Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25040
colu mn: gear_ Here are key elements to look for in a sleeping bag. • A HOOD THAT CINCHES DOWN AROUND THE FACE. HEAT ESCAPES FROM THE BODY THROUGH THE HEAD, SO A GOOD INSULATED HOOD IS ESSENTIAL FOR KEEPING WARM. • ZIPPER DRAFT TUBE. AN INSULATED TUBULAR FLAP THAT SHOULD LIE FLAT AGAINST THE ZIPPER TO KEEP COLD AIR OUT. • DRAFT COLLAR. THE BEST (WARMEsn BAGS HAVE DRAFT COLLARS, INSULATED YOKES THAT FIT SNUGLY AROUND YOUR NECK TO SEAL OUT DRAFTS. • TEMPERATURE RATING. THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF DEBATE IN THE SLEEPING BAG INDUSTRY AS TO HOW TO STANDARDIZE THESE ARBITRARY RATINGS. A 20°F-BAG SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR MOST OF YOUR TRIPS, SPRING THROUGH FALL. IF YOU GET COLD EASILY. YOU MIGHT WANT TO GO DOWN TO 10°F. AND IF YOU'RE A WARM-BLOODED SWEATY PIG YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH CARRYING A LIGHTER. LESS BULKY BAG.-KRISTIN HOSTETTER DOWN OR SYNTH ETIC? There's nothing better than down to keep you warm. Plus it's the lightest type of insulation available and it compresses into the smallest stuff sacks. Down's only drawback is that when it gets wet it loses much of its insu lating power and takes time to dry. On the other hand. synthetic insulation such as Polarguard dries quickly. In fact. synthetic bags can be used as makeshift ovemight clothes dryers. If you put your damp pants and socks in the bag with you, they'll be dry and warm by morning as long as you're body's warm enough to heat up the bag. So if you're headed for rainy climates, synthetic is a good choice. Also bear in mind that most bags on the market today are water resistant enough to keep you dry in your tent. even with some ground leakage. When buying down bags, an important factor to consider is "lofting"-what happens when compressed down refills with air. This is gauged by a bag's "fill power." The higher the fill power, the better the down lofts. And the more lofting, the warmer you will be. Over the long haul down lasts longest-it retains its loft over a longer period of time. And remember, it's the air, not the down, that gives you warmth.-LG