Comparison Naturehike M180 vs Naturehike M300

The season for which the sleeping bag was originally intended. Note that many models are designed for more than one season — winter and spring / autumn or spring / autumn and summer ; there are even all-season products. However, anyway, when buying, it is worth clarifying not only this nuance, but also the specific temperature characteristics of the selected model (see below).

In general, the assignment of a sleeping bag to one or another seasonality largely depends on how the manufacturer positions this model. However, in each category there are some common features, here they are:

— Winter. Sleeping bags suitable for winter usually meet the following minimum requirements: at least the temperature of the comfort limit in them should be below zero, and if it is higher, then the extreme temperature should be low enough (-20 °C or less). Also, a sleeping bag is definitely considered winter if its comfort temperature is below -5 °C.

— Spring/Autumn. Sleeping bags designed for the off-season should be comfortable enough both in warm weather and in case of sudden frosts. Therefore, the comfort temperature in them can be quite low — up to -5 °C inclusive. On the other hand, there are also combined "off-season-summer" models, where the extreme temperature is as much as +10 °C. So the specific characteristics of such a...sleeping bag should be specified especially carefully.

— Summer. A summer sleeping bag should provide comfort at high temperatures, so many models from this category have a comfort t ° of the order of +15 °C, or even higher. At the same time, summer seasonality can also be indicated for models with lower comfort temperatures (even below zero). In such cases, the manufacturer proceeds from the fact that if it is hot in the sleeping bag, you can open up or undress (recall, the temperature regimes are indicated for a person in thermal underwear).

Since a sleeping bag is a travel outfit, its weight can be one of the key characteristics. Two points should be taken into account here: firstly, more insulation usually requires more material and increases weight, and secondly, warm models with low weight are much more expensive than heavier options with the same temperature characteristics.

Also, when choosing a sleeping bag, you should decide what exactly you are buying it for. If we are talking about picnics, festivals and other simple trips to nature without long walks, or if you plan to carry equipment by car, you can not pay much attention to weight, focus on other characteristics. If you plan to go on long hiking or cycling trips, you should choose a model with a minimum weight.

As for specific numbers, most modern sleeping bags are in the range of 1.1 – 1.5 kg or 1.6 – 2 kg, although there are quite a few ultra-light models — 1 kg or less. An indicator of 2.1 – 2.5 kg is already considered quite significant, and a weight of 2.6 – 3 kg or more is found mainly in two types of sleeping bags: separate expeditionary models with a high degree of insulation, as well as double products.

Some manufacturers use their own criteria to designate this temperature; however, they predominantly use the accepted standard. According to it, the comfort temperature is the lowest ambient temperature at which a man in thermal underwear can comfortably sleep in a sleeping bag all night (a minimum of 8 hours) without waking from the cold, in a relaxed position. Naturally, actual comfort will depend on the individual's body and preparation.

Some manufacturers use their own criteria to define this temperature, but the generally accepted standard is predominantly used. According to this standard, the comfort limit temperature is the lowest ambient air temperature at which a man in thermal underwear can sleep in a sleeping bag all night (at least 8 hours) in a heat-conserving position (curled up in the "fetal position"), maintaining thermal balance. Naturally, in each individual case, comfort will also depend on the characteristics of the individual's body and the tourist's preparation.

Some manufacturers use their own criteria to designate this temperature, but predominantly, the common standard is used. According to it, the comfort temperature is the lowest ambient air temperature at which a woman in thermal underwear can sleep comfortably, without waking up from the cold, in a sleeping bag throughout the night (at least 8 hours) in a relaxed position. Of course, actual comfort will depend on the individual's body characteristics and specific person's preparation.

Some manufacturers use their own criteria to indicate this temperature, but the generally accepted standard is predominantly used. According to this standard, the comfort limit temperature is the lowest ambient air temperature at which a woman in thermal underwear can sleep in a sleeping bag for the entire night (at least 8 hours) in a heat-conserving position (curled up), maintaining thermal balance. Naturally, comfort will also depend on the individual characteristics of the organism and the preparation of the tourist in each specific case.

Extreme temperature of this sleeping bag.

Some manufacturers use their own criteria to designate this temperature, but predominantly a commonly accepted standard is used. According to it, the extreme temperature is the temperature at which a prepared female traveler with a sturdy build (height 160 cm, weight 60 kg) in thermal underwear can spend the night (at least 6 hours) in the sleeping bag in a heat-conserving position ("curled up") without the risk of hypothermia. These criteria are based on the considerations that a person's tolerance to cold depends on gender (women feel colder than men), body build (slim people are more sensitive to cold), and preparation. It should be noted here that if you are not accustomed to camping conditions, the extreme temperature should be considered as the lowest temperature at which the sleeping bag can be used without life risk. Comfort is not guaranteed, and there is a high chance of hypothermia; therefore, in such temperatures, not only quality thermal wear might be needed but also additional insulation.

Dimensions of the sleeping bag when unfolded. Although the designation of sizes includes the traditional three numbers, in the case of sleeping bags there is a peculiarity: these numbers do not indicate length, width and height (depth, thickness), but length, width at the shoulders and width at the legs. For example, the designation 220x80x50 means 220 cm in length, 80 cm in width at the shoulders and 50 cm in width at the legs (for more information about sleeping bags with different widths, see “Type”).

It is believed that the optimal sleeping bag sizes are:

- Length - 15-20 cm more than a person’s height (for sleeping bags with a hood) or his height to the shoulders (for sleeping bags without a hood).
— The width at the shoulders is such that the sleeping bag fits tightly and at the same time does not interfere with movement.
— The width in the legs (for cocoons, see “Type”) is such that you can slightly bend your legs without tension on the fabric of the sleeping bag (otherwise heat loss is possible, and it will wear out more).

Note that these requirements apply primarily to sleeping bags intended for use in cold weather. If you are purchasing a sleeping bag for summer trips, the width requirements are not so critical - the main thing is that it does not feel cramped and the length matches.

Of course, when folded, the sleeping bag takes up significantly less space - see “Dimensions (folded)”.

The dimensions of the sleeping bag when folded, when packed in a complete cover; if this cover is made in the form of a compression bag(see "Equipment"), then the dimensions are indicated with the compression straps tightened to the maximum.

Other things being equal, the smaller the size of the sleeping bag, the more convenient it is in storage and transportation. At the same time, more compact models are usually more expensive.