Using a Sleeping Bag While Camping

This article will help if you are new to camping and sleeping outdoors finding the best way to get some rest. Sleeping bags are a great option offering warmth and security from the outside elements. There are many options that can be a bit daunting for a first time purchase. We will give the basics of sleeping bags and how to best look for the one that will satisfy your needs.

Camping is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors away from technology and our constant connection. You can truly be in the moment and remove some of the outside world distractions. Adding to a pleasant experience is getting a good night’s sleep. Since most outdoor activities require physical movement, having a restless night can add to a very unpleasant experience. Sleeping bags can bring the necessary comfort while resting for the next day’s activities.

The history of sleeping bags began with people needing to sleep outdoors using animal skins to keep them warm at night. This was the best solution at a time before synthetic materials and other options were adapted. Thanks to textile advances, blankets became more comfortable and practical in keeping warm. Soon, researchers (namely Francis Tuckett) applied rubber waterproofing to textile material paving the way for the modern sleeping bag.

Related: The Best Sleeping Bags for Camping.

Types of Sleeping Bags

Before seeking out the perfect bag, you should know the many types available depending on your needs. These are the most common sleeping bags.

1. Mummy Bags 2. Rectangular Bags 3. Two-Person Bags 4. Backpacking Bags 5. Children’s Bags

The mummy bag has an insulated hood making the look more oval at the top and best for cold weather. Some experienced hikers and minimalists use the mummy bag without a tent using just a bivouac sack (bivy). Not our recommendation, but it shows the bag can be exceptionally warm.

A rectangular sleeping bag is similar to the mummy bag, but without the tapering and hood at the top. This bag type is less efficient at retaining warmth and utilizes more material to carry. The rectangular bag does offer more wiggle room should you prefer more space inside your bag for movement. This bag would be best for two to three seasons depending on the climate.

At first, the two-person bag seems economical having to purchase one bag for two people. This can also provide a similar sleeping environment as at home. You should take into consideration the size and weight, unless you are car camping, the inability to secure a tight fit keeping the warm air inside the bag, and any movement of persons inside the bag. This can be a fun option for light camping on warmer days, but not so much in colder climates.

If you are hiking with your sleeping bag, a solid, lightweight backpacking sleeping bag is what you need. It is important to be able to pack the bag, but you also need the warmth factor with versatility. Down-filled bags would be more advantageous when carrying since it’s lighter in weight than synthetic and can compress smaller for packing. The biggest drawback to down is keeping the bag from getting wet. A synthetic bag will not compress as small as the down bag, but can get wet without losing insulation ability.

You may be tempted to buy an adult bag thinking the child will grow into it. Remember the science behind sleeping bags and the need for a tight space to keep in the warmth. A good child sleeping bag will be worth the investment keeping your children warm on a cold night of camping. The sleeping bags with cute logos and cartoons are best for the sleepovers and not for the outdoors. Be sure to check the warmth ratings and know your child’s body temperature whether they run hot or cold.

Preparing for a Camping Trip with Your Sleeping Bags

It’s important to check the temperature ratings of the sleeping bags ensuring they will be the best option depending on where you camp. Knowing the temperature of the campsite is a necessity when preparing for a comfortable camping trip and choosing the right bag. Test the sleeping bags at home making sure they fit well, the zippers work, and they are in good condition for camping in the particular camping environment.

Another method to help you sleep warmer is to upgrade your sleeping platform. A full-length sleeping pad with a high R-value will be more than ideal to give you some extra degrees of warmth. Pair up a sleeping pad with your bag and line them up looking for a proper fit together. If it will be extra cold at the campsite, place an emergency blanket between the sleeping bag and the pad to reflect back your body heat and check the pad’s temperature rating. It’s also important to pack socks and gloves to warm the extremities if sleeping in the cold. Pay attention to your core as to not over-bundle that area of the body. You want that body furnace working inside the bag, but not overheating causing sweat that could diminish staying warm while sleeping.