Sleeping Bags
Quality sleeping bags are made of goose or duck down-extremely expensive. By regulation, even a bag tagged "100 percent down" may have up to 15 percent feathers or fibers. Any lesser percentage must be on the label, such as "75/25", meaning 75 percent down, 25 percent feathers.
"Loft" is a trade term for fluffiness. This marks the difference in insulating materials. Northern goose has the best loft, retaining its shape almost indefinitely, even after repeated crushing. It's costly and can't be washed.
Sleeping bags can be dry cleaned if properly aired out after the cleaning process. Some solvents used in dry cleaning give off poisonous fumes and could be dangerous to the user if the fumes become trapped in the sleeping bag.
Most bags are machine washable and dryable. It's best to check manufacturer's cleaning instructions. |
|
|
The more insulating material, the better the sleeping bag. Insulating fabrics made of Dacron 88, Holofil II, DuPont Fiberfill II, Permaloft, Acryloft and DN500 can closely equal goose down's loft, insulating ability and light weight. They are less expensive, washable and non-allergenic.
Bonded-insulation filling eliminates the need for quilting and reduces"cold spots" at the point of quilting.
Zipper construction is an important quality factor. Weight and size of zipper are more important than materials used.
The zipper should be double stitched, applied so that there is an insulated flap running along the inside of the zipper when the bag is in use.
Size is a factor. "Finished" rather than "cut" size is most important. Best-quality bags are larger than the standard 75" x 33". A camper should look for a bag 8" to 10" more than his height. Some bags are constructed so they can be joined together as a double-sized sleeping bag.
Duck is used for a cover in better-quality bags, with poplin or rayon used in lower quality units. Lining should be flannel or flannelette. Percale and nylon are used in some bags. Not as warm, they do permit freer movement. Whatever material is used, it should have a water-repellent finish.
Air Mattresses
Air mattress sizes and styles vary. Most comfortable are those made with a "tufted" or sewn effect. Least comfortable are those with large air cells, which some times run full length of the mattress. Better models are larger, usually about 72" x 28" with promotional models generally about 70" x 24".
Twelve-volt electric pumps are available for inflating mattresses. Some have built-in foot pumps. Universal foot-pump inflators with valves to fit all mattresses are available.
Foam pads serve the same purpose, but do not require inflation. They occupy more space, but eliminate any possibility of leak or puncture. |
National Retail Hardware Association