Sleeping Bag Review: Finding the Best Sleeping Bag for Your Camping Adventure

Are you feeling the itch to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather? If so, it’s time to stock up on camping equipment that will make those adventures into the wild safer and more comfortable.

If you plan on staying overnight, it’s important to find the best sleeping bag for the situation. This will typically mean finding a lightweight sleeping bag that is easy to fold up and carry, but you may also want to consider durability and the type of outdoor adventure you’re planning.

Best Lightweight Sleeping Bags

If you’re planning a road trip through an area with a warm climate, or you plan to unload your camping equipment right at your camping spot, a lightweight sleeping bag is likely all that you need in the summer months. These are some of the thinnest sleeping bags, but you should still pay attention to the temperature rating.

Most people will remain warm in their sleeping bag up to the temperature identified in the rating, but also take into consideration your typical body temperature at night. You know if you’re more cold or hot natured, so choose a temperature rating accordingly. It’s also important to determine the expected or average nighttime temperature at your camping destination rather than going off forecasts for your hometown.

To help you select the best sleeping bag for an outdoor adventure, consider our list of recommended lightweight sleeping bags:

• • Katabatic Gear Sleeping Bags – These are some of the best ultra-light sleeping bags, but they’re also among the most expensive. They’re designed as mummy bags, so they can completely cover your face for maximum warmth. The design also makes it easy to add a liner if you need more warmth but don’t want to go with a heavier bag. There are five mummy bags, each designed for a different temperature rating. The ratings range from five to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• • Enlightened Equipment Sleeping Bags/Quilts: These sleeping bags zip up to mimic a mummy bag but can also roll out to serve as quilts or blankets for ground cover. Sleep rating range goes from 10 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the bags are lightweight and easy to carry.

• • Hammock Gear Burrow Bags/Quilts: These bags are filled with quality down and are custom-ordered, so it can take up to a month to receive your bag. They open to large quilts and close up to burrow bags that allow you to dig into the bag for warmth without covering your face.

• • Abco Lightweight Sleeping Bags: If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on your lightweight sleeping bag, this one is a portable sleeping bag that will fit your budget. You can buy it in single or double sizes, and it comes with a convenient carry bag.

Most Durable Sleeping Bags

If you’re not as concerned with weight as you are longevity, there are a few durable sleeping bags that we highly recommend:

• • The North Face Cat’s Meow Sleeping Bag: This is an award-winning sleeping bag that has been revamped to include more durable fabrics. It has a temperature rating of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and comes with some unique features like the glow-in-the-dark zipper pull.

• • Big Agnes Sleeping Bags: These unique bags are filled with recycled materials that are comparable to down, and they feature a sleeve to insert your sleeping pad so that you never slip off. They also happen to be some of the most durable bags on the market today.

Once you have a durable or lightweight sleeping bag on hand, you’re ready to scratch that itch for outdoor adventure. If the weatherman is calling for intense night heat, then you may also consider bringing a lightweight cooling pillow or gel pad. You can also buy eye masks that have cooling gel materials. While many people leave these items off their list of essential camping equipment, getting a good night of sleep is just as important when camping as it is back home.

For additional information on how to pack for a backpacking trip, we found a great resource here.