How to Choose a Sleeping Bag for Camping

Your sleeping bag is your bed away from home on a camping trip, so it is worth your while to spend time picking the right one. The main factor to consider is the nighttime weather on your camping trip because the sleeping bag is your main protection from the cold.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Pick your sleeping bag's temperature rating based on the coldest temperature that you are likely to see on your camping trip. Sleeping bags are rated by the outside temperature an average person could comfortably withstand in the bag. The rating is only a guide, though, so if you like a lot of blankets at home, go for a colder temperature-rated bag.

2. Choose your cover and liner materials. Nylon is the most widely used cover material because it is lightweight and tear resistant. Cotton is an option if weight is not an issue and you don't need the sleeping bag to be waterproof.

3. Decide on a style of sleeping bag. Mummy and tapered are the warmest, providing weather protection to your head. They also take up the least space when packed. Rectangular sleeping bags are a good choice for family tent camping because they can be laid out flat in warmer weather or zipped together to form a double bag.

4. Look for quality construction. Zippers should be reversible and have a guard to keep the zipper teeth from catching on fabric. The insulation should be quilted into place so that it doesn't bunch up.

5. Evaluate your price range. How much you are willing to spend goes a long way to deciding the type of insulation that your sleeping bag will have. Warmer and more lightweight insulation increases the cost of your bag, but it will also increase the enjoyment of your camping trip.