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Choosing a Sleeping Bag
Finding a sleeping bag can sometimes be quite the task, especially if you aren't sure where to begin your search. We did our homework and have put together this guide to help you along. The three main areas to consider when choosing a sleeping bag are camping conditions, sleeping bag style and sleeping bag fill.
Camping Conditions:
Your #1 concern when looking to purchase a sleeping bag should be to make sure it compliments your camping conditions. Are you going to be using the sleeping bag for weekend summer camping with your kids? Or are you going to be backpacking through the Alaskan wilderness in the winter? First, think about the climate you will be camping in and figure out roughly what temperature will be the coldest you will be exposed to. Take that number and subtract 10 degrees. For example, if you believe the coldest night you will camp in will be 45 degrees, subtract 10 degrees and make sure to find a sleeping bag rated for at least 35 degrees. The main thinking behind this is you want to plan for worse weather and you can always open your bag up if you are too warm.
The next aspect of camping conditions which you should take into account should be your type of travel. If you are going to be driving right up to your camp site, this section doesn't concern you, but if you feel you will ever be packing the sleeping bag on your back, t
ake the weight of
it into careful consideration. When backpacking, every pound adds up quickly and buying a lightweight sleeping bag is your best option. One mistake we have frequently seen is parents will purchase heavier sleeping bags for their scouts (thinking they will always be driving to their camp site), to later discover they are doing much more backpacking than they originally figured. If there is any question about which bag weight is best, always go with the lighter sleeping bag, as long as it still meets your climate needs.
Sleeping Bag Style:
There are two main styles of sleeping bags: mummy and rectangular. mummy sleeping bags are more popular than rectangular sleeping bags and offer a wider variety of options. Your camping conditions should play as the main factor when deciding the sleeping bag style, but for many people, personal taste can play a significant role in the decision. Below we have broken down what each style has to offer.
Mummy Sleeping Bags:
- Tapers in shape from head to foot, offering a more snug fit around the body, improving heat retention
- Includes a hood to go around the camper's head to keep it warmer
- Includes a drawstring which can be tightened above the camper's shoulders to retain heat within the sleeping bag
- Great for all seasons
- Can be stuffed into a stuff sack for packing to make traveling easier
- Comes in different sizes to correctly fit different campers
- Comes in a wide-range of prices
- Available with different types of sleeping bag fill (such as down)
- Also available in youth sizes and women’s'
Rectangular Sleeping Bags:
- Offers more room inside than a mummy sleeping bag
- Can be completely unzipped and used as a blanket
- Great for warm weather
- Can be quickly rolled and bound to a backpack
- Comes in different sizes to correctly fit different campers
- Comes in a wide-range of prices
- Available with different types of sleeping bag fill
- Also available in youth sizes and women’s
Sleeping Bag Fill:
The sleeping bag fill is the material within the bag which retains heat. The major types of fill which can be found in today's sleeping bags are down, synthetic fill, cotton and wool. We HIGHLY recommend either a synthetic or down fill because wool sleeping bags tend to weigh quite a bit and cotton bags retain water and become useless in wet weather (Cotton and wool filled sleeping bags are great for indoor sleepovers for the kids or in situations where you will not be exposed to the elements or packing the bag on your back). Down and synthetic fills are most widely used by professionals and offer the following:
Down Fill:
- Keeps the camper warm
- Maintains its insulating ability after years of use better than synthetic fill
- Compresses better than any fill to allow tighter packing
- Weighs less than other fills
Synthetic Fill:
- Keeps the camper warm
- Does not absorb moister and provides warmth even when wet (unlike down fill which loses any insulation when wet)
- Dries quickly
- Compresses better than cotton or wool fill
- Weighs less than cotton or wool fill
Other Considerations:
Other things a buyer should consider:
- Zipper Type. Two-way zippers allow the camper to unzip only a specific part of the zipper (I.E. to let feet breathe)
- Draft Collar. The area at the neck of the sleeping bag where a drawstring pulls; Better sleeping bags ensure a good "seal" above the camper's shoulders
- Size. Many brands offer a "Regular" or "Long" size option for their sleeping bags. Campers over 6ft tall (or those with a 42in waist or larger) should choose a Long sleeping bag.
- Sleeping Bag Liner. Lower-end sleeping bags usually have a fleece or polyester liner, whereas higher-end sleeping bags will feature a nylon taffeta liner.
- Sleeping Bag Outer Shells. Sleeping Bag outer shells protect the camper from wind/water and are usually represented by a thread count. The higher the thread count, the more protection the shell has against the elements.
- Price. Sleeping bags range in price from $30 to $500+. It is always a bad idea to go for the cheapest bag you can find at your local super store, but you should also not go for the most expensive sleeping bag you can find at a specialty shop. Sleeping bags are definitely one of the few products where you really get what you pay for.
Conclusion:
Choosing a sleeping bag should be primarily based the type/location of camping you will be doing, followed by personal preference for shape, fill, etc.
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