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Next to a tent, a quality sleeping bag is probably the next most important piece of camping gear. In addition to helping provide a comfortable night sleep, sleeping bags are meant to keep you warm. Choosing a sleeping bag is generally pretty simple. Other than your personal color preference and style choice, the climate you’re intending on using it for should be your primary deciding factor.
Styles: Sleeping Bags come in 2 styles, rectangular or Mummy. Beyond the obvious shape, rectangular sleeping bags usually have zippers that extend all the way to the bottom (and can usually be fully unzipped to be either used as a blanket or to sometimes be connected to another sleeping bag. Mummy bags taper in width from the head to the foot. They are meant to fit snuggly to provide maximum warmth, as well as to save some space if you are backpacking and traveling lightly. Mummy bags usually only partially unzip.
Size: Sleeping Bags generally come in 3 different lengths; Junior, Regular/Standard and Long. Junior Sleeping Bags are usually meant for kids. Regular/Standard size sleeping bags are geared for adults under around 6 feet tall. Long sleeping bags are meant to accommodate people taller than 6 feet. Regular/Standard sleeping bags are usually fine for kids as well, as they can grow into it and you can get a longer lifespan out of it.
Temperature Ratings and insulation materials: Manufacturers usually give an estimated low temperature the sleeping bag can be used in while still keeping you warm (some give an estimated high temperature as well). The difference is usually determined by the stuffing material and thickness. The Insulation is most often either synthetic fill (which dries easily, does not usually absorb water and usually provides a good amount of insulation) or Down (weighs less than synthetic and provides better insulation, but must be kept dry).
Keep in mind that it’s easy to add more layers to keep warm (such as more clothing or additional blankets on top of your sleeping bag), but if you’re using a sleeping bag rated for 0 degrees in 60 degree weather, you’ll probably be too warm, especially as soon as the morning sun hits. If you often camp during different seasons, we recommend having one sleeping bag more suited for warmer temperatures and one suited for colder temperatures.
*Always keep in mind that the temperatures listed for sleeping bags are just estimates, so always make sure you’re prepared for it to be colder than you’re expecting, especially when camping in higher altitudes.
Zipper Location: Sleeping bags come either zippers either on the left or right size, or both. The zipper side refers to your side when you are lying in the sleeping bag.
If you are planning on connecting two sleeping bags together, make sure the zippers are compatible with one another.
Collar: This is extra padding around the neck (starting at about shoulder level) that provides extra insulation on sleeping bags geared for cold temperatures.
Bivy Sack (Bivouac Sack): This is a waterproof cover that you can use in place of a tent. They are meant for backpackers looking to travel lightly.
Pad Loops: Built-in straps that allow you to attach your sleeping bag to your sleeping pad.
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