Choosing the right sleeping bag is not an entirely trivial matter. But with a little knowledge, this is definitely not a nuclear fusion level task! We have written down some basic tips and advice for you on how to proceed when choosing a sleeping bag.
INSULATION MATERIAL
Since you are on our website, there is no point in going into too much detail about the choice between down and synthetic insulation. Know this: no one has invented a better insulating filling than down feathers yet (except for a vacuum, but try to put it in a sleeping bag), and synthetics really only have a few advantages, and only in certain areas. Compared to synthetic fibers, down insulate better, is more packable, lighter, have a longer lifespan and simply... you get the point :)
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But in order not to be dogmatic, synthetics definitely offer a lower price and less maintenance requirements. So, if you are looking for a summer sleeping bag for a party, which you will drive in the car and will not be bothered by it for the rest of the year, synthetics will be a good choice. For all other cases, there is Patizon and feathers.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO I BUY A SLEEPING BAG FOR?
This should be the first question you ask yourself, and definitely don't answer it while you sleep. Sleeping can take place in different conditions and in order to sleep really well, you need to choose a sleeping bag with an adequate cut, material and amount of insulation.
So, primarily focus on the season for which you are purchasing a sleeping bag. Choose the amount of insulation the sleeping bag should contain accordingly. In our experience, this can be done as follows:
Fill weight |
Made for |
Best usage |
| 0 - 350 g | summer |
From May to September, or throughout the year at the cottages (winter rooms). |
| 350 - 650 g | 3 season |
From April to October, in a tent and in the open air, even in temperatures slightly below zero. |
| 650 - 950 g | 4 season |
During the whole year, i.e. even in winter in the snow. Better in a tent. In the summer, rather at higher altitudes, or unzipped like a blanket. |
| 950 - 1250 g | winter |
From autumn to spring, in short mainly when there is snow. Ideal only for sub-zero temperatures, so possibly year-round at higher altitudes. |
* Know that the perception of heat is a very subjective feeling, so take the weight ranges with a grain of salt and take into account how "frozen" you are.
DUCK FEATHERS OR GOOSE FEATHERS?
In a nutshell, go for goose down if you want the best possible performance combined with the smallest possible weight and pack size. Choose duck feathers if you want the best price-performance ratio.
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The minimalist and ultralight G series is filled with goose feathers. We use premium European feathers with 850 cuin fill. |
The Dpro series, filled with duck feathers, offers a wider fit, a lower price, and still great performance. We use top European feathers with 700 cuin fill. |
In our R series, we are using european recycled down with GRS certification. Eco-friendly insulation with great price to performance ratio. |
TEMPERATURE RATING
For each model, you will always find a temperature range (comfort/limit/extreme temperature) tested according to the European standard EN13537/ISO 23537. This can also help you orient yourself, but take it with a grain of salt. This is laboratory testing and the test is not perfect. As a rule, sleeping bags are also suitable for slightly lower temperatures than the test indicates, but this is really very individual.
| Patizon tests its sleeping bags at the certified testing facility TZU in Brno. This is a specialized testing site equipped not only with a special chamber but, more importantly, with a testing mannequin that meets the precise requirements of the European standard. There are approximately three of these testing devices in Europe. Consequently, a wide range of manufacturers conducts tests in Brno. |  |
Comfort temperature
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Limit temperature
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Extreme temperature
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| The temperature limit at which we lie in a relaxed body position, e.g. on our back, and do not feel cold. Sometimes referred to as "limit for women". | The temperature limit at which we lie in a crouched body position and do not feel the sensation of cold. Sometimes referred to as "men's limit". | The temperature limit at which we are dressed as outside in a sleeping bag (down jacket, thermals, etc.), we feel cold. In this case, there is a risk of hypothermia. |
SLEEPING BAG CUT
Another question you should ask yourself is the shape of the sleeping bag. Patizons have a mummy shape that follows the figure, thus ensuring high thermal comfort, but with as little restriction as possible due to mobility and comfort inside. The dimensions have been designed in such a way as to maintain the practicality of use. The G series has narrower dimensions, let's say more anatomical, to maximize thermal insulation. The Dpro series has a slightly extended cut to suit as many users as possible.
What size?
Our sleeping bags are currently produced in three sizes. For each, the height range of the character for which the given size is intended is indicated. If your height is right on the border between sizes, it is ideal to take the smaller one - it is effective in terms of insulation so as not to heat up unnecessary space in the legs. But, of course, it must not be overdone, otherwise you would "step on" the bottom of the sleeping bag and cold spots would arise.
What about the zipper side?
It's simple here. Right-handed people will find it easier to open the zipper on the left side of the sleeping bag, and left-handed people will find it easier to open the zipper on the right side (perceived when you are lying on your back in the sleeping bag). In general, the left zipper is considered the standard, the right ones are not so popular, there are simply less lefties :) On the other hand, our semi-automatic zipper is so easy to use that it might not matter a bit in the end.
IN CONCLUSION
So. By now you should have a pretty good idea of how to know which sleeping bag is right for you. Now only technical details and materials can decide (for example, our excellent semi-automatic YKK zipper or super light Pertex Quantum material made from 100% recycled raw materials) or perhaps the fact that our sleeping bags are lovingly made at home in the Czech Republic.
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PATIZON TEAM.