Things to Consider When Buying a Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are one of the most essential items for any camper, yet they are often one of the most misunderstood. With so many different options on the market, it can be difficult to know which sleeping bag is right for you. In addition to the sleeping bag itself, many campers have found value in using a battery powered heated blanket to add an extra layer of warmth, especially in colder conditions. The first thing to consider is the climate in which you will be camping. Sleeping bags are typically categorized by season, with three-season bags being the most versatile. If you plan on camping in cold weather, you will need a winter sleeping bag that is rated for temperatures below freezing.
Once you have found the right sleeping bag for your needs, there are a few other factors to consider. The shape of the sleeping bag is important as it affects how much space you have to move around and how warm you will be. Sleeping bags also come in different lengths, so make sure to choose one that is long enough for your height. With a little research, you can find the perfect sleeping bag for your next camping trip. but you will also improve your battery life and free up storage space on your phone.
Recommended by Lisa Dietrich of Remote Canteen
Get a Good Sleeping Pad
Don’t overlook the importance of a good sleeping pad to go with your sleeping bag. The pad isn’t just for comfort: it’s meant to insulate your body from the ground. Otherwise, it won’t matter how “warm” your sleeping bag is – the ground will literally suck the heat right from your body. The amount of insulation that a sleeping pad provides is measured in R-value.
The higher the R-value, the warmer the pad will be. For summer camping in warm temperatures, you’ll need a pad with an R-value of 1 to 2. For Cooler temperatures, you’ll need an R-value of 2 to 3. If the temperature will get to freezing, then you’ll need an R-value of at least 3.5 or 4.
For newbies, I really don’t recommend getting a down sleeping bag. While they might be warmer and weigh less than synthetic sleeping bags, down comes with a learning curve. For example, you have to fluff the down before using the sleeping bag or it won’t insulate you well. You also have to be very careful to keep the sleeping bag dry because down bags take forever to dry and lose practically all of their insulation capabilities when wet. A spilled water bottle, for example, could mean you end up freezing the entire night! Start with a synthetic sleeping bag instead and, once you’ve gotten the hang of camping, then consider whether a down bag makes sense.
Recommended by Diane Vukovic an outdoorsy mom and expert at camping with a baby
Get a Water-Resistant Sleeping Bag
I regularly go camping and hiking in wet conditions. For this reason, I had to get a sleeping bag that is somewhat water-resistant and which dries out quickly if it gets wet. I’m sometimes packing up the tent in the rain and it happens, unfortunately.
The ORRSTAR 0 degree sleeping bag is a good choice because it’s good in cold weather, packs down to a reasonable size isn’t too expensive, and there’s no cotton (which takes a long time to dry out if it gets wet).
I did an Outward Bound course a few years ago. We ended up sleeping uncovered on a yacht in the rain in our sleeping bags before going on a 5 day hike. We were up each morning before sunrise and still walking at sunset. Our sleeping bags never dried out and it was a horrific, but memorable, experience.
It’s because of this that I cannot sleep in a wet or damp sleeping bag and so I make my purchases based on this!
My number 1 tip: don’t let your sleeping bag get wet!
Recommended By Daniel Morris of Fire and Saw
Make Sure the Sleeping Bag is Rated for Multi-season Usage
When buying a sleeping bag, do not overlook the temperature ratings indicated in the bag. For those who want to make more use of their money, a sleeping bag perfect for multi-season is preferred over those for only a single season use. In this case, I recommend getting a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of about 20°F-30°F to be safe. Do not worry about being too warm as you can always unzip your bag when this happens. What you should worry about more is experiencing unexpected cold weather and not being able to warm yourself in the sleeping bag.
Another thing you have to remember is that sleeping bags won’t warm you well if you sleep in them while you’re cold. Instead, they will preserve the cold temperature in your body. With that said, you should spend some time warming yourself first before sleeping in to ensure a comfortable sleep.
Also, don’t forget to test out the sleeping bag you will buy at the store to see if the space is comfortable for you. Claustrophobic people may not do well in sleeping bags where they cannot move their arms, especially since they’re already inside a tent, which is an enclosed space. If that’s the case, you can get a sleeping bag that has wider shoulders so you can move around a bit. There are also sleeping bags with zippers on both sides for your arms.
Recommended by Jonathan Smith of Camper Guide
Prepare for Your Destination
Whether you’re trekking in Norway or traveling the world in the Himalayas. Each destination and climate zone has different requirements for the choice of a sleeping bag. To enjoy a blissful night’s slumber when you’re camping, you need the proper gear. That starts with selecting the right sleeping bag. In general, campers want bags that offer ample room to stretch out and rollover, which is why so many camping bags have a simple rectangular design.
The appropriate type of sleeping bag depends on wet or dry weather and the maximum low temperature. Thin sleeping bags are generally only good for summer conditions, while others are designed for various levels of frigid temperatures. If you’re staying out in the ice and snow, you definitely want to have the right kind of sleeping bag, so check the labels before you buy them.
To help ensure you’ll be warm and cozy on your next outdoor adventure, make sure that your sleeping bag and the sleeping mat have good insulation. When you are looking for very good insulation qualities at the lowest possible weight and pack size, a down sleeping bag is the best option, because there is no synthetic fiber that can achieve the same bulking ability as this natural product, which is able to capture warm air perfectly. Additionally, bringing extra inserts like jackets and blankets will also help to keep you warmer and provide additional insulation and cushion when sleeping.
Recommended by Jasmin Diaz, Director of Operations – SmokyMountains.com
Bring a Flat Sheet
The best advice I have for first-time users of sleeping bags is to bring a flat sheet along with you and fold it in half like a soft taco and sleep inside the folds of the sheet. This will help with temperature regulation and keep your sleeping bag clean, so you do not have to wash it as often.
Recommended by Diana of Let’s Camp S’more
Before You Buy
Sleeping bags aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re designed for specific purposes. If you’re going backpacking, you want something very lightweight that compacts well. I recommend sleeping bags made with down, and you may want to use a sleeping quilt (half sleeping bag, half open-back blanket) for even more compacting potential.
Different sleeping bags are also rated for different temperature ranges. If you’re sleeping in mild weather, get what’s called a “three-season” bag. They’re rated for around 20-32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, camping in snow requires much more warmth. You’ll want a cold-weather sleeping bag to stay warm in below-freezing temperatures.
Depending on how you sleep, different bags may be better for you. Sarcophagus-style bags are very compact and, with their built-in hood and slim design, excellent for colder environments. However, while a fantastic option for back sleepers, side sleepers will struggle to get comfortable. They may prefer a rectangular or semi-rectangular bag.
When you’re going to sleep in your sleeping bag, the first thing to know is it will quickly get warm. Be prepared to shed some layers, even if it’s much colder outside your bag. You’ll also want to make sure you get a sleeping pad in addition to a bag — sleeping bags rarely include any sort of built-in padding, and a pad will ensure you get a good night of sleep.
Recommended by John White of Army Surplus World
Make Sure to Check All Features
To choose the best sleeping bag for comfortable, restful slumber, shoppers need to pay attention to the temperature rating, filling type, and size/shape.
Temperature rating is crucial because it will affect thermoregulation when sleeping outside. Typically, comfort ratings of sleeping bags are categorized by season: summer (for 86 degrees Fahrenheit and up), three-season (59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), and winter (below 59 degrees Fahrenheit).
The filling type will affect the insulation of the sleeping bag. There are synthetic and natural options, each of which has its peculiarities.
Synthetic filling is typically made using thin polyester fibers. They are hypoallergenic, affordable, and deal well with moisture (keep their insulative properties when damp and tend to dry fast).
The natural filling is usually made of down. Such sleeping bags are pricier but more durable. They also compress more easily, allowing for effortless packing. However, the biggest plus is that down sleeping bags excel at keeping the sleeper warm without causing overheating (courtesy of down’s breathability). At the same time, this filling type doesn’t perform that well in humid environments. Plus, some people are allergic to down.
As for the size, this aspect will directly affect one’s comfort. After all, it’s hard to sleep well when the sleeping bag is too tight or doesn’t offer enough room for the legs. That’s why it’s crucial to check the measurements before making a purchase. Rectangular and semi-rectangular models are the most common ones. However, men often choose the mummy-type bags that are wider around the shoulders. There are also double sleeping bags that are designed for couples.
Recommended by Alex Savy of Sleeping Ocean
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