Gina Johnson
When choosing a sleeping bag for kids, it's important to consider the temperature rating to ensure they stay warm during their camping adventures. While most sleeping bags have temperature ratings, kids' sleeping bags don't always have them, and there are other factors that determine how warm your child will be. This includes their body temperature, the use of a sleeping pad, and whether they're sharing a tent. It's crucial to dress your child appropriately for the weather, regardless of the sleeping bag's temperature rating. Mummy-shaped bags are popular for kids as they provide more warmth with less mass, but rectangular bags offer more room and can sometimes be used as blankets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature ratings | 20°F, 25°F, 30°F, 40°F, 45°F |
| Shape | Rectangular, mummy-shaped, wearable sleeping bag with arms |
| Weight | 9 oz, 1 lb 3 oz, 1 lb 9 oz, 2 lbs 9 oz, 2 lbs 10 oz, 3 lbs, 3 lbs 3 oz |
| Size | Small, medium |
| Age | 6-24 months, 2-4 years, 4-6 years, 10 years, under 4-foot-5, toddlers to small teens |
| Additional features | Stuff sack, hooded top, tapered foot, sleeping-pad pocket, neck pillow, double zippers |
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What You'll Learn
Mummy-shaped vs rectangular bags
The main difference between mummy-shaped and rectangular sleeping bags is their shape. Mummy bags have a tapered form, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, while rectangular bags have the same width from head to toe.
Mummy-shaped bags are great for retaining heat, making them ideal for cold-weather camping and mountaineering. They are also lightweight and packable, so they are a good choice for backpackers and hikers who need to save space. Rectangular bags, on the other hand, offer more space and freedom of movement, making them better for those who move around a lot in their sleep or prefer different sleeping positions. Rectangular bags can also be unzipped and used as blankets or comforters, which is useful if you want a bag that can do double duty.
If you want a sleeping bag that will keep your kids warm in cold and damp climates, a mummy-shaped bag might be the better option. The tapered shape helps to retain heat more efficiently by minimising the amount of empty space that needs to be warmed. Mummy bags are also lightweight and portable, which is ideal if your kids will be carrying their own bags. The REI Co-op Kindercone 25 is a mummy-shaped bag that fits everyone from toddlers to small teens, keeping them comfy when camping in cool weather.
However, if your kids move around a lot in their sleep or prefer a roomier bag, a rectangular bag might be more suitable. Rectangular bags can also be unzipped and used as blankets, which can be handy when camping or on outdoor adventures. The REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 is a rectangular bag that can double as a comforter when unzipped. It's important to note that rectangular bags can take longer to warm up, so if you're camping in colder climates, a mummy bag might be the better option.
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Temperature ratings
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is a key factor when choosing one for your child. However, it is a somewhat complicated subject as there are many variables that can affect how warm your child will stay in a bag. These include your child's body (if they run cold or hot), whether or not they are using a sleeping pad (and what kind), and how many other people they are sharing a tent with.
Lab-tested temperature ratings (indicated by "EN" or "ISO") are useful for making direct comparisons between sleeping bags from different brands. However, real-world comfort may not match lab-tested temperature ratings due to all the variables that a lab cannot simulate.
Most kids' sleeping bags are appropriate for summer conditions, i.e. temperatures that stay well above 50 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. If the bag does not have a stated temperature rating, assume it will be on the cooler side. If your child tends to feel cold, consider bringing a camping blanket to throw on top of them after they fall asleep.
The REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 is a rectangular sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 40 °F. It can be unzipped and used as a blanket or comforter. The mummy-shaped REI Co-op Kindercone 25 is another option, with a temperature rating of 25 °F. The Kindercone 25 has a built-in stuff sack that can be used to shorten the bag, creating a smaller air bubble that traps heat and preserves warmth for smaller kids.
The Mistral 20, the Big Agnes Little Red 20, and the Big Agnes Wolverine 20 are also rated for cold nights. The Zephyr is REI's longer mummy-shaped bag for kids, which fits a little looser than some adult mummy bags. The Kids' Trestle Elite has zippers on both sides for extra venting in warmer conditions.
For babies and toddlers, the Little Mo and Big Mo sleeping bags from Morrison Outdoors are good options. They have arms, so your little ones can stay warm and cozy inside the bag all night. The bags are available with a 20 or 40-degree temperature rating.
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Weight and portability
When it comes to weight and portability, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a sleeping bag for kids. Firstly, it's important to select a bag that is lightweight and easy for a child to carry, especially if they will be carrying their own gear on camping or backpacking trips. Mummy-shaped bags tend to be more compact and lightweight, making them a good choice for portability. However, they may not offer as much room for movement as rectangular bags. Rectangular bags can be a good option if your child prefers more space, but they may be bulkier and heavier to carry.
The weight of a sleeping bag is an important factor, and most bags designed for children weigh less than 3.5 pounds. Lighter bags are generally more portable and easier for children to carry over longer distances. For example, the Flicker 20 mummy bag weighs just 1 pound 9.5 ounces, making it a good choice for backpacking. Similarly, the Morrison Outdoors sleeping bag for toddlers weighs 1 pound 3 ounces, and their Big Mo bag for ages 2-4 weighs 1 pound 9 ounces. These lightweight bags are highly portable and can be easily carried by young children, even when paired with other gear.
However, it's worth noting that the weight of the sleeping bag should be considered in conjunction with its temperature rating and insulation. Heavier bags often provide more insulation and are better suited for colder temperatures. For instance, synthetic bags are usually heavier than down bags but offer good value for money and are less sensitive to moisture. Down bags, on the other hand, are more expensive but provide a lighter-weight option that packs down smaller. If you're camping in colder temperatures, a heavier bag with more insulation might be necessary to keep your child warm, but this will impact portability.
Additionally, the overall size of the stuffed sleeping bag is a factor in portability. A smaller, more compact bag will be easier to carry and store, especially if you're backpacking or have limited space. Some bags, like the REI Co-op Kindercamp 40, can be unzipped and used as a blanket or comforter, reducing the amount of space they take up during the day. The compression sack or stuff sack design can also impact portability, as a well-designed sack can make it easier for younger children to use their bags independently.
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Synthetic vs down insulation
When choosing a sleeping bag for kids, the key factor is its temperature rating. The ideal bag should be lightweight and portable enough for kids to carry around by themselves.
Mummy-style sleeping bags tend to provide more warmth with less mass, while rectangular bags may feel roomier and can be unzipped to serve as blankets. The REI Co-op Kindercamp 40, for example, has a 40 °F temperature rating, while the mummy-shaped REI Co-op Kindercone 25 is rated for 25 °F.
The North Face Wasatch Pro 20 Kids Sleeping Bag is another option that can keep kids warm and toasty even on frosty cold days.
When it comes to insulation, both synthetic and down have their pros and cons. Synthetic insulation, typically made of polyester, is quick-drying and insulates even when wet, which down struggles with. Synthetic insulation is also generally less expensive, durable, and hypoallergenic. However, synthetic insulation tends to be less durable than down, with its insulating power decreasing each time the bag is stuffed into a stuff sack.
Down insulation, on the other hand, has a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic insulation. This means that sleeping bags with down insulation require less filling to achieve the same temperature rating, resulting in a lighter product. However, a common criticism of down insulation is its tendency to clump up and lose loft when it gets wet, compromising its insulation properties. While proprietary treatments have been developed to make down more water-resistant, it is still important to keep down-filled items dry.
Some manufacturers offer a hybrid construction, combining water-resistant down and synthetic insulation to maximise the benefits of both materials.
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Age and size considerations
When choosing a sleeping bag for a child, it's important to consider their age and size to ensure they stay warm and comfortable. The right sleeping bag should be small enough for the child to fill most of the space inside, preventing them from feeling too cold.
For babies, a wearable sleeping bag with arms is a good option. These bags are designed to keep little ones warm and safe while allowing them to move their arms freely. Some bags in this category have temperature ratings as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for colder environments.
For toddlers and young children, sleeping bags with built-in sleeves and a "neck pillow" design can be a great choice. These features help trap warm air inside the bag, keeping the child cosy. The weight of the bag is also important to consider, as toddlers may struggle with heavier options. Look for bags that weigh around 1 pound to 1 pound 9 ounces for this age group.
For children up to 10 years old, a sleeping bag with a mummy design can provide a good balance between warmth and space. These bags are roomy enough for kids to roll over comfortably, but not too big that they lose excess heat. Look for bags that fit children 5 feet and under.
For older children, a rectangular sleeping bag can offer more space without sacrificing too much warmth. These bags can often be unzipped to double as a blanket or comforter, making them versatile for various weather conditions. If you're camping in colder temperatures, consider a bag with a pad sleeve to keep the child snug.
It's worth noting that children eight years and older may not need a separate sleeping bag. They can often use a hand-me-down adult bag, especially if it's warm enough and they have the necessary extra layers for colder nights.
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Frequently asked questions
The temperature rating depends on the child's body temperature and the outdoor temperature. If your child runs cold, consider a bag with a higher temperature rating, such as 20°F or 25°F. If they tend to be warm, a lower rating should be comfortable. Most kids' sleeping bags are designed for summer conditions, with temperatures above 50°F.
The Morrison Outdoors sleeping bags are a popular choice for toddlers. They are designed to keep kids warm and safe, with arms that allow kids to stay inside the bag all night. The Big Mo sleeping bag is suitable for ages 2-4 or 4-6 and has a 20°F or 40°F temperature rating.
The REI Co-op Kindercone 25 is a mummy-shaped bag that fits toddlers to small teens. It has a 25°F temperature rating and is suitable for cool weather. The REI Kindercamp 40 is another option with a rectangular shape, making it roomier, but it has a lower temperature rating of 40°F.
Yes, quilts are an alternative option for kids who tend to get cold at night. Enlightened Equipment offers a synthetic quilt that can be sized down and rated about 10 degrees colder than expected overnight temperatures. Feathered Friends also offers lightweight down quilts with various temperature ratings.
