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Sleeping bag: Difference between revisions
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A '''sleeping bag''' is a protective "bag" for a person to | A '''sleeping bag''' is a protective "bag" for a person to sleep in, analogous to a [[bed (furniture)|bed]] and [[blanket]]. Its primary purpose is to provide warmth and insulation. It also protects, to some extent, against [[wind]], [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]], and exposure to view, but a [[tent]] performs those functions better. The bottom surface also provides some cushioning, but a [[sleeping pad]] is usually used for that purpose. A '''[[bivouac sack]]''' (''bivy'') is a waterproof cover for a sleeping bag that may be used in place of a tent for lightweight travelers or as a backup if inclement weather occurs. | ||
== Design types == | == Design types == | ||
[[image:Mummy bag.jpg|thumb|300px|A mummy bag]] | [[image:Mummy bag.jpg|thumb|300px|A mummy bag]] | ||
A basic sleeping bag is simply a square [[blanket]], fitted with a | A basic sleeping bag is simply a square [[blanket]], fitted with a zipper on two sides allowing it to be folded in half and secured in this position. A sleeping bag of this type is packed by being folded in half or thirds, rolled up, and bound with straps or cords. The basic design works well for most camping needs but is inadequate under more demanding circumstances. | ||
The second major type of sleeping bag, sometimes called a ''' | The second major type of sleeping bag, sometimes called a '''mummy bag''' because of its shape, is different in a number of important ways. | ||
* It tapers from the head end to the foot end, reducing its volume and [[surface area]], and improving its overall heat retention properties. Some bags are designed specially to accommodate women's body shapes. | * It tapers from the head end to the foot end, reducing its volume and [[surface area]], and improving its overall heat retention properties. Some bags are designed specially to accommodate women's body shapes. | ||
* It usually does not unzip all the way to the feet. The zipper is a weak point in any sleeping bag's insulating qualities. Together with the tapered shape, this design feature helps protect the | * It usually does not unzip all the way to the feet. The zipper is a weak point in any sleeping bag's insulating qualities. Together with the tapered shape, this design feature helps protect the feet, which are more vulnerable to heat loss than other parts of the body. | ||
* It usually has a drawstring at the head end, to help prevent the escape of warm air. | * It usually has a drawstring at the head end, to help prevent the escape of warm air. | ||
* A mummy bag often cannot be rolled like a rectangular bag. Instead, it is simply stuffed into a [[stuff sack]] or [[compression sack]]. | * A mummy bag often cannot be rolled like a rectangular bag. Instead, it is simply stuffed into a [[stuff sack]] or [[compression sack]]. | ||
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Down fill weighs less than synthetic and retains heat better, but usually costs more. Down must be kept dry; a soaked down sleeping bag may provide even less insulation than no sleeping bag at all, leading to [[hypothermia]]. Newer, more technically advanced sleeping bags often have water-resistant shells and can be used in damper conditions. It is also recommended to keep a sleeping bag in a larger sack (storage sack) as opposed to the small traveling sack (compression bag) during long periods of storage. However, many regular backpackers and hikers agree that hanging a sleeping bag, taking care to move the position of the bag on the hanger at intervals so as to not create a "dead spot" (a spot where the fill has been crushed so that it is no longer useful), is the best method of storing a bag for long durations. | Down fill weighs less than synthetic and retains heat better, but usually costs more. Down must be kept dry; a soaked down sleeping bag may provide even less insulation than no sleeping bag at all, leading to [[hypothermia]]. Newer, more technically advanced sleeping bags often have water-resistant shells and can be used in damper conditions. It is also recommended to keep a sleeping bag in a larger sack (storage sack) as opposed to the small traveling sack (compression bag) during long periods of storage. However, many regular backpackers and hikers agree that hanging a sleeping bag, taking care to move the position of the bag on the hanger at intervals so as to not create a "dead spot" (a spot where the fill has been crushed so that it is no longer useful), is the best method of storing a bag for long durations. | ||
Other materials, notably cotton and | Other materials, notably cotton and wool, have also been used for sleeping bags. Wool repels water nicely and also resists compression, but it weighs much more than any alternative. Cotton suffers from high water retention and significant weight, but its low cost makes it an attractive option for uses like stationary camping where these drawbacks are of little consequence. | ||
== Temperature ratings == | == Temperature ratings == | ||
[[Image:Israel 2 021 Sleeping Rucksack-Tourist.jpg|thumb|Somebody in a sleeping bag]] | [[Image:Israel 2 021 Sleeping Rucksack-Tourist.jpg|thumb|Somebody in a sleeping bag]] | ||
In Europe, the [[EN 13537]] [[standardization|standard]] normalizes the | In Europe, the [[EN 13537]] [[standardization|standard]] normalizes the temperatures at which a sleeping bag can be used. A test, relying on a heated [[mannequin]], provides four temperatures: | ||
* the '''upper limit''' is the highest temperature at which a 'standard' adult male is able to have a comfortable night's sleep without excess sweating. | * the '''upper limit''' is the highest temperature at which a 'standard' adult male is able to have a comfortable night's sleep without excess sweating. | ||
* the '''comfort rating''' is based on a 'standard' woman having a comfortable night's sleep. | * the '''comfort rating''' is based on a 'standard' woman having a comfortable night's sleep. | ||
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[[Category:Backpacking]] | [[Category:Backpacking]] | ||
[[da:Sovepose]] | |||
[[de:Schlafsack]] | [[de:Schlafsack]] | ||
[[eo:Dormosako]] | [[eo:Dormosako]] | ||
[[es:Saco de dormir]] | |||
[[fi:Makuupussi]] | [[fi:Makuupussi]] | ||
[[fr:Sac de couchage]] | [[fr:Sac de couchage]] | ||
[[it:Sacco a pelo]] | [[it:Sacco a pelo]] | ||
[[nl:Slaapzak]] | [[nl:Slaapzak]] | ||
[[scout-o-wiki:Schlafsack]] | |||
[[sv:Sovsäck]] | [[sv:Sovsäck]] | ||
