Choosing a Sub-Zero Sleeping Bag

If you've ever been cold inside a sleeping bag, it's time to find a better sleeping bag. Knowing what to look for makes all the difference when it comes to ending up with the right bag for your comfort. We have written a good guide here to the features you might want and why.

Here's our own favorite. Even though we rarely are camping in sub-zero weather, we've found the extra ground protection it offers makes a big difference in comfort.

Rip-stop poly shell fabric as first layer of defense, followed by a full-length insulated zipper draft tube, drawstring chest baffle, and adjustable hood closure. Full length, two-way, self-repairing #10 zipper allows for easy opening from either end with extra-long high visibility reflective pull tag. Overall size of 86" x 36" x 24" plus a large boxed foot area and 5.5lb trail weight.

When choosing a sleeping bag there are a few things you should know to help you select the perfect bag for you - how and where you plan to use it. There are two kinds of fill: Synthetic or Down. Down keeps you much warmer per oz. of weight than synthetics can but it is usually more expensive and not the best choice for wet conditions. If a down filled sleeping bag gets wet, it gets much heavier and takes longer to dry than synthetics.

Another important factor is how the filler is used. It may be quilted, loose in channels or contained in specialized pockets. You want to look for a bag that ensures that the fill stays evenly distributed and won't migrate or "lump up". Avoid sleeping bags where the fill is stitched through visibly to the outer layers. Thicker fill or a higher loft-rated down filling will mean the bag will keep you warmer and drier in severe cold conditions. Look for the temperature rating to buy the right bag for the worst expected cold you plan to use it in.

When choosing your sleeping bag, look for details like special zippers that can allow bags to be zipped together. Look for moisture barrier materials on the back so that ground moisture does not wick through the bag. Mummy style bags with seals and drawstrings at closures are much more efficient than sack type bags for coldest weather. This is because there is less air you need to keep warm. A layer of air is good, big air spaces are not good.

Look for zipper covers and washable bag liners in the better designed bags and interior pockets so you aren't looking for that flashlight all over the place. Zipper covers help your zipper last longer, work smoother and dirt and corrosion.

Sub-zero rated sleeping bags are generally more expensive due to thicker fill and heavier fabrics, don't try to cheap out on your comfort, it can mean frostbite and even hypothermia in prolonged sub-freezing weather. It is a personal preference, but we use sub-zero sleeping bags even when there's no chance of freezing. The thicker moisture barrier and extra loft means more comfort when the bag is used in damp places or when used without a dedicated pad.

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We have found a great selection of first quality sleeping bags and other camp bedding options at Sportricity's shop. Amazon seems to be America's favorite place to shop for prices, features and reviews from verified buyers like you - whether they buy there or somewhere else. Here's the shortcut to check out the Sleeping Bags at Amazon and you'll find a great variety of sleeping bags for any weather at another of our favorite online outfitters: EasternMountainSports - a tip for those in far flung places - EasternMountain Sports ships Worldwide and can even ship via USPS Mail! I know that makes a big difference for folks in Alaska!

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