Years ago I went on one of the most breathtaking adventure excursions in the Escalante River Canyons of Utah. 10 days in a tent on rocky earthen beds made choosing the right sleeping bag extremely important. So walking into the store, I had a pretty good idea of what I thought I wanted, but was I ever wrong. Choosing the right sleeping bag is not as easy as one may think. There are so many different options that your head will be spinning by the time you leave the store, empty handed. There are shapes to think about, materials, insulation factors, temperature ranges, and of course the extras that you should look for in a bag. It is necessary to understand each of these elements so that you can choose a bag that will fit most of your camping and/or outdoor sleeping situations. So how do you know which bag is right for you and your sleeping bag needs?

The first characteristic of sleeping bags to consider is the temperature rating you will need in most of the outdoor situations you will face. By definition, the temperature rating is an estimate of the coolest temperature the bag will maintain your body heat, but keep in mind that ratings are only guidelines. Personal sleeping preference should be taken into consideration when determining which temperature rating is appropriate for your sleeping style. If you are generally cold when asleep, opting for a bag that has a lower temperature rating would ideal as it will keep you warmer when the outdoor temperature drops, but if you are the type of person who loves to sleep in when the degrees are cooler, a higher rating will suit you just fine. While many sleeping bags will be described by the rating system, others will be characterized by seasons, three-season sleeping bags or four-season sleeping bags. If you will be camping during the spring to fall months, a three-season bag will be your best choice, but if you plan on sleeping outdoors in cold weather look deeper into investing in a four-season sleeping bag. Do not forget that you can always layer at night to keep yourself warm; you can always shed layers if needed.

Directly correlating to the temperature rating of sleeping bags is the fill type, also known as insulation; either synthetic filled sleeping bags or down. Synthetic fill in sleeping bags is generally made from either polyester or nylon and sometimes a combination of the two.  In comparison to down-filled sleeping bags, the synthetic variety is less expensive and non-allergenic, but the biggest advantage to a synthetic sleeping bag is superior insulation when the bag gets wet. Down filled sleeping bags on the other hand are made from a natural fill, typically made from either duck and/or goose feathers. The insulation provided by down filled sleeping bags is extremely good and transporting a down bag is much easier since it can be tightly compressed. Think of a down sleeping bag as similar to a down comforter, very comfortable and very warm. The only problems with down filled sleeping bags are they are on average more expensive than synthetic and the issue of when they get wet. Once water hits the feathers, the sleeping bag’s ability to insulate becomes compromised.

A final factor concerning the insulation and fill of a sleeping bag is the keeping the insulation in place. A quality sleeping bag, either down or synthetic will be quilted. Most commonly you will find what is called an offset quilt. By quilting a sleeping bag, the insulating material will stay in place preventing the collection of fill in one particular area. This allows for even insulation and prevents cold spots from forming, letting heat escape.

The shape of a sleeping bag is also extremely important when choosing which bag is right for you. Mummy style or rectangular shaped sleeping bags are the most prevalent shapes on the market for a number of reasons. Mummy sleeping bags are tapered sleeping bags that are designed with hoods for a more sung fit and essentially envelopes your body when sleeping in order to trap body heat while sleeping. If you are going to be camping or sleeping in areas where the environment is on the cooler side, a mummy shaped sleeping bag will be your best option. The only downside to mummy bags is that they may be constrictive for those of us who tend to toss and turn in our sleep.

Rectangular shaped sleeping bags are the other dominant style that most campers use.  Just as with mummy sleeping bags, rectangular style can be used in warm or cool weather camping, and they add versatility in its use; they can be used traditionally, zipped  up when family tent camping or they can be unzipped and used as an extra blanket. Some rectangular sleeping bags can even be zipped together to make a larger bag that will fit two people. One of the main differences between a mummy bag and a rectangular bag is the user’s freedom to move. Rectangular bags offer more leg and shoulder room and make it easier to change sleeping positions. Most rectangular sleeping bags do not come with hoods, but some are made with more material on the head end should you wish to try and wrap yourself up more. The downside to rectangular shaped sleeping bags is their proclivity for letting more body heat escape. Some manufacturers are starting to make sleeping bags in a hybrid style to try and improve on each style.

There are other considerations to take into account when choosing a sleeping bag of good quality. Zippers are EXTREMELY important as they get a lot of use throughout the life of the sleeping bag. Make sure the bag material is stitched away from the zipper to avoid snagging and tears. Going along with the zipper theme, zipper flaps will to prevent heat from slipping out through the zipper’s teeth. Sleeping bags with liners offer more functionality and will increase the temperature rating of the bag. Some linings can be zipped in or out and can help to keep the bag clean. Many sleeping bags will come with a carrying sack for more convenient transportation. Look into a waterproof bag for those inclement conditions. Camping pillows are always a good accessory to have with a sleeping bag. They make nights much more comfortable. Some pillows are even made to be compressible. Last but not least, sleeping pads are ideal in any outdoor sleeping situation. Having a sleeping pad keeps you comfortable and seemingly off the ground.

What type of sleeping bag to you prefer? Share with other campers by leaving a comment below on the outdoor news section and find all your outdoor sporting goods needs at PoorFish Outdoors!