Sleeping Bags: 15 Interesting Facts about Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are known to everyone. They are our companions during camping, trekking, or various expeditions. Today, however, we will look into the peculiarities and interesting facts from the world of sleeping bags that you may not have heard of :-)
History of Sleeping Bags
- The First Sleeping Bags: The oldest manufacturer of sleeping bags is the company Ajungilak, which was founded in 1855 in Norway. Currently, Ajungilak is part of the Swiss company Mammut.
Temperature Limits and Extreme Models
- Lowest Temperature: There are sleeping bags designed for extreme conditions, such as models from brands like Therm-a-Rest or Western Mountaineering. Some models are designed for temperatures down to -40°C.
- Lightweight with Comfort Around 0°C: According to available information, one of the lightest sleeping bags in the world is probably the “Vesper 32F/0C” model from Therm-a-Rest. This sleeping bag weighs only about 329 grams (11.6 ounces). It's designed for ultralight hiking and minimalists who need the lowest possible weight of gear without compromising on warmth and comfort.
Special Sleeping Bags
- Specially Shaped Sleeping Bags: For example, brands like Selk'bag offer sleeping bags that are shaped like clothing with separate legs and arms, allowing the wearer to move freely.
- Waterproof Sleeping Bags: There are sleeping bags with an outer waterproof material, such as models with a Gore-Tex membrane or similar technology.
- Synthetic Fillings: Synthetic fillings like Primaloft or HoloFiber are designed to provide warmth even when wet.
Innovations and Patents
- Leaders in Innovation: Among the leaders in innovations and patents of sleeping bags are companies like The North Face and Marmot. The North Face is known for its technologies such as insulation zoning to optimize warmth and weight.
Features and Peculiarities
- Heated Sleeping Bags: There are sleeping bags with built-in heating on the market, such as the "Homestead Bed" model by The North Face, which has integrated heaters powered by batteries.
- Right-Side Zippers: Sleeping bags with a zipper on the right side are usually intended for left-handers to make it easier for them to open and close the zipper.
- Other Interesting Features: Some models, like the Therm-a-Rest® Vesper Quilt, have built-in foot pockets or even small pillows to enhance comfort.
Millet Sleeping Bags
- Millet "Baikal Series": Millet's Baikal series sleeping bags are designed for various climatic conditions, from mild to low temperatures. Interestingly, the name "Baikal" comes from the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Baikal in Russia, symbolizing the sleeping bags' ability to handle extreme conditions.
- Filling with Supermix™ Technology: Millet uses a special Supermix™ filling in its Baikal sleeping bags, which combines synthetic fibers Loftech™ and Bicomponent™ to provide excellent thermal insulation even in damp conditions. This combination allows maintaining warmth even with high humidity, crucial in environments where temperature and humidity often change.
Bergans Sleeping Bags
- Bergans "Rondane Sleeping Bag": Bergans has named its series of sleeping bags after the Norwegian mountain range of Rondane, indicating their suitability for outdoor activities in harsh Scandinavian conditions. These sleeping bags are known for their exceptional thermal comfort and wind resistance, making them ideal for winter camping.
- Ecological Approaches: Bergans is very focused on sustainability and environmental protection. In recent years, they have started using recycled materials for the production of their sleeping bags. For example, Bergans uses recycled polyester and eco-friendly dyes, thus reducing the ecological footprint of their products.
- Anatomical Shapes: Bergans sleeping bags are also known for their anatomical shapes, which are tailored to the human body for maximum comfort. Models like the Bergans "Rondslott" use an even distribution of insulation to ensure optimal thermal comfort throughout sleep, and specially shaped hoods that minimize heat loss.