Camping is one of the great outdoor pursuits, and is often combined with other outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. Because of the popularity camping holds, there is also a demand for camping equipment, especially sleeping bags. Sleeping bags can be the most confusing item for campers to buy, but using simple guidelines, anyone should be able to find the right sleeping bag for their needs and the weather. There are two basic styles of sleeping bags, both of which are useful in their own rights. The first style is the classic rectangle, with which most people are familiar. These bags are shaped like rectangles, with a zipper all the way around the outside. The second style is the mummy style sleeping bag, which are larger at the top and taper towards the bottom. These bags also have hoods, and are used for cold weather by serious campers. Choosing the right sleeping bag is more important than most people think, and it concerns more than choosing a good color. Choosing the right sleeping bag means getting the right insulation for the anticipated weather, and making sure the bag will hold up. Sleeping bags come in three �weights,� allowing buyers to choose what�s right for them. Lightweight bags are appropriate only for warmer climes, as they are insulated to only forty degrees Fahrenheit, at most. These are great for bikers, hikers, and campers who will not encounter cold weather while outdoors. Three season bags are the most versatile weight of the three, as they can be used in any weather except extreme cold. These bags are generally insulated from fifteen to twenty degrees Fahrenheit, making them a sensible choice for anyone who is venturing into mountainous terrain. Best of all, while they provide warmth in the winter, they won�t get too warm during the spring and summer. Lastly, for those looking to camp in extreme conditions, winter weight sleeping bags, insulated to up to negative forty degrees Fahrenheit, are a must. These bags are the only option to avoid hypothermia in very cold temperatures, and will provide a camper with the comfort he needs for relaxation on long mountain hikes.