Herbie Murray
If you're looking to buy a sleeping bag, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, what will you be using it for? Sleeping bags for camping tend to offer more room to move around in, while backpacking bags are usually lighter and more compact. Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including mummy, rectangular, semi-rectangular, and double, and in different sizes, so it's important to pick one that suits your needs and preferences. You can find sleeping bags at various price points from outdoor gear retailers such as REI and online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart, as well as from specific brands like Coleman, Kelty, and Naturehike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Camping, backpacking, kids, double |
| Shapes | Rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy |
| Material | Polyester, nylon, cotton, flannel, polyethylene (PE) taffeta |
| Features | Compressible, lightweight, portable, foldable, tear-proof, windproof, with heating option, draft tube, hood, stash pocket |
| Price | $14.77-$1000+ |
| Where to buy | REI, Amazon, Walmart, Target |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sleeping bags for camping
When choosing a sleeping bag for camping, it's important to consider the temperature rating, insulation type, bag shape, and features. You'll want to select a bag with a temperature rating suitable for the expected nighttime temperatures at your campsite, keeping in mind that you can always unzip a bag if it feels too warm. Bags with lower temperature ratings often include features like snug-fitting hoods to retain warmth.
Insulation type and bag shape are other critical factors. Mummy-style bags, for instance, are snug to boost warmth and reduce weight, making them popular among backpackers. In contrast, rectangular bags provide ample room to stretch out, a common preference for campers. Some bag makers are also experimenting with semi-rectangular shapes, offering a compromise between warmth and roominess.
Sleeping bags also come with various features that can enhance your camping experience. For example, multiple zipper sliders allow for easy ventilation adjustments, while a stash pocket provides a secure spot for small items like a watch or lip balm. A stuff sack is handy for compact storage, and some bags even come with a larger storage sack to protect the insulation when not in use.
Several retailers offer a wide range of sleeping bags suitable for camping. REI Co-op, for instance, carries bags starting under $100, with some higher-end models costing over $1000. They offer a 10% annual rebate for co-op members on most full-priced sleeping bags. Amazon and Walmart also provide a variety of sleeping bag options, with prices ranging from $20 to $50.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's beneficial to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you're car camping, you have more flexibility in choosing a bulkier, roomier bag, whereas backpacking requires a lightweight, compact option. Additionally, trying out different bags in-store can help you determine which styles and features feel most comfortable for you.
Staying Active and Alert: Strategies for a Sleep-Free Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleeping bags for backpacking
When choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking, the most important factors to consider are weight, warmth, and packability. As you'll be carrying your sleeping bag in your pack, you'll want to minimise weight and bulk. Therefore, the ideal backpacking sleeping bag is lightweight, stuffable, and can be compressed into a small size.
In terms of warmth, it's important to select a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest nighttime temperature you expect to encounter. Synthetic insulation is more affordable and suitable for damp conditions, while down insulation is more expensive but performs better in cold, dry weather. Mummy-style bags are a popular choice for backpacking as they boost warmth and cut weight by having a snug fit. The Magma mummy bag, for example, is a good choice for backpackers as it provides ample room for your feet and has been updated to include more down filling for extra warmth. The Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1 is another recommended option for backpackers, as it is roomier than most traditional mummy bags and is also backed by a lifetime warranty. The Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20° is a good bag for side sleepers and those who like to shift positions while sleeping, as it is cut more widely than a typical mummy bag.
Other features to consider when choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking include a waterproof shell, a snug-fitting hood, extra zippers, and a stash pocket for small items. The Enlightened Equipment Enigma quilt is highly customisable in terms of weight, warmth, size, durability, and style, making it a good choice for backpacking. The Neutrino 600 is another high-end down bag that offers impressive warmth for its weight and comes at a more affordable price point than other bags in its class. However, it is designed for back sleepers, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
Overall, when choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking, look for a lightweight, stuffable bag with a suitable temperature rating and consider any additional features that may enhance your comfort and convenience.
Sleep and Drug Addiction: Days Without Sleep
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleeping bag shapes
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common shapes are rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy. Double sleeping bags are also available for couples, and some bags can be zipped together to form doubles.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer ample room for legs and arms to stretch out, making them ideal for those who prioritise comfort over warmth. They can often be completely unzipped and used as a comforter, making them suitable for warm-weather camping.
Semi-rectangular sleeping 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, providing extra shoulder room. This shape is well-suited for side sleepers and cool-weather camping.
Mummy-shaped sleeping bags have a slim cut and a contoured hood to boost warmth and reduce weight. They have a snug fit, and you typically roll over with the bag rather than inside it. This shape is ideal for backpackers as it is lightweight and provides maximum heat retention, making it suitable for bitterly cold conditions.
Double sleeping bags are designed for couples and are typically rectangular but twice the width of a standard bag. They often feature zippers on both sides for easy entry and can also be found in other shapes like barrel and mummy.
Kid-sized sleeping bags are shorter and smaller variations of adult bags, often featuring fun prints, patterns, and colours. They may also have additional features such as zip-open bottoms that allow children to walk around in their bags or cinch up the bottom for a cozier fit.
Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Storage Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$11.5 $15.99
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
The EN (European Norm) was the original standard adopted by the sleeping bag industry. Today, the ISO (International Standards Organization) oversees bag testing, using ISO 23537, which is almost identical to the EN test. Bags are sent to independent labs for testing, which involves placing a heavily instrumented electronic mannequin, dressed in long underwear, inside the bag, and placing both on a foam sleeping pad. The temperature is then lowered, and the amount of electrical energy required to maintain the mannequin's initial temperature is measured. This process is repeated to correlate the results with real-world outcomes.
There are three temperature thresholds in the ISO test: the Comfort rating, the Limit rating, and the Extreme rating. These ratings are provided because sleep comfort is a personal preference, and whether you sleep warm or cold at night determines the amount of insulation you need. The Comfort rating is based on the temperature at which the "average woman" can sleep comfortably through the night without curling up for warmth. The Limit rating is based on the temperature at which the "average man" can maintain his thermal equilibrium in a curled-up position without shivering and without being in danger of hypothermia. The Extreme rating is for emergency scenarios, indicating the minimum temperature a person can survive in the sleeping bag for up to six hours while curled up and fighting the cold.
It's important to note that temperature ratings are estimates and not exact guarantees. The lab testing protocol ensures consistency, but it cannot account for individual variations in clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and other factors. Therefore, your experience with a sleeping bag in the outdoors may differ from its tested temperature rating. Additionally, not all sleeping bags have an ISO or EN rating, as the standard does not apply to bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's recommended to check the weather forecast and select a bag with a rating that provides a comfortable margin for the expected low temperatures. It's also crucial to consider the R-value of the sleeping pad you'll be using, as it plays a significant role in your overall warmth and comfort.
Smart Guide to Picking the Right Tog for Your Baby's Sleeping Bag
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Where to buy sleeping bags
When looking to buy a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the different types available and where to purchase them. Sleeping bags come in various shapes, sizes, and types of insulation, and can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, as well as from outdoor gear stores like REI and Target.
Types of Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including rectangular, semi-rectangular or barrel-shaped, and mummy-shaped. Rectangular sleeping bags offer ample room for legs and arms to stretch out and can sometimes be fully unzipped to be used as a comforter. Semi-rectangular bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess, while mummy-shaped bags are snug to boost warmth and cut weight. Sleeping bags also come in different sizes, such as regular, long, and short, to cater to different body sizes.
Insulation Types
Sleeping bags have different types of insulation, including synthetic and down insulation. Synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet, making it suitable for damp conditions, while down insulation provides a great warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible, making it ideal for backpacking.
Sleeping bags can be purchased from various retailers, both online and in physical stores. Here are some options:
- Amazon: Offers a wide range of sleeping bags for camping and outdoor activities, with various brands such as Coleman, Naturehike, Kelty, and The North Face.
- Walmart: Provides sleeping bags for camping and hiking, including brands like Ozark Trail, Coleman, and Kelty, with options for adults and kids.
- REI: Specialises in outdoor gear and offers a wide selection of sleeping bags for camping and backpacking, with options for different temperature ratings, shapes, and features. REI members also get benefits such as annual rebates on eligible purchases.
- Target: Carries sleeping bags for camping and outdoor recreation, with options for same-day delivery, order pickup, or drive-up services.
Police Crowd Control: Sleeping Gas, a Safe Option?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sleeping bags are available at Walmart, Target, REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Bags in Bulk.
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including mummy, rectangular, semi-rectangular, and double. Mummy-shaped bags are snug and thermally efficient, making them ideal for cold-weather camping. Rectangular bags provide more space to move around and can be zipped together for couples or extra room.
Consider the insulation type, temperature rating, size, and additional features. Synthetic insulation is better for wet weather as it retains warmth when wet. Down insulation provides a great warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible, making it ideal for backpacking. A hood will keep your head warm, and a draft tube prevents heat loss.
Sleeping pads, quilts, and compression sacks can enhance your camping experience. Sleeping pads provide insulation and cushioning, quilts are a lightweight alternative to sleeping bags, and compression sacks keep your gear dry.
