Sleeping Bags, Quilts, and Pads

The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed is unlike any sleeping bag ever made. Part sleeping bag, part quilt, part top bag, part bed, it combines the thermal efficiency of a mummy-style sleeping bag with the comfort and freedom of a quilt sleeping system. Available in two different  models, one insulated with 650 …

Earlier this year, I bought a Montbell UL. Spiral Down Hugger Thermal Sheet (down sleeping bag) and I’m really pleased with its versatility for summer and autumn camping. Rated at 50 degrees (F), I’ve used the Montbell comfortably to 40 degrees with down booties and long underwear (which I always …

In recent years, US outdoor manufacturers and retailers have adopted a new sleeping bag temperature rating standard called EN13537 that was originally developed in Europe. While it helps consumers compare different sleeping bags, it can be a bit difficult to understand. EN13537 Explained There are three ratings that you need …

I don’t carry a sit pad when I go hiking. I just sit on my backpack or day pack if I need thermal protection from the ground during rest breaks. Tree stumps also work pretty well if they’re not covered in snow. Why anyone would want to pay $25 for …

  The European Sleeping Bag Temperature Rating Standard (EN13537) was supposed to be a great thing for outdoor manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Finally, we’d be able to compare sleeping bag temperature ratings in a reliable and objective manner. Ah, I have some bad news. I was browsing the Outdoor Industry …

As a side sleeper, I have a hard time getting to sleep outdoors when my head is not propped up. This is not an problem during the winter when I have enough extra down or synthetic clothing to bunch up as a pillow, but the rest of the year it’s an …

I have a reader, named Randy, who contacted me recently seeking advice on 3 season synthetic sleeping bags. He's adopted a vegan lifestyle and doesn't want to use a goose down bag. This will be his first sleeping bag so I volunteered to suggest some alternatives for him. He's selected …

The Exped Downmat 7 is a sinfully luxurious sleeping pad for cold weather camping when you need extra insulation below your sleeping bag to stay warm. Almost all sleeping bags, no matter their temperature rating, have one fundamental flaw. When you get into your bag, you compress the insulation underneath …

Selecting a sleeping pad for a backpacking trip depends on a variety of factors including personal preference, outside temperature, terrain, and weight. It’s important to understand the tradeoffs between these when selecting the right sleeping pad for a backcountry trip. First off, sleeping pads provide you with two primary benefits: …

Gossamer Gear is a leader in the ultralight hiking community. They specialize in ultralight backpacks, but they also sell other accessories which can save you a lot of weight. The NightLight Sleeping Pad, in the 29″ size, only costs $18 and weighs 2.4 oz. The NightLight has an egg shell-like …