How To Choose The Right 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.

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Types of Sleeping Bags for Camping and When to Use Them

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

Ask yourself how many seasons you will be using this sleeping bag. With this simple question in mind, let’s explore the temperature ratings of the different types of sleeping bags available to you.

Sleeping bags fall into three different categories:

These temperature ratings for sleeping bags are not universal and serve as a guideline only. We all feel cold differently. Therefore, you may be required to add or subtract some degrees to find your ideal temperature range. 

Keep in mind where you are camping. For example, we camped at the Bonnechere Provincial Park, where 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. It was a very uncomfortable night for some of us. Not only was her sleeping bag a summer bag, but it was also a rectangular bag with lots of dead space, which aids heat loss. 

It was cold, even in my 3-season sleeping bag made from synthetic materials in a loose mummy shape. My husband slept like a baby, as he slept 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. 

So, why am I telling you this? Note that we all had different rated sleeping bags in various styles, and some had a more comfortable night. Bottom line – it’s not just the temperature rating that matters, it’s also the shape and insulation fill.

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Sleeping Bag Comfort and Temperature Ratings

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, the majority of brands do follow this guide. Let’s take a closer look at what these ratings mean.

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).

Further Reading: Is the Attractive Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P Worth it?

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.

Camping Sleeping Bag Features to Consider

Fit

Getting the right fit in a sleeping bag can be 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.

All sleeping bags are technically 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 that fits you and keeps you comfortable. Uncomfortable people fidget, which leads to sleepless nights and miserable mornings!

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

Weight

When shopping for the best sleeping bag, it is essential to 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.

Zips

Look for two-way YKK zippers – this should be a full-length zipper. 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.

Shape

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, 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 shopping for a 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!

A popular choice is NEMO. They design their bags for optimal comfort, constantly tailoring new layouts, such as the spoon-shaped model for side sleepers. This 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.

Fill

Sleeping bags come with two different types of insulation: down (eider, goose or duck) and synthetic (a mixture of human-made fibres). 

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.

Extra Features

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. Consider whether these unique features are essential to you. Remember that extra features add to the price of the 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 adventure is over, start by taking it out of its stuff sack and drying it thoroughly. 

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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 essential. For us, the best overall camping sleeping bag would have to be from NEMO, Marmot and Kuma. Nemo’s sleeping bags are expensive, but the quality of the outer shell, the use of soft fabrics, the comfortable-featured design, and the usefulfeatures are worth every penny. They’re designed to keep you warm, cozy and comfortable even in the harshest weather conditions. And if you love backpacking trips, then the Forte series is worth noting. It is lightweight, easy to carry, and perfect for those long treks in the wilderness. 

Marmot makes a sleeping bag that is a favourite amongst the survivalist/prepper community, and it’s none other than the Marmot Trestles 15. This bag checks all the right boxes. It also makes a great backpacking bag. 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. We have had experience with all of these brands, and we can confidently say that they all serve their purpose.

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

Conclusion to Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag for Camping

Don’t let a bad night’s sleep ruin your camping trip! As you plan your next adventure, prioritize your comfort and invest in a high-quality sleeping bag. With the right sleeping bag, you can rest easy and wake up ready 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 brand of sleeping bag do you love? What do you look for in a high-quality sleeping bag? Comment down below.

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