them, even though they aren’t quite as comfortable or as well-insulated as natural fill alternatives.
3. 3 Be mindful of a sleeping bag’s temperature rating. It is defined as the lowest temperature at which the bag will continue to effectively retain body heat. If you buy a bag with a temperature rating of 0, you shouldn’t risk using it on a night you anticipate to be colder unless you have extra blankets on hand. Paying attention to temperature rating is critical, particularly for those who camp out in colder climates.

Method 2 Looking for a Sleeping Bag

1. 1 Seek out retail websites that sell sleeping bags. Between a glance through the Yellow Pages and an online search, you should be able to compile a list of local sporting goods stores and Internet retailers that offer a wide variety of sleeping bags.
2. 2 Check into product or user reviews of sleeping bags you have considered purchasing. A cross-section of opinions from other buyers or professional sites can help expose common problems with a particular sleeping bag. Bear in mind, however, that opinions are just that. The choice is ultimately up to you.  
3. 3 Consult friends and family. Camping is a popular activity, and the chances are good that you know at least one person who has recently purchased a sleeping bag. Asking his or her opinion is just one more way of gathering information before making your decision.

Method 3 Buying a Sleeping Bag Online

1. 1 Visit a site you favor and inspect its inventory. Most sleeping bags listed on retail sites come with specifics on fill type, length, weight, and other details. If you have a specific sleeping back picked out by now, this step becomes a simple matter of finding it on the site.
2. 2 Select the sleeping bag you want and proceed to checkout. If you find anything else you’re interested in buying, now is the time to do it. You’re better off making a larger purchase and paying shipping costs all at once rather than making multiple separate purchases and getting charged separate shipping each time.
3. 3 Complete payment. Most sites list credit cards as the primary form of payment. Some will accept alternate forms of payment, including debit card, check or other online payment service.

Method 4 Buying a Sleeping Bag at a Store

1. 1 Seek out a store employee for help. Not every purchase requires help, but buying the right sleeping bag is a much easier task when you have someone with expertise at your side. Find an employee, explain your situation, and ask if they can help you out.
2. 2 Get into the sleeping bag to test it out. Most stores are accommodating when it comes to allowing potential buyers to crawl inside the sleeping bag that interests them. This will allow you to get a sense of how comfortable the bag feels, whether it is too short or too long and how the lining feels against your skin. If it doesn’t feel right in the store, it likely won’t satisfy you in the wilderness.
3. 3 Inspect the zipper of each sleeping bag you consider. Zippers can be fickle and are often the first trouble spot on most sleeping bags. More recent bags have better and more durable zippers, but it’s still worth your while to make sure the zipper works properly before deciding to buy the bag.
4. 4 Complete the purchase. Mention the employee who helped you to the cashier, in case the store uses commission-based incentives for sales. The majority of sporting goods stores take all major credit cards, as well as debit cards and cash. Retain the receipt in case you have a problem with the bag.