Mummy, Envelope or Quilt

The most recognizable form of sleeping bag is the so-called mummy sleeping bag. This narrows to the foot end and almost always has a hood that can be closed well around the head for optimal insulation. Because this type of sleeping bag fits well to the body and has only a small opening through which cold air can enter, the mummy sleeping bag is the most efficient.

But, of course, this comes with some drawbacks. The first disadvantage of the mummy sleeping bag is that there is little room to move, which means that it is experienced as less pleasant by many people.

The second common shape is the envelope or blanket shape. These sleeping bags are rectangular, often have no hood, and can be completely zipped open and can also be used as a separate blanket. Many of these models can also be zipped together, allowing you to create a large sleeping bag that you can snuggle in with your partner. If you want room to move, this is certainly an interesting option.

The disadvantage of these bags is that there is more material, which makes them less compact and slightly heavier. There is also more space in the bag that must be kept warm, which is bad for the insulation value. This makes these bags less interesting for extreme freezing temperatures.

The disadvantage of these bags is that there is more material, which makes them less compact and slightly heavier. There is also more space in the bag that must be kept warm, which is bad for the insulation value. This makes these bags less interesting for extreme freezing temperatures.

Stuffing Material

There are 2 main filling materials for sleeping bags, which are down and polyester (synthetic filling).

Down is without a doubt the best material for sleeping bag fillings. A down sleeping bag is much more compact and much lighter than its polyester equivalent. But because down sleeping bags are very expensive, it is more interesting to choose a synthetic sleeping bag for summer sleeping bags, sporadic use or if weight and/or volume in the luggage does not matter that much.

There is of course another reason not to choose down. Down comes from animals, and not always without animal suffering. In Europe it is forbidden to feather live geese, but outside Europe the animals are often feathered live up to 4 times and then a 5th time after slaughter... and yes, most of the down comes from China or other cheaper countries .

Temperature

The most important function of a sleeping bag is of course to keep you nice and warm, but what do all those temperature indications on a sleeping bag mean? Below you will find the theory behind the indications, but know that this is only theory and that the feeling of temperature differs from person to person. Knowing yourself is therefore still the most important factor in making the right choice.

Upper Limit

The upper limit is not always indicated. But when indicated, it indicates the maximum temperature at which the sleeping bag can be used by a standardized male person. Above this temperature, it becomes uncomfortably hot in the sleeping bag, so that you can no longer have a good night's sleep.

Confort

The comfort temperature, the word says it all, is the temperature at which an average female person can sleep comfortably for 8 hours in a stretched position.

Lower Limit

At this temperature, an average man can sleep well for at least 6 hours in a curled up position.

Extreme

At the extreme temperature, a woman can keep herself warm enough for at least 6 hours to avoid hypothermia. However, frostbite symptoms on the feet and hands are possible. Use of the sleeping bag at this temperature is therefore only intended for emergencies.

boosting temperature

The comfort temperature of a sleeping bag can be increased in various ways, so that you do not have to carry 4 sleeping bags with you if, for example, you want to cross a mountain range in a warm country.

- The right mattress: Every mattress also has an insulation value. In the summer it doesn't matter much and you can just take the thinnest and lightest mattress that you can still lie on comfortably, but in the autumn and at freezing temperatures it can become interesting to look at insulated mattresses. These of course quickly become a lot heavier and thicker to take with you.

- Clothing and liners: Obviously clothing in a sleeping bag will make you feel warmer. There are also sleeping bag liners for extra help. These are actually sleeping bags in themselves, consisting of one layer of soft textile, which are worn as an inner layer for the sleeping bag. Liners come in different versions, from liners to get a cooler feeling in summer to liners that can boost the comfort temperature with temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius!

- Emergency Blanket: When all means are exhausted and you are still cold, you can still use your emergency blanket as a liner or as a screen between the ground and your body. You can use this technique if you really want to load as lightly as possible, for example for an ultra-endurance race. It is also always recommended to have an emergency blanket/sleeping bag with you when you go on multi-day cycling or hiking trips. They take up almost no space and can literally save your life in emergency situations.