Picking a quality sleeping bag might just save your life

(Bugout.news) If the headline of this article sounds a little melodramatic to you, trust us, it isn’t meant to be. That’s because the reality is, if you don’t choose wisely when it comes to sleep gear, depending on where you live, you might just not wake up in the morning.

We’re talking mostly about protecting yourself from the cold, obviously, because in summer heat there isn’t much need to cover up at night. That said, you don’t have to be in the Land of Always Winter to freeze to death during the night. Even in modest climates, where temperatures hover in the 40s and 50s overnight, people have been known to freeze to death from the elements (the body’s normal temperature is 98.6F so, there you have it).

A good sleeping bag should do a couple of things: Retain your body heat while repelling outside air and moisture. An all-cloth sleeping bag obviously will not accomplish this because once it becomes wet it will fail at both objectives.

With that in mind, here are five of the better sleeping bags and sleep systems, along with their drawbacks and our final assessments:

— U.S. Military 4-pc Weatherproof Modular Sleep System (price at Amazon)

The good: These systems include four versatile sleeping bag parts and a bivvy. You can use the entire system, which includes an outer Gore-Tex shell, or various layers, depending on your climate conditions.

Drawbacks: These systems most generally are used, so the quality of them will vary.

Assessment: This is a safe, reliable product that is built tough enough for military use.

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— Kelty Ignite DriDown 20 Degree Bag (price at Amazon):

The good: The outer shell is waterproof, it is a tight mummy-like fit and it comes equipped with a quick-release feature.

Drawbacks: You’ll want something more that this model for extreme weather conditions. And, again, there isn’t a lot of wiggle-room.

Assessment: Still, this is a high-quality product (some would say the best on the market) that is weather-proof, warm and convenient.

— Suisse Sport Adventurer Mummy Ultra-Compactable Sleeping Bag (price on Amazon)

The good: This model is seven feet long and it is very lightweight (a big deal when you’re already packing a lot of gear).

Drawbacks: You will have to add extra warming material (like a flannel blanket) to stay warm in extreme cold because it’s not designed for that (which will add to the weight of your gear).

Assessment: This is an affordable, lightweight mummy-style bag that works best in warmer climates.

— TETON Sports Celsius XXL -18 Degree C / 0 Degree F Flannel Lined Sleeping Bag (price on Amazon):

The good: Ahhh, flannel! This model is obviously warm, and it features a drawstring so you can preserve your body heat. Also, it’s wide and that accommodates restless sleepers much better.

Drawbacks: However, Loft won’t make it through machine washing, so you’ll have to clean it by hand and hang-dry it – tough in winter conditions.

Assessment: Hearty bag that is soft inside and tough outside – and it’s not hard on your wallet, either, making it the best deal for the money.

— Coleman North Rim 0 Degree Sleeping Bag (price at Amazon):

The good: Coleman is a reputable brand, and this model bag is mummy-style with a little extra wiggle room for your feet.

Drawbacks: The North Rim is not completely waterproof, however, and depending on your climate conditions may require extra warming material.

Assessment: Designed more for three-season casual camping, this bag is nevertheless a reliable product from a sound manufacturer.

H/T: BestReviews.com

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