Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Mosabbir
When shopping for a sleeping bag, you may have noticed that some bags are advertised as having a high GSM rating. But what is GSM in sleeping bags, and why is it important?
GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it is a measure of the density of the fabric. A high GSM rating means that the fabric is densely woven, which makes it more durable and less likely to tear. It also means that the bag will be better at trapping heat, making it ideal for cold-weather camping.
So if you’re looking for a sleeping bag that will stand up to wear and tear and keep you warm on even the coldest nights, look, for one with a high GSM rating.
What Is Gsm In Sleeping Bags?
GSM stands for grams per square meter and is a measure of the weight and quality of the fabric in your sleeping bag. The higher the GSM number, the higher the quality of the fabric. Most good-quality sleeping bags will have a GSM of 400 or more.
The GSM number is important because it determines how warm your sleeping bag will be. The higher the GSM, the warmer the sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are rated by their comfort temperature, which is the lowest temperature at which the average person can sleep comfortably in that sleeping bag.
A good quality sleeping bag will have a comfortable temperature of -10°C or lower. This means that it will keep you warm even if the outside temperature drops to -10°C.
If you’re planning on camping in cold weather, make sure to choose a sleeping bag with a high GSM number. This will ensure that you stay warm and comfortable all night long.
Learn More: How To Dry Wet Clothes When Camping
How Does Gsm Affect The Warmth Of A Sleeping Bag?
The GSM (grams per square meter) of fabric is one way to determine how warm it is. The higher the GSM, the more insulation the fabric has, and the warmer it will be.
A good rule of thumb is that a sleeping bag with a GSM of 400 or more will be suitable for cold weather, while a sleeping bag with a GSM of less than 400 will be better for warm weather.
Other factors affect the warmth of a sleeping bag, such as the fill power (the amount of loft or fluffiness), but the GSM is a good place to start when choosing a sleeping bag for your needs.
So, if you’re looking for a warm sleeping bag, look for one with a high GSM. If you’re looking for a light and packable sleeping bag, look, for one with a lower GSM. And if you’re somewhere in the middle, look for a sleeping bag with a medium GSM.
Learn More: Best Mini Ovens For Camping in the UK
What Are The Benefits Of A High Gsm Sleeping Bag?
There are several benefits to having a high GSM sleeping bag.
1. More Durable
High GSM sleeping bags are more durable because they are made with higher-quality materials.
This means that they will last longer and withstand more wear and tear than lower GSM sleeping bags.
2. Provide Better Insulation
High GSM sleeping bags provide better insulation because they trap heat more effectively. This is because high-GSM sleeping bags are made with denser materials.
This makes them ideal for use in colder climates.
3. More Comfortable
High GSM sleeping bags are more comfortable because they are softer and lighter. This makes them less likely to cause discomfort when you are sleeping.
Additionally, the higher quality materials used to make high GSM sleeping bags will make them less likely to rip or tear.
4. More Stylish
Most people would never think that a sleeping bag could be stylish. However, with the right design, they can be quite fashionable. This is especially true for women’s bags which often come in more feminine designs and colours.
If you want to make a fashion statement while you are camping, then go for a gym bag.
5. Easier To Pack
If you have ever tried to pack a down sleeping bag, then you know how difficult it can be. They are often bulky and hard to fit into your backpack.
On the other hand, gsm bags are much easier to pack since they are smaller and more compressible. This makes them ideal for backpackers and other travellers who need to save space.
6. Cheaper
Down sleeping bags are often quite expensive since they require a lot of material to fill them. GSM bags, on the other hand, are much cheaper since they use synthetic materials, which are less costly.
This makes them a great option for budget-conscious campers.
7. Hypoallergenic
If you are allergic to down, then a gsm bag is a great alternative. Synthetic materials are hypoallergenic and will not trigger your allergies.
This makes them a safe option for people with sensitivities.
8. Easier To Care For
Down sleeping bags require special care to keep them in good condition. Gsm bags, on the other hand, are much easier to care for since they can be machine-washed.
This makes them a convenient option for busy people who don’t have time to hand-wash their sleeping bags.
9. More Environmentally Friendly
Down sleeping bags often use goose down which is a byproduct of the meat industry. Gsm bags, on the other hand, use synthetic materials which are not derived from animals.
This makes them a more environmentally friendly option.
How Can You Make Sure You’re Getting A High-Quality Sleeping Bag With A High Gsm?
Here are a few tips:
- Sleeping bag’s materials. A good quality sleeping bag will usually be made of high-quality materials like down or synthetic fill. These materials will provide warmth and durability.
- Construction of the sleeping bag. A well-constructed sleeping bag will have baffles that keep the fill in place and prevent it from shifting. The seams should be well-sealed to prevent heat loss.
- Weight of the sleeping bag. A good quality sleeping bag will be lightweight and easy to carry.
- Temperature rating of the sleeping bag. A high GSM sleeping bag will typically have a higher temperature rating, meaning it will keep you warm in colder temperatures.
- Warranty of the sleeping bag. A good quality sleeping bag will usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty. This will give you peace of mind in knowing that your investment is protected.
Conclusion:
The GSM in your sleeping bag is a measure of the warmth it can provide. A higher GSM number means a warmer bag, and a lower GSM number means a cooler bag.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it’s important to consider the climate you’ll be using it in and what temperature range you need. With this information, you can select the perfect bag for your needs.
