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Sleeping bags are essential when it comes to camping. They keep you warm and provide protection from the elements if you are sleeping under a tarp outside. But what is the best outdoor sleeping bag? In this guide, I will look at how to choose an outdoor sleeping bag to help you find the right one for you.
For those looking for the short answer…
The best outdoor sleeping bag is one with a low-temperature rating, is lightweight and packs down small. You should look to get a 3 season sleeping bag at least if you plan on camping outside regularly as this will allow you to camp outdoors for most of the year.
Want to learn more? Then read on.
What Is the Best Outdoor Sleeping Bag?
A sleeping bag is an important piece of camping gear, and there are many different types to choose from. So, what is the best outdoor sleeping bag for your needs?
The first consideration is insulation. Down bags offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, but they can be expensive. Synthetic bags are more affordable and can be just as warm, but they are not as compressible.
Then there’s fit. A good fit is important for both comfort and warmth. Some sleeping bags are designed specifically for women or men, while others are unisex.
Temperature rating is another important factor to consider when choosing a sleeping bag. If you’re camping in cold weather, you’ll need a bag with a lower temperature rating than if you’re camping in warm weather.
What Are the 5 Types of Sleeping Bags?
There are five types of sleeping bags: mummy, rectangular, quilt, hooded and combo.
Mummy Sleeping Bag
When you are looking for a new sleeping bag, you may come across mummy sleeping bags. These bags are designed to fit snugly around your body and keep you warm. Here is a look at the pros and cons of using mummy sleeping bags:
Pros:
Mummy sleeping bags can keep you warm in cold weather conditions. If you are camping or backpacking in cold weather, a mummy sleeping bag can be a good option.
Mummy sleeping bags can also be lightweight and take up less space than other types of sleeping bags. This makes them a good choice for backpackers or campers who need to save space.
Cons:
Mummy sleeping bags can be uncomfortable for people who are not used to them. They can be tight and constricting, which can make it difficult to move around.
Rectangular Sleeping Bags
Rectangular sleeping bags are more versatile than mummy sleeping bags because they can be used for both camping and backpacking. They are also less expensive than mummy sleeping bags. However, rectangular sleeping bags are not as thermally efficient as mummy sleeping bags, and they take up more space in your pack.
Quilt Sleeping Bags
There are pros and cons to using quilt sleeping bags. On the pro side, they tend to be roomier and more comfortable than traditional sleeping bags. They also provide more ventilation, which can be a big plus in hot weather. Another advantage of quilts is that they can be used as blankets or comforters in cold weather, whereas traditional sleeping bags are not as versatile.
On the downside, quilts can be less warm than traditional sleeping bags, and they can also be more difficult to keep zipped up tight if it’s cold outside. Additionally, quilts can sometimes shift around during the night, leading to a colder spot on your body. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a quilt sleeping bag is a personal one that depends on your needs and preferences.
Hooded Sleeping Bags
There is a lot of debate over whether or not hooded sleeping bags are a good idea. Some people swear by them, while others find them completely unnecessary. Here are the pros and cons of using a hooded sleeping bag:
Pros:
Some people find that the hood helps to keep their head and neck warm, which can be especially important if you’re camping in cold weather.
The hood can also be useful for blocking out light and noise if you’re trying to get some sleep in a noisy environment.
It can be more comfortable to have an extra layer of insulation around your head and neck.
Cons:
The hood can make it more difficult to breathe, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
The hood is a pain to get in and out of.
Once you get the hood on, it’s difficult to take off if you get too warm
Combo Sleeping Bags
Combo sleeping bags are a popular choice for campers and backpackers because they offer the flexibility to use them as either a sleeping bag or a comforter. However, there are pros and cons to combo sleeping bags that should be considered before making a purchase.
The main pro of combo sleeping bags is that they are versatile and can be used in different ways depending on the weather conditions and the user’s preferences. For example, in warm weather conditions, the combo sleeping bag can be used as a comforter to keep the user warm at night. And in colder weather conditions, the combo sleeping bag can be zipped up like a traditional sleeping bag to keep the user warm and insulated.
Another pro of combo sleeping bags is that they are often less expensive than buying separate sleeping bags and comforters.
One con of combo sleeping bags is that they can be very heavy and bulky. This makes them difficult to carry around, especially if you are backpacking or camping in a remote area.
What Are Three-Season Sleeping Bags?
A three-season sleeping bag is typically designed to provide warmth in temperatures between 0°C and 10°C. They are lightweight and can be compressed down to a small size, making them ideal for backpacking trips. Three-season sleeping bags usually have synthetic insulation, which helps keep the user warm even when wet.
If you are looking to go wild camping in the UK, a three-season sleeping bag will be suitable for camping between March and November.
Summary
So there you go, when looking for the best outdoor sleeping bag, there are many factors to consider. Temperature rating, insulation type, and weight are all important factors to consider. It is also important to find a bag that is comfortable for you. With so many different options available, it can be difficult to decide which bag is right for you. Hopefully, this article has helped you narrow down your choices and make the best decision for your needs.
If you want a comprehensive list of our favourite outdoor sleeping bags, check out our guide to the best sleeping bags for wild camping, where we have collated a comprehensive range of sleeping bags that are perfect for your next camping trip.