Dude Counter-Dude Gear: Sleeping Bags

Whether you are buying a high-end, down mountaineering bag or an entry level synthetic fill, all bags have a few options and issues in common:

Fill: Down vs. Synthetic: Down is lightweight and packable. Synthetics are affordable, durable and continue to insulate when wet. New shell materials add water resistance but also substantial cost ($100-$200) to the price of a bag.

Shape: Mummy v. Rectangular: Mummy bags save weight and make the most efficient use of body heat. Retangular bags are heavier and less efficient but non-claustriphobic. New hybrid shapes make a reaonable compromise in all but the most extreme conditions.

Shell Options: Nylon vs. The World: The lately traditional taffeta nylon is inexpensive and durable. New materials add breathability and varying degrees of water resistance. These include laminates such as eVent® as well as microweaves such as Epic®. While these fabrics add to the practicability of down, they also add a little over $100 to the cost of the typical bag.

Temperature Ratings: Loft: Bag ratings are more a statement of ambition than fact, and some manufacturers are more ambitious than others. The table below provides some general season by season suggestions:

Season:	Rating:
Winter (-20° - 32°F)	-28° to 0°
Spring - Fall (32°F - 70°F)	20° to 40°
Summer (70°F +)	55°+

 

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