Sleeping bags on kilimanjaro

Sleeping is the most important aspect of Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing. As, on average each day Climbers climb around 10-15 kilometres, on different routes, which sometimes gets extremely exhausting. For, that reason you need a proper rest at night. And, to get proper rest, you need Sleeping Bags that will give proper comfort so that you can prepare for the next day's hike. So, here we will tell you what kinds of Sleeping Bags on Kilimanjaro are perfect and how you can right one.

Understanding Sleeping Bags Temperature Ratings

Before Picking The Right Sleeping Bag for Kilimanjaro , you need to understand, what’s sleeping bag's temperature rating. The sleeping bag’s ratings indicated the lowest temperatures, which helps the person to stay warm inside the bag. Temperature ratings on the Kilimanjaro Sleeping Bags are noted by EN (European Norm) or ISO (International Standard Organization) numbers.

Both EN/ISO ratings have three ratings, lower, comfort, and extreme rating. If a sleeping bag has comfort ratings, that means it will feel warm enough while sleeping. And, on other rated bags like extreme and lower, climbers will feel generally cold.

The extremely rated bags provide the required temperatures where Mount Kilimanjaro Climbers can survive.

Note- On average women feel colder than men and most female climbers prefer to sleep in cold. And, we recommend you pick a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 0F/-18C or warmer (-20F/-29C).

Rectangular Vs Mummy- Which is the Best Sleeping Bag for Kilimanjaro

In general, two types of sleeping bags for Kilimanjaro are designed in two shapes, Rectangular and Mummy.

Rectangular Bags

• Rectangular Bags are in a classic shape and generally, they are not tapered.
• Generally, Rectangular Bags have more room and are less restrictive.
• But the main disadvantage of Rectangular Bags is they are less efficient due to extra air space.

Mummy Bags

• Mummy Bags looks like an Egyptian sarcophagus.
• These types of Bags have a tighter, snug fit for your body, and because of the tighter sung fit, Mummy bags have less air space.
• These bags come with a hood that can be pulled over and placed under your chin.

Both Mummy and Rectangular Bags are perfect Sleeping Bags On Kilimanjaro. But we suggest Mummy Bags for a relaxing sleeping experience.

What kinds of materials are filled in Sleeping Bags on Kilimanjaro

Sleeping Bags on Kilimanjaro are filled with two materials, one is duck or goose feathers (Down Bag) and the other one is polyester (synthetic bag). Both these are designed to trap warm air inside the bag.

Down Bag

If you want a sleeping that is lightweight and provides a superior warmth rating, then Down Bag is the way to go. But the main concern of Down Bags is they are more expensive and less water-repellent. This means when it rains, these bags lose their insulating power.

Synthetic Bag

Synthetic Bags are filled with polyester fibers, And, because of the lower warmth-to-weight ratio, synthetic bags weigh more than Down Bag. And, it keeps warm even if it gets wet. This is what makes Synthetic Bags preferable to Down bags.

Down vs Synthetic Bags –which one to choose

Comparing features of both Down and Synthetic Bags, Synthetics Bags are lighter and more compressible. Down Bags takes more time dry compared to Synthetic Bags. And, the best part of Synthetic Bags they can preserve their warm capabilities for a long time.

Choosing between these two depends on the price you will pay. But while Selecting Sleeping Bag Kilimanjaro, go with Synthetic Bags.

Does Sleeping Bag weight matter?

Just like the other factors like build quality, water resistance, and weight of your sleeping bags is also equally matter. So, while selecting bags to Climbing Kilimanjaro, remember that the weight limit of your bags should be under 3.5 or 5.5 lbs (1.5 -5.5 kg).

Regardless of the weight limit, pick the bag according to the comfort rating you need for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Best Sleeping Bag for Kilimanjaro -Our Top Recommendation

With so many options out there, picking the right sleeping bags for Kilimanjaro can be brainstorming. For, this reason we have shortlisted some of the best Sleeping bags for Climbing Kilimanjaro which are perfect for both men and women hikers.

Mountain Hardwear Phantoms OF- Men’s

Mountain Hardwear Phantoms OF – Men’s compromises 850- fill power down for optimal warm-to-body ratio. It has a double water-repellent finish. This also features four chamber hood design providing more consistent warmth.

*Weight 2 lbs.

Big Agnes Daisy Mae OF – Women’s

With 650-fill power, this is a lightweight women's bag. In size, this bag is semi-rectangular featuring a sleeping bag retainer and pillow pocket. To reduce the cold spots this bag has a silhouette.

Big Agnes Star Fire UL OF – Men’s

Big Agnes Star Fire UL OF is technical and ultralight bas with 850-fill power. This bag is in mummy -shape and is highly compressible. The hood on this bag provides better thermal value. These bags come in small, regular and long sizes.

The North Face Inferno OF/-18 C – Men’s

The North Face Inferno bag is one of the Best Sleeping Bags For Kilimanjaro . This bag has been designed in such a way that it will keep you warm even in an extreme environment. This bag is filled with 800- fill pro down and has a silhouette that gives you additional layers to wear.

TETON Sports LEEF

This is a synthetic sleeping bag and weighs 1.9 kg. And, it has two versions OF(-18C) and 20 F(-7C). We suggest you pick the off (-18C) version to keep you more warmth.

Others Sleeping Accessories

Only having the Best Sleeping Bags For Kilimanjaro is not enough, you need to consider others sleeping accessories like Inflatable pillows and Thermal Mats.

Inflatable Pillow(optional)

Inflated pillows are quickly inflated and deflated, and they can be easily packed in your backpack.

Thermal mat (optional)

Pack the thermal mat which is easier to pack and can be adjusted easily in your backpack.

You can find more sleeping mats here

Final Words

Now it’s time to wind things down to a close, and as you may have figured out Sleeping Bags on Kilimanjaro offer shelter for the freezing nights on the upper flanks of the mountain. Whether you want to rent or buy a brand-new one, its importance cannot be justified enough. Thus, tighten the straps of your sleeping bag, pack it in a duffel, and inflate it along with your climbing adventure.