How To Pick a Sleeping Bag

Selecting the right sleeping bag is the key to having a comfortable night’s sleep.

Whether you’re car camping, backpacking, or embarking on a winter expedition, understanding the key factors that go into choosing a sleeping bag will help you make an informed decision that matches your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

• Select a sleeping bag with a temperature rating lower than the lowest temperatures you expect to encounter during your trips.
• Consider the insulation type: down offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio but performs poorly when wet, while synthetic insulation is more affordable and performs better in wet conditions.
• Choose a bag shape that matches your sleeping style: rectangular for more room, mummy for maximum warmth and minimum weight.
• Factor in your intended use (car camping vs. backpacking) when considering weight and packability requirements.
• Pay attention to additional features like hoods, draft collars, and compatibility with sleeping pads to enhance comfort.

Understanding Temperature Ratings

Temperature ratings are one of the most critical factors when choosing a sleeping bag. These ratings help you determine if a bag will keep you warm enough in the conditions you’ll face.

Seasonal Ratings

Sleeping bags are typically categorized by season:

• Summer Season: +30°F and higher – ideal for warm weather camping.
• 3-Season: +15°F to +30°F – versatile for spring, summer, and fall use.
• Winter: +15°F and lower – designed for cold weather camping.

Comfort vs. Limit Ratings

Modern sleeping bags often display multiple temperature ratings based on standardized testing:

• Comfort Rating: The temperature at which a cold sleeper (typically women) will feel comfortable.
• Limit Rating: The temperature at which a warm sleeper (typically men) might still feel comfortable.
• Extreme Rating: The temperature at which risk of hypothermia occurs – this is a survival rating, not a comfort rating.

A good rule of thumb is to always choose a bag rated for temperatures lower than what you expect to encounter. You can always unzip or vent a bag that’s too warm, but you can’t easily add warmth to a bag that’s too cold for conditions.

Remember that temperature ratings are designed to help you compare bags to one another. Your actual comfort will depend on many factors including your sleeping pad, what you wear to bed, humidity, wind, and your personal metabolism.

Insulation Types

The insulation in your sleeping bag significantly impacts its performance, weight, and price.

Down Insulation

Down insulation offers several advantages:

• Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
• Highly compressible for smaller packed size.
• Longer lifespan with proper care.
• Better for cold, dry conditions.

However, down has drawbacks:

• Traditionally loses insulating properties when wet.
• Takes longer to dry.
• Typically more expensive than synthetic options.

When looking at down bags, pay attention to fill power – a higher number (like 800 or 900) indicates better quality down that provides more warmth for less weight. Many modern down bags now feature water-resistant treatments like DownTek that help maintain loft and insulation value even when damp.

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic insulation has its own benefits:

• Continues to insulate when wet.
• Dries faster than down.
• Generally more affordable.
• Better for humid or wet conditions.
• Often made from recycled materials.

The downsides include:

• Heavier and bulkier than equivalent down bags.
• Shorter lifespan as it breaks down with compression over time.

Some manufacturers now offer hybrid insulation that combines down and synthetic fills to provide the benefits of both.

Related: Sleeping Bag Materials and How To Wash A Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Bag Shapes

The shape of your sleeping bag affects both comfort and thermal efficiency.

Rectangular

Rectangular bags offer:

• Maximum room for movement.
• Ability to stretch out your legs and arms.
• Option to unzip completely to use as a blanket.
• Possibility to zip compatible bags together for couples.
• Best for car camping where space and weight aren’t concerns.

Semi-rectangular (Barrel)

These “modified mummy” bags provide:

• A balance between roominess and warmth.
• More space than mummy bags but better heat retention than rectangular.
• Good versatility for various camping styles.

Mummy

Mummy bags feature:

• Tapered design that minimizes weight and maximizes warmth.
• Snug fit that reduces air space your body needs to heat.
• Contoured hood to keep your head warm.
• Ideal for backpacking, mountaineering, and cold-weather camping.
• Less room to move around – you roll with the bag rather than inside it.

Double Bags

For couples who camp together:

• Designed specifically for two people.
• Can help keep both sleepers warmer.
• Reduces the need to pack two separate bags.
• Usually more suitable for car camping due to size and weight.

Related: How To Choose The Right Double Sleeping Bag

Weight and Packability

How you’ll use your sleeping bag should influence how much importance you place on weight and packed size.

Car Camping

If you’re primarily car camping:

• Weight and packed size are less important.
• You can prioritize comfort and roominess.
• Rectangular bags with plush materials are a good choice.
• More affordable synthetic options may be perfectly suitable.

Backpacking

For backpacking and other activities where you carry your gear:

• Weight and packed size become crucial considerations.
• Down bags typically offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio.
• Mummy shapes reduce bulk and weight.
• Higher-quality materials and construction justify the higher price.

Additional Features to Consider

Beyond the basics, several features can enhance your sleeping experience:

Hood Design

A well-designed hood helps retain heat around your head and can make a significant difference in cold conditions. Look for hoods with drawcords that allow adjustment.

Draft Collars and Tubes

These insulated baffles prevent warm air from escaping through the neck opening or along the zipper, improving thermal efficiency.

Shell Materials

The outer fabric affects durability, water resistance, and weight:

• Lightweight nylon or polyester shells balance weight and durability.
• DWR (durable water repellent) treatments help shed moisture.
• Some bags feature waterproof/breathable fabrics in key areas.

Zipper Considerations

Pay attention to:

• Zipper length (full-length for ventilation, half-length for weight savings).
• Left or right-side zippers (important for compatibility when zipping bags together).
• Anti-snag zipper guards to prevent fabric catching.

Sleeping Pad Compatibility

Some bags include sleeve systems to secure your sleeping pad, preventing you from rolling off during the night and eliminating drafts from underneath.

Stash Pockets

A small zippered pocket inside the bag can be handy for storing essentials like a headlamp, phone, or lip balm.

Matching Your Bag to Your Activity

Different activities have specific requirements for sleeping bags:

General Camping

For casual weekend camping:

• Focus on comfort and value.
• Temperature rating appropriate for your typical camping season.
• Consider a roomier rectangular or semi-rectangular shape.
• Synthetic insulation may offer the best balance of performance and price.

Backpacking

For multi-day hiking trips:

• Prioritize weight and packed size.
• Choose a mummy or semi-rectangular shape.
• Consider down insulation for the best warmth-to-weight ratio.
• Select features that enhance versatility like full-length zippers.

Winter Mountaineering

For cold-weather expeditions:

• Select a bag with a temperature rating well below expected conditions.
• Choose a mummy shape for maximum thermal efficiency.
• Look for robust draft collars and hoods.
• Consider water-resistant down or synthetic insulation if wet conditions are likely.

Bikepacking

For cycling adventures:

• Ultra-compact packed size is essential.
• Lightweight materials reduce your overall load.
• Consider temperature versatility for changing conditions.

Related: Camping Essentials For Women

The Complete Sleep System

Remember that your sleeping bag is just one part of your sleep system. For optimal comfort, consider:

• Sleeping Pad: The R-value (insulation rating) of your pad is crucial for preventing heat loss to the ground.
• Sleeping Bag Liner: A sleeping bag liner can add warmth and keep your bag cleaner.
• Pillow: A dedicated camping pillow can significantly improve sleep quality.
• Base Layers: What you wear to sleep affects your warmth.

Related: How To Store A Sleeping Bag

Conclusion

Selecting the right sleeping bag is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your outdoor experiences. By understanding the key factors discussed in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a sleeping bag that meets your specific needs and ensures comfortable nights under the stars.

Remember that temperature ratings, insulation type, and bag shape are the foundation of your decision. Consider your intended use carefully – whether you’re a car camper prioritizing comfort or a backpacker focused on minimizing weight. Don’t overlook the importance of additional features like hoods, draft collars, and sleeping pad compatibility, as these can greatly enhance your sleeping experience.

Ultimately, your sleeping bag is just one part of a complete sleep system. By carefully considering all aspects of your outdoor sleep setup, including your sleeping pad, liner, and base layers, you’ll be able to create a cozy and efficient sleeping environment. With the right sleeping bag as your outdoor companion, you’ll be ready to tackle new adventures and wake up refreshed, no matter where your journeys take you.