Welcome to Maxx Adventure Travel
Sleeping Bags For Kids Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Sleeping Comfortably: A Camper's Guide to Sleeping Bags
from: Maxx Adventure TravelThe hardest part on camping trips is getting a good night's sleep. Being out in the woods, on the trail certainly exposes you to nature's worst at times. While you shelter yourself against the elements with a good tent, only a proper sleeping bag gives you a good night's rest to power you up for the next day of activities.
While finding a cure-all sleeping bag for all occasions is virtually impossible, however, it's possible to find a bag that will keep you comfortable for most trips. When choosing a sleeping bag, understand your specific needs. You'll have to adjust your choice of sleeping bags to the type of trips you most often make. Also, careful knowledge of the available types of sleeping bags will help you make the right decision.
The main issue when choosing a sleeping bag is whether to purchase a down or synthetic fill sleeping bag. Nothing provides comfort and warmth as good as down and it's generally recommended for most outdoor camping trips with the family. However, in the event it rains and your down-filled sleeping bags get wet, it takes forever for them to dry. Synthetic fill bags, on the other hand, provide good warmth and dries quickly if they get wet. They're a bit heavier in comparison, though.
If your needs are basically general purpose camping trips, you'll want to purchase a three-season sleeping bag. These bags generally have a temperature-comfort rating of 10 - 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're a more specialized camper -- if you like going camping during specific seasons -- you'll want to purchase a bag that caters to that season. If you like camping during the cooler seasons, go for sleeping bags that offer more warmth -- and if you need a bag for warmer climates, go for breathable bags that keep you cool even during the hot seasons.
Check the bag before purchasing. They'll usually have a temperature rating guide so you can choose a bag suited to your needs. Most winter sleeping gear should be rated for minus 15 - 40 Fahrenheit, while summer sleeping bags should hold up to the 10 - 20 degree Fahrenheit rating.
Here are few things you should look for in a good sleeping bag
1. Material: Most sleeping bags are made of nylon, or polyester. These are the best material for sleeping bags. If you're a serious backpacker, try to avoid cotton material -- especially the printed ones. If you're taking kids along, you'll probably have to concede this point.
For added comfort while sleeping, look for bags with a lining of taffeta or other non-cotton material. These materials, in comparison to plain nylon or even some cotton lining, are more comfortable, breathe better and warm quicker.
2. Shape: The mummy shaped sleeping bag is very popular, however, some people find them constricting, especially those who want a lot of space to wiggle around while sleeping. Mummy shaped bags tend to be snug and comfortable for some people, plus they warm quicker. Rectangular and semi-rectangular bags are great if you want a larger space to sleep in.
3. Accessories and zippers: Make sure the zippers are double-sided and allows for opening on both ends without any problems. You may want to look out for zipper hooks as well, which prevent the bags from opening up accidentally. Also look for insulated draft collars that help seal in the heat around the shoulders and around the neck.
Plus, dark colored bags are advisable since they absorb more heat and are easier to dry out than their lighter colored counterparts.
Conclusion
While all these tips come in handy, you may still want to test the bag itself to see if it fits your lifestyle. Some stores will allow you to test their products before selling them to you. If so, don't hesitate to jump into a bag to try it out.
With a good sleeping bag, you can look forward to more comfortable nights on your camping trips.
Sleeping Bags For Kids News
9 cozy options for a great sleeping bag
A lifetime of crawling into sleeping bags for a restful night of camping (at least most of the time) and more than a decade of checking out products at the biannual Outdoor Retailer convention have provided me just enough experience to offer some options when shopping for a bag.
Read more...5 ideas for great 'staycations' this summer
If you can't afford a big trip this summer we found some great ideas to make the most of being at home.
Read more...13th annual Elks Kids’ Fishing Derby set for May 19
La Junta, Colo. — What it is The kids’ fishing derby began as a community event for the Holbrook Sportsman’s Club and has been run by the La Junta Elks Lodge since 1999. It is co-sponsored by the Division of Wildlife and The Colorado Bank and Trust Company.
Read more...Plastic bags bring hope to homeless
Paper or plastic? The answer to that is simple for the homeless in the area. James Robbins, Retail Services Director for the Waterfront Rescue Mission, has started a project to help crochet plastic bags into sleeping mats for the less fortunate in...
Read more...Kids’ summer camps open up new worlds of fun
I still remember when, at age 7, Dad had that talk with me (no, not that one). “Jeff, you’re going to camp this summer.” I figured we were heading to the woods with our tents and sleeping bags. Little did I know that meant attending an actual camp where I would learn, explore and discover exciting new worlds. Those turned out to be some of the best childhood experiences ever, memories we still ...
Read more...the word’s worth: Taking a stroll through protest lingo
As the protest movement continues in Moscow, I really feel sympathy for the one part of the population that has been suffering the most — translators.
Read more...