Sleeping bags and Accessories
There are four main temperature ratings for sleeping bags-summer, spring and fall, winter, and mountain or arctic.
-
Summer bags approximately 35to50 F/2to10C.
-
Spring and fall 15to30F/-10to-1C
-
Winter -30to0F/-35to 0C
-
Mountain/arctic -60to-10F/-50to-6C
These temperatures are approximate and rely on other factors such as weather conditions, sleeping bag construction and the type of insulation used.
Sleeping bags and their accessories are extremely important pieces of equipment. Imagine you hiking through wet humid weather all day long and having to sleep in a damp cold bag. This will not happen if you choose the right sleeping bag and accessories. Sleeping bags come in a lot of different shapes, temperature ratings and insulation. Rectangular sleeping bags seem to offer the most comfort to people without making them feel too wrapped-up and restricted but they are also the least efficient in terms of warmth and bulkiness.
Sleeping bag systems are a great way to stay warm no matter where you are. Check this out.
Mummy bags are about the most efficient sleeping bags being both warmer and less bulky. A lot of people don’t like these sleeping bags because they feel very confined in them. Semi-rectangular sleeping bags offer a compromise between the two. 
Insulation can be either natural or synthetic and both types should be examined depending on your needs and preferences. Natural insulation is generally a goose/duck down or a cotton material. This is lighter and more compressable then synthetics but is a lot harder to dry if it becomes wet. Synthetic materials such as nylon or polyesther will keep you comfortable and are better for wet conditions because of the drying factor involved. Items such as sleeping pads, air mattresses, cots, liners and waterproof bags are all sleeping bag accessories.
