Sleeping Bag for a Hike
The primary choice boils down to the type of insulation: down or synthetic. Each option has its pros and cons.
Sleeping Bag: Down vs. Synthetic
• Down sleeping bags are known for their low weight and excellent thermal efficiency. A significant downside is that when down gets wet, it loses its insulating properties and takes a long time to dry.
• Synthetic sleeping bags are heavier and bulkier, but they retain heat even when damp and dry much faster. This makes them a more budget-friendly and practical choice for humid or wet climates.
How to Choose?
• For cold and dry climates (high mountains, winter), down is ideal.
• For conditions with high humidity (autumn, rain, coastal areas), synthetic is more reliable.
Temperature Ratings
Sleeping bags are marked by season ratings, which correspond to an approximate temperature range:
• 1 Season: down to +5 °C
• 2 Season: down to 0 °C
• 3 Season: down to –5 °C
• 4 Season: down to –10 °C
• 5 Season(Expedition): down to –30 °C и ниже
Keep in mind that wind and humidity amplify the feeling of cold (wind chill). For most hikes, a "3–4 season" bag is the optimal choice.
Sleeping bags come in two main shapes:
• Mummy: An anatomical shape that is highly efficient at retaining body heat.
• Rectangular: Offers more room to move but provides less thermal efficiency.
Pro Tip: How to Sleep Correctly in a Sleeping Bag
Avoid getting into your sleeping bag fully clothed. A bag works by trapping warm air in the pockets of insulation around your body. If you wear too many clothes, you will overheat, start to sweat, and the moisture will make your clothes damp. As this moisture cools, you will become cold. Instead, sleep in your base layers, allowing the air inside the bag to circulate and warm you effectively. If you are cold, it's better to put on an extra layer of clothing inside the bag.
Sleeping Pad: Insulation from the Ground
Even the warmest sleeping bag is useless if you're lying directly on the cold ground. Where your body compresses the bag's insulation underneath you, there is no loft to trap heat, and your body warmth will be rapidly sucked into the ground.
Types of Sleeping Pads:
• Foam Pads (Closed-Cell Foam): Lightweight, inexpensive, and virtually indestructible, but they can be bulky to carry.
• Inflatable Air Pads: Very comfortable and pack down small, but they carry a risk of punctures.
• Self-Inflating Pads: The "golden middle." They combine the comfort of inflatable pads with the reliability of foam. They are more expensive but offer superior insulation and comfort.
Bivy Sack: Your Emergency Shelter
A bivouac sack (bivy) is a waterproof shell that fits over your sleeping bag. It serves several key functions:
• It increases the temperature inside your sleeping bag by approximately +5 °C.
• It protects from wind, rain, and splashing water.
• It's used when sleeping under a tarp, in extreme conditions, or as an ultra-lightweight alternative to a tent.
A bivy sack weighs just a few hundred grams, takes up minimal space in your backpack, and is an indispensable piece of emergency gear that can save your life in an unexpected situation.
Next guide: A Hiking Repair Kit for Clothing and Equipment Previous guide: Overnight Shelter in the Wild: Tents, Tarps, and Bivouacs You can view the full list here: Survival Guides for the Mountains
