Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags are essential for camping, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Sleeping bags vary in shape, size, weight, insulation, and temperature rating, so it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting one. The type of sleeping bag you need will depend on factors such as the season, the climate, the weight and space constraints of your trip, and your personal sleep preferences, such as whether you sleep hot or cold, or prefer more space to stretch out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | The lowest temperature at which the bag should be able to keep you warm enough for sleeping |
| Filling | Man-made (e.g. polyester) or down (duck/goose feathers) |
| Shape | Rectangular, barrel, mummy, or quilt |
| Size | Different sizes for men, women, and unisex |
| Weight | Warmer bags are bulkier and heavier |
| Packed size | Warmer bags are bulkier and heavier |
| Insulation | Down or synthetic |
| Draft-blocking features | Draft tubes, draft collars, or yokes |
| Zipper | Anti-snag, left-hand, or right-hand |
| Compatibility | Pad compatibility, sleeping bags that can zip together |
| Features | Stash pockets, hoods, straps, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping bag shapes: mummy, square, semi-rectangular, barrel, and rectangular
- Temperature ratings: bags are often categorised by season, from summer to winter
- Insulation type: down or synthetic
- Weight and packed size: bulkier bags are heavier, but warmer
- Extra features: draft tubes, stash pockets, and pad compatibility
Sleeping bag shapes: mummy, square, semi-rectangular, barrel, and rectangular
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, each designed with different benefits and use cases in mind. The most common shapes are mummy, square, semi-rectangular, barrel, and rectangular.
Mummy sleeping bags are popular due to their weight, warmth, and snug fit. They are cocoon-like and contour around the body, making them ideal for backpacking trips as they are lightweight, packable, and have more insulation than rectangular sleeping bags. They are also often more affordable and dry faster than other options. Mummy bags are a good choice for those seeking a warm and lightweight option for backpacking trips.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer plenty of interior space, making them a great option for camping, car camping, or recreational use. They provide a good balance between weight and comfort, and their rectangular shape allows for a full night's sleep. They tend to be bulkier and heavier than mummy bags, so they may not be ideal for backpacking or hiking trips where weight and space are a priority.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags offer a middle ground between the mummy and rectangular shapes. They are tapered towards the feet, providing more room than a mummy bag, while still being relatively compact. An example of this is the Kelty Rambler 50F, which is suitable for summer camping or travel.
Barrel-shaped sleeping bags are less commonly mentioned but are known for their comfort and cost savings. They are typically labelled as 'backpacking' sleeping bags as they are designed to be lightweight and easily packable, making them convenient for human-powered adventures and backcountry trips.
Square sleeping bags are not commonly mentioned in the sources provided, however, they are likely to offer more room than the other shapes, particularly for those who sleep on their sides or like to move around.
Each sleeping bag shape caters to different needs, preferences, and types of adventures. Whether it's a backpacking trip, a camping getaway, or a simple sleepover, there is a sleeping bag shape that can provide the necessary warmth, comfort, and convenience.
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Temperature ratings: bags are often categorised by season, from summer to winter
Sleeping bags are often categorised by season, from summer to winter, with temperature ratings indicating the range of temperatures a bag is suitable for. These ratings are based on standardised tests, providing a more precise and comparable system than just the season rating alone. The key factor when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating, which indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag should be able to keep you warm enough for sleeping.
Summer sleeping bags are designed for camping and backpacking in warm, summer-like conditions or at lower elevations. They typically have a temperature rating of 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (or above 5 degrees Celsius). Summer bags are a good option for saving weight, space, and money, but it's important to remember that temperatures can still drop at night, even in warm regions.
Two-season sleeping bags are designed for slightly cooler nights in spring and summer, with a temperature range of 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 5 degrees Celsius). They are also suitable for milder autumn nights or for people who tend to feel cold even in summer.
Three-season sleeping bags offer a good balance between warmth, weight, and bulk, making them versatile for a range of camping and backpacking adventures. They are designed for colder nights in spring, summer, and autumn when temperatures might dip just below freezing (down to 5 degrees Celsius or 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
Four-season sleeping bags are designed for winter use, with temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees Celsius or 15 degrees Fahrenheit. They are optimised for cold conditions, which often makes them too warm for milder seasons. Five-season sleeping bags are sometimes used to indicate bags designed for expedition or high-altitude use, suitable for extremely cold temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
It's important to note that temperature ratings are estimates and are based on 'average' users. Individual factors such as metabolism, clothing, and gear can affect the actual warmth of a sleeping bag. Additionally, the type of insulation, weight, and shape of the bag can also impact its warmth and comfort. Therefore, it's recommended to consider the sleep system as a whole, including the sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and the sleeper's clothing, when choosing a bag for a comfortable night's rest in the outdoors.
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Insulation type: down or synthetic
When choosing a sleeping bag, one of the most important decisions you'll make is the type of insulation. The insulation type directly affects the warmth, weight, water resistance, compressibility, and price of sleeping bags. The two main types of insulation are down and synthetic.
Down insulation is made from the soft, fluffy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. It has a high warmth-to-weight ratio, meaning it provides more warmth for less weight compared to synthetic insulation. Down is also very compressible, making it ideal for backpacking as it packs down small and saves space in your backpack. However, down insulation requires more maintenance and can be prone to clumping and losing its insulating properties when it gets wet.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made from man-made materials such as polyester. Synthetic sleeping bags are often more affordable and can maintain their insulation properties even when wet. They are also easier to care for and are more breathable than down. However, synthetic insulation can be heavier and bulkier, taking up more space in your pack.
There are different types of synthetic insulation to consider as well. Bonded insulation comes in sheets and helps keep the insulation uniform, while loose-fill synthetic insulation tries to mimic down by being light and compressible while retaining the ability to insulate when wet. Short-staple synthetic insulation features densely packed fine-denier filaments, resulting in a softer and more flexible sleeping bag with great compressibility. Continuous-filament insulation, on the other hand, uses thicker filaments that are lofty, strong, and durable but less compressible.
In recent years, hybrid insulation sleeping bags have also become available, blending down and synthetic insulation to combine the benefits of both materials. These bags can provide ultralight warmth while also resisting moisture, giving you confidence that you'll have a warm sleeping bag even in wet conditions.
Ultimately, the choice between down and synthetic insulation depends on your personal priorities, camping style, and budget. Consider factors such as weight, compressibility, water resistance, and maintenance when deciding which type of insulation is right for you.
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Weight and packed size: bulkier bags are heavier, but warmer
When choosing a sleeping bag, weight and packed size are crucial factors to consider, especially if you plan on carrying your gear long distances. An extra pound or two can make a significant difference when backpacking, and a larger packed size will increase the size of your backpack, placing the weight farther from your centre of gravity.
Generally, warmer sleeping bags are bulkier and heavier than colder bags. This is because they are designed with more insulation to trap heat. However, it's important to compare bags with similar warmth ratings when considering weight and packed size. For example, a bag with a temperature rating of 15°F will likely be bulkier and heavier than one rated for 30°F.
If you're venturing into the backcountry, a lightweight and compressible sleeping bag is ideal. Ultralight bags often ditch the hood and employ a full-length zipper, allowing them to be used as either a mummy bag or a quilt. They use premium down, ultra-thin shell materials, and narrow dimensions to reduce weight. For instance, the Feathered Friends Tanager has no zipper or hood, but it doesn't sacrifice insulation with its premium 950-fill down. It weighs just 1 pound 2.6 ounces but contains 12.6 ounces of insulation.
On the other hand, if you're car camping or camping near civilisation, weight and packed size may be less of a concern. The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is a lightweight option that packs into a stuff sack, but it might not be ideal for backpacking due to its weight. The Alps OutdoorZ Redwood is another classic sleeping bag design that provides warmth but is heavier and bulkier.
Ultimately, finding the right balance between weight, packed size, and warmth is essential. If you're willing to spend a little more, you can invest in a lighter and more compressible sleeping bag without sacrificing warmth.
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Extra features: draft tubes, stash pockets, and pad compatibility
Sleeping bags come with a variety of extra features that can enhance your comfort and convenience. Here are some key features to look out for:
Draft Tubes
Draft tubes are an essential feature for preventing heat loss through the zipper of your sleeping bag. They are typically found on the inside of the bag, covering the zipper, and are made from insulating materials. Some bags feature puffy draft tubes, while others have thin insulated flaps that serve the same purpose. If you're looking for an ultralight option, consider a bag with a differential cut, where the zipper is mounted further back from the edge, creating lofted flaps that press against each other to seal drafts without the need for a separate draft tube.
Stash Pockets
Stash pockets are a convenient way to keep your small, important items secure and easily accessible. These pockets can be attached to the inside of your sleeping bag or backpack, providing a safe place to store items like your smartphone, wallet, keys, or even a small amount of cash and coins. Some stash pockets have a zipper closure, ensuring that your belongings stay securely in place. They are often made from durable materials like nylon and plastic, so you can trust that your items are protected.
Pad Compatibility
The right sleeping pad can significantly impact your comfort and warmth during sleep. Sleeping pads come in various types, including self-inflating pads, air pads, and inflatable mattresses. When choosing a pad, consider factors such as R-value (higher R-values indicate better resistance to heat loss), weight, cushioning, length, width, and ease of inflation. Additionally, if you tend to move around a lot in your sleep, look for a pad with a textured or brushed fabric surface to prevent you and your sleeping bag from sliding off during the night. Some sleeping bags also feature integrated pad sleeves to keep the pad in place, so be sure to check the sleeve width before purchasing a pad.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, barrel, and mummy. Mummy bags are cut close to the body to maximise warmth, rectangular bags provide more room to stretch out, and barrel bags are a hybrid of the two. Sleeping bags can also be categorised by season, ranging from lightweight summer bags to thick winter bags.
Women's sleeping bags are usually shorter than men's and unisex bags, and sometimes have more insulation at the feet and hips, as women generally feel colder than men. They are also narrower at the shoulders and wider at the hips.
Double sleeping bags are designed to fit two people, making them ideal for couples. They are generally bulkier and heavier than single sleeping bags, so they are not recommended for long backpacking trips.
