All Episodes

June 12, 2025 39 mins

Learn what features to look for before you buy a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and sleeping bag liner. Discover how to maintain your gear to extend its life. You will get tips on buying camping gear for both car campers, backpackers, bike packers and those going on kayak or canoe tours.  Gear is expensive - don't make a buying mistake!

We cover:

• How to choose a sleeping bag

• Camping versus Backpacking sleeping bags

• Sleeping bag Thermal Ratings

• How to choose the right shaped sleeping bag

• Female and children’s only sleeping bags

• Best sleeping bag materials

• Down versus synthetic fill pros and cons

• Considering other sleeping bag materials like zippers, shell fabric and added features

• Sleeping bag accessories: compression and storage bags

• Sleeping bag liners: comparison of fabric choices

• Liner special features available

• How to choose a sleeping pad for car campers and backpackers, bike packers, or kayak and canoe touring

• Air pads versus closed cell foam pads and accessories

• Compare insulation, weight, size and construction

• How to wash a sleeping bag, pad and liner

• How to store your sleeping bag

COMPLETE SHOW NOTES  See important information about choosing the right sleep system for your camping and backpacking adventures! 

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Resources 

RECOMMENDED TOUR COMPANIES

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Travel Insurance:  Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies - no need to give any identifying information unless you decide to buy!  The best way to find the right policy for your adventures. 

Train For Your Adventure  Ask Becki at Trailblazer Wellness to customize an at home, online personal training program for your upcoming adventure using whatever equipment you already have!  You’ll get phone consultations, instruction videos and a plan to give you the best chance of success.  Becki offers a FREE initial phone consultation to see if you are a good fit.  AND she offers ATA listeners a 10% discount!

Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program?  You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks!

Amazon Kit's Picks   Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account.  Even if you don’t purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)


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