- Determine the Purpose of the Sleeping Bag
- If being used for family camping – consider comfort
- If backcountry camping – consider weight and size
- Determine the Shape
- Rectangular type
- Provides more space for movement
- Can be zipped together to create a double sleeping bag
- Can be fully opened and used as an extra blanket
- Mummy type
- Weighs less
- Smaller size requires less energy to keep warm at night
- Has a hood to pull tight around your head.
- Determine the Size
- Sizes vary – regular, youth, extra long, extra wide
- Determine Temperature Rating
- Depends on the conditions you plan to camp in
- A bags temperature rating indicates the lowest temperature in which a person would be comfortable.
- “Comfortable” is a very subjective term – everyone is different
- Use of a ground pad is assumed, necessary and very important – this provides extra insulation and comfort. A foam and air core pad is the best.
- Other factors should be considered – quality of ground pad and tent, personal level of energy etc.
- Basic ratings:
- Traditional sleeping bags are rated at 40 degrees F
- Three season bags are rated at 20 degrees F
- Cold weather bags are rated at 0 degrees F
- Winter camping bags are rated from -15 degrees F to -30 degrees F
- Determine Insulation
- Down
- Best natural insulator
- Light and compressible
- Must be kept dry or it losses its insulating abilities
- Synthetic Fill
- Cost less then down bags
- Insulates even when wet
- Dries quickly
- Determine the Lining
- Nylon Taffeta
- Polyester Cotton
- Fleece
- Consider Quality of Other Features
- Seams and stitching
- Zippers
- Consider a storage bag
See the Camp Store for our selection of sleeping bags, pads and pumps
These tips are suggestions only and are meant to be helpful to our readers. Tips should be used at readers own discretion.