Looking to buy the best sleeping bag for you? Let’s dive in on important considerations like temperature rating, insulation type, bag shape, packed size, weight, etc. to make the right pick.
Table of Contents
Temperature Rating of Sleeping Bag
The primary function of a sleeping bag is to keep you warm and comfortable enough to help you sleep through the night. Poor quality of sleep will inevitably lead to a grueling outdoor experience. So, you have to be careful in picking the right bag for you to make sure you wake up well-rested in the morning.
It is recommended to pick a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest nighttime temperature you can expect in your outdoor adventures.
The first question you need to answer is the level of warmth you want and that will help you pick a temperature rating for your sleeping bag. Temperature ratings indicate the lowest temperature at which a sleeping bag is supposed to keep an “average sleeper” warm. Most sleeping bags use the international standard to list their temperature ratings, ISO 23537. There are 3 categories of temperature ratings.
Comfort
This is the temperature rating at which a “standard female” or a cold sleeper will be able to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position with one base layer on.
Limit
This indicates the lowest temperature limit at which a “standard male” or a warm sleeper will be able to stay warm. Given, that person is sleeping in a curled position to keep warm with one base layer of clothing.
Extreme
This is a survival-only temperature rating for a “standard woman” to survive through the night. Remember, at this temperature rating, you will feel an extremely cold sensation and will be at risk of hypothermia. This temperature rating is for survival-only situations and should not be relied on for general use.
It is highly advisable to take temperature ratings into serious consideration and pick a bag with at least 10 degrees lower temperature rating than the lowest expected temperature. You can always unzip your bag if it feels too warm.
Insulation Materials of Sleeping Bag
You will mostly have to choose between down and synthetic insulation materials and they vary significantly in terms of weight, durability, and functionality in different weather conditions.
Down Insulation
Down insulation materials usually come from feathers and they are harder to source, leading to extra cost. These materials are lighter, easier to compress, and more durable compared to synthetic materials. One drawback of down insulation is that the materials are slow to dry and not ideal for wet weather conditions.
Down insulation materials are perfect for dry and cold weather. You will see a “loft” or “fill power” rating for these materials. The higher the rating, the better the quality and the warmer you will feel. Materials with a higher “loft” rating can expand and fill up more area inside your sleeping bag compared to a bag with similar weight and a lower “loft” rating. Down insulation is perfect for ultralight backpacking adventures.
Synthetic Insulation
This kind of sleeping bag fills are manufactured materials. They are cheaper to come by and less durable compared to down insulation materials. Synthetic materials are bulkier and heavier. However, these types of materials are perfect for wet weather conditions and dry quickly. If weight and bulk are not deal breakers for you, down insulation can be a good pick for you.
Shape of Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags come in different shapes and sizes. You will have to decide the best shape for you considering what type of a sleeper you are. Different shapes of sleeping bags offer different benefits and drawbacks.
Mummy
As the name suggests, these bags are designed to wrap around your body and give a snug fit. This shape provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio compared to other shapes available, as the design cuts down on volume and weight to fit a “standard body” from top to bottom. Mummy-shaped sleeping bags offer minimal space inside the bag, which helps to keep warm easier as there is less space to heat up.
Mummy-shaped sleeping bags can be uncomfortable for people who like to move around during their sleep. With this kind of a bag, you will roll over with your bag, rather than inside of the bag.
Rectangular
Being rectangular in shape, these bags come with ample space for people to move around in their sleep. Rectangular sleeping bags are the most popular and common ones on the market. With the luxury of extra space to move around, comes extra bulk and weight. These bags are shaped similarly from top to bottom.
Rectangular sleeping bags can be more useful during warmer months, as some of those bags can be completely unzipped and be used as a quilt.
Semi-Rectangular
Also known as “modified mummy” sleeping bags, these bags are more compact compared to rectangular bags and roomier than mummy-shaped ones. Therefore, semi-rectangular sleeping bags strike a fine balance between warmth and roominess for people who can not decide on one or the other.
Packed Size and Weight
Packed size and weight are significant consideration points, especially if you are to carry the load on your back. If you are going car camping, you can afford to prioritize comfort over a smaller lighter sleeping bag. The weight and size of a bag will mostly be dictated by the insulation materials and the shape of the bag. For instance, a bag with down insulation will be lighter and more compressible than a synthetic one.
Your choice has to be based on your adventure type. Sleeping bags that come with compact sizes and better warmth tend to cost more because of the advanced material to be used to ensure warmth at lightweight and smaller sizes. Always consider how the sleeping bag will be carried and how much space will be available to fit it in a backpack.
Additional Features
Once you have decided on the basics like temperature ratings, materials, shapes, weight, etc. you can consider additional features of sleeping bags to make your time smoother and more comfortable in the wilderness.
Sleeping Bag Hood
If you are sleeping in cold weather conditions, your head will be one of the primary spots of heat loss from your body. A hood can help you cover up your head and neck to retain heat. Although this extra feature will add some bulk to your bag, it can be really useful to keep your head and neck area warm.
Security Pockets
It might not sound like the most exciting feature of a sleeping bag, but accessible security pockets come in handy to keep your valuable gear like a phone, headlamp, and other essentials from getting lost and within your reach.
Zipper Features
Convenient zipper features can make your life that much easier on the trail. If you want added zipper functionality, go for zippers with multiple teeth, and look how smooth and convenient to open and close them. Some sleeping bags even come with a zippered foot box, allowing you to open up the zipper at the bottom of your sleeping bags if you are feeling too warm in that area.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a critical factor to consider if you want to sleep in an optimally warm condition. Proper ventilation features will allow you to adjust the temperature and warmth inside your sleeping by letting air flow in and out according to your needs. Check out how your zippers open and how much ventilation you can get to adjust to different weather conditions.
Some sleeping bags come with an adjustable neck muff to control airflow to maintain a desirable level of warmth inside the bag. Superior ventilation features will allow you the flexibility to use the same bag in varied weather conditions.
Sleeping Bag Liner
A sleeping bag liner comes with the functionality of an additional layer to provide extra warmth. It will also protect your sleeping bag from sweat, oil, and dirt as the liner will be between your body and the bag. It is much easier to wash and clean a liner than the bag.
Budget
How much you are willing to spend on a sleeping bag will determine the kind of bag you will buy. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Look for the best value for money within your budget. The price of your bag will mostly depend on the weight, warmth, materials, and features you opt for. A feature-packed, lightweight, and warm bag will cost you more than a bag that is made up of less advanced materials.
You might be fascinated by an expensive fancy bag, but that one might be overkill for your needs. You will have to look for a bag that has most of the functionalities you want if not all, within your budget.
Conclusion
With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right sleeping bag for your unique circumstances. Do not forget to research more before you make the purchase. The more clarity you will have about what you need, the better decision you will be able to make. This guide will help you gain detailed insight into what you need to know before buying a sleeping bag. Remember, other elements of your whole “sleep system” are as important as the sleeping bag itself. Happy trails!