Sleeping Bags

For hiking and camping, sleeping bags are a must-have. They are also good to have around the house to offer guests or for a child's sleepover. Keep in mind though that there is a substantial difference in quality among sleeping bags depending on what you plan to use them for.

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Sleeping Bag Styles

Rectangular 

  • Tends to weigh more.
  • Only good for outdoor use in the summer.
  • Less expensive.

Hybrid 

  • Moderate weight and moderate warmth depending on shell and fill.
  • Reasonably priced.

Mummy 

  • Very lightweight.
  • Very warm.
  • Different grades determine cold-weather use.
  • More expensive.

Primary Factors

  • Budget: Prices range from $100 to $400 for quality sleeping bags. Rectangular sleeping bags tend to be less expensive, often costing less than $100.
  • Type of Camping: Car camping doesn't require as stringent a set of requirements when choosing a sleeping bag as does braving the elements. For backcountry hikers and those planning to do some more extreme camping, a bag with better features and materials will be crucial in attaining comfort and convenience.
  • Weather Conditions: The difference between dry and wet climates will substantially change what type of sleeping bag you purchase.

Other Factors

Shell

  • Dryloft  or microfiber  shells are best for canoe camping and camping in damper climates because they won't absorb moisture.
  • Gore-tex  isn't recommended in damp or cold climates because it will make you sweat, which can make you colder. It would be a good pick for camping in warm, dry areas, such as desert camping or car camping.
  • Taffeta,  nylon  or polyester  is fine for general outdoor camping. These sleeping bags also tend to cost less.
  • Cotton  sleeping bags should only be used indoors. The same is true for canvas.  Once they get wet they take a long time to dry and then get very heavy.
  • Look for a rip-stop  shell to increase a bag's durability.

Lining

  • The lining should be chosen according to personal comfort.
  • For extra warmth go for fleece or nylon.
  • For luxurious comfort, choose silk. Keep in mind that it is easier to rip.
  • Cotton is inexpensive and comfortable but not the most durable and it is not water resistant. Thus, if you tend to sweat and overheat while sleeping, you will, in cold climates, become more cold than warm. Cotton is best in dry and warm conditions.

Fill

  • Down  is the warmest, most expensive filler. However, if it gets wet or damp, it loses its ability to retain heat. Fine for car camping or tent camping in drier climates. Also fine for summer outdoor camping if it has a waterproof shell.
  • Synthetic and man-made fillers come in a variety of materials. Some are cheap while others rival in cost and warmth.
  • Hollofil  is reliable and it dries quickly, but it is slightly heavier than other materials. Maybe not the best idea for long distance trekkers.
  • Polarguard  is much like hollofil.

Loft

  • This a term used when referring to the fill.
  • It is how much you can "fluff" the bag.
  • The more loft a bag has the warmer it will be.
  • Materials that add loft are Lite Loft,  Micro-loft,  Primaloft  and Termolite. 

Temperature Rating

  • Temperature ratings are a decent measurement of how cold it can get before the bag will stop keeping you warm.
    • The general rule of thumb is to take the rating and add 10 degrees to it.
    • That's the minimum temperature at which it will keep you warm.
    • However, it is not so accurate once you add in other factors.
  • Are you going to sleep in underwear or full clothes?
  • Will you be very tired when you go to sleep? Deep sleeps cause your body temperature to drop more.
  • If you get sick, you will need more warmth.

Top Picks

Here are some top-selling sleeping bags:

Marmot CWM EQ Sleeping Bag 

Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina 

The North Face Cat's Meow 

 The North Face Superlight 0 Degree Sleeping Bag 

Western Mountaineering Apache SMF 

Other Manufacturers

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Sleeping Pads