How To Choose the Best Sleeping Bag for Camping

A sleeping bag for camping is such an integral piece of camping gear. It is the item that will make or break your camping experience. The right sleeping bag for camping should leave you feeling rested and comfortable. However, if your bag doesn’t provide the comfort you need, it’s time to discover what qualities to look for when choosing the correct sleeping bag for your camping needs. This sleeping bag will help you understand various options and features available, as well as what to look for to ensure you have the most restful night possible.

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Types of Sleeping Bags for Camping and When to Use Them

There are so many different types of sleeping bags for camping. Some sleeping bag brands offer unique, thoughtful features, and others offer nothing more than an attractive warranty, but these are all things to consider when choosing the best sleeping bags for camping, all of which can be daunting.

First question to ask yourself before buying a sleeping bag is – how many seasons you will be using it?

With this simple question in mind, let’s start with temperature ratings for the different types of sleeping bags available to you.

Sleeping bags fall into three categories:

Standard sleeping bag temperature ratings are not universal and serve as a guideline only, which makes choosing a sleelping bag that much harder.

We all feel cold differently. Therefore, you may be required to add or subtract some degrees to find your ideal temperature range. 

Wrong Sleeping Bag = Miserable Nights!

Here’s why picking the right sleeping bag matters. When camping at the Bonnechere Provincial Park near the Bonnechere Caves, the daytime high was 27 degrees Celsius in late August. My mom, a warm sleeper, assumed that a summer sleeping bag would suffice. Unfortunately, during our week of camping, the overnight lows dropped to a chilly 7 degrees. Needless to say, it was a very uncomfortable night. Not only was her sleeping bag a summer bag, but it was also a rectangular in shape with lots of dead space, which aids in heat loss. 

It was so cold that even in my 3-season sleeping bag made from synthetic materials in a loose mummy shape didn’t help. What did, was wearing layers, lots of them. 🙂

My husband slept like a baby in a military mummy bag with a removable lining. My son, a cold sleeper, brought his cold-weather rectangular sleeping bag and woke up somewhat cold. Although, it did give him the perfect excuse to snuggle up to dad!

So, why am I telling you this? We all had different rated sleeping bags in various styles, and some of us had a more comfortable night. Bottom line: choosing the best sleeping bag heavily depends on your camping conditions – it’s not just the temperature rating that matters, it’s also the shape and insulation fill!

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings and Comfort Rating

Some manufacturers post whatever they see fit, which is frustrating, as you cannot compare apples to apples. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provides comfort and temperature ratings. Unfortunately, not all brands follow this rating system, which is supposed to help you, the camper, make an informative decision.

However, most brands do follow this guide. Let’s take a closer look at what these temperature ratings for sleeping bags actually mean.

• Comfort Rating: based on the air temperature at which the average female can sleep comfortably throughout the night without curling up into a ball. This rating system applies to cold sleepers.
• Limit Rating: the temperature at which the average man can maintain thermal equilibrium in a curled-up position. This limit rating would apply to warm sleepers.
• Rated Extreme: gives an idea of how cold the air could be before there is a significant risk of death from hypothermia in a matter of hours.

When shopping for a camping sleeping bag, opt for an EN/ISO-rated bag to give yourself the best chance of keeping warm. Your internal thermostat plays a huge role in selecting the right bag. 

If you are a person who tends to run cold, choose a sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures. But if you are not bothered by the colder temperatures, you can take a chance with a sleeping bag rated a bit higher. 

Do not just focus on the EN/ISO rating, though – look at the down fill power (the quality of down) and fill weight (the total amount of down).

How Do I Know If I am a Cold or Warm Sleeper?

You should know the answer, as I’m sure a partner has already said something to you at some point. You are a warm sleeper if you kick off the blanket/duvet. However, if you like to hog ALL of the blankets, you are a cold sleeper.

Features to Look for in a Camping Sleeping Bag

Fit

Getting the right sleeping bag fit is the difference between a good night’s sleep and a night spent shivering in your tent. Fortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sleeping bags.

Technically, all sleeping bags are unisex and come in two different sizes: a regular and a long version.

New to the market are gender-specific sleeping bags designed for both men and women, with variations that account for the differences in body shape. A women’s bag is wide around the hips and narrower around the shoulders, with extra insulation at the feet.

Sleeping bags for men are slightly larger. These variations help simplify the decision process. No matter your size or gender, choose a sleeping bag size that fits you and keeps you comfortable. Uncomfortable people fidget, which leads to sleepless nights and miserable mornings for all!

The values in the chart above are approximate, as many sleeping bag brands differ in size.

Weight

When shopping for the best sleeping bag, consider the weight of the sleeping bag. Backpacking sleeping bags are lighter weight, whereas sleeping bags for winter camping are bulkier and heavier. Sleeping bags for summer camping are usually lighter and more compact. If you’re into backpacking trips, look for an ultralight sleping bag as the best choice.

Zips

Look for two-way YKK zippers – this should be a full-length zipper on your sleeping bag. That way, you can open the bottom end to vent your feet if necessary. Double-check that there is a good-sized baffle of fabric and fill behind the zips to keep out drafts and prevent zipper snag.

Sleeping Bag Shapes: Mummy Bags vs Rectangular Sleeping Bag

The two most common camping sleeping bag shapes are a tapered mummy and a rectangular shape.

Rectangular bags offer more space and easily unzip to form a duvet – making two sleeping bags, whereas the mummy bags are intended for maximum heat retention.

Think of a sleeping bag as a thermos: the closer it fits to your body, the more efficient it gets at retaining your body heat. Too much empty space, aka dead space, in your bag can make it hard to stay warm.

When choosing the best sleeping bag, opt for one that fits you snugly but still allows movement. That way, you can be sure your camping trips will be cozy and comfortable!

NEMO is the most popular choice of sleeping bag. They design their bags for optimal comfort, constantly tailoring new layouts, such as the spoon-shaped model for side sleepers. This sleeping bag shape allows room to toss and turn, making it an ultra-comfortable bag for side sleepers. NEMO is also the company that first designed gender-specific sleeping bags.

Insulation Type

There are two different insulation types for sleeping bags: down (eider, goose down or duck down) and synthetic (a mixture of human-made fibres). 

Down Sleeping Bag vs. Synthetic Fill Sleeping Bags

Down insulation is famously light and offers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio, so you get plenty of cozy warmth without extra bulk. The down content determines the quality of the bag: higher percentage, more insulation and higher cost.

Look for a fill power rating – the higher the number, the better the efficiency. Down sleeping bags are also easier to pack.

Synthetic insulation may not be as light but can prove just as warm, and unlike down, it even works when wet. Synthetic insulation also dries quickly and is non-allergenic. When shopping on a budget, be aware that the cheaper the fill and bag, the lower the performance.

Bottomline: when looking at sleeping bag insulation, down vs synthetic, the debate here will be your specific camping needs and preferences, as well as budget.

Extra Features to Look For

Some bags offer extra quirky features such as – a zippered stash pouch, an attached torch, a built-in mosquito net, a hood, and pillow pockets. Remember that extra features add to the price of the sleeping bag – ask yourself if you really need all the bells and whistles, and if you’re going to use them.

If you already have a sleeping bag that you love, but it’s not doing its job, use a sleeping bag liner for added warmth and comfort. This accessory increases the temperature rating of your bag and is easy to clean, which extends the life of your sleeping bag.

How To Care For and Store Your Camping Sleeping Bag

Once you purchase your sleeping bag, remember that proper care and storage should be a priority for the optimal life of your sleeping bag. After your camping trip, start by taking it out of its stuff sack and drying it thoroughly. Below are a few more tips for maintaining your sleeping bag.

• Keep it loosely stowed in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. Store it in a cool and dry place. 
• Air it out daily, turning it inside-out to dry out any moisture. 
• Avoid direct sunlight, as UV light will degrade the fabric. If your sleeping bag gets wet, air it out for several hours.
• Never store a sleeping bag compressed, as the compressed insulator reduces its effectiveness.
• Instead of washing, try alternative cleaning techniques as a first option. Ie. Spot cleaning when applicable. 

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Common Mistakes When Buying a Sleeping Bag

• Not paying attention to the locale’s temperature (ex. the summer does not necessarily guarantee warmer nights).
• Ignoring the temperature rating: always choose a bag for lower temperatures
• Choosing the wrong sleeping bag fit: large bags have cold spots, while small ones can be uncomfortable.
• Neglecting sleeping bag design: different designs suit different needs, make sure you choose one that matches your sleep style.
• Over relying on the sleeping bag to keep you warm. Sleeping bags are intended to be part of a sleep system. Incorporate a proper sleeping pad with your sleeping bag for insulation from the cold ground, and remember that sleeping pads also come with an R-value.
• Focusing on price: investing in quality sleeping bags make for better nights.

What are the Best Brands for Camping Sleeping Bags?

Whether camping in the backcountry, in the car or for emergency use, having a quality sleeping bag is vital. In our experience, we found the best overall camping sleeping bags that we love are from NEMO, Marmot and Kuma.

Nemo’s sleeping bags are expensive, but they feature designs that cater to your sleep habits by using soft fabrics and a high-quality outer shell. They provide ample room where needed, and useful features that are worth every penny. They’re designed to keep you warm, cozy and comfortable even in the harshest weather conditions. Worth looking into is the Disco 15 (winter bag) and Disco 30 (summer bag). For backpacking trips, Nemo’s Forte and Sea 2 Summit’s Spark 30 Down are excellent ultralight sleeping bag options for those long wilderness treks.

A favourite amongst the survivalist/prepper community is the Marmot Trestles 15 sleeping bag. It’s an all-season bag that is light enough for backpacking and warm enough to use if stranded in the car during winter. This bag checks all the right boxes. If not the Trestles, the hardcore backcountry enthusiast will opt for a 2-in-1 military mummy-style sleeping bag. Unfortunately, some models are heavy and bulky, but they work well. These are more suited for shorter walks to the campsite or camping by vehicle.

Other notable brands worth mentioning are Kelty, North Face, Big Agnes, and Coleman – these are common bags you’ll find used by campers.

Comparing Sleeping Bags

In this comparison chart, we will compare unisex sleeping bags for camping with a 15-degree F temperature rating. The first chart compares down-filled sleeping bags, and the second compares synthetic-filled sleeping bags.

Comparing Synthetic-Filled Sleeping Bags

Sleeping Bag FAQs

Conclusion to Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag for Camping

Don’t let another bad night’s sleep ruin your camping trip! Whether you’re looking for an ultralight sleeping bag for backpacking or a cozy double sleeping bag for family camping, make sure that you get one that keeps you comfy. Remember, a goodnight’s rest keeps you energized to tackle the day’s adventures. So, take the time to do your research and find the perfect sleeping bag for your needs. Trust us. The reward of a good night’s sleep under the stars is worth every penny!

👉 What’s your go-to sleeping bag brand? Share your favorites and any tips in the comments below!

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