The best sleeping bags to look for
No matter how you’ve spent the day, the right sleeping bag will keep you warm, comfy and help you recover at night. So whether you’re looking to replace your sleeping bag or upgrade to a warmer bag, here are our top tips for what you should be looking for in a sleeping bag that’s right for you.
Temperature rating
The temperature rating is the most important factor to consider when choosing a sleeping bag. As a rule of thumb, subtract around 10 degrees from the temperature guide on the sleeping bag for the “right” temperature. For example, if you know you’ll be camping in zero degree temps, then opts for a bag that has a minus 10 degree rating. Remember it’s much easier to cool down if it’s too warm rather than warming up if you’re freezing.
Bag shape
There are many different shapes of sleeping bags but the main ones are:
- Mummy – it’s wide at the shoulders and tapers down to narrow at your feet. Since sleeping bags work by trapping air warmed by your body, the less air inside your bag, the less your body needs to work to heat it. These are smaller and weigh less than other bag shapes too.
- Tapered rectangular – It’s like the mummy-shaped bags but not as narrow at the feet. It’s a good all-rounder bag, especially for those who like to have more wriggle-room.
- Rectangular bags – Large bags that have plenty of room inside. Great pick if you don’t need to worry about weight and size.
Down versus synthetic
The decision will come down to your budget and your style of camping.
- Synthetic is cheaper than down, easy to care for, retains thermal properties when wet and is good for people with asthma and allergies. However, it’s heavier, bulkier and not as long lasting.
- Down is more compact, lighter and warmer than any synthetic sleeping bag available. It is however more expensive and more difficult to care for.
Zips, linings and other features
- Check the zips. Make sure they don’t snag on the lining and zip easily. Do they lock into place when pulled up? Do you have to fiddle with them to zip it up (which can be quite difficult in the dark)? Do they go all the way down to the bottom or only half way? Can you zip up the sleeping bag with another bag?
- What’s the material of the lining? Polyester or nylon breathes and draws moisture. Cotton is comfortable but retains moisture.
- Some sleeping bags have hoods and neck muffs that help with comfort and warmth factor.
Related links:
Survival guide for cool-weather camping
The caravanning commandments (for the park and on the road)