Kids Sleeping Bags

Introducing Sleeping Bags for Kids and Disney Sleeping Bags for Kids

Sleeping bags and kids just seem to go together. They are great for slumber parties, sleeping over at Grandma's, back yard camp outs and long road trips. The uses for sleeping bags (also called slumber bags) are limitless. SensoryEdge carries an extensive line of kid friendly sleeping bags by such well known names as Bazoongi, Carstens and Wildkin. With themes for boy and girls as well as themes that are suitable for any kid, Sensory Edge has a sleeping bag for the child in your life. Some have character themes with nifty little extra surprises and have special matching accessories available.

Do you have a horse lover, in your house? Well SensoryEdge has just the sleeping bag for her! Their "Horses" sleeping bag by Wildkin has hundreds of frolicking ponies on the outside and a comfy, cool cotton flannel pattern on the inside. It comes with its own zippered vinyl bag for easy storage and elastic straps that make it easy to roll the bag up and store it. It even includes its own travel pillow! You can even open the bag so that it lies flat on a bed as a comforter. For something a little more specialized, you can choose the "English Riding" sleeping bag or the "Rodeo" sleeping bag. The pictures of the horses and tack are amazing; any girl with a love for horses will certainly love any of these bags.

Little cow pokes can also find great horsey themed sleeping bags. Of course, the "horses" sleeping bag is basic enough to be suitable for both boys and girls. There is also the "Rodeo" sleeping bag with bucking broncs set against a cool blue background. The inner lining is a burgundy cotton flannel, just right for cow boys who want to curl up and drift away to dreamland whether they are at a sleep over at their friend's or having a "camp out" in their own living room.

Other "girly" themes include the "Princess" sleeping bag, the "Ballerina" sleeping bag and the "sugar and Spice" sleeping bag. All of these are pink and pretty and will bring a smile to any little girl's face. SensoryEdge also carries great sleeping bags for boys. The "All Star Sports" sleeping bag, "Trains, Planes & Boats" sleeping bag and the "Construction" sleeping bag have graphics that little boys will love. There are dozens of sleeping bags with just about every conceivable child related theme. From tropical fish to insect life to celestial bodies sleeping bags, every child can have a sleeping bag that features colorful pictures to show their own unique personality. There are also "big kid" sleeping bags for children who are over the age of seven.

While the sleeping bags sold at SensoryEdge are not made for "real" camping, they are great for camp outs in the back yard or even in the living room. It is so much fun for kids to have their whole family pile up in the living room for a "living room camp out" as they watch movies and eat popcorn. What a great way to bond with your kids! Long road trips can be made so much easier with a fun sleeping bag that is just for your child. The travel pillows that are included are also a life saver for parents. In the car, mom can drop some coloring books and crayons or other small toys in the bottom of the zipped sleeping bag and unzip it halfway. The child can sit on and cover with the upper half, but if they want their toys or crayons, they can simply reach into the bottom of the bag. It keeps everything within easy reach without having the child's activities scattered all over the car. This way, they are not tempted to undo their seat belt to retrieve a favorite toy or activity.

Sleeping bags make great gifts for kids. It is something personal that is just for them. They can have their back yard camping adventures, take it on sleepovers with friends, take it on road trips, have it when they visit Grandma or cuddle up with it while watching TV. On top of that, many of the bags at SensoryEdge are zippered so that they can be unzipped and lie flat on a bed, acting as a comforter. All of the sleeping bags at SensoryEdge are machine washable and most come with convenient storage bags. If you want to make that special child in your life light up with joy this holiday season, give them a gift that they can use all year long - and for years to come; give them their very own sleeping bag from SensoryEdge.

Alycia Shapiro is Vice President in charge of product development for SensoryEdge. She has advocated for special needs children in order to get the therapy services they need. Many parents either have difficulty getting the proper services or might not know these services are available. You can visit her websites to learn more about Kids Furniture, Educational Toys and Kids Sleeping Bags.

Backpacking Sleeping Bags - 4 Useful Tips To Purchase The Right One

As the modern-day equivalent of the old explorers, the backpacker will be exposed to all kinds of climatic conditions on many different types of terrain. He or she must be self-sufficient and prepared for the worst at all times. And preparedness starts before leaving home, with the selection of backpacking gear. Of particular importance is your backpacking sleeping bag. Not getting a good nights rest can lead to mistakes that can mean the difference between enjoying that view of the sunset from a mountain ridge and seeing that same sunset from a Search and Rescue helicopter.

1. The Backpacking Sleeping Bag - All Sleeping Bags Are Not Created Equal

Before choosing a sleeping bag, it can be helpful to know what some of the key differences are between the backpacking sleeping bag and other sleeping bags. The needs of a backpacker lead to special considerations that the backpacker must address:

The backpacking sleeping bag must be light. A typical backpacker will already be carrying food, extra clothing for rain or snow, fire-starting and cooking gear, flashlights, water bottles, first aid supplies and other survival gear, and any special equipment for traversing the terrain the backpacker will be in, such as ropes, pitons, etc. Adding a 25 pound sleeping bag to this load can make the weight unmanageable for someone not blessed with a Herculean physique.

It must be easy to store. The backpacking sleeping bag should roll into the smallest space possible, for easy stowage and maneuvering. A big, bulky sleeping bag tied to your back can be a major impediment when moving through difficult or heavily forested terrain.

The backpacking sleeping bag must adequately protect the backpacker from the elements. This is a more complicated issue to address and will be explored in more depth below.

2. Nature and You - Protecting Yourself from the Elements

Before you choose which sleeping bag to take with you on a given excursion, consider where you will be going. You wouldn't take the same backpacking sleeping bag with you on a trip to the Rocky Mountains as you would on a trip to the Louisiana bayou. Is the area you are going hot? Cold? Humid? Dry? Is it the rainy (or snowy) season there? What kind of temperature variations are there between day and night? A polyfill or synthetic type insulated sleeping bag will keep you warm better when it is wet than a down filled, but a down-filled bag will keep you warmer in frozen, windy environments. A simple nylon shell may work well in a warm, humid climate, but cold winds will cut right through it. Microfiber linings will work well when wet, and provide good wind protection, but can be heavy and costly. And of course, the amount of a given material the backpacking sleeping bag uses directly influences both weight and bulk.

3. One Size Does Not Fit All

Although it would be nice if you could choose one backpacking sleeping bag for all climes, this is just not possible. Using a light shell in the mountains will make you freeze all night, and using a down-filled backpacking sleeping bag on a warm beach somewhere will lead to a night of sweltering in your bag. Even within groups of bags appropriate to a given climate, what works well for one person may not work for someone else. Metabolic and circulatory differences between people lead to differing needs in their sleeping bag. Look at the sleeping bag's temperature ratings, they will give you an idea of the temperatures that a bag will keep you comfortable in. Also consider whether to purchase accessories such as hoods for minimizing heat loss through your head, or draft tubes to get rid of excess heat in the backpacking sleeping bag.

4. Final Words

After choosing a backpacking sleeping back that will work for you, also consider purchasing a liner for your sleeping bag. Using a liner will cut down on having to wash the entire sleeping bag. This will greatly extend the useful lifetime of your sleeping bag, since washing tends to make the insulating fill "clump", greatly reducing comfort and effectiveness. Choosing a good, quality backpacking sleeping bag and properly caring for it will allow years of backpacking enjoyment.

Abhishek is an avid Camping enthusiast and he has got some great Camping Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 84 Pages Ebook, "How To Have An Unforgettable Camping Vacation!" from his website http://www.Camping-Guru.com/768/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Sleeping Bags - An Important Part of Camping and Hiking

Introducing Sleeping Bags for Kids and Coleman Sleeping Bags for Kids

If you are planning to start hiking or camping, one thing is for certain. You will definitely need a good sleeping bag. There are many questions to ask yourself to determine which one will be just right for you.

What Sleeping Bag is Best for You?

Not all sleeping bags are created equal - nor would you want them to be! My son is an avid backpacker. He often goes out for days at a time with everything he needs on his back. Not only that, but he loves to camp in the winter with below freezing temperatures. Let's compare this to my own needs.

My idea of camping is driving up to a campground and getting my gear out of the trunk. And I only like to camp in the late spring and early fall.

What does this mean for our sleeping bag needs? For one, it means that I don't need one that is rated for cold weather. I also don't need one that is extremely light weight since I am only carrying it across the camp site.

Here are a few questions you will want to ask yourself:

In what kind of weather conditions will you be using your bag?

Is weight important?

Is a compact bag important?

How much money do you have?

The Three Main Decisions

When choosing your bag, there are three basic decisions that you need to make.

What kind of fill do you need?

What does the shell need to be made of?

What bag design suits your needs?

Fill Material

Down bags used to be considered the very best on the market. It is true - they tend to last a long time and are great for many types of camping. However, with the advent of synthetic fill, down may not be the best solution in every case.

If you live in or camp in wet or damp conditions, down simply does not work. Why? It will not keep you warm when wet. Synthetic fill, on the other hand, will. Several good synthetic fills include:

Lite loft

Primoloft

Polarguard

Hollofil

Microloft

Polyguard 3D

In addition to their warmth when wet, they are also easy to clean, resistant to mildew, and they dry fast!

Shell Materials

Once you have determined what you want your sleeping bag fill to be, you have to determine the material for the shell. Gore Tex was the "in" material for years. However, Gore-Tex does not breathe well. This means that if you sweat while in your bag, you will find that your bag gets damp and stays that way.

Good shell materials include:

Tight-weave nylon: Nowadays, nylon shells have a coating of durable water repellent (DWR). This offers both water resistance and wind resistance. If you need a more durable shell, you might want to consider getting the ripstop version.

Polyester: Polyester has the same qualities of nylon. It is both water repellent and wind resistant and comes in a ripstop variety. The big difference is in weight. If you are looking for a lightweight bag, you will probably want to avoid polyester because it is heavier than nylon.

Microfiber: Microfiber shells are even more water resistant than either nylon or polyester. They are also windproof, not just wind resistant. Additionally, microfiber shells are extremely lightweight.

Gore Dryloft: Gore Dryloft and no name brand dryloft substitutes are the most water resistant shell made. Additionally, it is the most breathable. It also happens to be the most expensive.

If your camping experiences are more similar to mine, you will not require your bag to withstand harsh conditions or cold climates. You will also not care about the weight. In this case, you can get away with the less expensive nylon or polyester shells. If, on the other hand, you are an avid camper and hiker and plan to take on something like the Appalachian Trail, you will wan tto consider the microfiber or Dryloft.

Types Of Bags

Mummy bags are "the" bag for those that want to backpack. They pack small. They are lightweight. They heat up quickly. The downside? They don't provide a lot of room, thus the name mummy bag. You truly crawl in and that is that. There is no space for rearranging!

A similar bag that provides a big more room is the semi-rectangular or modified mummy bag. The biggest difference between this bag and the mummy bag is the middle section. The head and feet are still tapered, but the middle provides much more room for moving about. If you are not quite as worried about space in your pack or you are not hiking in cold weather, this bag would probably suit you just fine.

The final type of bag is the old fashioned rectangular bag. They are typically bulky and heavy and do not heat up well. However, they have plenty of room. Although not a good bet for backpacking, they are perfectly suited for car camping.

Other Attributes to Look For

Once you have decided on the fill, the shell, and the style of bag, there are still a few things worth considering:

You will want a full side zipper. This allows you to let your feet out during warm weather camping.

You will want a double-sided zipper. If one zipper blows out, you will still be able to use your bag. This feature will keep your bag in use much longer.

You will want some kind of closure over the zipper at the top of the bag. There is nothing worse than having your bag unzip in the middle of the night!

Look for 700-800 fill power. Although a bit more expensive, it lasts much longer.

Cleaning Your Bag

Once you buy your bag, you will want to keep it in good shape. Cleaning it properly will help the longevity of your bag.

Wash infrequently. You can keep your bag clean enough to avoid washing by keeping debris out of your tent, and cleaning mud and dirt off your clothes as much as possible before climbing into the bag.

Follow the washing instructions. Washing and/or drying your bag incorrectly will cause it to wear out much faster.

Do not use a washing machine with a center agitator. Doing so will damage your bag.

Use mild powder to wash your bag. Using a liquid can damage your shell.

Do not use hot water.

Always wash on a gentle cycle.

Dry alone. Putting in other objects can damage the bag.

Tips When Using Your Bag

Making Your Sleeping Bag As Comfortable As Possible

There is no use pretending that sleeping in a sleeping bag on the cold, hard ground is going to be as comfortable as sleeping in your own bed. However, it does not have to be torture either. Here are a few tips to help you feel the most comfortable in your bag:

Don't leave your bag in the stuff sack until bedtime. Instead, just as soon as you pitch the tent, get out the sleeping bag and fluff it up.

Use a ground insulator, like closed cell foam, beneath your bag.

Never get into your bag with dirty clothes. Change into fresh, dry clothes before sleeping.

Ways to Keep Your Sleeping Bag Dry

No one likes a wet bed. Even those that are meant to keep you insulated even when wet are not as pleasant wet as dry. Here are some suggestions to keep your bag dry, even in foul weather.

Keep your bag in a waterproof stuff sack. If your bag didn't come with one, then buy one!

Line your stuff sack with a garbage bag for extra protection.

Keep your tent well ventilated. The air flowing through the tent will keep condensation from forming.

Keep your tent seams sealed so that they don't leak in the rain.

Use a plastic ground cloth under your tent.

Don't pack your bag when it's wet.

Camping, whether high adventure or car camping, is fun, especially when you have the right equipment. So, before you head out, be sure to investigate and then invest in the correct sleeping bag!

Teri B. Clark is a professional writer and published author offering writing help for professionals. Her book, Private Mortgage Investing, is a finalist in the Foreword Magazine's Book of the Year Award. Her book, 301 Things You Can Do To Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than You Thought, has just been released. Learn more about Teri at http://TeriBClark.com

How to Choose Sleeping Bags

Introducing Sleeping Bags for Kids and Disney Sleeping Bags for Kids

If you like hiking, mountain climbing, or just traveling and camping out, then sleeping bags come in very handy. Sleeping bags are comfortable readymade beds. Very easy to set up. You will just lay it and you are ready to use it. But note that not all sleeping bags are the same. You have to take in some considerations before choosing the best sleeping bags for you. How are you going to use it? You must first check your condition and needs.

For instance, just some of the things that you should be asking before buying sleeping bags are the weather, quality or material, the condition, shape and size, and weight and portability. Now let us consider the state wherein you will be using your sleeping bags.

The first to consider is the weather or climate. You should first ask yourself how cold or hot the weather will be during the time you will be using your sleeping bags. This is very important as it will determine how comfortable you are going to be in your sleeping bags. Is your sleeping bag good enough to keep you warm on a winter season? Consider getting sleeping bags that will work at the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. Secondly, considering the climate will affect the care you are giving sleeping bags. In particular, in a summer season, if your sleeping bag's insulation does not suit the weather, you may not be able to avoid overheating and excessive sweating, which will dampen and damage the fill of your sleeping bag. In this case, it is best to choose sleeping bags that are breathable.

Also, the best sleeping bags for summer are the ones' rated 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius (Yes, you should check the temperature rating). Otherwise, if it is still comfortable for you, you can just open up your sleeping bag like a blanket so it does not hold in much heat. Hence, you should prepare two sleeping bags according to your needs - one for winter the winter, and one for your summer trips. You also might want to pick advanced sleeping bags rather than standard for use in extreme weather conditions.

Next to consider is the quality or material of your sleeping bags. You must know that sleeping bags' temperatures depend on the type of insulating pads they are made with. A quality sleeping bag you are looking for may just depend on the padding. They work irrespective of the weather conditions outside. Foam core pads are warmer are thicker and warmer than air core pads. Closed cell foam pads add extra warmth - perfect for winter mountain campers. You can also choose from more insulated air mattress bags that are blown up, or those Thermarest style pads, also blown up but mouth-delivered only.

Also to consider is the wet or dry conditions. If you are backpacking on the northwest then expect wet conditions. Do not pick sleeping bags with down fill as it loses much of its insulating capability when wet. Choose light down sleeping bags only if you are traveling southwest where the conditions are desert dry. Choose those with synthetic fill for wet conditions.

Next is shape and size. Some people are claustrophobic and mummy sleeping bags are not advised. Best to go for semi-rectangular. A tight mummy bag is also much stricter with size - you must fit in perfectly with the hood closed for comfort. If you are too big then try a rectangular or semi-rectangular. As long as you are fit for comfort.

Lastly, you might want to consider portability, compactness - ease of carrying your sleeping bags. Your bags should not be greater than three pounds for carrying. Neither should it be too big according to your carrying capacity (Except if you are going winter camping with expected bigger winter bags). There are compression sacks for bulky bags but remember that this could damage the bag's filling in the long run and affect its insulation. The most compressible sleeping bags are down bags. You can fit them in a backpack.

So those are the things to note. There may be other considerations in choosing a sleeping bag. However, I hope these ones certainly help you narrow down your choices.

For more tips and information about sleeping bags, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/childrens-furniture-sleeping-bags.html

How to Buy Your First Sleeping Bag

Introducing Sleeping Bags for Kids and Disney Sleeping Bags for Kids

Like you, I love camping and there is nothing better than sleeping outside on a cool spring night. I started camping a few years ago and decided to make the investment and buy a tent, sleeping bag and all of the other amenities. When I started looking for a sleeping bag I was overwhelmed with the style and selection that were available. After some research I bought my first sleeping bag and I have been happy ever since. To save you some time, I have written down some tips that helped me make my first sleeping bag purchase.

To start, you have to decide on the temperature rating you want for your sleeping bag. Think about the approximate temperature when you will be camping or hiking. Generally, sleeping bags are rated as: 3-Season (+10 degrees to +32 degrees), winter (-10 and below), summer (+32 and higher) and cold weather (+10 to -10). And remember, it makes sense to choose a bag that is rated a little bit lower than you will need. A lower rated sleeping bag will keep you warm if the temperature really drops down on a cold night. Plus, you can always unzip the bag if you need to cool off.

Second, you have to choose the insulation that makes sense for your needs. The two types of insulation that are available include down or synthetic. The biggest advantage for down sleeping bags is that they are typically very light and goose down is an excellent insulator. The biggest problem with a down sleeping Bag is that if it gets wet, it will take forever to dry and it will lose its insulating benefits. On the flip side, synthetic sleeping bags can get wet because they can dry quickly. In addition, synthetic sleeping bags are typically less expensive than down sleeping bags. The only real problem with synthetic sleeping bags is that they will be typically heavier than a down sleeping bag.

The last part of the equation is choosing the shape of the sleeping bag. You will see that most sleeping bags are designed in a "Mummy" form. These bags are optimized to keep you the warmest since they are narrow and your body heat will be conserved efficiently. Plus, the "Mummy" shape can pack up pretty small since they are designed with less material. However, these bags can be a little snug and if you are claustrophobic you might be more interested in a rectangular bag. The rectangular bag will take up more space and will be a little bit heavier, but it will give you more space. Lastly, there are also sleeping bags specifically designed for women. These bags are typically shorter in length and are wider in the hip area.

Again, just take your time and do the research before you buy your first sleeping bag . There are plenty of great websites out there that can help you start your search. One website, SleepingBagDeal.com finds and posts deals on down and synthetic sleeping bags. Plus, they find information about sleeping bag brands and styles that are recommended for your outdoor camping or hiking trip. They are good site to start your search.

Frank McGoldrick is a free lance writer who loves the outdoors. Looking for more information about sleeping brands and styles? Find deals on down and synthetic sleeping bags at SleepingBagDeal.com

Camping Sleeping Bags - How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag For You?

Introducing Sleeping Bags for Kids and Slumberjack Sleeping Bags for Kids

Camping used to be about bulky sleeping bags. Other times, when you are really lucky, you do not have any sleeping bags to sleep on at all because you ended up carrying heaps of other things and sleeping bags are just not a priority (thinking that you can just find a nice person to share with). For many people, camping before means being at a state wherein you are uncomfortable. But now, gone are those days! Camping nowadays means feeling just like home with the best sleeping bag with you.

As camping sleeping bags vary in shapes and sizes, it is a must that you know what sleeping bag in the market suits you best. Here are my strongest suggestions on how you can choose the best sleeping bag that can make you feel just like home:

a. There is a common type of camping sleeping bag called the Mummy Bag. If you are situated in a place or country with colder temperature and you are after the warmth of your sleeping bag, you better go and look for this type of sleeping bag. A Mummy Bag is made to confine warm air on your head as it provides a hood ensuring that heat will not escape even from your head. It takes off human body shape that is why it surely maintains heat better than those other shapes of sleeping bags. As the name suggest, it really feels like you have your Mum around wrapping you with her warm embrace all through the cold shivering night.

b. If you are living or camping in a place with warm weather, you must go for Rectangular type of camping sleeping bags. Although this is not specifically designed to trap heat as good as a Mummy Bag, this bag is roomier and absorbs more body heat to warm. Other things must be considered for this sleeping bag to perform at its best such as its fabric, construction, and fill.

c. Now that you have just enough appreciation of the two most common types of sleeping bags available in the market and you find yourself in a dilemma as to which one is better, check this out: You do not need to choose at all! If you want the warmth of a Mummy Sleeping Bag at the same time the softness and coziness of a Rectangular Sleeping Bag, producers can modify their versions of sleeping bags giving you the best sleeping bag ever!

I understand that you have to be aware of other accessories that you can suggest to the producers of camping sleeping bags that is why, for your convenience, I have listed down these things that you may want to add to your personally-modified and very unique sleeping bag. Here are your options:

1.Zippers - The main purpose of zippers is to permit ventilation. You can actually have a Two-way Zippers if you wish to so that you can unzip the other one to let ventilation of cooler air through the sleeping bag from your foot or head without having to unzip it especially on summer nights.

2.Hoods - A special part of Mummy Bags, hoods are your most effective option if you want to trap heat from your head keeping you warm from head to toe all through the night.

3.Multi sectioned Hoods - Compared to just hoods, multi sectioned is made from multiple panels. This fits your head better with less chance to compact insulation.

4.Chest Baffles - The use of this accessory, from the name itself, is to provide a barrier at the top of your chest to help you keep warm as it traps warm air from breaking out at the same time preventing cold air from coming in.

5.Foot Boxes - This is designed to keep your feet and toes warm. Also found in majority of Mummy bags, you can lay your foot naturally as it traps warmer air without reducing insulation.

6.Round and flat pull cords - Part of Hoods in Mummy Bags, these cords are ideal if you want to fine-tune your sleeping bag in the middle of the night.

7.Ground level seams - These are found on the side of your sleeping bag which are vulnerable to exposure specifically during windy conditions. The only way to minimize your risk of exposure is to have well insulated ground pads.

8.Ground Pads - Commonly known as sleeping pads, this accessory makes you feel warmer against the ground surface area as well as the ground level seams.

9.Staggered Seam - Also called as off set seams, this is another type of accessory that confines heat and blocks air from breaking in your sleeping bag.

10.Zip together compatibility - This is an amazing accessory if you want to sleep and be zipped together with another person. Most rectangular camping sleeping bags zip together but for Mummy Bags, you need to have this accessory to be compatible enough to zip with other sleeping bags.

11.Insulating and/or wind stop baffle behind the zipper - Simply known as Zipper Draft Tube, this option helps keep warm air inside your bag and cool air outside through the zipper of your bag.

12.Wallet and flashlight pockets - If you want your wallet and flashlights to be secured and close to you even when you are sleeping, you may want to look for these accessories.

With all these information already available to you, I hope that in your quest in looking for the perfect camping sleeping bag, you will find both enjoyment and excitement as you are just one step away from your wonderful time at the camp with your best sleeping bag with you! Definitely no need to worry because whatever the activities at the camp the following morning, you will surely make it because you are assured of your good night sleep that will keep you going all day, all night.

For more tips and information about sleeping bags, check out http://www.summitcampinggear.com/coslba.html.

How to Choose a Sleeping Bag

Introducing Sleeping Bags for Kids and Coleman Sleeping Bags for Kids

A sleeping bag is probably the second most important item you need to purchase after your tent. Sleeping bags can be one of many types; depending on personal preference and outside temperature. The shape, size, room to move, and feel of the fabric should be sampled, just like you would try a mattress for your bed at home.

Weather conditions can also determine what type of bag you'll need, if any. In warm, dry conditions, you might only need a lightweight 'bed-roll' or fleece bag. At other times, the cool night air will indicate a need for a warmer bag or combination of warm clothes and warm bag.

Style and Shape

Unless your camping entails alot of long term backpacking, where weight plays a large part in determining the shape and weight of your bag, you can choose whatever style of sleeping bag you like. Most manufacturers offer two basic shapes, rectangular and mummy, along with a few modifications to each style.

The most common sleeping bag is a rectangular bag, which has been around the longest. It's a roomy and comfortable inside, with ample foot room. Because of its shape, it can be unzipped and used as a comforter on warm nights. Some rectangular bags can be opened and zipped together to make a double size bag - great for very young kids and especially good for parents!

The more modern, mummy style sleeping bag is meant to wrap tightly around the sleeper, so it will generate the maximum amount of warmth while using substantially less material. If you do a lot of camping in cold weather, in 40 degree or lower temperatures, you should consider purchasing a mummy bag. This heating efficiency will also keep the bag's weight to a minimum, making this the optimal bag to use when backpacking. Keep in mind, though, that not everyone likes the constricted feel of a mummy bag, so you should definitely try it out before committing to purchase one.

Variations on the mummy include the "barrel" shape, a mummy bag with added space in the middle. This is a great choice if you prefer the mummy bag's warmth, but desire a little space for comfort. There are also mummy bags that have draw string tops to pull in the opening to help keep in your warmth, and modified mummies with slightly larger top openings.

Size

All styles of bags can usually be purchased in three lengths: junior or child, standard and extra long. The juniors are for small children. If weight is not important, I suggest you get a standard length for your child. The bag will be a trusted piece of equipment for longer that way, and the junior size bag can be outgrown quickly, depending on the child.

The extra long size is usually advertised for those over six feet tall. In some cases, the extra length might be appreciated by shorter people who crave the extra roominess. It just depends on what makes you most comfortable.

Another dimension of great importance is the girth. Girth is the interior space of the bag, as measured around the sleeper's waist area. As I mentioned above, mummy bags have the smallest girth, and rectangular the largest.

Temperature Rating

Temperature ratings are often advertised by manufacturers - 0 degrees, 20 degrees, 40 degrees, etc. Consider these ratings as a guideline only. Your body may sleep warmer or cooler than another person. These guidelines seem to assume that you will be wearing warm clothing too (I actually recommend sleeping with as few clothes as possible, if not completely stripped - it tends to keep you warmer since your sweat will not absorb into your clothes but wick through a good bag and evaporate). If you are a neophyte camper you will most likely be able to use any bag rated for summer temperatures, since you will most likely be camping during warmer times of year.

There are several ways to make a bag warmer. One common method is to include a "liner" bag. These bags are placed inside the bag, similar to adding an extra blanket to your bed. These bags are available ready made, or you can make one at home by attaching a blanket to your bag with safety pins. If you want to carry the extra weight, you can also throw a blanket over you as you sleep, rather than put it inside. If necessary in frigid conditions, two summer bags can be placed one inside the other.

It's extremely easy to make a lightweight sleeping bag warmer, so start with a warm weather bag with a 40 degree rating or warmer depending on your location.

Insulation Materials

Good quality sleeping bags [http://www.birdseyeoutdoorsupply.com/sleeping_bags.html] used to depend on prime goose down for insulation. Down is still used in the highly specialized mountaineering bags where extreme dry cold and a need for lightweight equipment are the primary concerns. However, the cost of down and the difficulty laundering it make it an impractical choice for most average campers.

Modern synthetic fibers have been developed which have reliably replaced down as a great source of warmth for sleeping bags. Synthetics cost less, are easily washable, and can hold their warmth as good or better than down, especially when conditions are wet or snowy. For most family camping, any of the synthetic fills will be sufficient.

Zippers and Collars

You should make sure the bags have a good quality zipper; one that will not pinch or catch on the fabric when attempting to zip it up. It should have two zipper pulls to allow for inside or outside zipper operation. If you plan on connecting two similar bags together to make a double sleeping bag, make sure the zippers are compatible.

Other Options

Choosing a sleeping bag is quite easy. In fact, you might not need a sleeping bag at all! Plenty of campers started and continue with a bedroll. You can make your own bedroll by taking sheets and blankets and making up a bed just like home. Add more blankets or a comforter for cooler weather. A bedroll will work best, for comfort, if you have an air mattress [http://www.birdseyeoutdoorsupply.com/air_mattresses.html] to place your bedroll on.

Steve Velky shares his knowledge and tips on camping, backpacking and other outdoor information. You can see his website by visiting Birdseye Outdoor Supply