How to Choose a Sleeping Bag

How to choose a sleeping bag

Camping is a lot of fun if you have all the right gear. Especially when it comes to your sleeping bag. There are many people that regret camping because they were cold during the night due to having the wrong sleeping bag. 

The moment that you know how to choose the right sleeping bag, then you will be able to go camping and have the best sleeping bag ever. One that will be perfect for you. These are some tips on how you can choose the best sleeping bag.

Different Shape Sleeping Bags

sleeping bag at amazon

The first thing that you need to know when it comes to choosing your sleeping bag, is the different shapes that you can find. There is more than one shape sleeping bag that you can choose from.

And, these different shapes have reasons for the shape. These are what you need to know about the different shapes of sleeping bags.

  • Rectangular. These bags are designed for movement. It has a lot of movement for legs and arms in the bag. And, it can even be unzipped completely to use it as a comforter. Great for the summer outings. 
  • Semi-rectangular. This is a mixture of movement and warmth. It is not as rectangular as the rectangular sleeping bag, but it is a lot warmer and cozier.
  • Mummy bag. This is the bag that is a snug fit. In your body shape. This is the sleeping bag that is the warmest and you can sleep on any side, with the bag. It rolls as your body is rolling. Ensuring that you are kept warm. 

Different Sleeping Bags for Different Temperatures

Now that you know the different shapes, there is another essential thing that you should look for so that you can purchase the right sleeping bag. Different bags are made for different temperatures. 

Some bags are designed for the hot, humid summer nights, while other sleeping bags are made for cold, snowing winter nights. This is why you should consider the place and season that you are going camping.

If you don’t know how to make sure that you are purchasing the right bag for the right temperature, then you should ask a professional for assistance. It is the number one mistake that many people are making.

Features That You Should Consider

sleeping bag for adults amazon

Besides the shape of the sleeping bag and the temperature of the sleeping bag, there are some other things that you should consider as well. Features that you might need to look for when it comes to purchasing a sleeping bag. These are some of the features that are making a great sleeping bag to have.

  • A sleeping bag hood, for that extra cold nights. Great to have when you know that you are going to sleep in the colder seasons.
  • Bag with more than one zipper. This might sound strange, but this is great if you are looking for something that will give you some ventilation. This is a great option for the hotter seasons and location.
  • Side pocket. A great addition for storing things like your phone, or flashlight during the night. To make sure that you don’t lose it while you are sleeping. 

The Material and Lining of the Sleeping Bag

The material and lining of the sleeping bag are going hand in hand with the temperature that the bag is offering. And, this is something that you should consider before you purchase your bag. You need to make sure that you know what material and lining are better for what season. 

This is to ensure that you won’t purchase the wrong sleeping bag, just because the salesman said that this was the better sleeping bag. 

The Price and Durability of the Sleeping Bag

sleeping bag amazon prime

The price and durability of the sleeping bag is also something that you should consider before you are making your final decision. The more durable the sleeping bag is going to be, the pricier it is going to be as well. However, a durable bag will ensure that you have a sleeping bag that will be in perfect condition for a much longer time.

It isn’t recommended that you are purchasing the cheapest sleeping bag that you can find. This is just going to let you purchase a sleeping bag that won’t give you all the benefits of a quality sleeping bag and it won’t last as long. 

If you think that all sleeping bags are similar and that you don’t need to know how to find the right sleeping bag for your camping trip, you are going to make a huge mistake. There are many things that you need to make sure about before you can purchase your sleeping bag.

Especially, if you want to make sure that you are purchasing a high quality, durable sleeping bag that will be comfortable and that will be cozy at the right temperature.

Attributes of the Best Tent Stakes

heavy duty tent stakes

Tents are useful during camping. They shield you from harsh weather conditions as well as protect you from wild animal attacks. But canvases cannot stand their ground without props. 

They need external props for the job. Fortunately, the tent pegs are ideal for the task. These devices get created using high-quality wood, composite material, metal, or plastic to enhance durability. More so, the tent stakes have a hook and loop on either end to enhance anchorage. 

Types of Tent Pegs

what are the best tent stakes

But tent stakes come in different shapes and sizes. The most common ones include:

Aluminum is, however, the most preferred material for tent peg construction because it is lightweight, affordable, and durable. 

So, What Are the Best Examples of Heavy Duty Tent Stakes?

Over one dozen tent stakes exist today. Choosing between the different models, therefore, becomes an uphill task. The stakes listed below are, however, worth more than any chest of gold. They include.

  1. MSR Groundhog
  2. Coleman 10-in steel tent stake
  3. REI Co-op snow stake
  4. MSR carbon-core tent peg
  5. REI co-op steel stake
  6. Ti Shepherds hook stake

Benefits of Using Tent Stakes

best tent stakes camping

The list is endless. Tent pegs listed above serve a higher purpose. They, for one, hold the tent in place. More so, they prevent the structure from falling apart during a wind storm or torrential downpour. In brief, top-rated pegs shield you from injury.

What would you do if the roof to your house blew away during a dust storm? Most of you would have your hearts melt away. Tents, too, are not immune to the same. They can disappear in seconds when the weather strikes. 

Shelter problems then expose you to all kinds of harm, including wild animal attacks. Heck, you even get embarrassed after chasing flying canvas pieces across the campsite. Fortunately, the best stakes keep your temporary home intact. They are, thus, robust enough to withstand rough weather. 

How to Anchor the Stakes – Best Practices

It is, however, essential that you leverage the devices, right to enjoy the above benefits. All you must do is follow the following tips.

1. Install the Stake at an Angle

Angling increases the peg’s holding power. That said, you must install the device at an inclination of fifteen degrees. But the degree of incline depends on the length and surface area of the peg. 

2. Loop the Tent to the Anchors, Right

Looping depends on several variables. One, you must consider the prevailing weather conditions. Gusty winds, for example, need more anchorage. You must, therefore, feed tarp lines into the peg’s loops twice to make the structure sturdy.

Second, you need to bury the stakes deeper in the ground. Doing so makes the tent stable and immune to gusty winds. Anyway, avoid rushing through the process because you must get things done right the first time.

3. Qualities to Consider

best tent stake knot

Impulsive buying never pays off. But taking your sweet time does. You must, therefore, give sweat and money for you to get the perfect piece. Amazingly, the characteristics listed below will reward you with the best results and fast. All you must consider is

4. Durability

Top-rated tent pegs are masterpieces. They get produced from high-quality materials that can withstand a lot of physical abuse. In short, they are durable enough to even when exposed to harsh weather elements. Also, the pegs do not disintegrate when hammered into hard surfaces.

5. Design

A lot of work goes into crafting the best pieces. Manufacturers, for instance, spend countless hours perfecting prototypes. They then build the perfect models from scratch. In a nutshell, the manufacturers labor to create a symmetrical object that promotes function. Besides, the best tent pegs have a V-shaped cross-section that makes ground penetration a walk in the park.

6. Weight 

Backpacking is fun. You must, however, carry portable items with you. Sadly, most heavy-duty tent stakes are bulky for transport. That said, you should consider other lighter options. After all, you must pack light for you to cover longer distances. 

7. Versatility

Most tent manufacturers provide campers with stake giveaways. The gifts, anyhow, never get the job done right. In reality, many are not compatible with different terrains, thus rendering them useless. Surprisingly, the top-rated tent stakes are easy to hammer through snow, hard rock, and soft ground surfaces.

8. Affordability

Superb tent pegs do not cost a fortune. They remain affordable despite getting manufactured using high-quality materials. Above all, the devices save you a boatload of cash because of being durable. 

Conclusion

You can never beat the power of camping. Recall, the activity brings you closer to nature. But how fun your night in the wilderness will be, depends on the tent and pegs you use. Sadly, not even the best canvases come equipped with the right tent pegs.

You must, therefore, invest a few dollars into buying the best tent pegs on the market.