London - You can’t be a happy camper without a decent sleeping bag.
Whether you’re a festival goer, a family camper or a serious backpacker, our suggestions include something for everyone.
Be sure to check what seasons the sleeping bag is for before you part with your money, as well as finding out how lightweight it is and how small it packs up if you are backpacking (in which case, you’ll also want to check it's waterproof, especially if you’re carrying it on the outside of your backpack).
Consider whether you want a mummy or rectangular shape – or perhaps you’d like one of the fun options that doubles up as a coat. Do you need a hood that can double up as a pillow? Do you find most sleeping bags feel like a straightjacket, in which case do you want an extra-wide one?
Is the zip easy to use and in the most practical place? And are you especially tall? In which case you’ll need to seek out an extra-long one.
Also think about the filling. Down is great for heat retention, warmth to weight ratio, temperature range (so you can use it in both warm and cold conditions) and it has a longer lifespan and is easier to compress and pack up.
The pros of synthetic insulation are that they retain insulation better when they’re wet, are easier to clean, dry quicker and are cheaper.
The Independent