Gina Johnson
A good sleeping bag can make all the difference when camping, hiking, or enjoying any outdoor activity. Sleeping bags come in various shapes, sizes, and types, and choosing the right one can be daunting. The first step is to consider the main activity the bag will be used for, as this will determine the bag's ideal weight, shape, size, and features. For instance, a bag for summer camping will have very different requirements from a bag for overnight alpine expeditions. The next step is to consider the bag's temperature rating, which indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the user warm. The bag's insulation type, which can be down or synthetic, is also an important factor. Synthetic bags are more affordable and easier to care for, while down bags have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio. Finally, it's a good idea to try out different bags in-store to find the most comfortable option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Activity | Camping, backpacking, hiking, overnight alpine expeditions, summer camping trips, etc. |
| Temperature rating | Choose a bag with a rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. |
| Shape | Rectangular, semirectangular, mummy, double, or envelope |
| Insulation type | Down (ethical down is RDS or TDS certified) or synthetic |
| Weight | Lightweight if you're backpacking, heavier if you're car camping |
| Packed size | A smaller bag is better if you're backpacking |
| Budget | Choose a bag that fits your budget |
| Additional features | Stash pockets, pad compatibility, sleeping mat attachments, internal draft tubes, side ventilation zips, etc. |
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$119.99 $139.99
What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag shapes and their pros and cons
Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular (or barrel), and mummy. There are also double sleeping bags designed for couples. The shape of a sleeping bag can affect its warmth-to-weight ratio, comfort, and ease of movement.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer plenty of room for sleepers to stretch out their legs and arms. Some can be completely unzipped and used like a comforter. They are less thermally efficient than bags with a tighter fit, and they are usually heavier due to the extra fabric used. Rectangular bags are a good choice for warm-weather car campers and restless sleepers but are not ideal for cool conditions or long-distance hikers who want to travel light.
Semirectangular sleeping bags, also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" bags, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They are less thermally efficient than mummy bags but more efficient than rectangular bags.
Mummy sleeping bags are the most popular type of sleeping bag. They have a highly tapered, streamlined design with a snug fit around the feet and a little more width in the hip and shoulder area. They usually include a hood that can be cinched closed to maximise heat retention. Mummy bags have an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, low bulk, and draught-resistant design, making them optimal insulators in cool conditions. However, the tapered shape reduces the space for the legs, so some people may find them uncomfortable.
Double sleeping bags are designed for couples. Another option for couples is to choose rectangular bags designed to zip together, but they must be the same model and brand.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider factors such as activity, sleeping style, body shape, and camping conditions. If you will be backpacking, it is essential to consider the weight and packed size of the bag, as you will need to carry it in a pack. On the other hand, car camping allows for more flexibility in terms of weight and bulk, so you can prioritise warmth and roominess.
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Temperature ratings and how to choose the right one
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is an important factor to consider when choosing one. The rating you choose will depend on the lowest outdoor temperature you'll be sleeping in and should fall within the comfort range. The comfort rating refers to the optimum temperature range within which you will feel warm and comfortable when rolled up inside the bag. When the temperature falls below the comfort rating, you are likely to feel cold.
Sleeping bags come with a temperature rating icon that can be found on the features tab. The two ratings that you should focus on are the Comfort Temperature and the Limit Temperature. The Comfort Temperature is suitable for colder sleepers, while the Limit Temperature is more suitable for those who sleep warmer or are more experienced in sleeping outdoors.
The EN-ISO 23537 standard is used to test sleeping bags, producing three temperature results that relate to different user experiences: Comfort Temperature, Limit Temperature, and Extreme Temperature. The Comfort Temperature is based on a 'standard' adult woman having a comfortable night's sleep, while the Limit Temperature is the lowest temperature at which a 'standard' adult male is deemed to be able to sleep comfortably. The Extreme Temperature is the minimum temperature at which the average woman can remain for six hours without risking hypothermia.
When choosing a sleeping bag, select one with a temperature rating that is lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. An "ISO" or "EN" temperature rating allows you to reliably compare any two sleeping bags. These standardised tests enable true comparisons between brands. With ISO/EN testing, a bag is assigned two temperature ratings: comfort and limit ratings.
The type of activity you'll be using the sleeping bag for will also determine the temperature rating you need. Summer camping trips will have very different requirements from overnight alpine expeditions. Summer sleeping bags are 35°F and higher, 3-season bags range from 10°F to 35°F, and winter bags are below 10°F. If you plan to use your bag in colder months, look for bags that can handle lower temperatures.
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Insulation types and their differences
Sleeping bags are insulated using either synthetic or natural materials. Synthetic insulation is made from polyester, while natural insulation uses goose or duck down. Synthetic insulation is cheaper, easier to maintain, and retains its loft longer than natural insulation. It is also more breathable and forgiving of extreme temperatures. Synthetic insulation is also a good option for humid and wetter climates as it works when wet. However, it has a lower warmth-to-weight ratio than natural insulation. Synthetic insulation is also bulkier and heavier than natural insulation.
Natural insulation, on the other hand, has a very high warmth-to-weight ratio. It is also lighter and more compressible than synthetic insulation. Natural insulation is typically more expensive than synthetic insulation and requires more maintenance. Natural insulation is also not a good option for wet environments as it loses its insulating properties when it gets wet. It can also be more challenging to store natural insulation as it requires more space.
Some manufacturers also offer hybrid insulation, which blends high-quality down and loose-fill synthetic insulation. Hybrid insulation provides the ultralight warmth of down with the moisture resistance of a full synthetic. This means that hybrid sleeping bags can get wet and will still stay lofted and keep you warm.
Additionally, when choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the temperature rating. The temperature rating of a sleeping bag indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average person warm. Sleeping bags can be categorized into summer, 3-season, and winter bags based on their temperature ratings. It is generally recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter.
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Packed size and weight considerations
If you plan on carrying your sleeping bag, its packed size and weight become important considerations. For example, if you're backpacking or hiking, you'll want a bag that minimises weight and bulk. On the other hand, if you're car camping, weight and packability are less of a priority.
The fill, shape, and size of a sleeping bag affect its compressibility, which in turn affects its packed size. Down sleeping bags, for instance, tend to be the lightest and most compressible. However, they are generally more expensive and require more care than synthetic bags. Synthetic bags are cheaper, easier to clean, and dry more quickly than down bags, but they don't retain heat as well.
The warmth-to-weight ratio is another factor to consider. Even an ultra-efficient ultralight bag will be one of the heavier, bulkier items in your pack, so it's important to evaluate your backcountry sleep system carefully.
Most sleeping bags come with a stuff sack that lets you compress the bag for easy transport. However, when you're not hiking, it's best to store the bag in a larger sack to maintain the longevity of the insulation.
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Additional features and their benefits
When shopping for a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the additional features that may benefit your intended use. Here are some key features to look out for:
Temperature Rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is an important factor, as it indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. Most bags have a comfort rating, which is the optimum temperature range where you will feel warm and comfortable, and a limit rating, which is the lowest temperature a standard adult male can still sleep comfortably. Some bags also have an extreme rating, which is the survival temperature that will keep you alive without frostbite. It's wise to choose a bag with a temperature rating slightly colder than the temperatures you'll encounter, as you can always unzip the bag if it feels too warm.
Insulation Type
Sleeping bags typically offer two types of insulation: down or synthetic. Down insulation, made from duck or goose feathers, provides superior warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible. It's ideal for lightweight backpacking or camping in cold, dry climates. However, down loses its insulating properties when wet and takes longer to dry. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is more affordable, easier to care for, and better suited for damp conditions as it doesn't absorb moisture.
Shape and Sizing
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including rectangular, semi-rectangular (modified mummy or barrel), and mummy. Rectangular bags offer ample room to stretch out, while mummy bags are more snug to boost warmth and reduce weight. Semi-rectangular bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. Double sleeping bags are also available for couples, or you can opt for rectangular bags that can be zipped together.
Packed Size and Weight
If you plan on carrying your sleeping bag, such as for backpacking or hiking, the packed size and weight become crucial factors. Down insulation generally provides better compressibility, making the bag more compact and lightweight. The shape and size of the bag also affect its compressibility.
Additional Features
Some sleeping bags offer extra features that enhance your comfort and convenience. These may include a hood and neck baffle to trap heat and prevent heat loss, a zip baffle to cover the zip and prevent heat escape, stash pockets for storage, pad compatibility, and sleeping mat attachments.
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Frequently asked questions
The key factors to consider are the type of activity you will be using the sleeping bag for, your budget, the temperature rating, the type of insulation, the bag's shape and sizing, its packed size, and its weight.
The two main types of insulation are down and synthetic. Down sleeping bags are generally lighter, more compressible, and better at retaining heat. However, they are more expensive and lose their insulating properties when wet. Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, are cheaper, easier to clean, and require less care.
Sleeping bags typically come in three shapes: rectangular, semirectangular (or "modified mummy"), and mummy. Rectangular bags offer plenty of room to stretch out and can sometimes be fully unzipped and used as a blanket. Semirectangular bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. Mummy bags have a snug fit to boost warmth and cut weight.
It is important to consider the temperature rating of the sleeping bag, as you want to ensure it can handle the lowest temperatures you expect to encounter. Additionally, look for features such as a good hood, a neck baffle to prevent heat escape, and a zip baffle. It is also a good idea to try out different bags in-store to find the most comfortable option for you.
