How to Choose a Sleeping Bag

So, you’re looking to buy a new sleeping bag? Great! A sleeping bag is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a camping setup; whether you’re headed out for a relaxing weekend by the lake or setting off on an overnight backpacking trip, having the right sleeping bag is essential for staying warm and getting a good night’s sleep. But with so many options available, choosing the right sleeping bag can be overwhelming.

This guide will help you navigate through the many choices. We’ll discuss sleeping bag temperature ratings, insulation types, and sleeping bag shapes, as well as some important features like water-repellent materials and full-length zippers. We’ll also share tips for choosing a sleeping pad and properly caring for your sleeping bag so it lasts for years to come.

First and foremost, it’s important to consider when and where you’re planning to use your sleeping bag. A 2-lb down-filled mummy sleeping bag and a 10-pound flannel-lined rectangular sleeping bag obviously aren’t intended for the same type of use. Before looking at your options, ask yourself the following questions:

• Where will you be camping? (Backyard, car camping, or backpacking?)

• What temperatures will you expect to encounter?

• What kind of sleeper are you? (Do you sleep warm or cold?)

Your answers will help narrow down the best sleeping bag for your needs. For example, someone camping in the Pacific Northwest should prioritize water-repellent sleeping bags due to frequent rain, while a desert camper should look for a breathable and lightweight option to prevent overheating at night.

Additionally, consider the climate and seasonality. Some areas experience extreme temperature drops at night, even in summer, making a well-insulated sleeping bag essential. For humid conditions, moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials are crucial.

The best place to start when choosing a sleeping bag is with the temperature rating of the bag. In general, you want a sleeping bag that has a temperature rating a few degrees colder than the coldest temperature you plan to use the bag. For example, if you’re looking for a 3-season sleeping bag as an average sleeper and think you might end up camping in late fall when the temperature could get as low as 30, you might want to select a 25 or even 20-degree bag.

It’s important to remember that there are other factors that will determine your warmth in the sleeping bag as well–whether you are inside a tent or out in the open, how windy it is, or what you are wearing inside the sleeping bag.

Most sleeping bags have three ratings:

• Comfort Rating — Lowest temperature where an average woman stays warm.

• Lower Limit — Lowest temperature where an average man stays warm.

Extreme Rating — A survival rating for extreme conditions (not recommended for comfort).

For three-season camping, choose a bag rated 5-10 degrees lower than the coldest temperature you expect to encounter. If you plan to winter camp, look for bags rated 0°F or lower.

Another thing to consider is your sleeping gear setup. If you pair a high-quality sleeping bag with a well-insulated sleeping pad, you can push the bag's rating a little lower. But if you’re using a basic or thin sleeping pad, you’ll feel the cold more quickly.

If you're camping in unpredictable conditions, layering with a sleeping bag liner, thermal base layers, and even an emergency space blanket can provide additional insulation. This strategy is particularly useful for campers who want to use one bag year-round.

The fill of a sleeping bag is the material that is used for insulation inside the bag. All sleeping bags use either down or synthetic material for their fill. The intended use of the sleeping bag will determine what kind of fill you should look for.

Down Insulation

• Pros: Lightweight, compressible, long-lasting

• Cons: Expensive, loses warmth when wet (unless treated with water-repellent coatings)

• Best for: Ultralight backpacking, cold & dry conditions

Down sleeping bags are filled with feathers and are almost always smaller and lighter than their synthetic counterparts. For this reason, they are often preferred by backpackers. They also tend to last longer than synthetic bags. However, they are usually much more expensive and require careful washing and storage (see caring for your sleeping bag below), and unless they are treated with waterproofing, they will not retain warmth when wet so are not ideal for damp conditions.

Synthetic Insulation

• Pros: Affordable, retains warmth when wet, quick-drying

• Cons: Bulkier, less durable over time

• Best for: Budget camping, wet conditions

Synthetic sleeping bag insulation is made of polyester fibers and although they are usually larger and heavier than down bags, they are also less expensive and will continue to retain warmth when wet. They are also easier to maintain and clean than down bags, though over time they will lose some of their warmth.

Some manufacturers are now offering hybrid insulation, combining down and synthetic fills to provide warmth, weight savings, and moisture resistance. These are great for hikers who expect to encounter changing weather conditions.

• Modified Mummy Bags : Snug fit, great warmth retention, lighter for backpacking

• Rectangular Bags : Roomier, better for side sleepers, ideal for car camping

• Semi-rectangular Bags : A balance between warmth and comfort

The shape of the bag is important. Sleeping bags are either rectangular or mummy-shaped. While rectangular bags give the user plenty of space to move around, mummy bags are lighter, contain less material, and are often warmer (because they don’t allow cold air to become trapped in the corners).

You should also consider the sizing of the bag. Many sleeping bags come in regular or long sizes. Because I’m 6’3’’, I always have to make sure my sleeping bags are long enough to fit inside comfortably. If a bag is too large though, it won’t keep you warm as effectively.

There is a whole list of other features that might be listed on a sleeping bag’s tag or web page. Some bags have vents or multiple zippers built into the fabric for warmer nights. Some will advertise different bag shapes for different sleeping positions. Some sleeping bags are designed to attach to a sleeping pad.

Others advertise “zoned insulation”, intended to provide extra warmth to areas of your body that might need it. Finally, many sleeping bags are designed to zip together with left-hand and right-hand zippers, a nice feature for couples who plan to camp together.

Even the best sleeping bag won’t keep you warm without a good sleeping pad. A sleeping pad provides insulation from the cold ground, reducing heat loss. Look for pads with high R-values (3+ for three-season camping, 5+ for winter camping) for maximum warmth.

Types of Sleeping Pads:

• Foam Pads: Lightweight and durable but not as comfortable.

• Self-Inflating Pads: Provide a balance between comfort and portability.

• Air Pads: Most comfortable and packable, but require inflation and can puncture.

For added comfort, consider a sleeping bag that integrates with a sleeping pad via attachment straps to prevent slipping.

Once you’ve selected and purchased a sleeping bag, caring for it properly will help it to last (this is especially important for down sleeping bags). Sleeping bags do not like to be stored compressed; ideally, you should open your sleeping bag up and drape it over a hanger when not using it.

Sleeping bags need to stay dry to function properly, and while you shouldn’t wash your sleeping bag too frequently, they do need to remain clean. Wash your sleeping bag with a down-specific wash (such as a Nikwax product), and tumble dry on low heat with tennis balls in the dryer. Extend the life of your sleeping bag by using a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean.

There is no substitute for actually trying out a sleeping bag before purchase, so, if possible, come on into one of our locations and climb in a few sleeping bags to get a sense of what they feel like! Check out some of the staff picks below or come into the store to browse our used sleeping bags in the bargain basement.

Choosing the perfect sleeping bag can be difficult, but by carefully considering the intended use, the temperature rating, the fill material, and the features, you’ll be well on your way to your Next Adventure.