Camping Sleeping Bag Buying Guide

Camping and hiking enthusiasts know how important it is to have the right gear when you go on to conquer new heights or discover new camping sites. You never know how radically the weather can change or how long your adventure will last. Instead of risking having the worst time of your life, you better go prepared. That applies especially to the type of sleeping bag you have because its role is to protect you from the cold, allow you to sleep comfortably and keep you dry at all costs. Therefore you should have the right one. And here’s what to consider.

The Materials from Which the Sleeping Bag Is Made

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a camping sleeping bag is the material from which the bag is made. The best choice for a professional camper and hiker is the lightweight sleeping bags made from durable materials that don’t let water penetrate and maintain the temperature no matter the outside conditions.

One of the most commonly used materials for the creation of these bags is nylon. It belongs to the group of synthetic materials and it’s made from petroleum. It feels like silk to touch but is durable and basically one of the most indestructible man-made materials. It’s resistant to impact, abrasions, water and it’s easy to wash. Nylon makes for lightweight sleeping bags that can endure harsh weather conditions and low temperatures while providing excellent insulation. It is best if the shell fabric is ripstop nylon which is nylon fabric but made with a special weaving technique that makes the sleeping bags strong and resistant to tears.

Nylon sleeping bags lightweight for camping are hypoallergenic and suitable even for people that have certain sensitivities. They come in a mesh bag for easy transportation and are as weightless as the survival accessories you need to bring along.

Choose According to Seasons

Camping and hiking can be done throughout the year, but only with the right type of equipment. That means that the gear you take with you in winter is not the same gear you should be using during summer. This especially applies to the type of sleeping bag. The most important thing to know when choosing a bag according to the season is the temperature rating of different camping sleeping bags. For instance, sleeping bags meant for summer have a temperature rating of over 30 degrees Celsius. The ones for winter have a temperature rating of about 15 degrees Celsius or lower while the all-season ones have a temperature rating between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Note that in summer or when the weather is a bit warmer you can unzip the bag and thus solve the problem with overheating and feeling too hot. Then again, you can’t do the same when it’s freezing cold outside and putting several layers of clothes on is not the best option. That’s why you need to be especially careful when picking a lightweight sleeping bag you’re planning to use when it’s cold outside because it needs to protect you from the low temperatures.

Picking the Right Bag Shape

Lightweight sleeping bags for hiking and camping come in as many shapes and colours as you can think of. That leaves you with the liberty to choose one that you think will suit you best and answer all your needs when it comes to safe sleeping out in the open. There are three main types of sleeping bags: rectangular, semi-rectangular and mummy. But if you need a sleeping bag that can accommodate two persons at a time, pick one that’s double.

Rectangular bags are spacious and comfortable allowing the person sleeping to freely twist and turn during the night without any restrictions and discomforts. There’s enough space both for the arms and legs to be extended and in a cosy position.

Semi rectangular sleeping bags are a bit narrower at the bottom meaning you won’t have that much free space to move your feet freely like with the rectangular sleeping bag. But this shape retains warmth more so at least you’ll feel pleasant while sleeping.

Mummy bags are the tightest out of them all. You literally need to put the bag on like it’s a piece of clothing. This means you have no space to move and turn inside the bag but you can do all that with the bag. People choose mummy bags because they are snug and provide a great night’s sleep.

Double camping sleeping bags usually have a rectangular shape and are quite spacious even when two people are sleeping in them. So, if you’re planning on going with a partner instead of getting two separate bags to get the double one and enjoy the night under the stars.

And the Right Bag Size

When it comes to size you have regular, long and extra-long sleeping bags. Getting the right size is important too because you won’t be able to sleep in the bag if you can’t get into the bag in the first place. Even if you do manage to get in, I assure you, it won’t be a pleasant experience.

Regular camping sleeping bags are 200cmx80cmx50cm and are recommended for people that aren’t taller than 180cm. After all, who doesn’t want to stretch their legs properly after an active and adventurous day?

The long sleeping bags are 220cmx80cmx50cm and are meant for taller people or people that just want extra space for kicks. You can find both a rectangular and a mummy sleeping bag with those measurements so your choice is not limited after all.

The extra-long sleeping bags are 230x105x70cm and are meant either for taller people or for those who truly appreciate having extra space. I mean, when you think about it, how bad could a spacious sleeping bag be?

Double sleeping bags are naturally the biggest out of them all since like I said, they can accommodate two persons at a time. Usually, they are 195cmx140cm – the perfect size for a pair.