Evie Summers
Choosing a sleeping bag can be a complicated purchase decision, with factors like weight, packability, warmth, and comfort to consider. The first thing to decide is the activity the bag will be used for, as the weight, shape, and features of sleeping bags are often best suited to specific end uses. For example, bags for camping are roomier, while backpacking bags are lighter and more snug. Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular (or modified mummy), and mummy. Mummy bags are snug and lightweight, while rectangular bags offer plenty of room for legs and arms to stretch out. Temperature ratings, insulation types, and extra features like zipper sliders and hoods should also be considered.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Activity | Camping, backpacking, mountaineering, packrafting |
| Temperature rating | 0-50°F, depending on the season and the type of trip |
| Insulation type | Down, synthetic |
| Bag shape | Mummy, semi-rectangular, rectangular |
| Additional features | Stuff sack, storage sack, sleeping bag liner, hood, zipper features, stash pockets, pad compatibility |
| Weight | Depends on the type of trip and the insulation type |
| Packability | Depends on the type of trip |
| Price | Varies depending on the features |
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$119.99 $139.99
What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag shapes
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The three most common shapes are rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer plenty of room for both legs and arms to stretch out, making them ideal for those who prioritise comfort over warmth. They are usually used for camping as they are bulkier and heavier. They can be completely unzipped and used like a comforter, making them suitable for warm-weather camping.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags, also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" shapes, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They are generally more slender than rectangular bags, with a rounded top and slight tapering at the bottom. This shape is well-suited for cool-weather camping when conditions are chilly but not extremely cold.
Mummy sleeping bags are designed to boost warmth and reduce weight. They have a slim cut and a snug fit, with a contoured hood that can be cinched tight for greater warmth. The overall fit is snug, and you typically roll over with the bag rather than inside it. This shape is popular among backpackers as it is lightweight and provides maximum heat retention, making it suitable for bitterly cold conditions.
Other less common sleeping bag shapes include double sleeping bags, which are wider than typical sleeping bags and designed for couples, and kid-sized sleeping bags, which are shorter and smaller variations of adult sleeping bags.
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Temperature ratings
When considering temperature ratings, it's important to understand the difference between comfort and survival ratings. A sleeping bag's comfort rating indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average person warm and comfortable. On the other hand, the survival rating, also known as the lower limit, indicates the temperature at which the bag will keep a person alive but not necessarily comfortable. For example, a bag with a comfort rating of 30°F and a survival rating of 10°F will provide a comfortable night's sleep at 30°F, but it can also keep you alive if temperatures drop to 10°F.
The temperature ratings on sleeping bags are typically based on a standard adult male's comfort level. This means that women and older adults, who tend to sleep colder, may need a bag with a lower temperature rating to stay comfortable. Additionally, children often require bags with higher temperature ratings, as they generate more body heat relative to their size. It's important to consider your personal comfort level and any specific needs you may have when interpreting temperature ratings.
When choosing a sleeping bag based on temperature ratings, it's essential to consider the environmental conditions you'll be using it in. If you primarily camp in mild, temperate climates, a bag with a higher temperature rating will suffice. However, if you venture into colder environments or plan to camp during winter, investing in a bag with a lower temperature rating is crucial. Keep in mind that you can always
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Insulation types
When choosing a sleeping bag, insulation type is an important consideration. The two main types of insulation are down and synthetic fills. Down insulation is made from the fluffy layer of feathers found underneath a goose's exterior feathers. It is lightweight, durable, compressible, and breathable. However, it is more expensive and requires more careful cleaning and maintenance. Down insulation is best suited for cold and dry conditions, as it can get clumpy when wet and takes longer to dry.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made from fine-denier man-made fibres that mimic the properties of organic down. Synthetic insulation is more affordable, water-resistant, and dries faster than down. It is also heavier, bulkier, and less durable, with the loft degrading slightly each time it is compressed. Synthetic insulation is a good choice for damp or wet weather conditions.
The distribution of insulation between the bag's liner and outer shell also varies depending on the type of insulation. Down bags often use different baffled constructions, while synthetic bags typically use quilted, offset quilted, or shingled constructions. The goal is to achieve an even distribution of insulation to avoid cold spots.
The shape of the sleeping bag also affects its warmth and weight. Mummy-shaped bags are tapered, wider at the shoulders, and narrower towards the footbox, maximising warmth and reducing weight. Semi-rectangular bags, also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" shapes, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess.
When choosing an insulation type, consider the expected weather conditions, your budget, and the level of compressibility and durability you require. Test out the sleeping bag in the store by rolling over a few times to ensure that your limbs do not compress the insulation.
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Ethical down
When considering the ethics of down, it is important to understand the differences between natural down and synthetic down, as well as the sources of natural down.
Natural down is typically sourced from ducks or geese, and it offers
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Sleeping bag liners
When choosing a sleeping bag, you should consider factors like the temperature rating, insulation type, bag shape, and extra features. Sleeping bag liners are a great addition to your sleeping bag, offering several benefits.
Firstly, liners are an effective way to keep your sleeping bag clean, minimising wear and protecting your investment. Liners can be easily removed and washed, and they prevent dirt and grime from contaminating the shell of your sleeping bag, which is especially useful if you're travelling with less-than-pristine bedding.
Secondly, liners can provide added warmth to your sleep system. This is particularly useful in colder conditions, as they can extend the temperature range of your sleeping bag. Silk blend liners, for example, are designed to be light and compact, making them ideal for travel. Conversely, in warmer conditions, liners can help manage moisture, as some liners are designed to wick moisture away.
Overall, sleeping bag liners are a worthwhile consideration when purchasing a sleeping bag, as they enhance hygiene, comfort, and warmth, ensuring a better night's sleep during your outdoor adventures.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular, and mummy. Rectangular bags allow plenty of room for your arms and legs to stretch out and can sometimes be completely unzipped and used like a comforter. Semirectangular bags are also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" shapes and offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. Mummy bags are designed to boost warmth and cut weight and have a snug fit.
Choose a sleeping bag rated a little below the typical low temperatures you expect to encounter. For example, if you think you'll encounter 20°F weather, buy a +10°F bag. A 20°F bag will get you through most of the year without too much discomfort. If you're camping in the dead of winter, you'll want at least a 10°F bag, and more likely a 0°F or lower bag.
The two main types of insulation are down and synthetic. Down insulation has a better warmth-to-weight ratio, is highly compressible, and keeps lofting even after being stuffed into a compression sack many times. Synthetic insulation is generally cheaper and has the advantage of keeping you warm even if it gets soaked through with water, which down insulation cannot do. Synthetic insulation also dries out faster than down.
Many bags come with a stuff sack to easily compress your bag down small for packing. Since storing a sleeping bag compressed for long periods can affect its ability to loft fully and insulate efficiently, some bags also come with a large mesh or cotton storage sack. A sleeping bag liner can help to minimize wear and keep the bag clean. Other features to consider include types of adjustment features, stash pockets, and pad compatibility.
Consider the activity you need a sleeping bag for. Are you camping or backpacking? Camping bags tend to be roomier, while backpacking bags are lighter and more snug. The weight, shape, and features of sleeping bags are often best suited to specific end uses, so choose one that fits your needs.
