The 5 Best Sleeping Bags
Regardless of whether you're a first-time camper or a master of Mt. Everest, having the right sleeping bag will dramatically improve your outdoors experience. While buying a sleeping bag may seem like a straightforward process, there are a surprising number of factors to consider. When purchasing a new sleeping bag, it's important to note the filling of the bag, the shape as well as the warmth rating, in order to find the perfect bag for you.
What Is a Sleeping Bag?
A sleeping bag is essentially a protective blanket that can be zipped closed for use as a bed when a traditional bed is unavailable. As mentioned above, the three primary factors to look for are the type of filling, the shape and the warmth. When it comes to filling, you have the primary choice between synthetic and down, with down being significantly higher in quality and cost. Sleeping bags also come in two main shapes: mummy and rectangular. Mummy bags are lighter and warmer, thus making them better for backpacking, but less comfortable. Finally, sleeping bags come in three rough categories: summer sleeping bags, three-season bags, and winter sleeping bags.
Best 5 Sleeping Bags
Sierra Designs DriDown Zissou Sleeping Bag
The Sierra Designs DriDown Zissou sleeping bag is known for combining the warm and easy-to-pack features of down lining with the water repellant features of synthetic by having the down treated with a polymer. Campers have noted that it performs exceptionally well at dealing with various forms of condensation such as dew and sweat. The mummy shape of the bag also does well at retaining body heat, but the bag is roomy enough at the torso to be comfortable while sleeping.
Currently $279.90 for the regular size on Amazon
Coleman North Rim 0 Degree Sleeping Bag
Users love the Coleman North Rim 0 Degree sleeping bag because it provides a 0 degree bag at an extremely reasonable price. Its great warmth rating means that it's well-suited for winter camping and can keep you warm and comfortable even in frigid temperatures. However, it's important to note that many campers have claimed that this sleeping bag is a little too bulky for backpacking purposes; it's best kept at base camp.
Teton Sports Mammoth Queen Size Sleeping Bag
The Teton Sports Mammoth sleeping bag's large size is perfect for couples or families with a small child that want to stay together when sleeping. This Teton Sports sleeping bag is available in two temperature settings, with the lighter bag appropriate for summer camping, and the heavier one great for winter camping. The all-cotton interior flannel lining makes this sleeping bag extremely comfortable, a feature many users attest to. Unfortunately, its size makes it unwieldy when it comes to portability and re-packing.
Currently $143.58 for the winter variant on Amazon
Teton Sports Celsius XXL 0 Degree Flannel Lined Sleeping Bag
For those that are looking for a large sleeping that provides a comfortable sleep, look no further than the Teton Sports Celsius XXL. This sleeping bag can easily fit someone at least six feet tall, or can snugly fit two people. The inner flannel lining makes this sleeping bag exceptionally comfortable, and the bag is rated down to 0 degrees. Campers agree that this is a great sleeping bag to have for winter camping.
Coleman White Water Large Cool-Weather Sleeping Bag
The Coleman White Water sleeping bag is a great affordable, cool-weather sleeping bag for campers that aren't camping in sub-freezing conditions. This sleeping bag is rated for temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees and can fit campers up to 6 feet, 4 inches tall. Users have stated repeatedly that this bag is great for summer camping and doesn't keep you too warm at night. However, its size keeps it from being a particularly good backpacking sleeping bag.
And those are our recommendations for the best sleeping bags. As always, be sure to check out the Wise Bread Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!
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