Besides the basics like shelter and food, your sleeping bag is probably the most important item you'll invest in before a camping trip. After a day of backcountry hiking, rafting or mountain biking, your tired bones crave a restful, warm sleep. Today's high-tech sleeping bags are outfitted for extreme weather situations making them much more durable than your old GI Joe sleeping bag. But how do you choose from all the options? Which one is right for you? Here's our guide.
Essentially there are two types of sleeping bags … the mummy bag and the rectangular bag. The mummy bag provides more insulation while the rectangular bag allows for more space and movement within the bag. If you're camping in warmer weather, the rectangular bag is the smarter choice. If you're suspended on the side of Mount Everest, the mummy bag would be ideal. Rule of thumb: mummy bag for cold or extreme weather, rectangular bag for warmer-weather camping. The following tips apply to both mummy and rectangular bags, which are available in synthetic and down varieties.
Comfort level
Temperature
Insulation
Weight and size
The comfort level is important when considering a sleeping bag. Basically it's wise to select a bag based on personal sleeping preferences. The bottom line is you want to be comfortable when you sleep, otherwise your whole camping experience can be ruined. So don't invest in a four-season sleeping bag if you only camp during the summer. Chances are you'll be wasting your money and find yourself uncomfortable most nights. Your sleeping bag should fit your camping experience.
This brings us to temperature. Sleeping bags are given different temperature ratings to let you know the minimum temperature the bag is designed for. So a bag with a -10 rating would be an ideal winter sleeping bag for most campers, whether you're the type who prefers flannel pajamas at night or no pjs at all. It's better to get a warmer bag and open the zipper for ventilation than to find yourself shivering all night. A bag with a +35 to +50 rating would be a perfect summer bag and ratings of +10 and +35 are ideal for spring and fall camping.
Next is insulation. Think about what you like next to your skin at night. Are you a fan of down feathers or synthetic fibers? Down sleeping bags are lighter and pack smaller than synthetic bags, ideal for backpackers. They also provide more insulation and last for decades. Synthetic sleeping bags are less expensive and are a great option for campers allergic to down. And synthetic wicks away moisture, ensuring a dryer experience during a rainstorm. Basically whether you choose down or synthetic is a personal preference based on budget and comfort level.
If you're planning to hike to your camping spot, it's important that your sleeping bag not be too heavy or oversized. You don't want to lug around a 10-pound sleeping bag. Ideally the bag will comprise only 10 to 20 percent of your total pack weight - five pounds is the maximum you'll want to carry. (And take note when reading the weight - the sleeping bag may say three pounds fill weight, which is not the weight of the entire bag, only the filling.) Obviously if you are driving to your campsite, weight of the sleeping bag is not as important.
One last consideration when purchasing a sleeping bag is the importance of the sleeping pad. A good sleeping pad will make the difference between a good and horrible camping experience. Basically, the pad will provide the backup to the sleeping bag after you've squished it by lying on it all night. It saves your backside from getting cold and possibly wet. If it's really cold out, think about investing in two sleeping pads.
And even though you've got a sleeping bag, you still need to bring warm blankets and clothes. Always prepare for the worst to ensure a great camping experience.
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