Zip Into Dreamland with SunnySports’ Sleeping Bag Buying Guide (Part I)

Now that you’ve figured out what type of camping bed you’ll sleep on in the outdoors, it’s time to get yourself cozy in a sleeping bag. When it comes to sleeping bags, there are many more features to consider, and your choice will greatly depend upon how you camp most of the time. We’ll help you get started with a guide on the various features to look for in a sleeping bag so you can make the most informed decision.

Style

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  Rectangular – This is the most basic type of sleeping bag available on the market, and probably the one you started out with as a kid. Rectangular sleeping bags unzip into one large blanket, which makes them great for stargazing with friends and family, and fold over to zip up the bottom and one side. Some even have hoods for extra warmth. They are typically inexpensive and suit a wide range of body types.

• Mummy – Mummy bags are a more snug version of sleeping bag, which are hooded and tapered at the foot to encompass your entire body like a mummy. Because of their design, a mummy bag will generally keep you much warmer than a basic rectangular bag, but some feel a little too constricted when it is closed entirely.

Size

• Length – Because not all human bodies are created equal, the size of your bag is important to your comfort. Many sleeping bags come in more than one length to accommodate the height of the person using it. Obviously, if a bag is too short for a tall person, they will have to sleep cramped, and if a bag is too long for a shorter person, they may not get the insulation they need due to all the extra space at the foot of the bag. Kids will need a bag suited for their height to ensure they stay warm through the night.
• Width – A taller person may also be broader than the average sleeping bag, so a larger size sleeping bag will ensure better comfort. Many couples enjoy sleeping in one large bag together, so a double bag could be purchased if they didn’t want to zip two single bags together. There are also bags made specifically for a woman’s build, as well as for a man’s, and if multiple people will be using the bag, a unisex option will be just as sufficient.

Temperature Rating

In what location and climate you will be primarily camping in is one of the most important aspects of choosing the right sleeping bag. Bags are temperature rated as low as -25F and below, and as high as 30F and above.

If you know you’re mostly a summer camper in a place that’s sunny and warm, a sleeping bag that’s rated to handle extreme cold is going to be far too insulated, which could result in uncomfortable or lost sleep. If you’re a mountaineer, it should go without saying that you’ll need a sleeping bag that’s rated to withstand the temperatures common at higher altitudes and the weather that comes with it.

Check back tomorrow for the rest of our comprehensive sleeping bag buying guide!