GearTrends® Buying Guide: The science of warmth
No doubt, most of us are at least familiar with the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. After trial and error, she finds a porridge that is neither too hot nor too cold, but just right. Ditto for the comfy bed. Yet, while the outdoor industry has reams of knowledge to share on layering, numerous insulation types, and even temperature ratings for sleeping bags, more often than not, working with a salesperson to find the right combination of garments or the right sleeping bag to stay warm comes down to trial and error. But it doesn't have to. There is a science to keeping warm.
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Selecting Insulated Vests And Jackets - Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet
Insulated jackets and vests provide a practical, fashionable approach to keeping warm during cold weather. Available at a variety of price levels, these machine washable garments are serviceable apparel for cold weather sports as well as daily activities. Insulation materials, outer fabrics, style details and construction affect warmth, quality and price. Determine your needs and shop carefully before you buy.
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Finding a Sleeping Bag - Northern Arizona University Hiking Club
Selecting the right sleeping bag can be an exciting task. Decisions on size, shape, type of insulation, loft and temperature rating must be made. The type of sleeping bag you purchase depends primarily upon what level of warmth and dryness you’ll need to sleep comfortably. For most people, the primary goal in buying the right sleeping bag is to find the warmest, yet lightest, bag for your intended use.
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Recommended Outdoor Gear - Sleep Systems - by Mark Verber
More than any other piece of gear, you typically get what you pay for when it comes to sleeping bags. There are a variety of factors which should be considered when selecting a how much insulation you want. First you need to figure out what the lowest temperature you expect to face is. Next you should consider if you are a "warm" sleeper or a "cold" sleeper. For example, the same sleeping bag which keeps me toasty warm at 30°F, leaves my wife chilled in 50°F weather! You should also consider what might supplement your bags warmth: tents keep you approx 5-15°F degrees warmer than the outside, bivy sacks can add 5-15°F, liners can add 4-10°F, and wearing cloths or outerwear can help hugely.
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