http://www.cleverscampcamp.com/camping-bag/
Selecting a sleeping bag for camping 10 points!?
Looking for a good all around camping bag to be used in 0-60 degree weather that will fit easily into a backpack or XL military duffle.I don’t have much money to spend.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Everest-Mummy-5F-15C-Degree-Sleeping-Bag/2581360
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-3-Pound-Sleeping-Bag/8812039
Witch one would you prefer or have in mind other than these two?
10 Points to best answer! Thanks
No bag will do well over a 0 – 60 degree range. I would recommend two bags to cover that much range. A better solution would be just do not go camping in very cold weather. I would not recommend a Walmart bag for below 40 degree camping.
I personnally had two SlumberJack brand bags one rated at 15 degrees and another at 40 degrees. I camped in 5 degree farenheit weather by putting the 40 degree bag on top of the 15 degree bag. In very cold weather below 32 you will need an insulating foam pad under you. In the summer I used just the 40 degree bag. I also bought an REI zero degree bag for my wife.
Often the sleeping bag is attached to the outside of a backpack. If you have space limits you may want to go to a store and see the bag. A bag rate to 15 degrees is bulky. The most compressable are down. They however, are very expensive.
Check rei.com and campmoor.com on the web. Both are very good companies with good gear.
In general a mummy bag will keep you warmer by having less space to keep warm. Quality low temperature bags also have draft tubes around zippers to keep out cold air. After draft tubes the next step up is a draft collar around your head or shoulders. You see this on bags rated for zero degrees.
Another thing to check is the EN rating it is a standard of sleeping bag temperature rating. It has been adopted by REI and some other manufactures. With it you can compare one brand to another for teperature rating. Check REI site for how to pick a bag.
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/sleeping+bag+backpacking.html
If you go too low on price you may have a long, cold, sleepless night. Check out a good bag and see the temperature rating. Check, to see how thick it is. Check what is the material. Check the bag for draft tubes along the zippers. Then compare it to the Walmart bag. For summer camping it will not matter. For Spring and Fall and Winter camping quality makes a huge difference.
Enjoy your camping.
Camping sleeping bags basics