What To Look For
Down sleeping bags are rated by the weight of the down contained in the bag. The more down the colder the outdoor ambient air temperatures the occupant of the sleeping bag can endure in comfort. Perspective purchasers should honestly assess the nighttime temperatures of anticipated camping trips. A down sleeping bag that is too light will leave the camper cold and uncomfortable which makes sleeping difficult. On the other end of the spectrum, a sleeping bag that is too heavy will be too warm for mild weather camping.
Common Pitfalls
Down sleeping bags are filled with either natural or synthetic material. Natural down is more durable, according to the Climbing website. A natural down bag can be expected to last up to 15 years while the synthetic filling may only be good for a year or two. The outer shell of most bags is made of a waterproof nylon or polyester material. Waterproof bags keep the occupant drier in wet conditions with microfiber bags producing additional water and windproof characteristics.
Where To Buy
Down sleeping bags are available at discount stores, sporting goods stores, outdoor outfitters and online. Discount stores will often handle only the lower end bags with synthetic fillings. Specialty stores, either physical or online stores, often handle the higher end products. Down sleeping bags, which are extremely light, do have an advantage of relatively low shipping costs for online purchasers.
Cost
Down sleeping bags vary widely in prices with the lower the temperature rating, the coldest outdoor temperature the occupant will feel comfortable in, the higher the price. Prices for down sleeping bags rated for temperatures in the 50- to 60-degree range vary from $50 to $200, according to the Back Country Gear website. Down sleeping bags rated for subzero temperatures ranged from $300 to $750 in August, 2010. As is with all camping gear, the purchaser should take into account the frequency of their camping trips and purchase the best quality camping gear their budget will allow.
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