To sleep in a sleeping bag

Sleeping outdoors is a fantastic experience. The sleeping bag helps you stay warm so you can recharge for tomorrow's adventures.

The right size of the sleeping bag

It may be worth spending a little more on a sleeping bag that fits your body and meets your needs. The sleeping bag works best when it is just the right size. Then a warm air space forms around you. If you have a bag that is too large, your body will have a harder time warming up the air around you. On the other hand, if you have a bag that is too tight or too short, the filling will compress and won’t insulate optimally.

The right comfort temperature for better sleep

For the past few years, all sleeping bags have been tested and labeled according to a standardized system. The temperature indication you should look at is the comfort temperature. This determines the temperature at which you can use the sleeping bag to sleep comfortably in. According to the same standard, the minimum temperature at which you can use the sleeping bag and survive is also indicated.

A general piece of advice is to choose a sleeping bag that can handle slightly lower temperatures than you expect during your trip. You can always open it up and ventilate if you get too warm. However, if you are keen on keeping the weight of your pack down, you can opt for an ultralight summer sleeping bag. Different people have different warmth needs, so what works perfectly for one person might be different for another. Generally, women need a slightly warmer sleeping bag than men.

Down sleeping bag or synthetic sleeping bag?

1. Down provides the best insulation relative to its weight. When you compress your down sleeping bag, it takes up less space than a synthetic sleeping bag. However, down is sensitive and loses a significant part of its insulating ability when it gets damp. If a down sleeping bag gets wet, it takes quite a while to dry out again. Down sleeping bags are also more expensive.
2. Synthetic materials resist moisture better and are therefore more practical in damp environments. Synthetic fibers are less sensitive than down and come at a lower price. However, synthetic sleeping bags weigh more and take up more space in your pack. If you are allergic, synthetic is the obvious choice.

Two sleeping bags offer flexibility

If you’re heading out during the cold months, it’s a good idea to sleep in a double sleeping bag. A winter sleeping bag that handles minus five to ten degrees works well late into the fall. When combined with a lightweight summer sleeping bag, you have all the warmth you need for truly frigid trips. It’s advantageous to use a down bag closest to your body and a synthetic bag on the outside. Condensation on a synthetic bag is better than on a down bag.

You can reinforce your sleeping bag with several thin layers. There are sleeping bag liners made of fleece, wool, and silk. There are also sleeping bag covers that you can pull over the entire sleeping bag, like a shell. Use double sleeping mats since most of the cold comes from the ground. A pair of down slippers can work wonders for cold feet.

Washing a sleeping bag

Your sleeping bag needs to be washed occasionally to maintain its functionality. Body oils can accumulate in the fabric and filling, reducing its effectiveness. A sleeping bag liner can slow this process (and is easier to wash), but eventually, you will need to wash your bag.

Most sleeping bags can be machine washed with mild detergent and no fabric softener. Be sure to read the care instructions carefully. After washing, you can either air dry or tumble dry your synthetic sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags can also be tumble dried, but slowly and on low heat. A good idea for properly distributing the down in the sleeping bag is to tumble dry it with tennis balls or lacrosse balls in the machine. The idea is to “beat” the down back into fluffiness. But tumble dry carefully—you don’t want to damage the down feathers.

There are companies today that specialize in washing sleeping bags and functional clothing. If you feel unsure or don’t have the time, it might be worth sending your sleeping bag to a laundry service to ensure it is done properly.

Storing a sleeping bag

Store your sleeping bag hanging in a dry place when you are at home and it is not in use. The fillings are best when they are not compressed.

In need of outdoor equipment?

Rent instead of buying! As a member of STF you get a discount when you rent outdoor products and sportswear from Outdoor Buddies. Excellent for both your wallet and the environment.

More pages about hiking

Hiking

The amazing thing about hiking in Sweden is that there is always more to discover.

Lists for packing

Are you wondering what you need to pack for a day trip in the mountains or for a longer hike? On this page you will find packing lists for both summer and winter.

The right equipment

Equipment isn’t everything, but being well-prepared always helps. With good shoes and a comfortable backpack, you can go further.