Unfortunately, we humans are not creatures that can survive in nature in any conditions thanks to fur or body hair. We have no choice but to carry tents and sleeping bags with us. At first glance a big disadvantage, but in the same breath we must add that thanks to our creativity and intelligence, we can, as the only species on Earth, sleep relatively comfortably anywhere and anytime.
Sleeping bags are currently at a high level. They are made from modern materials, but also from traditional ones, so everyone can find something to choose from. But how do you understand their properties and, most importantly - how to choose a sleeping bag correctly? And since our offer also includes military sleeping bags, we have prepared a detailed guide to choosing a sleeping bag for you. Let's get to it...
Down or rather synthetic filling?
Unfortunately, we don't have a clear answer. As is usually the case with other things as well, there is no complete perfection in every respect. Decide based on the advantages and disadvantages of the specific material yourself. If you can't decide on a sleeping bag, you can try both versions and alternate them based on the weather and temperature at the place where you plan to spend the night.
Army sleeping bags with down have these advantages
You may not believe us, but the biggest advantage of down lies in the fact that down is always warmer compared to synthetic material (with regard to a certain weight of the filling). Nature can still do it better than mankind. :)
We cannot deny it other advantages either. Military sleeping bags with natural filling hold their shape better and as long as the owner takes good care of the sleeping bag, it will reward them with above-standard longevity.
Last but not least, army sleeping bags with down have a good ability to draw moisture away from the body. Sweat evaporates more easily and thanks to that you feel warmer and more comfortable. However, if moisture remains in the sleeping bag, that is bad news for you – the sleeping bag does not warm the body sufficiently.
Disadvantages of army sleeping bags with down filling
The disadvantage of down, which perhaps everyone hates, is the fact that when it is wet, the sleeping bag completely loses its insulating properties. Down also takes a very long time to dry. If your sleeping bag were to get wet, it would not be possible to spend the night in it comfortably.
Military sleeping bags made of down require more time-consuming cleaning with special products. At the same time, you must be very careful so that the down does not lose its „fluffiness“. You cannot just throw it into the washing machine, you have to wash it by hand or take it to a cleaner's.
More than ever before, however, allergy to down is also a current topic. It is important to realize that down can harbor various types of allergens. The problem occurs especially with cheaper models that contain very low quality down.
Sleeping bags with synthetic materials – what are their advantages?
Waterproof sleeping bags are made exclusively from synthetic materials. They will keep you warm even if they get wet, since synthetic materials do not absorb water.
At the same time, drying is much faster. The reason? Moisture is captured in the air pockets between the fibers of the material and not in the fibers themselves as is the case with down. Since it is an „artificial product“, it is not a source of allergens and mites.
Disadvantages of sleeping bags made of synthetic materials
Even these army sleeping bags don't have only advantages. In general, these sleeping bags are somewhat heavier and bulkier. Every synthetic material simply has a worse heat-to-weight ratio. We therefore see the drawback mainly in the fact that in a military backpack they can take up more space. However, this may not matter if you carry your sleeping bag attached on the outside. And the last disadvantage is a somewhat shorter lifespan compared to the first type of sleeping bags.
Sleeping bag for XY... what do those temperatures actually mean?
We offer sleeping bags from HUSKY, Fox Outdoor, M-Tramp and also MFH sleeping bags. Some other manufacturers do not use temperature-based labeling, or use it a bit differently. It's important to realize that each manufacturer may test sleeping bags under their own laboratory conditions. This is precisely why there is sometimes confusion in this segment.
That's why we advise you to always take the stated temperature parameter with a slight reserve and as the lowest limit at which you will still manage to sleep somewhat well and get through the night comfortably. For one manufacturer this may be just barely enough, while for another this minimum may still be perfectly fine. Always treat temperature values as rough parameters when choosing.
Also take into account the fact that all manufacturers assume that you will also use a sleeping pad or mat under the sleeping bag. Don't underestimate sleeping pads under the sleeping bag, their presence should be a given.
Sleeping bags for winter and summer
Sleeping bags are usually divided into winter sleeping bags and summer sleeping bags. So you must also choose a sleeping bag according to the season in which you will be using it. A summer sleeping bag is somewhat lighter, while in a winter sleeping bag you would probably overheat in summer.
If you spend nights outdoors year-round, you will need 2 sleeping bags, or even better – we recommend buying a military sleeping bag that has replaceable liners. This way you can easily adapt it to the current outdoor temperature.
However, it's not just the sleeping bag itself, all of this affects the quality of your sleep outdoors:
- Special sleeping bag equipment – quality sleeping bags have special pockets and patches around the zippers, since that is where the greatest heat loss occurs.
- Additional sleeping bag liner – some sleeping bags offer the option to add an extra liner. This can instantly make it warmer by 3 – 7 °C.
- Sleeping pads and sleeping mats – the mentioned sleeping pads can prevent heat loss caused by direct contact with the ground. At the same time, thanks to them, everything becomes instantly softer and more comfortable.
- Position and location – your position within the location where you are sleeping is also important. Try to choose a sleeping spot in nature so that you are protected from the wind, for example by a stone wall. Simply always choose the least windy spot possible.
- Army tents and bivouacs – sleeping outdoors is noticeably more comfortable provided that you are protected by a tent. We therefore recommend taking a look at our military tents and bivouacs.
- Proper military clothing – it's great to put on over yourself in a sleeping bag military t-shirts, sweatshirts or jackets, but don't forget about thermal underwear.
How to choose a sleeping bag when I can't decide...
Choosing a sleeping bag isn't always completely straightforward. Generally speaking, every additional modern technology that the manufacturer mentions can be decisive. For example, this could be a protective collar around the neck, onto which you can attach a mosquito net (most summer sleeping bags have this). Waterproof covers for sleeping bags can also be useful.
In conclusion, we should perhaps just add that choosing the right sleeping bag is not only about temperature ratings, numbers and money. An ideal military sleeping bag should above all suit your individual needs.
