Guide - Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bag buying guide

It can be the difference between a cosy, comfortable sleep and a cold, miserable night of discomfort. The type and amount of fill used, shape of bag, liner, seams and style of zipper can all make a difference in your sleeping experience.

When will you be camping?

Buy for the coldest temperature you might face, but don't go overboard. Too hot can be almost as uncomfortable as too cold. Look for the temperature rating when you're making your selection. Generally, 2-3 lbs of fill is suitable for the summer months. For coldr weather, choose one with 4-6 lbs of fill. If you tend to get cold, purchase a sleeping bag with a rating 5° to 10° warmer than you think you might need.

Is your sleeping bag likely to get wet?

Down loses its insulating abilities when its wet. Synthetic fills retain their insulating capacities better than down. Synthetic fibres fills such as Quallofil, Hollofil II, ColeTherm® and other polyesters are durable, dry quickly and retain loft and insulation value when wet.

How will you carry your sleeping bag?

If you're a car camper, weight and packed size aren't important considerations, but if you're biking, backpacking or canoeing, you'll want to choose carefully.

Do you plan to zip two bags together?

If so, consider purchasing bags with different temperature ratings. In colder weather, sleep with the heavier bag on top. Switch it around in warmer weather.

Does shape make a difference?

Rectangular bags. They're ideal for occasional, family or novice campers. The rectangular shape is roomy and comfortable. These bags can be used as a blanket or duvet when unzipped. Tapered bags are wide in the shoulders and narrower at the feet. This makes them warmer, as there is less air space in the bag. Tapered bags are usually slightly larger than rectangular bag. Great for active and serious campers looking for more warmth. Mummy bags — Warmer and lighter than rectangular and tapered bags. Meant to fit snugly to the body and to move less with the user. Ideal for serious campers who might face extreme weather conditions.

Features to consider:

Full length draft tube — It protects the user from drafts through the zipper. The flap runs the entire length of the zipper, down the side and across the bottom. Found on better-quality winter bags.
Baffles — Sleeping bags made with baffles use a system of retaining walls between inner and outer shells. Baffles are stitched in place either vertically or at a slight angle. They allow fill to loft freely between the lining and shell.
Quilting — The inner lining and outer shell are sewn together, securing the fill between them. The disadvantage of this type of bag is that there is no fill along the stitch line, and consequently a cold spot is created.