Camping in a Military Sleeping Bag

A military sleeping bag is a great choice for the camper or hiker who prefers gear that has both extra-protection and a functional, efficient design, something the military is quite well-known for and has rigorously perfected. Many companies have their own version of a military sleeping bag that includes all the components of a real military-issued unit. Some offer lighter designs that are still efficient. However, the heavy duty designs are generally comprised of four units that campers can make use of individually or combine together to make a sturdy all-weather unit built for survival purposes. These types of sleeping bags are quite popular with professional campers or hikers and also with those who do research in extreme conditions. A military sleeping bag guarantees the utmost in protection when it comes to sleeping bags.

A military sleeping bag that has the Military Specification Modular Sleep System (MSS) comes with the following features:

* A temperature rating of 50F to -30F
* A Patrol bag made of water resistant nylon that offers a temperature rating of 50F to 30F
* An Intermediate bag for colder weather made of water-proof nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F to -10F.
* The ability to combine both the Patrol and Intermediate bags for greater protection and warmth for a temperature rating of -30F
* Stuff sack with compression straps to reduce the size of the pack
* Gore-Tex Bivy sack to help protect from intense weather changes or climates
* Polyester filament insulation
* Insulated draft tube
* Snap closure system for integrating units

A military sleeping bag that has the Variable Component Sleep System (VCSS) comes with the following features:

* A temperature rating of 30F to -30F
* A Delta bag, made of water resistant nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F
* A Gamma bag for colder weather made of water-proof nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F to -10F
* The ability to combine both the Delta and Gamma bags with the waterproof bivy sack for greater protection and warmth
* A bug protector made of mesh for enhanced protection and comfort to ensure a good nights rest
* Polyguard insulation for the best in warmth and comfort
* Construction that does away with cold spots
* A secondary closure system that allows a speedy way in and out during brisk weather that can be worked even when wearing big bulky gloves
* Large rectangular footbox that allows the camper to leave their boots on
* Insulated draft tube
* A compression stuff sack to keep the pack conveniently small

Essential Gear: The Lafuma Sleeping Bag

The Lafuma sleeping bag is one piece of camping equipment that outdoor enthusiasts agree is irreplaceable. Craftsmanship and quality in conjunction with ultra-modern technology has made for a very adept product that is recognized around the world. Aimed at maximizing thermal insulation-to-weight ratios, Lafuma guarantees a comfortable rest in their sleeping bags for any size camper. Sophisticated synthetics further its performance, as does the sarcophagus shape that also ensures the right degree of warmth and comfort throughout the night.

The bags can be stowed away conveniently in the included stuff sack that allows a hiker or camper to keep their load compact and light- an important aspect when moving from location to location. Because the Lafuma sleeping bag is so warm and packs so light, it is often considered a good value for the price.

The Lafuma sleeping bag is designed to be used in any type of environment, cold weather or warm; humid, rainy or dry. While natural down insulation mixed with technology makes this piece of camping gear a true asset, the state-of-the-art synthetic insulations also used in its construction were devised to make this a light piece of gear that provides a serious level of warmth and comfort for campers that is beyond compare.

With the shell being made of waterproof material, hikers and campers who take their outdoor excursions in climates that are colder, wetter- or both- will find the Lafuma sleeping bag to be the centerpiece in quality of their camping equipment. The extra insulation in the footbox of the sleeping bag and central zones ensure that campers will stay nice and toasty in all the right spots. Meanwhile, synthetic Thermolite materials make for an extremely light and livable summertime sleeping bag.

When opting for a Lafuma sleeping bag, one will find that there are a number of sizes to fit campers and hikers of all shapes and sizes, from children and juniors all the way up to adult, including bags for men and women! (The womens design commonly comes with extra fleece in the feet and chest area.) Features such as waterproof shells, cold-proof flaps, hoods, thermal collars and draft tubes help to ensure a campers comfort once inside the unit.

Extra features such as an inner pocket and two-way snagproof zippers also make a Lafuma sleeping bag quite a handy piece of equipment. Lafuma bags also offer the option of zippering more than one bag together at a time. This can be an extremely useful option for families with children who want to create a larger sleeping space for themselves or in situations where extra body heat is needed for cold weather situations.

The Best Part of Being a Kid: Sleeping Bag Sleepovers

The Best Part of Being a Kid: Sleeping Bag Sleepovers

For a younger kid, sleeping bag sleepovers are all about fun. Its about getting to go to a friends house, stay up late and then snuggle into a sleeping bag with a favorite cartoon character or colorful design brightly displayed all over. As kids get older, sleeping bag sleepovers are still fun- as along as there isnt some goofy cartoon character plastered all over the sleeping bag. These days, its good to be a kid. Sleeping bag designs and features have evolved over the years to specifically meet the needs of children as they grow.

Parents have discovered finding a sleeping bag specifically designed for children that provides adequate protection has gotten better over the years. This is a blessing for active families. For many a kid, sleeping bag sleepovers -indoor or outdoor- meant using a bag that was just too big. This was okay for the sleepover but not very good for campouts, as there is too much area in a large sleeping bag for a small body to warm up. As sleeping bag companies recognized this, they began to design and market bags with features that could better protect children during outdoor excursions. Now if youre a kid, sleeping bag features include extra insulation in areas such as the foot of the sleeping bag and the chest. Not to mention snag-free zippers, fun little pockets and bags that easily re-pack into the stuff sack to keep frustrating struggles at bay- something that can easily lend a hand in ruining a childs impression of camping.

Another great aspect for parents and their pocketbooks is the fact that some bags offer adjustable features. Is there anything that grows faster than a kid? Sleeping bag purchases are often for leisure purposes and many parents find their children have grown rapidly between uses. Adjustable features, such as an extendable footbox, mean that the bag can be lengthened to fit the growing camper while providing the same necessary level of protection. This is quite economical for the parent who now does not have to worry about investing in a sleeping bag that may or may not be usable from one season to the next!

Sleeping bags can come in a variety of fun and bright colors and can help kids to feel more independent, enticing them to be more involved in an outdoor camping trip. Things that are their size are much more manageable and therefore give a bigger feeling of confidence. This leads to a willingness to take part in the sleeping bag sleepover experience, whether indoor or out!

Must Have Camping Gear: The Coleman Sleeping Bag

The Coleman sleeping bag is a quality product that any camping enthusiast, be it die-hard enthusiast or weekend warrior, would be proud to have. The Coleman Company has been manufacturing outdoor gear for nearly 100 years and those who hear the Coleman name generally know that it stands for a quality product. Their sleeping bags come with a number of features that will meet the needs of any individual, any environment, and any budget.

Choosing the right Coleman sleeping bag can be easy if one knows what elements there are to consider. Thought must be given to the environment and the bags temperature rating in regard to the time of year the outdoor excursion will take place. A temperature rating is merely a guide to help in the decision making process; but common sense will tell us a heavy sleeping bag on a warm August night will probably result in a very unpleasant experience, as will a light sleeping bag on a wind-whipped frosty night. For this reason, there is a Coleman sleeping bag option for every environment with a number of features. Venting ducts will ensure campers who sleep warm at night keep comfortably cool and sleeping bags with hoods will provide extra protection for those who sleep cool.

Those who opt for a Coleman sleeping bag will find that they come with either a cotton, nylon or microfiber shell. Cotton is a natural fiber material and, as with all natural fibers, breathes well and distributes heat evenly. Nylon is a manmade material that is both exceptionally durable and light. Microfiber is also a durable material yet offers better moisture resistance than nylon. Each material also has its cons to consider, such as the fact that nylon does not do very well when it comes to cold windy conditions and microfiber and cotton can be heavy materials; something to consider when camping and hiking requires one to pack light. A sleeping bag with natural down insulation will be lighter, warmer and much more durable; while a synthetic insulation will also be light and somewhat durable but better in moist or damp conditions.

Sleeping bags come in three shapes: rectangle, tapered and mummy. The rectangle is the most commonly recognized all-purpose sleeping bag. The tapered sleeping bag is wide at the shoulders and narrows at the feet, warm and light- as is the mummy sleeping bag. However, the mummy sleeping bag is a very snug fit and is usually the choice of the more serious camper or hiker who spends time in cooler environments.

After researching and putting all the factors together that determine the type of sleeping bag one will need, Coleman makes it even easier to find the right bag on their website with the Coleman sleeping bag finder.

When You Want Only the Best: The Coleman Exponent Sleeping

When You Want Only the Best: The Coleman Exponent Sleeping Bag

The Coleman Outdoor Company is one of the most well-known names when it comes to outdoor equipment. Their commitment to craftsmanship and quality has put their name and products in households across America for nearly 100 years. The Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is yet another one of their outstanding products. With consumers in mind, Coleman did a spectacular job at creating a product that any camper or hiker would want to see as a part of their camping gear- without any significant rise in cost to the consumer.

A Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is incredibly light, warm and roomy. Whether choosing a mummy bag or the oversized rectangular shaped bag, campers and hikers who have a need for a sleeping bag that will perform yet remain light and compact when stored will have found just what they are looking for. The standard features that can be found on every Coleman Exponent sleeping bag include:
* A 3D-style triangular draft tube that blocks chilly winter drafts, running the length of the entire zipper
* Seams now placed at ground level to solve the problem of body heat escaping upward through seams
* Draw-string cords that require only one hand to maneuver. The bags color-coded drawstrings help to adjust either the top portion or bottom portion of the hood (To help with this during a lack of light, the strings are also different shapes)
* Snag-proof zippers
* A small watch pocket
* A vast array of fun colors

The Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is designed to fit any size camper. In the mummy bags, high sculpted shoulders meld into a fully sculpted hood making the bag quite comfortable to sleep in. A left or right-handed snag-free zipper ensures for quick and effortless in-and-out maneuvering of the bag. The FiberLock feature in a Coleman Exponent sleeping bag keeps insulation from shifting and moving. This eliminates the chance for cold spots. Light weight fabrics and a choice of either natural down or synthetic Thermolite and Polarguard insulation allow the bag to be tucked, nice and tidy, into a small stuff sack that weighs very little- a perfect option for campers or hikers moving from location to location. Among other handy features, a large footbox allows for a campers feet to go into a natural sleeping position during the night. The bags are commercially washable. Many agree that for all the features offered, the ultra-light Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is the best choice for their money.

When used in conjunction with other top-of-the-line Coleman products, the Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is sure to create a pleasurable camping experience.

Finding a Camping Sleeping Bag That Makes You Want to

Finding a Camping Sleeping Bag That Makes You Want to Camp

The great thing about a modern camping sleeping bag is that you can expect it to be comfortable, affordable, warm and light. Whether one is a die-hard outdoor enthusiast or a weekend warrior, it is important to find a camping sleeping bag that meets all the necessary requirements for a successful night out under the stars. Because no two people are the same, no one camping sleeping bag can be expected to meet the needs of every camper. There are a number of sleeping bags with a vast number of features that enable different types of people to find just the right bag- for just the right environment.

Those in the market for a camping sleeping bag should first consider the geography of the location they will be camping and its weather. Cold and windy environments will of course require a heavier and more protective sleeping bag than an environment that is warmer and dryer. Moisture is also an aspect that deserves consideration, as certain materials such as natural down, lose their insulating properties when wet. Any chance for moisture such as rain, even humidity, should be considered in choosing a camping sleeping bag.

The material of a camping sleeping bag is important in that the ability to keep or vent body heat will be central to achieving a good nights rest- something that most people dont realize is an important aspect of enjoying the outdoors. Natural down or synthetic insulations both have their own pros and cons as does the shell lining of each camping sleeping bag. Natural insulation is great against cold windy environments while synthetic insulations still do their job even when wet. Nylon shells are extremely durable yet dont provide as much protection against cold winds as microfiber, a material that can make a sleeping bag more costly. Cotton breathes better than both fabrics but is heavy. These aspects alone are why every camper needs to research which kind of bag they need.

The shape of a camping sleeping bag should also be considered as each shape has its own properties that contribute to the comfort of a campers sleep. A rectangular bag leaves much air space around a campers body that must be warmed. However, these types of bags can be zippered together to create a large family bed. A mummy bag fits snugly on a camper. This bag is typically used by the more serious camper in a colder environment; and those who prefer to be able to move around while they sleep probably would not like this type of bag. A tapered sleeping bag that is wide at the shoulders and narrow at the feet provides much warmth and is very light. It is not as restrictive as the mummy bag but provides less movement than a rectangular sleeping bag. A sleeping bag liner inserted into a bag can be easily washed and extend the lifespan of any sleeping bag by years.