Miya Pearson
When choosing a sleeping bag, the key factor to consider is its temperature rating. This is usually based on the average sleeper and allows you to compare bags to one another. However, the temperature rating is just an estimate, and there are many other factors that will affect how warm you feel, such as the clothing you wear, the weather conditions, and your body type. Sleeping bags with a higher temperature rating tend to be heavier and bulkier, so if you're backpacking, it's important to choose a lightweight bag that can be easily packed. On the other hand, if you're car camping, you can opt for a warmer and roomier bag without worrying about its weight or packability. Other features to consider when choosing a sleeping bag include the type of insulation, the presence of a hood or zipper, and the size and fit of the bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Key factor | Temperature rating |
| Temperature ratings | Comfort and lower-limit ratings |
| Lower-limit rating | Lower than the comfort rating; the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable |
| Comfort rating | The temperature for colder sleepers |
| Weight | Lighter bags are better for backpacking, while camping bags can be heavier |
| Fit | Backpacking bags are more snug, while camping bags offer more room to move around in |
| Shape | Rectangular, mummy |
| Zippers | Bags can be zipped together to make a double sleeping bag |
| Insulation | Down or synthetic fill |
| Ethical down | RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS (global Traceable Down Standard) |
| Storage | Storage sack for long-term storage |
| Sleeping pad | Insulation from the ground is important; Exped and Thermarest are good brands |
| Sleeping bag liner | Adds extra warmth and keeps the bag clean |
| Baffles | Stitched closures that hold down or synthetic filling in place |
| Price | From $50 to $1,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
When choosing a sleeping bag, the key factor to consider is its temperature rating. This is because waking up in the middle of the night due to cold weather can ruin your outdoor experience.
There are three main rating categories: international standards from EN or ISO, trustworthy homebrew ratings (usually from cottage companies), and ratings from untrustworthy companies who cheat the system. Both EN and ISO tests include using a heated mannequin wearing light clothing and a well-insulated pad. The EN 13537 standards include the following:
- Upper Limit: the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration, with the hood and zippers open and the arms outside of the bag.
- Comfort: the temperature at which a standard female can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
- Lower Limit: the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
The Comfort rating is used for women's bags, while the Lower Limit rating is used for men's bags. The Comfort rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable, while the Lower Limit rating is always lower than the comfort rating and indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable. At a given temperature, women's bags usually weigh more than men's bags because it takes more insulation to ensure a bag's comfort rating matches another bag's lower-limit rating.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the lowest temperature you anticipate encountering. You can then pick a bag that will keep you warm at or below that temperature. It is also recommended to choose a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest nighttime temperature you expect. Additionally, consider other factors that can affect your warmth, such as your sleeping pad, clothing, humidity, wind, and metabolism.
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Budget options
When choosing a sleeping bag, the key factor is its temperature rating. The lower limit rating indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable, and this is the rating typically used for men's bags. Women's bags, on the other hand, use the comfort rating, which is the temperature for colder sleepers. It's important to note that temperature ratings are estimates, and actual comfort levels can vary depending on factors such as clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and more.
If you're looking for budget options, here are some recommendations:
Coleman Brazos
The Coleman Brazos is a notable contender for those on a budget. It offers durability and warmth, making it ideal for the normal camping season, including late spring, summer, and early fall. While it may not be suitable for extremely cold nights, it provides above-average warmth for chilly nights. It's a great option for families or groups who need multiple sleeping bags, as it offers a balance between cost and performance. However, it has a smaller fit, so it may not be suitable for taller individuals.
Coleman Kompact 30 Rectangle Sleeping Bag
If you're looking for a spacious budget option, the Coleman Kompact 30 Rectangle Sleeping Bag is a great choice. It features a rectangular design with widened shoulders and hip girth, providing ample room to move around. It received high ratings for comfort and packability, making it a good option for car camping. While it might not be suitable for backpacking due to its weight, it offers a comfortable and affordable option for camping trips.
Teton Sports Tracker 5
For those seeking extra warmth on a budget, the Teton Sports Tracker 5 is a recommended option. It provides superior comfort and durability without feeling like a cheap plastic bag. It's a versatile choice for various outdoor activities, including camping and backpacking.
REI Co-op Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag
The REI Co-op Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag is an excellent budget option for backpacking. It weighs less than 5 pounds, making it a lightweight and packable choice for your adventures. While it may not offer the same spaciousness as some camping bags, it strikes a balance between weight and comfort for your outdoor excursions.
Naturehike 1.26lbs Ultralight Sleeping Bag
If you're looking for a compact and lightweight sleeping bag, the Naturehike 1.26lbs Ultralight Sleeping Bag is a good budget option. It has a temperature rating of 32-43°F, making it suitable for cooler temperatures. Its goose down filling provides warmth, and its compact size makes it easy to pack for your travels.
When choosing a budget sleeping bag, consider the temperature ratings, the type of activities you'll be using it for, and your personal comfort preferences. Additionally, utilizing outlets, sales, and second-hand gear can help you find quality options at more affordable prices.
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Insulation and filling
The insulation and filling of a sleeping bag are crucial factors in determining its warmth and comfort. The two main types of insulation are down and synthetic. Down insulation is made from the soft feathers of ducks or geese and is known for its superior warmth and compressibility. It is often more expensive and requires careful drying to prevent mildew. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made from man-made fibres and is generally more affordable, easier to care for, and retains warmth even when wet. However, it may not be as compressible or lightweight as down.
When choosing between down and synthetic filling, consider the climate conditions, your budget, and the level of compressibility and weight you require. If you're camping in extremely cold temperatures, down insulation might be the best option for maximum warmth. On the other hand, if you're backpacking and weight is a concern, synthetic insulation could be a more lightweight choice. Additionally, if you're concerned about animal welfare, look for bags with RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS (global Traceable Down Standard) labels, which indicate that the down was sourced ethically.
The fill power of a sleeping bag, whether down or synthetic, also affects its insulating properties. A higher fill power indicates a greater ability to trap air and provide insulation. For example, the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite bag features 19 ounces of high-quality, responsibly sourced 850+ goose down, providing exceptional warmth and softness. However, a higher fill power usually comes at a higher price. Bags with lower fill power, such as the Mountain Hardwear bag with 650-fill-power down, can still provide adequate warmth and loftiness at a more affordable cost.
Baffles are another important feature to consider when evaluating insulation and filling. Baffles are stitched closures that hold the down or synthetic filling in place. Look for sleeping bags with closely spaced baffles to prevent cold spots and ensure even distribution of the filling. The Montbell Down Hugger 650 bag, for instance, features diagonal baffles that enhance the roominess of the bag without sacrificing warmth. Additionally, some bags offer a continuous baffle system, allowing you to redistribute the filling to customise the warmth according to your needs.
Sleeping bag liners are also worth considering as they can add extra insulation and help keep your bag clean. They are especially useful in hot weather, where you can skip the bag and sleep in the liner alone. Overall, when choosing the insulation and filling of a sleeping bag, prioritise your specific needs, considering factors such as temperature, weight, compressibility, budget, and ethical concerns.
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Size and weight
The size and weight of a sleeping bag are important factors to consider when choosing one. If you are going backpacking, you will need a lightweight bag that can be easily carried in a pack. In this case, you should choose the lightest and most packable bag within your budget. On the other hand, if you are car camping, weight and bulk are less of a concern, and you can choose a warmer and roomier bag.
The size of a sleeping bag also depends on the individual's preferences and sleeping style. Some people may prefer a bag that is roomy and allows them to roll over and move around, while others may prefer a snugger fit. Additionally, the temperature rating of the bag can affect its size and weight. A bag with a lower temperature rating will be warmer and may have more insulation, making it bulkier and heavier.
For car camping, a budget option is the Coleman Brazos, which offers durability and warmth at a reasonable price. However, it may not be suitable for very cold temperatures. If you are looking for a lightweight option for backpacking, the Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1 is a good choice, especially for people who move a lot in their sleep as it is roomier than traditional mummy bags.
For children, the REI Kindercone bag is a good option as it is smaller and more affordable. However, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for backpacking due to its weight and bulk. If you are taller or broader, you may need to look for a bag with a longer length, such as The North Face Wawona Bed 20, which offers a long version.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the temperature rating, which indicates the lowest temperature the bag is designed to keep an "average sleeper" warm. It is generally recommended to choose a bag with a rating slightly lower than the anticipated low temperatures. Additionally, the R-value of the sleeping pad you will be using can affect the warmth of the sleeping bag.
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Additional features
The features of a sleeping bag that you need depend on the activity you require it for. For example, a sleeping bag for camping is heavier, bulkier, and more focused on comfort than a sleeping bag made for backpacking. On the other hand, a backpacking sleeping bag should be lightweight and compressible.
- Temperature Rating: Sleeping bags have temperature ratings that indicate the lowest temperature they can keep the average person warm at. It's recommended to choose a bag with a temperature rating a few degrees colder than the lowest temperature you plan to camp in. Bags with higher fill power will provide more warmth for their weight.
- Insulation Type: Sleeping bags can have down or synthetic insulation. Down insulation is more expensive, lighter, more compressible, and durable than synthetic insulation. However, synthetic insulation is inexpensive, easy to care for, and retains warmth when wet, making it suitable for damp climates.
- Shape: Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including rectangular, barrel, and mummy. Rectangular bags offer ample room to stretch out, while mummy bags are more snug and lightweight. Semi-rectangular bags offer a balance between the two, providing more weight savings without sacrificing too much space.
- Hood: A hood adds warmth, especially in cold weather conditions. Look for a hood with differentiated drawcords to easily adjust the neck fit and hood opening.
- Draft-Blocking Features: Draft tubes, draft collars, and yokes help prevent warm air from escaping from the bag.
- Anti-Snag Zippers: Some sleeping bags have features to prevent snagging, such as a zipper guard or a cover over the zipper.
- Pockets: Some sleeping bags have pockets for storing electronics and other small items.
- Compression Zippers: Compression zippers in the footbox allow you to adjust the width and create more room for your feet.
- Size and Fit: Choose a sleeping bag with the right length and fit for your body. Consider whether you need a bag designed for side-sleepers or one that accommodates a pillow.
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Frequently asked questions
Camping bags are usually roomier than backpacking bags, so you can go for a plush or roomy option. If you're car camping, you can choose the warmest bag in your price range without worrying about bulk or weight.
Backpacking bags are usually more lightweight and snug. Choose the lightest, most packable bag within your budget.
The warmth of a sleeping bag is usually indicated by its temperature rating. Choose a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. If you're a warm sleeper, use the bag's "lower limit" rating. If you're a cold sleeper, use its "comfort" rating.
