I would rather sleep every day. This season's recommended sleeping bag (sleeping bag) and how to choose the right sleeping bag for you.
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
A comfortable sleeping bag will make you look forward to nights in the mountains
Under the silent starry sky, you dive into your favorite sleeping bag and fall asleep while surrendering to the ultimate comfort. Although in reality, you often sleep in a tent, sleeping while feeling connected to nature is definitely one of the best things about hiking in a tent.
A sleeping bag (sleeping bag or sleeping bag) is essential for a comfortable sleep while staying in a tent. Unlike typical camping sleeping bags, hiking sleeping bags are made lightweight and compact, providing maximum comfort and warmth while minimizing the burden of carrying.
Like many other mountain tools, even though they are called sleeping bags in one word, each manufacturer offers a variety of models with different materials, structures, shapes, and weights depending on the purpose, season, location, etc., and are made to fit a variety of needs. It's not easy to choose the sleeping bag that's best for you from a wide range of factors and many variations. If you get caught up in a model that doesn't fit or a poor model, you may end up feeling sleep-deprived or not being able to relieve fatigue, which will ruin your journey. It's a shopping experience that isn't cheap, and it's an important partner that will last for years if you buy it once, so you should definitely choose it carefully.
So this time, I've been doing mountain climbing for over 20 years and have tried out many sleeping bags and have been sleeping in my sleeping bag every day at home.I've compared and evaluated all of the popular, classic, and new models this season based on my own standards, and chose the best models according to my purpose and preferences. Furthermore, in the second half, we have compiled some points to keep in mind when choosing the perfect sleeping bag for mountain climbing. We hope this will help you find the perfect card for you from among the many options.
table of contents
- [Best Sleeping Bags of the Season (Sleeping Bags and Sleeping Bags)
- Best Hiking (Practical) Division: Dry Seamless Down Hugger 900/ISUKA Air Plus/THERM-A-REST Hyperion/NANGA AURORA light SPDX
- Best Hiking Division: PAJAK RADICAL/Western Mountaineering Ultra Light
- Best Hiking (Lightweight) Division: Rab Mythic Ultra/Sea To Summit Spark Sp
- Best Sleeping Division: Western Mountaineering Terralight/NEMO Disco
- Best Quilt Half Length Type Division: Highland Designs UL DOWN QUILT/ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT Revelation
- Best and Bargain Down Division: Takemo Sleeping Bag
- Best Synthetic Fiber (Non-Down Material) Division: mont-bell Seamless Alpine Barrow Bag/OMM Mountain Core 125/Gruezi Biopod DownWool
- Best Women's category: NEMO Kayu 30 W's
- How to choose: 6 tips to choose a sleeping bag for mountain climbing and hiking wisely
- Point 1: Choose the appropriate temperature range - Be careful not to get too hot or too cold
- Point 2: Filling material - Should I use down or synthetic fiber? From there, there are countless options
- Point 3: Strength against wetting - Some kind of wetting prevention is essential in Japan
- Point 4: Shape, size, and structure - Based on the mummy type, once you get used to it, you'll save up waste in your own way -
- Point 5: Other elements and parts - Consider how easy it is to use when actually using it -
- Point 6: Bedding used in combination - It's not just a sleeping bag that you need for a good night's sleep
- summary
[Best Sleeping Bags of the Season (Sleeping Bags and Sleeping Bags)
*For all models recommended here, there are items that have multiple models in different temperature ranges, lengths, and genders depending on the manufacturer. Please be careful when purchasing and choose them carefully.
Best Hiking (Practical) Division: Dry Seamless Down Hugger 900/ISUKA Air Plus/THERM-A-REST Hyperion/NANGA AURORA light SPDX
Not only is the sufficient heat retention required of an excellent sleeping bag, but it also combines a variety of elements, such as comfortable sleeping, ease of use, and lightweight and compact, at a high level, making it easy to flexibly accommodate a wide range of seasons and activities, and it also makes it a perfect option for many people, with ease of use that is satisfying even for beginners and veterans. The best hiking (practical) models of this season are not fully tightened, and there are four models that are recommended for everyone. All models have high quality as a base, but each has its own unique specialty.
Dry Seamless Down Hugger 900 Series A groundbreaking model that achieves lightweight, high insulation, and waterproof and breathable properties.
Favorite points
- Lightweight and waterproof and breathable, yet highly insulating
- Comfortable fit while not obstructing movement
Go to detailed review of the Dry Seamless Down Hugger 900 Series
ISUKA Air Plus Series A model of sleeping bags for mountains that takes into account the basics and also has the latest features
Favorite points
- High quality goose down with lightweight and outstanding resilience
- Carefully crafted down to the smallest details, and few drawbacks
THERM-A-REST Hyperion Series Made with cutting-edge technology, it combines heat retention, lightness and practicality
Favorite points
- High quality, water-repellent down, and a skillful baffle structure that enhances heat retention while still lightweight
- It is designed with a mattress in mind, and is also stylish in practicality, such as compression stuff sacks.
NANGA AURORA light SPDX series: High quality down model with a classic waterproof and breathable sleeping bag
Favorite points
- Highly perfect finish with a skilled box structure that does not produce high quality goose down and cold spots.
- Permanent warranty with no repair costs
Best Hiking Division: PAJAK RADICAL/Western Mountaineering Ultra Light
This category is "not only is it an excellent sleeping bag, but also if you want to experience the ultimate sleeping comfort of down, this is the perfect category for those who want to experience the ultimate sleeping comfort of down." Both models use plenty of the highest quality goose down from Eastern Europe, one of the world's leading down production areas, and their resilience is great compared to other manufacturers of the same FP, and I'm a little surprised that the product immediately swells with force as if it were bursting out of the bag (this is just my personal opinion). Not only is this incredible down, but of course, the careful baffle structure that makes use of the down and the attention to detail of its lightweight and compactness can be enjoyed at a high level of technical capabilities that are worth the price, which is not at all affordable.
PAJAK RADICAL series: Lightness and comfort that makes the most of Polish goose down, boasting the highest quality
Favorite points
- Polish white goose down 900 + FP is overwhelmingly high quality
- Amazingly lightweight and compact, using ultra-thin, lightweight fabrics.
Western Mountaineering Ultra Light Behind high quality materials and skilled technology, the ultimate comfort and practicality
Favorite points
- Made with carefully selected 850FP+ white goose down, which has boasted the highest quality in North America for many years.
- Lightweight and compact yet smart baffle structure that allows temperature adjustment over a wide range of temperatures
Best Hiking (Lightweight) Division: Rab Mythic Ultra/Sea To Summit Spark Sp
This one is also excellent overall. However, what makes it different from the models we've introduced so far is that it's a striking construction for those who just want exceptional lightness, even if they're slightly out of the overall balance. Of course, the high quality of the down (insulation) and comfort are also well-being, and while it is a basic shape for a mummy sleeping bag, it is perfect for fast and light activities, as it is made light as much as possible whenever there is a gap. Personally, this category is best suited to those who are well-known to the mountaineers who are somewhat familiar with the trip, and who say they don't need that kind of help anymore.
Rab Mythic Ultra Series Ultra Series Ultra High-tech model that uses heat-reflective thermo-ionic lining technology to make it lightweight in 1 gram increments
Favorite points
- The industry's first fiber is coated with titanium. The structure reflects radiation heat inside the bag without compromising the breathability of the fabric, resulting in an incredible weight reduction.
- The 900FP RDS certified European goose down, and the water-repellent finish and materials of Fluorine FREE, which was developed jointly with NIKWAX, are all sharp.
Sea To Summit Spark Sp Series In addition to high quality down, it has amazing specs that are lightweight and compact.
Favorite points
- 850+FP Ultra Dry Premium Goose Down with a high resilience yet water-repellent finish
- It is incredibly lightweight and compact, with a total weight of approximately 500 grams, despite being able to withstand sub-freezing temperatures.
Best Sleeping Division: Western Mountaineering Terralight/NEMO Disco
Of course, light and warm down is essential for the perfect sleeping experience, but in reality, mountaineering sleeping bags that fill the space up to the very last minute are generally cramped. It is difficult to sleep on your side or roll over, so it is not structurally comfortable to sleep on. Among these, this category has been chosen to provide a model that emphasizes comfort in a comprehensive sense, with a focus on sleeping comfort, designed to provide even a slightly more comfortable sleeping experience. Each supports maximum freedom of movement in its limited weight and width.
Western Mountaineering Terralite - High-quality down and spacious space provide the ultimate sleeping comfort
Favorite points
- A semi-rectangle shape that is looser from shoulders to waist compared to the regular mummy type
- Light and warm padding made from the finest European goose down
NEMO Disco Series: Unique shape that is easy to move in allows you to lie on your side or toss over.
Favorite points
- Not only is it spacious overall, but the spoon shape™️, which has room for a particularly spacious elbow and knee area, makes it easy to lie on your side and toss over.
- Many mechanisms that allow for thin temperature adjustments when you feel too hot or cold
Best Quilt Half Length Type Division: Highland Designs UL DOWN QUILT/ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT Revelation
Quilt-shaped or half-sized sleeping bags are sleeping bags that have the potential to become just the right choice once you've become accustomed to travel to a certain extent and understand what's unnecessary for you. As we will explain the features later, this type is extremely popular, especially among hikers who prefer ultralight and fast packing, as it makes it possible to make it even lighter than the lightweight mummy sleeping bag mentioned earlier. In addition, these new shapes of sleeping bags are not just lightweight and warm sleeping bags, but also easy to use as blankets or as additional winter sleeping bags, so in recent years it has become popular among a wide range of people, including bike packing and solo camping.
Highland Designs UL DOWN QUILT The best balance of lightness and comfort that you've reached in the real field
Favorite points
- The balance between heat retention and weight has been optimized through trial and error, where the parts that need to be kept warm and lighter
- Super water-repellent UDD down, which combines high loft and water-repellent properties, is safe even in humid seasons.
ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT Revelation High-quality materials can be freely customized to suit your needs. The joy of making your own piece
- Highly customizable, allowing you to choose your preferred specifications, such as down quality, down amount, size, color, etc. *However, you must purchase directly on the English homepage site.
- It's versatile enough to open the zipper under your feet to make it even a single quilt.
Best and Bargain Down Division: Takemo Sleeping Bag
If you have a limited budget but would love a down sleeping bag, we recommend this Takemo. The founder of the new brand founded in 2015 was originally working for a domestic outdoor bedding manufacturer, so we can trust the quality of it. Made from 750FP natural white duck down, the product is sturdy and has a high-quality, efficient heat retention, such as a box structure, draft tube and neck tube (shoulder warmer), and three-dimensional structure at the feet, making it as sturdy as premium products (somewhat reminiscent of that of SUKA), while its pricing is attractive.
Best Synthetic Fiber (Non-Down Material) Division: mont-bell Seamless Alpine Barrow Bag/OMM Mountain Core 125/Gruezi Biopod DownWool
For river climbs and long-term traverses where bad weather and wetness are inevitable, no matter how waterproof you are, synthetic fibers can be carried with peace of mind than down. Synthetic fiber padding, which was a problem with being "heavy and bulky," has recently become extremely lightweight and compact due to remarkable technological innovations, and with its natural low price and ease of maintenance, cutting-edge synthetic fiber sleeping bags are by no means a bad option. There are two best models for this synthetic sleeping bag. Montbell's Barrow bags are an ambitious product that has been successfully made even lighter and warmer using our unique sewing technique. The OMM Mountain Core uses cutting-edge, high-performance padding "Primaloft® ACTIVE" that is light, soft to the touch, and does not get stuffy and warm, making it extremely excellent as an inner sleeping bag or as an inner sleeping bag. The third Gruezi is an unusually high-performance sleeping bag that uses a hybrid material made of wool and down rather than synthetic fiber, making it possible to compensate for the weaknesses of down while achieving the benefits of natural materials. This is another non-down model that you should not miss.
mont-bell seamless Alpine Barrow bag unique seamless structure provides unparalleled heat retention and lightness
Favorite points
- Seamless construction with as little seams as possible to eliminate weight and ensure a higher loft
- Very lightweight and compact despite its low operating temperature range
OMM Mountain Core 125 Primaloft® ACTIVE padded sleeping bag for consistent comfort
Favorite points
- Primaloft® ACTIVE padding with moderate heat retention, breathability, quick drying and comfortable to the touch
- Ultra-lightweight and compact
Biopod DownWool subzero 175 *185cm model is waiting for arrival
- "Wool x Down" padded material that is not too hot or too cold, just the right amount of warmth and comfortable sleeping experience
- It is also easy to use with zipper lines and pockets. It's even more environmentally friendly
Go to a detailed review of Biopod DownWool
Best Women's category: NEMO Kayu 30 W's
There are quite a few manufacturers (especially from overseas brands) that have models tailored to women, who are generally said to be prone to cold weather. In reality, these sleeping bags, which are labeled as for women, are often only a size smaller to suit your height, and even if you take a little more intimate, you can also provide room in the shoulders and waist to suit your body shape. The NEMO Kayu 30 W's is also one step ahead of other women's models, as it is able to accommodate more padding to provide warmth. It has excellent heat retention and storage quality, and is also water-repellent. The ease of use is also taken into consideration in detail, such as the thermogill that accelerates temperature control and the waterproof and breathable material on the toes and hood, making it a very satisfying performance for the price.
How to choose: 6 tips to choose a sleeping bag for mountain climbing and hiking wisely
Point 1: Choose the appropriate temperature range - Be careful not to get too hot or too cold
When choosing the best sleeping bag, the important thing to do is to choose corresponding temperature range The compatible temperature range is a guideline for how much temperature you can use comfortably when sleeping in that sleeping bag, and can be said to represent the heat retention performance of the sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags have long been classified into three major categories, including the following:
- Summer (1 season): A sleeping bag intended for use in low mountains in the middle of summer or in flatlands from early summer to early autumn (approximately 5°C or higher) .
- (approximately - 5°C) suitable for low mountains in spring and autumn and 3,000m-grade alpine mountains in summer .
- Winter (4 seasons): A sleeping bag suitable for winter mountains and alpine seasons during the remaining snowy season (approximately below -5°C).
Basically, three types of sleeping bags used for general mountain climbing are sufficient, as mentioned above, but there is no need to stock them all from the beginning, and the first thing you should have to get is for three seasons. It's a little too hot in the low mountains in the middle of summer, but it's still not unusable, so the reason is that it covers the longest period of time. After that, adding summer and winter use depending on your frequency of use and budget is a way to lessen waste and mistakes. Some people are keen to use the winter seasons and summer double-layered ones. The bottom line is that from here onwards there are various ways to make it easier for each method.
In recent years, even among the same three seasons, the warmth varies depending on the brand and model, and even more detailed checks are required to choose the best sleeping bag. For this reason, the corresponding temperature range display is always presented for each model. In the past, each manufacturer would propose it based on different standards, but in recent years, international standards have become more and more popular. That's the European gnome I'll explain now.
Use the European Gnome (EN) 13537, a useful indicator for determining insulation
Many modern sleeping bags have reference adaptive temperature ranges based on a standard called European Gnome (EN) 13537. EN13537 began to be used in the EU in the 2000s, but it has now spread around the world as the most reliable indicator (although there are currently some manufacturers who have not yet decided to adopt this standard due to doubts about testing costs and doubts about its credibility). This standard displays the following three indicators as a set:
- T-Comfort is a temperature range that allows ordinary women to sleep without feeling cold.
- The T-Limit (lower limit) is the temperature range that a typical man can curl up and sleep for 8 hours.
- T-Extreme is a temperature range that is said to be round enough for a typical woman to hold her knees, allowing her to withstand for six hours. In some cases, it is extremely dangerous as it may lead to hypothermia.
[Be careful] EN13537 Be careful about how to read the specs (do not trust the numbers as they are)
If you know this, you'll probably need to check the rough temperature of the location you're going to in the future using weather forecasts and choose a model that fits within the temperature range indicated by EN. However, when you actually buy and try out different models, you will realize that things are not that easy. In short, almost every model I tried doesn't feel as warm as the EN display .
Image: Kansas State University
The main reason for this is the testing method. EN13537 is merely the result of measurements taken in a specific body type (male: 25 years old, 173cm, 73kg, female: 25 years old, 160cm, 60kg) wearing long-sleeved underwear and socks in a laboratory-made environment. Various factors of variation are not taken into consideration, such as the user's nationality, body shape, constitution, condition for the day, clothing worn, mats laid out, and compression rate of padding. To compare it to a somewhat rough idea, it's like the "catalog fuel economy" in a car, and it's not necessarily true that you can actually drive with that fuel economy, and it's just a comparison indicator.
In other words, unfortunately, these numbers are not ones that anyone can take at face value, but even so, in the sense that they are calculated using a unified measurement method, we should consider them better than the previous standard for different manufacturers. At least it is possible to compare the heat retention power under the same conditions, so the smart choice at the moment is to make good use of this.
So how do you actually decide?
What should I do to avoid being misled by the displayed temperature range? At this point, and perhaps in the future, the correct way to do this is always to "select warmth that's more generous than what you see unless you are certain
It is best to assume that some degree of error occurs depending on individual differences and the environment, and if you are not familiar with the brand or skilled person, it is safe to assume that the temperature is 5 to 10°C from the EN notation (for women, "comfortable" for men, "lower limit") Specifically, you might choose a warm model, or bring more winter clothing with you assuming it's cold. Even so, I think that one thing may be different from your plan, but even though you may fail to be too heavy or too hot at the time, the serious risk of hypothermia should be avoided. Thinking that you can use that lesson to make your next choice will make you more positive.
Depending on the manufacturer, it may be possible that the temperature range may not be displayed using EN yet, but the basics are the same at that time. Unless you are certain, it is best to choose a warmth that is generous.
Point 2: Filling material - Should I use down or synthetic fiber? From there, there are countless options
Once you have narrowed down the candidates by the corresponding temperature range, next, consider the type of padding. The heat retention power of a sleeping bag is created when a layer of inmovable air (=dead air) created by the swelling of the padding is warmed by body temperature, and becomes an insulating layer that blocks out the outside air and envelops the entire body. In other words, the heat retention depends on how much dead air you can store. By the way, the degree of expansion of the space where dead air is stored is called the loft (bulkiness), and the padding plays an extremely important role in ensuring the loft as much as possible.
The materials used for filling are natural down and chemical fibers, but down is currently the one with the highest heat retention per weight . If you choose a lightweight, compact, warm, down sleeping bag, it's almost certainly true for normal climbing. However, it's not that there are no weaknesses. Below is a comparison table of advantages and disadvantages.
| material | down | Synthetic fiber | hybrid |
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| Disadvantages |
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| Suitable situations and usage |
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The down is high performance, but it is expensive and is vulnerable to wetting . For this reason, synthetic fibers may be more suitable than down for people who value price over lightness or size, or for people who have a lot of activities where their backpack is likely to get wet, such as climbing a stream. Fortunately, the recent advances in synthetic fiber padding have been remarkable, and it is certain that we are not able to say that synthetic fibers are heavy or not comfortable. We highly recommend that you try comparing the actual product at the store.
On the other hand, the down type is also evolving every day. Many "water-repellent down" has been observed, which has been subjected to a strong water-repellent treatment to overcome its weakness, which is to some extent. However, there are still many limits to water-repellent down to getting wet, so in Japan where there are lots of rain and humidity, it is best to consider some kind of flood prevention measure to be essential.
Choosing high-quality down makes it lighter and warmer (information, region of origin, FP, ratio)
As for the quality of down, it is not a down comforter from mail order programs that you often see on TV and radio, but it is a world where a surprising variety of factors actually affect the quality. Here we will not introduce each of these in detail, but will explain the points you should know about when choosing a good quality down sleeping bag instead.
Types of down and origin
Down from European goose is often the highest quality, with a larger loft, excellent bulkiness, high heat retention, and less odor. On the other hand, it is said that waterfowl raised in other regions and down harvested from ducks rather than goose is often moderate to low grade (though not all). When it comes to the finest goose down, the number of days it takes to raise is also a major factor, and it is said that the finest down can be obtained from goose 21 weeks after it is carefully raised.
Down FP (fill power) and ratio
FP is an indicator that represents the loft's resilience when down, and a high FP means that the individual feathers (down balls) are larger and have excellent bulkiness, meaning that they provide high heat retention, and if can make a lighter and more compact sleeping bag In relation to the species of waterfowl mentioned above, it is said that while ducks can only collect downs of 750 to 800 FP, at the highest level, gooses with a larger body can collect downs of 900 FP or higher.
Generally, a quality of 650 or more is high, but the higher the price, the higher the price, so when choosing a down, you need to overcome the ruthless choice of whether to take the price or keep warm and portable.
Also, even if you say down, it is actually a mixture of some feathers to earn a loft, and the percentage is displayed as 90/10 (90% down, 10% feathers). Feathers are not a material that improves heat retention, so of course, it is safe to assume that the higher the proportion of down, the higher the heat retention, the softer the touch, and the higher the quality.
Animal Welfare and Down
As the process of reconsidering product development that reduces the impact on the environment from various perspectives, downs have also been forced to seriously reflect on the manufacturing process. Collecting down from waterfowl is actually nothing more than plucking away the feathers that grow on the skin of waterfowl, and in other words it is the very act of cruelty to animals. In the past, when efficiency was the highest priority, waterfowls were forced to be fed more (forced feeding) to help them grow faster, and then they were forced to pluck by machines multiple times during their lifetime, from around the age of 12th week to the adult.
As the concept of "Animal Welfare," which aims to create a breeding environment that is less stressful and painful for livestock, has become increasingly popular among some sleeping bag manufacturers to reconsider these inhumane breeding and harvesting methods, and almost all down products distributed in Western markets have begun to adopt standards that are in line with this idea.
Therefore, the points that we, as consumers, should be concerned about in the future, are,
- Not forcing the "forced feeding" to continue feeding in small cages
- Not doing "live plucking" feathers from living waterfowl
The two points are whether the down padding is used obtained from a feather company that is protected.
However, it is not only a hassle for consumers to check whether this is being followed, but it can also lead to confusion if each manufacturer sets its own standards. Therefore, the manufacturers responded by auditing the entire manufacturing process and formulating a global third-party organization that gave easy-to-understand approval. This certification is " RDS (Responsible Down Standard) " and down products from overseas manufacturers, including not only sleeping bags but also jackets, may have tags attached.
Point 3: Strength against wetting - Some kind of wetting prevention is essential in Japan
While sleeping bags are undoubtedly the most important tool for a comfortable sleep in a tent, the most important thing to avoid is the loss of heat retention. In other words, you must prepare measures to prevent your sleeping bag from getting wet when hiking in a mountain hike in a tent.
I mentioned earlier that down has the weakness of being unable to provide insulation when it gets wet. For this reason, in the past, when you were worried about it getting wet, you had to cover the down sleeping bag with a waterproof, breathable sleeping bag made of fabric, or choose a synthetic cotton sleeping bag that would not lose its heat retention even if it got wet. Of course, these are still effective and reliable countermeasures to prevent wetting of sleeping bags, but this was not able to take advantage of the lightness of the down bag, which was a very troublesome situation. This situation has been gradually changing recently.
Countermeasures against wetting down: Part 1: A sleeping bag made of high waterproof and breathable outer material
If you use a sleeping bag made of waterproof and breathable material, you won't be worried about moisture, as well as water droplets or submersion.
The surface fabric of a sleeping bag for mountain climbing is based on the premise that it is a durable fabric that is thin and lightweight yet determines the quality of the bag. Furthermore, the highlights include the fact that it has a "down-proofing" process that crushes the gap between the thread to prevent the down from coming out, and whether it has a "DWR (durable water-repellent) coating that makes it easy to repel water. However, this alone does not mean that wetting is sufficient.
A sleeping bag that is adequately prevented from getting wet is a model that uses waterproof and breathable material on the surface, or that in addition to the waterproof and breathable material, seam tape treatment is applied to the seams to completely shut out the flooding. If this is the case, you will not need a sleeping bag cover to prevent it from getting wet, and you will be able to enjoy the lightness and comfort of the down.
Countermeasures against wetting down Part 2: A sleeping bag made of "water-repellent down" with a water-repellent finish
As I mentioned earlier, what has been remarkable in recent years has been "water-repellent down" which has been processed to further enhance the water-repellent ability of down. the Nikwax Hydrophobic Down featured in the video above , down padding itself is being developed one after another, making it difficult to lose its resilience even when wet. From what I watched, it seems that the loft will be maintained to a certain extent as long as it is not in a severe situation where the down is flooded, and so far it is highly practical as long as it is not in such a severe situation.
However, even so, compared to high-quality pure downs, these water-repellent downs will inevitably reduce their resilience (heat retention) and reduce product lifespan due to processing. I have experienced the reality that even rainwear, DWR processing gradually decreases due to washing, etc., and if you use water-repellent down again and again, the water-repellent properties will almost certainly decrease. In that sense, I am still skeptical whether a water-repellent down sleeping bag will be a good product from a long-term perspective. It is certainly becoming more practical, but I cannot say that I should just let go and choose this one, and I think I need to take a close look.
Point 4: Shape, size, and structure - Based on the mummy type, once you get used to it, you'll save up waste in your own way -
The basic is "mummy type." Also pay attention to new shapes that are convenient for specific uses
If you consider broadly from auto camping and sleeping in the car, there are also "envelope-shaped (rectangle-shaped)" sleeping bags that look like regular futons, but for mountain climbing only, the general shape of sleeping bags is almost certainly a mummy-shaped shape. is designed to reduce weight as much as possible while covering everything except the face,
Various three-season sleeping bag shapes (from left): Mummy type, no hood, transformed mummy type, half quilt type, quilt type, wearable type, 2-person mummy type
For beginners who are purchasing a sleeping bag for the first time, we recommend this mummy type because it is safe and functional. However, it is not overlooked that the recent diversification of activities and needs have led to a variety of shapes derived from traditional mummy shapes.
These models further promote the efficiency of traditional mummy styles, reducing waste and specializing in detailed needs.
For example, the "quilted type (4th and 5th from left from the top photo)" that is used in combination with a mattress from the beginning and cuts the back side out of the box, not only does it lighter, but it also provides a flexible sleeping position (but when the body is most sealed), and temperature adjustment, making it a very suitable shape when ultralight or fast packing during relatively warmer months.
In addition, the "half length type (second from left from the left of the top photo)" that is intended to sleep while wearing the cold protection jacket you carry, has been reduced by eliminating the shoulders, chest, or the entire upper body. These can be used as inner sleeping bags in winter mountains and can be convenient for adding heat retention, so you may be able to eliminate waste as the entire equipment you have.
size
If you are trying to improve the heat retention effect, it is best not to have any extra space between your sleeping bag and your body, but if it fits too closely, it will be cramped and difficult to sleep on. The best thing is that you can order a bag that fits perfectly with your body lines and is the perfect balance between warmth and ease of movement, but of course there is no such dream service yet, so the only thing you can choose now is to choose a size that fits you from the variations in height and shape, such as regular, long, and short sizes that many manufacturers have in mind (I highly recommend this model, especially for women, as it is designed to suit women as well as height).
One solution to prevent dead space is to use models that stretch the fabric. For example, Montbell's spiral stretch system and Deuter's Inside Thermo Stretch Comfort System are famous, but when you try it, you can see at a glance that the padding adheres to your body, so you can feel the warmth from the moment you enter it, and the feeling of heat retention is definitely several levels higher, and it is also less likely to interfere with movement, making it convenient to wear cross-legged while wearing your sleeping bag.
structure
No matter how high quality and bulk filling is used to handle low temperatures, this alone does not necessarily mean that stable heat retention will be ensured. If the padding sealed inside the fabric moves inside and creates an unevenness, the area where the padding is poor will no longer be able to produce dead air (cold spots), and the overall heat retention will be significantly reduced.
Checking the cold spot through the light
To prevent this, we have continued to devise ways to enclose the padding of the sleeping bag. Here we will introduce the main padding structures of sleeping bags, so it is a good idea to check whether the candidate models have a structure that suits your purpose.
| material | Single structure | Box structure | Trapezoid box structure |
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| image |  |  |  |
| merit |
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| Disadvantages |
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| Suitable situations and usage |
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Point 5: Other elements and parts - Consider how easy it is to use when actually using it -
Finally, I would like to list some detailed checkpoints that were not fully covered by the explanation so far.
Storageability
Sleeping bags are made from synthetic fibers rather than down, but in winter rather than summer, depending on the quality and quantity of the filling, it can be quite voluminous, so it's definitely better to be as light and compact as possible. The only thing to note is that the storage size listed in the catalog is only "the size when it comes into the included stuff sack."
As shown in the photo below, there are models that can be larger when purchased, but can be further compressed by using a separate compression stuff sack . Also, depending on the manufacturer, the standard staff bag itself may have compression functions, so it is a good idea to check when purchasing.
Food making
It is said that the area from the neck to the head is dissipated with a lot of heat, making it surprisingly important for ensuring heat retention. Some models are cut because they are not particularly important for summer or ultra light models. For models that have been in the 3 or more seasons, whether the hood covering the head is designed to fit naturally, and the drawcord at the face outlet is easy to tighten and does not get in the way and does not feel oppressive . In addition, models that are designed to be used at lower temperatures include a tubing filled with padded around the shoulders to prevent cold air from entering, which provides more comfort with less weight.
The hood is more three-dimensional, and models with tubular padding around the hood and neck to suit the temperature range are more comfortable.
zipper
Zippers play two major roles in sleeping bags. One is to make it easier to enter and exit the sleeping bag, and the other is to control breathability and adjust the temperature by opening and closing. Opening it as wide as possible will make it easier to use. However, from the perspective of wanting to make it as light as possible, it's better to have no parts. For this reason, models that emphasize weight reduction are only available in lengths of about 1/2 to 1/3 of the total length, or none at all, so it's a good idea to choose one according to your preference.
The short zipper (dotted line) greatly contributes to reducing the weight, but we must also accept the inconveniences such as difficulty in entering and leaving and temperature control.
Other models have been designed to be used at lower temperatures, with a "draft tube" filled with padding on the inner line of the zipper (photo below), and are designed to prevent cold air from entering through the zipper.
Furthermore, if the zipper can be operated from the inside of the sleeping bag or double zipper that can be opened from both sides of the top and bottom, it would be even more convenient, and in hot weather, you can sleep with your feet exposed, making it easier to adjust the temperature, making it even easier to use.
There are also models with a bite prevention mechanism to prevent thin fabric from being bitten by raising and lowering the zipper. The zippers of sleeping bags that have not been treated are inevitable as lies to chew.
Construction of the foot box
cold-sensitive foot box is loosely sewn in a three-dimensional way, and the bulk of the padding is enclosed in this area , making the pressure applied to the feet even more uniform and the heat retention is improved. As a result, it allows for a more comfortable sleep.
A large number of feathers are enclosed at the feet, which makes it easy to feel cold. In addition, the three-dimensional structure that matches the shape of your feet keeps the entire foot warm evenly without waste.
Point 6: Bedding used in combination - It's not just a sleeping bag that you need for a good night's sleep
Sleeping bags cannot be used alone, but there are many excellent tools available to use as a set to prevent wetting and maximize comfort and heat retention. There are some essential gear, so don't forget to prepare them.
Sleeping bag cover
As mentioned before, the weakness of down is the decrease in heat retention when wet, but despite this, unlike in everyday life, there is a surprising amount of risk of getting wet in outdoor activities. When a sudden heavy rain hit, the risk of flooding came when they accidentally didn't waterproof in their backpack, the water spilled inside the tent, and the condensed water continued to drip from above, and the danger of flooding came when they forgot. Unless there is a low risk in high temperatures, such as low mountains, some kind of waterproofing measure should be considered essential in Japan where there is a lot of rain . The first thing to do is prepare a separate sleeping bag cover (sleeping rack cover) made of waterproof and breathable material. Incidentally, this cover also helps to improve heat retention slightly and also helps to increase heat retention slightly.
Liner sheets
Liners (inner sheets) placed inside the sleeping bag are mainly for improving heat retention, but they are not worth buying a new sleeping bag, but they can be useful when you feel that the heat retention is a little lacking with the equipment you have. In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more mountain huts are required to have liner sleeping bags even when staying in mountain huts, and it is true that the use of the facility is increasing for the purposes of improving hygiene and comfort.
Anyway, the liner sheets are convenient and compact, and are not that expensive and easy to use, so it's not worth having one. The material should be made from synthetic fibers or silk rather than cotton. Personally, I've been using it for a long time, but I've actually used it as an inner layer, not as an inner layer, but as a substitute for a summer sleeping bag. From your student days until your first few years of working, it is not impossible to manage for a year by combining this with three seasons, or a sleeping bag cover.
Pillow
If you have the time, you might want to consider using an inflatable pillow that is convenient for outdoor activities to help you get even better sleep. Recently, pillows can be compressed quite compactly, so it is certainly no longer that they put much strain on your luggage.
However, personally, I don't think the inflatable pillow is that comfortable, and I think it depends largely on the person whether it's something you'd be able to bring with you with all the trouble. Even if you don't bring it with you, you can also make an instant pillow by putting clothes and towels in your staff bag, so if you're not too particular about it, you don't have to worry about it that much.
My personal favorite outdoor pillow is THERM-A-REST's compressible pillow filled with pieces of mattress foam. However, it is not compact enough to carry it to the mountains.
Sleeping pads
No matter how fluffy it is, it can be tolerant to your weight, and the part that comes into contact with the ground is not only stiff and uncomfortable, but also allows a lot of heat to escape, greatly impairing the heat retention of the sleeping bag, so it is essential to lay a mat under the sleeping bag . Sleeping pads come in a variety of models depending on the purpose and style, and many tips are needed to choose the model that suits you best.
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summary
It is light and small, and has enough warmth for anytime, and is also resistant to wet and moisture, and is resistant to tearing. It's not a pain to have a sleeping bag like this dream, but in reality, the best sleeping bags for each person vary depending on the season and purpose, as well as the individual's constitution, preferences, such as heat and cold, and other equipment they combine. This is also the difficulty of choosing a sleeping bag (not just mountain tools in general). The best models listed here are all excellent sleeping bags that I can confidently recommend, but I hope this will help you share the fun of finding your best.
