Tent Ratings

Tent names usually include a seasonal and occupancy rating. Warm weather, or 1- season, tents are for summer use when good ventilation is a major requirement; however, many 1-season tents won't keep you dry during a heavy rain. 3-season tents are the most versatile, providing good ventilation and protection against heavy rain and light snow. 4-season tents utilize sturdier fabric and poles and can withstand high winds and heavy snow. When you rent a camping tent for winter use, consider a convertible. These winter tents convert into 3-season tents through the removal of panels. Tent ratings also include weight, an important consideration if you're backpacking. If you don't like sleeping snugly, rent a tent with an occupancy rating one person higher than the number of people who'll be sharing the tent.

Rental Logistics

When you rent a camping tent at a local store, look at availability far in advance of your trip to ensure they have the model you want; the selection may be limited. When you rent from a chain, you can pick up the tent at a local outlet or a store near the campsite. Use the store's web site to determine whether the model you need is available at a convenient location. You can also rent your camping tent from vendors specializing in direct online rental. These vendors often have a larger selection than gear stores that focus primarily on equipment sales. They'll ship the tent directly to your door, but you'll have to repack it and ship it back after the trip. Camping tents are also available at camp stores and gear outlets at popular parks and trailheads and as option at private or concessionaire-run campsites where site fees and equipment rental can be combined into vacation packages.

Long before you need to rent your camping tent, check on the vendor's reservation (or shipping-time) requirements and cancellation policies. Some vendors will add a cleaning fee if you return a tent dirty or wet.

Personal Style

When you rent a camping tent, you can opt for creature comforts and space or for a minimalist style. When you're backpacking or spending most of your time hiking, climbing, fishing or kayaking, a utilitarian tent may suffice. When you're car camping or spending time with family and friends around the campsite, a more spacious tent may be more convenient. When you rent a camping tent, you always have the luxury of selecting the exact model you need for the people, the season, the weather and the trip.

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Those in the market for a camping sleeping bag should first consider the geography of the location they will be camping and its weather. Cold and windy environments will of course require a heavier and more protective sleeping bag than an environment that is warmer and dryer. Moisture is also an aspect that deserves consideration, as certain materials such as natural down, lose their insulating properties when wet. Any chance for moisture such as rain, even humidity, should be considered in choosing a camping sleeping bag.

The material of a camping sleeping bag is important in that the ability to keep or vent body heat will be central to achieving a good night's rest- something that most people don't realize is an important aspect of enjoying the outdoors. Natural down or synthetic insulations both have their own pro's and cons as does the shell lining of each camping sleeping bag. Natural insulation is great against cold windy environments while synthetic insulations still do their job even when wet. Nylon shells are extremely durable yet don't provide as much protection against cold winds as microfiber, a material that can make a sleeping bag more costly. Cotton breathes better than both fabrics but is heavy. These aspects alone are why every camper needs to research which kind of bag they need.

The shape of a camping sleeping bag should also be considered as each shape has its own properties that contribute to the comfort of a camper's sleep. A rectangular bag leaves much air space around a camper's body that must be warmed. However, these types of bags can be zippered together to create a large family bed. A mummy bag fits snugly on a camper. This bag is typically used by the more serious camper in a colder environment; and those who prefer to be able to move around while they sleep probably would not like this type of bag. A tapered sleeping bag that is wide at the shoulders and narrow at the feet provides much warmth and is very light. It is not as restrictive as the mummy bag but provides less movement than a rectangular sleeping bag. A sleeping bag liner inserted into a bag can be easily washed and extend the lifespan of any sleeping bag by years.

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State parks, while less well known to many tourists, provide an even more impressive number of locations for tent camping in California. The state manages 270 park units with almost 15,000 camp sites and 3,000 miles of trails on 1.4 million acres of land. Swimming, fishing and boating enthusiasts will find tent camping opportunities along some 280 miles of coastline and 625 miles of lake and river frontage.

The web site for the California Department of Parks and Recreation provides easy-to-find details, descriptions and directions to tent camping locations throughout the state park system at: http://www.parks.ca.gov/ . Here, you'll find such gems for your tent camping in California trip as Andrew Molera State Park (SP) in the Big Sur, Benbow Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) on the Eel River, Castle Crag SP on the Sacramento River, Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP on the Smith River, and Silverwood Lake SRA on the 2,650-mile Pacific Coast Trail.

If you prefer tent camping near a convenient city or within a favorite environment (desert, forest, lake, mountain, ocean, river), search for campsites and related recreational activities within one of California's twelve geographical regions:

* Shasta/Cascade Trinity (Alturas, Chico, Redding)
* North Coast (Crescent City, Eureka, Sonoma)
* Central Valley (Bakersfield, Fresno, Sacramento)
* Gold Country (Jackson, Nevada City, Sonora)
* High Sierra (Bridgeport, Mariposa, Tahoe City)
* San Francisco Bay (Napa, San Francisco, San Jose)
* Central Coast (Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur)
* Deserts (Barstow, Needles, Palm Springs)
* Los Angeles County (Burbank, Long Beach, Los Angeles)
* Inland Empire (Hemet, San Bernardino, Temecula)
* Orange County (Anaheim, Hunting Beach, Mission Viejo)
* San Diego County (Carlsbad, La Jolla, San Diego)

Federal, State and privately owned campgrounds very widely throughout these diverse regions, from those with primitive facilities to others with showers, restrooms, camp stores, laundry rooms, and visitor centers. Note that many sites have occupancy limits and require reservations. A little advance research will help make tent camping in California a memorable adventure in the spirit of old John Muir and your new explorations throughout the "Golden State."

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The beauty of an inflating camping tent is not only that it requires practically no effort to set up and dismantle but also that this can be done at any time. Even if you reach your camping destination after dark, the inflating camping tent will set itself up and be ready in seconds for you to stow your gear and relax. Inflating camping tents have no additional parts that risk being broken or lost and they fold down for compact storage. Their simple design also makes them a very affordable option for camping in all kinds of vacations, from the beach to backpacking.

The inflating camping tent design works by having inflatable tent poles already built into it. Therefore, it only requires you to unpack it and attach a source of air to the built-in valve. The tent and the air source require only a small amount of storage space and fit easily into any car or other vehicle. Air sources can include:

* Air-compressor – anything that inflates car tires will work
* Air tank – can be filled at any gas station air pump
* Air-exchanger
* CO2 dispenser – a more expensive option but has many other uses
* Diving tank – perfect for the scuba diving camper!

You can even use a bicycle pump to set up your inflating camping tent – it just requires a little more effort.

All the inflation methods above are safe and environmentally friendly. Inflating camping tents are also designed so that cannot be overfilled. Once they reach optimum pressure the valves prevent overfilling. When the tent is inflated, all you need to do is stake it to the ground if the weather seems a little windy!

Deflating the tent is just as easy as inflating it. In fact, the whole process is as simple as that of an airbed. Once you release the valve, the air will escape and you can roll up the tent and store it.

A good inflating camping tent is lightweight and durable. The design tends to be domed rather than walled, for ease of set-up. Don't forget that a good quality sleeping mat and sleeping bag are essential for making the most of your camping experience. Sleeping pads and bag liners will ensure a good night's sleep, as will a proper outdoor sleeping bag. Make sure to buy a bag that is appropriate for the coldest expected outside temperatures.

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A military sleeping bag that has the Military Specification Modular Sleep System (MSS) comes with the following features:

* A temperature rating of 50F to -30F
* A Patrol bag made of water resistant nylon that offers a temperature rating of 50F to 30F
* An Intermediate bag for colder weather made of water-proof nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F to -10F.
* The ability to combine both the Patrol and Intermediate bags for greater protection and warmth for a temperature rating of -30F
* Stuff sack with compression straps to reduce the size of the pack
* Gore-Tex Bivy sack to help protect from intense weather changes or climates
* Polyester filament insulation
* Insulated draft tube
* Snap closure system for integrating units

A military sleeping bag that has the Variable Component Sleep System (VCSS) comes with the following features:

* A temperature rating of 30F to -30F
* A Delta bag, made of water resistant nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F
* A Gamma bag for colder weather made of water-proof nylon that offers a temperature rating of 30F to -10F
* The ability to combine both the Delta and Gamma bags with the waterproof bivy sack for greater protection and warmth
* A bug protector made of mesh for enhanced protection and comfort to ensure a good night's rest
* Polyguard insulation for the best in warmth and comfort
* Construction that does away with cold spots
* A 'secondary closure system' that allows a speedy way in and out during brisk weather that can be worked even when wearing big bulky gloves
* Large rectangular footbox that allows the camper to leave their boots on
* Insulated draft tube
* A compression stuff sack to keep the pack conveniently small

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One of the most important things to consider when looking at a tent for camping is where you plan to use it. In the US, camping tents are generally divided into two categories; three season and four season. As the names imply, three season tents are made to be used in only three of the seasons – spring through fall. They are not made of materials and construction elements that make them useful in the colder climates during the winter. If you plan to do winter camping or even cold altitude camping in warmer climates, then you would want to look for a four season tent.

Secondly, the tent you select depends on the number of people that you want to have in your tent or tents. If you are alone, then obviously you won't need as much space as if you need to fit a family of six into your tent for camping. Plus, you may want to consider dividing your group into separate tents. Or, if you prefer, you can still have some privacy for the people in your group while camping under one 'roof' by purchasing a tent that has flaps which act as dividers inside the tent in order to create 2 or more interior 'rooms.' Also consider the activities that you'll be doing inside the tent. If it's going to be used just for sleeping, then that would mean you'd need less room and less height than if you plan to need to walk around inside the tent.

Tent fabric is important because it determines your protection from the elements as well as the weight of the tent for camping. Cotton gets heavier when it's wet, so most tents are made from nylon and polyester blend now. Checking the 'hydrostatic head' that is labelled on the tent for camping tells you how waterproof the tent will be. The higher the number, the better. You can increase the weather resistance of a tent if it has more than one 'sheet' or layer. These layers are also called 'skins' and stretch down around the tent and funnelling water away from the roof. You should also invest in a good ground sheet to reinforce the tent for camping and protect it from rips, tears and wear, as well as to keep the groundwater away from you.

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Sleeping bag liners can be made of a myriad of materials, such as cotton, silk or polyester; and depending on the type of fabric, they can raise the temperature inside a bag anywhere from 5-10 degrees. This can be a handy addition for those nights with an unexpected drop in temperature; or to gussy up a bag that may be too light for the environment it's in. Aside from the ability to raise temperatures inside the bag, sleeping bag liners also prolong the life of a sleeping bag by protecting it from dirt, odors and body oils which can collect on the bag itself, prompting the need for it to be washed. The less a sleeping bag is washed, the longer it will last.

For cold weather climates, sleeping bag liners made of fleece can provide just the right amount of extra protection. Fleece has an amazing ability to trap warm air and body heat. When used in conjunction with other insulators, it offers the ability to raise the temperature inside the bag quite well. For those who have a tendency to 'sleep cold', this is an excellent way to bolster their bag and ensure a comfortable night's rest. Although it can add a few degrees cotton sleeping bag liners are more for moderate temperatures. Cotton's ability to absorb moisture and body oils can prolong the life of a sleeping bag. As it is considered a poor conductor of heat, sleeping bag liners made of silk work best in hot climates, wicking away moisture and keeping things nice and comfortable. At the end of the trip, the bags get put away and the liners are washed.

Sleeping bag liners are made to fit every shape of sleeping bag there is, from rectangle to tapered and even mummy bags. Sleeping bag liners can work very well by themselves at times and are typically very small and light to carry. This is a piece of camping gear that is very handy to have as it serves more than one purpose, is light and takes up little or no room. While some opt to buy sleeping bag liners at a specialized camping gear store, some opt to find the right material and make their own!

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A Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag comes with both synthetic and natural down insulation. Down is typically a mixture of goose feathers and is not only known for being light but for its amazing ability to trap warm air. Synthetic insulations in Mountain Hardwear bags like Polarguard Delta, Thermolite Extra and Thermic CF offer hollow filaments that also capture warm air and compresses nicely into a stuff sack. The materials are incredibly light; a bonus for the camper and hiker on the go. Each material provides a great level of comfort and protection as does the waterproof materials that are use to construct the shell of the Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag. Airy, breathable materials allow for a consistent level of bodyheat throughout the night.

The sarcophagus shape of a Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag is the best for cold weather as it retains body heat more efficiently than other shapes. It also uses less material than a rectangular bag and therefore takes up less room- even with the extra insulation in foot areas and across the chest. Those who choose a Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag will also find these extra features make the unit more comfortable and efficient:
* Insulated draft collar that will seal in bodyheat from the neck down
* Draw cords that can be adjusted with one hand on the hood and collar
* Insulated draft tube that runs the length of the bag to block cold breezes
* Face gaskets for sealing in warm air around the face
* Snag-proof zippers
* Women's cut that provides for female proportions in the hip and shoulder area
* Can be professionally cleaned but is machine washable (special instructions and suggestions apply)

Adding a Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag certainly makes a statement about becoming a serious camper or hiker and many find that it becomes an irreplaceable part of their camping collection.

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Camping tents for families start as small as those that are created for 2 or three people and can get virtually as large as you would like them to be. However, most camping tents for families are manufactured to sleep up to 10 people or fewer. Yet you need to understand just what the manufacturer considers those sleeping arrangements would look like. In most cases, family sleeping tents that are listed as sleeping any number of people would require that those people sleep directly next to each other and in alternating directions. In other words, a six person tent means that one person would sleep with his head next to the next person who is turned 180 degrees so that his feet are next to the first person's head and vice versa. The remaining people would sleep similarly. So if you want a little extra breathing room, then look for camping tents for families that claim to sleep a higher capacity than what you actually need.

However, you don't have to be limited to sleeping this way in camping tents for families. Now, many of these tents come with flaps that fold down into main area of the tent in order to create separate 'rooms' within the tent. They can be rolled up during the day time to create a large common living area and then put down at night to allow privacy for different members of your group.

Camping tents for families can also use space creatively in other ways. Many of them have optional 'rooms' that can be zipped on in order to expand you useable space in the tent. For example, you can zip on a screened in porch if the bugs are getting too bad to eat outdoors. Or, you can zip on a flap that will give you shade to eat under on other days.
Some tents have features such as zip down flaps that create screen covered windows or skylights so that you can get good ventilation while inside.

A quick word of warning when you are considering purchasing a family tent. Remember that the more living space that you are purchasing, the more weight that you are also committing yourself to carrying. So just be sure that if you plan to use a large tent that you are using a car to transport it to the camping site, or that it is compact and light enough that you can manage it while hiking.

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Since a Backside sleeping bag is especially designed to keep campers and hikers incredibly warm in the coldest of climates, synthetic and natural insulations are used in their products with a fill power of 700-750 or more. Bags with this high of a fill power are ultra-toasty, more durable and last longer. A Backside sleeping bag can also be counted on to be amazingly light and compact even with the extra insulation added to the chest and footbox of the sleeping bag. A draft tube that runs the length of the sleeping bag will help to keep out a chilly draft and many of the models come with an adjustable draft collar that creates a seal keeping body heat in and cold drafts out. Models that come with a parka style hood help to retain even more heat. The bag's durable seams are places on the bottom to keep out chilly winds and compatible zippers allow bags to be joined together to make for a larger sleeping space, a necessary tactic in extremely cold weather conditions. Highly breathable fabrics add to the comfort.

A Backside sleeping bag can be found for all shapes and sizes, including children's sizes and youth sizes. Each style gives all the necessary protection a camper could want. Many campers and hikers find that the features, fill power and the bag's ability to compact as well as it does make the Backside sleeping bag worth every penny. The fact these bags can last for many seasons with proper care only increases their value even more. Other cold weather sleeping bags may offer similar features but Backside continues to deliver at a much better price, even if the bag is used only from time to time throughout the year. However, extensive use shows that this is a product that can take the wear and tear of a camping or hiking trip in cold climates and come out extremely well with no problems whatsoever.

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Camping tent trailers offer a reasonably inexpensive alternative to a traditional Recreational Vehicle and can be towed by almost any type of car, SUV or truck. For the level of comfort and space they provide, camping tent trailers can be stored compactly and are easy to assemble, some even taking less time to set up than a tent.

Taking a camping tent trailer on vacation means that you don't have to deal with problems such as rain-sodden or cold ground, but you still have the pleasing sense of being in a tent, enjoying the outdoor environment. The tent trailer has a solid, off-ground floor and built-in windows which enhance the feeling of spaciousness. The variety of options in style and accessories for today's tent trailers is almost bewildering. All are waterproof and relatively secure, but you can choose models with flexible canvas or even with solid walls, meaning that you can indulge in a little more luxury than traditional camping provides.

Camping tent trailers have generous sleeping space. They offer a minimum of two double beds, often with extra space to convert the dining area into another bed. They are also equipped with facilities ranging from basic stoves, sinks and refrigerators to fireplaces, dishwashers, dryers and even hot tubs. The sky really is the limit. Many companies offer detailed floor plans on their websites so that you can browse in comfort before you buy. Keep in mind that the camping tent trailer does need to be set up once you reach your destination, so try balancing the equipment options against the ease and speed with which the tent can be erected and dismantled. You should also consider safety requirements. The more cooking facilities, air conditioning and other electrical appliances you have the more you need to think about guarding against potential hazards these might cause. However, many styles of camping tent trailers already come equipped with fire extinguishers and other safety features.

The cost of a camping tent trailer ranges from about $3,000 – $15,000. Some camping purists might balk at the level of home-style conveniences available with a camping tent trailer but it's all about your personal preference. If being able to relax in a hot tub or cook a meal with ease matter to you while on your outdoor adventure, why not choose the accessories that are important to your needs? Camping no longer needs to be about deprivation!

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Planning

While memorable tent camping outings may come about through spontaneity and good luck, great trips usually depend on attention to planning and logistics, from researching camping locations and making reservations to arriving with the proper equipment and supplies for a safe, well-maintained camp. If you already own a tent, set it up before the trip to make sure it's clean and in good condition. If you plan to rent or buy a tent, select equipment that matches the season, weather conditions, the number of people going on the trip, and the amount of privacy and space required. With reliable directions to the campsite and a realistic travel plan, you'll be able to schedule your arrival time during daylight hours. Tent camping can be stressful if you have to set up your tent in the dark at an unfamiliar camp site without waking up nearby campers who've already turned in for the night.

Supplies

Savvy travelers often print out packing checklists for business and vacation trips. This is more vital on a tent camping trip where comfort and safety issues can loom larger in areas where help is far away and opportunities to shop for forgotten items are limited. Here are a few ideas for your next tent camping trip:

* First aide kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, ID card
* Tent, tent poles and stakes, ground cloth
* Sleeping bag, pillows, air mattress (with pump)
* Lantern, extra mantles, flashlights, matches, batteries
* Insulated cups, cooking supplies, dishes, eating utensils
* Food, water, salt, pepper, coffee, coffee pot
* Aluminium foil, plastic bags, plastic wrap, trash bags
* Personal items, soap, toilet paper, towels, medicine
* Layered clothing, hats, raingear, sun glasses
* Hiking/climbing boots, shoes, extra socks
* Cooking stove and fuel (if not using campfire)
* Dish pan, dish soap, wash rags, scrubbing sponge
* Cooler and ice (or substitute)
* Map, binoculars, mirrors, compass, guidebooks
* Rope, twine, knife, axe, mallet, folding saw, whistle
* Weather radio
* Games, camera, film

Pack light and choose items with multiple uses. "Be Prepared," as the Boy Scouts say, and you'll have a wonderful tent camping trip.

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The first step in preparing for a tent camping trip is to purchase the right kind of tent that you will need. If you will be camping by yourself, single person tents can be found for as low as twenty dollars. If you will be bringing your entire family along on a camping vacation, keep your eye out for spacious six person tents. A great source for camping tents, as well as other camping supplies, are online web sites. Here you can easily and quickly browse a wide range of products to find any company brand or type of tent that you wish. You can also often find discount camping supplies by shopping online, allowing you to save money when purchasing a tent.

Learning how to build a camping tent, also known as pitching a tent, involves only a few simple steps. Following are some camping tips that will help you successfully learn how to build a camping tent.

* Find flat and high ground to build your camping tent on. High ground will help your tent and sleeping bags stay dry in case of rain, and level ground will make building your tent easier and allow you to get more comfortable rest during the night.

* Use a tarp or ground cloth. This piece of supplementary gear for your camping tent is cheap to purchase, as low as ten dollars, and will help keep your tent dry during wet weather. A tarp or ground cloth under your tent will also protect it from rocks and other ground materials that may tear or damage your camping tent.

* Your tent will most likely come with stacks, and it is a good idea to stack your tent to the ground. Simply hammer in the stacks with a heavy rock or hammer on each side to secure your tent. This will prevent the tent from being blown if you experience winds and will also keep it from moving while you are inside of the tent.

Keeping these simple pointers in mind will have you well on your way to learning how to build a camping tent. Also, remember never to build your camping tent within twenty feet of your grill or campfire.

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One piece of gear that warrants extra consideration is a backpacking sleeping bag. A good backpacking sleeping bag fits the need of the backpacker to a tee. It is lightweight, easily stowed and ensures the backpacker a decent night's sleep. How can this be determined? With a little bit of research, forethought and plain old personal preference, the right bag can be found with relative ease.

When looking to find the right backpacking sleeping bag, it is first and foremost best to consider what the itinerary of the backpacking trip will be. Will it be in an area that has warm or cool temperatures? What about temperature changes as the sun goes down? Is the environment rainy or does it have a lot of humidity? A backpacking sleeping bag insulated with synthetic material will better retain its insulating qualities when wet than that of natural material, or down-filled bags. Shell linings such as nylon are good for humid environments and are quite durable but do not work well in cold windy environments. Microfiber works well in water and wind resistance, yet can be costly and heavier than other fabrics. The less material a bag uses, the easier it is to stow and keep the backpacking load light.

Although the one-size-fits-all concept is a nice one, the backpacking sleeping bag that works for one person will not work for another. Different people have different metabolisms and while some sleep 'warm' at night, others require extra protection even in the warmest of climates! Temperature ratings give guidelines as to what temperature a sleeping bag can be subjected to and still be comfortable. Other things to consider are whether or not you will need a hood to keep your head warm or draft tubes for venting body heat.

Once the right backpacking sleeping bag has been chosen, using a sleeping bag liner will minimize the need to wash the sleeping bag as a whole, something that can cut down on its lifespan. Choosing a bag of good quality and caring for it without fail will allow a backpacker to get years of use out of their investment.

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Knowing the type of environment one will be camping in is crucial to picking out the right sleeping bag. A warm environment will obviously require different features in a bag than that of a cold environment- as will an environment that is wet or humid. This also goes hand in hand with the time of year the camping will take place. A windy winter or a rainy summer should prompt one to consider insulation choices. How well a bag insulates will vary depending on whether it is natural down or synthetic insulation; each behaves differently under wet and windy conditions.

Temperature ratings can further guide the decision making process. A bag's temperature rating will help those who sleep 'cold' or 'warm' find a sleeping bag that will ensure their body temperature remains at a comfortable level during the night. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to pick a bag for cooler temperatures. Venting heat through the foot or side of the bag will be easier than trying to recoup lost body heat in a bag that is insufficient. Another aspect to consider is whether there will be a lot of moving from different locations versus staying in one spot. A bag that is light and easy to stow is the more efficient choice for hiking and camping expeditions.

The shape of a sleeping bag can determine the amount of comfort during a good night's rest. The close fitting mummy bag is not a wise choice for those who do a lot of moving around at night while they sleep, yet is the best choice for serious campers and hikers in colder temperatures. Rectangular sleeping bags offer the most comfort and versatility and two of these can be zipped together at a time. Tapered bags that are narrow at the feet and widen up at the shoulders have less air space in them and are therefore warmer; they use less material and are also lighter. Choosing between a machine washable bag and one that requires dry cleaning is purely a matter of taste. However, using a sleeping bag liner requires that only the liner will need to be washed, saving money in dry-cleaning costs and prolonging the life of the bag itself.

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Choosing the right Coleman sleeping bag can be easy if one knows what elements there are to consider. Thought must be given to the environment and the bag's temperature rating in regard to the time of year the outdoor excursion will take place. A temperature rating is merely a guide to help in the decision making process; but common sense will tell us a heavy sleeping bag on a warm August night will probably result in a very unpleasant experience, as will a light sleeping bag on a wind-whipped frosty night. For this reason, there is a Coleman sleeping bag option for every environment with a number of features. Venting ducts will ensure campers who 'sleep warm' at night keep comfortably cool and sleeping bags with hoods will provide extra protection for those who 'sleep cool'.

Those who opt for a Coleman sleeping bag will find that they come with either a cotton, nylon or microfiber shell. Cotton is a natural fiber material and, as with all natural fibers, breathes well and distributes heat evenly. Nylon is a manmade material that is both exceptionally durable and light. Microfiber is also a durable material yet offers better moisture resistance than nylon. Each material also has its cons to consider, such as the fact that nylon does not do very well when it comes to cold windy conditions and microfiber and cotton can be heavy materials; something to consider when camping and hiking requires one to pack light. A sleeping bag with natural down insulation will be lighter, warmer and much more durable; while a synthetic insulation will also be light and somewhat durable but better in moist or damp conditions.

Sleeping bags come in three shapes: rectangle, tapered and mummy. The rectangle is the most commonly recognized all-purpose sleeping bag. The tapered sleeping bag is wide at the shoulders and narrows at the feet, warm and light- as is the mummy sleeping bag. However, the mummy sleeping bag is a very snug fit and is usually the choice of the more serious camper or hiker who spends time in cooler environments.

After researching and putting all the factors together that determine the type of sleeping bag one will need, Coleman makes it even easier to find the right bag on their website with the Coleman sleeping bag finder.

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3. Finding the Backpacking Sleeping Bag Worth Packing

Wall tent camping tends to be the preferred camping method for outdoor sports and hunting. For this reason it also tends to be a fairly basic and rugged way of camping but that doesn't mean it can't be fun for all the family.

Because outdoor sports and hunting isn't just a summer pursuit, wall tents are designed to withstand severe weather conditions while at the same time blending more easily into rugged country than an RV or camping tent trailer. A good quality wall tent is essential for more extreme weather. It should protect from rain, snow and wind outside and also be able to handle high temperatures from wood-stove cooking and heating appliances inside the tent. A wood-burning stove also means that the occupants have a snug environment to sleep and relax in after a long day outdoors. If you do plan to use heating and cooking materials inside your tent, pay attention to such aspects as flame-retardant canvas and flooring. Many wall tents can be extended to provide open-air cooking and eating areas. A sewn-in floor panel will provide extra insulation and protection from condensation and flying or crawling visitors.

Wall tents come in a wide range of sizes and styles and may need a little more setting up time than other types of camping tents. Poles and pegs are a necessary requirement so it's always worth spending some time doing a practice run before heading off on your first wall tent camping adventure. Setting up your wall tent in the comfort of your own garage, basement or yard may save time and frayed tempers when the weather or light is not so clement and you really need to get that tent up!

A good sleeping mat, sleeping bag and decent lighting will all make your wall tent camping experience much more comfortable. Gas lanterns work well and can be hung easily inside the tent. A sleeping cot is a worthwhile investment, protecting you from the cold, bumps and early morning moisture of the ground. Sleeping pads and sleeping bag liners will ensure a good night's sleep, as will a proper outdoor sleeping bag. Make sure to buy a bag that is appropriate for the coldest expected outside temperatures.

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The basic camping sleeping bags still exist. It's simply a square cut of material, often quilted, that is folded in half and zipped up two sides to make a type of sleeve for the camper to slip into. To carry it, you fold it, roll it up tightly and secure it with cords or with specially designed straps. Often it comes with a carrying case that keeps it tightly rolled, clean and waterproof. These kinds of camping sleeping bags is fine for many basic camping needs, but if you are planning to spend a great deal of time in your sleeping bag or if you plan on visiting sites that have more extreme weather conditions, then you will want to consider purchasing a tapered, or mummy sleeping bag.

These bags are meant to give you better temperature control and protection from the elements but with less bulk. They are called mummy sleeping bags because they are tapered in shape to be narrower at the feet and head than at the rest of the bag. This style difference makes the bag look like a mummy wrap; hence the name. Some of the bags even come in shapes that are a better fit for a woman's body than the standard.

The tapered design and close fit make carrying mummy style camping sleeping bags different from the standard type of bag in several ways. The reduced shape of the bag means that it is less bulky and easier to carry. However, because of the shape, it won't roll well – so you'll normally keep it in a compression bag with a drawstring closure. But moreover, the reduced volume, along with a couple of other design features, means that the camping sleeping bags are better able to retain body heat. These type of camping sleeping bags normally don't zip all the way down and around the feet, and since the zipper is a potential area for cold to penetrate, this feature helps to keep your feet warm on chilly nights. For your head, mummy bags usually have a 'hood' that you can pull tight around your head with a drawstring. Since the majority of the body's heat escapes through the head, keeping it covered will keep you much warmer as well.

When it comes to fill for a sleeping bag, synthetic fill is usually the popular choice, even though it can't be compressed as much as down and can. It is light, not as water absorbent, less expensive, and the fact that it doesn't compress as easily means that it keeps a nice layer of insulation even when your weight is on it.

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There are a number of stores that buy up overstock and out of season items and then offer the merchandise at prices better than wholesale. Sleeping bag prices can be up to 50% of the retail price (if not more) in these situations and there is often nothing wrong with the item except for the fact there were too many left as the season ended. This tactic works wonders when it comes to purchasing children's sleeping bags. Children often grow out of their sleeping bags before they ever really get good and used, so if ever there were an item to buy at a price better than wholesale, this would be one of them.

When buying at a store or discount club that offers merchandise wholesale, sleeping bag features are not likely to be as good as if purchased in a specialized camping gear store or online. However, the sleeping bag will still be of very good quality and come in colors or temperature ratings that will make it a good all-purpose piece of equipment. One may even decide to invest in two bags with the price being as good as it is at wholesale. Sleeping bag sleepovers will then be a cinch and it never hurts to have more than one of anything in the house. Plus, two sleeping bags can often be zippered together to make an extra large sleeping space- a great idea for children.

By searching sale ads and looking online, it is fairly easy to find camping gear at prices less than wholesale. Sleeping bag suppliers run deals fairly often and along with finding a good sleeping bag, other handy camping gear items can also be found. As many have found, camping gear often has many practical uses beyond its outdoor capabilities!

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A Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is incredibly light, warm and roomy. Whether choosing a mummy bag or the oversized rectangular shaped bag, campers and hikers who have a need for a sleeping bag that will perform yet remain light and compact when stored will have found just what they are looking for. The standard features that can be found on every Coleman Exponent sleeping bag include:
* A 3D-style triangular draft tube that blocks chilly winter drafts, running the length of the entire zipper
* Seams now placed at ground level to solve the problem of body heat escaping upward through seams
* Draw-string cords that require only one hand to maneuver. The bag's color-coded drawstrings help to adjust either the top portion or bottom portion of the hood (To help with this during a lack of light, the strings are also different shapes)
* Snag-proof zippers
* A small watch pocket
* A vast array of fun colors

The Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is designed to fit any size camper. In the mummy bags, high sculpted shoulders meld into a fully sculpted hood making the bag quite comfortable to sleep in. A left or right-handed snag-free zipper ensures for quick and effortless in-and-out maneuvering of the bag. The FiberLock feature in a Coleman Exponent sleeping bag keeps insulation from shifting and moving. This eliminates the chance for cold spots. Light weight fabrics and a choice of either natural down or synthetic Thermolite and Polarguard insulation allow the bag to be tucked, nice and tidy, into a small stuff sack that weighs very little- a perfect option for campers or hikers moving from location to location. Among other handy features, a large footbox allows for a camper's feet to go into a natural sleeping position during the night. The bags are commercially washable. Many agree that for all the features offered, the ultra-light Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is the best choice for their money.

When used in conjunction with other top-of-the-line Coleman products, the Coleman Exponent sleeping bag is sure to create a pleasurable camping experience.

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