Breathable Sleeping Bag Cover

For the serious camper, there are a number of items to consider as standard camping gear, and one of them is a breathable sleeping bag cover. When camping, few things are as important as keeping your sleeping bag protected and dry. After all, after a fun day of hiking, backpacking, or participating in other outdoor activities at the campsite, a good night's rest is going to feel great to your tired body. You want to make sure that your sleeping equipment will provide you with comfort and sweet dreams. Nothing is more miserable than waking up in the middle of the night because it's rained and you and your sleeping bag are soaked!

The Need for a Breathable Sleeping Bag Cover

What, you might ask, is the purpose of a sleeping bag cover and why does it need to be breathable? Good questions.

A sleeping bag cover, sometimes also called a bivi bag or a bivy sack, is something that fits over your sleeping bag. The cover keeps you and your sleeping bag dry, protecting the bag against dew or mist. Protection from insects, such as mosquitoes, and from the wind is another benefit on those cold nights under the stars. Another plus to using a cover is that it keeps your sleeping bag clean.

Covers are made of nylon with waterproof nylon bottoms and zippers. They keep the outside elements from getting you wet while allowing human perspiration to escape. This is why they are defined as breathable.

Many come with a draw cord so you can tighten it around your face, adding warmth on windy and chilly nights.

Types of Breathable Sleeping Bag Covers

When you are considering a cover, you need to know what is available. Of course, you want a cover large enough to fit over your sleeping bag. If you have a rectangular bag, you'll want a cover in that shape. These covers measure about 88 to 96 inches by 33 to 43 inches and weigh from under one pound, to five pounds. Corner grommets keep the cover grounded and stable.

Mummy-shaped covers, which are rounded at the bottoms, are quite popular and designed to fit the similar-shaped sleeping bags. They come in all colors, including camouflage, and are about 80 to 90 inches long and 33 inches wide. They have waterproof floor seams. Tie-out loops hold the cover in place as you sleep.

Depending on the sleeping bag cover, they can add 10 to 15 degrees of warmth to your sleeping environment. One of the advantages of them being leak-proof is that you can use these covers for your sleeping bag and stay dry even when you don't have a tent to cover you. Many of them claim to provide all the protection you need even when it snows. Just zip the cover around your bag and you will be toasty and comfortable.

Brand Names of Covers

Covers can be purchased at online stores such as Campmor and at retail stores like Sears and Target. The covers run from $25.00 to $110.00 a piece.

Some brand names to choose from include:

• Tru-Spec
• Mont-Bell
• Stansport
• SnugPak

Mont-Bell's prices tend to run higher due to the quality of the cover. They have a lightweight Breeze-Dri Tec product that has two layers.

If you want a real vinyl floor for your cover, try the SnugBug which boasts three layers of fabric in addition to being breathable, and strong enough to keep out the rain and wind.

Certain covers were used in the military, especially in World War II, so that soldiers could camp out wherever they needed to, and stay dry. Some of these newer products have been manufactured based on the old styles, yet modified with newer, more lightweight materials. Today they are even more durable against the occasional harsh elements of nature.

As you consider ways to keep from getting wet when camping, check out some tips for dry camping. These will guide you with the best ways to set up your campsite when using a tent and sleeping bag.

Summary

Now that you know where to purchase a sleeping bag cover, as well as all the benefits to using one, you are ready to bring one on your next camping trip. You will enjoy the feeling of protection and comfort that a breathable sleeping bag cover can provide. Once you buy a cover, it's time to try it out. So load up your tent, lantern, and camping stove and set out to sleep under the stars.

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