It is time to roam the woods again! Pack your backpacks and let’s go to the mountains! Time to spend nights in the woods with campfires by the lakes, rivers, and streams. To enjoy a stargazing night in the woods, a good sleep system is crucial. The dilemma that everyone faces is what to carry for sleep: a wool blanket or a sleeping bag? Let’s have a comparison view between these two options.
Carrying a Wool Blanket
A wool blanket had been used by woodsmen for centuries. It was the trusty companion during cold nights deep in the forest. Wool, being a natural material, has some excellent properties that are appreciated by many people. First of all, it will keep you warm even if it gets wet. This is also a drawback, because when wool absorbs water, it becomes heavier. When I carry my wool blanket, I keep it in a dry sack to protect it from rainfall, and I also have an extra container to carry water if needed. A wool blanket is fire-resistant, so you are not afraid that it will burn if a spark from the fire lands on it.
There are differences in the prices of a wool blanket based on size, materials, and thickness. You can find used blankets at military surplus stores for less than $40-50, made from 70%-90% wool, and polyester or nylon threads. The standard size for these blankets is the twin size,60”x80”. Military style blankets usually come in green, grey, or dark blue colors, whilst commercial blankets come in a variety of colors and themes. For new wool blankets, you have to spend more. Normally, blankets are made from 100% wool and are thicker, thus heavier than the military surplus or reproduction ones. They also come in different sizes, twin and queen(90”x90”) sizes being the most common, although larger sizes can be found. As you can understand, prices vary from $150 up to $400 or more. Keep in mind that a big wool blanket, while it provides excellent cover for the whole body, is a bit cumbersome to carry. A wool blanket is ideal to carry most of the time, and especially when the temperature is not below zero. In such a case, you might force yourself to carry an extra one or choose a sleeping bag. I usually do winter camping a lot, and most of the time, my wool blanket is my choice. Your location plays its role too. It’s different to be in Siberia than in the Mediterranean.
Carrying a Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a more advanced option than the traditional wool blanket. The choices here are two: a synthetic or a down sleeping bag. Both types have advantages in certain environments, but they also have some drawbacks.
A synthetic sleeping bag is great when you are camping in wet/coastal environments because it retains loft and dries faster than down. It is easier to wash and care for, dries faster, and is less sensitive to water, oils, and dirt. Also, it’s a more budget-friendly option than a down sleeping bag. You can find decent sleeping bags from $50 for summer weather to $100 for the autumn chill nights. Weak points are the tendency for loft and warmth to dissipate over time due to the flattening of crimped polyester strands. It is heavier than a down sleeping bag and is not a great performer in very cold climates.
A down sleeping bag is perfect for cold climates. It is lighter and more compressible than a synthetic bag for the same warmth. Because of these characteristics, it is ideal for long hikes and limited backpack space. Due to the three-dimensional structure of down clusters, it is superior in construction to synthetic ones. With proper care, it will last longer than a synthetic bag. That point is also a disadvantage. More care is needed for a down sleeping bag because it is sensitive to water, oils, and dirt stains. Thus, specialised downwash and proper drying are essential. When it is wet, it loses loft. It can be treated with a durable water repellent, but its effectiveness fades over time. The price point is also higher than that of a synthetic sleeping bag; it is generally more expensive. I may say that it can cost the same amount as a heavy queen-size wool blanket $400+. It should be considered a long-term investment due to its durability, though.
Choosing your sleep system is essential for a comfortable and relaxing night. Knowing the environment you are camping in and the advantages and disadvantages of your equipment, you can choose the best option for having a great night’s sleep, under the stars at your favorite camp spot.