Herbie Murray
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag for car camping, there are several factors to consider, such as temperature rating, weight, insulation type, and shape. Car camping offers the advantage of not having to worry about weight restrictions or space limitations, allowing campers to prioritize comfort and warmth. Sleeping bags with synthetic fill are suitable for car camping, while backpacking requires lighter and more compressible options, such as down fill. Temperature ratings play a crucial role in selecting a sleeping bag, as they indicate the lowest temperature at which the bag is designed to keep a sleeper warm. It is recommended to choose a bag with a rating slightly lower than the anticipated low temperatures to ensure comfort. The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20, the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood, and the Coleman Brazos are all notable options for car camping, offering a balance of warmth, comfort, and durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | Choose a sleeping bag rated a little lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. Bags with a lower temperature rating are generally warmer. |
| Shape | Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular, and mummy. Rectangular bags allow plenty of room for legs and arms to stretch out. Mummy bags are more snug to boost warmth and cut weight. |
| Insulation type | Down insulation is more expensive, lighter, more compressible, and more durable than synthetic insulation. However, synthetic insulation is fine for car camping. |
| Weight | Backpacking bags are more lightweight than camping bags. |
| Size | Backpacking bags pack down smaller than camping bags. |
| Efficiency | Backpacking bags are more efficient, providing more warmth for their weight. |
| Price | Down insulation is more expensive than synthetic insulation. |
| Durability | Down insulation is more durable than synthetic insulation. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is recommended to select one with a temperature rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. This is because you can always unzip a bag that feels too warm, but it is essential to stay warm when sleeping outdoors. For example, if you anticipate temperatures around freezing, a 20-degree bag is suggested, and if you sleep cold, you may want to consider an even lower rating. Additionally, it's worth noting that most bags sleep about 20 °F colder than their rating.
The type of insulation also plays a crucial role in the warmth and weight of a sleeping bag. Down insulation is generally lighter, more compressible, and more durable than synthetic insulation. However, it is usually more expensive. The "fill power" of down insulation indicates its quality, with higher numbers generating greater warmth for its weight. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, can provide efficient warmth for less weight, especially with advanced synthetics.
The shape of a sleeping bag also impacts its warmth and roominess. Mummy-style bags are designed to boost warmth and cut weight by having a snug fit. In contrast, rectangular bags offer more room to stretch out and can sometimes be completely unzipped to use like a comforter. Semirectangular or "modified mummy" bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess.
For car camping, weight and bulk are less of a concern since you don't have to fit the bag in a pack. So, you can opt for a warmer and roomier bag, such as the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood, which is known for its comfort and warmth, or the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20, which is lightweight and easy to transport. For backpacking, a lightweight, compressible, and warm bag, such as the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15, is more suitable.
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Sleeping bag shapes
When choosing a sleeping bag for car camping, you don't need to worry about weight or pack size, so you can go for the warmest, roomiest option within your budget.
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy. There are also double sleeping bags for couples, which are typically rectangular and double the width of a single bag.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer plenty of room for legs and arms to stretch out, and some can be fully unzipped and used as a comforter. They are a good choice for campers who prioritise comfort over warmth, as they don't retain as much heat as other shapes.
Semi-rectangular bags, also known as modified mummy or barrel-shaped bags, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They are generally more slender than rectangular bags, with a rounded top and tapered bottom, and are well-suited for cool-weather camping.
Mummy bags are designed to boost warmth and reduce weight, with a slim cut and a contoured hood that can be cinched tight for added warmth. They have a snug fit, and you typically roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Mummy bags are lighter than other shapes, making them popular for backpacking.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's a good idea to try before you buy to see which shape and brand feel most comfortable for you.
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Sleeping bag insulation
When choosing a sleeping bag for car camping, you can opt for a roomy, warm, and plush bag as you don't have to worry about weight or packing it in a backpack. Synthetic insulation is a good choice for car campers as it is cheaper, easier to maintain, and can handle extreme temperatures. Synthetic insulation is essentially a polyester mass that resembles cotton candy. Branded synthetics like Thermolite® retain their loft for longer than generic synthetics.
The quality of synthetic insulation in sleeping bags varies. Basic synthetic bags use flat layers of insulation, while better-quality bags use layers sewn diagonally over one another, called shingles. Sea to Summit bags have a unique construction that creates curves of insulation to trap extra air, called WaveLoft™. Synthetic bags are also good for wet weather as they can still insulate when wet. However, they can be heavy and hard to compress.
Down insulation is another option for sleeping bags. Down comes from the underbelly of ducks and geese and acts as a natural insulation layer that sits under their protective outer feathers. These light and fluffy 'filaments' trap insulating air while remaining very lightweight. The quality of down is measured by loft, or the amount of space each down filament takes up, which can be thought of as a measure of 'fluffiness'. The higher the loft, the higher the quality of down. High-fill power down has a better warmth-to-weight ratio and is more compressible. However, down insulation requires more maintenance and can get wet and lose its insulating properties.
Hybrid insulation sleeping bags blend high-quality down with loose-fill synthetic insulation. These bags offer the ultralight warmth of down while also being moisture-resistant. Even if they get wet, they will still stay lofted and keep you warm.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the shape as well. Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular or "modified mummy", and mummy. Rectangular bags offer plenty of room to stretch out and can sometimes be completely unzipped and used like a comforter. Semirectangular bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. Mummy bags have a snug fit to boost warmth and cut weight, and you roll over with the bag rather than inside it.
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Sleeping bag liners
When choosing a sleeping bag for your car, you don't have to worry about weight or pack size, so you can opt for a plush and roomy bag. Sleeping bag liners can be an excellent addition to your sleeping bag, providing extra warmth and protecting your bag from dirt and body oils. They are also much easier to clean than a sleeping bag.
Liners come in a variety of materials, including silk, fleece, microfiber, wool, and synthetic fabrics like CoolMax®. Synthetic liners are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them ideal for humid conditions. They also offer some stretch, which is suitable for restless sleepers. Insulated liners, such as those made with Thermolite®, can add up to 25°F of warmth, extending the range of a lightweight bag. They use hollow-core fiber insulation, which helps them dry 50% faster than cotton. These liners are generally more expensive.
If you're camping in bug-infested areas, consider a liner with built-in bug protection, such as the Insect Shield® offered by Sea to Summit. Liners can also be useful when travelling and staying in hotels or hostels, providing protection from bed bugs and harsh laundry soaps.
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Sleeping bag weight
When it comes to sleeping bags, weight is an important consideration. If you're car camping, you don't need to worry about weight or packing your bag into a small space. You can opt for a warmer, roomier bag without fretting about bulk or weight.
On the other hand, if you're backpacking, you'll want a bag that's lightweight, warm, and compressible. Down insulation is the lightest option for backpacking sleeping bags. It's more expensive, but it's crucial to minimize pack weight and space. Mummy-style bags are designed to cut weight and boost warmth by providing a snug fit.
The weight of a sleeping bag is also influenced by its temperature rating. Warmer bags tend to be heavier due to more down fill and shell fabric. Lighter bags for cold temperatures will cost more.
Some lightweight options for backpacking include the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 and the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20, which packs into a stuff sack. If you're looking for an ultralight option, consider a quilt instead of a traditional bag to save weight and money.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's essential to consider the trade-off between warmth and weight. The ideal bag will be the lightest option that still keeps you warm during your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag, the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood, and the Coleman Brazos are all great options for car camping.
Car camping bags don't need to be as lightweight or compact as bags for backpacking, so you can choose the warmest bag in your price range. The temperature rating you need will depend on the climate you'll be camping in, but in general, it's a good idea to choose a bag with a rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer plenty of room for your legs and arms to stretch out. Some can also be completely unzipped and used like a comforter.
Mummy-style bags are more snug, which boosts warmth and cuts weight. You roll over with the bag rather than inside it.
