Sleeping Bag price in Nepal: Top Brands & Features to Look for trekking comfort
8 Jun 2024 Chandra Gurung
Trekking in Nepal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but the proper equipment is necessary to make the most of it. Your sleeping bag is one of the most important pieces of equipment. A cozy and dependable sleeping bag makes a significant difference when traveling the Manaslu Circuit Trek or exploring Everest Base Camp. Let’s explore sleeping bag costs in Nepal, the best brands to choose from, and features to consider for comfortable trekking.
Types of Sleeping Bags
When choosing a sleeping bag, understanding the different types is crucial. In the market, sleeping bags vary in various types and varieties. Choosing the best one among the different available types is crucial for your trek. Here are some of the available types of sleeping bags in the market:
1. Rectangular Sleeping Bags
Rectangular sleeping bags are rectangular in shape and have plenty of space and comfort. This gives more room to move. However, they are bigger and not as good at keeping warmth, so they are not the best choice for high places. These bags are also harder to carry on long walks.
2. Mummy Sleeping Bags
Mummy sleeping bags are like mummy’s box. They have a hood to keep your head warm. They are narrow in size which helps to keep you warm. They help your body stay warm by heating from the inside. They stop the filling from being squashed, so it stays warm. Mummy bags are better for warmth and weight. They are best for cold trips outside.
3. Semi-Rectangular Sleeping Bags
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags give in-between space compared to square and mummy bags. They have a narrow foot part like a mummy bag, but give extra room for upper body comfort and movement.
Insulation Materials of Sleeping Bag
The insulation material of a sleeping bag significantly affects its performance. The two primary types of insulation used in sleeping bags are down and synthetic fibers.
i. Down Insulation:
The term “down” describes the fluffy, light undercoat that lies beneath the outer feathers of waterfowl, including ducks and geese. The ability of this organic material is to hold heat in the tiny air gaps between the feathers makes it an excellent insulator.
High-quality down bags provide outstanding warmth about their weight, which makes them ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and climbing. It is important to remember that down is less insulating than synthetic insulation and that it becomes less effective when wet.
ii. Synthetic insulation:
Designed to replicate the loftiness and warmth of down, synthetic insulation is composed of polyester or other artificial fibers.
Synthetic insulations like Climashield, Thermoball, and PrimaLoft are popular. Synthetic bags are a fantastic option for damp or humid situations because they are less expensive than down and retain their insulation even after being wet.
For the same warmth level, synthetic insulation is typically heavier and less flexible than down.
The fill weight (amount of insulation), fill power (down’s loft and capacity to trap warmth), and construction methods like baffling or shingle-style insulation patterns are additional factors that affect a sleeping bag’s insulation performance.
Temperature Ratings of Sleeping Bags
Temperature ratings show the lowest temperature at which a sleeping bag can protect you from cold and keep you warm. It’s important to choose a bag with a suitable rating for the location you’re traveling to in Nepal. When choosing a suitable sleeping bag for your trek, temperature plays an important role as a sleeping bag must cope with that temperature.
Sleeping Bag Shapes and Sizes
Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes to be applicable to different body types, shapes, and sleeping preferences. While choosing the bag go for the bag that fits your needs and preferences. Also, choose a bag that gives enough space for you to sleep comfortably.
Top Brands of Sleeping Bags in Nepal
1. The North Face
The North Face is one of the most popular Brands for trekking and other accessories. The North Face offers high-quality sleeping bags and other trekking accessories, including the One Bag and the Blue Kazoo. These bags are known for their durability and excellent insulation.
Price Range of North Face Sleeping Bag
The North Face is one of the global grands so the Price for The North Face sleeping bags in Nepal normally gets from NPR 20,000 to NPR 60,000. This price depends on the model and features as well.
2. Mountain Hardwear
Mountain Hardwear is another popular sleeping brand company whose Popular models include the Phantom and Lamina series. People generally look for these bags due to its lightweight design and great warmth.
Price Range of Mountain Hardwear Sleeping Bag
The price of Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags lies in the range of NPR 25,000 to NPR 55,000.
3. Marmot
Trestles and Never Summer are two of the most loved sleeping bags by trekkers for their trustworthiness and heat-keeping power.
Trestle bags are liked for their great warmth compared to their light weight. They can be squeezed small, good for carrying on hikes. They use strong but light nylon outside and good quality down inside. They also come in different heat levels from 15°F (-9°C) to 30°F (-1°C) for different weather.
Never Summer bags are made for really cold weather. These bags are mostly used by climbers and winter campers. These bags offer lots of warm, water-resistant down and a strong but breathable outside. They can keep warm even at -40°F (-40°C).
Price Range of Marmot Sleeping Bag
Marmot sleeping bags have price ranges between NPR 18,000 and NPR 50,000.
4. Deuter
Deuter’s Exosphere and Astro Pro series are well-known sleeping bags. Due to its quality construction and versatility in different temperature ranges, these are the most popular model bags of Deuter.
Price Range of Deuter Sleeping Bag
Deuter sleeping bags cost between NPR 15,000 and NPR 45,000 in Nepal.
5. Kailas Sleeping Bag: Popular Modules
Kailas is one of the most popular Nepalese sleeping bag brands. Kailas offers bad models like the Everest and Annapurna, which are best designed for Himalayan settings.
Price Range of Kailas Sleeping Bag
Kailas sleeping bags are generally more affordable, ranging from NPR 8,000 to NPR 25,000.
6. Lafuma
Lafuma is another choice of trekking bag in Nepal. This French brand offers great quality trekking bags. Lafuma’s Warm’N Light and Eco Trail series are two more the most popular sleeping bags offered by Lafuma. People choose these bags for their warmth-to-weight ratio and eco-friendly materials.
Price Range of Lafuma Sleeping Bag
Lafuma sleeping bags price depends on multiple factors and lies between NPR 20,000 to NPR 45,000.
7. Trekmates
Trekmates is another popular local sleeping bag brand in Nepal. They offer the best budget-friendly bag options, like the Everest and Manaslu series for trekkers. People normally choose Trekmates for their budget-friendly products.
Price Range
As it is budget friendly these sleeping bags typically cost between NPR 5,000 to NPR 15,000 in Nepal.
It’s important to note that prices may vary on multiple factors like the retailer, season, and any ongoing promotions or discounts. Other factors that affect the price are insulation type, temperature rating, and features of the sleeping bag.
Features to Look for in a Sleeping Bag
1. Weight and Portability
For any travelers, it’s important to have a sleeping bag that is light and easy to pack. This will prevent unnecessary added weight to your gear. During the long trek, the weight of the sleeping bag creates a great impact on your trek journey.
2. Water Resistance
Look for a water-resistant sleeping bag. It’s because a water-resistant trekking bag is crucial for protecting you from unexpected rainfall. These sleeping bags can be applicable in any weather conditions.
3. Durability and Material Quality
Always Choose high-quality sleeping bags because choosing high-quality materials will ensure that your sleeping bag lasts longer. These kinds of trekking bags can last long and can fulfill the extreme weather demands of the trek.
4. Comfort and Fit
While choosing a sleeping bag you should always look for a bag that gives optimal comfort and that should fit you to keep you warm and cozy throughout the night. Comfort, preference, and your fit must be kept in mind while choosing a sleeping bag.
5. Hoods and Draft Collars
These features are designed to help trap heat and offer extra insulation during cold conditions.
6. Zipper Quality
A sleeping bag’s ability to keep you warm and comfy throughout the night also depends on its high-quality zipper. A seamless, non-binding, and tangling zipper is what you’ll want. A robust and durable zipper helps maximize heat retention by allowing the bag to seal tightly without air gaps.
7. Shell Materials
To protect the insulation from wear and moisture, a sleeping bag’s outer shell is important. Durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings are frequently applied to common materials like polyester and ripstop nylon to improve their weather resistance.
8. Internal Pockets
Some sleeping bags contain pockets or compartments inside it which are ideal for holding little items that you need to keep warm during the night. these items can include a phone, snacks, or a headlamp.
Sleeping Bags Price in Nepal
1. Budget Options
If you’re a casual trekker trekking to lower altitudes then budget sleeping bags can be a cost-effective choice. These budget sleeping bags range between NPR 5,000 to NPR 15,000.
In this price range, you’ll typically find basic rectangle or semi-rectangular-shaped bags filled with hollow fiber synthetic insulation.
2. Mid-Range Options
For trekkers needing a balanced mix of performance and value then mid-range bags can be the best option. Mid-range sleeping bags cost between NPR 15,000 and NPR 35,000, offering a good balance of quality and affordability.
3. Premium Options (NPR 35,000 – NPR 70,000+)
Premium sleeping bags ranging in price from NPR 35,000 to NPR 70,000 or more provide top-notch insulation, lightweight materials, and advanced features for serious trekkers. These bags are most applicable for those professional and frequent trekkers.
Where to Buy Sleeping Bags in Nepal
1. Physical Shops
Kathmandu and Pokhara are top spots for people who love the outdoors and want good gear. Pokhara and Kathmandu are considered central hubs for buying and trekking accessories like sleeping bags.
2. Online marketplace
NepBay and Daraz are two of the best online platforms for buying sleeping bags from your home without physical presence. You can find appropriate bags according to your preferences in those places.
Tips for Maintaining Your Sleeping Bag
1. Cleaning Suggestions
Maintaining your sleeping bag’s high insulation and warmth over several seasons of use depends on keeping it clean. you should always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and usually wash your bag every few months or after every trip.
2. Storage Guidelines
Proper storage of the bag is just as important as cleaning to maintain your sleeping bag’s performance. For optimal care, always store your sleeping bag in a cool and dry area. The best place for storage of your bag would be under a bed or in a closet.
3. Repair Recommendations
Despite proper care of your bags certain rips, tears, snags, and zipper issues may still occur over the lifetime of your sleeping bag. So for this, you should always be prepared by carrying a repair kit to address these issues during your adventures. Always look for professional assistance if significant issues arise in your bag.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sleeping bag is crucial for a comfortable and successful trek in Nepal. By understanding the different types, insulation materials, and key features, you can find a sleeping bag that suits your needs and budget. Whether you are looking for a premium brand like The North Face or a reliable local brand, ensure your sleeping bag offers basic facilities like warmth, comfort, and durability required for your trekking adventures.
