What Tourists Need to Know About Sleeping Bags in the Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Preparing for a hike in the Tian Shan mountains

A trip out of town for the weekend, a multi-day hike, or a challenging expedition into the mountains—wherever you plan to go, you need to think about organizing your overnight stay.

Along with comfortable hiking shoes, a backpack, and a tent, a sleeping bag is one of the items that determines the quality of your outdoor experience and, importantly, its safety.

Together with hiking clothes, a sleeping bag helps prevent hypothermia for the tourist at the campsite, allowing them to rest and recover fully after a challenging day of hiking.

A sleeping bag retains your warmth while you sleep, and the right choice can affect not just the quality of your rest and recovery overnight, but also your health.

The choice of sleeping bag is especially critical in multi-day hikes that take place in challenging weather conditions. The development of modern technologies has led to the emergence of very convenient hiking gear, allowing even inexperienced and unseasoned tourists to embark on journeys in almost any weather and time of year. Sleeping bags are no exception.

Let’s figure out how not to get lost in the variety of sleeping bag models.

To choose the right sleeping bag, first clearly answer the questions regarding the requirements the model should meet and the conditions in which it will be used. What time of year are you going on your trip, how long will it last, what weather conditions do you expect, will it be a hiking trip, a water rafting adventure, or a climbing ascent, how sensitive are you to low temperatures, etc.

Ultimately, choosing a sleeping bag is about finding a compromise between insulation properties, weight, and compactness when packed (it's not very fun to carry extra kilograms during a multi-day hike or while climbing) and the cost of the product.

The history of sleeping bags

People have been using sleeping bags for quite a long time, especially for travel in cold weather or in the North. For a very long time, all sleeping bags were made from natural materials—thin tarpaulin, fur, wool, batting. It’s no surprise that such products were warm but extremely heavy and bulky. Over time, polar explorers began using down as insulation, which significantly reduced the overall weight of sleeping bags, but the use of cotton and hemp fabrics and the lack of reliable zippers still left many opportunities for improvement. Nevertheless, it was sleeping bags, along with other inventions, that helped brave travelers and tourists of the past to undertake remarkable hikes and even make geographical discoveries.

With the advent of modern synthetic materials and the ability to combine them with natural components, the sleeping bag market underwent a revolution. There has long been a huge variety of different designs to suit every taste and budget, from which everyone can choose the right option.

Types of sleeping bags

In general, sleeping bags can be divided into camping, trekking, and expedition types.

Camping sleeping bags

Camping does not imply that you will carry your gear on your back; at most, you will carry it from the trunk of your car to the campsite. Camping sleeping bags are the most comfortable and convenient but also the heaviest and bulkiest. In such a sleeping bag, you will feel almost at home.

Trekking sleeping bags

For example, a sleeping bag for a multi-day hike. In this case, you carry all your gear on your back in a backpack. Trekking sleeping bags will have less weight and volume than camping ones at the same temperature ratings. Their task is to allow you to sleep well and recover for the next hiking day.

Expedition sleeping bags

Expedition sleeping bags are designed for use in harsh conditions: cold, snow, wind. For example, in a winter hiking trip or during a high-altitude ascent.

Types of sleeping bags. Geometry. Construction

Blanket sleeping bag

The most versatile design. It allows you to fully open the sleeping bag with a long zipper (or a combination of several zippers), turning it into a large comfortable blanket. Most of these designs have a clear, simple rectangular shape, but there are models with a more complex (and practical) conical shape that narrows towards the feet. It is generally believed that this type of design is more suitable for casual tourism, weekend hikes, and primarily for use in warm conditions. This is primarily due to the fact that most "supermarket" options are made according to this scheme.

It should be noted that similar designs, but implemented at a different level, are also available from serious manufacturers. Such sleeping bags are often used in "serious" hikes.

Advantages:
• in warm weather, it can be used as a blanket for two or three;
• easy to dry a wet sleeping bag;
• the possibility of taking two sleeping bags for three people, saving on weight, size, and cost in warm weather;
• at home (at the dacha), you can stuff it into a duvet cover and use it regularly (to provide to guests for overnight stays);
• in warm weather, when opened, it can be used as a mat for several people during meals, sunbathing, etc.

Disadvantages:
• greater weight;
• lower reliability (damage to the zipper can put you in a difficult situation); the zipper is very long (except for models with two zippers) and therefore less reliable;
• additional heat loss in the zipper area;
• when compared to other designs with similar technological saturation, it is more expensive.

The most common type of trekking sleeping bag. Characterized by an "anatomical" shape—wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet. In the best models, the bottom of the sleeping bag follows the shape of the legs. Usually equipped with a hood of varying complexity and a special thermal collar to prevent heat loss. The length of the zipper varies in different models—from "almost to the bottom" to "just enough to get in." Sometimes the zipper is completely absent; such bags are commonly referred to as "mummies." The longer the zipper, the more convenient it is to use the bag—getting in and out, drying it. But this adds weight to the bag and increases its cost (especially for down models).

A bag with a long side zipper can be opened from the bottom for ventilation in warm weather, and importantly, two such bags with left/right zippers can be zipped together. Moreover, the bags do not necessarily have to be from the same brand. In my experience, there have been successful multiple zippings of bags from completely different brands and even zipper types. The main thing is to try to zip different bags together with great care!

A bag with a short zipper or without one will not provide the user with such an opportunity. This is a choice for minimalists-individualists)).

Advantages:
• convenient and cozy to sleep in;
• maximally warm;
• minimum excess material and details;
• huge selection.

Disadvantages:
• important to fit to height;
• not as comfortable with a short zipper;
• inconvenient as a blanket.

"Elephant's foot"

A short sleeping bag, often not equipped with a zipper. Typically covers the legs and ends at the waist, less often reaching the armpits. In it, people usually sleep in a down jacket. Invented by climbers, for whom every gram of weight and cubic centimeter of volume is precious during ascents. Such bags often use down insulation as it is the lightest. The logic is simple and impeccable—if you are already taking a down jacket with you, why not use it? Of course, this type of bag is not suitable for everyone. It's no wonder that not all companies produce them serially; mainly, such bags are made to order, as height and sizes vary among individuals. But if you need an ultra-compact bag for short-term extreme situations—consider this option.

Quilt

Still a relatively uncommon (especially for us) type of sleeping bag. More well-known across the ocean, in the USA. In our stores, you can most often find models from the American company Therm-a-rest, better known for its cool and expensive mats. So, a quilt is a sleeping bag integrated into one system with your mat. The idea is simple and obvious—the sleeping bag around the mat gets compressed and does not provide warmth; in that area, the mat provides warmth. So why have a sleeping bag in that area? In a quilt, there is a "hole" in that area, the mat is inserted into the sleeping bag and secured in a certain way. If you turn over at night, you do so inside the sleeping bag, which remains in one position. The user enters the sleeping bag through this bottom opening, secures the mat, and sleeps. There are no zippers here.

As a result, we have the following advantages:
• minimal weight and volume of the sleeping bag;
• no zipper—there's practically nothing to break;
• technological and low price;
• module, systematic construction;
• purchasing such a sleeping bag will inevitably require you to buy a cool mat—light and warm.

Disadvantages:
• no possibility to zip together;
• forget about your favorite "Izhevsk" mat;
• you will have to buy an inflatable or self-inflating mat, which not everyone likes;
• until you get used to it, you may experience discomfort while using it;
• in a critical situation, it will be difficult to get out quickly!
• not always convenient to free a hand outside (not everyone agrees with this point—it’s a matter of habit);
• limited selection in our stores.

Multi-person sleeping bags

Currently, they are rarely used by regular tourists. An exception is two zipped together sleeping bags, where 2-3 people can sleep. Nevertheless, in some conditions, multi-person sleeping bags are very appropriate, as they have relatively less weight and size per person, allowing for quicker warming. Such bags are most often used by cavers in underground camps and ski tourists during long hikes in very low temperatures.

MATERIALS

If the sleeping bag will be used in fairly serious hikes, it is necessary, in my opinion, to adhere to the main principle for all layers of the sleeping bag—only synthetic! The days when it was recommended to buy bags with an inner layer made of cotton fabric because it feels nicer against the skin are long gone. Now there are many synthetic materials that feel just as nice as cotton, and they are also anti-static. But this material dries many times faster.

This is extremely important, as a dry sleeping bag, especially in the middle, is a necessary condition for good sleep. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you can simply use a cotton liner. It is much easier to dry separately. In most cases, tourists sleep in the bag wearing clothes, so the tactile properties of the material take a back seat.

The materials of the sleeping bag should be lightweight and durable at the same time. Of course, the price will depend on these materials. Fortunately for us, there are already a large number of budget-friendly fabrics that are well-suited for sewing sleeping bags. Therefore, it is now quite possible to purchase a good quality sleeping bag with synthetic insulation for 3+ seasons for $100-150. As with other types of gear, it is important to see a certain line in sleeping bags, beyond which the balance of the product's cost and its working qualities becomes skewed, and for every additional gram, degree, cubic centimeter of volume, you will pay significantly more. Such maxi products are for perfectionists willing to invest huge sums into their gear just to have the best. Very often, this top-notch gear hardly leaves the owner's closet. When selecting gear, you must determine where your balance lies at the intersection of "price – consumer properties."

Insulation

Many discussions have been had about insulation for sleeping bags, especially which synthetic substitutes for down are currently the best. I think we should leave these discussions to those with nothing better to do and just choose a sleeping bag and go on a trip. Nothing perfect will ever be found. But I simply suggest considering the term "down substitute." It is used so often for a reason. Because it is impossible to beat nature in the aggregate of the main characteristics important for insulation! Down is still the best insulation.

That is, it is:
• the warmest (per unit weight);
• has excellent compression (compresses well);
• decompression (recovers well after compression);
• durable (retains its properties for many years)…

Moreover, sleeping in a down sleeping bag is simply very pleasant in terms of overall sensations, although this is very subjective. BUT! Down does not like moisture, and for this reason, many tourists dislike it. However, most of these tourists have not really used it. There are many ways to protect your bag from moisture. A good tent, footprint, mat, bivy bag if necessary, and simply knowing the basic rules for using bags reduce such risks.

My subjective opinion: if you have the financial means, in most cases, a quality down sleeping bag is preferable. I do not recommend using down in:
• hot humid climates;
• in very rainy places, under conditions of high humidity (more than a few days);
• in hikes, expeditions, ascents with more than ten overnight stays if there is no opportunity to regularly dry the down.

At the same time, the down must be really very good and high quality (unfortunately, this means—expensive).

Read more about the quality of down in my article on the outer layer of clothing for hiking.

Synthetic insulations. There are many, with several commonly encountered types—Micro-loft, Primaloft, Hollowfiber-1, Thermoloft-6, Quallofil, Thinsulate, PolarGuard 3D, etc. Manufacturers often claim that their insulation is the best on the market. As a rule, this is not true when discussing the aggregate of the main qualities. Usually, one material wins on one criterion, another on another. As a result, a certain parity is observed.

The main qualities of a good synthetic insulation are the presence of hollow channels in the fiber, silicone coating of the fibers, and their small diameter. The ability to recover after compression and durability are also important. A huge advantage of synthetic materials compared to down is their indifference to moisture—they do not absorb it, meaning they dry quickly and can provide warmth even when damp. Another significant advantage is the considerably lower cost. I suggest you not to "overthink" when choosing the type of synthetic insulation, but rather to focus on the main characteristics of the sleeping bag.

Main characteristics of a sleeping bag:
1. Weight. This is clear— the lighter, the better at the same thermal protection characteristics.

2. Comfort. Get into the bag, lie down, and roll around. It should be comfortable for you—everyone has individual body shapes and proportions. Think about which side the zipper should be on. Tighten the hood. The bag should be the right size—not too big and not too small.

3. Packed size. Again—the smaller, the better.

4. Temperature rating. It should be adequate to the conditions of use. They say that it’s hot—not cold, but a sleeping bag that is too warm can also cause discomfort. Maybe you shouldn’t drag your favorite winter sleeping bag on a summer hike in Montenegro. Nowadays, most bags are tested according to standardized methods. After testing, a pictogram illustrating its temperature rating is placed on the sleeping bag and its cover. Don’t even look at the extreme temperature; you need the comfort temperature! Even that is quite conditional. It is now customary to specify separate temperatures for women and men, as women are generally more heat-sensitive. Depending on the comfortable usage temperature, sleeping bags are typically divided into summer, three-season, and winter categories. But this division is very conditional. Winter in Siberia is at least -35, while in the mountains of Morocco on New Year's it is no more than -5. The most universal, as many tourists' experiences show, are sleeping bags rated for a comfortable temperature of -1 to -6 degrees Celsius. They are warm enough for most conditions but still compact and lightweight.

There are several tricks to expand the capabilities of your sleeping bag.

Liner. Besides allowing you to wash the sleeping bag less often, it increases the comfort temperature. A fleece liner raises it by 3-4 degrees.

In hot weather, the liner can be used as a lightweight sleeping bag, which is very convenient.

Bivy bag. Unjustly overlooked by many tourists. It protects the sleeping bag from moisture, weighs very little (from 200 grams), and can raise the comfort temperature by as much as five degrees.

A bivy bag will also serve you well during overnight stays without a tent.

Nesting. Put a thin summer sleeping bag inside your three-season bag and get a winter option—not as convenient and lightweight, but how often do you go winter camping with a tent?

Warmers. There are many options—from body stickers to devices that run on purified gasoline and resemble a plump lighter. There are also battery-operated warmers. As a last resort, to warm up, heat water on a stove, pour it into a flask, and place it in the bag. All these devices can increase the comfort temperature of your sleeping bag if other means run out.

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO

RipStop. A "net" fabric weave made from reinforced threads integrated into regular fabric. Increases the strength of the fabric and prevents holes from enlarging. Useful for sleeping bags. Essential for down sleeping bags.

Hardware. The reliability of the sleeping bag primarily depends on the reliability of the zipper. Zippers from well-known manufacturers are desirable, preferably the well-known YKK. The zipper should be two-way, which will allow you to unzip the bag from the bottom for ventilation in warm weather.

Small items pocket. Most sleeping bags are equipped with an internal "small items" pocket—make sure that it is not just a "tick box" but genuinely convenient to use.

Anti-slip bumps. Synthetic bags have one unpleasant property—they slide well on mats and tent floors. Since the sleeping area is rarely perfectly flat, you may slide or roll off, which is very inconvenient. It’s good when the sleeping bag has a non-slip coating on the bottom. Unfortunately, this is still a rarity, especially in budget models. Quilts are partially free from this disadvantage.

Membrane. The upper layer of some sleeping bags is made from membrane fabric. In other cases, those parts of the bag that are exposed to more moisture (primarily the lower part, around the feet) are made water-resistant. Such solutions have advantages over regular sleeping bags. Partially, the membrane replaces the bivy bag. Especially important for products with natural insulation (down).

Patch. If there is a hole in your down sleeping bag—patch it with fabric tape. This will prevent down leakage.

A good patch can last a season.

Washing. Most bags with synthetic filling can be safely washed in a machine on the "synthetic, gentle wash" setting with good detergent at 40 degrees and minimal spin.

Down bags should ideally be washed as infrequently as possible; use liners for this. If you decide to wash it—do so by hand in cold water with a special detergent. Don’t skimp on the detergent; the bag is much more expensive.

If washing in a machine, use several tennis balls along with the bag. This will help reduce clumping of the down and decrease drying time. Do not use the spin cycle! Just let the water drain and dry the sleeping bag at room temperature.

How to choose the size of a sleeping bag

Most brands use standard sizing based on a person's height:
• Regular. For heights up to 180 cm.
• Long. For heights up to 198 cm.

Some manufacturers also produce sleeping bags for heights up to 205 cm, designed for tall or large people, as well as those who need more freedom for comfortable sleeping.

There are also specific sizes for women's models:
• WRegular. For heights up to 170 cm.
• WLong. For heights up to 180 cm.

The manufacturer may also simply indicate the overall length of the sleeping bag; for example, this is how the company Sivera does it. In a size indicated as 185x73x46, 186 is the total external length of the sleeping bag including the hood, 73 is the maximum width of the sleeping bag (in the chest and shoulder area), and 46 is the width at the feet.

It’s advisable to choose a sleeping bag with a margin. For example, if your height is 180 cm or close to it, choose Long, especially if it concerns low temperatures. If the sleeping bag is too tight, your feet may get cold (and they start to freeze first); moreover, you won’t be able to wrap yourself in the sleeping bag with your head covered.

There are several recommendations for choosing size. When selecting a summer sleeping bag, add a margin of 15-20 cm to your height. When choosing a three-season sleeping bag (autumn, winter, spring), add 30 cm. For expedition sleeping bags, this number can be even larger, because, firstly, you need to consider the thickness of the insulation, and secondly, there is a chance that you will be sleeping in the sleeping bag in outer clothing and even shoes, which requires additional space. Additionally, in a winter hike or ascent, a larger size will allow you not only to sleep in outer clothing but also to hide a flashlight, liners, clothes, and other items that need to be kept dry and warm inside the sleeping bag.

If you are buying a sleeping bag in a store rather than online, don’t hesitate to "try on" the gear: get into the sleeping bag and make sure it fits you in both length and width, and that you are comfortable not only lying inside it but also rolling over and changing positions.