Real fans of extreme rest are not afraid even of frost and snow. Therefore, hiking in the winter season is not so rare. True, the list of things that you need to take with you and without which you can not manage is much longer. This, no doubt, concerns the sleeping bag, without which it is impossible to travel in winter.
Sleeping bags for winter hikes
A sleeping bag is a special device for a hike , created for rest or sleep. Its special design assumes an insulation that is better than the usual blanket, protecting against cold. It seems to be a simple and ordinary thing, but it affects the quality of sleep, which directly affects the activity of the owner during the movement.
Today's market offers different types of sleeping bags. They differ on summer, off-season and winter. The latter are more complex and, naturally, heavier.
If we talk about appearance, then there are sleeping blankets and sleeping bags-cocoons. The first - this is almost a rectangle, in which the participant of the hike is placed. Usually the device is fastened around the perimeter with a zipper. The design of some models includes a hood for the head. Sleeping-cocoons have a fitting, so-called anatomical design. To the bottom, such models tend to narrow slightly, thereby warming up the traveler better in difficult winter conditions.
Differents differ in the quality of the shell and insulation, the number of its layers and, accordingly, the temperature range.
How to choose a sleeping bag for a hike?
If you are planning to take part in a trip in the winter, choosing a sleeping bag follows a serious approach. First of all, decide on the insulation material. The warmest is considered to be the natural - fluff and feather of ducks or geese. It better preserves heat and lighter models with synthetic fillers. The only negative - in conditions of high moisture the heater absorbs it into itself and, of course, ceases to warm, and also becomes heavy. Therefore, this option can be used where the humidity is reduced - on mountain peaks.
Choosing which sleeping bag is best for travel and hiking, pay attention to products with synthetic filler Hitech, Primaloft, 3M Lifeloft, Fibertec, Tinsulate and others that do not absorb moisture. Such products are suitable for conditions of the Carpathians , the Caucasus Mountains, the Crimean Mountains, where the humidity is above average.
Pay attention also to the size of the sleeping bag, which must be selected taking into account the growth and own volumes. For example, sleeping bags for winter hikes of large size are suitable for travelers of high growth and sturdy body. Miniature women in such products will be excessively free, but because it's cold. As experts advise, when choosing, add 15-20 cm to your own growth. This will be the appropriate length of a perfect sleeping bag.
Choosing among the best sleeping bags for hiking, also pay attention to the little things that can later turn out to be important:
- The presence of a hood with tightening cords will allow to keep the head in the warmth.
- An additional insulating layer at the bottom will help warm up
one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. - A large and reliable lightning should not "seize".
- High-quality tailoring of the sleeping bag will ensure its normal operation. Ideally, if the filler is stitched in several places, so as not to get lost.
- Waterproof cover will save important tourist attribute from water.
- Having a pocket inside is an opportunity to safely store money, documents or phone.
In general, if opportunities permit, purchase two sleeping bags so that one can dry out while the second is used for the intended purpose.