Getting a good night's sleep after a long day of exploring is vital to recharging your batteries and keeping the adventure going. Sleep system technology has rapidly advanced in recent years, with the development of lightweight and warm sleeping bags, camping mattresses, and sleeping bag liners that pack down to a small size.

FAQs

What is a sleeping bag rating?

Most sleeping bags will give two temperature ratings; comfort and extreme. A comfort rating for sleeping bags indicates the temperature whereby a user may be at thermal equilibrium according to European protocol ISO- 23537-1. In simple terms, the temperature you can use a sleeping bag and have a good sleep. Lower limits are commonly included, which is where a user may begin to become uncomfortable and unable to rest. Always purchase a sleeping bag with a comfort rating colder than what you are expecting. Many sleeping bags have strategic vents and zippers to help you reach the perfect temperature for a great night's sleep. 

What’s the difference between synthetic and down insulation sleeping bags?

Down insulation is natural feathers from geese and ducks that have unparalleled heat retention ability. These fluffy feathers trap air in small air pockets, reducing heat loss. Synthetic insulation sleeping bags use the same mechanism to maintain warmth, though are created by synthetic fibers in a matt formation. Synthetic insulation sleeping bags can handle wetter conditions, and remain warm while wet, though synthetic sleeping bags break down faster over time and are heavier. Down insulation sleeping bags can be put into a stuff sack and loft (fluff) back up with ease and are the lighter options, though have special care needs, should be used with a sleeping bag liner, and are more expensive. Depending on your adventure, either option of sleeping bag can suit your needs, so feel free to visit a Paddy Pallin store for tailored advice!

What is an R-Value?

Camping mattresses use the R-Value to measure a product's ability to resist heat flow or heat loss from your body. A camping mattress with a low R-value should be used in warmer climates, whilst high R-value camping mattresses are better for cold climates. 

Why do I need a sleeping bag liner?

Sleeping bag liners are a great addition to your sleep system, with multiple materials to choose from to give you a comfortable rest. Sea to Summit, XTM, Equip, and Mont have a variety of liners in different shapes and sizes. Liners make keeping your sleeping bag clean easier, can wick moisture away with silk or cotton sleeping bag liners, and can increase your sleeping bag's temperature capacity with thermal sleeping bag liners. 

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Do I need to use a sleeping mattress?

Sleeping mattresses play an important part in temperature control, keeping you off the ground and also providing comfort. Camping sleeping mattresses reduce your body battling with the ground to reach a temperature equilibrium, creating a barrier and keeping you warmer and safer. All grounds are not equal, and falling asleep on a thin barrier of tent floor protection will likely result in a negative sleeping experience. There are many lightweight sleeping mat options to choose from, including Sea to Summit, Nemo, and Therm-a-Rest. A durable and lightweight option alternative to a sleeping mattress is a sleeping cot. Brands like Helinox have created lightweight sleeping cots that are easy to pack down, have high weight-carrying capacities, and provide a great night's sleep.

What is a self-inflating sleeping mat?

Self Inflating sleeping mats are filled with small structures designed to expand the sleeping mattress once it has been rolled out. The ingenious design is lightweight, easily packable, and sets up in minutes. A few breaths of air into your self-inflating sleeping mattress inflator tube will ensure a firmer mattress for your night's sleep. 

What is a camping quilt? 

Camping quilts are a great option for the more spread-out sleeper and are born from the idea that the compressed insulation from the underside of the sleeping bag is redundant. Camping quilts are extremely lightweight and often provide a foot box and hook loops to create a mummy shape similar to a sleeping bag. Though you can secure a camping quilt to your sleeping mattress, it is not draught-proof, and will not be able to achieve the warmth of a sleeping bag. Brands including Nemo and Rumpl make great camping quilts, whether you use them to sleep, or lounge around the camp site, camping quilts are a great addition to your camping supplies. 

What accessories are good for my sleep system?

There are many sleep accessories to make your night's sleep seamless. Lightweight travel pillows are a great addition to your sleep system, with some ultralight inflatable options or luxurious packable pillows filled with down. If you’re a light sleeper, easy additions such as a sleeping eye mask will stave off the morning sun, giving you an extra few hours of shut-eye. Depending on where you’re traveling to, sleeping with a mosquito net is strongly advised to reduce the likelihood of being exposed to mosquito-borne illness. A lifesaver when setting up any inflatable sleeping mattresses is a pump sack. Designed to capture a large amount of air, these pump sacks connect easily to a sleeping mattress's inflator tube, inflating mattresses within minutes. 

What sleep system brands does Paddy Pallin stock?

Paddy Pallin stocks a wide range of brands offering sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses, sleeping bag liners, and camp sleep accessories. Brands including Sea to Summit, Nemo Equipment, Mont, Western Mountaineering, Therm-a-Rest, Equip, and Marmot are stocked, with a great range of products from each. 

How do I care for my sleeping bag?

Washing your sleeping bag is vital, as we sweat while we sleep. Depending on the sleeping bag insulation, it is important to ensure they are washed with insulation-specific products such as Down Wash. Nikwax, Gear Aid, and Atsko supply a wide range of sleeping bag-specific washing products. Most sleeping liners are washing machine compatible, though always read the cleaning instructions provided. When in doubt, visit Paddy Pallin in-store or call us for advice, so we can help you keep your gear in tip-top shape for all your adventures.