The Ultimate Guide to Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are very useful to have around when you’re out camping. Without one, you would be forced to sleep on the cold, hard ground, which isn’t very comfortable. But sleeping bags can also be used for more than just camping. They keep you warm and snug whether you’re at home or away from it.

Sleeping bags are an essential part of any camping trip, but they can be difficult to find in various sizes. Manufacturers have been making sleeping bags for years now, and the quality has only improved with time. Finding the right sleeping bag is simple when you know what to look for.

These tips will help you choose the best sleeping bag that fits your needs.

How to choose the best sleeping bag for you

When choosing a sleeping bag for your camping or hiking journey, there are things to look out for. They include the temperature, weight, fitting, and material quality.

• Fitting

You must check if the sleeping bag fits your body size perfectly before purchasing. Wriggly sleepers will prefer a looser shape with more wiggle room.

• Temperature

The temperature of your destination is important when choosing a sleeping bag. Your sleeping bag should be able to protect you against cold weather or chilly conditions.

• Zip

The zip contributes immensely to how easy it is to use a sleeping bag. Bags with longer zip gives easy access and let you move in and out faster.

• Weight

The weight of a sleeping bag is important to both campers and hikers. Most backpackers prefer lightweight sleeping bags. That’s because it is easy to move lighter bags from one place to another.

• Material

The material employed in producing a sleeping bag will determine its value and specific usage. 

Do you want to go for a goose down or synthetic filling? Both have their advantages. Down is lighter and more portable, but it isn’t as warm as synthetic. Synthetic is heavier and doesn’t pack as small, but it is warmer than down. What we’re saying is it’s totally up to personal preference.

Types of sleeping bags

Below are some of the most popular sleeping bags for different usage.

• Rectangular sleeping bags

This type of sleeping bag has the same width all through. The length is longer than the width because of how the human body is structured. It is the oldest style of a sleeping bag.

• Mummy sleeping bags

The mummy-style sleeping bag is built to mimic the shape of the human body, with a hood and elastic drawstring to help tighten it around the human face. The sleeping bag is known to be a snug fit. It minimises the air space around the human body. 

• Barrel-shaped sleeping bags

The sleeping bag is shaped like a barrel, and the foot box and shoulders taper in. It is known to come with a hood.

• Elephant foot sleeping bags

They are highly fitted like a mummy-style sleeping bag but don’t have a hood. They are tapered towards the human foot. 

• Double sleeping bags

These types of sleeping bags are made to accommodate two adults. Mainly for couples on camping or hiking sojourn. They come with a hood like other popular sleeping bags.

Sleeping Bag Insulation, Temperature Ratings & Care

It is important to understand their insulation, temperature, ratings, and care for them when discussing sleeping bags. That’s why we will discuss them below.

• Sleeping Bag Insulation

When discussing insulation concerning sleeping bags, two options are available: goose down or synthetic insulation. The goose down is known to be less bulky and provides more warmth. Nonetheless, the goose down sleeping bags lose their insulating abilities when wet and require more time to dry.

On the other hand, sleeping bags with synthetic insulation provide more versatility, dry quickly, and are easy to clean. Most people believe that synthetic insulation sleeping bags are the best for camping or hiking in wet weather or float trips. They are less expensive when compared to goose down sleeping bags.

• Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings

A sleeping bag temperature rating tells potential buyers or users how warm a bag is. The manufacturer determines it before packing for wholesale. Most of the time, the rating isn’t always as described. So, you should add 10-15 degrees to the specified temperature rating. Practically, when you buy a sleeping bag rated 23 degrees, you should assume that the actual temperature is 33-38 degrees.

This rule of thumb may not apply to every sleeping bag or everyone. Yet, it should be understood. That’s because a warm sleeping bag is easy to cool off when you unzip a bit, but there’s no way to warm a sleeping bag that’s too cold.

• How to Care for a Sleeping Bag

Just like every camping gear or household item, your sleeping bag should be cared for and maintained regularly. It’s fairly easy to clean and care for a sleeping bag.

What you should do:

• Do not store a wet sleeping bag. When wet, always ensure to dry it before storage.
• Goose down bags is not rugged. So, try not to store it in a stuff sack. It would help if you got a laundry or larger bag for storage.
• Synthetic sleeping bags are rugged and more forgiving and can be stored inside a stuff sack. However, it’s better to store it in a larger bag to prevent insulation compression.
• Never dry clean a goose down sleeping bag.
• If you want to wash a sleeping bag, use a front-load cloth washing machine with cold water and small soap.

Why are mummy-shaped sleeping bags better for the outdoors?

Mummy shaped sleeping bags come with a hood, and users taper towards their feet. There is less unnecessary space, and it helps to increase insulation. In addition, there is less air around your body, which keeps the bag warm and toasty. 

How long do sleeping bags last?

The lifetime of an average sleeping bag depends on factors like material quality, frequent usage, and maintenance. On average, a sleeping bag can last for up to 10 years.