Have you ever been camping and you are exhausted and getting ready for bed and despite how hot the day has been it has cooled off and now you are ready for a warm, comfortable good nights rest? Or, do you find excitement in camping in the winter months? Have you ever borrowed a friend's sleeping bag and found that when you go to climb in the sleeping bag that it isn't big enough for you and you are pushed out of the sleeping bag your toes hitting the bottom before you completely get into the sleeping bag?

Many of us had some kind of an experience with a sleeping bag, but if you are going to be sleeping outside it is critical to have an outdoor sleeping bag. You might wonder what the difference is from an indoor to an outdoor sleeping bag. Here are a few things that you will want to consider when borrowing or purchasing an outdoor sleeping bag:

1. Have it be the right size. If you are an adult you won't want to take a children's sleeping bag to sleep in. That will be the first thing you will notice when getting ready to sleep in it.

2. Have a sleeping bag that is labeled for outdoor camping. Many of the outdoor vs. indoor sleeping bags are made of different fabrics and can make a large difference of how comfortable and warm you are.

3. Don't have your sleeping bag be the only thing between you and the ground. It is good to have a pad or air mattress between you and the ground. Most sleeping bags can't provide enough comfort and warmth between you and the ground. There can be rocks, unleveled ground and the ground can get really cold.

4. Even if your sleeping bag is labeled for certain temperatures don't take for granted that you will be warm as soon as you get into the sleeping bag. You need to do your part. You will want to stay in your basic clothes and socks and get into your sleeping bag. Then you can change your layers of clothing and if your socks are wet you will want to change them immediately. You will want to secure that your body is completely covered by the sleeping bag and a layer of clothing, even up to your head. You can wear a hat to help cover your head. These precautions are critical if you like to campout in the winter.

These are a couple of basic things to consider with a sleeping bag. It is important to be comfortable and make sure you have the right equipment when camping outdoors.

Park's Sportman (http://www.parkssportsman.com/) is a sports shop selling outdoor and indoor sport clothing and equipments. Art Gib is a freelance writer.