Wondering what to bring to Pol'and'rock, Open'er, Glastonbury, or any other festival? Besides a great group of friends, comfortable clothes, and a tent, a comfortable sleeping bag should be on your packing list. After a good concert, you need to get a good night's sleep to recharge and regain energy for more fun. In today's article, we'll provide some tips on what to consider when choosing a sleeping bag for a festival.

SLEEPING BAG FOR FESTIVALS - WHICH FILLING TO CHOOSE?

When choosing a sleeping bag for Woodstock, Open'er, or Glastonbury, it's worth starting with the question of which filling will work best for a festival. You can find down and synthetic models in stores, but what are the actual differences? Sleeping bags insulated with natural down are considered superior for several reasons. First and foremost, despite their low weight, they have exceptional thermal insulation properties. Scientists have yet to find a synthetic insulation that matches down in this regard.

Another important aspect is their compact size. A down sleeping bag with similar thermal parameters to a synthetic one will not only be lighter but also significantly smaller. Anyone who has packed for a festival knows that there is always a shortage of space in the backpack.

Many people hesitate to buy a down sleeping bag due to concerns about its performance when exposed to water. The truth is that not all sleeping bags, regardless of filling, tolerate moisture well. While synthetic materials retain some of their thermal insulation properties when wet, we assume that you don't plan to sleep outdoors in heavy rain. In the case of contact with a small amount of water, natural down dries faster and regains its full insulating properties. On the other hand, synthetic insulation tends to clump together over time, resulting in slightly lower heat retention. This also means that down sleeping bags respond better to washing, which may be necessary after a several-day festival. It cannot be denied that high price is a drawback of down models. However, it is worth remembering that a high-quality down sleeping bag is a long-term investment, lasting for many years of festivals and other trips.

HOW TO READ TEMPERATURE RANGES ON A SLEEPING BAG?

The biggest music events take place in the summer, and although cold nights can occur during this time, there is no need to expect freezing temperatures. Besides, there is a good chance that you will be sleeping not only at night but also during the day. It's better to leave a heavy winter sleeping bag at home to avoid straining your back and experiencing sleep problems due to overheating. So, how do you find a model that will work well in festival conditions? Manufacturers come to the rescue by including temperature range tables on their sleeping bags. However, there are several values, so which one should you consider?

Men should pay attention to the so-called limit temperature (T-limit) when choosing a sleeping bag, while women should focus on the comfort temperature (T-comfort). These values are the result of laboratory tests conducted on mannequins representing typically built individuals of a specific gender, provided that the manufacturer complies with the appropriate standards. Therefore, it is worth looking for markings such as EN 13537 or ISO 23537 on the sleeping bag, as they confirm reliability. However, it should be noted that everyone reacts differently to cold temperatures - some may feel chilly on a muggy night, while others like to sleep without a cover even in winter with an open window. So, consider the above values based on your previous experiences and individual preferences.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SLEEPING BAG FOR A FESTIVAL?

Another important question is what shape of sleeping bag will work better for a festival. Opinions are divided, so it all depends on what is more important to you. A snug-fitting mummy bag takes up less space in the backpack, is lighter, and warms up faster. On the other hand, a rectangular sleeping bag is a better option for those who tend to move around at night. It has more space inside, and you can always unzip it and use it as a blanket. Regardless of the chosen shape, a sleeping bag for a festival should have a pocket for a phone and other items you like to have within reach. A practical solution is also a dual-zipper closure that allows you to let in some cool air on warmer nights. The last important aspect is the outer fabric. Before making a purchase, make sure it is resistant to abrasion and tearing.

RECOMMENDED PAJAK DOWN SLEEPING BAG MODELS

If you are looking for a good sleeping bag for Open'er, Glastonbury, or any other festival, take a closer look at the products from the Pajak brand's Quest line. The Blanket is a classic rectangular sleeping bag that can also be used as a pillow or a double-size blanket. This model is available in a Lynx design, featuring impressive graphics by the street art legend Paweł Swański. If you often attend festivals with your significant other, consider the Quest4Two double sleeping bag. Another versatile option is the Quest Switch, which allows you to expose your hands or feet as needed. You can also check out other lines of down sleeping bags from the Pajak brand. For minimalist travelers, we recommend the Core 250 model, and for those who get easily cold, the lightweight Radical 1Z. All the mentioned models can be found on pajaksport.pl.

Photo source: pajaksport.pl