The standard rectangular style sleeping bags are probably the most well
known type. They are ideal for use in caravans, or as a spare bed in doors as they are
comfortable to sleep in, relatively inexpensive.
They are designed normally to be used from Summer to Autumn depending on how much and what
type of filling they have in them. They are not recommended for backpackers as they tend
to be a lot more bulky than mummy style sleeping bags.
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Mummy shaped sleeping bags are ideal for backpackers as they normally come
with their own stuff sack to pack them away into. Depending on what filling is used they
can be remarkably compact and lightweight for the warmth they provide.
Mummy bags can depending on the particular item be used in all seasons, they are
particularly warm as they mould more to the shape of the body.
Two bags can also be zipped together if a Right Zip and a Left Zip are purchased to make a
double size.
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There are various types of sleeping bag liner or inner available. Most are
made of either cotton or polycotton for comfort and ease of washing. They are particularly
useful as they cut down on the amount of times you have to wash the sleeping bag itself.
YHA Inner Sheet - These are often used by backpackers who are planning
on staying in Youth Hostels that don't provide bedding. They are a simple rectangular
sheet sewn into a sleeping bag shape, but with an added blanket-flap and integral pillow
case.
Rectangular Inner - For use in rectangular bags. Available in single or
double size
Tapered Inner - Designed for mummy or tapered sleeping bags. Available
in single or king size
Fleece Inner - The fleece inner can be used on it's own or in
conjunction with another sleeping bag for an extra warm nights sleep.
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There are various accessories available, including :
Stuff Sacks  These are ideal if your sleeping bag didn't come with
a bag to put it in. These bags make carrying and storing you sleeping bag a lot easier.
Compression Sacks  With one of these you will be amazed how much
smaller you can make that big sleeping bag when you need to carry it.
Sleeping Bag Pillows  With one of these you will be guaranteed a good nights
sleep!
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This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the things to do to keep
your sleeping bag in tip-top condition, but I hope it will be of some help.
Ensure that you carefully read any washing instructions supplied with
you sleeping bag before washing. This is especially important with down filled bags.
When packing your sleeping bag into its stuff sack, do exactly as the
name suggests and simply stuff the bag in. This has 2 advantages, firstly it is a lot
easier than trying to roll the bag and then put it in, and secondly it means that the bag
will not be folded in exactly the same places over and over which could in time damage
those areas.
The easiest way to stuff it in is to push the foot end in first.
If you have used a compression sack ensure that you loosen the straps as
soon as possible, so that the bag is not kept in a compressed state for long periods. This
will help prolong the life of the sleeping bag.
When packing you sleeping bag away for the winter make sure that it is
totally dry, it is all to easy to pack it up slightly damp when leaving a camp site and
then forget all about it until next year, when you will find that it has gone mouldy, or
at the very least smells unpleasant.
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