Evie Summers
Choosing a sleeping bag is an important decision, especially if you're an avid camper, backpacker, or adventurer. The right sleeping bag can provide welcome relief and home comforts after a long day. There are several key factors to consider when selecting a sleeping bag: the shape, the temperature rating, the insulation type, and the size. The shape of a sleeping bag is typically either rectangular or tapered at the feet, with some newer designs offering extra room at the knees for comfort and ease of movement. The temperature rating is crucial, as it determines how warm the bag will keep you, and this depends on both the external temperature and how well your body handles the cold. The insulation type is also important, with down sleeping bags offering superior warmth-to-weight ratios, while synthetic bags are more affordable and effective when wet. Lastly, the size of the sleeping bag should allow for a natural sleeping position without compressing the insulation or leaving too much internal air to warm up.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Consider what you will use the sleeping bag for, where, and when. |
| Temperature | Choose a bag that will keep you warm enough at the lowest temperature you intend to sleep in. |
| Insulation | Sleeping bags can be insulated with down or synthetic materials. Down provides a better warmth-to-weight ratio but is more expensive and less effective when wet. Synthetic bags are cheaper and still provide warmth when wet. |
| Fit | Choose a bag that allows enough room to adopt a natural sleeping position without compressing the insulation. Test the bag before purchase to ensure a comfortable fit. |
| Shape | Sleeping bags can be rectangular or tapered at the feet ("mummy" shape). Tapered bags have less weight and space to heat but restrict movement. Rectangular bags can be connected together, making them ideal for couples. |
| Additional Features | Some sleeping bags have pockets for storing small items and hoods to prevent heat loss from the head. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulation type: down or synthetic
The insulation type of a sleeping bag is a key consideration when choosing one to purchase. Sleeping bags can either be filled with down or synthetic insulation, and both have their own pros and cons.
Down insulation is made from the soft, wispy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. It is rated by fill power (fp), which measures how much down it takes to fill one cubic inch of space. The higher the fill power, the warmer the bag, and the lighter and more compressible the sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags are favoured by backpackers due to their warmth-to-weight ratio, light weight, and compressibility. However, down loses its insulating properties when it gets wet, as the air pockets between the down disappear. This can be mitigated by using hydrophobic treatments to add water resistance to the down filling, but even treated down will get wet if submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made from polyester fibres derived from petroleum. It comes in many forms and brand names, and its performance can be described in general terms. Synthetic insulation is cheaper, but it does not pack up as small and will weigh more to provide the same level of warmth. It is also less durable than down and will not retain its loft over the years with many uses. However, synthetic insulation will retain more heat when it gets wet, as it will not completely collapse when soaked through, and it dries faster than down.
Ultimately, the choice between a down and synthetic sleeping bag depends on personal priorities and camping style. If you prioritise weight, packability, and longevity, a down sleeping bag may be the better choice. If you are more concerned about price and water resistance, then a synthetic sleeping bag may be more suitable.
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Temperature ratings
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag. The rating will determine how warm you will be when using the bag. The key factor is the coldest conditions you anticipate experiencing on your adventure. You can then pick a bag that will keep you warm at or below that temperature.
There are a few standard temperature rating systems for sleeping bags. The EN and ISO ratings are the most common and are used by many prominent gear retailers. The EN rating system includes the following categories: Upper Limit, Comfort, and Lower Limit. The Upper Limit rating is the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration. The Comfort rating is the temperature at which a standard female can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position. The Lower Limit rating is the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking. The ISO 23537 standards are similar to the EN standards, with Comfort and Lower Limit ratings, but also include an Extreme temperature rating, which is the temperature at which there is a risk of health damage to a 'standard woman' by hypothermia.
It is important to note that temperature ratings are based on an "average sleeper" and may not be accurate for everyone. Individual factors such as metabolism, clothing, sleeping pad, humidity, and wind can also affect how warm you will feel when using the sleeping bag. Therefore, it is generally recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest nighttime temperature you expect to encounter. This is because it is easier to cool down a warm sleeping bag (by unzipping it) than it is to warm up a cold sleeping bag.
In addition to the EN and ISO ratings, some manufacturers set their own temperature ratings. These ratings may be less accurate and consistent than the standard ratings, so it is important to consider the reputation and trustworthiness of the manufacturer when considering their temperature ratings.
When choosing a sleeping bag, other factors to consider include the shape of the bag (rectangular, semi-rectangular, or mummy) and any additional features such as a hood, zipper, stash pocket, stuff sack, storage sack, or liner. The type of insulation (synthetic or goose down) and the weight and compressibility of the bag will also be important considerations, especially for backpacking or bike camping.
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Fit and shape
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one for you depends on your camping plans and preferences. The two main types of sleeping bag shapes are mummy and rectangular.
Mummy bags have a tapered shape that is wider at the shoulders and narrows towards the footbox, resembling an Egyptian pharaoh's sarcophagus. This design boosts warmth and cuts weight by providing a snug fit—you roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Mummy bags are ideal for backpacking and human-powered activities such as sea kayaking and backcountry skiing, as they are lighter and more compact. However, the tapered shape may be uncomfortable for those who prefer more legroom.
Rectangular bags, on the other hand, offer ample room for both legs and arms to stretch out. They are commonly used for car camping as they prioritize comfort and cost savings. Some rectangular bags can be completely unzipped and used as blankets or quilts. If you're car camping, you can choose a warmer and roomier bag without worrying about bulk or weight constraints.
There are also semi-rectangular or "modified mummy" bags that offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. These bags come in a variety of shapes, sometimes referred to as "barrel" shapes.
When selecting a sleeping bag, it's important to consider your height and body shape. Most bags come in regular and long sizes, with some also offering a short option. Women's sleeping bags, for example, are typically shorter, narrower at the shoulders, and wider at the hips than unisex or men's bags. They may also have extra insulation in the torso and footbox, where women tend to feel colder. Additionally, some bags have adjustable features, such as hoods and neck baffles, to ensure a snug fit and prevent cold air from entering.
To find the most comfortable option, it's recommended to try on different bags to determine which shape, size, and brand suit your preferences and camping needs.
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Ventilation
When choosing a sleeping bag, ventilation is a key consideration. Sleeping bags with good ventilation will help you dump excess heat and prevent you from overheating.
Zippers
The zipper of a sleeping bag plays a crucial role in ventilation. Look for bags with more than one zipper slider, as these allow for easy adjustment of ventilation. Full-length zippers are ideal for ventilation as they can be opened up completely, turning the bag into a large comforter—perfect for warmer nights. A two-way zip is another useful feature, allowing you to ventilate the footbox without fully unzipping the bag.
Bag Shape
The shape of the sleeping bag also affects ventilation. Rectangular bags are ideal for warmer weather as they allow plenty of room for legs and arms to stretch out and some can be fully unzipped. Mummy-shaped bags, on the other hand, are designed for warmth and have a snug fit. They are less ideal for ventilation as they restrict movement, although they do have the benefit of a cinchable hood to trap warm air.
Insulation
The type of insulation also impacts ventilation. Synthetic insulation is generally more affordable and retains some warmth when damp, but it is heavier and less compressible than down. Down insulation, preferred by serious outdoor enthusiasts, provides a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and packs down smaller, making it ideal for backpacking.
Sleep System
It's important to remember that a sleeping bag is just one part of your sleep system, which also includes a sleeping pad and clothing. The R-value of your sleeping pad, in particular, will impact the effectiveness of your bag's ventilation. A less insulated pad may cause your bag to fall short of its temperature rating.
In summary, when choosing a sleeping bag for ventilation, consider the zipper type and number of sliders, the bag shape and insulation type, and how it fits within your overall sleep system.
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Additional features
Sleeping bags come with a variety of additional features that can make a big difference to your comfort and warmth. Firstly, consider the shape of your sleeping bag. The most common shapes are rectangular and tapered at the feet, also known as a 'mummy' bag. Tapered bags are lighter and take up less space, but they can be more restrictive. Rectangular bags can often be connected to another bag, which is useful for couples. Some bags also offer extra room around the knees for more comfort and freedom of movement.
If you're expecting cold temperatures, a hood will help to retain heat and protect your head and neck from the cold. The PipeDream sleeping bag, for example, features a hood with insulated baffles to prevent warm air from escaping. A bag with a full-length zipper is also useful, as it allows you to control ventilation and couple bags together. Some bags also feature a small pocket near the zipper, which can be useful for storing small items.
Liners are another important consideration. They can be made from a variety of materials, including fleece, synthetic, silk, or wool, and they add an extra layer of warmth to your sleeping bag. You can also add an external layer with a bivy or Gore-Tex sack, although this is less common. If weight and pack size are important considerations, look for a lightweight down sleeping bag with a compression sack, which can reduce the packed size by 30-40%.
Finally, consider the insulation and temperature rating of the bag. Down insulation provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and is very lightweight, but it is more expensive and becomes useless if it gets wet. Synthetic insulation is a more affordable option that will keep you warm even when wet. The ISO rating scale can help you choose a bag with the right temperature rating for your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The key factors to consider are the bag's shape, material, warmth, size, weight, and price.
The two most common sleeping bag shapes are rectangular and tapered at the feet, also known as "mummy" bags. Rectangular bags offer more freedom of movement and can be connected together, whereas mummy bags have less weight and space to heat.
Sleeping bags are typically made from either down or synthetic materials. Down bags are generally lighter, more packable, and more expensive, whereas synthetic bags will keep you warm if they get wet.
The warmth of a sleeping bag depends on the temperature rating and your personal preference for sleeping temperature. Most men should refer to the Lower Limit rating, while women should refer to the Comfort rating, as they usually sleep a few degrees colder than men.
