Herbie Murray
When it comes to choosing the best sleeping bag, there are several factors to consider. Sleeping bags differ based on their temperature ratings, insulation type, shape, and extra features. The ideal sleeping bag should keep you comfortable at night and be durable enough to last through years of use. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all option, considering your specific needs and preferences can help you make an informed decision. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, selecting the right sleeping bag can ensure a good night's sleep during your outdoor adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature Rating | 30°F is ideal for spring and fall. 0°F is a better starting point for winter camping, while summer campers may prefer a 40°F model. |
| Shape | Rectangular bags provide more room to move around, while backpacking bags are more snug. Mummy bags are contoured around the body and better for trapping heat. |
| Insulation Type | Down vs. synthetic. Synthetic insulation retains warmth when damp, while hydrophobic down resists moisture better than untreated down. |
| Weight | Ultralight bags are ideal for backpacking as they reduce weight and save space. |
| Sustainability | Some brands offer more sustainable options, such as recycled packaging or insulation. |
| Durability | Look for durable materials like 30-denier nylon to ensure long-term use. |
| Zippers | Multiple zippers can improve ventilation and ease of use. Anti-snag zippers are also a plus. |
| Hood | A snug-fitting hood can make the bag warmer. |
| Price | Set a budget and look for bags that offer the best value within your range. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag shapes
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The three most common shapes are rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy.
Rectangular sleeping bags are the most traditional, offering plenty of room for legs and arms to stretch out. They are a popular choice for campers who prioritise comfort over warmth. They can also be unzipped and used as a comforter, making them ideal for warm-weather camping. Rectangular bags are usually bulkier and heavier, making them more suitable for car camping where weight and space are not a concern.
Semi-rectangular bags, also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" shapes, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They are generally more slender than rectangular bags, with a rounded top and tapered bottom. This shape is well-suited for cool-weather camping when conditions are chilly but not extremely cold.
Mummy bags are designed to maximise warmth and minimise weight. They have a slim, contoured shape that follows the body's contours, resulting in a snug fit. With a mummy bag, you typically roll over with the bag rather than inside it. The fitted shape provides maximum heat retention, making it ideal for bitterly cold conditions. Mummy bags are a popular choice for backpackers as they are lightweight and pack smaller than other shapes.
Other less common sleeping bag shapes include double and kid-sized bags. Double sleeping bags are designed for couples and are usually rectangular but twice the width of a standard bag. Kid-sized bags are shorter, smaller, and more affordable variations of adult bags, available in various shapes like mummy, rectangular, or semi-rectangular.
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Temperature ratings
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the temperature rating. This is because the temperature rating of a sleeping bag determines the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep a sleeper warm. Sleeping bags with different temperature ratings are suitable for different seasons. For instance, a 40°F model is ideal for summer camping, while a 0°F model is more suitable for winter camping. A temperature rating of around 30°F is the most versatile, as it should be warm enough for most spring and fall conditions, while not being too warm during the summer.
It is important to note that temperature ratings are based on an "average sleeper" and are calculated using a person wearing long underwear and a pair of socks, sleeping on an insulated pad. Therefore, individual preferences and other factors such as sleeping pad, clothing, humidity, wind, and metabolism will also affect how warm you feel.
The type of insulation also plays a crucial role in the temperature rating of a sleeping bag. Synthetic insulation retains warmth even when damp, making it ideal for wet climates, while down bags with a standard durable water repellent (DWR) finish are suitable for dry climates or those prioritising warmth-to-weight efficiency. More efficient insulations, such as advanced synthetics and high-fill-power downs, provide greater warmth with less weight.
When choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking, it is important to consider the warmth-to-weight ratio, as a sleeping bag can be one of the heavier and bulkier items in your pack. A sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating will generally be warmer but also heavier. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating slightly lower than the anticipated low temperatures to balance warmth and weight.
Some sleeping bags with good temperature ratings include the Teton, which is rated at 15°F, the Siesta, rated at 20°F, and the Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20, which is suitable for couples.
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Insulation type
There are two main types of sleeping bag insulation: down and synthetic. Down insulation is made from the soft, wispy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. It has the best warmth-to-weight ratio and is the most compressible, making it ideal for backpacking or bikepacking. Down sleeping bags can also last longer than synthetic bags—up to 10 years if properly cared for. However, down insulation loses its insulating properties when it gets wet, as the down filaments absorb water, clump together, and lose their insulating structure.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made by humans and designed to replicate the insulation and compressibility of down. Synthetic sleeping bags are better suited for damp conditions as they retain their insulating structure even when wet. Synthetic insulation is also easier to wash and care for, and it's generally less expensive than down. However, synthetic bags may not last as long as down bags, typically lasting around 3-4 years.
In terms of ethical considerations, down sleeping bags can be controversial due to the use of animal products. However, most brands take steps to monitor the treatment of ducks and geese that provide down, with certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) or the global Traceable Down Standard (TDS) ensuring that the down is ethically sourced.
When choosing between down and synthetic insulation, it's important to consider how and where you'll be using the sleeping bag. If you're expecting wet weather or heavy use, a synthetic bag might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize weight, compressibility, and longevity, a down sleeping bag could be the preferred option.
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Water resistance
When it comes to water resistance, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag. Firstly, sleeping bags are now often made with some type of light water-repellent material, reducing the chances of the bag getting wet. However, synthetic sleeping bags have the advantage of greater insulating ability when wet. If down feathers get wet, they tend to clump together and lose their loft and insulating power. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, do not clump and can continue to provide insulation.
If you're looking for a bag with excellent water-resistant properties, the Feathered Friends range is a good option. The Feathered Friends Snowbunting ES 0 is designed for serious adventures and offers more protection from drips and condensation with a water-resistant Pertex Shield EX fabric. The shell is also slightly thicker at 15-denier, and the 40-denier ripstop reinforcements offer extra durability. The Feathered Friends Swallow is another highly water-resistant bag, available with two shell options: the highly water-resistant Epic Nextec, which uses silicon-coated fibres, and eVent, a two-layer waterproof-breathable membrane.
The Exped Ibis WB is another highly water-resistant bag, rated to 18 degrees F, which combines 700-fill down with a Pertex Endurance shell. It is said to be nearly impervious to moisture, such as drips from a tent door or condensation. The Marmot Women's Teton 15° Sleeping Bag is also water-resistant and suitable for narrow-bodied people who get cold at night. It is made with silky-soft fabric and plush, water-resistant down insulation.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, Teton Sports offers "beginner" down bags that are water-resistant and provide a comfortable warmth level. Synthetic sleeping bags, such as the Northface Cat Meow 20F, are also a more cost-effective option and perform well in humid conditions.
Overall, while water resistance is an important consideration, it's worth noting that choosing a good campsite with proper drainage and using a waterproof groundsheet or liner can also help keep your sleeping bag dry.
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Budget options
If you're looking for a budget sleeping bag, there are a few great options that won't break the bank. Firstly, it's important to consider the type of filling you want. Synthetic filling is a great budget-friendly option as it tends to be cheaper and will keep you warm even when damp. The Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20 is a fantastic choice for colder sleepers, with plenty of insulation and a great footbox to keep your feet warm. It also has a hood for extra warmth and a shoulder baffle, although this is quite thin. While it doesn't compress very well, it's still a good option for car camping.
Another synthetic option is the Coleman sleeping bag, which packs down to a surprisingly small size. It features a "Roll Control" system, which helps keep the bag straight while rolling. It's worth noting that synthetic insulation is not as environmentally friendly as other options, but it's durable and often comes with a warranty.
If you're looking for a down-filled bag on a budget, the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is a fantastic option. It has an ISO Comfort rating of 31 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for most 3-season conditions. It also features a zippered internal pocket, a draft tube and collar to minimize heat loss, and multiple zippers for venting.
For an even more affordable option, the Nemo Sonic 0 is a mummy bag that offers warmth and weather resistance at a budget-friendly price. It won't pack down as small as some other bags, but it's a great choice if you're looking to save money without sacrificing too much on performance.
Lastly, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is a fantastic budget bag that combines 650-fill power down in a simple mummy design. It offers a solid balance of performance characteristics, with an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio for an affordable option. It packs smaller than other models that provide similar warmth, making it a versatile and comfortable choice for campers.
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Frequently asked questions
The key factors to consider are the bag's temperature rating, insulation type, bag shape, and extra features.
The two main types of insulation are down and synthetic. Synthetic insulation is more affordable and retains warmth when damp, whereas down insulation is often more efficient, delivering greater warmth for less weight.
Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, mummy, and quilt. Rectangular bags offer plenty of room to move around in, mummy bags are contoured around the body and better for trapping heat, and quilt bags lie over the top with straps that hold them in place on the sleeping pad.
Some recommended sleeping bags include the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15, Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20, Teton, and Parsec.
