How to Choose the Right Sleeping Bag for Summer?
Summer is approaching, and you will probably want to go camping or bivouacking. However, the change of season requires appropriate equipment for this kind of activity, and today I will give you five tips to choose your sleeping bag for summer!
1. Comfort Temperature
Most sleeping bags indicate three types of temperatures: comfort, limit, and extreme. Your choice of sleeping bag should primarily be based on the comfort temperature and not the others, which are mainly indicative! In summer, the average comfort temperature we recommend should be between -5°C and 5°C because temperatures can be low even in the peak season. You will need to adapt according to the situation: open the bag if it's too hot, complement with accessories if it's too cold (e.g., a blanket).
2. Weight and Compressed Volume
If you are going for several days with only your backpack, your choice will also depend on the weight of your sleeping bag. A heavy bag will quickly become a burden, so it's best not to encumber yourself! We recommend sleeping bags between 500 and 900 grams maximum, knowing that the lighter your bag, the higher the comfort temperature. Another essential element: compressed volume! A bulky sleeping bag will likely take up space needed for other important items! For these two criteria, we recommend down bags, which are much less bulky and cumbersome than synthetic bags.
3. Down or Synthetic?
Let's talk about it! A down bag will provide an unbeatable weight/temperature ratio. However, down feathers tend to stick together with humidity, significantly reducing insulation and thermal comfort when sleeping outdoors. It is therefore preferable for comfort lovers who will sleep under shelter (refuge, tent) or under the stars if the weather is dry. Note also that it takes up little space when folded compared to a synthetic bag, as it is less bulky and rolls up much more easily. It will be preferable to choose this type of bag if you are going on a long hike.
The synthetic bag, on the other hand, is much heavier and less compressible but will be much more resistant to humidity. It is also the best choice from an economic point of view, as it is often cheaper than a down bag for a similar comfort temperature. It is preferable for bivouacs, whether under shelter or under the stars, if the weather seems humid. It will be especially suitable for short-distance hikes where the weight of the bag is not a crucial factor.
4. Mummy or Blanket?
The choice of shape for your bag will also be very important not only for your comfort but also for the bulkiness of your sleeping bag in your backpack. The mummy-shaped bag has the advantage of taking up little space once rolled and is significantly lighter than blanket-shaped bags. It fits perfectly to the body and narrows down to the foot, minimizing air entry and thus improving thermal insulation. However, comfort is reduced as the body can hardly move inside (especially the feet), which may bother some users with restless nights. It will still be the most suitable shape for hikes with bivouacs under shelter or without shelter.
The blanket-shaped bag, on the other hand, has the advantage of being much more comfortable, allowing the body to move easily during the night, and feeling less confined. But this is also its main disadvantage as air will enter more easily, making cold sensations more noticeable. It will also take up more space than a mummy bag. It is therefore to be used for classic camping under a tent or in a refuge in mild conditions.
5. Our Summer Selection!
The Mil-Tec summer sleeping bag: a perfect example of a synthetic bag made of 100% polyester with an excellent quality/price ratio! Fully waterproof and water-repellent, it is especially suitable for tropical areas or very hot nights (not to be used below 10°C). Ideal if you are going hiking in tropical regions this summer!
The Softie Elite 2 Snugpak sleeping bag: this versatile sleeping bag will be perfect for cool summer nights with a comfort temperature of 2°C. It has an ingenious zip extension, and the extra space gained through this system will allow air to circulate better inside the bag, making it cooler. If temperatures drop, simply close the zip to tighten the bag and increase its thermal performance.
The Tropen Carinthia sleeping bag: the Tropen offers a high-end solution in your choice of a sleeping bag. Of military quality, it offers a comfort temperature of 5°C and also has a bidirectional opening that allows you to open the lower part during hot nights or, on the contrary, to wrap yourself completely if it is too cold. Note also that the inside of the bag is filled with GLT Hollow Fibre, an ultra-efficient material that protects from the cold.
Feel free to share your favorite sleeping bags and any tips in the comments!