The sleeping bag, an essential item for trekking or hiking
Picture this: you have just covered around twenty kilometres along steep mountain paths. The sun is beginning to set over the snow-capped peaks and, as a result, temperatures are starting to drop. In order to enjoy the breathtaking panorama that nature has to offer without freezing, and to spend a revitalising night, it is important to be well equipped. A sleeping bag is not a piece of equipment to be chosen lightly, especially for a night in the mountains. You will need to stay warm without having previously had to carry a heavy extra load in your rucksack. The sleeping bag will need to withstand moisture and retain heat as effectively as possible. On the market, there are options in synthetic fibres, goose down, mummy-shaped designs, and some that keep you warm even in sub-zero temperatures. This article will explain how to find your way through all these different models.
Tips for choosing your sleeping bag
Your sleeping bag must first and foremost be lightweight, as when hiking or trekking, your rucksack should be as unobtrusive as possible to allow you to enjoy a pleasant outing. It must also be compressible so as to take up little space. Furthermore, a down sleeping bag must be highly insulating, and for this it needs to be well padded. The padding and softness of a sleeping bag will prevent you from suffering back pain after a warm night's sleep. Another key factor in choosing your sleeping bag is the comfort temperature rating (guaranteed by the EN 13537 standard). Indeed, a summer hike on a plateau where the temperature drops to 10°C will not require a sleeping bag rated down to -20°C. As for the shape of the bag, the mummy shape is the most insulating. Finally, pay close attention to the quality of the stitching to avoid deterioration over time and to ensure the sleeping bag's insulation.
The perfect sleeping bag is made from goose or duck down
If you want to find all these qualities in a single sleeping bag, it is advisable to choose a sleeping bag filled with 100% goose or duck down.
These are the sleeping bags that combine all the desired qualities. They are lightweight, highly insulating, warm, made from natural materials, and soft. In summary, a sleeping bag should be:
• Lightweight and compact
• Made from natural materials
• Soft and well-padded
• With a suitable comfort temperature rating
• Durable and long-lasting
• Mummy-shaped
Discover our Pyrenex sleeping bags in 100% French down.
