Choosing Quality Equipment: The Mountain Hardwear Sleeping Bag

Mountain Hardwear was started over a decade ago by a group of outdoor enthusiasts who used their own experiences to help develop outdoor gear that serious everyday hikers and campers would want to find in their own collection. The Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag is one of those items. Developed with the serious hiker and camper in mind, each bag was designed to handle below zero to just above zero temperatures. Knowing that each temperature range wields a certain level of demand on a camper's body, the insulation and bag shape are part of the design that keeps the inside of the unit dry and toasty yet compact for when it's time to get up and go.

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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