There are many different ways that you could go camping. Where you’re camping, climate and time of year will all have a bearing on the type of equipment you need to have.
When choosing your equipment you must consider these elements and having the best sleeping bag for your needs is something that is quite often overlooked by new campers.
When I first started the key criteria for choosing my sleeping bag was price and because of that I actually wasted a lot of money.
Thankfully, I have come a long way and learned my lessons. This post was made so that you don’t make the same mistake that I had made.
What type of camping will you be doing?
Having a good sleeping bag that will suit your needs is essential for an enjoyable camp. With that in mind, you need to ask yourself what type of camping will you be doing for the foreseeable future. Car camping (or places you don’t have to hike far) or backpacking.
This will not only decide if you need a lightweight sleeping bag but it will have a knock on effect that could decide the insulation type, shape and even what features you should be looking out for.
If you intent on doing both car camping and backpacking then I suggest getting a backpacking bag as it will do both but will cost a little extra.
Temperature rating
The purpose of a sleeping bag is to keep you warm while you sleep. However, simply buying the warmest sleeping bag will mean you will overheat on warmer nights. You need to buy a sleeping bag that suits the temperature you expect to be sleeping in.
There are three main temperature categories for sleeping bags.
- Summer or 1 season – Over 32°F (0°C)
- 3 Season – 15°F(-9°C) to 32°F(0°C)
- Winter or 4 season – under 15°F(-9°C)
These temperature ratings are the lowest temperature that these bags should be used and should keep the average sleeper warm.
Before you choose a which temperature rating that you need, you will first need to know the minimum temperature you expect to encounter. Then choose a bag that with a temperature rating a few degrees lower.
For example, if I expected the temperature to drop to nearly freezing I would still go ahead and buy a 3 seasons sleeping bag. The main reasons for this are that the temperature could alway drop lower than expected and the ratings are minimum values, meaning the closer you get to the lower limit then you will start to feel the cold. I like to take a little extra insulation and then open the bag if I am overheatings.
You still need to be careful and not rely on the above classification because some of the cheaper brands may claim to be a winter bag but are not able to insulate to these temperatures.
The ISO or EN standards are a more reliable way of telling if your bag is up to the job. These standards are to ensure the sleeping bag is doing what it says, regardless of brand. Stay clear from bags that don’t have a ISO or EN standard.
You may also notice that there is a “comfort” or “limit” rating attached to the ISO or EN standard. This is simply a guideline that some brand use to further define the temperature range of the sleeping bag. “Comfort” meaning the lowest temperature for a cold sleeper and “limit” meaning the lowest temperature for a warm sleeper.
Everyone’s body is different and you will have to choose according to your body type. Do you have a big heavy duvet on your bed even during the summer or do you always wake up with the sheet thrown off you?
Even though a sleeping bag has an ISO or EN standard it does not guarantee it will keep you warm during the night. The final decision is down to you. You need to also consider what you will be wearing, if you are a warm or cold sleeper, type of shelter you are using (normally a tent) and what sleeping pad you will be using. Even the shape of the sleeping bag is a warming factor which I will discuss below.
As mentioned above, the type of tent will have a great major roll of keeping you warm. I have created a post here to help you decide which tent to buy.
Type of insulation
A lot of people ask me “why does it matter what type of insulation you have as long as it keeps you warm?” I used to think the same but the truth is that they both have advantages and disadvantages so you should choose according to your situation.
There are two different types of insulation. Down and synthetic.
Down
Down is the fine feathers found under the rougher outer feather layer of either a elder, goose or duck. It is naturally light and is a great insulator. This makes it a great option for backpackers as its light and it compresses well so it takes up less room in your pack.
There are different qualities of down and they are measured in “fill power”. The higher the fill power means then better quality the down. This means the warmth of your sleeping bag can increase without adding any more weight or bulk. Some of the highest fill powers are around 800 but can be very expensive. A sleeping bag with a fill power of 500 would be great.
Down works by creating small pockets of air which trap the heat from your body when you sleep. Once this barrier of warm air pockets is created around you it will restrict further heat from passing through.
But there is a major weakness in down insulation and that is moisture. When down gets wet it tends to clump together. This reduces the air pockets needed to hold the heat and reduces the insulation of the bag significantly. So if you are getting a down bag then make sure it has some sort of water resistant outer shell. If you are going to be camping in a wet climate then I don’t recommend getting a down insulated bag.
As mentioned above, down sleeping bags compress really small and are great for hiking. Just make sure you don’t store your bag in a compressed state when you get home. If your bag is compressed for long periods of time then it will reduce the insulation of it because the size of the air pocket will be decreased. This will happen over time no matter what you do so down bags do need to be replaced from time to time, depending on how much you use it.
If you suffer from allergies then this may be another reason to stay clear of down bags because it is made from the feathers of birds which have been known to cause mild allergic reactions.
Down is an animal product so the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) was setup to ensure that the birds are treated humanely while harvesting the feathers. It might help you sleep a little better knowing the bag you’re sleeping in has this standard.
Synthetic
Synthetic insulation is nearly the exact opposite of down insulation. It is a man made product, normally polyester. It is a little bulkier than down. There are advanced synthetics that do a better job but the only real way for more insulation is to add more polyester which only adds to the bulk issue. I don’t want to scare you off synthetic by say its bulkier and heavier. The different isn’t great and sometimes its worth carrying a little more, like when you are camping in wet conditions. And it’s a lot cheaper
Synthetic works the same way as down in that it traps pockets of air however it doesn’t do it as efficiently so more of it has to be added to create the desired insulation rating. There are different synthetic efficiencies but they still wouldn’t be as efficient as down. That being said, it doesn’t clump together when wet so it still works well in damp conditions.
If you have allergies then this can be the best option for you.
Down/Synthetic blend
You can get a down/synthetic blend where the down is primarily used around your torso and the synthetic use around your legs. I have no experience with these. They are a good option if you want to keep you weight as low as possible but don’t want to “break the bank”.
I have heard that these work best when you sleep on your back but with some heat loss experienced when you roll over but as I said, I have no personal experience with these bags.
Weight
Weight is a major factor for most hikers. After all, you’re going to be carrying this around with you all day so you will want to keep the weight to a minimum. But if you get it wrong and go too light then you may have a cold night in your tent.
The two main factors then effect the weight of your sleeping bag are the insulation weight and the shape if you sleeping bag.
The weight of your insulation will depend on how warm you will need it to be. For example a winter sleeping bag is going to weigh a lot more than a summer sleeping bag because it is going to have more insulation.
When comparing sleeping bags weights always make sure you’re comparing bags from the same seasons to help you make you choice. Then you need to consider the type of insulation, down or synthetic which we have already discussed.
Insulation fill weight is the weight given by some manufactures. This tells you the weight of the insulation and nothing else. The outer shell, zip and sack also need to be considered. Some people judge the insulation rating based on this fill weight however this is not an accurate way for doing this as cheaper bags may way more but offer less insulation.
For other ways of keeping your hiking gear light then read my post here.
Sleeping bag shape
The shape of your bag can also have a massive effect on the weight. Like always, it will depend on the type of camping and how you like to sleep. Let’s have a look at the options.
Rectangular
A traditional rectangular bag may sometimes be cheaper but that isn’t the only reason for buying one. When I’m car camping I alway take my rectangular bag but this is mainly because it suits the way I like to sleep.
I like to sleep on my belly and sometimes on my side while having my arms free to move. Having a rectangular bag means I have plenty of room to move around inside it. I just think they are cosier but that’s just my personal choice.
That being said, they are heavier and bulkier than some of the options below so they aren’t great for hiking. This is simply because they have more material.
Mummy
The mummy type sleeping bags are the opposite. They have the least amount of material so they are the lightest and great for hikers. They are a snug fit so arm movement is restricted and if you like to sleep on your front like me then you simply roll with the bag instead of in it. Once you’re all zipped up all that is visible is your face.
They are also faster to warm you up because they have less air inside them to heat.
Semi-Rectangular
These are a cross between a mummy and a rectangular bag and tries to bring your the best of both worlds. Allowing you some movement but also keeping the weight as low as possible. I would also advice this option for an overweight hiker.
Double
If you’re car camping with a partner then why not sleep in the same bag. Double rectangular bags are great for this. Sleeping next to someone offers great heat. Obviously they are quite heavy and bulky so don’t consider them if you are going to be doing a lot of hiking.
You could also buy single rectangular bags and zip them together. Just make sure that one has a left hand zip and the other has a right. This is a great option if you are not always going to be camping together.
Kids
You can get smaller sleeping bags for kids. They are generally less expensive but unless you are intending on doing a lot of camping with your kids then I wouldn’t waste my money. You probably aren’t going to be camping anymore then 2 or 3 times a year with your kids which means you won’t get a lot of value out of it before they grow out of it.
There are some brands that cater for this by having an add on option at the bottom of the bag. You basically zip on an extension to the bottom of the bag as they grow.
Features
Sleeping bag hood
This is the part of the bag the hugs around your head, much like the hood of a jacket. This should also be insulated to the same degree as the rest of the bag. It should also have draw cords so you can tighten the hood around your face.
Zipper
This isn’t something a lot of people would consider important but having a good zipper can really make or break a sleeping bag.
Firstly, you want a zip tag on the inside and the outside.
You then have to consider if you want a left or right sided zip. Choose a right if you are left handed and vise versa.
Make sure it is also anti draft and anti snag. Nothing worse than wrestling with a zipper that’s caught on a bit of clothing.
Stash pocket
Some bags also have stash pockets which can be handy for keeping your phone and other personal belongings close to you while you sleep
Pillow pocket
A pillow pocket is exactly what it sounds like. It can be very handy to have somewhere to stash your pillow so that it doesn’t move around inside your bag as you move around at night.
Insect net
When sleeping without a tent you will still want something to protect your face while you sleep. An insect net is just big enough to cover the only opening in your bag and weighs very little.
Inner lining
There are options for the inner lining of your bag too. This might not matter so much as most of the time you will be sleeping in some sort of clothing but it is good to know your options.
Nylon/Polyester
The most popular lining is nylon or polyester. They are smooth and soft against your skin, they are also breathable which is important if you don’t want to overheat. This makes nylon or polyester an ideal affordable option.
Fleece
If you intend on camping in colder temperature then a fleece lined bag may be a great option for a little extra comfort. Fleece will trap more heat and feels so nice against your skin. However, it is more suited to car camping as it weighs a little extra and they are generally found in rectangular bags.
Silk
This is probably to most expensive option and it can be damaged more easily than the other materials here. That being said, silk is lightweight, super nice against the skin and is breathable so you won’t overheat in the bag. This is mainly found in mummy type bags. Get it if you are serious about keeping your weight down.
Cotton/Flannel
Rectangular sleeping bags inner shell are commonly made from either cotton or flannel. They are durable, feel good against the skin, easy to maintain and light weight. However , like most things, they do have a downside. Cotton and flannel absorb moisture so they are better used in dry conditions only.
Outer shell
Nylon/Polyester
Most sleeping bags are made from nylon or polyester. It’s cheap, breathable and is lightweight. They can be treated to make them more water resistant if needed. It’s common in summer and 3 season sleeping bags.
Ripstop
This is basically a tougher version of nylon/polyester bags. There is a durable thread woven into the nylon/polyester while the material is being made. This leaves you with a breathable bag that is tear and moisture resistant. Use these for 3 season camping.
Dryloft
For camping in the depths of winter you will want a dryloft shell. It is comfortable, very breatbale (so you won’t overheat and sweat in the bag) and is water resistant.
Accessories
Compression bag
This is used to compress you bag as small as possible so that it takes up less room in your backpack
Storage sack
You shouldn’t store your bag in compressed state for long. When you get home from you camp take your sleeping bag out of your compression bag.
Sleeping bag pillows
These are normally blow up pillows that you can put into you sleeping bags pillow pocket if it has one. I just use a spare sweater or something like that. You can get compression bags that are fleece lined on the inside. When you take your sleeping bag out just turn the compression bag inside out, stuff it with some spare clothing and you will have a instant fleece lined pillow
Sleeping bag liner
This is just another layer that you sleeping bag goes into to add extra warmth but its real purpose is to protect your sleeping bag against dirt and moisture. You can get sleeping bag liners that are completely waterproof.
Sleeping bag pad
And then there is the sleeping pad. Our bodies have become accustomed to sleeping on soft beds. So you’re going to need some level of support between you and the ground. These can be blow up mattresses or even fabric yoga mats make a nice sleeping mat.
Having a sleeping nylon/polyester sleeping bag and a plasticy sleeping mat may result in you slipping off the pad as you sleep. If you have this problem then check out this post to find way to prevent it.
Finding the right sleeping bag for you
As you can see there are many things to consider when choosing a sleeping bag but it can all be boiled down to these three questions.
- What conditions will you be sleeping in? (Temperature, Climate)
- Do you need it to be lightweight?
- How much are you willing to spend?
The answer to these questions will determine which bag you should get.
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