Guide to Buying the Right Sleeping Bag for Any Camper

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A good night’s rest is essential after spending a long day on the trail. Choosing the right sleeping bag can go a long way in helping a camper get the rest he or she needs to enjoy their trip. The science of sleeping bags has evolved considerably over the last fifty years, creating a better camping experience for millions of people. And while it may seem like any one sleeping bag would be just as good as another, there are several factors that can make one sleeping bag stand out from the rest.

Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag for Camping
When it comes to camping essentials, investing in a quality sleeping bag is one of the smartest decisions any camper can make. Many people assume that choosing a sleeping bag is as simple as finding the warmest one possible, and as a result, overlook several other important components to their camping sleep system. According to the camping experts at REI, there are several factors a camper should consider when choosing their sleeping bag:

1. How the sleeping bag will be used
2. Sleeping bag construction
3. The temperature rating
4. Other sleeping bag features

How Will the Sleeping Bag Be Used?
Before hunting down the ideal sleeping bag, it is important to consider how the sleeping bag will be used. For example, a recreational camper who only camps during the warm summer months does not need a heavy duty sleeping bag with a temperature rating below freezing. Similarly, someone who hikes miles into the woods to find a camping spot would not want to purchase a sleeping bag that is too heavy or cumbersome for carrying long distances. Avid campers who will use a sleeping bags throughout the year will want to find a sleeping bag that suits most of their individual camping needs for the majority of the time they will spend outdoors. Assessing which type of camping the sleeping bag will mostly be used for is the first step to choosing the right gear.

The Importance of Sleeping Bag Construction
Once the camper has identified what kind of camping he or she will be doing most often, it is time to consider sleeping bag construction. Sleeping bags keep campers warm by holding air and trapping body heat inside the bag. The body heat from the camper keeps this layer of air warm, insulating the camper from the elements outside. The less air space there is to keep warm, the faster the camper will warm up when he or she gets into the sleeping bag.

Traditional rectangular camping sleeping bags are comfortable and roomy, but they also have more air space to heat, and as a result, can take more time than some other sleeping bag styles to become warm. Mummy-style sleeping bags offer a more tapered fit, resulting in less air space throughout the bag. Mummy sleeping bags take the least time to warm up, but have the least room for the camper to spread out as he or she sleeps during the night.

Another important factor in the construction of a sleeping bag is the insulation. Sleeping bag insulation materials fall into two categories: goose-down and synthetic. Goose down insulation is exactly as the name describes, and is comprised of the soft plumage from a goose or duck. Down is not only light in weight, but remarkably warm. Another benefit to choosing a down-filled sleeping bag is its natural warmth. With all of its benefits, however, down fill also has several disadvantages. First and foremost, down sleeping bags can be difficult to clean and maintain. Once the goose down in the sleeping bag gets wet, it loses its loft, which will reduce the overall warmth of the bag considerably.

The synthetic-filled sleeping bags also have their own set of distinct advantages. Typically made from various polyester fibers, synthetic sleeping bag insulation technology is always changing.

Synthetic fillings are durable, standing up to many different camping conditions and they continue to insulate the camper even when the sleeping bag becomes wet. Synthetic fill is typically less expensive than a goose-down bag, but also offers the benefit of being lightweight and easy to transport.

Sleeping Bags and Temperature Ratings
Every sleeping bag comes with its own temperature rating. The temperature rating refers to the lowest temperature in which most people will stay warm while in that particular sleeping bag. For example, a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of “30 degrees,” is a sleeping bag which will keep most campers warm if the air gets no lower than 30 degrees. However, it is also important to note that temperature ratings are issued under the assumption that the camper is wearing a layer of insulated long underwear and using a sleeping pad with their sleeping bag. If a camper is not planning to wear insulated pajamas or using a sleeping accessory, the temperature rating will not be accurate.

Generally speaking, campers should choose a sleeping bag that has a temperature rating a little colder than the lowest temperature in which they usually camp. Someone who camps in 50 degree weather should look for a bag that has a temperature rating of 35 degrees. It is easy to open the zipper or adjust if the temperature is a little too warm for the sleeping bag, but it is much more difficult to adjust if the sleeping bag is not warm enough.

Temperature ratings are to be used only as a guide when choosing a sleeping bag, rather than a measurement that is set in stone. Other factors can also impact how warm a camper will be when they are spending the night outside. Using a sleeping pad between the sleeping bag and the ground not only adds a layer of cushion, but a layer of insulation as well. If someone is naturally a “cold sleeper,” he or she may prefer a little extra insulation in their sleeping bag. The clothing a camper wears to bed is also important in choosing the right sleeping bag. Each camper sleeps in his or her own unique way, and as a result, there is no one temperature rating that will work for everyone.

Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Camping Sleeping Bag
In addition to the fit, construction, and temperature ratings, campers should also consider any additional benefits and features that may enhance their camping lifestyle. Some of the features that are available on sleeping bags include:

Sleeping pad sleeves: The use of sleeping pads has increased over the years, so sleeping bag manufacturers have followed their lead and created a “sleeve” on the bottom of the sleeping bag to help keep the sleeping pad in place, no matter how often the camper tosses and turns throughout the night.

Self-contained compression sack: Instead of carrying a stuff sack and the sleeping bag, some lightweight models roll up into themselves, eliminating the extra weight of carrying the sack around.

Zipping together two bags: Two or more sleeping bags of the same style can often be zipped together to create one larger bag. This option is especially popular for family camping trips or couples who camp together often.

After the right camping sleeping bag has been chosen, regardless of the construction, or fit, or style, or features, proper sleeping bag maintenance is crucial to prolonging the life of the sleeping bag. All sleeping bags should be stored on a hanger or over a line when not in use. If left compressed, it will lose its loft and start collecting mildew. Dry cleaning is not recommended for care of any sleeping bag, as the chemicals are typically to harsh for the delicate fill and fibers. Any sleeping bag, whether made for a family outing or for hundreds of nights on the trail will provide years of comfort if a camper uses a little forethought when finding the right camping bag.

Resource by AnnaBelle

Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, her work has appeared across the United States in print ads for Whirlpool, Maytag, Home Depot, and Lowe's, among others. As a consultant, she has worked primarily in the education sector, helping universities increase their web visibility and construct and implement social media strategy. Annalise is an avid reader, knitter, organic gardener and baker, as well as the author of the popular baking blog, Knead To Be Loaved. Annalise enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking.

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