How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag

When it comes to choosing the right sleeping bag, there are three aspects to consider: what, when and where. The most important of these is simply what the bag will be used for. Will it be for camping? And if so, where or what type of environment will you be in? When or what time of year will you be camping and what style of sleeping bag will be most efficient? Plus, there is always the bonus question of how much one is willing to spend for a bag of good quality with the right features.

Tigger Sleeping Bag

The Tigger sleeping bag is a highly water-resistant synthetic insulation with kid-safe features. Rated to 20ºF (-7ºC).

See more sleeping bags from Altrec.

Knowing the type of environment one will be camping in is crucial to picking out the right sleeping bag. A warm environment will obviously require different features in a bag than that of a cold environment, or one that is wet or humid. This also goes hand in hand with the time of year you'll be camping. A windy winter or a rainy summer should prompt you to consider insulation choices. How well a bag insulates will vary depending on whether it is natural down or a synthetic insulation (each behaves differently under wet and windy conditions).

Temperature ratings can further guide your decision for the right sleeping bag. Temperature ratings will help those who sleep ‘cold’ or ‘warm’ find a sleeping bag that will ensure their body temperature remains at a comfortable level during the night. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to pick a bag for cooler temperatures.Venting heat through the foot or side of the bag will be easier than trying to recoup lost body heat in a bag that is insufficient. Another aspect to consider is whether there will be a lot of moving around from one location to another. A bag that is light and easy to stow is the more efficient choice for hiking and camping expeditions.

The shape of a sleeping bag can determine your comfort level. A close fitting mummy bag is not a wise choice for those who do a lot of moving around at night while they sleep, yet it is the best choice for serious campers and hikers in colder temperatures. Rectangular sleeping bags offer the most comfort and versatility and two of these can be zipped together for couples or to make a larger bag. Tapered bags that are narrow at the feet and widen up at the shoulders have less air space in them and will therefore be warmer (they use less material and are also lighter).

Choosing between a machine washable bag and one that requires dry cleaning is purely a matter of taste. However, using a sleeping bag liner requires that only the liner will need to be washed, saving money in dry-cleaning costs and prolonging the life of the bag itself.