A good sleep system is crucial to ensure a comfortable and restful night’s sleep while backpacking or bikepacking. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different factors to consider when choosing a backpacking sleep system, such as weather conditions, terrain, and personal preferences, and provide you with some tips on how to choose the right sleep system for your bikepacking quilt.
Backpacking Sleep Systems
A good backpacking sleep system is essential for backpackers to stay warm and comfortable during their trips.
Sleeping bags are the most popular option for backpackers due to their warmth and insulation properties, weight, packability, and price range. A sleeping bag is essentially a cocoon that you slide into to stay warm at night. When choosing a sleeping bag, you need to consider factors like temperature rating, insulation type (down or synthetic), shape, and size. A sleeping bag’s temperature rating is the lowest temperature at which it can keep you warm. If you plan to backpack in cold weather, choose a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating.
Down insulation is a popular choice for sleeping bags because it is lightweight and compressible. However, down loses its insulation properties when wet, so it’s not a good choice for wet environments. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is bulkier and heavier than down but retains its insulation properties when wet. Synthetic sleeping bags are a good choice for wet environments.
Sleeping bags come in different shapes, such as mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular. Mummy bags are tapered at the feet and head to minimize heat loss, while rectangular bags are more spacious and less constricting. Semi-rectangular bags are a compromise between the two.
When choosing a sleeping bag, make sure to consider its size and weight. A sleeping bag that is too small or too heavy can be uncomfortable to carry and sleep in. Also, make sure to choose a sleeping pad or mat to provide insulation and comfort. Sleeping pads can also help keep you warm by preventing cold air from seeping through the bottom of your sleeping bag.
Bikepacking Quilts
The bikepacking quilt is a great option for backpackers who want to save weight and maximize versatility. Unlike sleeping bags, quilts don’t have a full zipper or hood, which reduces their weight and packed size. Quilts can be used in a variety of ways, such as a blanket or a sleeping bag substitute. Bikepacking quilts come in different sizes, shapes, and temperature ratings to meet the needs of different riders and trips.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a bikepacking quilt, there are several factors to consider:
- Temperature rating: This refers to the lowest temperature that the quilt is designed to keep you warm. Choose a temperature rating that matches the conditions you’ll be riding in. If you plan to ride in colder weather, choose a quilt with a lower temperature rating.
- Insulation type: Bikepacking quilts are usually filled with down or synthetic insulation. Down is lightweight and compressible, but it loses its insulation properties when wet. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is bulkier and heavier but retains its insulation properties when wet.
- Shape: Bikepacking quilts come in different shapes, such as rectangular, mummy, and semi-rectangular. The shape can affect how well the quilt fits and how warm it keeps you.
- Size: The size of the quilt is important for both weight and coverage. A larger quilt will provide more coverage but will also be heavier.
It’s important to note that a sleeping pad or mat is essential for insulation and comfort when using a bikepacking quilt. A good sleeping pad can also help keep you warm by preventing cold air from seeping through the bottom of your quilt.
Conclusion
Choosing the right backpacking sleep system is essential to ensure a comfortable and restful night’s sleep while backpacking or bikepacking. Consider your needs and preferences carefully, and test your sleep system before embarking on a long trip. With the right sleep system, you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.