Sleeping Bags

💡 Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag

Temperature Rating: Choose sleeping bags based on the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. Three-season sleeping bags work for spring through fall camping, while winter sleeping bags provide extra insulation for cold weather. Consider comfort ratings rather than extreme ratings for a better night’s sleep.

Sleeping Bag Types: Rectangular sleeping bags offer more room and can often unzip to become blankets, perfect for car camping. Mummy sleeping bags provide better heat retention with less weight, ideal for backpacking. Double sleeping bags accommodate couples or families camping together.

Insulation Material: Down sleeping bags offer excellent warmth-to-weight ratios and pack down small, but lose insulation when wet. Synthetic sleeping bags maintain warmth in damp conditions and dry faster, though they’re typically heavier and bulkier. Cotton flannel sleeping bags provide exceptional comfort for car camping.

Size and Fit: Consider your height and sleeping style when selecting sleeping bags. Regular sizes fit most people up to 6 feet tall, while long options accommodate taller campers. Look for sleeping bags with extra room if you move around during sleep or prefer more space.

Weight and Packability: Backpacking sleeping bags should be lightweight and compress small for easy carrying. Car camping sleeping bags can prioritize comfort over weight since portability isn’t as critical. Include compression sacks to reduce pack volume when transporting sleeping bags on hiking trips.