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With kids’ sleeping bags, cocoons for two and even wearable options, everyone’s bound to be a happy camper
Planning to carry on camping this summer? The sleeping bag you pick is key when it comes to getting a warm and comfortable night’s sleep in the great outdoors. With all sorts of shapes and sizes (and price points) available, we’ve put together a list of our pick of the best sleeping bag designs to suit all campers.
First things first: how are you going to transport your sleeping bag? If you’re only ever going to chuck it in a car boot, you won’t mind if it’s warm but on the bulkier, heavier side. If you’ve got to backpack around the mountains, however, a tiny, lightweight sleeping bag makes far more sense. Check both the weight and the pack size of the sleeping bag you have in mind – some in this line-up weigh less than 600g and will fit into the smallest of backpacks.
A sleeping bag’s main job, of course, is to keep you warm. Temperature ratings are usually split into different categories – you’ll see “comfort”, “limit” and “extreme” ratings on most sleeping bag designs. In general, it’s best to look for a bag with a comfort rating that lists a lower temperature than you expect to encounter on your coldest camps, to ensure you don’t wake up shivering in the night.
Think about materials, too. Animal down is the best filling for warmth-to-weight ratio, and sleeping bags made from down also tend to pack up small. While synthetically insulated options are usually heavier and bulkier, they are generally better at keeping you warmer when it’s wet or humid, as well as drying out quicker. They’re also easier to clean, and tend to be cheaper.
Increasingly, brands are fitting bags to different bodies. You’ll find “tall” and “short” sizes on sale, and many companies now offer female-specific versions, as petite women may find a shorter, more curved sleeping bag fits them better.
We tried out each sleeping bags while camping in Cornwall and the Cotswolds in (surprisingly chilly) spring temperatures that got as low as 5C. We were looked for a comfortable night’s sleep, quick heat trapping and durability in each model we tested.
Rectangular: The most traditional style of sleeping bag, the width is the same all the way down. This style is more spacious for sleeping, and can be opened up to serve as a quilt, but tend to be less warm and are better suited to casual summer camping, festivals and use in campervans and glamping tents.
Barrel shaped: Like a barrel, the shoulders and footbox taper in, and there will often be a hood, too.
Mummy: Expect a very snug fit here – the bag mimics the shape of your body, with a hood and adjustable drawstring, so it can be tightened around your face. This style tapers around the foot and is usually lighter and warmer, and better suited to multi-day hiking.
Double: Intended for two adults, double sleeping bags can also come with a hood.
Elephant foot sleeping bag: These are tapered towards your feet, and while they are highly fitted, just like a mummy-style bag, they won’t have a hood.
First off, you’ll want to think about the fit – wriggly sleepers will want a looser shape with a bit more wiggle room.
Next, there’s the temperature – how chilly is it going to be where you’re going, and can your sleeping bag keep you toasty enough to drift off comfortably? If ease of use is a big factor for you, you may also want to consider the zip, and whether it’s long enough to give you easy access.
Read more: Best travel mugs and insulated flasks
Of course, you’ll need to consider weight, too – for longer trips, you’ll want a lighter bag that isn’t too much of a chore to lug around from place to place. Check both the weight and the pack size of the sleeping bag you have in mind – some of our featured bags will fit into the smallest of backpacks, so they’re a good choice for on-the-go hikers.
Animal down is the best sleeping bag filling for warmth-to-weight ratio and heat retention. Sleeping bags made from down also tend to last longer and are easier to pack up in small bags. Note that you can’t let most down bags get wet, as they’ll quickly lose their warming properties, although some are water-resistant. While synthetically insulated sleeping bags are usually heavier and bulkier, they are generally better at keeping you warmer when it’s wet or humid, as well as drying out quicker. They’re also easier to clean, generally cheaper and more likely to be made from recycled materials.
By tapering towards your feet, and with the addition of a hood, mummy-shaped sleeping bags mean less unnecessary space. The aim here is to increase insulation – the less air there is around your body, the less heat you need to keep the bag toasty and warm.
Although this will depend on how well you look after them, and the frequency of use, down-filled sleeping bags could last up to 10 or 15 years, while synthetic bags may last for around three to four, give or take.
Serious campers sleeping in cold conditions will love Mammut’s perform. Like a bargain? Vango’s kanto and Mountain Warehouse microlite 1400 give great bang for your buck, while the Mountain Warehouse apex is a lovely affordable choice for kids.
While a good sleeping bag will keep you warm, check out our round-up of the best camping mats for a truly comfy night under the stars