Colin Snow
When it comes to camping, the number of sleeping bags you need depends on the number of campers and the type of camping you're doing. Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes, including rectangular, semirectangular or modified mummy, and mummy styles, with double sleeping bags available for couples. If you're car camping, you can choose a warm and roomy bag, whereas if you're backpacking, you'll want a lightweight and compact bag that's easy to carry. Budget is also a factor, with some bags offering great value for money, such as the Coleman Brazos, which provides impressive warmth for its price. Other top-rated bags include the Alps Redwood, Marmot Women’s Teton 15°, and REI Hunkerdown 20. So, depending on your camping style, group size, and budget, you can determine the number and type of sleeping bags needed for a comfortable outdoor experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag shape | Rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, double, kids |
| Sleeping bag features | Liner, hood, draft tubes, pockets, compression zippers |
| Sleeping bag weight | 2.9 pounds (lightest), 3 pounds, 3.63 pounds, 11.7 pounds (heaviest) |
| Temperature ratings | 10° F, 25° F, 15° F, 20° F, 25° F, 30° F, 40° F, 50° F |
| Sleeping bag types | Budget, backpacking, camping, car camping |
| Sleeping bag brands | Alps, Coleman, Kelty, REI, Teton, Big Agnes, Montbell, NEMO, Therm-A-Rest, Trailmade |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag shape: mummy, semi-rectangular, or rectangular
When choosing a sleeping bag for camping, it's important to consider the shape that will best suit your needs. Sleeping bags typically come in three shapes: rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy. Each shape has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on factors such as your sleeping style, the temperature rating of the bag, and your budget.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer plenty of room for your legs and arms to stretch out. They are ideal for people who move around a lot in their sleep or prefer to sleep in different positions. These bags are also usually less expensive than other shapes, making them a budget-friendly option. Additionally, some rectangular bags can be completely unzipped and used like a comforter, providing versatility in how you use them. However, one of the downsides of rectangular bags is that they can be bulky, which may be a consideration if you are hiking to your campsite.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags, also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" shapes, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They come in a variety of shapes, providing options for different sleeping styles and preferences.
Mummy sleeping bags have a tapered form, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, resembling a mummy's shape. This snug fit helps retain heat more efficiently as there is less empty space to warm up, making them suitable for cold-weather camping and mountaineering. Mummy bags are also more lightweight and packable, making them a good choice for backpackers and hikers concerned about space and weight. However, some people may find the restrictiveness of mummy bags uncomfortable, especially if they tend to shift around or sleep on their sides.
Ultimately, the decision between a mummy, semi-rectangular, or rectangular sleeping bag depends on your personal preferences and specific camping needs. Consider factors such as your sleeping style, the temperature range you'll be camping in, the amount of space you have for packing, and your budget when making your choice.
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Temperature ratings: the lowest temperature the bag can withstand
When choosing a sleeping bag, the temperature rating is a key factor. Sleeping bags are available in a range of temperature ratings, from summer bags for warmer climates to winter bags designed for extreme cold.
The lowest temperature a sleeping bag can withstand is typically indicated by its temperature rating. However, it's important to note that temperature ratings are estimates and can vary between brands and individuals. The same 30°F-rated bag might be comfortable for one person but too cold for another, depending on factors like metabolism, clothing, gear, body type, and weather conditions.
To ensure a comfortable night's sleep, it's generally recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating significantly lower than the expected nighttime temperature. This is often referred to as the 20-degree rule, where you subtract 20 degrees from the expected low temperature to get the ideal temperature rating for your bag. For example, if you're camping in temperatures of 0°F, a bag with a -20°F rating should keep you warm.
Additionally, it's worth considering your personal tolerance for cold. If you tend to feel cold easily, opt for a bag with a lower comfort rating, which indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper should still feel comfortable. On the other hand, if you usually run hot, you might be able to rely on the lower limit rating, which is the temperature at which a warm sleeper would still feel comfortable.
It's also important to understand the different types of sleeping bags and their temperature ranges. Summer bags are typically rated 32°F and above, while three-season bags, suitable for spring, summer, and autumn, have a range of 20°F to 32°F. Winter bags are designed for temperatures below 20°F, and expedition bags can go as low as -40°F.
In addition to temperature ratings, other features like a snug-fitting hood, multiple zipper sliders, and a stash pocket can also contribute to the overall warmth and functionality of your sleeping bag.
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Insulation types: down or synthetic
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag, insulation type is a key consideration. The two main options are down and synthetic insulation. Both types of insulation have their own unique characteristics and benefits, so it's important to understand the differences to make an informed decision.
Down insulation is made from the natural feathers found on the underbelly of ducks and geese. These feathers create a lightweight and fluffy layer that traps insulating air, providing exceptional warmth. The quality of down is measured by its loft, or "fluffiness", with higher-quality down having a better warmth-to-weight ratio and improved compressibility. Down sleeping bags are generally more expensive, but they offer superior warmth and are highly packable, making them ideal for hiking and camping trips where weight and space are concerns. However, down insulation is vulnerable to moisture, as the feathers can clump together when wet.
On the other hand, synthetic insulation is typically made from polyester fibres. Synthetic sleeping bags are heavier and bulkier than their down counterparts, making them less appealing for hiking long distances to campsites. Synthetic insulation is more affordable and reliable in wet conditions, as they retain warmth even when damp. Synthetic bags are also preferred for their durability, as down insulation can degrade over time due to dirt, oils, and grime working into the fill, causing a loss of loft and warmth.
When deciding between down and synthetic insulation, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you require a lightweight and highly packable option for hiking and camping in cold, dry conditions, down insulation is an excellent choice. However, if you're looking for an affordable and durable bag that performs well in wet weather, a synthetic sleeping bag may be the better option. Additionally, if you're car camping, weight and pack size become less of a priority, allowing you to prioritise comfort and warmth instead.
Ultimately, the decision between down and synthetic insulation depends on various factors, including your budget, the climate and conditions of your camping trips, and whether you need to hike your gear to your campsite. By weighing these factors, you can choose the sleeping bag that best suits your individual needs and ensures a comfortable and restful night's sleep during your outdoor adventures.
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Weight and compressibility: how light and packable the bag is
When it comes to camping, weight and compressibility are important factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag, especially if you're backpacking. If you're car camping, weight and compressibility are less of a concern, and you can opt for a heavier, cozier bag that prioritizes comfort and cost savings.
For backpackers, the weight of a sleeping bag is a crucial consideration as it will be one of the heavier and bulkier items in your pack. The weight of a sleeping bag is largely determined by its insulation and shape. Mummy bags, for example, have a snug fit to boost warmth and cut weight, allowing you to roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Ultralight bags are another option for those looking to minimize weight. They often come in mummy or quilt styles, with the quilt style lying over the sleeper with straps that hold it in place on the sleeping pad.
The compressibility of a sleeping bag refers to how small it can be packed down for easy transport. Premium down bags offer the best compressibility, while synthetic bags, though more affordable, do not compress as well and will take up more space in your pack. The compressed volume, measured in liters, indicates how much space a sleeping bag will take up under a standardized amount of force, with more compressible bags taking up less volume.
The type of insulation also plays a role in the compressibility of a sleeping bag. Down insulation, made from duck or goose feathers, is generally lighter and more compressible than synthetic insulation. It also tends to be more durable, retaining its insulating properties for longer. However, down insulation loses its insulating power when damp and can be more expensive. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is designed to mimic the warmth retention properties of down at a lower cost, but it often requires more insulation to provide the same level of warmth, resulting in a bulkier packed size.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the trade-off between weight, compressibility, and warmth. Warmer bags tend to be heavier and bulkier, while lightweight bags may not provide sufficient warmth in colder conditions. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize your needs based on the anticipated temperatures and the distance you'll be carrying your gear.
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Additional features: pillow pockets, storage sacks, and more
Sleeping bags come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, with different features depending on their intended use. If you're camping close to your car, you can go for a heavier and cozier bag, whereas if you're backpacking, you'll want to prioritise weight and packed size.
Pillow pockets
Some sleeping bags have hoods that are large enough to accommodate your favourite pillow from home. The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20, for example, has a large hood that one tester said could fit their pillow. The Mountain Hardwear Yawn Patrol, meanwhile, has a hood that can be converted into an insulated poncho for cruising around camp. The Tru.Comfort sleeping bag also has a massive hood that can keep a pillow in place.
Storage sacks
A sleeping bag stored in a stuff sack will take up less space when stowed in your vehicle. However, leaving a bag permanently in its stuff sack is hard on the insulation, so some bags also come with a large mesh or cotton storage sack for long-term storage. The lightest and most compact bag in one test was the Kelty Galactic 30, which packs down small enough to be considered for short hike-in campsites.
Other features
Other features to look out for when choosing a sleeping bag include stash pockets for items like a watch or lip balm, zippers for ventilation, and draft-blocking features to prevent warm air from escaping. The Marmot Women's Teton 15° Sleeping Bag, for example, has a pocket within the bag to store electronics, as well as a compression zipper in the footbox that can be unzipped to create more room. The Mountain Hardwear Yawn Patrol has three separate zippers for better control over venting options. The Coleman Brazos, a budget option, has a gaping hood and 2.75 feet of shoulder room, allowing for freedom of movement while sleeping.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of sleeping bags you should bring to the campsite depends on the number of people in your camping group. It is recommended that each camper has their own sleeping bag.
Yes, there are double sleeping bags available for couples. The Big Agnes Dream Island 20 is a warmer option for couples with an integrated pad.
Yes, there are kid-size sleeping bags that are typically shorter and smaller variations of adult-sized sleeping bags.
For car camping, you can choose a warmer and roomier sleeping bag since you don't have to worry about fitting it into a pack.
For backpacking, it is recommended to choose a lighter and more packable sleeping bag within your budget.
