Five-Minute Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Bag

The right sleeping bag should keep you warm without adding unnecessary weight or bulk to your pack. Think about where and when you will use it, then choose the warmth, insulation and shape to suit.

Temperature Rating

The most important thing to consider is how warm the sleeping bag needs to be.

• Summer - lightweight bags for warmer nights.
• 3 Season - a good all round choice for spring, summer and autumn.
• Winter - designed for colder conditions and winter camping.

Look at the comfort rating when comparing bags, particularly if you tend to feel the cold.

Down or Synthetic?

• Down - lightweight, highly packable and offers excellent warmth for its weight. Best kept dry.
• Synthetic - performs better when damp, dries quicker and is usually more affordable. It can be a bit heavier and bulkier than down.

Shape and Size

• Mummy Sleeping Bag - closer fitting, helping to retain warmth and reduce weight.
• Rectangular Sleeping Bag - more spacious and comfortable, but usually heavier and less efficient at retaining heat.
• Size - make sure the bag is long and wide enough for you without being excessively roomy.

Weight and Pack Size

If you are carrying your sleeping bag, weight and packed size matter.

Lightweight sleeping bags - Ideal for backpacking and longer trips.

Pack size - down bags generally compress well, making them useful when space in your rucksack is limited.

Features You May Like

• Hood - helps retain heat on colder nights.
• Zip - a full length zip gives more ventilation and makes getting in and out easier.
• Zip baffle - helps prevent heat escaping through the zip.
• Footbox - extra room around the feet can improve comfort.
• Sleeping bag liner - can add warmth and help keep the inside of your bag clean.

Who Needs What Sleeping Bag?

I want a sleeping bag for summer camping

Get a lightweight summer bag with a suitable comfort rating for the temperatures you expect.

I want one sleeping bag for most of the year

A 3 season bag offers a good balance of warmth, weight and versatility.

I want a sleeping bag for backpacking

Look for a lightweight, compact bag. Down is a good option if keeping weight and pack size down is important.

I want a sleeping bag for winter camping

Choose a winter rated bag with enough insulation for the temperatures you expect to encounter.