Sleeping Gear

Sleeping Bags and Sleeping Mats for NZ Outdoors

Sleep is the foundation of performance in the outdoors. A sleeping bag that's warm enough for the conditions — and a mat that insulates you from the ground — makes a decisive difference to how you feel the next day on the trail. Dwights stocks a full range of sleeping bags and mats to suit different seasons, trip types and budgets.

Sleeping bags are rated by temperature, but those ratings are tested under controlled conditions. As a rule of thumb, choose a bag rated 5–10°C colder than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter, especially if you tend to sleep cold. Down fill provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio and compresses smaller, but loses insulation when wet. Synthetic fill performs better in wet conditions and is generally more affordable.

Sleeping mats insulate you from the cold ground and cushion your sleep. R-value measures thermal resistance — a higher R-value means better insulation. Foam mats are the lightest and most durable; inflatable mats are more comfortable and packable but require care to avoid punctures. Dwights stocks both types in a range of sizes and R-values to match NZ conditions.

• Down and synthetic sleeping bags across a range of temperature ratings
• Ultralight options for weight-conscious trampers
• Foam and inflatable sleeping mats
• Sleeping mat accessories: repair kits, pumps and bag liners