Sleeping outdoors using sleeping bags have come a long way from the old rolled up cotton bed that is going to cause you major back pains or a lumbar problem. One of the major reasons why you go camping is that you and who ever you bring along with will bond and enjoy nature in its entire splendor.

A dependable down sleeping bag offers shelter from a bad weather, keeps you warm and a nice place to sleep in. Down sleeping bags comes in a simple blanket-style bag that folds in half and uses a zipper to close up, and is generally used for all occasion because you just curl or roll it up which saves valuable packing space. Or the so-called mummy bag wherein the sleeping person is wrapped in the down sleeping bag which is best used for extreme cold conditions because there is no space for cold air to come in contact with. They save more packing space because you just stuff it in the duffel bag.

Down sleeping bags can be an alternate for beds that offers warmth. There are 2 types of down sleeping bags which are the blanket style and the mummy bag that are both durable and dependable even on the worst cold weather. The blanket style down sleeping bags is for general use and for all types of weather, which can be folded in half with a zipper to tuck you in. You can just roll this up and stuff it in your camping bag. For extreme cold weather conditions, the mummy style is the best to use for the down feathers saves your natural body heat, so cold air will not pass through. Both types save you the all too important packing space.

Air out the down sleeping bags after each use and if possible turn it inside out, and set it out in the breeze and sun. Just keep the down sleeping bags as clean as possible to avoid frequent washing. When in use, lay in a pad or tarp to avoid soiling.

Since down sleeping bags are made from all natural birds feathers, they contain natural oils that keeps them fluffy and fresh. Avoid laundry detergents and solvents that are used by drycleaners to preserve the natural sebum. You can just hand wash the down sleeping bags yourself by using Woolite or Ivory flakes then just tumble dry on the lowest setting to dry. Don’t use fabric softeners for they will mess up the feather’s oily composition.

Laundry detergents or soaps used in dry cleaners carry harsh solvents that will strip away the natural sebum that the feathers have. The best way to care for them is to just do the washing yourself by going to a laundromat armed with woolite or Ivory flakes using a front load washer. Fabric softeners are a no-no and tumble dry on the lowest setting.

Cristina likes to write about her favorite outdoor equipment like rectangular sleeping bags. Visit her site for tips on purchasing girls sleeping bag.

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