SHELTER : Part 3 of 3 – Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Kits & Accessories.

Introduction

It’s important to stress at the earliest opportunity that when we wish to use a ‘sleeping bag’ what we should actually say is we must utilize a Sleeping Kit System. That means a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a shelter. If you are a novice, you’ll need these as 3 SEPARATE pieces of gear.

Actually deciding which sleeping kit to choose is not such a frustrating, time-consuming process once the potential buyer understands the theory behind the range of sleeping systems available. Hence, as in previous product / device reviews, let’s start our review of sleeping bags by considering the various designs and reasoning that underlies the various sleeping bags/kits plus accessories.

In addition, we will also be discussing Sleeping Kits suitable for Children and teenagers and those adapted for use by women. Emergency Survival Blankets will also be reviewed.

Before discussing about the topics mentioned previously, it’s wise for us to mention here that in our members subscription course, we consider sleeping kits as well as tents that can be used indoors when the temperature drops noticeably as a result of a power outage and / or bad weather.

What You Should Know – Basic Knowledge

A good sleeping bag should be nice and warm, but also not too warm. What is warm enough depends on the situation in which it is used. For example, if you go camping in the south of France in the summer, you will not want the same amount of warmth as the person who goes camping in the winter to view the Northern Lights.

As mentioned in our introduction, as a beginner or inexperienced person to survival preparations, your Sleeping Kit will consist essentially of 3 components – a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and a shelter.

Let’s consider these products in association with the 3 SLEEPING SYSTEMS which you might have to adopt, depending on your location.

While all sleeping bags arrive out of a package fluffy and warm, many bags face problems over time in terms of being packed, re-packed, and re-packed again. Down can leak or clump; and similarly, synthetic materials can suffer degradation. All of these things lead to a sleeping bag being less efficient, and therefore less comfortable and useful than they should be.

While these problems are generally nothing more than nuisances, it is also important to remember that a sleeping bag in addition to being a general outdoors tool, is also a survival tool, as it may on occasion have to keep one warm in adverse or hostile conditions.

Choosing the right sleeping bag does not only guarantee comfort but also your safety while resting outdoors. What follows is a great resource to explain that aesthetics may attract people to buy sleeping bags because they are appealing but the newbie/ inexperienced outdoor folks should primarily consider design and utility.

Sleeping System Kit 1 : Moderately Cold Sleeping Set-Up

Type of Component for Moderately-Cold Sleeping Setup System.	Kelty Cosmic Synthetic Fill 20 Degree Celsius; Backpacking ; Bag Mummy Sleeping Bag.	Mattress : Therm-a-Rest Prolite Ultralight	Shelter : As previously described in Parts Nos. 1 & 2 of SHELTER Sub-Section.
Specs.	Temp.Rating = 20 deg.C to -7 deg.C Size Regular: - Fits to: 6 ft / 183 cm - Fill weight: 40.9 oz. / 1.16 kg - Total weight: 3 lbs. 11 oz. / 1.66 kg - Stuffed size: 8.7 x 15 in / 22 x 38 cm Size Long: - Fits to: 6 ft 6 in / 198 cm - Fill weight: 44 oz. / 1.26 kg - Total weight: 4 lbs. 2 oz. / 1.88 kg - Stuffed size: 9.4 x 15 in / 24 x 38 cm	- Weight: 14 oz (For regular size option) - R-Value: 2.4 - Dimensions: 72″ x 20″ x 1.0″ (regular size).
Description	The sleeping bag is designed for comfort whether you sleep hot or cold. The roomy, mummy-shaped sleeping bag is made with compressible, - Insulation Material = Made from ThermaPro synthetic insulation which is designed to hold heat to keep you extra warm - Would be perfect for the warmer months, especially with the extra zip at the bottom of the bag to vent your feet and let the hot air out. - The material is quite strong and definitely good quality.	The Therm-a-Rest Prolite is a self-inflating sleeping pad with an R-value of 2.4, good for use down to 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit. While self-inflating sleeping pads are not nearly as popular as they were 20 years ago, they are more durable and resilient than inflatable sleeping pads, and much less expensive.
Pros	- Incredibly comfortable - Perfect for Summer, Spring and Fall - Bottom zip to vent feet - Mummy-styled bag - Good size for anyone to use - Available in 2 sizes - Highly affordable for the quality of this product - Easily compressible - Stuff sack included - Inside zipper pocket for Ipod / Cellphone.	- it’s available in a wide variety of lengths and gear weights. - A compressed Prolite (red) rolls up pretty small compared to an XLite (yellow), making it easy to pack. - Reasonable warmth for trips above and around freezing. - Great warranty coverage.
Cons	Certainly NOT suitable for really cold nights.	- Tiny storage bag makes proper packing-down difficult and time-consuming. - Comfort and warmth don’t differ from 15-mm foam pads - Easily pressed down to earth after self-inflation, final inflation by mouth is mandatory - No repair kit included.
Overall Rating
Amazon.com website link
Amazon.ca website link
Amazon.co.uk website link
Amazon.it website link

Sleeping System Kit 2 : Extremely Cold Sleeping Set-Up

Type of component for Extremely Cold Sleeping set up system	Sleeping Bag : Teton Sports Altos	MatresseS : (#1) = Therm-a-Rest Prolite Ultralight as described for moderately cold sleeping set up. (# 2) = Z Lite SOL Ultralight for a combined R-value of 6+	Shelter : 3-Season OR 4-Season Tent Model advised.
Specifications	Shape = Mummy Size = 84" x 32" x 17" Closure Type = Zipper Color : Burnt Orange ; Teton Orange Fill Material = Dupont Sonora Outer Material = Synthetic Temperature Rating = +20˚F Item Dimensions L x W x H : 84 x 32 x 3 inches Item Weight = 2.8 lbs	Regular Size: 51 x 183 x 2 (cm) Weight: 410g Packed size: 51 x 13 x 14 (cm) ASTM R-Value: 2.0* * This indicates the level of Insulation offered by the product. In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc.
Description	- Water-resistant down mummy bag: Filled with MTN-DRY down repels water and recovers quickly so you stay warm. - Backpacker’s dream bag: Puts the down or synthetic debate to rest - High-quality construction: Tough ripstop shell; Brushed nylon liner; - - Bag compresses down to save on pack space - 3 piece hood contours your face; Lightweight; Roomy bag; Vaulted foot box; - Anti-snag zipper Limited lifetime warranty.	The Z Lite SOL mattresses are the lightest, most compact closed-cell mattresses on today's market. - The proprietary foams are softer on top for extra comfort and denser on the bottom for extra durability. Wherever you’re headed, a Z Lite mattress is the right choice for ultralight warmth, durability and comfort. - Advanced Warmth: ThermaCapture surface reflects radiant heat back to your body, amplifying the warmth of the heat-trapping dimples by 20% (Z Lite SOL™ only; for best results, use reflective side-up.). - Compact Design: Folding design is compact and easy to pack. - Extra Durability: Virtually indestructible closed-cell foam provides lasting, economical comfort.
Pros	Waterproof down mummy bag Warm, comfortable and durable High-quality design Withstands abrasion Sufficiently spacious A positive environmental impact product being made from natural as well as recycled materials. The Altos is a workhouse bag that performs and lasts well after multiple nights and multiple uses.	Lightweight, affordable, great warmth adding supplement.
Cons	- Down pieces float around after extended use. - Is a little short for persons just over 6ft tall.	Breaks down over time, dimples gather dirt and moisture.
Overall Rating
Amazon.com website link
Amazon.ca website link
Amazon.co.uk website link
Amazon.it website link

Sleeping System Kit 3 : Ultralight Sleeping Set-Up

Type of component for Ultralight Sleeping System Set Up.	Sleeping Bag : Western Mountaineering Ultralite Mummy Sleeping Bag	Mattress : Z Lite SOL Ultralight as previously described for the Extremely Cold sleeping system set up.(KIT 2)	Shelter : Tarp OR Mylar Emergency Survival Blanket. (To be reviewed later in this Part 3 sub-section).
Specifications	Shape = Mummy Sizes = 5'6″ (165 cm), 6′ (180 cm), 6'6″ (200 cm) Closure Type = Zipper Color = One Color, Blue Item Dimensions L x W x H : 10 x 10 x 24 (inches) Item Weight = 2 lbs 936g Temperature Rating: 20°F / -6.67°C EN13537 T Comfort: 25°F / -4°C EN13537 T Limit: 14°F / -10°C EN13537 T Extreme: -21°F / -29°C Fill Weight = 16 oz / 454 g Fill = 850-fill down insulation
Description	- ExtremeLite shell fabric encases insulation without unnecessary weight - 16 oz / 454 g of ultra-premium, 850 fill down insulation - Interlocking draft tubes and a down-filled collar prevent drafts - Slightly narrower shoulder girth to eliminate pockets of dead air for improved warmth retention - Comes with a stuff sack and a storage sack Warranty covers the bag against manufacturer defects for life.
Pros	Hand-sewn in California, it's a top of the line ultralight sleeping bag for 3 -season conditions. - The Quality: With a premium price tag, you're also getting premium quality. The UltraLite has held up very well and if you take care of it, it will take care of you. - The UltraLite has a fantastic warmth to weight ratio.
Cons	Only one - the price. This is the Rolls Royce of sleeping bags. In fact, Western Mountaineering refuses to let retailers discount their bags, which is why they’re never on sale at a discount. Its features cost more because they have to be hand-sewn and require more labor to make, but this really increases the performance characteristics of the bags that are made this way..
Value for money. (If you can afford it !)
Amazon.com website link
Amazon.ca website link
Amazon.co.uk website link
Amazon.it

Purchase Considerations

In which sleeping bag will you sleep best ?

Rectangular sleeping bags are often made of a very thin material and are better suited for a warm or moderate climate. Mummy sleeping bags, on the other hand, are available with a down, synthetic or natural fiber filling.

The Mummy Sleeping Bag

Mummy sleeping bags are the most common variant and have a well thought-out design. They are especially recommended for winter temperatures.

As the name suggests, they are wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. Like our body. This makes them a perfect fit for most people.

This is a special advantage when it comes to heat regulation. Since this good sleeping bag adapts perfectly to the shape of the body and there are no large hollow spaces, the body is heated up faster and the heat is better retained in this good sleeping bag. Of course only if it is sewn with high-quality, well-insulating materials.

Mummy sleeping bags are available with two different zip systems depending on the model and manufacturer. It can be opened or closed on both sides or around. So you can use it alone as a blanket or sometimes even connect it to your partner’s sleeping bag.

The Rectangular Sleeping Bag

This species is also known under the term blanket sleeping bag. It can usually be opened completely and can also be used as a blanket. This type of sleeping bag is usually made of a very thin material, making it especially suitable for summer temperatures or for indoor use.

It can also be used as an inlay and extra insulation for other sleeping bags, such as a mummy sleeping bag. Some models have a sewn-in pillow compartment where you can place a (travel) pillow for extra sleeping comfort if needed.

Rectangular sleeping bags are also very suitable for people who, for hygienic reasons, do not like to sleep in someone else’s bed. You can crawl into the sleeping bag and not come into contact with the sheet or blanket of the other person. This type of sleeping bag offers a lot of space, but is not suitable for outdoor adventures in moderate to winter temperatures.

Which sleeping bag at which temperature?

If you look at the product specifications of the sleeping bag, you will not always see up to what (exact) temperature you can use it. Fortunately, there is always the following:

• comfort temperature
• limit temperature
• extreme temperature

But what does that say exactly? Since 2005, a European standard (EN 13537) has been in force for the designation of temperature ranges. Each manufacturer must therefore declare it.
To this end, the sleeping bags are tested for their heat level in independent, certified laboratories.

The 3 measuring ranges (comfort, limit and extreme) then tell you by whom and at what temperatures the sleeping bag can be used.

The subjects used in the test are young women and men of average weight and height. Thus, the ranges correspond to the following:

• The comfort temperature is the ideal temperature at which an average woman (60 kg) can sleep without being just cold. This is calculated on the basis of a comfortable night’s sleep. If an average woman can sleep for eight hours without being woken up by the cold, then this comfort temperature is reached.
• The limit temperature refers to the average man (80 kg) who can sleep in a fetal position for eight hours without waking up from the cold.
• Most of us will not have to take the extreme temperature into account. After all, this temperature is about deadly temperatures where an average woman (60 kg) can survive for about six hours without dying.

Ideally,to sleep comfortably, it’s better to sit above these temperatures for a while!

Maintenance

How long does a sleeping bag last?

In principle, a (good) Sleeping bag can last a lifetime. To be sure that you can continue with your sleeping bag for many years you must of course take good care of it. Here are some useful tips :

In this penultimate part of this article, we shall be discussing and reviewing Sleeping Bags which are suitable for particular groups, namely :

• Women
• Children
• Tall Adults

Women’s Sleeping Bags

These sleeping bags are generally characterized as follows

–Smaller size sleeping bag.
-Models adapt to the anatomy of the woman.
-Sleeping bag for winter and summer (down to -10 ° C, -15 ° C)
-Fleece-lined foot areas.
-Additional extras in the form of pockets to warm your hands & optional colours.

Sleeping-bag manufacturers have finally realized that women sleep colder than men and have different anatomies. Women’s bags are now built to reflect those differences, with narrower shoulders, wider hips, and extra insulation in the upper body and foot box.

In addition, their muscle and body fat distribution means that women give off much less body heat in relation to their body weight compared to men. This can be a difference of 5 ° Celsius. This goes a long way in explaining the the biggest difference between men’s and women’s sleeping bag models i.e. the amount of insulation used — which also explains the difference in weight and compressed sizes of the respective sleeping bags.

Due to this difference, women give off much less body heat in relation to their body weight compared to men.

Here are 3 models to consider :

Name of Model	Sea to Summit Altitude AtII Flame Ultralight Women Down Sleeping Bag	Vaude Sioux 800	Mountain Warehouse Apex 250 Rectangular Sleeping Bag
Specifications	- Weight = 1,280g - Filling Weight = 720g - Max.Height = 170cm (approx 67 inches) - Pack size volume = 8.1 litres -Comfort temperature: -5 ° C - Limit temperature: -12 ° C - Extreme temperature: -31 ° C - Main material: 100% polyamide - Filling: 100% down contains non-textile components of animal origin	Dimensions L x W x H = 31.5 x 21.65 x 86.61 (inches) Weight = 3.31 lbs (1.5Kg) Fabric Type = 100% Other Fibers	- Dimensions (LxWxH): 13.98 x 8.66 x 8.66 inches (35.5 x 22 x 22 cm) - Weight of Item : 1.2kg - Shape : Rectangle - Outer & Fill Material : Polyester. - Temperature Rating : Comfort
Description	With its rectangular cut tapering towards the bottom, it offers more space than mummy sleeping bags, but at the same time it finds the right balance between comfort and weight. This makes it a great all-rounder with which you can still feel comfortable even in freezing temperatures As a women's sleeping bag, it is also a little narrower at the shoulders and a little wider at the hips in order to efficiently keep the heat inside. connectable, water-repellent outer material, water-repellent down, breathable. Includes: a storage bag which can be used as a blanket ; lined cover strip, inside pocket, hood, thermal collar & 2-way zip.	Mummy shaped body cut for optimal heat management Warmth when and where you need it! This breathable and easy-care 3 season synthetic fill mummy sleeping bag is also eco-friendly, made with bluesign® certified materials. The Sensofiber microfiber filling reflects body heat yet efficiently transfers moisture from the body and thus maintains an extraordinarily comfortable sleeping climate. Like all synthetic fibers, Sensofiber warms even when wet, is quick-drying, easy to maintain and long-lasting. The Sioux 800 is a solidly reliable, warm outdoor sleeping bag for trekking and cabin outings.	The approximately 2 metre long sleeping bag is well tailored to adult women as well as teenage girls. Is characterized by a durable yet soft polyester finish. At just under 1.2 kilos, the weight is also very light and therefore practical. Equipped with a 2-way zip, the sleeping bag can also be used as a blanket. Of course the material is washable. It is a spring and summer sleeping bag, which is therefore primarily tailored to temperatures of around 10 degrees. A soft inner lining should provide the necessary warmth at this time of year.
Pros	The 3-zipper system alone gives you a lot of options. Super warm, comfortable, and light. Even more comfortable thanks to the fleece lining in the hip and foot area.	- Exceptionally soft and skin friendly fabric with bluesign® standard - Sensofiber: Sensofiber is a special microfiber used to reflect the sleeper's body heat. Sensofiber insulates well even when wet, dries quickly, is very long lasting, as well as durable and easy to maintain. - Additional features include an inside pocket for stowing utensils and a contour hood. - 3 colour options: Black, Blue & Red (Chili).	- Good build quality and functionality of the model. - The sleeping bag is soft and cozy and offers great comfort when camping. - This model is very light and compact.
Cons	Expensive.	- Heavy - High pack size.	- It should really only be used in summer, as it does not necessarily heat up particularly effectively.
Value for Money
Overall Rating
Amazon.com website link			N / A
Amazon.ca website link			N / A
Amazon.co.uk website link
Amazon.it website link

Our favourite option is the Sea to Summit Altitude AtII Flame Ultralight Women Down Sleeping Bag !

Children’s Sleeping Bags

Size is a very important factor when considering sleeping bags for children :

If children use their mother or father’s sleeping bag, chances are they will have a lot of space left. This will make them cold, because the air bubble in the sleeping bag is much larger. So it is much more difficult to heat up all the air in the sleeping bag.

You can therefore assume that a better fitting sleeping bag also provides better heating. For this reason, the best sleeping bags usually have a mummy shape.

Bear in mind also that toddlers should never sleep in adult-sized or too-large sleeping bags because if the toddler slithers down to the bottom, it can cause distress and risk of suffocation. It’s always best practice to keep the sleeping bags unzipped or stick to breathable materials until you know your toddler is a great sleeper.

One of the main things to consider when shopping for children’s sleeping bags is what they are going to be used for. Age is an important factor when choosing the right sleeping bag for your child. Many sleeping bags – including a couple in our selection – are designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers, taking into consideration their size and safety requirements.

Other things to keep in mind are weight and size (in particular when packed away). No one wants to be lugging heavy and bulky sleeping bags around on a camping trip, especially when that someone will more than likely end up being you, so lightweight, compact options are what you’re looking for here. 

Let’s now review 3 popular children’s sleeping bags :

Name of Model	Skandika Vegas Junior children's sleeping bag	Outdoorer Dream Express Children's Sleeping Bag	EXPLORER Starlite Junior Children's Sleeping Bag	Marmot Kids Trestles 30 Sleeping Bag.
Specifications	- Material (outer) = 170T Polyester, water repellent - Material (inner) = Polyester - Filling = Microfibre, 300g/m² - Covered Zip(s) = Yes - Packsack = Yes - Comfort range of 13 to 3°C with a limit of -2°C and extreme -12°C. - Pack size = 33 x 18 (cm) Dimensions : 170 (140+30) x 70/45 cm Weight = 900 g Variant = blue/orange, green/red, pink.	Dimensions (LxWxH) = 14 x 7 x 17 (cm) Size: 130 + 30 cm head section with thermal collar x 60 cm; - Suitable for children up to 150cm max. - Weight: approx 930g - Lining: technical cotton, - Filling: hollow fibre, - Cover: polyester 70D W/R CIRE	Dimensions approx .: 175 x 70 x 45 (cm) Upper comfort range: + 11 ° C Lower comfort range: + 7 ° C Extreme range: - 6 ° C Weight approx .: 1200 g Pack size approx .: 38 x 22 cm	- Shape - Mummy - Fits Up To: 5 feet 0 inches - Shoulder Girth: 52in (132cm) - Hip Girth: 51in (130cm) - Footbox Size: 38in (97cm) - Product Weight: 2 lbs. 6 oz., (1080 g) - Bag Temp ; 30 deg.F (-1 deg C) - Main Fabric: 70D 100% Polyester Embossed 2.2 oz/yd
Description	The VEGAS JUNIOR - a real eye-catcher at any sleepover party or on any camping trip! - Spacious shoulder and foot areas and yet has not sacrificed the advantages of a cosy hood - common in mummy-style sleeping bags - to keep out draughts. - The cosy soft materials, warm filling and durable shell make the Vegas Junior your perfect choice for a good night’s sleep. - Maintains a warm temperature with an insulated zip baffle (located behind the zip) to help keeping the cold out. - Easy to machine wash, transport & store. - The combination of vibrant blue and orange create the perfect look, especially for boys but suitable for girls too. -	Dream Express by Outdoorer is an ideal sleeping bag for small children. - High-quality children's sleeping bag materials: 100% cotton lining, hollow fibre filling and polyester cover. - The inner fabric is soft and comfortable on the skin.	With this Mummy shape sleeping bag, your child can sleep well anywhere. The compact mummy sleeping bag is ideal for camping and outdoors. Thanks to the bulky hollow fiber, you won't freeze even on colder nights. And when the sleeping bag is no longer needed, it can be stowed away to save space. - With preformed hood - Thermal collar - 2-way YKK zipper - Zippered heat bar - Zippered anti-clamping band - Connectable Upper side: 210 T soft nylon Lining: 100% breathable polyester Filling: 300 g / m² hollow fiber, 2-ply	The Kids' Trestles 30° Sleeping Bag is a roomy, mummy-style synthetic bag that performs in cool and damp conditions, thanks to Spirafil™ high-loft insulation. Its unique blend of large, spiral hollow fibers and small polyester fibers provides the exceptional warmth, softness, and compressibility of natural down while increasing moisture resistance. The anatomically shaped footbox minimizes heat buildup and gives kids plenty of room to wiggle their toes, flex their feet, and find a comfy sleeping position.
Pros	The Skandika Vegas Junior sleeping bag is thick and warm, perfect for anything from sleepovers to camping trips. It’s a great size and leaves room for movement inside.	- The sleeping bag is quite light and therefore easy to carry -You can remove the pillow with a zipper and insert it separately - Zipper does not hang in the fabric and ceiling function is an advantage. - Good legroom.	Year-round use. Included components : Sleeping bag, pack sack.	- 3D hood can be adjusted to optimize heat retention. - Rounding out this excellent bag are an interior stash pocket, “feely” draw cords, dual hang loops, and a stuff sack that compresses for convenient packability.
Cons	Zip problem - can break easily.	- The sleeping bag in the house was too warm although certainly comfortable for outside. -	Badly sewn ! Feedback reports of seams opening after a short period of time.	A bit heavy for the warmth it provides.
Overall Rating
Amazon.com website link	N / A	N / A	N / A
Amazon.ca website link		N / A	N / A	NA
Amazon.co.uk website link
Amazon.it website link

Sleeping Bags for Tall People (Over 6ft)

When it comes to making a lot of purchases, tall people have problems and buying a sleeping bag is no different ! The average male height is around 5 feet 10 inches, with the majority of sleeping bags aimed to comfortably accommodate a 6-foot man.

So, if you’re taller than this, you may struggle to get a comfortable night’s sleep in a standard sleeping bag. Sleeping bags for tall men are available in different designs, even if the selection is much smaller than the conventional sizes.

Depending on the special dimensions, the selection can be examined more closely. Whether broad shoulders, long legs or a long upper body, the sleeping bag must be adapted to the body for a restful sleep. Models that are too small are simply unsuitable which is important to note when buying and how to use them.

Before reviewing a particular model worthy of your consideration, consider the following criteria tabulated below which incidentally is applicable to ANY sleeping bag purchase !

Coleman Big Basin 15 Big & Tall Adult Sleeping Bag

This is a quite popular big and tall sleeping bag. From it’s 92 inches in length to the 39 inch width, the Big Basin by Coleman is just screaming for big men to sleep in it. This special elongated silhouette can comfortably accommodate campers up to 6 feet 6 inches tall.

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS :
- Color = Grey
- Weight = 8 pounds = 3.62Kg
- Temperature Rating = 15 Deg.Fahrenheit
- Fits Up To Men = 6.6 ft (height) & 225-300 pounds = 102kg-136kg (weight)
- Packed Size: 10.2 x 10.2 x 15 inches

FUNCTIONS/FEATURES :
- The 15 Degrees Fahrenheit temperature allows you to stay comfortable and warm down to 0 Degrees Celsius, and has an extreme rating of -13 degrees.Celsius
- The quilt construction makes it stay warm with no cold spots and an anti-snag zipper design to make it easy-to-use, every time.
- It features a zipper draft tube, fleece foot and a roomy design.
- There is a stuff sack included and a 5-year limited warranty (they repair defects and damages, not wear and tear).
- It is also 100% machine washable.

PROS :
+ Zipper Draft Tube – Eliminates heat loss by covering up zipper hole
+ Fleece Foot – This is simply added material at the bottom of the bag. It keeps your feet extra warm and comfortable on cold nights

CONS :
< Its weight ! Also, Difficult to roll up since it’s so big and bulky (hence the name “Big”)
OVERALL RATING = A

SELECT YOUR AMAZON COUNTRY

Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.it

Option #2

TETON Sports Celsius XXL Sleeping Bag

If you’re struggling to find a larger-sized sleeping bag, this model would be one of the most popular, reasonably priced sleeping bags to consider.

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS :
- Shape = Rectangular
- Size = 90" x 39" Left Zip
- Closure Type = Zipper
- Color = Black
- Fill Material = SuperLoft Elite
- Outer Material = Poly Taffeta
- Temperature Rating = 32
- Dimensions (L x W x H) inches :
89.96 x 38.98 x 3.94 inches
Weight = 3.2 Kilograms

While the Teton Sport Celsius XXL is an entry level product, it does offer excellent value for money. So, if you’re hesitating over buying yourself a sleeping bag because of your height, this would be a great first time purchase.

- .At 90 inches Long, the Teton Sport Celsius XXL is recommended for heights up to 6 foot 6 inches
- With a Width of 39 inches, you shouldn’t have to worry about your above average height restricting your width, even if you’re on the bulky side.

CONS
It's a heavy sleeping bag & not the most compact when stored in its stuff sack.

PROS
You can also keep your phone or other necessary camping gear close at hand, thanks to the inclusion of an interior pocket.
Given the price of the TETON Sports Celsius XXL sleeping bag, it is especially surprising that it is one of the longest and warmest models on our list, not counting the numerous extra features.

SELECT YOUR AMAZON COUNTRY

Amazon.com

Amazon.ca

Emergency Mylar Sleeping Bags from TITAN Survival

We’ll now discuss 2 model options which would satisfy survival / evacuation events as well as camping / excursion activities :

MODEL OPTION #1

Designed for NASA Space Exploration and Heat Retention. Perfect for Survival Kits and Go-Bags. Includes Stow-able Nylon Drawstring Bag.

These Extra-Thick Emergency SLEEPING BAGS are designed to be used in an emergency for heat retention and to help you survive inclement weather when no other options are available. Perfect for hiking, camping, boating, hunting, and surviving in the outdoors. Also excellent as a sleeping bag liner in cold weather, or a sleeping bag cover (or bivvy) in wet weather. The perfect preparedness item for your Survival Kits and Bug-Out Bags.

PRODUCT FEATURES

DESIGNED FOR NASA – Originally designed for heat retention during NASA space exploration, our proprietary aluminized Polyolefin sleeping bags are thicker, safer, softer, and quieter than the competition. They do not out-gas, and can also be used for ground cover, rescue or distress beacons, ponchos, tarps, and impromptu shade.
EXTRA-THICK & WARM – The Mylar sleeping bags are 41% thicker than the leading competitor, helping to keep you warmer in emergency situations where protection from inclement weather conditions is required. Each sleeping bag is designed to help prevent hypothermia and shock by retaining up to 90% of your body heat, and have been tested down to 40° F.
COMPACT DESIGN – Designed to comfortably fit a single adult, each emergency sleeping bag is tear-resistant, reusable, and can be rolled and stowed in the included olive-drab Nylon drawstring bag. These sleeping bags are perfect for Backpacking, Emergency Kits, and Bug-Out Bags and can also be used as a bivy sack cover for your regular sleeping bag.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SIZE (PACKED): 6 x 3.25 x 3.25 inches
SIZE (UNROLLED): 36″ x 78″ inches
TOTAL WEIGHT (IN STUFF SACK): 4.3 ounces (120g)
THICKNESS: 35µm – 40µm (vs. 19µm industry average)
UPC / EAN: 0806810982617

>>>>> CLICK THIS LINK TO ACCESS THIS PRODUCT’s TITAN WEBPAGE.

MODEL OPTION #2

EMERGENCY SURVIVAL BLANKETS – An Introduction

An insulation blanket (also called warming blanket, emergency blanket or rescue blanket) protects you against hypothermia, one of the greatest dangers during emergency situations.

To function properly, the body needs to maintain a temperature range, above or below a ‘normal set point (37 degree Centigrade). However, due to a number of situations this can be disturbed in such a way that the temperature drops below a critical point.
Examples of this are lying in cold water for a long time, unconsciousness in the open air or
prolonged stay in a cold environment. Such an important piece of equipment should have a place in every first aid kit, first aid kit, survival kit, glove compartment and emergency kit.

Correct Application & Multi-Functional Options

In the following account, you will find tips for the correct use and some application possibilities for rescue foils that you may not have heard of before.

Correct Use should be explained briefly and concisely on the leaflet accompanying any purchased emergency survival blanket :

For protection against the cold – gold side outwards, silver side inwards. For protection against heat, it’s the other way round i.e. silver on the outside, gold side inwards.

According to studies, the insulation effect of the rescue blanket should vary only minimally, depending on whether the silver side or the golden side is on top or bottom. Depending on how the rescue blanket is used, the difference in the insulation effect should only be up to 1 ° C.

Note Well that although 1 degree Centigrade seems small, it’s wise to pay attention since for example, an injured person threatened by hypothermia OR hyperthermia, this ‘small temperature change could drastically make his condition worse. To be on the safe side, always carry your survival blanket’s instruction leaflet with you and / or make sure you know and understand its content beforehand.

How many survival blankets do you need ? Rescue blankets are often required in larger numbers. Hence, it’s wise to buy the several in a pack option.

If you buy a new rescue blanket, you will receive it folded up wonderfully in a plastic bag. However, after first use, it is impossible to fold the emergency blanket back up as smoothly as you received it. Rescue blankets are ultra-light and flutter at the slightest breath of air. So outdoors it is a game of patience to get a rescue blanket back into its original form/shape.To solve this problem, it’s better to roll up your survival blanket. Always have a new and originally packaged rescue blanket at home ready for use.

Multi-Functional Uses of emergency survival blankets include :

1. Protection against extreme cold : objective is to keep the heat on the human body in emergencies and thus protect it from cooling down. Bear in mind that the survival blanket does not warm like a wool blanket. Thanks to its nature, however, it is able to reflect back the warmth of the body.
2. Protection against extreme heat & UV radiation : in order to protect the body from extreme heat, UV radiation, the survival blanket is placed round the user with the silver covering facing outwards.This is how it best reflects the heat and keeps the body relatively cooler than if it were directly exposed to the heat without an emergency covering.
3. When used correctly, rescue blankets can be optimally recognized from a distance, which is why they also serve as signal transmitters in emergencies. A useful side effect of rescue blankets is the fact that they shine so much that you can see them very well from a distance. In snowfall, fog and poor visibility, however, care should be taken to turn the golden side outwards. Because the gold side is easier to see in snow and in poor visibility than the silver side.
4. Rescue blankets are waterproof due to their construction . And even if they are not particularly stable and tear-resistant, they can be used to improvise an auxiliary bivouac or rainproof accommodation in an emergency. Survival blankets are made up of polyester film and an aluminum layer. Both are materials that are water-repellent in and of themselves. In the interplay of the two materials in the form of a rescue blanket, they then offer considerable water-tightness. In an emergency, you stay dry under your survival foil even when it rains.
5. Wind protection : Survival blankets not only protect against cold and heat, but they can also provide wind protection (windbreak) since they are windproof. This property also helps in protecting the body from cold air.

NB : Since they are constructed from flammable materials, survival blankets SHOULD NOT be used as fire blankets for extinguishing fires.

SUMMARY

These Emergency Survival Blankets are supplied in 2 sizes :

SIZE = 5-Pack Emergency Survival Blankets

Have you ever heard the story of the family-trip that went horribly wrong when the weather suddenly turned sour? And how many times have you found yourself freezing with no jacket to speak of? TITAN Survival Blankets are designed to help keep those situations at bay!

Our Survival Blankets are made from the same material that was originally developed for NASA’s Apollo Space Program to help protect sensitive equipment from harmful radiation. But this same material is also a perfect reflector of body-heat in an emergency.  And with up to 90% of your body-heat reflected back towards you in an emergency, you simply can’t go wrong with Survival Blankets.

So, what makes these survival blankets so good?

• DESIGNED FOR NASA – Originally designed for space exploration, our durable advanced aluminized Mylar blankets are reusable, waterproof and windproof and can also be used for both ground cover, rescue or distress beacons, ponchos, tarps, and shade.
• EMERGENCY USE – Perfect for emergency situations where warmth or protection from inclement weather conditions is required. Helps prevent hypothermia and shock by retaining up to 90% of a user’s body heat.
• COMPACT DESIGN – Each TITAN Survival Emergency Blanket is individually folded, wrapped, and sealed for easy storage and retrieval. These 52″ x 82″ blankets are 17µm thick and are perfect for Marathons, Backpacking, Emergency Kits, and Go-Bag or Bug-Out Bag gear.
• EXCLUSIVE COLOR OPTIONS – In addition to the standard colors of Safety-Orange and Olive Drab (Army Green), our Mylar Emergency Survival Blankets also come in two colors exclusive to TITAN Survival, namely SHROWD Camouflage and XL Signal Panel.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

• BLANKET SIZE (FOLDED):  3 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• BLANKET SIZE (UNFOLDED):  52 x 82 inches
• BLANKET WEIGHT:  1.7 ounces (50g)
• THICKNESS:  17µm (vs. 12µm industry average)

>>> CLICK THIS LINK FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SIZE = XL EMERGENCY SURVIVAL BLANKETS (5 nos. Included)

The X-LARGE Survival Blankets are made from the same material that was originally developed for NASA’s Apollo Space Program to help protect sensitive equipment from harmful radiation. But this same material is also a perfect reflector of body-heat in an emergency. And with up to 90% of your body-heat reflected back towards you in an emergency, you simply can’t go wrong with the extra large Survival Blankets.

So, what makes these XL Survival Blankets so good?

PRODUCT FEATURES

• SIGNAL PANEL or SHROWD CAMO – While the front side of these Survival Blankets use the same high-quality metallic layer found in hospital Mylar blankets, the back-side is coated with either our unique version of the U.S. Military’s Signal Panel 17 Emergency Distress Signal pattern, which has been specifically developed by the military to be easily seen from aerial search and rescue – or for those that prefer to stay hidden, our patented Woodland SHROWD Camouflage pattern.
• DESIGNED FOR NASA – Originally designed for space exploration, our durable advanced aluminized Mylar blankets are reusable, waterproof and windproof and can also be used for both ground cover, rescue or distress beacons, ponchos, tarps, and shade.
• EMERGENCY USE – Perfect for emergency situations where warmth or protection from inclement weather conditions is required. Helps prevent hypothermia and shock by retaining up to 90% of a user’s body heat.
• COMPACT DESIGN – Each TITAN Survival Emergency Blanket is individually folded, wrapped, and sealed for easy storage and retrieval. These Extra-Large 70″ x 90″ blankets are 17µm thick and are perfect for Marathons, Backpacking, Emergency Kits, and Go-Bag or Bug-Out Bag gear.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

• BLANKET SIZE (FOLDED):  3 x 5 x 1 inches
• BLANKET SIZE (UNFOLDED): 70 x 90 inches
• BLANKET WEIGHT: 5.4 ounces (153 g)
• THICKNESS:  17µm – 20µm (vs. 12µm industry average)
• WEBSITE PAGE FOR THIS PRODUCT >>> Click Here !

****************************