Gina Johnson
When choosing a backpacking sleeping bag, it's important to consider factors such as temperature rating, insulation type, weight, packability, shape, size, material, and durability. The temperature rating of a sleeping bag indicates the lowest temperature at which it will keep you warm, so selecting a bag with a suitable rating for the conditions you'll be camping in is crucial. The type of insulation, whether down or synthetic, will impact the weight and packability of the bag, with down being lighter and more compact but more expensive, and synthetic being more affordable and effective when wet. The shape of the bag, such as rectangular, semi-rectangular, or mummy, will also affect its warmth and roominess. Other features to consider include stash pockets, sleeping pad compatibility, pillow pockets, and the fabric of the outer shell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | Choose a bag with a temperature rating that matches the conditions you will be camping in. If you plan to camp in colder temperatures, choose a bag with a lower temperature rating. |
| Insulation type | Down vs synthetic. Down is typically lighter and more compact, but can be more expensive and less effective when wet. Synthetic insulation is bulkier and heavier, but retains warmth when wet and is more affordable. |
| Weight | Lighter bags are generally preferable for backpacking. |
| Packability | Look for a bag that is easy to pack down. |
| Shape | Mummy-shaped bags are warmer and lighter, but less roomy. Rectangular bags are roomier, but heavier. |
| Size | Consider the compressed volume of the bag. |
| Material | Look for a bag made from high-quality materials that are both lightweight and durable. Common materials include down, synthetic, and hybrid blends. |
| Durability | Bags with a thicker denier are more durable. |
| Stash pocket | Handy for keeping small items close at hand. |
| Sleeping pad compatibility | Some bags have a sleeve to fit a sleeping pad. |
| Pillow pocket | Allows you to stuff clothes inside to create a pillow. |
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What You'll Learn
Temperature rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is one of the most important features to consider when selecting a backpacking sleeping bag. It indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. The temperature rating is based on an "average sleeper" and allows you to compare bags with each other.
When choosing a sleeping bag, opt for one with a temperature rating that matches the conditions you will be camping in. If you plan to camp in colder temperatures, choose a bag with a lower temperature rating. For instance, a sleeping bag with a 20-degree Fahrenheit temperature rating would be suitable for camping in Colorado in spring, summer, or fall.
Most sleeping bag models have two temperature ratings: "comfort" and "lower limit," also known as ISO or EN ratings. The "comfort" rating indicates the temperature at which the average sleeper will be comfortable, while the "lower limit" indicates the temperature at which the bag will keep you alive but not necessarily comfortable.
It's important to remember that temperature ratings are just a guide, and personal comfort levels can vary. Other factors that affect how warm or cold you'll feel include the R-value of your sleeping pad, the type of insulation in the bag, the weight and fill power of the insulation, your sleeping position, the humidity and wind conditions, your metabolism, and the type of clothing you wear while sleeping.
To ensure a good night's sleep while backpacking, consider choosing a bag with a temperature rating slightly lower than the typical low temperatures you anticipate encountering on your trips. This will provide you with a comfortable and restful night's sleep, which is crucial for maintaining energy and endurance on the trail.
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Insulation type
When choosing a backpacking sleeping bag, insulation type is a key consideration. The type of insulation will determine the bag's warmth-to-weight ratio, compressed volume, and overall weight. The two main types of insulation are down and synthetic, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Down insulation is known for being lightweight and highly compressible, resulting in a smaller packed size. It also offers excellent warmth for its weight, with higher fill powers providing greater loft and warmth. However, down insulation tends to be more expensive, and it can lose its insulating properties when it gets wet. To mitigate this issue, some down sleeping bags have a water-repellent treatment, but they may still be less effective in wet conditions compared to synthetic alternatives.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, excels in wet conditions as it retains its insulating efficiency even when wet. It is generally more affordable than down, making it a popular choice for those on a budget. However, synthetic insulation is typically bulkier and heavier, which can be a drawback for backpackers who need to minimise weight and space. Synthetic insulation also tends to be more durable than down, making it suitable for rugged outdoor adventures.
It's worth noting that some sleeping bags use a combination of down and synthetic materials, known as hybrid blends. These blends aim to offer the best of both worlds, providing improved warmth-to-weight ratios and better moisture resistance than traditional down insulation.
When considering insulation type, it's important to evaluate your specific needs and priorities. If you're backpacking in humid or wet environments, synthetic insulation may be a wiser choice due to its ability to retain warmth when wet. However, if weight and packed size are your primary concerns, down insulation could be more suitable, especially if you're aiming for an ultralight setup.
Ultimately, the decision between down and synthetic insulation depends on your budget, the conditions you'll be camping in, and your personal preferences for weight, warmth, and packability. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right insulation type for your backpacking sleeping bag, ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep during your outdoor adventures.
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Weight and packability
Down insulation is typically lighter and more compact than synthetic insulation, but it can be more expensive and less effective when wet. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is bulkier and heavier, but it retains its warmth when wet and is more affordable. Hybrid blends combine the benefits of both down and synthetic materials, offering a good balance. The type of insulation will also impact the size of the sleeping bag when compressed, so it's important to compare "compressed volume" specifications to understand the size differences.
The overall bag weight is what matters when carrying it in your pack, and the weight is largely determined by the insulation and the bag's shape. Mummy-shaped bags, for example, are designed to boost warmth and cut weight, with a snug fit that prevents you from rolling over inside the bag. The Magma 15 and Feathered Friends Tanager are examples of highly compressible bags that excel in weight and packability.
When considering weight and packability, look for bags with a high fill power, a low denier for the shell fabric, and a warm temperature rating relative to the weight. The Western Mountaineering HighLight, for instance, is an 850-fill down, 35°F mummy bag that weighs just 1 pound. Premium ultralight bags tend to be more expensive and may be more prone to snags and tears due to their thin shell fabrics.
Additionally, consider choosing a bag that comes with a compression sack or stuff sack to make packing easier. A sleeping bag with a weight of around 2 to 3 pounds is generally suitable for three-season use, although this can vary depending on temperature rating, size, and insulation type.
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Shape and size
When it comes to the shape and size of a backpacking sleeping bag, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the shape of the sleeping bag can vary, with the three most common shapes being rectangular, semi-rectangular or "modified mummy", and mummy. Rectangular bags offer plenty of room to move around and stretch out, while semi-rectangular bags provide a compromise between warmth and roominess. Mummy-shaped bags, on the other hand, are designed to boost warmth and cut weight, with a snug fit that prevents you from rolling over inside the bag.
Another factor to consider is the size of the sleeping bag when it is packed into its stuff sack. Backpacking sleeping bags should be lightweight and easy to pack down to minimise weight and bulk. The insulation type and fill weight will impact the packed size, with more efficient insulations like high-fill-power downs delivering greater warmth for less weight. The temperature rating of the bag will also affect its size, as bags designed for colder temperatures will typically require more insulation and be bulkier.
It's important to choose a sleeping bag that is comfortable for your body size and sleeping preferences. Some bags, like the Sidewinder, are designed specifically for side sleepers, with a side-oriented hood and zipper. The Boost bag features a unique design with three zippers, allowing it to transform from a semi-rectangular shape into a more thermally efficient mummy shape.
When considering the shape and size of a backpacking sleeping bag, it's also worth thinking about the conditions you'll be camping in and your personal comfort levels. If you plan to camp in colder temperatures, you may need a bag with a lower temperature rating, which will likely be larger and heavier. Additionally, consider the trade-offs between weight and durability, as ultralight bags tend to have thinner shell fabrics that are more prone to tears and snags.
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Material and durability
When choosing a backpacking sleeping bag, it is important to consider the material and durability. The outer shell of a backpacking sleeping bag is typically made of ripstop nylon or durable polyester with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to protect the insulation inside the shell from dampness. The outer fabric of the sleeping bag should be durable and lightweight.
Down insulation is typically lighter and more compact than synthetic insulation, but it can be more expensive and less effective when wet. Synthetic insulation is more durable and retains its insulation when wet, but it is bulkier and heavier. Hybrid blends offer a combination of down and synthetic materials, providing the benefits of both. The fill power of a sleeping bag is also important to consider, as it indicates the quality of down and its ability to generate warmth for its weight. The higher the fill power, the higher the warmth for the weight of the bag.
The weight and packability of a sleeping bag are crucial for backpackers, as every ounce counts when carrying gear. A good backpacking sleeping bag should be lightweight, easy to pack down, and have a small compressed volume. The ideal weight of a backpacking sleeping bag is generally considered to be less than 3 pounds, with a compressed size of around 9 litres.
The durability of a sleeping bag is also important, especially if you plan to cowboy camp, which involves sleeping directly on the ground under the stars. In this case, a thicker and more hard-wearing material is recommended to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor use. The Revelation sleeping bag by Enlightened Equipment, for example, is known for its durability and has been used for over 100 nights of backpacking trips.
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Frequently asked questions
The five key features to look for when selecting a backpacking sleeping bag are temperature rating, insulation type, weight and packability, shape and size, and material and durability.
Down insulation is typically lighter and more compact than synthetic insulation, but it can be more expensive and less effective when wet. Synthetic insulation is bulkier and heavier, but it retains its warmth when wet and is more affordable.
Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular (or "modified mummy"), and mummy. Rectangular bags allow plenty of room for your legs and arms to stretch out and can sometimes be used as a comforter. Semirectangular bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. Mummy bags are snug to boost warmth and cut weight. Choose a shape that suits your preferences and the climate you'll be camping in.
"Fill power" is a specification that indicates the quality of down. A higher number indicates down that lofts higher to generate greater warmth for its weight. Higher fill powers are found in bags intended for extreme cold or ultralight backpacking.
