How to choose the right sleeping bags for trekking in Nepal?

When picking a sleeping bag, there is more to consider about quality.There are many options to consider, how heavy it will be to carry what Is the material it is made from, what the temperature up to. Here is some important tips below.

The Right Fit

Many sleeping bags are designed with a rectangular shape allowing for the maximum amount of room to spread out. One of the perks of these bags is the option to purchase two bags with compatible zippers and create a double bed.

Another option is a barrel-shaped bag which has a semi-rectangular shape. These are tapered in design which can lead to a warmer night’s sleep and a little less weight to carry. If you don’t like the fit of a mummy bag (see below), this is a great option and fit well in larger-frame backpacks.

The mummy bag is a tight fit allowing for maximum warmth and is a favorite for backpackers who need a lightweight bag while hiking.

Women should keep in mind that there are specific sleeping bags that are designed and engineered to match a woman’s contours. These bags are shorter and more narrow at the shoulders, wider at the hips, and come with extra insulation.

Kids can also have a sleeping bag built just for their needs. Some models feature a built-in sleeve on the bottom of the bag which holds a sleeping pad so that the child, bag and pad stay together all night. Others offer pillow pockets which lets the user stuff clothing inside to create a comfy pillow.

Add caption

Insulation

The best option for campers is to choose a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation. Typically made of polyester, a synthetic fill is quick drying and still insulates even if it gets wet. They are also less expensive and more durable. One of the best features, besides the low price tag, is that these bags are non-allergenic.

Some campers prefer goose-down insulation but it is offered in only a few sleeping bags. While it is durable and highly compressible, it comes with a large price tag and is considered to be a less humane choice.

Temperature

Choosing the right insulation will force you to consider the temperatures you will encounter on your trip. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to remember that they are not all created equally. During the summer, you don’t need a heavy bag with extra insulation, nor will you want to hike with one weighing down your pack. However, if you are camping in the winter, you will need a warmer bag. As a general rule of thumb, consider the following bag types followed by the temperature rating:

·         Summer: +35° and higher

·         3-Season: +10° to +35°

·         Cold Weather: -10° to +10°

·         Winter/Extreme: -10° and lower

Other factors will influence how you stay warm at night. Consider the following:

·         Sleeping pad: Insulates the space between your bag and the ground and adds a layer of cushioning.

·         Tent: Tents can keep you warmer by up to 10° at night.

·         Metabolism: Think about how you sleep at home. Do you kick the covers off at night or do you prefer to be bundled up?

·         Clothing: If you want to stay warm, wear long underwear and clean socks which will help insulate you. A hat and neck gaiter will also help retain body heat.

·         Hood: Sleeping bags with hoods can be cinched up to keep you extra warm.

·         Hydration: Believe it or not, staying hydrated adds warmth so try a warm drink before bed.

Add caption

Extra Features

Once you've figured out the temperature rating and style you want, there are a few extra features to consider.

·         Double-wide bags: Designed to comfortably sleep 2 people, these bags can be combined with an air mattress (or foam sleeping pad) for an extra comfortable night's sleep.

·         Stash pockets: Super handy for campers who wear eyeglasses or those who want to keep items close by at night.

·         Sleeping pad sleeve: Available in some models, this creative feature means no more rolling off the sleep pad in the middle of the night.

·         Pillow: If you grow tired of sleeping on a rolled up jacket, look for sleeping bags that include a pillow pocket.

·         Sleeping bag liner: Liners are sold separately but kelp keep the bag clean and add a little extra warmth. If you are sleeping during hot weather, skip the sleeping bag and just sleep on the liner.

Storage

Once you found the right sleeping bag for your needs, remember to store it properly. This will prolong the life of the bag. You can hang it in a garage or store it loosely in a cotton storage sack. Never keep it rolled up in a tight stuff sack.

If you are still confuse about choosing best sleeping bag feel free to contact us

Manoj khadka                                    CEO and founder                      Top mountain gear          manojkhadka39@gmail.com.   +9779863468937

Trekking Gear and equipment in nepal

All the fake gear is not bad if you have some idea to find out the quality.And you should not spend lots of money for buying gear and clothing while doing trek in Nepal.Because there is more than 200 trekking store who sell trekking gear and equipments for trekking and hiking in Nepal. It's doesn't matter the brand logo it just should be work properly.

For example if you carry fake brands good quality sleeping bags and down jackets for trekking and if you feel warm and comfortable that's enough for you because its much cheaper to buy compare to originals brands gear.Also trekkers can rent them for $1 or $2 per day.I have met trekkers they just compare the rental price in market and they take cheapest one which is not good idea because in market you can get both good fake and bad fake trekking gears and equipments.

I have found 2 different sleeping bags with same temperature rating but one is fiber filling sleeping bags and the another is down filling sleeping bags.There is big different between down sleeping nags and fiber sleeping bags.But these both has label of down filling 100 %.That the reason i'm telling you should should have little knowledge about it.And its not good idea to believe to trekking guide always.Instead you can ask to seller and have to ask for guarantee of warmth.

There is one store who has own manufacturing and also supply gear in Nepal called v-tex located in mid of Thamel ,near by Kathmandu guest house,The reason why people like that store is sometimes if you can't fine your proper sizes jackets or sleeping bags and if you have 1 or 2 days before heading to trek they make gear for you.They supplying clothing and gears to some countries in Europe,in USA,Australia,Bhutan and some other countries.They also have been working with more than 50 trekking companies in Nepal.They have made sleeping bags,down jackets,duffel bags for a trekking company with their own company name as a brand name.They also take a order with customs logo and designs.

They tell you about quality and give you instructions too.Prices for hiring is reasonabe and one things that you can rent new sleeping bags or down jackets and after trekking if you love it you can buy paying its selling price that you shouldn't pay for rental.

Sleeping bag fill - Down or Synthetic?

One of the main components of a sleeping bag, in fact, the main component of a sleeping bag is how it is insulated. You need to know that it is going to do it’s job and keep you adequately warm through the night. So should you choose down or synthetic insulation for your sleeping bag?

What are the differences between down or synthetic insulation?

Down insulation, as I’m sure you know, comes from birds. The best down tends to be from eider duck or geese. White goose down tends to be the most popular down for sleeping bag fill as it gives a good warmth performance for a reasonable price. Down insulation is categorised by the ‘fill power’, this unit is a measurement of the loft, (the fluffiness, ie the amount of space a certain weight of down occupies). The higher the fill power the lighter the sleeping bag for the same warmth rating. This fill power is rated in cubic inches per ounce, so a fill power of 400-450 would be a medium quality bag, ideal for those who may get too hot in a sleeping bag, 500-550 would be good quality and adequate for most people camping out in the UK, ,while a 750+ would be a excellent quality and very warm indeed, perfect for colder excursions.

Are weight and space an issue?

 Down insulation is very light weight and can pack down and compress into a tight space, making it more travel efficient as a down sleeping bag will use less space in a pack, rucksack or duffel bag. With the proper care and attention a down sleeping bag can last a lifetime and maintains the same level of warmth from day one. Down features natural wicking properties, allowing any body moisture to evaporate away from your body for further comfort. Down insulation is the preferred choice for backpackers adventuring in dry climates. On the negative side, down becomes useless if it gets wet and takes a long time to dry. So if your bag gets wet in the night don’t count on leaving it to dry out in the sun at camp while you go on a day hike, chances are it’ll still be wet that night. Down is also difficult to clean as many products can damage it. So as long as you can get your sleeping bag dry cleaned and guarantee it will stay dry on a trip then down insulation is definitely the winning choice. (Having said that, some of the more advanced and expensive bags have treated the down to make it more waterproof so do keep a look out for that).

Synthetic insulation. Essentially, synthetic insulation is a polyester threading that has been shaped and moulded to mimic the lofty clusters of down. The biggest benefit of a synthetic insulated sleeping bag is that it isn’t affected by damp in the same way as real down. A synthetic fill is, at the least, resistant to moisture, while many will actually shed water rather than absorbing it. Synthetic materials will also dry much quicker than a natural insulation making them more convenient in this sense, if your sleeping bag is wet while you’re attempting to pack up camp you can simply lay it in the sun for a while and come back to pack it once everything else is done and it will be dry. Should your sleeping bag get a bit smelly from being damp you can easily machine wash and dry a synthetic sleeping bag with no worries that it will damage its insulation. It is far easier to care for than real down.

Synthetic insulation sleeping bags come in all sorts of varieties that are made up of different blends of fibres and materials and technologies, these include Primaloft®, Polarguard® and Thermolite®.

Lets take a quick look at these, although they all do pretty much the same job:

Primaloft®, one of the highest performing insulations in terms of warmth, water resistance, compressibility and softness.

Polarguard®, good thermal efficiency, doesn't absorb moisture and is breathable, fast drying and long term durability.

Thermolite®, here we have warmth and comfort without weight and great wicking properties.

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Unfortunately, synthetic insulation is not as durable over the years as a down sleeping bag. And generally speaking synthetic fill sleeping bags are heavier to pack than down for the same warmth factor.

Sleeping bag shape - Mummy or Caravan?

Sleeping bags come basically in two different shapes, the caravan and the mummy. The caravan style is like the sleeping bags you’d sleep in as a kid, the long rectangular shaped bags with a zip that runs down the side and across the bottom. These are definitely the most comfortable out of the two shapes as they leave you with plenty of room to move your arms and legs around while you sleep, on average a person will move around forty times in a single night. You can also unzip them to spread them out like a blanket. Rectangles are definitely the best shape for a good sleep, you wouldn’t ever find a mummy shaped bed. But there is no way you’d be warm enough in a caravan bag in low temperatures unless it was packed with so much insulation that you’d have an easier job to take your actual bed.

The more space you allow inside the bag the bulkier and heavier it becomes to carry with you. This is why sleeping bags have been adapted to create the mummy shape. Years ago, Arctic explorers realised that if they cut away the excess of the rectangular sleeping bag, keeping it to the shape of their body, not only would they reduce the pack size and weight but they gained an increased level of warmth. By giving the sleeping bag a closer fit you reduce the amount of space for air to flow through and suck out that precious warmth. Some brands, such as Mountain Equipment have gone a step further and added a foot box with added insulation to their sleeping bag so you can comfortably sleep with your feet in their natural upright position.

Sleeping bags are, without a doubt, an essential piece of equipment and it’s important to make sure that you get the right one for you type of adventures. v-tex fashion provide both Down and Synthetic sleeping bags in a variety of shapes and sizes.

How to choose the right sleeping bag?

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When picking a sleeping bag, there is more to consider than the color. There are many options to consider, from how heavy it will be to carry to the material it is made from. To help you determine what is right for you, check out the tips below.

The Right Fit

Many sleeping bags are designed with a rectangular shape allowing for the maximum amount of room to spread out. One of the perks of these bags is the option to purchase two bags with compatible zippers and create a double bed.

Another option is a barrel-shaped bag which has a semi-rectangular shape. These are tapered in design which can lead to a warmer night’s sleep and a little less weight to carry. If you don’t like the fit of a mummy bag (see below), this is a great option and fit well in larger-frame backpacks.

The mummy bag is a tight fit allowing for maximum warmth and is a favorite for backpackers who need a lightweight bag while hiking.

Women should keep in mind that there are specific sleeping bags that are designed and engineered to match a woman’s contours. These bags are shorter and more narrow at the shoulders, wider at the hips, and come with extra insulation.

Kids can also have a sleeping bag built just for their needs. Some models feature a built-in sleeve on the bottom of the bag which holds a sleeping pad so that the child, bag and pad stay together all night. Others offer pillow pockets which lets the user stuff clothing inside to create a comfy pillow.

Add caption

Insulation

The best option for campers is to choose a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation

Add caption

. 

Typically made of polyester, a synthetic fill is quick drying and still insulates even if it gets wet. They are also less expensive and more durable. One of the best features, besides the low price tag, is that these bags are non-allergenic.

Some campers prefer goose-down insulation but it is offered in only a few sleeping bags. While it is durable and highly compressible, it comes with a large price tag and is considered to be a less humane choice.

Temperature

Choosing the right insulation will force you to consider the temperatures you will encounter on your trip. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to remember that they are not all created equally. During the summer, you don’t need a heavy bag with extra insulation, nor will you want to hike with one weighing down your pack. However, if you are camping in the winter, you will need a warmer bag. As a general rule of thumb, consider the following bag types followed by thei temperature rating:

• Summer: +35° and higher
• 3-Season: +10° to +35°
• Cold Weather: -10° to +10°
• Winter/Extreme: -10° and lower

Other factors will influence how warm you stay at night. Consider the following:

• Sleeping pad: Insulates the space between your bag and the ground and adds a layer of cushioning.
• Tent: Tents can keep you warmer by up to 10° at night.
• Metabolism: Think about how you sleep at home. Do you kick the covers off at night or do you prefer to be bundled up?
• Clothing: If you want to stay warm, wear long underwear and clean socks which will help insulate you. A hat and neck gaiter will also help retain body heat.
• Hood: Sleeping bags with hoods can be cinched up to keep you extra warm.
• 
  





Add caption




• Hydration: Believe it or not, staying hydrated adds warmth so try a warm drink before bed.

Extra Features

Once you've figured out the temperature rating and style you want, there are a few extra features to consider.

• Double-wide bags: Designed to comfortably sleep 2 people, these bags can be combined with an air mattress (or foam sleeping pad) for an extra comfortable night's sleep.
• Stash pockets: Super handy for campers who wear eyeglasses or those who want to keep items close by at night.
• Sleeping pad sleeve: Available in some models, this creative feature means no more rolling off the sleep pad in the middle of the night.
• Pillow: If you grow tired of sleeping on a rolled up jacket, look for sleeping bags that include a pillow pocket.
• Sleeping bag liner: Liners are sold separately but kelp keep the bag clean and add a little extra warmth. If you are sleeping during hot weather, skip the sleeping bag and just sleep on the liner.

Storage

Once you found the right sleeping bag for your needs, remember to store it properly. This will prolong the life of the bag. You can hang it in a garage or store it loosely in a cotton storage sack. Never keep it rolled up in a tight stuff sack.