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Guide
Down sleeping bags
Plan for the coldest expected night and how easily you feel cold. Compare weight and packed size only after warmth and length fit; an insulating sleeping mat belongs in the system too.
Key points
- A comfort rating is a guide, not a guarantee of warmth.
- A higher fill-power figure alone does not tell you how warm the bag is.
- Keep down dry; a water-repellent shell does not make the bag waterproof.
- Your mat must insulate sufficiently from the cold ground.
How will you spend the night?
| Use | Choose | Bear in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Light trekking kit | ChooseCompact mummy shape | Bear in mindChoose warmth before weight. |
| More room to move | ChooseRoomier cut | Bear in mindExtra space can add weight. |
| Cold nights | ChooseSuitably warm model | Bear in mindPlan mat and clothing together. |
| Sleeping together | ChooseDouble bag | Bear in mindCheck mats and tent space. |
Close-fitting or roomy?
Light mummy bag (In your pack)
A narrower shape for compact touring luggage.
- Advantage: Little unnecessary internal space
- Drawback: Restricts movement more
Roomier cut (More sleeping room)
Extra shoulder and leg space for less restricted sleeping.
- Advantage: More room to move
- Drawback: Usually bulkier when packed
What to look for
| Question | In brief | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Which temperature? | In briefLook at comfort | WhyLower-limit and extreme figures describe different conditions. Cold sleepers need a margin rather than the lowest advertised figure. |
| Which length? | In briefCheck permitted body height | WhyProduct length is not maximum user height. Feet and hood should not compress the insulation strongly. |
| How much down? | In briefRead fill and construction | WhyFill power describes down loft, not overall warmth. Baffles, fill weight and shape work together. |
Common questions
Can I use the extreme rating as my operating temperature?
No. It is not a recommendation for a comfortable night. Choose an appropriate comfort range, allowing for your experience and the expected conditions.
Is treated down waterproof?
No. Treatment may make moisture less problematic but does not replace protection from rain or wet luggage.
How should I store it?
Completely dry and loose, for example in the large storage bag if specified by the manufacturer. The small compression sack is mainly for transport.
Why am I cold in a warm sleeping bag?
The mat, damp clothing, tiredness and how easily you feel cold all play a part. Temperature ratings only apply with a suitable mat and dry clothing.
Last updated: November 2026
What do you need overnight?
Compact trekking kit
Choose the temperature range first, then compare weight and packed size in the correct variant.
- Warmth range first
- Check body height
- Dry packing sack
More room to move
Shoulder and knee room helps restless sleepers. Compare weight in the length you need.
- Check shoulder width
- Include the mat
- Inspect the zip
Very cold nights
Check the actual warmth range and your other equipment. A model name with a minus figure is not enough.
- Read comfort rating
- Warm sleeping mat
- Avoid moisture
Varied overnight trips
For varied trips, the chosen temperature variant must suit the coldest planned destination.
- Check the variant
- Match the length
- Store dry
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