Down Sleeping Bags » sleeping bag http://down-sleeping-bags.org Browse through the discount down sleeping bags Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:26:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Camping Tips for the Beginner http://down-sleeping-bags.org/camping-tips-beginner/ http://down-sleeping-bags.org/camping-tips-beginner/#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:48:25 +0000 admin http://down-sleeping-bags.org/?p=201
  • The Importance Of Making A Checklist Of Camping Supplies
  • Do You Know What You Need For Your Camping Trip?
  • Camping Tips – Choosing the Right Camping Gear
    • ]]>     So you are ready to go off camping, have you forgotten a vital piece of your kit? You need to pre-plan for a successful and enjoyable camping expedition and it is important that you make a checklist of things that you will need with you.

    There is no definitive checklist for camping holidays, however, here is an example of a checklist for camping that covers most of the basic essentials you will need and it will allow you to get to know the kinds of items you may need.

    If you are a beginner to camping you will discover things once your are at your location that you wish you had brought, this is normal, make sure you include them next time.

    Sleeping Quarters

    • A groundsheet
    • A hammer/mallet
    • A flysheet if required (especially in high summer)
    • Roll mats/pads to sleep on
    • Air bed
    • Your Tent including all pegs, stakes, guy ropes

    Cooking Equipment

    Thermos flask
    Kitchen foil, kitchen tissue, cling film, napkins
    Dishcloths and tea towels
    Bottled gas, wood or charcoal for cooking
    Matches and/or lighter (matches can get wet)
    Cooling box
    Pots, pans, plates, cups, cutlery, glasses
    Cooking utensils, e.g. ladle, tongs, large spoon, fork
    Tin opener, corkscrew, bottle opener
    Food storage containers

    Personal Hygiene

    Soap and shampoo
    Towels
    Toilet paper
    Wet wipes
    Anti-bacterial soap

    Clothes

    Warm clothes
    Waterproofs
    Boots/walking shoes
    Sun hat
    Woollen hat

    First Aid

    First aid kit
    Sun cream
    Plasters/bandages
    Paracetamol or some other kind of pain relief
    Make sure you include your prescribed medication

    Miscellaneous

    Safety pins
    Duct tape
    Spare rope, spare tarp
    Map and compass
    Torch
    Binoculars
    Toys, books, games, Ipod, radio
    Spare batteries
    Backpack
    Miscellaneous tools e.g. screwdriver, scissors and tweezers

    Camping with the Children

    If you are going camping with your children for the first time, you may be interested in the following:

    Plan the camping trip together with the kids
    Decide on places to go before you leave - consider interests, outdoor experience with reference to the children's ages.
    When and where to shop for your meals

    Try a campout in your own backyard before you go for the first time
    Teach the kids how to put up and use a tent
    Experience a night outdoors in sleeping bags
    Show them the constellations on a clear night
    Listen to the many night sounds
    Teach them about safety
    Go on a flashlight walk

    If you require more information on camping holidays, caravanning, RV’s, then visit our FORUM

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    Related posts:

    1. The Importance Of Making A Checklist Of Camping Supplies
    2. Do You Know What You Need For Your Camping Trip?
    3. Camping Tips – Choosing the Right Camping Gear

    ]]>     http://down-sleeping-bags.org/camping-tips-beginner/feed/ 0     Bivouac Bags – Waterproof and Water-Resistant Sacks http://down-sleeping-bags.org/bivouac-bags-waterproof-and-water-resistant-sacks/ http://down-sleeping-bags.org/bivouac-bags-waterproof-and-water-resistant-sacks/#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:25:04 +0000 admin http://down-sleeping-bags.org/bivouac-bags-waterproof-and-water-resistant-sacks/
  • Want To Know What A Bivvy Bag Is?
  • The Different Kinds of Hiking Tent and Bivvy
  • Kids Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
    • ]]>     The bivvy sack is as simple as outdoor shelters get. If you can handle being in a confined space it's a good substitute for a heavy dome tent. You can lie in the warmth of your sleeping bag and watch the stars or get a full view of sunrise in the morning without have to get out of the bivvy.

    With a bivy, you can arrive at camp, crawl in, and go to sleep.

    The Stormproof Bivy Sack

    If no water can come into the bivvy sack, it can be considered as stormproof. As a standalone shelter it can be used in the foulest of weather. The fabrics, seams and opening are channels where water can seep into the bivvy sack.

    A stormproof bivvy has to use a fabric that is both waterproof and breathable e.g. Gore-Tex or eVent. Fabrics like these not only prevent water from seeping through but allows vapor to escape as well to prevent unwanted condensation.

    The floor of these stormproof bivvies are made of waterproof fabrics as well but not necessarily breathable. Silicone-coated nylon is typically used for the floor. The main function is to keep water from seeping through from the ground. Additionally the floor has to be resistant to abrasions and punctures.

    To be sure that water cannot leak in, a stormproof bivvy needs to have sealed seams and waterproof closures as well.

    Water Resistant Bivvy Sack

    When a bivvy sack is not made of waterproof fabrics, does not have sealed seams or does not have a stormproof closure, it is considered as water-resistant as opposed to waterproof. Depending on the weather, water-resistant bivvies can be better than stormproof ones.

    Water-resistant sacks are much lighter because of the lack of waterproof fabrics, seam sealings and waterproof closures.

    Another advantage of water-resistant bivvies is that they tend to be less prone to condensation because the fabric used is much more breathable. Vapors are expelled before it gets the chance to form a condensate.

    Many people use this bivvy with a tarp to protect themselves from the rain. You can use this type of bivvy with a small tarp (e.g. 5’ x 8’) for adequate protection and warmth even in the worst weather.

    However, no fabric can completely eliminate condensation inside a bivvy sack. When there is a huge difference in temperature between the outside of the bivvy and the inside, where the outside temperature is lower, condensation is likely to occur . Condensation is likely to occur inside the bivvy sack where there is a lack of ventilation or the lack of body heat. It is less likely to occur when the ventilation inside the sack is good or when the weather is dry.

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    1. Want To Know What A Bivvy Bag Is?
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    ]]>     http://down-sleeping-bags.org/bivouac-bags-waterproof-and-water-resistant-sacks/feed/ 0     Lightweight Hiking to Better Enjoy Nature http://down-sleeping-bags.org/lightweight-hiking-to-better-enjoy-nature/ http://down-sleeping-bags.org/lightweight-hiking-to-better-enjoy-nature/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:46:56 +0000 admin http://down-sleeping-bags.org/lightweight-hiking-to-better-enjoy-nature/
  • Hiking Light – Reduce Your Tent Weight
  • Ultralight Backpacking Gear Helps You Go Faster And Further
  • Ultra Light Backpacking Gear Provides A Better Backpacking Trip
    • ]]>     Hiking with a light backpack is steadily increasing in popularity over the years. They put less stress on your body and results in a more comfortable and enjoyable hike. With lighter modern gear, it's so much easier to do than before.

    1. Look at your current gear
    Write down what you have and the corresponding weight. You need to weigh your gear to find the actual weight. You may find that the actual weight is not the same as what the manufacturer states. This will help you get the big picture of how much gear selection impact the weight of your backpack.

    2. Take no more than what you need
    Luxuries are allowed but don't carry unnecessary stuff that you will never use which are not related to safety. Books, sleeping pads, fishing poles, binoculars and folding camping chairs are some of the popular luxury items backpackers frequently carry. Always be on a lookout for lighter alternatives and decide if you can really go without these luxuries.

    3. Plan you gear according to the weather
    A zero degree sleeping bag won't be suitable in the summer. Your other backpacking should be right for the season as well.

    4. Select the lightest equipment
    If you can afford it, replace heavier gear with lighter ones. Try first to find lighter alternatives for your backpacking pack, sleeping bag and shelter. When choosing an ultralight backpack, make sure it can handle the whole weight of your gear.

    5. Look for items that have multiple uses.
    Your backpacking equipment should be treated as a system of components that can work together. One of the key skills in reducing your pack weight is to recognize the functional relationship between your gear or to select gear that has multiple functionalities. One common approach is to use a poncho as both raingear and shelter.

    6. Use down.
    Down is still the best insulation for sleeping bags and clothing because they're warmer and lighter than the best synthetics. However, carrying down assumes that you possess the necessary skills and attentiveness to care for it in inclement weather - down provides precious little insulating value if it gets very wet. You can save as much as 2.5 pounds if you use down sleeping bags instead of synthetics.

    7. Use a windbreaker
    Wind shirts from GoLite, Montane, Marmot, and Ibex now weigh less than 3 ounces. The three layer system has been shown to be effective in cold weather and a windbreaker makes a good outer layer because they are lightweight and you can apply a good amount of layering underneath. A windbreaker increases the comfort range of your clothing system.

    8. Sharing your camping gear
    If you're hiking with a friend, there are a lot of things you can share, for example, your camp stove and tent can be carried by one person. Be creative and find other things you can share within your group.

    9. Develop your outdoor skills
    Reducing the amount of camping gear becomes easy when you an expert in backcountry hiking and camping. Acquiring outdoor skills can help you to comfortably reduce the weight of your safety kit, food, clothing and other gear. Attending backpacking clinics, survival programs and first aid courses helps.

    10. Travel Size
    Use smaller packaging whenever possible. Get an insect repellent in smaller bottles, use travel-sized soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Bring the amount you need and not much more.

    Gradually Reducing Your Pack Weight

    Don't cut down to the bare minimum in one go but gradually reduce your pack weight over a number of hikes. Find out on a hiking trip which gear you can live without. Once you have your pack weight down, you'll be enjoying your hike a lot better.

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    Related posts:

    1. Hiking Light – Reduce Your Tent Weight
    2. Ultralight Backpacking Gear Helps You Go Faster And Further
    3. Ultra Light Backpacking Gear Provides A Better Backpacking Trip

    ]]>     http://down-sleeping-bags.org/lightweight-hiking-to-better-enjoy-nature/feed/ 0     Kids Sleeping Bags for Backpacking http://down-sleeping-bags.org/kids-sleeping-bags-for-backpacking/ http://down-sleeping-bags.org/kids-sleeping-bags-for-backpacking/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:43:39 +0000 admin http://down-sleeping-bags.org/kids-sleeping-bags-for-backpacking/
  • A Good Night Sleep Is When You Snuggle Inside A Sleeping Bag
  • Get Yourself The Right Sleeping Bag
  • The Bed That Counts When Off On A Mountain Trail
    • ]]>     If you want to sleep well at night on a camping trip you first need to make sure that your kids sleep well. No one else is responsible for your kids warmth and comfort other than you, the parent.

    However, kids have different needs to adults when it comes to sleeping bags. The design of children sleeping bags are a lot more simpler.

    They’re made of cheaper materials than full-size sleeping bags. The use of down insulation is rather uncommon. People buy high quality sleeping bags for kids that won't outgrown in a few short years.

    It's not only price that's the reason why synthetics are much more preferable to down. Synthetics are easier to clean and can be rinsed and washed repeatedly without causing too much damage. This is important especially when your kids are in the nappy years. Down sleeping bags for kids are costly and it's part of the reason why they don't get many buyers.

    If you're not car camping or you're going to camp on organized campsites, weight is an important consideration. However, since kids sleeping bags are small, the difference may not be very big.

    It may not surprise you that lower quality sleeping bags for kids are more popular with parents. Since kids sleep warmer than adults, down may be overkill anyway. Even with bigger surface/volume ratio which causes kids to lose more heat, they sleep warmer because they have a higher metabolic rate.

    Most non-rectangular kids sleeping bags have a hood, draft tube and draft collar. The hood is useful because you can lose a lot of heat through your head.

    The North Face Tigger is a popular choice of its safety features. There are no cords that your child can get tangled into while sleeping.

    Heat can escape through the zipper coils but a draft tube (an insulation-filled tube that runs alongside the main zipper) prevents this from happening. Draft tubes are sometimes present to prevent heat from escaping up the sleeping bag.

    You'll find that kids sleeping bags are also made by REI, Deuter, Lafuma, Big Agnes and Slumberjack among others.

    There's a huge range of kids sleeping bags that can be found in the market from cheap baby-fat types to ones that have everything including shaped hoods, pad loops, draft tubes and more. However, cheap sleeping bags for kids are much more common and usually does the job well enough especially if it's to be used only in the summer.

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    2. Get Yourself The Right Sleeping Bag
    3. The Bed That Counts When Off On A Mountain Trail

    ]]>     http://down-sleeping-bags.org/kids-sleeping-bags-for-backpacking/feed/ 0     A Good Night Sleep Is When You Snuggle Inside A Sleeping Bag http://down-sleeping-bags.org/a-good-night-sleep-is-when-you-snuggle-inside-a-sleeping-bag/ http://down-sleeping-bags.org/a-good-night-sleep-is-when-you-snuggle-inside-a-sleeping-bag/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:09:30 +0000 admin http://down-sleeping-bags.org/a-good-night-sleep-is-when-you-snuggle-inside-a-sleeping-bag/
  • Get Yourself The Right Sleeping Bag
  • The Bed That Counts When Off On A Mountain Trail
  • Kids Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
    • ]]>     After a long walk trudging along the winding paths through the thick woods, scrambling through the rocky mountain or wading through the shallow strong currents in the murky stream, there is no greater desire than to hit the sack. After a hard day, the thought of a good night sleep to rev you up for yet another hard, but thrilling, day ahead is exciting.  The sleeping bag beckons you. There is nothing more valuable then than this humble sleeping bag.

    But does the sleeping bag that you have with you give you all that you desire? Of course, a synthetic fill bag is much cheaper than a down fill bag. It is easier to clean a synthetic bag. But it is the insulation that is critical where you are now. It is the ground on which you decide to lay down to sleep decides how much insulation you need. If it is a wooden floor, it is warmer than a cement floor which is cold. A hut or an open space brings in all the chill wind rather than a protected camping tent.

     Good insulation is offered by the synthetic bag. The insulation offered is longer than that by the down fill bags. If the weather is wet, then the insulation of down bags gets lowered. But the down fill bags are warmer than the synthetic bags. That is why the down fill bags are good during cold winters. They are better for long trips as it is lighter than the synthetic bags. The down bags are more delicate and could get damaged if you do not take good care of it. But in terms of durability the down bags are better. But the synthetic bags are less expensive than the down fill bags.

    The rectangular sleeping bag is more spacious than the mummy shaped bag. But the insulation of the mummy bags is better than the rectangle bags. While the mummy shaped bags are rolled, tied and packed into a sack, the rectangular bags can be folded and secured using straps or chords. The helium marmot bag is ideal for long treks, particularly up into the mountains.

    Choose your sleeping bag keeping the weather, the environment and the duration of your travel. Check whether it is dry or wet climate. You will not regret this.

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    1. Get Yourself The Right Sleeping Bag
    2. The Bed That Counts When Off On A Mountain Trail
    3. Kids Sleeping Bags for Backpacking

    ]]>     http://down-sleeping-bags.org/a-good-night-sleep-is-when-you-snuggle-inside-a-sleeping-bag/feed/ 0     Get Yourself The Right Sleeping Bag http://down-sleeping-bags.org/get-yourself-the-right-sleeping-bag/ http://down-sleeping-bags.org/get-yourself-the-right-sleeping-bag/#comments Sun, 31 May 2009 16:32:56 +0000 admin http://down-sleeping-bags.org/get-yourself-the-right-sleeping-bag/
  • A Good Night Sleep Is When You Snuggle Inside A Sleeping Bag
  • The Bed That Counts When Off On A Mountain Trail
  • Portable And Protective, The Make Shift Home
    • ]]>     It is when one has to spend the night out in the open that one wishes for the cozy bed to sleep on. Blankets, bed sheets and pillows have been used to make it as close to a bed as possible. But not really. These efforts gradually transformed into sleeping bags. Resembling a blanket with a zipper, the sleeping bag is intended to provide insulation, warmth and comforts as a bed. Most important of all, the sleeping bag is something one can simply carry it along while traveling in a backpack. This comes in particularly useful when one is camping.

    The sleeping bag prevents the chill from seeping inside, protects from the wind and precipitation to some extent. It acts as a protective covering from the outside to the user. Sleeping bags are made of insulating materials such as synthetic fill like PrimaLoft, or down. Cotton and wool are also used. But campers prefer synthetic or down sleeping bags. The synthetic ones do not absorb water readily and insulates well. It can be folded. The down fill bags retain heat better and can be compressed, but are costlier than the synthetic one.

    Sleeping bags are available in two shapes namely the rectangular sleeping bag and the mummy shaped ones. The rectangular sleeping bags are bigger resembling a folded blanket that is zipped. It has straps or cords for securing the bag once it is folded. The mummy shaped bag has a broad and open portion at the shoulder tapering down as it comes to the leg side. It is smaller but has a better heat retention capacity. It cannot be folded but has to be rolled and stuffed into a sack for it to be carried easily. Sleeping bags are found with camping equipment dealers. A light sleeping bag that is comfortable is the   marmot atom 40.

    The down bags are not as good as the synthetic bags when it comes to wet conditions. The down bags are costlier but lighter. You need to know what are the conditions you will be in when you need to use a sleeping bag. Sleeping bags no doubt making your sleeping out a pleasant experience.

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    ]]>     http://down-sleeping-bags.org/get-yourself-the-right-sleeping-bag/feed/ 0     Folding Camping Cot And Other Camping Gear http://down-sleeping-bags.org/folding-camping-cot-and-other-camping-gear/ http://down-sleeping-bags.org/folding-camping-cot-and-other-camping-gear/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:26:27 +0000 admin http://down-sleeping-bags.org/folding-camping-cot-and-other-camping-gear/
  • Lightweight Hiking to Better Enjoy Nature
  • Camping Gear Explanation
  • Outdoor Camping Gear From Coleman Subjects Special Attention
    • ]]>     If you truly want to enjoy your camping experience you need the right camping gear. You can't go out for the weekend or even a week with just the clothes on your back and no gear.

    The key to choosing the right camping gear is to know what conditions you will encounter while camping. The length of time you will be camping also influences what camping gear you should carry.

    Thankfully we live in a day and age where camping gear manufacturers are constantly coming up with better equipment, whether it's lighter backpacks, bigger tents that are lighter, or tents that have power hook ups, you can pretty much find what you are looking for the type of camping you are going to do. I want to break down some gear that I have found useful and hopefully will make your next camping adventure even more fun!

    Consider about which gear is essential based on your personal circumstances and surroundings. You will have many choices of gear from which to select that are both practical and functional even if you are on a tight budget.

    Here are just a few of the basic items that you should consider carrying. Make sure you make your own list of items to bring and cross them off before heading out. It's no fun to go camping and not have camping gear you may really need.

    Startup Camping Gear and Equipment Costs

    A. Shelter - Tent for shelter - $55.00 for a single person up to $350. For a four person depending on design and quality.

    B. Sleeping - Sleeping bag, camping sleeping cots and pad $25.00 - $100.00 per person the price is dependent on the quality, type and whether each person uses all three items or a single sleeping bag.

    C. First Aid Items- A good first aid kit is mandatory, plus aspirin or other pain relief medicine

    D. Lighting - Flashlights or Lantern - you need as a minimum one good flashlight - $10.00 - $25.00, Lantern - $30.00 - $60.00 is optional. If you are in a campground that supplies electricity carry a light or lights you can plug in instead of a lantern.

    E. Food Preparation - Cooler - $10.00 - $30.00
    Camp stove - $20.00 single burner portable camping stove, up to $60.00 for multi burner
    Sterno Stove and sterno - $10.00 I don’t care for sterno it’s simple and inexpensive
    Cook over a campfire - free except for wood, makes a mess of your pots and pans
    Food Storage - $10.00 (I use a large plastic storage container with a lid 23“ long and 18“ wide 16“ tall)
    Cardboard box - for storage of pots and pans $free
    Cooking pots and pans - outdoor enameled cook set is a good place to start, it’s inexpensive has most needed pots and pans, cups, coffee pot $20.00 - $50.00
    Knives - I carry a cheapo stainless knife set that comes in it’s on plastic carry case has 5 big sharp kitchen knives. $10.00 - $15.00
    Utensils - Knife, fork and spoon for each person $1.00 per set tops

    F. Campfire Building - If you intend to make a fire for cooking or pleasure you'll need something to cut wood. Axe, Saw or Hatchet $5.00 - $15.00
    Fire Starter - I use strike anywhere matches, newspaper and dry wood - $1.00

    G. Your Clothing - Your basic clothing items will include, shirts, socks, undergarments, cap or hat. Inclement weather clothing to consider carrying- Winter clothing, Raincoats or ponchos, or other type of rainproof clothing is always important to have along if you will be away from shelter. $0.00 -

    H. Personal Care Items - bring along your toothbrush, soap and a towel.

    I. Miscellaneous - Seasonal items, Insect repellent for summer. Extra blankets etc. for winter.

    J. Chairs - There are many different types of camping and lawn chairs you can consider carrying. You may already have something. $0.00 - $30.00 per chair

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    2. Camping Gear Explanation
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