Sleeping Bag for Service, Hiking and Camping

Sleeping bag: how to choose for service and hiking

A sleeping bag is chosen first of all by shape, insulation and season, and only then by color. A military sleeping bag has to withstand daily packing, moisture and dirt, so a durable outer fabric and quilted insulation that does not clump are important. For hikers, weight and packed volume in the backpack usually matter more. Before you buy a sleeping bag, decide where and in which season you will use it.

Mummy or blanket: which shape to choose

A mummy bag tapers toward the feet and usually has a hood, so there is less empty space that your body has to warm up. This shape is chosen for backpacking trips and for the cold season because it is more compact. A tactical mummy sleeping bag, such as the Carinthia Defence 6 or Pentagon Tac Maven Mummy 360 g/m², is designed for field conditions.

A blanket sleeping bag has a straight cut: you can move your legs freely in it and it is comfortable to sleep on your side. Some models unzip completely: for example, in the eco-down sleeping bag in MM-14 pixel camo the zipper runs along the entire length and the bottom, so it can be spread out like a blanket. If freedom of movement matters more to you than compactness, take a look at straight-cut sleeping bags.

Insulation and fabrics

The most common filling is synthetic batting: it is not as afraid of moisture as natural down and dries quickly. Hollow fiber and G-Loft recover their volume well after compression, and eco-down is a light and soft synthetic fiber. In the R&M Termoloft sleeping bag the insulation is Termoloft, and a compression sack is included.

Insulation density is specified in grams per square meter: the Pentagon Tac Maven Major is made in 220 g/m² and 370 g/m² versions, and a higher number means more insulation. The outer fabric is oxford, ripstop or polyester; a rubberized or treated outer layer protects better against moisture. A fleece lining adds warmth and feels pleasant to the touch.

Season and sleep system

Go by the season stated in the name: summer models are thinner and lighter, 3-season models, such as Fox Outdoor or MFH in Flecktarn, are designed for the transitional seasons, and winter ones have double insulation, a membrane or fleece. For the cold period, see winter sleeping bags.

In the field, a sleeping bag is rarely used on its own. A bivy bag protects against wind, dew and dirt — the 4 Seasons model comes with a bivy cover. Always put a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag: without it the ground draws heat away from below regardless of the insulation. Choose one from our camping sleeping pads.

Size and care

Match the length of the sleeping bag to your height: in a tight bag the insulation compresses and keeps you less warm, and in an overly long one there is more air that has to be warmed. For tall people there are models such as the Gigant blanket 235×95 cm. Store the sleeping bag unrolled, and use the compression sack only on the road, otherwise the filling loses volume. After each trip, dry it thoroughly.

Look for other gear for your trips in the camping equipment category, and for the camp among camping goods and flasks and thermoses.

Frequently asked questions

Which sleeping bag for the Armed Forces should I choose?

A mummy bag is more compact for moving out, while a blanket bag is comfortable at a fixed position. For the cold season, choose winter insulation and a wear-resistant outer in olive, Multicam or pixel. The Carinthia army models and the Dutch army sleeping bag were created specifically for military use. Complement the sleeping bag with a bivy bag and a sleeping pad.

Can a sleeping bag be washed?

Yes, synthetic sleeping bags can be machine washed on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent. It is better to turn off the high-speed spin so as not to clump the insulation. Dry it unrolled until completely dry.

How much does a sleeping bag cost?

Prices range from 1 330 to 6 000 UAH. The cost depends on the insulation, the outer fabric and the set contents, for example whether a bivy cover is included. We deliver across Ukraine.