Camping Experience from Around the World

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Camping is one of the best ways to get back to nature. Most of us are still kids inside when it comes to camping. There is something exciting about getting away from the comforts of home and getting a little dirt on our shoes from time to time. That’s why families go camping; it’s something that can be enjoyed by everybody.

Depending on where you live your version of camping probably isn’t that different from most people think it is. It’s about sleeping under the stars and getting some fresh air in your lungs. The chance to cook your own meals over a fire whether it’s in a pit or coming from a propane grill helps to connect us all to living free.

Camping is also about camaraderie, it’s about spending quality time with the people you care most about and pushing aside all the delays in life and building relationships. Camping offers us a way to connect with each other because the distractions are limited. You can experience the same bond with people that helps makes a relationship worth preserving when you pitch a tent and start up a roaring fire.

There are some camping places around the world that offer a chance to get back to the roots of life as well as creating memories to sustain them for years to come. Whether it’s camping in an RV or digging a fire pit in the mountains, each camping experience should be cherished. The true camper always emerges when given a chance.

There are also some famous camping sites that give you an opportunity to experience a national park while you enjoy nature, take advantage of those times. You will create memories that will spark conversations and maybe even a book on your experiences. Camping also allows you to relax; you do activities while camping that just don’t translate when you have a set schedule to keep.

You can even creating a camping experience by setting up a tent in your own backyard. Kids who learn about camping at an early age will have more fun when they are older. Kids love to play and getting them outside will inspire them to have more fun. They can be involved in setting up camp and prepare for the days activities. Camping helps to let loose the wild side that school and work try to trim away.

The best experiences can’t be planned or scheduled, they just happen because when you strip away all the demands of life there is only one thing left to do, enjoy the pure form of it. People who camp are more social because you get to meet so many different people and most people camp for that reason alone, to socialize.

You can also rekindle relationships when you camp. Parents and kids can have a captive audience and one on one talks are seldom interrupted. Couples can get away from the hustle of life and spend some quality time together. Guys can let loose and enjoy their friends company without ridicule. Women who love to camp and go on retreats can bond with their friends because fresh air gives you pause to think about the important things in your life.

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Compact Sleeping Bag

Monday, March 7th, 2011

A Compact Sleeping Bag are a relatively new idea in the world of camping sleeping bags.  When most people think of camping sleeping bags, they think of heavy and bulky things that take all of your arm strength to roll up and come with string that makes it next to impossible to tie up.  

When a hiker or camper has to carry a traditional camping sleeping bag, it can make their trip miserable. Because they are so heavy, they can hurt the back and the joints.  Washing or other methods of cleansing can be a royal pain as well.  Most camping sleeping bags don’t fit into a traditional washing machine.  They can be very expensive to take to the dry cleaners.  Most people don’t like their disadvantages, but they buy them still, because they feel that they have to have a bulky sleeping bag in order to stay warm when it’s cold, and to give themselves some padding from the hardened ground.

There is a solution to these issues.  A camper or a hiker can find solutions to this issue when they buy a compact sleeping bag.  Compact sleeping bags are made to be contour with the camper’s body.  They are otherwise known as “mummy sleeping bags”.  They have the look of what a mummy would look like if it were wrapped up.  However funny that may sound, its purpose is for function and comfort.  Again, with regular camping sleeping bags, there is a lot of space that doesn’t get used, adds bulk, and it a pain to deal with.  

With a compact sleeping bag, the camper or hiker is totally covered in the spaces that they need covered. Most compact sleeping bags come with hood compartments.  This helps to add extra insulation for the camper.  This is especially helpful for cold nights, or for winter months.   The second advantage of a compact sleeping bag is that it’s far easier to roll up and to carry around.  The shape is tapered, so when a camper starts to roll it up, the design is more amenable to being rolled.  The third advantage of compact sleeping bags, is that it can fit inside of baggage or sacks.  That way the arms and shoulders can be freed up.  Finally, because these compact sleeping bags are so much more, compact, they won’t hurt the back and shoulders so much as with a traditional camping sleeping bag.

A Compact sleeping bag can be found at any sporting goods store, or they can be found very easily online.  All a person has to do is to go online, and they can see a variety of models and prices that will suit their budgets and needs.  One more thing for a camper to consider when purchasing compact sleeping bags is whether they want a synthetic fill, or a down fill.  Down fills are lighter, and keep the camper warmer.   But it’s up the camper’s needs as to what type they should buy.  Look online and try one.

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Sleeping Bag Liner

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Camping is a fun activity that you can do either with friends or your family; it is a great way to get away from everything and have an enjoyable time. You should ensure that when you do go camping that you have all of the right equipment. One part of this equipment which is very important is the camping sleeping bag liner. Having the right equipment will not only keep you safe but also warm on those cold nights.

Camping sleeping bags are essential for you to use when you are camping and can be bought in many different styles and colors. Although these are available in many different forms you should try to buy a good quality one. If you want to make your experience even more comfortable then you should buy a camping sleeping bag liner. These are excellent and providing you that extra comfort that you will want after a long day in the wilderness.

You can easily increase your warmth with one of these liners which will help you to have a good night’s sleep. The camping sleeping bag liner can also be removed and cleaned easily unlike the camping sleeping bag. Having the liner will protect your camping sleeping bag from your sweat, oil and body fluids all of which can damage the interior of the bag. You should not wash your camping sleeping bag as it makes it less effective at being waterproof and insulating.

The camping sleeping bag liner is also lightweight and can be packed easily and carried on your trip you will not even notice it in your bag. When choosing the liner you should ensure that the liner is the correct size and shape for your camping sleeping bag. Like the sleeping bag, the liner will come in different styles and sizes. Which one you buy will be decided on your taste, warmth level needed and budget. Although you want to look great all of the time safety and comfort tend to be more important on a camping trip.

You should research the different types of camping sleeping bag liners that you can purchase and which ones will fit with your camping sleeping bag. If you are buying them at the same time then you can often buy them as one unit. This will save you trying to find one after you have bought the sleeping bag. Buying your camping equipment from the right store will ensure that you are buying the right equipment for your trip. The people in the store can advise you on the type of camping sleeping bag and liner that you will need. Often this will depend on the time of year you are camping and where you are aiming to go.

Once you find your ideal camping sleeping bag liner then you will know that you are going to have a comfortable night’s sleep. This will enable you to be ready and awake for the next day’s activities out and about. You will find that you love camping and will want to go all of the time and will encourage more of your friends and family to join you.

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How to Keep Warm in Your Camping Sleeping Bags

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Many campsites are in areas that have low night temperatures and thus require better preparation to combat the cold weather. The type of camping sleeping bags one uses are also important to consider. Keeping warm is not only important but also necessary for your health. There are many ways to keep warm during the trip. 

First, identify a suitable location for your campsite. It is advisable to avoid the valley floors because that is where the cold air remains when warm air rises up. Also, avoid hilltops because they are usually very windy. Pick a level ground, surrounded by trees to block the wind from having free access to your camp. Pitch your tent at least 50 feet from the valley floor. 

Fluff out the sleeping bag so that it fully expands. Afterwards, lay it on a flat surface. Ideally, camping pads should go underneath camping sleeping bags to reduce heat loss to the ground. Also, place a tarp underneath the camping pad to prevent sticks and rocks from puncturing it. Keep all your camping stuff close to the camping sleeping bags for easy access. 

If your campsite is in bear country ensure that all food is in airtight containers to avoid attracting predators. Eat a big meal so that the body will be able to burn up enough calories to fuel your body and keep warm during the night. Also, take in as much fluid as possible. Prepare a snack to take with you into the camping sleeping bag. After dinner, relieve yourself completely. If you fail to do so, your body will use up energy to heat up the water and waste instead of warming the body. Prepare a pee bottle to use within the tent, thereby reducing the need to keep going out of your tent to relieve yourself. It should appear different from other bottles to avoid confusion. 

Sometimes the nights can be very cold and you may need external sources of heat to supplement what you already have. Hot water bottles will come in handy. Heat some water over the campfire and ensure it boils up completely. Then place the hot water in bottles and wrap them in a woolen cloth to avoid getting burned up. Put them in that part of the sleeping bag that is quite cool. That water will keep you warm throughout the night and will be useful in the morning to use as drinking water. 

Create some warmth in your body before getting into the camping sleeping bags. Run on the spot or take a brisk walk around the camp to increase blood circulation. You can also do a few jumping exercises to warm up. However, exercise in moderation and avoid perspiration. Sweating will cause you to lose heat as you cool down. 

Heat escapes rapidly from your body through the toes, hands and head. It is important to have them covered to reduce the loss of warmth. Wear a pair of thick socks or use chemical heat packs to keep your toes warm. Use a pair of gloves for your hands. Also, wear a woolen cap for the head and a scarf around your neck. Avoid wearing too much clothing because this will prevent heat from being trapped in the insulation of bag.

Camping sleeping bags are normally quite big. To fill up the empty spaces, stuff them up with a jacket or sweaters to create some warmth. 

If you have been out in the rain or snow, change into some dry clothing before getting into the sleeping bag. As much as possible avoid moisture because the sleeping bag will not have the capacity to retain warmth especially if it is filled with down. 

Get into the camping sleeping bag with your snack to fuel up the body. The warmth of your body will retain within the sleeping bag, enabling you to sleep soundly. 

When considering the matter of buying or renting camping sleeping bags, a few things will need consideration. Consider the weather at the campsite. The weather will determine the type of sleeping bag you select. Camping sleeping bags are categorized according to temperature rating. Choose one whose temperature rating is at least ten degrees below the expected weather at the site. Men are able to tolerate cooler temperatures than women are. 

You also need to consider the gender of the camper. Sleeping bags for women conform to their body shape. They also come in sizes. There are camping sleeping bags for kids and grown ups. Choose your camping sleeping bags wisely and keep warm throughout the duration of the camp. You will never forget the experience.

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All You Need to Know about Camping Sleeping Bags

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

Are you planning a camping trip? If so, then it is highly likely that you will need a sleeping bag. Here are some of the most important features and components of camping sleeping bags:  

Camping outdoor

Age

Like other camping stuff, there are sleeping bags for children of different ages. In fact, you can find several sleeping bags that are designed for your son or daughter. Make sure to select a sleeping bag that is large enough, so he or she will not quickly outgrow it. 

Cost
Different factors can influence the cost of your sleeping bags (and other camping stuff). These factors include the sleeping bag’s brand, material, craftsmanship, and so on. It is highly advisable that you set a budget before shopping for camping sleeping bags. That will help you to use fiscal discipline while shopping for a sleeping bag for camping. 

Material
The material the sleeping bags is made from is a crucial characteristic when choosing the sleeping bag. The material’s sleeping bag will impact several factors. That includes the sleeping bag’s warmth, water-resistance, softness, and so on. While waterproof sleeping bags are invaluable, don’t sacrifice too much breathability. Also, check the material of the sleeping bag’s “filling.” Finally, remember that the rule “You get what you pay for” applies regarding the sleeping bag’s material.  

Portability
As with other camping stuff, consider how easy the sleeping bag is to transport. When hiking in particular, you will want to prevent choosing a sleeping bag that is too heavy and bulky. If you do not want to spend a lot of time rolling up your sleeping bag, then choose one with a “stuff bag.”

Seasonal Ratings
These ratings range from 1-5, and indicate the temperature range that the sleeping bag is best suited for. Here is a breakdown of the different ratings: 

  • Season 1: Summer
  • Season 2: Spring and Summer
  • Season 3: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
  • Season 4: Winter
  • Season 5: Expedition 

While this rating system is not an exact science, make sure to choose a sleeping bag that will provide enough warmth whenever you use it. For instance, a warm autumn day can turn into a chilly autumn evening. And without the right sleeping bag, overnight you could turn into a human icicle. 

Shape
You can find camping sleeping bags in several different shapes. However, the most common ones are Rectangular, Mummy, and Barrel. The main benefit of Rectangular sleeping bags is that they are roomy. If you are not particularly concerned about heat escaping from the sleeping bag, then this is an excellent option. As its name suggests, a Mummy-shaped sleeping bag is tapered at the legs. This minimizes the amount of heat that escapes the sleeping bag-and thus provides an optimum amount of warmth. Thirdly, the Barrel-shaped sleeping bag combines the shape of the Rectangular and Mummy sleeping bag. It resembles a Mummy bag, but is wider towards the middle-like a barrel is.  

To make your next camping trip perfect, you will need the perfect sleeping bag for camping. These before mentioned characteristics are some of the most important ones to consider. Keeping them in mind will help you to sleep peacefully while in the wild.

 

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Secrets To Stay Warm With Your Camping Sleeping Bags

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

Camping is an activity enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Some people find themselves camping out in the woods overnight, because they are too tired to drive back to their homes after an active day. For some people, camping overnight is a sport in of itself. They love the idea of “roughing it”. They get a thrill from sleeping on the earth amongst the trees and the stars, and coming up creative ways to survive out in the woods without the comforts and necessities of life.

One area that severely challenges people, and thrills some people is camping out overnight in a sleeping bag. Whether they sleep inside of a tent, or go hardcore and sleep exposed in the open air, there is certainly an adjustment from sleeping on a soft mattress in a temperature controlled room. There is no central heating unit out in the woods, and it tends to get very cold at night, even in the summer. Besides finding a way to be comfortable enough to sleep on the ground, the camper has to figure out a way to be warm enough to get some sleep. It’s truly a miserable feeling to be too cold to sleep, because your muscles are cramping, and you’re shivering. So, the challenge is for campers to find a way to become and stay warm in their sleeping bags.

Camping Out
One way that a camper can become warm is very common. They should pack a pair of warm, clean socks. This is because during the course of the day, the feet are moist, and the moisture can make the socks become moist. Also, feet can be exposed to water and become wet. Moist, wet socks exposed to cold air become cold. If the feet are cold, the whole body will be cold. So if the campers bring a nice pair of dry, warm, and clean socks, their feet will be nice and toasty in their sleeping bags.

Another common way to stay warm in sleeping bags is to layer clothing, and wear a hat. Again, packing clean changes of clothing with one’s camping stuff is a great way to prepare for the unexpected, and to stay warm. Before going to sleep, the camper simply puts on their layers of clothing. The best thing to bring is thermal underwear. Thermal underwear is otherwise known as “Long Johns” and sometimes can be found with the camping stuff in the camping department in any store.

Sleeping bags will certainly be found in this area also, and this is the third tip. Simply find a sleeping bag that has a high down, or stuffing count. The higher the count, the more the sleeping bag will keep you warm. Some sleeping bags come with a hood and a drawstring. These sleeping bags were made to specifically keep campers warm.

The last tip for keeping warm in your sleeping bag is to sleep close to another camper. Use each other’s body heat to warm each other. If the campers can lay on their sides in the spoon position, they can insulate each other. This can be a fun idea especially for couples who are camping, or for people who don’t mind snuggling up with others!

Camping for a lot of people can be a lot of fun, and can be made a lot more pleasant when the campers can sleep warm while camping. If campers use these common tips to stay warm in their sleeping bags, they will find that they will feel refreshed and literally be “happy campers” in the morning.

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Camping Sleeping Bags And Temperature Ratings

Monday, December 20th, 2010

 

Ah, the call of the outdoors! Hiking through mountain trails, hunting on the wild plains, fishing in majestic waters, chilling on a glacier—how they give indescribable thrill! And when the stars light the sky, stretching out next to Mother Earth is a fitting climax to an adventure-filled day. That is, if you have camping sleeping bags to keep you warm as the night deepens.

Now, how you get them requires lots of self knowledge, anticipation, and a generous amount of prudence. After all, camping sleeping bags are your protection against the evening’s cold embrace. You can’t afford to make the wrong choices.

Temperature Ratings: How Low Can You Go?
Manufacturers assign temperature ratings on camping sleeping bags supposedly as an indicator of the lowest temperature in which users can use them comfortably. A 30 degrees Fahrenheit rating, for example, means that you will be comfortable even if the temperature drops to that point.

Unfortunately, most ratings are inaccurate because people have varying degrees of temperature tolerance, night-time metabolism, and sleeping characteristics. Buyers are therefore advised to treat temperature ratings as a reference point which they can adjust upwards or downwards according to important variables which include:

  • Gender.
    Men normally handle lower temperatures better than women do. Thus, camping sleeping bags that do not have separate temperature ratings for men and women should be rated 15 to 20 degrees lower by the latter to make sure that they are on the warmer side. 
  • Are you a log or a thrasher?
    If you toss and turn through the night, your constant movement allows warm air to blow out. You can cover for the loss by deducting 10 to 20 degrees from the given rating.
  • Are you a hot or cold sleeper?
    Hot sleepers have a high metabolic rate and give off lots of body heat; cold sleepers generate very low body heat. The hotties can therefore stick with the stipulated temperature rating while the cool ones should adjust the rating by 10 to 15 degrees downward. If you’re an in-betweener, you may adjust the rating by 5 degrees downward.
  • Degree of physical exertion.
    If your outdoor stints usually involve tiring physical activities, you require a cooler temperature setting to sleep more soundly. In this case, adjust rating by 5 to 10 degrees downward.
  • Food and water intake.
    If you eat or drink sparingly on your camping trips, adjust the rating downwards by 10 degrees.
  • How do you like your camping sleeping bag to fit? If you’re the type who wants your camping sleeping bags to roll as you do, get a tight-fitting one but adjust the rating by 5 to 10 degrees upwards. If you want them stationary as you move, get bigger bags but adjust the rating downwards by 5 to 10 degrees in anticipation of the extra space that needs to be warmed up.
  • Humidity.
    Air pockets insulate less effectively in moist weather. If you like camping near the coastline or in damp conditions, adjust the rating by 5 to 10 degrees downward if you’re using synthetic camping sleeping bags, and up to 20 degrees downward if you prefer goose down.
  • Wind factor.
    Windy conditions can expose you to wind chill especially if your camping stuff aren’t made of microfiber or laminated materials. In anticipation of wind problems, adjust rating upwards by 5 degrees for a 4-season tent. Let the rating stay for a 3-season tent. And adjust rating downward by 10 to 15 degrees if you like sleeping in the open.
Other Factors That Affect Temperature Ratings
  • Type of insulation.
    The temperature ratings of camping sleeping bags usually depend on the type of insulation used. The five most common types are the classic goose down insulation and the synthetic PolarGuard, Thermolite, Quallofil, and Hollofil. Goose down is still considered the most efficient insulation and makes for very warm camping sleeping bags with the least bulk. The only drawback with goose down is it becomes unusable when wet and takes too long to dry. In contrast, synthetics dry easily. 
  • Camping mats.
    Some outdoors people, especially beginners, don’t use a sleeping pad or mat to lessen the load of their camping stuff. They opt instead for low temperature-rated camping sleeping bags which they assume will make up for the extra insulation provided by the mat. One cold night in the open exposes the fallacy of this idea. Sleeping without a pad flattens that part of camping sleeping bags that touches the ground, greatly reducing if not taking away its insulating ability.
  • Storage.
    Camping sleeping bags must be unrolled when not in use to make them retain their loft and warming performance. 
  • Sleeping with the hood down.
    Using a hood helps camping sleeping bags achieve their stated temperature ratings because heat escapes from the top of your uncovered head. If you have no hair and are not comfortable with a hood, adjust the rating downward by 10 to 20 degrees.
  • Clothing.
    Camping sleeping bags are ideally used without wearing a shirt or pants to achieve their assigned temperature rating. If you feel more comfortable wearing something, don’t use cotton clothes. They will make you sweat and feel cold all night long.
While manufacturer-supplied temperature ratings can be helpful as a guide, still the best strategy is to lean on the side of warmer and get camping sleeping bags that are rated down to a minimum of 20 degrees or even lower—especially if you prefer using a thin sleeping pad. 

A lower temperature rating makes camping sleeping bags useful in various temperature settings. Besides, camping sleeping bags that get too warm can be easily unzipped, but those that get too cold can only make you shiver with regret.

Thinking ‘warm’ is cool when planning to buy your camping stuff. It is a decision that you have to do right because a careless miscalculation could put your life in danger once you’re out there in the cold.

 

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My Adventure with My Camping Sleeping Bags

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Camping sleeping bags are necessary for anyone who wants to have good safe sleep while on a camping adventure.  They come in various sizes, colors, single and double zippers, different materials, and thicknesses.  To ensure the utmost comfort and reliability one should be present when purchasing his or her camping sleeping bags getting the perfect fit. 

When my sister and I were younger, my mom’s older brother decided that we needed more adventure in our lives.  He said we needed to get away from the city and learn how to rough it.  My uncle was a military man so he was used to sleeping outdoors, hunting, fishing, and surviving in the wilderness. 

Therefore, he took us to a wilderness supply store to buy our very own camping sleeping bags and other camping stuff.  All together, we wound up with three double zippered, thick, and comfortable camping sleeping bags, three fishing poles, a lantern, a camping cooking kit, a small grill, and other odd and ends camping stuff.

We were now ready to head off to the woods.  My mom took us to a place my uncle knew about 50 miles from any kind of city life or civilization.  She dropped us off on a Friday afternoon and was not coming back to get us until Sunday evening.  My sister and I were stoked about the trip until Friday night came along. 

Instead of putting a tent up my uncle found a nice partial cave for us to set up camp.  The three of us had a nice time fishing and swimming in the lake, walking through the woods, and even when my uncle shot a rabbit.  However, when it came time for bed my sister and I had a few issues with the dark and some of our camping stuff.

While my uncle cleaned the fish and the rabbit he killed it was up to me and my sister to set up the grill and get the lantern and other camping stuff going.  We had to lay out our camping sleeping bags and set up the sleeping area.  It was easy getting the sleeping bags out of their carrying bags and laid them out.  However, the lantern and grill were another story.

Meanwhile my uncle was away from us and my sister and I started hearing strange noises in the woods.  This was the first time we were ever outside over night especially in the woods.  We stayed close to the back of the little in cove we were in covered up with our sleeping bags until our uncle came back.

All was fine until it came time to go to sleep.  My sister and I were on the other side of the little fire my uncle made snuggled in our camping sleeping bags and our uncle was on the other side in his.  When it came time for him to put the fire out that, was when we started to get scared and started hearing everything in woods.  It was like as soon as the light went out the woods came to life.

My sister and I was zipped tightly into our camping sleeping bags the only thing out was our heads.  We were driving my uncle crazy talking to him saying we heard this and that.  Finally, he told us if we did not hush and go to sleep; he was going to find another place to sleep, so we shut right up.

All was fine until about 3 am when something pulled my sister’s hair and she woke us up screaming.  My uncle turned on the flashlight and found two huge raccoons going through our stuff and one of them was trying to pull the flowered hair beret out of my sister’s hair.  We screamed and zipped ourselves all the way down in our camping sleeping bags for the rest of the night. 

The moral to this story is when shopping for camping sleeping bags make sure you get one big enough to fit your entire body and one that unzips from the inside because one never knows what he or she will come across in the woods.     

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Get Your Camping Stuff Ready – Camping Sleeping Bags

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Going camping is an exciting and very cost effective vacation for many people.  With the right camping stuff, including the right camping sleeping bags, you can enjoy a night or more out under the stars with the people that you love the most.  While camping is a simple time, sleeping in a tent and cooking food on the open camp fire, if you do not have the right camping stuff you could find that your trip leaves you with a literal pain in the neck or back.

Many people sleep in tents when they camp out but others choose to sleep outside.  Either way, having the right camping sleeping bags is very important.  There are several different designs and styles, each with a different design features that are included to make your camping nights more comfortable.  You should consider what you need out of your sleeping bags before you make your purchase.  Think about size, shape, and the materials they are made from.

If you are camping out with you and your spouse or partner, consider purchasing a two person sleeping bag.  You can lay close with your loved one, in the same sleeping bag to ensure you stay snug as the night gets a little cool.  These two person sleeping bags are made in different styles as well.  You can find camping sleeping bags that are made for warmer weather, with lighter fabric to make the bedding.  You can also find them in deluxe styles that will add more comfort to your night out in the woods or camping area.  Your camping stuff is what will get you through the experience in comfort so be sure that you choose a sleeping bag that works well for your needs. 

If you are taking children out on your outdoor adventure, purchase them their own camping sleeping bags.  Child size sleeping bags can be found with characters or in plain colors.  The prices may go up with the addition of character designs but if this is what will keep your little angels snug and sleeping well outdoors then this is definitely worth the additional costs.  Children love to be outdoors and will have a great time while you are there.  After a full day of hiking and exploring all that nature has to offer they will be ready to be tucked into their sleeping bags and will drift off to dream of the adventures they just experienced and those that are to come. 

An important part of choosing the right camping sleeping bags is how much padding the bag has built in.  Unless you plan on bringing cots as part of your camping stuff, you will be sleeping on the ground.  Not all camp grounds or clearings in the woods have flat ground.  You may find that you can only place your tents and sleeping bags in an area where tree roots are protruding from the ground or in an area that has small pebbles or rocks all around.  If your sleeping bags do not have enough padding you will surely feel every piece of the tree or the rocks that may be under your tent. 

You can purchase pillows and extra sheets to go in your camping sleeping bags as well.  The pillows will keep you more comfortable when it is time to drift off to sleep and the sheets can add more warmth to a chilly night.  While these are extras and do not come with every sleeping bag that is available, if being comfortable when you are sleeping is important to you then these might be a great choose to add to your camping stuff.   

Anyone that has ever walked outside early in the morning and has seen the dew that forms on the ground at night will know how important it is to have a sleeping bag that is waterproof.  Mother Nature plays tricks on us at times and can throw a late night shower or thunder storm into our camping trip as well.  In either case, it is important to be prepared.  Your camping stuff should definitely include camping sleeping bags that are waterproof.  It is really uncomfortable and possibly very cold to sleep in a mound of wet bedding. 

Be sure to check all of these aspects before you purchase the camping sleeping bags for your trip out into the wild outdoors.  You will have a much better time if you do your research and purchase the right sleeping bags as part of your camping stuff.  The outdoors is an amazing place to explore and with the right types of supplies you could find that you are visiting your favorite camping plot more often. 

 

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The History of Camping Sleeping Bags

Monday, August 9th, 2010

It is believed that Freydis Eiriksdottir, the brutal daughter of Fredrick the Red of Greenland, invented the first sleeping bag in 1000 A.D during her journey to North America. Since then, different variations of camping sleeping bags have been made, with notable ones such as Francis Fox Tucketts’s prototype alpine sleeping bag being first tested in 1861. In 1876, the Euklisia Rug was designed by Pryce Jones and later became the first sleeping bag to be mass produced and circulated around the world.

It was a folded, woolen rug that had fasteners to keep it closed. Back then; this was the only design that could be used as a sleeping bag. From the late 19th century however, inventions have been made on modern day camping sleeping bags, so that pieces available in the market provide not just a cushioning for sleeping in the cold outdoor nights, but also comfort and insulation.

Different materials are used to create insulation for sleeping bags. For camping sleeping bags, synthetic fill is mostly used. This is because it does not easily absorb water and dries quickly in the event that it gets wet. You’ll find that even when soaked, it still has the capability to provide a high degree of warmth. This is a big advantage over natural fill, such as down, which gets fully soaked, in case of an accidental drop in water.

Camping sleeping bags made of synthetic fill are firm, resilient and loft faster than natural fill, thus providing insulation faster. On the other hand, down fill retains heat better and is lighter, thus occupying less packing space. The issue of space has to be considered also especially because you have to include other camping stuff such as clothing and equipment. Synthetic fill tends to be bulky and takes up more space in the backpack.

Other alternatives to down fill are cotton and wool. Cotton is the cheapest of them all, but has notable disadvantages such as weight issues and high water retention. It is however, an excellent choice for stationary camping. Although quite heavy, wool has excellent water repellant properties. For extra insulation, a nylon or polyester lining is used. In some camping sleeping bags, a fleece camping liner is used to increase softness and warmth. It also adds a sense of comfort for people who might have allergic reactions to the plain sleeping bag material.  Bags used in the early days differed from modern day sleeping bags in that they did not have any liners.

All camping sleeping bags are designed for heavy duty use because of the harsh conditions expected in the outdoors. Most of them are designed for all weather, all season use but it is important to factor in some things when buying a sleeping bag. The first among these is the type. There are two main types of camping sleeping bags: mummy and rectangular shaped sleeping bags.

The rectangular shaped bag is more spacious and ideal for people who like to sleep with their legs and arms sprawled out. You can also zip together two rectangular sleeping bags to form a double sleeping bag. The mummy style sleeping bag on the other hand gives a snug fit and is perfect for people who love to sleep in a curled up state or in the fetal position. It is smaller and lighter in weight, making it easier to carry around.

The second thing you must consider is the kind of fill used in the sleeping bag. If you are allergic to duck or goose down, you should opt for a sleeping bag filled with synthetic material. If you opt to go for natural fill, consider also the effort needed to take care of it and whether you will be able to undertake proper care and maintenance. Natural bags should be hand washed with a mild detergent and laid out flat to dry. The bag should be completely dry before storing to prevent growth of mildew. Synthetic bags are easier to clean and maintain. They can be machine washed and dried in a dryer, but on low heat to keep the fibers from melting.

Third, consider the cost. Natural sleeping bags are more costly than their synthetic counterparts but more durable. A natural bag will serve you for many years. A synthetic bag will cost you less and last fewer years. Regardless of the material you settle for, camping sleeping bags should be warm, snug and hard wearing. They should be the first camping item you shop for as they are the most important of all camping stuff.

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Tags: Camping sleeping bags, Camping stuff, mummy sleeping bag, rectangular sleeping bags, Sleeping bag liner, sleeping bags | Posted in Camping sleeping bags, Camping stuff, Compact sleeping bag, Lightweight sleeping bag, Sleeping bag liner | 6 Comments »

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