When determining which sleeping bags are best, there are a few different factors you will need to consider. Its easy to simply buy the first one you come across and although this is tempting, you shouldn’t pick your sleeping bag based solely on its colour or the patterns on the outside.

It is important to do your research and know the important things to look for when choosing a sleeping bag. It’s one of the essential components of your camping gear. There are significant safety and health concerns at stake here, so you want to make sure you get it right.

Below, we’ve included the most important factors to take into consideration when shopping around for the right sleeping bag for you.

Local Weather and Temperature

To help you on your journey, it is important to know that sleeping bags come with a rated temperature.

This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag as this temperature will determine the suitability of the sleeping bag in varying environmental conditions whilst camping. The temperature rating on a bag shouldn’t be ignored because it is will determine the users comfort and safety.

The given temperature rating is determined by factors the manufacturers take into consideration, including, the fill material, the shape of the bag, and in extreme cases, the features like draft proof strips over the zippers, internal neck baffles and even the taper of the bag. Generally, the temperature rating on a sleeping bag will indicate the coldest temperature at which an average person can stay asleep without feeling the cold in the middle of the night.

Usually, the temperature ratings assume you have a mattress under you to assist in insulating you from the cold ground and that you’re wearing at least one layer of clothing to bed.

If you sleep with more or less than that, make sure to take it into consideration when buying your bag.

There are thousands of sleeping bags available for all different weather conditions and seasons including camping out in the arctic circle.

So choosing the best sleeping bag for camping has a lot to do with where you like to camp and the time of year you usually plan on going camping.

If you want to be able to camp all year round, you should look into versatile bags like the Adventure Kings Premium Winter/Summer Sleeping Bag which takes advantage of an easy zip out flannelette lining to ensure that when the mercury rises, you aren’t trapped in a sauna!

On the other hand, if you know you’ll never venture out to camp during the cooler months a summer sleeping bag like the Adventure Kings Hooded Sleeping Bag, this way you’ll be covered even in the cooler shoulder season camping sessions without needing to upgrade to the premium bag.

No matter what kind of sleeping bag you choose to go camping with, choose one that’s able to withstand temperatures a bit cooler than what you ever plan on camping in. That way, you’ll always be warm enough even on those freaky days that are extremely unseasonal!

If you get too hot, you can always unzip the bag and hang your leg out to cool off. You never want to get too cold, though as this could result in hypothermia, and a long uncomfortable night.

Insulation Type

When choosing a sleeping bag for camping, you’ll also want to get familiar with the different insulation types available to you.

The best insulator available is air, and by trapping tiny air pockets, an insulating material stops the transmission of heat allowing you to stay warm and cozy on the inside!

The main difference between synthetic insulation and goose down insulation. Goose down is very durable and compresses very easily, but it’s also a lot more expensive.

Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is very popular because it provides solid performance overall without breaking budgets. Both work on the same principal of trapping tiny pockets of air.

The Adventure Kings range of Sleeping bags take advantage of the insulation properties offered by polyester fibers in varying fill weights.

Polyester is a synthetic fiber meaning it has a quick drying time and the ability to insulate you even when it gets damp, unlike the more expensive down fillings.

To combat moisture there are treatments that down insulation has been treated with to protect the down fibers from absorbing moisture whilst effective, may not ensure that the sleeping bag can perform during damp or rainy nights.

Other Features and Accessories

Of course, if you’re on the hunt for the best possible sleeping bag for camping, you’re going to want to look into other features and accessories that are available in the world of sleeping bags.

Hooded Sleeping Bag

If you plan to be camping in more chilly temperatures a hood is definitely something worth considering.

By including a hood, a sleeping bag can easily cinch around your head to prevent quite a bit of heat loss and the cold drafts that can enter your sleeping bag through the night, making you loose vital warmth, when the mercury drops!

A hood adds more comfort and will keep your pillow in place as you roll around at night!

Water Repellent Shell

Look for a sleeping bag that has an outer fabric shell that has a water resistant shell fabric, will assist in keeping your insulation dry and you toasty on the inside.

Whilst the synthetic outer material of the Adventure Kings Hooded Sleeping Bag offers a small amount of water resistance, the 270GSM Poly Cotton Canvas outer of the Adventure Kings Premium Sleeping Bag resists the penetration of condensation morning dew, and even light sprays in the worst case scenario that you are not sheltered inside a Swag or Rooftop Tent!

Stuff Sacks and Storage

Most sleeping bags come with a stuff sack to store them in. This handy accessory allows you to stuff your sleeping bag into a compact and portable bag that’s much easier to carry around, when you are in transit than a loose sleeping bag.

When storing your sleeping bag, don’t roll it.. simply jam it into the bag, this will prevent the synthetic material and filler from fatiguing in the same spot everytime you roll your sleeping bag up, making sure it is warm enough for many years to come!

Adventure Kings offers a stack of quality outdoor products at prices that are incredibly affordable. We dare you to shop around and find a better deal on gear this good!