Shopping for a sleeping bag is an thrilling, but in addition daunting activity.
With so many fashions out there, how does one select?
Effectively, there are lots of elements it’s essential take into accounts when selecting the right sleeping bag.
And immediately, we’ll cowl all of them.
Let’s dive in.
What To Look For In A Sleeping Bag
When shopping for a sleeping bag, our eyes immediately go to colours and shapes. However that doesn’t even scratch the floor with regards to necessary elements in selecting.
Each single mannequin is designed with particular circumstances in thoughts.
First, the climate you’re tenting in determines how heat your sleeping bag must be.
Then, your funds, weight restrict, and sleeping model additionally decide the kind of sleeping bag you want.
Additionally, don’t overlook to match the sleeping bag dimension to your personal physique peak.
Lastly, we have now further options that make sure fashions stand out from the gang.
Nonetheless confused? Let’s speak about every attribute individually…
Temperature Ranking
When selecting a sleeping bag, one of many first issues you have to be questioning about is whether or not it would hold you heat.
And to reply that query, take a look at the mannequin’s temperature score.
However to an untrained eye, that is likely to be simpler mentioned than achieved.
True, sleeping bag temperature rankings have been standardized a number of years in the past.
This implies all producers grade their merchandise utilizing predetermined, lab-tested, established temperature rankings.
Every sleeping bag has three completely different rankings: consolation, decrease restrict, and excessive temperature ranges.
The consolation degree signifies a temperature at which a median chilly sleeper can sleep comfortably at evening.
That is the score used for ladies’s sleeping luggage, since a median girl will really feel colder in comparison with a median man in the identical sleeping bag.
That’s really scientifically confirmed! Ladies have decrease muscle mass, so they offer off much less warmth than males.
The decrease restrict score is the one used on males’s sleeping luggage, and it refers back to the temperature at which a median heat sleeper would possibly nonetheless really feel comfy.
Lastly, we have now the acute score, which is the survival score for a median chilly sleeper (and girls).
So, when selecting a sleeping bag, take a look at the score that’s extra acceptable for the sort of sleeper you’re.
To be secure, it’s all the time higher to decide on a sleeping bag with a temperature score a couple of levels colder than the bottom temperature you anticipate in your tenting journey.
That means, you’re additionally ready for sudden temperature drops.
If it will get too heat, you’ll be able to all the time unzip the sleeping bag to chill down throughout hotter nights.
| Sleeping Bag Sort | Temperature Ranking |
| Summer season | 30°F+ |
| 3-season | 15°F to 30°F |
| Winter | 15°F and decrease |
Sleeping Bag Form
In fact, there are numerous different elements that it’s essential take into accounts when selecting a sleeping bag.
The following one is its form, and you’ve got fairly a couple of choices out there.
Mummy Sleeping Luggage
The sort of sleeping bag resembles the form of the Egyptian mummy coffin – therefore the identify.
The cosy match of this sleeping bag serves to reduce useless house round your physique and hold you as heat as attainable.
Nevertheless, that additionally means your motion contained in the sleeping bag is somewhat restricted.
To be able to flip to your aspect, it’s essential roll over along with your sleeping bag – not within it.
Given the match, mummy sleeping luggage are most fitted for chilly climate.
On the similar time, the shut minimize additionally means decrease weight, which is why mummy luggage are a standard choice for backpackers.
Learn: Mummy vs. Rectangular Sleeping Luggage
Rectangular Sleeping Luggage
Because the identify suggests, an oblong sleeping bag has an oblong, boxy form.
That is the commonest kind of sleeping bag, and it’s sometimes used for leisure tenting journeys.
An oblong sleeping bag gives loads of room so that you can sleep in your favourite positions.
Actually, when the temperature permits it, you’ll be able to unzip and switch it into a correct blanket!
In fact, such a sleeping bag has its drawbacks, as nicely.
The truth that it’s so spacy additionally implies that there’s extra materials concerned in comparison with a mummy sleeping bag.
For that purpose, rectangular luggage are heavier and bulkier.
Moreover, the truth that there’s lots of “unused air house” inside makes such a sleeping bag much less thermally environment friendly.
For that purpose, it’s principally used for tenting throughout hotter months of the yr.
Semi-Rectangular Sleeping Luggage
A semi-rectangular sleeping bag is a hybrid between a mummy and an oblong sleeping bag, providing a good compromise between wiggle room and heat.
The sort of sleeping bag is barely tapered within the shoulder space, large on the center and narrows down in the direction of the underside.
In different phrases, you have got some room to modify between completely different sleeping positions, whereas the form prevents air from escaping, thus preserving you heat.
Mainly, a semi-rectangular sleeping bag is an efficient medium.
It sits proper within the center with regards to heat, weight, and house.
For that purpose, it’s a good selection for tenting from spring to fall.
Double Sleeping Luggage
Double sleeping luggage are for {couples} who wish to sleep collectively whereas tenting, similar to at residence.
Have you ever seen how sure manufacturers make their sleeping luggage in two variations: with a right-hand or a left-hand zipper?
Effectively, these sleeping luggage may be zipped collectively to create a double sleeping bag.
Clearly, a double sleeping bag is heavy and hulking.
However the truth that you’re sleeping subsequent to your associate means you’ll be able to hold one another heat, in order that makes such a sleeping bag a good selection for 3-season tenting.
Quilt-Model Sleeping Luggage
A quilt is mainly a blanket with a footbox just like the one a mummy bag has.
The rationale behind such a design is that with correct insulation beneath you, you don’t want a sleeping bag that covers 100% of your physique.
Due to this fact, a quilt saves up on bulk and weight by offering simply sufficient materials to cowl the highest of your physique and your ft.
A quilt-style sleeping bag is mainly a quilt with a zipper.
When unzipped, it really works like a quilt. However zipping it at evening gives higher draft safety and elevated heat.
The sort of sleeping bag is sort of versatile, which makes it appropriate for tenting throughout three out of 4 seasons.
Learn: Quilt vs Sleeping Bag – Which Is Higher For Backpacking?
Sleeping Bag Insulation Sort
Then, we have now insulation. The 2 most typical forms of insulation are down and artificial.
To make your alternative between them a bit simpler, let’s speak about every insulation’s benefits and downsides individually.
Artificial
Artificial insulation is manufactured from polyester fibers that are packed collectively to type insulating air pockets.
These fibers are heavier and fewer compressible in comparison with down.
However what makes artificial so nice is the truth that it retains its insulating properties even when moist, and it dries down somewhat quick.
Because it’s a man-made product, artificial insulation can also be non-allergenic.
Whereas allergy to feathers will not be actually widespread, those that do have such an allergy can safely use an artificial sleeping bag.
Lastly, artificial insulation is extra inexpensive in comparison with down, so it’s an incredible choice for anybody who’s on a funds.
Down
Down is a layer of wonderful filaments laying between the goose’s pores and skin and outer feathers.
Mainly, down is a goose’s insulating layer, so it is sensible that it really works nicely as a sleeping bag insulation, too.
Down is extraordinarily light-weight and fluffy, however on the similar time, it does an incredible job of trapping warmth.
When evaluating it to artificial fibers, down gives the identical heat for a lot much less weight.
Not simply that, however down is way more compressible.
So, when not in use, you’ll be able to pack your down-filled sleeping bag all the way down to a somewhat compact dimension, which makes it nice for storage.
Nevertheless, this superb warmth-to-weight ratio and spectacular compressibility don’t come without spending a dime.
Down sleeping luggage are typically far more costly in comparison with artificial ones.
It’s additionally value noting that down loses its insulating capability when moist.
And because it takes some time for it to dry, meaning your moist sleeping bag can be ineffective for the entire day.
Learn: Down vs. Artificial Sleeping Luggage (Which is Higher?)
How To Select The Proper Dimension Sleeping Bag
Sleeping luggage come in several sizes, as nicely.
Effectively, that’s not the case with each single mannequin available on the market, however most of them supply at the least two sizes to select from: common and lengthy.
Sure manufacturers go one step additional and supply their fashions in an extra-long dimension, which is designed for folks taller than 6 ft.
Lastly, many fashions additionally are available a child’s dimension, which is principally designated for youngsters as much as 12 years previous.
Now, why does the scale matter, you would possibly ask?
Effectively, having a sleeping bag that’s too brief for you is rather like utilizing a small blanket.
And the extra you attempt to squeeze in, the extra you’ll press towards the sleeping bag’s insulation, thus creating chilly spots.
However utilizing a sleeping bag that’s too lengthy will not be good both.
In case you have an excessive amount of unused house contained in the sleeping bag, you’ll really feel colder at evening since your physique received’t be capable of warmth it up.
Here’s a helpful chart to information you in selecting the correct dimension to your peak:
| Your Top | Sleeping Bag Dimension | Advisable Size |
| Underneath 5’0″ (152 cm) | Youngsters/Brief | 66″-70″ (168-178 cm) |
| 5’0″-5’6″ (152-168 cm) | Common/Ladies | 72″-78″ (183-198 cm) |
| 5’6″-6’0″ (168-183 cm) | Lengthy | 78″-84″ (198-213 cm) |
| 6’0″-6’6″ (183-198 cm) | Additional-Lengthy | 84″-90″ (213-229 cm) |
Extra Options & Equipment
Lastly, we will’t overlook about further options and equipment that may make an enormous distinction between in any other case virtually an identical fashions.
Hood & Draft Collars
You’ll be able to have a super-ultra thick and fluffy sleeping bag, but when it doesn’t seal within the warmth, it received’t be heat.
That is the rationale why most rectangular sleeping luggage are designated for hotter climate.
Since they’re large on the prime, there’s nothing to forestall the warmth from escaping via there.
However should you plan on tenting throughout colder months, a hood and a draft collar are the 2 options that may hold you heat.
A sleeping bag hood has the identical function because the one in your jacket: to maintain your head heat.
Most hoods additionally function a cinch which you could tighten to seal within the heat air.
As for the draft collar, that’s the baffle round your neck that’s sometimes discovered on sleeping luggage with a decrease temperature score.
A draft collar, because the identify suggests, prevents draft. In different phrases, it prevents cool air from getting in and heat air from getting out.
Many rectangular sleeping luggage additionally function a draft collar, but it surely’s way more efficient on semi-rectangular and mummy luggage.
Sleeping Bag Liners
Basically, a liner is an inside bag to your sleeping bag that gives further heat.
Mainly, including a liner is a fast and straightforward means of constructing your sleeping bag hotter.
However that’s not all it does.
A liner additionally retains your sleeping bag clear from filth and physique oils.
This implies you’ll must wash your sleeping bag much less regularly, which finally prolongs its lifespan.
In fact, there are different advantages of getting a sleeping bag liner, however they differ relying on the selection of fabric.
A silk liner is light-weight, delicate, and appropriate for each chilly and heat climate.
It does job at insulating throughout colder nights, but it surely’s very breathable and absorbent when sleeping in it throughout hotter months.
Nevertheless, it’s somewhat costly.
Cotton will not be the lightest or essentially the most compact, but it surely’s some of the sturdy choices on the market.
It’s additionally somewhat heat and inexpensive, making it an incredible alternative for a liner.
Artificial liners are light-weight, moisture-wicking, and breathable.
Nevertheless, they do maintain onto physique oils and odor, so that they require a little bit of repairs.
And as you recognize, frequent washing lowers their general lifespan.
Lastly, we have now fleece. Fleece wins with regards to heat and luxury, however be ready for some additional weight in your again.
Two-Approach Zippers
Even on a not-so-warm evening, being cocooned right into a sleeping bag might really feel like being in a sauna.
When that occurs at residence, my major trick to chill myself immediately is to uncover one leg.
I’m certain I’m not the one one!
However… How do you try this once you’re in a sleeping bag?
Effectively, that’s the place two-way zippers are available.
A two-way zipper lets you unzip the highest or the underside of your sleeping bag.
That means, you’ll be able to alter air flow and make your self extra comfy inside a sleeping bag.
Mainly, it’s a straightforward means of letting some air inside your footbox whereas nonetheless having your neck coated.
Waterproof & Water-Resistant Supplies
Not all sleeping luggage are designed to withstand water in the identical means.
That is sensible – in any case, sleeping luggage aren’t precisely supposed for use for sleeping within the rain and not using a shelter above your head.
However they want a sure degree of water resistance, as you don’t need them to get soaked from a tiny little bit of water on them.
Usually, the outer cloth of a sleeping bag is tightly woven and coated with a sturdy water-repellent (DWR) end for added water-repellent capability.
Nevertheless, that received’t do a lot except the sleeping bag additionally has taped seams that forestall water drops from passing via the stitching holes.
That is one thing to concentrate to when selecting a sleeping bag.
Inside Stash Pockets
Think about lastly getting all cozy and heat inside a sleeping bag, however then you definitely keep in mind you want one thing – like a hand cream or ear pods.
It may be actually robust making your self depart that consolation to go looking the tent for the factor you want.
Effectively, that’s why inside pockets are so nice. You’ll be able to put your necessities inside, so that they’re all the time close-at-hand.
Most pockets have zippers or Velcro tapes, stopping your stuff from falling out to the underside of the sleeping bag.
FAQs
How Do I Select Between A Down & Artificial Insulated Sleeping Bag?
Effectively, it actually depends upon what options you prioritize.
In case you’re on the lookout for a really heat or light-weight sleeping bag, then down is a better option.
In case you have a restricted funds or plan on tenting in moist climate, then artificial is likely to be for you.
What Is The Significance Of A Sleeping Bag’s Temperature Ranking?
A sleeping bag with an insufficient temperature score can be both too scorching or too chilly.
And when you can often cool off by unzipping the sleeping bag, making it hotter is unattainable with out further gear.
Are There Particular Sleeping Luggage Designed For Ladies?
Sure, many sleeping bag manufacturers supply mummy and semi-rectangular sleeping luggage particularly designed for ladies.
These fashions are often wider on the hips and narrower on the shoulders, given the distinction in physique form between women and men.
Moreover, these sleeping luggage often come briefly and common sizes, whereas males’s sleeping luggage are available common and lengthy.
Lastly, ladies’s sleeping luggage sometimes have extra insulation, given that ladies are typically colder sleepers than males.
How Do I Decide The Proper Dimension Sleeping Bag For My Top?
When selecting the best dimension, ensure that there are a couple of additional inches on the backside to your ft.
If not sure in regards to the size, you’ll be able to take a look at our dimension desk within the article above.
How Can I Discover A Steadiness Between A Sleeping Bag’s Weight & Heat?
As you recognize, down insulation gives one of the best weight-to-warmth ratio.
However you’ll be able to obtain related outcomes with artificial insulation by selecting a mummy sleeping bag that has much less materials concerned.
How Do I Correctly Pack & Retailer My Sleeping Bag?
To correctly pack and retailer your sleeping bag, you’ll wish to first shake it out. Subsequent, you’ll zip it up.
You then’ll fold it in half and roll it up.
Lastly, stuff it into your stuff sack, and compress the stuff sack. That’s that!
To Sum Issues Up
When selecting a sleeping bag, there are numerous elements to take into accounts, from the climate you’ll be tenting in, to your most well-liked sleeping model.
However the good factor is – there’s an acceptable sleeping bag for each camper. You simply must know what to search for!
