How to Buy the Right Sleeping Bag

If you’re heading off on a camping trip, one thing you’ll definitely need is a decent sleeping bag. There are so many to choose from, and the one you buy will depend on a number of different criteria.

Cost

The first consideration is often cost. Sleeping bags are available at a whole range of prices, but, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. A bargain sleeping bag may not guarantee you a warm and comfortable night under canvas. Unless you’re on a really tight budget, then go for one of the major outdoor brands. For example, Vango sleeping bags come in a variety of sizes, warmths and price bands.

When you’ll use it

Which sleeping bag you buy depends on what time of year you’ll be using it. If you’re going off camping in the winter, then you must get a multi-season bag that will offer you enough protection from the cold.

What kind of trip

Are you going on a backpacking trip or just down the road for a weekend break? If you are going on a backpacking trip, then all your gear needs to pack up small, so that you can fit it all in one bag. You may want to take other bulky items with you like climbing shoes, so make sure you don’t buy a sleeping bag that is going to take more than its fair share of your backpack! Depending on which countries you’re going to, you might want to get a sleeping bag that is designed specifically for travel – and comes with things like a mosquito net, and anti-mosquito and antibacterial finishes on the fabric.

If on the other hand, you’re going on a family camping trip, you and your partner might want to get a double sleeping bag to share. Most of the main outdoor pursuits retailers now stock these, as well as baby-sized sleeping bags, and junior bags for children that come in a range of sizes and warmths.

You may want to use your sleeping bag in a variety of settings, in which case it’s best to go for a three-season bag. That way, you can always unzip it if you get too hot, but you’ve got the warmth when you need it.

For the top shops to buy your new sleeping bag from, see the sleeping bags page at LowPrices.co.uk.

National Lottery to Create 25 Millionaires

On Friday 23rd December, 25 people will be made millionaires by the National Lottery! If that wasn't enough, the EuroMillions jackpot is an estimated whopping £25 million! You've got to buy a lottery ticket to have a chance of ending 2011 in a very special way!

Cheap Broadband from Plusnet

If you are looking for a cheap broadband provider, then note that Plusnet is launching a 12 months half price broadband offer for their Value broadband packages (with Evening & Weekend calls or Anytime Calls). The offer starts tomorrow, Thursday 22nd December, and is available until 14th February.

For broadband packages from other providers, see Best UK Broadband.

Amazon Launches January Deals before Christmas

Few online shops can rival Amazon for excellent deals, and this Christmas they are already offering January Deals ... which means you can pick up Christmas gifts at January Sales prices!

Get the Right Equipment to Enjoy Your Hiking Holiday

If you’ve booked a country cottage for the break over Christmas and New Year, it’s likely that you’ll have picked an idyllic location and be planning to do some hiking and walking while you’re there.

Sunny winter days can make for perfect hiking conditions – and often holiday cottages are located within easy access of different trails and paths. If you’ve chosen somewhere mountainous, you could do some of the lower slopes safely - as long as you’re well-prepared. Being prepared means telling people where you’re headed, what route you’re taking and how long you intend being out. This way, if you get into any difficulty or get lost, then at least people will know when to start looking for you, and when.

You should also take plenty of water to keep you hydrated and some hi-energy food and snacks to give your body extra fuel en route. Supplies like this will be a godsend if you do get stranded.

Of course, the other thing to do is dress for the occasion. Make sure you wear base layers that will provide you with warmth for your body core – thermals and snug fitting garments that allow your skin to breathe are ideal. You’ll also need middle layers to provide insulation and warmth, and in winter it’s a good idea to have two middle layer garments, so you can peel one off if you get too hot as you’re walking along. On the top, wear a shell layer as protection from the wind and rain should the weather change while you’re out. North Face jackets are ideal for hiking and walking, as they allow you freedom of movement, offer protection from the elements and allow body heat to escape, too.

Depending on the kind of terrain you’re going to cover, you might also look at buying some crampons. These are devices to provide traction for walking on snow and ice. They can attach to your footwear in three ways – step-in, hybrid and strap bindings.

Don’t forget other essentials like gloves and a hat, and you’ll be all set to go and explore!

John Lewis Price Match Now On

John Lewis is currently running a Price Match, which lasts until midnight Sunday 11th December. You'll find hundreds of reduced prices across home and fashion items, including jewellery, ladies watches, men's jackets and coats, men's watches, tableware, home fragrancehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs and more.

Choose Your Hiking Gear with Care

When you’re going out hiking or jogging in the winter, it’s really important to make sure you have the right gear. One of the biggest risks for hikers is that they might leave themselves open to suffering from exposure in extreme weather.

Probably the most important thing to remember is that you’ll need to wear a number of layers. The science behind wearing layers is simple. The base layer keeps your skin dry, so makes you comfortable. The mid layer is sometimes called the insulating layer, and does just that. It keeps you warm. Finally, the shell layer - or outer layer, protects you from the wind and rain.

It’s important to adapt the layers you wear to the exercise you are doing. For example, if you’re jogging and the weather is dry, then it’s usually not necessary to wear a shell layer. As you build up a sweat, the shell layer would only serve to trap the moisture and you won’t be able to feel dry. Instead, you can adjust the warm layers so that you remain warm enough.

During the winter, you might want to ensure that your layers include thermals, as they help to provide insulation while allowing any moisture to escape. It’s important to make sure that your muscles are kept warm enough when you’re exercising.

If you’re hiking in a remote place, there are also some safety rules to bear in mind. Make sure that you tell someone where you’re going and the route you’ve planned, so that if you do get lost, people will know where and when to look for you. Check the weather forecast before you set out, and don’t head out unless weather conditions are good. In any case, make sure that you have emergency supplies of high energy snacks and drinks with you, just in case you get stranded for any length of time.

See also this men's thermal underwear page at LowPrices.co.uk.