“Camping is not a date; it is an endurance test. If you can survive camping with someone, you should marry them on the way home.”
-Yvonne Prinz.
There is nothing better than having a good night’s worth of sleep and decent rest.
And this is all the more true when you are out camping. After all, when you have spent the entire day outdoors, pitching up your tent and doing various adventurous excursions, sinking into a warm sleeping bag is something you will look forward to.
Needless to say, a sleeping bag is one of the most essential items in your camping gear packing list. A high-quality sleeping bag properly suited to your trip conditions can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and uncomfortable rest. However, finding a good and reliable sleeping bag might be a little trickier than you think. If you are quite new to the world of camping, the number of options you have at your disposal can be a tad bit intimidating, and choosing one may be overwhelming. Not to worry, though, as this article will help you navigate your way through various types of sleeping bags and reduce your list of potential options.
Let this serve as your guide in choosing through down vs. synthetic, double vs. single, temperature ratings, and other important considerations to get you the best bag for your needs.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SLEEPING BAG FOR BACKPACKING OR CAMPING
a.) Bag Shape
Sleeping bags come in all shapes and forms, the most popular of which are double, rectangular, mummy, and semi-rectangular.
- Double- As the name suggests, this type of sleeping bag fits two people and is perfect for couples who wish to go on a camping excursion or outdoor getaway.
- Rectangular- Rectangular sleeping bags are ideal for individuals who wish to have a little more room to stretch while they are sleeping.
- Mummy- While personal preference should be considered, mummy-style sleeping bags are ideal, especially for individuals who are backpacking. They are smaller and hug the body better. They widen at the shoulders while thinning at the head, legs, and feet.
- Semi-rectangular- Semi-rectangular sleeping bags are the widest at the head and shoulders and thinnest at the feet. This sleeping bag is ideal when it comes to accommodating a range of body sizes and shapes as it has more room to wiggle around than mummy bags but less than rectangular ones.
b.) Insulation
Your sleeping bag’s insulation is a paramount factor to consider. This is especially true if you are backpacking and need to compress the sleeping bag into a backpack. Below are the two types of sleeping bag insulation.
- Down- Down sleeping bag insulation comes from the plumage under features which is right next to a goose or duck’s skin. Quality is typically determined by fill power. The higher it is, the warmer you will be at night. Down-filled sleeping bags tend to be more expensive, but this type of sleeping bag is more compressible, durable, and lightweight.
- Synthetic- Campers who are looking for a cheaper alternative can opt for a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation for its affordability. Another point to consider when it comes to synthetic sleeping bags is that they continue to insulate even when wet. You can also purchase a down and synthetic blended sleeping bag that affords you the best of both worlds: comfort and affordability.
c.) Style
Sleeping bag styles come in a wide variety. There are those that are great for adults, and there are also those perfect for kids. Campers who wish to have maximum comfort should purchase sleeping bags that come with a pillow. Others who value warmth and mobility should consider getting a sleeping bag with legs (wearable sleeping bag), while claustrophobic individuals may want to consider a backpacking quilt.
THE BEST SLEEPING BAGS 2024
a.) REI HunkerDown 20
While this sleeping bag is more expensive than some, the REI HunkerDown 20 has become an instant favorite of many due to its balance of warmth, comfort, and packability. Apart from that, the bag comes with several nice touches that give users quality sleep at night.
b.) Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1
Backpackers are going to love Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1. Apart from its affordable price point, this down-filled bag has diagonal baffles that make it seem roomier than most mummy-shaped bags—plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty!
c.) Marmot Women’s Teton
Narrow-bodied people who sleep cold should consider getting the Marmot Women’s Teton, as this is a warm bag. It is made with soft silk fabric that is filled with water-resistant down that is well-lofted. This type of sleeping bag also comes with a lifetime warranty.
d.) Kelty Galactic 30
Designed for front-country users, the Kelty Galactic is a down bag that allows you plenty of room to sprawl. It is priced similarly to many of the high-quality synthetic bags and is quite small, which makes for convenient carrying. If you are looking for a sleeping bag that gives you a balance of warmth and livability as well as a compact size, the Kelty Galactic might just be what you are looking for.
