How To Choose Sleeping Bags

At first, having to choose a sleeping bag doesn't seem like that big of a deal.  You walk into a store, you see a sleeping bag and you buy it. However, you are going to feel really stupid when you first unroll your new purchase and discover that it is entirely unsuitable for what you need that particular sleeping bag to do.

Determine What You Need

The first step in knowing how to choose a sleeping bag for you is to decide what you are going to use this sleeping bag for.  Are you going mountain climbing?  Camping in the desert?  Crashing on a friend's floor?  Or does your child need a sleeping bag to attend slumber parties or for summer camp?   The needs for someone climbing Mt. Everest are going to be far different from the occasional vacation camper.

If you are going to be out in the cold, then warmth is a priority when choosing sleeping bags.  If you are going to be outside in all weather, then you need to choose sleeping bags that are waterproof or water resistant.  If you are going camping and will be carrying all of your supplies on your back, then you need a lightweight sleeping bag.

Stores

The best stores for quality all-purpose sleeping bags are army surplus stores.  Ex-army bags are tough, water resistant on the bottom at least, and are usually easy to roll up.  The best army sleeping bags are those from the German army, because they have sleeves and are often fully water-proofed.  However, those sleeping bags rarely come on the market.

Some camping supply stores will have a supply of army sleeping bags to choose from.  If they don't, then check out their mountaineering sleeping bags.  If you know that you are staying in temperate areas, then you can choose a cheaper sleeping bag, because it will not be water resistant or especially warm.

Color

Color is the last thing you should concern yourself with when choosing a sleeping bag.  A good sleeping bag is never a bad color.  Granted, if you are shopping for your child, they will be attracted to certain patterns and colors more than the quality of the sleeping bag.  This is why you should always choose their sleeping bags instead of letting the child do it.  They'll get something flimsy and high-maintenance every time.

Good sleeping bags should be machine washable, and better ones will be able to sponge clean on the outside for emergencies.  Never buy a sleeping bag that needs to be dry cleaned.