You can buy an expensive bag if you think it will make you more hardcore, but I will gladly tell everyone how hardcore you are if you pay me to do so. I don’t mind cheap…but I don’t like to purchase a product and then feel like company I just threw money at was trying to hide something from me. What bothers me the most, (and the main reason I gave it 2 stars) is that the fabric is hidden and not obvious until you get it out of the package and unzip it all of the way. If they wanted to skimp on fabric, it should have been used on the outside and bottom of the bag! I was on a budget so I figured I would go with a less expensive bag. I got in the bag, tried to zip it and the zipper tore immediately.
It comes with a compressible stuff sack and mesh storage bag for transport. Overall, this bag is a good value for a three-season bag, particularly the 0-degree model that can withstand strong wind and temps in the teens. The insulation ozark trail screen house is lofty with a PFC-free water-repellent finish to keep you dry and warm, even if the bag itself gets wet. The Big Agnes also gets extra eco-friendly points for its incorporation of post-consumer recycled polyester.
After using the bag for a total of five nights in temperatures ranging from 24 to 31 degrees, we loved its warmth and comfort regardless of whether you’re a side or back sleeper. With high marks for its lofty down, quality material, and superior construction, we also gave a thumbs-up to the anti-lock zipper that doesn’t get stuck in the fabric. After six months of regularly using this sleeping bag, we also love the interior phone pocket that allows you to have easy-access to cellphones in case of emergency. The women’s Torchlight features exterior loops for hang-drying, a storage sack, a stuff sack, and an inner mesh pouch for your cell phone. As the brand’s best-selling model, this Enlightened Equipment sleeping quilt is a favorite of long-distance hikers. After six months of regularly using this sleeping bag, we love its smart, ultra-lightweight design that allows for a comfortable night’s sleep in a range of temperatures and climates.
We layer a blanket between the sleeping pads and the sleeping bags for some extra insulation. When it is very cold I also use a comforter over the sleeping bags. Hand warmers in our socks and body warmers in our shirts are helpful as well. Our sleeping bags zip together, allowing us to take advantage of the shared body heat. Pairing these strategies together made it reasonably comfortable at that temperature. The bag on its own is very comfortable down to the 30-degree range.
An air mattress with a frame elevates the sleeping area, making it easier to get in and out of bed. It also gives any spare room the feeling of a proper guest room when you need it. Whether or not to bring along a camping mattress, be it an air mattress or a sleeping pad, is yet another important choice. Some say the quality of your sleep while camping is of the utmost importance and that an added comfort feature is a must. Other, possibly more rugged campers may suggest that a mattress or pad is unnecessary, especially if you’re sleeping in a hammock.
Plus, it is durable enough for indoor and outdoor use and includes a built-in pump and carrying case. If you’re a long-distance backpackers with an agenda that includes carrying your bag while hiking trails in the heat of summer, you should opt for a lightweight model that keeps you just warm enough. However, if you’re planning to drive to a campsite and sleep near your car, perhaps you’re better off prioritizing temperature and the type of insulation versus weight. Keep in mind, too, that mummy-style sleeping bags tend to be more compact.
Our recommendations all use electric pumps for faster inflation and deflation, and most have a built-in pump to further simplify the process. We also love that the mattress has a built-in grab handle and comes with a travel bag, making it easy to take on the go. The mattress and pump would fit on a shelf or in a corner of your closet, and they are light enough to transport to a friend’s house or camping. Keep in mind that this air mattress is shorter than a twin-sized air mattress; it measures 62 inches long when inflated, in comparison with the 75 inches that is standard for twin beds.
After testing many different models in our lab, the popular King Koil Air Mattress is our best overall air mattress. If you are looking for a comfortable mattress that is simple to set up and easy to carry, this is the choice for you. Equipped with a built-in pump, this mattress offers fast inflation and deflation using two separate knobs to control these functions. In fact, the whole set-up process took only seven minutes, and the deflation process was just as easy. With the return of the colder weather, it is time to pull out our winter sleeping bags. Mummy bags are very effective for keeping warm, but I am not comfortable in a confining bag.
The King Koil Air Mattress is our best overall pick based on its comfort and convenience in our testing. The built-in pump makes quick work of the inflation and deflation process, and it’s fully flocked for a softer feel and to keep your sheets in place. ozark trail sun shelter Our best budget pick is the Coleman GuestRest Double-High Air Mattress. We thought it was durable enough for indoor and outdoor use and it has desirable options, like a built-in pump and extra height for more cushion when sleeping on hard surfaces.
The first night out it was less than 14 degrees F, and I had at least 50 nights under 40 degrees F. I can’t say I was warm, but I wasn’t shivering, freezing, or cold either, although I did wear 2 layers of clothing. I won’t ever buy an expensive sleeping bag after carrying this cheapo, unless I can find a cheap bag that weighs a lot less. I purchased this sleeping bag for warm weather camping trips at the local lake.