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When picking a sleeping bag, there is more to consider than the color. There are many options to consider, from how heavy it will be to carry to the material it is made from. To help you determine what is right for you, check out the tips below.
The Right Fit
Many sleeping bags are designed with a rectangular shape allowing for the maximum amount of room to spread out. One of the perks of these bags is the option to purchase two bags with compatible zippers and create a double bed.
Another option is a barrel-shaped bag which has a semi-rectangular shape. These are tapered in design which can lead to a warmer night’s sleep and a little less weight to carry. If you don’t like the fit of a mummy bag (see below), this is a great option and fit well in larger-frame backpacks.
The mummy bag is a tight fit allowing for maximum warmth and is a favorite for backpackers who need a lightweight bag while hiking.
Women should keep in mind that there are specific sleeping bags that are designed and engineered to match a woman’s contours. These bags are shorter and more narrow at the shoulders, wider at the hips, and come with extra insulation.
Kids can also have a sleeping bag built just for their needs. Some models feature a built-in sleeve on the bottom of the bag which holds a sleeping pad so that the child, bag and pad stay together all night. Others offer pillow pockets which lets the user stuff clothing inside to create a comfy pillow.
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Insulation
The best option for campers is to choose a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation
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Typically made of polyester, a synthetic fill is quick drying and still insulates even if it gets wet. They are also less expensive and more durable. One of the best features, besides the low price tag, is that these bags are non-allergenic.
Some campers prefer goose-down insulation but it is offered in only a few sleeping bags. While it is durable and highly compressible, it comes with a large price tag and is considered to be a less humane choice.
Temperature
Choosing the right insulation will force you to consider the temperatures you will encounter on your trip. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to remember that they are not all created equally. During the summer, you don’t need a heavy bag with extra insulation, nor will you want to hike with one weighing down your pack. However, if you are camping in the winter, you will need a warmer bag. As a general rule of thumb, consider the following bag types followed by thei temperature rating:
- Summer: +35° and higher
- 3-Season: +10° to +35°
- Cold Weather: -10° to +10°
- Winter/Extreme: -10° and lower
Other factors will influence how warm you stay at night. Consider the following:
- Sleeping pad: Insulates the space between your bag and the ground and adds a layer of cushioning.
- Tent: Tents can keep you warmer by up to 10° at night.
- Metabolism: Think about how you sleep at home. Do you kick the covers off at night or do you prefer to be bundled up?
- Clothing: If you want to stay warm, wear long underwear and clean socks which will help insulate you. A hat and neck gaiter will also help retain body heat.
- Hood: Sleeping bags with hoods can be cinched up to keep you extra warm.
- Hydration: Believe it or not, staying hydrated adds warmth so try a warm drink before bed.
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Extra Features
Once you've figured out the temperature rating and style you want, there are a few extra features to consider.
- Double-wide bags: Designed to comfortably sleep 2 people, these bags can be combined with an air mattress (or foam sleeping pad) for an extra comfortable night's sleep.
- Stash pockets: Super handy for campers who wear eyeglasses or those who want to keep items close by at night.
- Sleeping pad sleeve: Available in some models, this creative feature means no more rolling off the sleep pad in the middle of the night.
- Pillow: If you grow tired of sleeping on a rolled up jacket, look for sleeping bags that include a pillow pocket.
- Sleeping bag liner: Liners are sold separately but kelp keep the bag clean and add a little extra warmth. If you are sleeping during hot weather, skip the sleeping bag and just sleep on the liner.
Storage
Once you found the right sleeping bag for your needs, remember to store it properly. This will prolong the life of the bag. You can hang it in a garage or store it loosely in a cotton storage sack. Never keep it rolled up in a tight stuff sack.
