Colin Snow
When choosing a sleeping bag for winter, it's important to consider the type of activity you'll be doing. Will you be camping in the front country or backpacking? Are you planning on high-altitude expeditions or staying closer to sea level? The weight, shape, and features of sleeping bags vary depending on their intended use. For example, if you're car camping, you might opt for a spacious and comfortable bag, whereas if you're backpacking, a lightweight and compressible bag will be more important. Other factors to consider include the temperature rating of the bag, the type of insulation (down or synthetic), and whether you prefer a rectangular or mummy-style bag. It's also worth investing in a sleeping pad to provide extra insulation from the ground and improve the effectiveness of your sleeping bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature Rating | 0°F is a good starting point for winter camping. |
| Shape | Rectangular, semi-rectangular, or mummy bags are available. Mummy bags are the lightest traditional sleeping bags. |
| Fill Material | Down or synthetic fill. Down is more expensive, lightweight, and compressible. Synthetic is fine for car camping. |
| Ventilation | Vents help regulate temperature and prevent sweating. |
| Size | Spacious bags provide comfort but may create uninsulated pockets of cold air. |
| Weight | Backpacking bags should be lightweight. |
| Compressibility | Down bags are more compressible. |
| Zippers | Snag-resistant zippers are preferable. |
| Hood | A hood adds warmth and comfort. |
| Liner | A sleeping bag liner adds warmth and keeps the bag clean. |
| Pad | A sleeping pad adds insulation and increases the bag's effectiveness. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
There are a few different temperature rating systems used by sleeping bag manufacturers. The most common are the EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Standards Organization) ratings, which are based on standardised laboratory tests. These tests involve placing a heated mannequin inside the sleeping bag, dressed in base layers, and measuring the amount of warmth retained. The EN and ISO ratings provide a useful way to compare sleeping bags from different brands.
In addition to the EN and ISO ratings, some manufacturers also use their own rating systems, often based on comfort levels for different genders. For example, a unisex sleeping bag with a Lower Limit of 14°F (as per ISO standards) indicates that a man should be comfortable at that temperature. The same bag will also have a Comfort Limit of around 27°F, indicating that a woman would be comfortable at that higher temperature.
It's worth noting that temperature ratings are just estimates, and the actual comfort level you experience may differ due to various factors. These factors include the type of sleeping pad you use, your metabolism, the humidity and wind conditions, and your choice of sleepwear. Therefore, it's generally recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest expected temperature at your camping location.
When selecting a sleeping bag for winter camping, a rating of 0°F or lower is a good starting point. However, you may want to consider a bag with a higher rating if you tend to feel cold while sleeping or if you plan to camp in extremely cold conditions. Additionally, you can enhance the warmth of your sleeping bag by using a liner, which also helps keep the bag clean.
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Sleeping bag liners
When it comes to winter camping, a sleeping bag with a 0°F temperature rating is recommended. If you're car camping, you can opt for a spacious, warm, and budget-friendly option, like the Marmot Never Summer 0. For backpacking, you'll want a lightweight and compact sleeping bag, such as the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF, which is an excellent choice for cold weather.
Now, let's talk about sleeping bag liners. These liners are designed to be a barrier between you and your sleeping bag, much like a bed sheet. They have multiple benefits, including:
Keeping Your Sleeping Bag Clean
Liners help to keep your sleeping bag free from dirt and body oils, which prolongs the life of your bag and reduces the need for frequent laundering. Mummy-shaped liners are ideal for backpacking as they fit inside your sleeping bag, while rectangular liners (also known as travel sheets) can be used on their own or inside a rectangular sleeping bag.
Adding Extra Warmth
Versatility in Different Climates
In hot weather, you can forgo the sleeping bag and just use the liner. The Cocoon Coolmax liner, for instance, is breathable and wicks away sweat, making it a good choice for warm sleepers. Liners are also useful in bug-infested areas, with some models offering built-in bug protection, such as the Sea to Summit Insect Shield liner.
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Sleeping bag shapes
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the four most common sleeping bag shapes:
- Rectangular: Rectangular sleeping bags are a popular choice for campers as they offer ample room for legs and arms to stretch out. Some rectangular bags can be completely unzipped and used like a comforter. They are also ideal for couples, as two rectangular bags of the same model and brand can be zipped together to form a double sleeping bag.
- Semi-rectangular or modified mummy: This shape offers a compromise between warmth and roominess. Also known as a "barrel" shape, semi-rectangular bags have a variety of designs that offer more room than a traditional mummy bag while still providing some of the warmth and weight advantages of the mummy style.
- Mummy: Mummy bags are designed to boost warmth and cut weight by providing a snug fit. They are commonly used for backpacking because they are lightweight and maximize thermal efficiency. However, the tapered shape can be uncomfortable for some sleepers as it reduces the space for the legs.
- Double: Double sleeping bags are designed for couples and offer a spacious option for two people to sleep together. They are typically larger and heavier than individual sleeping bags.
When choosing a sleeping bag shape, it's important to consider your intended activity and sleeping style. If you plan to do a lot of moving around while sleeping, a rectangular or semi-rectangular bag might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize warmth and weight savings, a mummy bag could be more suitable. Additionally, if you're car camping, you have the luxury of choosing a bulkier and roomier bag, whereas backpacking requires a lightweight and compact option.
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Sleeping bag fill
The fill of a sleeping bag is an important consideration when choosing a sleeping bag for winter. The fill will determine the warmth, weight, compressibility, and price of the bag.
There are two main types of sleeping bag fill: down and synthetic. Down is made from the natural feathers of ducks and geese, while synthetic fill is made from man-made materials. Down bags are generally warmer, more compressible, and lighter than synthetic bags, but they are also more expensive. Synthetic bags are more affordable, but they may not be as warm or compressible as down bags.
When choosing a sleeping bag for winter, it is important to consider the temperature rating. A bag with a rating of 0°F or lower will provide adequate warmth for most winter camping trips. However, if you plan on camping in extremely cold temperatures, you may need a bag with a rating of below -10°F.
In addition to the fill type and temperature rating, other factors to consider include the shape and size of the bag. Mummy bags are generally the warmest and most lightweight option, but they can be too tight for some people. Rectangular bags are roomier and can be unzipped to be used as blankets, but they may not be as warm as mummy bags. Semi-rectangular bags, such as the NEMO Spoon bag, offer a balance between warmth and weight.
Some popular options for winter sleeping bags include the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF, Feathered Friends Snowbunting, and Nemo Sonic -20. These bags offer excellent warmth, weight, and compressibility for winter camping. For car camping, the Marmot Never Summer 0 is a budget-friendly option that provides comfort and warmth in moderately cold conditions.
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Sleeping bag weight
The weight of a sleeping bag is an important consideration when choosing one for winter. Weight often goes hand in hand with warmth, with the warmest bags having more down fill and requiring more shell fabric to contain it.
Down insulation is the lightest insulator, and it is more effective at trapping warmth than synthetic alternatives. However, down bags are more expensive, and synthetic bags are a viable option if you don't mind carrying a little extra weight. Synthetic bags also pack down larger than down bags, but they insulate better when wet.
The weight of your sleeping bag will depend on your budget and the conditions you'll be travelling in. If you're camping in winter, a bag with a temperature rating of 0°F will be suitable for most. The Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF is a popular option for winter camping, with a weight of 2.85 pounds (some rivals weigh up to 4.5 pounds). The Nemo Sonic -20 is another warm and weather-resistant option, weighing 3.7 pounds. If you're looking for something more affordable, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 is a good choice, weighing 2 pounds 10.6 ounces.
If you're backpacking, you'll want to minimise weight and bulk, so choose the lightest, most packable bag within your budget. The Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 is a good budget option, weighing 1 pound 12.7 ounces. The Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 and women's Egret YF 20 are lightweight and very high quality, filled with responsibly sourced 900+ fill-power goose down. The REI Magma 15 is another lightweight option at 1 pound 6.3 ounces, with a comfort rating of 21°F.
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Frequently asked questions
The Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF is a popular option for winter camping. It has a spacious cut, making it comfortable for all types of sleepers, and it can handle temperatures as low as 10°F. Other options include the Feathered Friends Snowbunting, the Nemo Sonic -20, and the Marmot Never Summer 0.
For winter camping, a temperature rating of 0°F or lower is recommended. If you plan on camping in extremely cold conditions, consider a bag with a 20°F rating. Keep in mind that most sleeping bags are rated for lower limit temperature rather than comfort temperature, so you may need to use extra layers or a sleeping bag liner to stay warm.
Down filling is generally warmer and more compressible than synthetic filling, making it a good choice for backpacking trips where you need to conserve space. Synthetic filling is typically less expensive and can be a good option for car camping or front-country camping.
In addition to temperature rating and filling, consider the weight and shape of the sleeping bag. If you're backpacking, you'll want a lightweight and compressible bag that won't take up too much space in your pack. Mummy bags are typically the lightest option, but some people find them restrictive. Rectangular bags are roomier but heavier and better suited for car camping or recreational camping.
