Camping Sleeping Bags

Many people go camping with their duvet as they find a sleeping bag too constricting. This is fine if you have the space in your car as they take up an awful lot of room. I prefer to use camping sleeping bags as you can pack them up into a small bag and then pack them in the car in any little space that needs filling. If you are backpacking or mountaineering then a sleeping bag is a must.

Natural or Synthetic Camping Sleeping Bags?

Lets compare the two types. This should help you to choose a sleeping bag based on the features that are important for your circumstances.

Synthetic Camping Bags	Down Sleeping Bags
Spirafil or PrimaLoft (same as duvets)	goose or duck feathers
heavier for same warmth	lighter to get same warmth
stores easily	need to allow air circulation when stored
easy to wash and dry	special care needed when washing
not so small when packed	packs up small

I hadn’t fully appreciated how much better for camping down sleeping bags are. I guess the real down side is that they are very expensive to buy. Also for a family I think ease of washing and storing is a big influence and so synthetic bags are more popular.

Shape

Regular Rectangle Sleeping Bags – I prefer these as I like to have room for my legs to move! However in low temperatures they are not the best as there is more space for the air circulation and therefore cold spots. These are more suitable for very young kids.
Mummy Sleeping Bags – these are tapered and fit more snuggly around your legs. They will be warmer as they trap your body heat but don’t allow for much movement. They also have a hooded part that you can tie tighter around your head.

Best Selling Camping Sleeping Bags

girl mummy bag Lady Bug Mummy Sleeping Bag - the best selling girls mummy bag. Really warm and can be used in cold weather. I would recommend removing the drawstring around the hood as a safety precaution. Suitable for girls up to approx. 5 foot. The zipper functions both ways so you can cool your feet if required! See more….

mummy bag

Eureka Grasshopper Kids 30-Degree – great gear for girls and boys. Nice and very warm inside. Can be used in freezing temperatures. The zipper has a flap over it on the inside so you don’t end up touching it. Washes and wears well and retains shape and warmth. Well made. Read more….

sleeping bag

Teton Sports Celsius XL 0-Degree – a very roomy wide comfortable bag (not double) ideal for any tall person. Suitable for spring through to early winter – don’t read the 0 degree as meaning it is fine on really cold nights though. You benefit from foot space but a snug mummy hood. More details….

coleman bag

Coleman Taos Extreme-Weather Mummy – great value, warm and snuggly. This is a very lightweight sleeping bag and suitable for campers who don’t mind a tight fit design. Not for those over 6 foot tall. Good reviews. More information….

What do Ratings Mean?

Degrees- This number is used to help you know what kind of temperatures you can use it in and stay warm. Make sure you know if it is Celsius or Fahrenheit. As a general guide (in Celsius);

summer – +4/5 Degrees

late spring/early autumn – around 0 degrees

winter – down to -10 degrees

3 season – 0 to -5 degrees

I trust you have found this helpful and you now know what camping sleeping bag is right for you.