If there is one thing to consider when buying your next sleeping bag, I say its all about temperature. Get the right range! If the forecast says its going to be warm during the day and then cool off overnight, find out how cold cool off really is, then buy the sleeping bag that is good to 20 degrees below that!
Two years ago, my husband and I decided to get a bigger boat (a common problem with boaters) and we found one in late October that was perfect. It was kept at a marina a few hours West of where we live, so we decided to bring it home by driving it down river, more cost effective than having it trailered. However, the boat had no heater.
So we knew it was time to buy warmer sleeping bags. I checked a few forecasts to see how cool it might get overnight and found the average to be around 45 degrees. I researched my sleeping bag options on-line, and found a wealth of information. So many sleeping bags to choose from, with so many choices to make!
So, I picked a pretty blue one from Mountain Hardwear called Sunrise for just under $200.00 that was good to 50F. I didn't really consider my options at that time, but now I wish I had noticed, similar sleeping bags in the same price range and slightly more expensive were available that were good right down to 5 and even to -40F.
But no, I went with color and completely regretted the decision that night. Arriving at the marina to pick up our boat in the early morning, the temperature was in the mid 60s and we enjoyed a lovely day cruise down river. We ended up on one of our favorite islands near Brockville, Ontario and had a nice meal just as the sun was setting.
Darkness came early and we knew we'd have an early start, so after a quick tour of the island to let our dog do his business, we made our beds in the aft cabin and were asleep by 10:00 p.m. A few hours after midnight, our dog woke me up and when my feet touched the floor, it felt like there was ice in the cabin!
I quickly ushered the dog into the cabin then dove back into my sleeping bag, but I swear my feet didn't warm up all night - it was miserable. I didn't even have the benefit of my husbands warmth, because he was all bound up in his own misery right next to me.
We found out the next day that the temperature dropped to around 25 overnight. First order of business that day, buy a portable heater! And my advice to all sleeping bag buyers: buy a sleeping bag that's good to 20 degrees lower than you think you'll need - you'll be happy you did!
Two years ago, my husband and I decided to get a bigger boat (a common problem with boaters) and we found one in late October that was perfect. It was kept at a marina a few hours West of where we live, so we decided to bring it home by driving it down river, more cost effective than having it trailered. However, the boat had no heater.
So we knew it was time to buy warmer sleeping bags. I checked a few forecasts to see how cool it might get overnight and found the average to be around 45 degrees. I researched my sleeping bag options on-line, and found a wealth of information. So many sleeping bags to choose from, with so many choices to make!
So, I picked a pretty blue one from Mountain Hardwear called Sunrise for just under $200.00 that was good to 50F. I didn't really consider my options at that time, but now I wish I had noticed, similar sleeping bags in the same price range and slightly more expensive were available that were good right down to 5 and even to -40F.
But no, I went with color and completely regretted the decision that night. Arriving at the marina to pick up our boat in the early morning, the temperature was in the mid 60s and we enjoyed a lovely day cruise down river. We ended up on one of our favorite islands near Brockville, Ontario and had a nice meal just as the sun was setting.
Darkness came early and we knew we'd have an early start, so after a quick tour of the island to let our dog do his business, we made our beds in the aft cabin and were asleep by 10:00 p.m. A few hours after midnight, our dog woke me up and when my feet touched the floor, it felt like there was ice in the cabin!
I quickly ushered the dog into the cabin then dove back into my sleeping bag, but I swear my feet didn't warm up all night - it was miserable. I didn't even have the benefit of my husbands warmth, because he was all bound up in his own misery right next to me.
We found out the next day that the temperature dropped to around 25 overnight. First order of business that day, buy a portable heater! And my advice to all sleeping bag buyers: buy a sleeping bag that's good to 20 degrees lower than you think you'll need - you'll be happy you did!
About the Author:
Dale Gatehouse is a professional writer who enjoys boating and outdoor fun with her husband. To visit her preferred place to buy down sleeping bags, visit Top Down Sleeping Bags.
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