For you to enjoy a peaceful and blissful night’s sleep in the woods, it is important to purchase the right gear. You should choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for your camping trip.
The good news is if you take your car along during the camping or backpacking trip, there is no need to worry about fitting the bag in a pack or the weight of your sleeping bag.
It gives you the chance to go for a sleeping bag that is as roomy or as pushy as you would like. Here is a guide on how to choose a sleeping bag.
What Is the Difference between a Backpacking Sleeping Bag and a Camping Sleeping Bag?
To generalize the two, camping sleeping bags have sufficient room for you to move around in compared to the backpacking sleeping bags that are snug and light.
In situations where you are using a single sleeping bag for both activities, consider choosing a backpacking style; this is because it is lighter for you to carry. To extend the lifespan of your sleeping bag, it is important to know how to store a sleeping bag (you will thank us later!)
How to Understand the Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
Before choosing a sleeping bag, you should know that you could always unzip the bag when it feels too warm. It is essential to pick a sleeping bag that has a lower temperature rating compared to the lowest temperature you expect during nighttime.
On cold days when you need to use a sleeping bag choose a bag that will handle the low temperatures and vice versa. With all this said, remember the temperature rating is different for each sleeper.
Various factors will also affect the type of sleeping bag you choose, including the garments you put on while sleeping, your body’s metabolism, the sleeping pad you have, and humidity.
Choosing the Shape of the Sleeping Bag
Most campers and sleeping bag users prefer choosing bags that give them enough room to roll over and stretch while relaxing; this is the major reason why so many camping bags have a rectangular shape.
For you to determine if the bag is roomy and comfortable, it is advisable to zip yourself inside the bag first.
Before settling for a sleeping bag, try on the different sleeping bags and determine which style and shape you feel most comfortable. Basic shapes that sleeping bags come in:
1) Rectangular shaped
With rectangular bags, you get plenty of space for both the arms and legs to stretch out; some of the rectangular bags are unzipped, while others can serve as comforters.
- Heatseeker Eco synthetic insulation composed of 30% post-consumer recycled material
- Wraparound footbox zipper allows the bag to lie flat
- Tapered sport rectangle fit
Last update on 2024-12-20 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
2) Semi-rectangular shaped
You can refer to these sleeping bags as “modified mummy” as well as “barrel” shapes. These shapes will offer you the perfect warmth that you require and sufficient room for comfort.
- COMFORTABLE, DURABLE, SKIN FRIENDLY– 100% polyester lining is skin-friendly & comfortable. High quality 290T polyester makes it durability. You will be comfortable no matter how hard and rough the...
- GREAT FOR ALL SEASONS – Keep you warm and safe even in near-freezing temperatures. waterproof, double-layer technology keep you warm in wet conditions and prevent you from getting damp.
- SPECIL DESIGN– Single size: 33 by 86.6 inches (W x D), weight: around 4 pounds. Zip two together for one large size, which can be used for two persons. Couples and friends can relax and sleep...
- EASY TO CARRY AND CLEAN, LIGHTWEIGHT – Wiped easily by hand and allow to machine wash, versatile and convenient to clean. Equiped with a compression sack, straps, super convenient to storage and...
Last update on 2024-12-20 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
3) Mummy
If you are looking for a sleeping bag that will tremendously boost warmth and, at the same time, reduce weight, this design is the best.
It offers a perfect snug fit; in short, you can roll over with your bag rather than inside the sleeping bag.
- Mummy-style adult sleeping bag designed for camping even in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Can comfortably accommodate most people up to 6 feet 2 inches in height
- Semi-sculpted hood that tightens with a drawstring to seal in warmth
- Quilting construction, an insulated footbox, and a Thermolock draft tube for maximum warmth and heat retention
- The ZipPlow system prevents fabric from snagging during zipping
Last update on 2024-12-20 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
4) Double bags
These are the best pick for couples who want to sleep together inside their sleeping bag.
An alternative to double bags is choosing the rectangular bags that are capable of zipping together; ensure the bags are of the same brand and model.
- Shell: 50D ciré polyester taffeta
- Comfort lining: 100% polyester
- Insulation: 30% recycled polyester cut-staple insulation
- Stuffsack size: 13" x 24" (33.02 cm x 60.96 cm)
- Temp Rating: 15°F, 30°F, 50°F
Last update on 2024-12-20 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
5) The kid’s size sleeping bags
These are self-explanatory; they are shorter in size, smaller, and cheaper if you compare them to the adult’s sleeping bags.
- SNOOZE HAPPY - The unique wavy shape allows multiple sleep positions. Rotate the cover and elastic opening for maximum warmth and easy movement. The front zipper position allows the child to easily...
- SUPER SOFT - The exterior of AceCamp’s Sleeping Bag is made from durable 190T embossed soft polyester, making it breathable and waterproof. The interior is lined with 100% cotton flannel, making it...
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY DESIGN - Closed pocket for easy storage. Our travel kits are intelligently designed to take everything into a compact backpack including your sleeping bag. It's very simple. Let your...
- LIGHTWEIGHT SLEEPING BAG WITH A STORY - The luminous sleeping bag will give your child wonderful dreams. Our sleeping bags are bright and long-lasting. You don't have to worry about them fading after...
- SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE - We are sure that you will like our sleeping bag. We offer a 30-day, 100% money back guarantee and free returns. This is a risk free deal and you should let your child decide...
Last update on 2024-12-20 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
How to Choose a Sleeping Bag Insulation Type
It is important to ask yourself whether the sleeping bag you want should be with synthetic fill or down fill. Here is a breakdown of the benefits of each insulation.
Synthetic insulation:
- It is affordable – meaning you do not have to break the bank to get it. You purchase the sleeping bag at a friendly price and enjoy all the benefits it comes with.
- It continues to insulate even when damp, and this is an essential factor to consider.
- It dries faster – this is an advantage because you can wash it and still use it at night. It is convenient for use.
Down insulation:
- It is light to carry around, therefore, convenient for you to use on most camping trips.
- Good for both dry and cold weather, it serves all purposes.
- In most cases contains a water-resistant treatment to help protect it in case of damp conditions
- Easy compresses to small sizes for easier and light packing, making it easier to travel and carry around.
- High durability while retaining warmth and loft over the years.
Additional Features to Consider when Choosing a Sleeping Bag
1) Stash pockets
While choosing a sleeping bag, look for a stash pocket. A few bags will offer a handy stash pocket with a zip that you can use to store important things like your lip balm, watches, or expensive jewelry.
2) Zipper feature
A bag that contains more than one zipper slope will make it easier for you to control ventilation in the sleeping bag.
Some bags prevent the zipper from snagging by shielding the zipper’s guard, and others deal with the issue by putting a cover on the zipper.
3) Sleeping bag hood
The hood is going to make the bag warmer, thus bringing about extra comfort.
4) Sleeping bag shelves
The outer fabric of the sleeping bag contains either nylon or durable polyester material that has durable water repellent finish.
It helps in protecting the inside insulation of the shell from being damp. Inside the sleeping bag, the material should be soft to the skin and of warm texture.
Sleeping Bag Accessories to Choose from
1) Sleeping bag liner
While choosing a sleeping bag, it is crucial to look for one that has a soft and warm sleeping bag liner.
It will help the sleeping bag remain clean as well as adding extra warmth to the sleeping bag during cold nights. On hot nights, you can always skip the bag and sleep in the liner.
2) Storage sack
Leaving a sleeping bag permanently smoothed on the inside sack is harder on the insulation.
That is why most bags have cotton storage sacks or large meshes that assist in long-term storage.
3) Stuff sack
Having a staff sack is essential for storing your sleeping bag since it will take up less space.
