Sleeping Bag for Hiking
The main choice is between down and synthetic insulation. Each option has its pros and cons.
Sleeping bag: down vs. synthetic
• Down bags are lightweight and offer excellent insulation. A significant downside: when wet, down loses its properties and takes a long time to dry.
• Synthetic bags are heavier and bulkier, but they retain warmth even when damp and dry quickly. This is a more budget-friendly and practical option for wet climates.
How to choose?
• For cold, dry climates (high altitude, winter), down is ideal.
• For high-humidity conditions (autumn, rain, coastal areas), synthetic is more reliable.
Temperature ratings
Sleeping bags are labeled by seasons—more precisely, by the number of seasons—which corresponds to an approximate temperature range:
• 1 season: down to +5 °C
• 2 seasons: down to 0 °C
• 3 seasons: down to –5 °C
• 4 seasons: down to –10 °C
• 5 seasons (expedition): down to –30 °C and below
Keep in mind that wind and humidity make it feel colder. For most hikes, a "3–4 season" option is optimal.
By shape, bags are divided into:
• "Mummy": anatomical shape that efficiently retains heat.
• Rectangular: roomier but less warm.
Important tip: how to sleep properly in a sleeping bag
Don't get into your sleeping bag wearing outer clothing. It warms you through air pockets that trap your body heat. If you're dressed, you'll get hot, sweat, and the damp clothing will cool down—and you'll freeze. Sleep in your base layer so air inside the bag can circulate freely and warm you. If you're cold, it's better to add an extra layer of clothing once you're already inside the sleeping bag.
Sleeping Pad: Protection from Cold from Below
Even the warmest sleeping bag won't save you if you're lying on cold ground. Where your body presses against the bottom, the insulating air layer doesn't work, and heat quickly escapes into the ground.
Types of sleeping pads:
• Foam pads (closed-cell foam): lightweight, inexpensive, and reliable, but can be bulky.
• Air mattresses: comfortable and compact, but there's a risk of punctures.
• Self-inflating pads: the golden mean. They combine the comfort of air mattresses with the reliability of foam pads. More expensive, but they provide better insulation and comfort.
Bivy: Your Emergency Shelter
A bivy sack (bivy) is a waterproof cover that goes over your sleeping bag. It serves several functions:
• Raises the temperature inside the sleeping bag by approximately +5 °C.
• Protects from wind, rain, and splashes.
• Used when sleeping under a tarp, in extreme conditions, or as an alternative to a tent in ultralight hiking.
A bivy weighs just a few hundred grams, takes up minimal space in your backpack, and is indispensable emergency gear that can save your life in an unexpected situation.
Next guide: Набор для ремонта одежды и снаряжения в походе Previous guide: How to Choose a Tent for Mountain Hiking: Criteria and Parameters
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