After a long day’s hike a soft warm bed is one’s big reward.  You should be considering the most comfortable sleeping bags for your camping holiday this summer, down sleeping bags.

What are Down Sleeping Bags and What are They Used For

Down sleeping bags are filled with real down feathers.  There are three types of down – goose down, duck down, and hi-loft down.  For those going on expeditions, the hi-loft down provides more insulation and is lightest.  For regular camping activities, the goose down and duck down are highly recommended.

Duck down is less expensive but efficient in trapping a layer of air which is warmed by your body heat.  Finer goose down provides more insulation than the regular duck down sleeping bag.  For maximum warmth, there’s the hi-loft down, made from finer goose down.

Campers prefer the mummy shaped down sleeping bag although these do not provide extra room for maneuvering. The modified mummy gives more room but still has the tapered bottom.  The roomier rectangular bags provide less warmth but are still the number one choice for family camping.  These come in hoods, baffled collars, hanging loops, and zippered foot to allow ventilation for those warm nights.

The Advantages / Disadvantages

Down sleeping bags beat the synthetic version in many ways.  These are lighter, have better drape function, and can be compressed for ease of packing. Although down filled sleeping bags are more expensive, it is longer lasting, giving you more value for your money.

But as down would go, once wet it takes time to dry. But you can keep protect it in water resistant packing to prevent moisture from seeping into the sleeping bag and spoiling the down filling.

Different Types / Styles / Brands

There are three types of down – goose down, duck down, and hi-loft down.  For those going on expeditions, the hi-loft down provides more insulation and is lightest.  For regular camping activities, the goose down and duck down are highly recommended.

Duck down is less expensive but efficient in trapping a layer of air which is warmed by your body heat.  Finer goose down provides more insulation than the regular duck down sleeping bag.  For maximum warmth, there’s the hi-loft down, made from finer goose down.

As to style, campers prefer the mummy shaped down sleeping bag although these do not provide extra room for maneuvering. The modified mummy gives more room but still has the tapered bottom.  The roomier rectangular bags provide less warmth but are still the number one choice for family camping.  These come in hoods, baffled collars, hanging loops, and zippered foot to allow ventilation.

Among the popular brands are Coleman, Sierra, Malmot, Alps Mountaineering, Caribou Mountaineering, Kelty, and North Face.  These can be bought from a variety of sports equipments stores but you can always shop for your down sleeping bag online from brand name websites.

Where to Buy

These can be bought from a variety of sports equipments stores but you can always shop for your down sleeping bag online from brand name websites.  Visiting brick-and-mortar shops is an advantage because you get first-hand feel of the sleeping bags.

Down sleeping bags offer better sleeping comfort, are lightweight, and longer lasting although a bit pricey;  but why stint on comfort if you want to have the best camping experience this summer?