When it comes to camping, a good night’s sleep is essential to ensure that you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the adventures ahead. A high-quality sleeping bag is the key to achieving this. But with so many different types of sleeping bags available, how do you choose the right one? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of sleeping bags, factors to consider when choosing one, and tips for storing and caring for your sleeping bag.
Table of Contents
Types of Sleeping Bags
Rectangular/Semi-Rectangular: These are the most common type of sleeping bags and are great for family camping trips. They are spacious and roomy, allowing you to move around comfortably. However, they are normally not suitable for cold weather as they don’t provide much insulation.
Mummy: Mummy sleeping bags are designed to provide maximum warmth and are perfect for camping in cold weather. They are narrow at the feet and wider at the shoulders, which helps to trap your body heat and keep you warm. These bags are also lightweight and easy to pack.
Double: These sleeping bags are great for couples who want to cuddle up and share body heat. They are usually rectangular in shape and offer enough space for two people to sleep comfortably.
Factors to Consider
Temperature Rating: The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is the minimum temperature at which it can keep you warm. It’s important to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating that matches the conditions you’ll be camping in.
Size: The size of your sleeping bag should be appropriate for your body size. You should be able to move around comfortably inside the sleeping bag without feeling constricted.
Insulation: The type of insulation used in the sleeping bag is also important. Synthetic insulation is cheaper and dries faster, while down insulation is more expensive but provides better warmth.
Weight: If you’re going on a backpacking trip, you’ll want a lightweight bag that won’t weigh you down. However, if you’re car camping, the weight of the bag may not be as important. Generally speaking, a lightweight backpacking sleeping bag will weigh between 1-3 pounds (0.45-1.36 kg), with some ultralight models weighing as little as 12 ounces (0.34 kg) or less.
Storing and Caring
- Store your sleeping bag in a dry, cool place. Never store your bag in a stuff sack, as this can compress the insulation and reduce its effectiveness. A lot of bag come with sacks for storing that do don’t make you compress the insulation.
- Air out your sleeping bag after each use to prevent moisture buildup. Hang it up or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area.
- Wash your bag according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a gentle, non-detergent soap and avoid washing it too frequently.
- Avoid exposing your bag to direct sunlight, as this can damage the fabric, insulation, and ability to be waterproof.
- Repair any rips or tears as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.
Best Sleeping Bags Available
Top Of The Line
- Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20 – This high-end sleeping bag is incredibly lightweight (weighing only 1 pound 13 ounces) and has a temperature rating of 20°F (-7°C). It’s made with high-quality materials, including a 10D shell fabric and 850+ fill power down insulation, which makes it incredibly warm and comfortable.
- Feathered Friends Snowbunting EX 0 – This premium sleeping bag is designed for extreme cold weather conditions, with a temperature rating of 0°F (-18°C). It’s made with high-quality materials, including a waterproof and breathable Pertex Shield EX shell and 900+ fill power goose down insulation. It’s also incredibly lightweight, weighing only 3 pounds 6 ounces.
Affordable
- Teton Sports Tracker Ultralight Mummy – This affordable sleeping bag is lightweight (weighing 2.9 pounds) and has a temperature rating of 5°F (-15°C). It’s made with high-quality materials, including a durable Diamond Ripstop shell and SuperLoft Elite 4-channel hollow fiber insulation. It’s also designed to be comfortable and spacious, with a mummy-style hood and foot box.
- Coleman North Rim Extreme Weather – This budget-friendly bag is designed for extreme weather conditions, with a temperature rating of 0°F (-18°C). It’s made with high-quality materials, including a ripstop polyester shell and a Thermolock draft tube that helps prevent heat loss. It’s also designed to be spacious and comfortable, with a semi-sculpted hood and foot box.
Choosing the right sleeping bag for your camping trip is essential to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep. Consider factors such as temperature rating, size, insulation, and weight when making your selection. And remember to store and care for your sleeping bag properly to ensure that it lasts for many camping trips to come. With the right sleeping bag and proper care, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable and restful night’s sleep under the stars.
Want to try our some winter camping? Check our our guide to help you stay warm and enjoy the mountains