travel sleeping bags; A warm and comfortable companion on adventurous nights

Camping requires equipment that can make the pleasant experience of nature tourism memorable for you. A sleeping bag is one of the most important and necessary camping equipments, which is definitely necessary to have a comfortable sleep

You will need loyalty. A sleeping bag is actually like insulation for the body, which in addition to maintaining body temperature while sleeping in nature, protects you from cold, humidity and insects in the open air. There are different types of sleeping bags, and each of them, based on their brand and production technology, has capabilities and features such as waterproof and breathable properties, heat retention and cold resistance, etc., which it is better to pay attention to when buying.

Learn more about travel sleeping bags:

Characteristics of suitable travel sleeping bags

Travel sleeping bags have features that you need to research and read the sleeping bag buying guide to choose and make the final purchase. For example, the design of sleeping bags in different brands is often different and each shape has its own special features. In a type of sleeping bag called “mummy” you will have a little space to sleep; But instead, it keeps you warm for a longer period of time and has the highest thermal efficiency compared to other sleeping bags. In contrast, the “rectangular” sleeping bag has more space to sleep and even roll over; But in terms of maintaining temperature and energy, it has the lowest rank compared to other models.

_{Photo source: Sea to Summit UK website. Photographer: Unknown}

Below are some of the features of a good travel sleeping bag.

• design
• Weight and volume
• Heat retention and cold resistance
• Having waterproof and breathable properties of the fabric

_{Photo source: TravelFreak website. Photographer: Unknown}

Choosing a sleeping bag based on the temperature of the destination

Choosing the best sleeping bag based on the temperature of the destination is very important; Because it can improve the experience of quality sleep in nature. Since it will always be possible to open the zipper of the sleeping bag to reduce the temperature inside; It is best to choose an option that is 20% lower than your expected minimum temperature.

_{Photo source: Giamgiatructuyen.com website. Photographer: Unknown}

Another way to choose a sleeping bag based on the temperature of the destination is to know the minimum air temperature in different seasons and places of Iran. The table below contains this information:

_{Average air temperature in different seasons and places}

According to weather conditions, sleeping bags are divided into three categories: summer, three seasons, and winter.

• Summer sleeping bags: These sleeping bags are the best option for temperatures around -1°C and above. Due to having less insulation, summer sleeping bags weigh less than three-season and winter types, and of course, they are smaller and take up less space.
• Three-season sleeping bags: This model of sleeping bags is suitable for a temperature of about -9 to -1 degrees Celsius and is mostly used in the spring, autumn and summers of cold and mountainous regions. In quality and professional three-season sleeping bags, features such as an additional collar, attachable hat, additional zipper cover, etc. are built in to deal with unexpected and sudden temperature drops.
• Winter sleeping bags: This model of sleeping bags is considered a suitable option for temperatures of -9 degrees Celsius and below; Because in addition to more insulation than other models, they also have all the special features of the three-season model. On the contrary, they have more weight and volume and occupy more space; Of course, in some brands, models with more density and less volume have been produced, and by purchasing them, you can experience a more comfortable carrying experience in difficult and long navigations.

_{Photo source: learnitaly.us website. Photographer: Unknown}

Advantages of small and light sleeping bags

Feather sleeping bags are lighter and less bulky than sleeping bags filled with synthetic fibers. In addition, they have the power to maintain an extraordinary temperature; But among the sleeping bags filled with feathers, goose feather is the best and the best among all available models. Currently, they produce many sleeping bags with duck feathers; Because they are more affordable than goose feathers. Although they have lower quality and temperature retention. Below are some of the advantages of light and compact sleeping bags:

• Light weight and volume
• Excellent performance in terms of maintaining temperature in cold and dry weather
• Environmentally friendly
• High durability and long life
• High compressibility and compressibility

_{Photo source: ADV Pulse website. Photographer: Unknown}

The best sleeping bag brands for travel

Sleeping bags have different types and models, each of which differs from each other based on features such as material, strength, weight, etc. Also, tourists can make the best choice for buying a suitable sleeping bag by considering these features, brand type, quality and personal preferences. However, some of the most popular and high-quality sleeping bags include Marmot, Snow Hawk, Deuter, Nemo, and North Face. Among the popular models of sleeping bags in the Iranian market, the following can be mentioned:

• Goose feather sleeping bag; Mammoth brand, made in Switzerland; 1,357 grams; Recovery model
• Duck feather sleeping bag; Mammoth brand, made in Switzerland; 1,157 grams; Spark model
• Duck feather sleeping bag; Deuter brand, made in Germany; 1,500 grams; Light Peak model
• Goose feather sleeping bag; Kailas brand, made in China; 1,150 grams; Montain 600 model
• Goose feather sleeping bag; Snowhawk brand, made in China; 1,160 grams; Zagros 600 model
• Goose feather sleeping bag; Snowhawk brand, made in China; 530 grams; Model K2 250
• Duck feather sleeping bag; Snowhawk brand, made in China; 1,280 grams; Dana 600 model
• sleeping bag of Thermopolaft fibers; Zagros Sport brand, made in Iran; 1,000 grams; Model Z100
• sleeping bag of Thermopolaft fibers; Zagros Sport brand, made in Iran; 1,300 grams; Z200 model
• sleeping bag of Thermopolaft fibers; Zagros Sport brand, made in Iran; 1,550 grams; Z300 model

Travel sleeping bags have different prices based on their features in the Iranian market; But in general, the price of the mentioned models varies from about three million tomans to seven million tomans.

_{Photo source Thermarest.com website. Unknown photographer}

Maintenance and washing of travel sleeping bags

Storage of travel sleeping bags

To extend the life and maintain the travel sleeping bags, you need to use the following tips:

• Always keep the sleeping bag clean and dry.
• It is better to wear clean clothes when using a sleeping bag, and don’t go directly into the bag with the same clothes you used for hiking and maybe dirty; Also, the lack of contact of greasy hair with the cap and facial makeup with the upper parts of the sleeping bag can reduce its quality and useful life over time.
• If the sleeping bag is wet, avoid compressing it; Because the insulation and its internal materials will definitely be damaged. Also, keeping compressed for a long time reduces the volume of the sleeping bag, especially in down sleeping bags.
• After each use of the sleeping bag, place it in the open air and in the mild sun so that the possible moisture caused by inhaling and exhaling and prolonged contact with the body will disappear.
• If you want to sleep outside the tent, use a mat; Because the direct contact of the sleeping bag with the ground, sharp stones, small pieces of wood, etc. may damage it.

_{Photo source: camping.org website. Photographer: Unknown}

• Some sleeping bags have the ability to convert into a jacket, never sit next to the fire with this model; Because fire sparks can cause great damage to your sleeping bag.
• Using a liner can help maintain and clean the sleeping bag. In addition, in cold weather, it can maintain more temperature, and in hot weather, it can be used alone and play the role of a sheet.
• Be patient and gentle when using sleeping bag zippers; Because if they are opened and closed tightly, they may be damaged and torn.
• Hang the down sleeping bag on a hanger if possible; Because this model of sleeping bag will have a longer lifespan the less it is under pressure.
• Sleeping bags (especially with down insulation) should not be compressed for a long time; Accordingly, you can store it in a cotton or net protective bag or bag somewhere away from moisture and preferably at a height from the floor. These bags prevent constant pressure on the sleeping bag. Keep in mind that if the insulation of your sleeping bag is not breathable and is placed in a small bag, in addition to losing the properties of the insulation, its useful life will decrease over time.

_{Photo source: rei.com website. Photographer: Unknown}

Washing travel sleeping bags

Keep in mind that there is no need to professionally wash the sleeping bag after every trip, and this method of washing on an annual basis can be a better idea. If possible, try to have the annual washing done by related people and dry cleaners; But if you insist on doing it yourself, to avoid ruining the sleeping bag, the following can help:

• To wash travel sleeping bags, it is necessary to follow the instructions and washing instructions on the sleeping bag.
• Usually, the head and foot parts of the sleeping bag get dirtier than other areas. In this case, avoid washing the entire sleeping bag and stain the contaminated parts.
• To stain sleeping bag dirt, it is better to use special soap or detergent and sponge or soft toothbrush.
• Fill the tub or pan with water and after adding mild detergent, put the sleeping bag in it and let it stay in this solution for some time.
• To wash down sleeping bags, use a special detergent and for other sleeping bags, use a mild detergent with a low amount of enzymes.

_{Photo source: website intothebackcountryguides.com. Photographer: Unknown}

• Never grab the sleeping bag while washing it. For this purpose, it is enough to press it gently with your hand to remove dirt and impurities.
• If you plan to wash your sleeping bag with a washing machine, be sure to check its washing instructions and use a low temperature; Because otherwise there is a possibility of damage to the sleeping bag.
• After washing, rinse several times to make sure there is no detergent left in the sleeping bag.
• Never use softeners or bleaches to finish washing.
• After rinsing, try to remove the water inside the sleeping bag as much as possible. You can use a dryer for this purpose. It is also suggested to put some tennis balls in the dryer to prevent the inner fibers of the sleeping bag from pilling and also to speed up the drying process.
• After washing, hang the sleeping bag outside in the mild sunlight to dry. Keep in mind that the drying phase for down sleeping bags will usually be longer.

_{Photo source: Washington State Tourism website. Photographer: Unknown}

This article reviews travel sleeping bags. If you also have experience in this field that is not mentioned in this article, please share it with us and other companions in the comments section of this article.