Colin Snow
When it comes to camping in the UK, choosing the right sleeping bag is essential for a good night's sleep. Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes, with different temperature ratings and insulation types, so it's important to consider the time of year and your own preferences for comfort. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, there is a wide range of options available, from budget-friendly synthetic bags to lightweight down-filled bags, ensuring you stay warm and cosy on your outdoor adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature ratings | Sleeping bags are rated by the number of seasons they are intended for, or by specific temperature ratings. Common ratings include 1 season (for hot summer months), 2 season (for late spring to early autumn), 3 season (for early spring to late autumn), 4 season (for winter) and 4+ season (for extreme conditions). |
| Insulation | Sleeping bags use either synthetic or down insulation. Synthetic insulation is cheaper, easier to wash and dries out faster, but is less effective at retaining heat than down. Down insulation is warmer, more compressible and can be squashed down to a smaller size, but it is more expensive and dries out slowly. |
| Weight and pack size | The weight and pack size of a sleeping bag are important considerations, especially for backpackers and travellers who need a lightweight and compact option that can attach to a rucksack. Down sleeping bags are known for their excellent compressibility, making them a good choice for those who need a small pack size. |
| Comfort | Comfort is a key consideration when choosing a sleeping bag. Features such as internal sleeping mat sleeves, foot vents, and "zipless" duvet-style designs can enhance comfort. Sleeping bags with more room to manoeuvre and softer fabrics can also provide a more comfortable experience. |
| Additional features | Some sleeping bags offer additional features such as double draft tubes and offset stitching patterns to reduce heat loss. Sleeping bag liners can prolong the life of a sleeping bag, keep it clean, and provide additional warmth. Compression sacks can also be used to reduce the pack size of a sleeping bag and add a water-resistant layer. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag fillings: Synthetic vs down
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the type of filling it has, as this will determine the warmth, weight, water resistance, compressibility, and price. Here is a detailed comparison between synthetic and down fillings to help you decide which one is better suited for your needs.
Synthetic fillings are the most common form of insulation in sleeping bags. They are made from polyester fibres that trap air to create a thermal barrier, similar to down. Synthetic fillings are less expensive than down and are generally sufficient for car camping. They are also less absorbent than down, so even if the surface of the fibres gets wet, the structure can still retain some air pockets, providing some insulation. Synthetic fillings also dry faster than down, which is advantageous in humid or wet conditions. Additionally, synthetic fillings are low-maintenance, durable, and hypoallergenic. However, synthetic fillings tend to weigh more and have a larger pack size than down fillings. They also break down faster, typically needing replacement within 3 to 5 years, and once degraded, they cannot be restored.
Down fillings, on the other hand, offer excellent compressibility and a superior warmth-to-weight ratio compared to synthetic fillings. Down sleeping bags are much lighter and can be compressed into smaller stuff sacks, making them ideal for backpacking or travelling light. Down fillings also tend to last longer, with proper care, a down sleeping bag can maintain its insulative power for 10+ years. While down fillings are generally more expensive, economical options are becoming available, and duck down provides a great value alternative to goose down. However, down fillings struggle with water resistance, as they lose their loft and insulating properties when they get wet. Although modern treatments have been developed to add water resistance, it is still crucial to keep down-filled items dry.
In conclusion, both synthetic and down fillings have their advantages and disadvantages. Synthetic fillings are more affordable, durable, and suitable for camping in various weather conditions, while down fillings provide superior warmth, compressibility, and longevity but come at a higher price point and require careful maintenance to keep dry. The best filling for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and camping environment.
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Temperature ratings
Three common ratings are the comfort rating, limit rating, and extreme rating. A 1-season bag is lightweight and compact, ideal for the hot summer months or camping abroad in hot countries. A 2-season bag is best for late spring to early autumn, and a 3-season bag is for early spring to late autumn and mild winter evenings. 4-season bags are thick and often down-insulated, designed for winter when temperatures can drop below zero.
The person using the sleeping bag also influences the temperature rating. The size of the camper and how much body heat they generate will impact how well the bag retains heat. For example, a bag rated to 15 °F may be too warm for some people.
Down sleeping bags are typically more effective at retaining heat than synthetic bags, so they are a warmer option. Synthetic bags are the cheapest option, easier to wash, and dry out quicker. Down bags are warmer than synthetic, can be compressed to a smaller size, but dry out slowly and are more expensive.
When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the time of year and your susceptibility to the cold. Comparing different bags' season and comfort ratings will help you decide. For example, if you camp at higher elevations or in cooler climates, a bag with a higher temperature rating, such as the Redwood, which has a −10 °F rating, would be a good option.
Sleeping bag liners can also be useful, as they can add warmth in colder climates and can be used on their own in hot weather.
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Pack size and weight
The pack size and weight of a sleeping bag are crucial factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag for camping. If you plan to drive to your camping spot and store the bag in your car, a heavier and bulkier bag will suffice. The Alps OutdoorZ Redwood, for instance, is a warm and well-made bag with a sturdy cotton canvas shell and a cosy flannel liner, perfect for car camping. However, if you intend to backpack or travel light, opting for a lightweight and compact sleeping bag is essential.
Down sleeping bags are renowned for their excellent compressibility and lightweight characteristics. They can be squashed down to a smaller size when packed away, making them ideal for backpacking adventures. However, down bags tend to be more expensive, dry out slowly, and require professional cleaning. The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15, for instance, is a lightweight, down-filled bag perfect for backpacking trips.
Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, are more affordable and easier to maintain. They dry out faster than down bags and are machine washable. However, they tend to be heavier and bulkier, making them more suitable for car camping than backpacking. Synthetic bags are also less effective at retaining heat than down bags, so they may not be suitable for extremely cold conditions.
The time of year and camping location will also influence your choice of sleeping bag weight and pack size. For camping in hot summer months, a lightweight and compact bag is ideal. A 1-season bag is perfect for this period, providing comfort and breathability. In contrast, for winter camping or cold climates, a thicker and heavier bag is necessary to retain warmth. A 4-season bag is designed for these frigid conditions, often featuring down insulation to provide ample warmth.
Additionally, consider your body type and natural body heat generation when selecting a sleeping bag weight and pack size. If you have broad shoulders and narrower hips, certain bags cater to this body type, providing more room without sacrificing warmth. The Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1, for example, is designed for people with broader shoulders and narrower hips, offering a comfortable and spacious option.
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Sleeping bag liners
Liners come in two shapes: mummy-shaped and rectangular. Mummy-shaped liners are designed to slip inside your sleeping bag, while rectangular liners, also known as travel sheets, can be used on their own or inside a rectangular sleeping bag. Rectangular liners are particularly useful for travellers staying in hostels or budget hotels, as they can be used to avoid questionable bedding or bedbug infestations.
Liners made from synthetics such as CoolMax® are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them ideal for humid conditions. They are also stretchy, which is beneficial for restless sleepers. Insulated liners, such as those made with Thermolite®, can add up to 25°F of warmth to your sleeping bag, allowing you to extend the range of a lightweight bag.
In bug-infested areas, consider a liner with built-in bug protection, such as the Insect Shield® offered by Sea to Summit.
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$15.19 $18.99
Double sleeping bags
If you're looking for a lightweight, warm, and packable double sleeping bag, the Outwell Camper Lux Double Sleeping Bag is a great option. It has a down fill, rated to -7°C comfort, making it suitable for four seasons in the UK. The 35F version, which uses the same design, is lighter and cheaper, making it ideal for three seasons. Another great option for budget-conscious campers is the NEMO Jazz Double, which has a 10°C comfort limit, making it suitable for UK summer camping and road trips abroad.
For car camping, the Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20 is a spacious and comfortable option. It can accommodate two sleepers up to 6.5 feet tall and has a smooth taffeta shell and a moisture-resistant lining. The Teton is another spacious, two-person car-camping bag with a pocket inside the bag and a compression zipper in the footbox. It is rated to 15°F and is ideal for warmer climates.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's also important to consider the pack size, especially if you're backpacking or travelling light. Down sleeping bags are known for their excellent compressibility and lightweight pack size. Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, tend to weigh more and have a larger pack size. Sleeping bag liners can also be useful as they prolong the life of your sleeping bag and provide extra warmth in colder climates.
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Frequently asked questions
The best sleeping bag for camping depends on the time of year and the camping conditions. For winter camping, a 4-season sleeping bag is recommended. The Musca sleeping bag is designed for winter conditions, keeping you comfortable in temperatures down to -17°C. The Alps OutdoorZ Redwood is another good option for cold-weather camping, with a rating of -10°F.
For summer camping, a 1-season sleeping bag is ideal. These bags are lightweight and compact, perfect for hot summer months.
For backpacking trips, you'll want a sleeping bag that's lightweight and easy to transport. Down sleeping bags are a good choice as they are warm, lightweight, and highly compressible. The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is a lightweight option for backpacking trips.
Synthetic sleeping bags are typically cheaper, easier to wash, and dry out more quickly than down sleeping bags. Down sleeping bags are better at retaining heat and can be compressed to a smaller size, but they are more expensive and require professional cleaning.
In addition to the time of year and camping conditions, consider the size and weight of the sleeping bag, especially if you need to carry it in a backpack. You may also want to look for features such as an internal sleeping mat sleeve or a foot vent for hot nights.
