In the catalog, you can filter models by a variety of criteria, ranging from price and brand to weight, length, functionality and all sorts of little things, such as the type of zipper or the presence of internal pockets.

Sleeping bag types

Today, there are different classifications of sleeping bags. When looking for the best solution, we recommend starting with them in order to exclude those models that definitely do not suit you. Most often, sleeping bags are divided by purpose and seasonality. Let's look at each classification in more detail.

According to the criterion "suitable for" all sleeping bags, albeit with some reservations, are usually divided into three main types:

  • camping. These are the most "light" models, not in terms of weight, but in terms of travel conditions. Such a sleeping bag is usually not carried in a backpack, but transported in a car when traveling to a specialized camping camp, a music festival, a weekend picnic or other simple outing into nature. At the same time, such a model can be ready for different weather conditions for an overnight stay, but most often this equipment is for summer or off-season;
If sleeping bags are transported by car, then their weight does not make much difference.
  • trekking. From the name it is clear that these are sleeping bags for hiking (including, cycling trips). This is the middle class, that is, such solutions are no longer for the easiest outings into nature, but also not for “hardcore” adventures with extreme weather conditions. The really important requirements for trekking sleeping bags include, if not light, then at least moderate weight, because the user will have to carry it on their shoulders;
  • expedition. These are sleeping bags for the most experienced tourists and really difficult trips, including mountain hiking and mountaineering, extreme winter adventures, etc. Beginners hardly need such models, including due to their high cost (although there are exceptions to the rules).

By seasonality, the classification is also sometimes very approximate and directly depends on the positioning of a particular brand. But for beginner hikers, it is guaranteed to help focus the search on the most targeted models. According to the season of use, the following sleeping bags are distinguished:

  • demi-season, that is, designed for spring and autumn with their changeable weather. They cope well with the relatively comfortable nights of May, September and October, but they can also be ready for unpleasant cold snaps, when at night the temperature drops not just below +10 °C, but close to zero or even to minus values. Now the range of demi-season sleeping bags is probably the largest, and their specific temperature indicators may differ significantly;
  • winter. These are sleeping bags in which you can relatively comfortably spend the night in nature during frosts. If camping trip is planned at this time of the year, then you additionally need to look at specific temperature conditions, which we will discuss in more detail;
For winter camping, a high quality sleeping bag is more important than a tent.
  • summer. This category primarily includes lightweight sleeping bags, which are designed for overnight stays at temperatures from +15 °C and above. Ideally, the task of such products is to provide a comfortable sleep in hot weather.

Many manufacturers indicate the “summer” season for demi-season or winter models, because in order not to sweat at night, you can always unzip the zipper and open your bag partially or completely. Similarly, a sleeping bag for the winter often also covers autumn and spring. In this regard, there are not so many narrow-profile solutions for one season, and most models are designed for several seasons.

Separate sleeping bags are positioned as all-weather. Such models are primarily adapted to winter, that is, negative temperatures, so they will not let you freeze in spring or autumn. But if you are not an extreme hiker, but an amateur who intends to go hiking mainly in the summer, then universal bags are not the most suitable choice with a serious overpayment for being ready for frost.

Sometimes the two classifications above are directly related and overlap. For example, a typical camping sleeping bag is summer, and expedition is winter. But this is by no means a mandatory rule.

The seasonality and type of sleeping bags is influenced by various factors, and, probably, the most important is the material of manufacture. Therefore, this point should be given increased attention.

Demi-season sleeping bags

What materials are used in the production of sleeping bags, what are their advantages and disadvantages

Modern sleeping bags are usually a multilayer product. External material protects them from moisture and mechanical damage from the outside. This is most often synthetics, namely nylon or polyester, less often mixed fabrics and polyurethane. The latter perfectly (better than analogues) protects the sleeping bag from moisture, but does not "breathe", so it is suitable mainly for winter and other difficult weather conditions.

The next layer (or even several) is an insulation. Here the main dilemma is the choice between synthetics or natural down. Each of these materials has its pros and cons.

Probably the most popular synthetic insulation is holofiber and other analogues with hollow fibers, which provide decent thermal insulation properties.

This is how a synthetic sleeping bag insulation looks like.

The advantages of synthetics include:

  • excellent water resistance;
  • good thermal insulation, even when wet;
  • quick drying when wet;
  • simple care;
  • hypoallergenic properties;
  • low price.

Cons of synthetic insulation:

  • heavier weight;
  • large sizes;
  • thermal insulation is still worse than that of down.

Down is used as a natural thermal insulation material in sleeping bags. The "suppliers" of this raw material are usually geese or ducks. The advantages of down models include:

  • great thermal insulation;
  • light weight;
  • durability (down, with proper care, retains its original properties longer than synthetics, which gradually become “colder”);
  • excellent compression – the ability to compress in order to reduce the volume of the sleeping bag;
  • high breathability, which means a comfortable overnight stay not only in the cold, but also in the heat.

Disadvantages:

  • high price;
  • not protected from humidity and loses thermal insulation;
  • prolonged drying;
  • difficult care;
  • controversial attitude of animal rights activists. But today, many producers declare ethical down collection practices, including humanely raising ducks and geese, non-violent feeding procedures, using only shedding products, or performing plucking after the animal dies.
Ethical (responsible) production of down sleeping bags is confirmed by the RDS standard.

You can also find sleeping bags with combined insulation. The task of the latter comes down to minimizing the weaknesses and maximizing the strengths of synthetics and down. But the range of such models is not at all large.

The final layer of the sleeping bag is the inner lining. Different materials can be used here, including synthetic ones – polyester, nylon or fleece, as well as natural ones – cotton or flannel. The last two types of textiles are more pleasant to the touch, and sleeping in them is a little more comfortable. The advantage of synthetics is also higher water and wear resistance.

Down sleeping bags

The shape and size of the sleeping bag

When there is already some certainty with the goals and seasons of using a sleeping bag, you can begin to select it for yourself. But first, you should pay attention to another important classification – the division by form factors. All modern sleeping bags are divided into two large groups:

  • blanket. This is a model that can have a standard rectangular shape or just the same width of the sleeping area in the area of the shoulders and legs. As a result, there is no feeling of crowding here, and lodging for the night here is perceived to be closer to resting in an ordinary bed. At the same time, such bags don't have high thermal insulation and are less suitable for low-temperature applications. When fully unfastened, such a sleeping bag turns into a classic blanket or can act as a bedding;
  • mummy. This sleeping bag is considered more anatomical, because it narrows from the shoulders to the legs, thereby perfectly retaining body heat. Such models are more compact when folded and often lighter, but they are more cramped, which, usually, takes some getting used to.
In summer it will be comfortable and not cold even in a sleeping bag-blanket.

Usually bags-blankets are better suited for camping tourism, and mummies are better for trekking and difficult expeditions, but there are exceptions to the rule.

In addition to the shape, it is important to correctly determine the size of the model. Sleeping with your legs bent and your knees against the zipper is not at all comfortable. But too large sleeping bag for a small user is not the best choice as well. Yes, it will be more spacious and comfortable, but the total weight of the product and heat loss will increase, so you can freeze at far from the lowest temperatures. It is important to find a balance, for which it is worth considering the following points:

A large sleeping bag is convenient, but not always guaranteed to be warm.

  • Different brands have their own sizing chart. It may include, for example, the division into Short, Regular and Long versions or other variations;
  • in addition to the indicated sizes, you need to look at specific dimensions, namely the length of the sleeping bag and the recommended height of the user, if indicated, as well as the shoulder girth .
  • in addition to universal sleeping bags, there are women's and children's models. The former, for example, take into account not only the difference in anthropometry, but also other physiological features, including the greater tendency of women to freeze. In this connection, additional insulation inserts are usually provided here. Children's versions are smaller in size, and individual samples allow you to change the length, choosing the optimal one for the current growth of a young tourist.

You can always measure your height and shoulder girth before buying a sleeping bag. To determine the length of the product that suits you, you should add 20-30 cm to your height for models with a hood or about 15 cm for bags without them. The standard shoulder girth is considered to be about 75 - 80 cm. For owners of a large physique, models of 85+ cm are suitable.

The drawstring hood helps minimize heat loss.

Separately, it should be said about the hood, which is considered an indispensable element of most off-season and especially winter models. This component of the sleeping bag protects the head and neck from the cold, and also minimizes the space through which heat loss occurs. A special collar and roller along the zipper are also capable of improving thermal insulation. And, for example, for summer models, an additional plus can be a zipper at the feet, which will provide improved air exchange and help the tourist not to sweat in warm weather.

Mummy sleeping bags

What you need to know about temperature rating

It is not recommended to limit yourself only to seasonality when choosing a sleeping bag. We need more specifics on the air temperatures for which this or that model is designed. Why is that? Even in summer, unexpected cold snaps are possible, when the temperature drops uncharacteristically low for several nights. The more so for the off-season, because even in May and September frosts on the ground are not ruled out (and you have to sleep almost on the ground and the sleeping pad laid on it).

A separate approach when choosing a sleeping bag by seasonality should be done for mountain conditions. Here the climate differs significantly from the plains. A summer night in the mountains can even involve frosts, and the middle of spring or autumn can bring severe frosts and winds, snowfalls and other extreme weather conditions.

Accordingly, it is better to focus not just on the season, but on the specific temperature conditions of the sleeping bag. Today they are regulated by the EN 13537 standard (and its "successor" from 2016 – EN 23537). Most famous manufacturers order independent or conduct internal testing of products according to the appropriate standardization methodology. Three temperatures are indicated for sleeping bags:

  • Comfort. This is the value at which a woman in a relaxed pose will not freeze in this model. It is recommended to focus on this temperature for all girls, as well as for some men – novice hikers and those prone to freezing;
  • Comfort limit or Limit. This value is intended for the average man and experienced hikers. At this temperature, they will be able to sleep normally in the bag for up to 8 hours, curled up, and should not freeze.
  • Extreme. This is the minimum temperature at which a woman (and a man too) in a sleeping bag can avoid the risk of death due to hypothermia during a 6-hour overnight stay (frostbite is acceptable).

Important! All indicated temperature ratings are relevant for users who spend the night in thermal underwear!
Temperature ratings are indicated on the sleeping bag.

The main values when choosing a sleeping bag should be the first two – Comfort and Limit. Let's say you are going on a camping trip in 2 weeks, and according to the forecast, it will be at least +12 °C at night. First of all, it is better to play it safe and focus on, for example, +8 °C. A woman (or a beginner) can take a model with a comfort temperature with this value, and a man (an experienced hiker) - with a comfort limit.

100% trust in the declared temperature is possible only if this is a product of a reputable manufacturer. Even if a major brand didn't pay for independent standardization, the company did its own testing and wouldn't risk its reputation.

Unfortunately, little-known brands can go to tricks and manipulate the values of temperature ratings. When should you be concerned? If the Comfort and Limit figures differ by more than 4 - 6 degrees Celsius. It is this range that objectively reflects the difference in the perception of cold by an average man and woman. If the variation approaches 10 °C, then the test may not have been carried out at all, and the permissible operating temperatures of the sleeping bag are too high.

How to increase the comfort of an overnight stay in the open air in extreme conditions? An easy method is heating due to the natural "battery" – another tourist. To do this, you can buy a model with left or right zipper. So, two bags, if necessary, are combined into one and will help you spend the night during unexpected cold snaps without harm to health. And if you plan to go hiking only with your soulmate, then initially you can consider a 2 person bag, it will be warmer for two people by default than a single bag.

2 person sleeping bags mean warm sleeping bags.

For more tips on staying comfortable in nature, see How to go camping without catching a cold: 7 tips for choosing the right equipment.

Sleeping bags with the ability to zip

Comfort Factors

If the sleeping bag fits in size, it is not cold and not hot to sleep in, then this does not mean that it is definitely perfect and should be purchased without hesitation. Quite important are the factors affecting the user experience. When buying, you should pay attention to the comfort of such moments:

  • sleep quality. The presence of a headrest and a pillow compartment, the presence of a mosquito net that protects from annoying insects, etc. can bring the quality of rest closer to the home experience;
  • carrying and storage. If a beginner may not pay much attention to these moments, then an experienced tourist always looks at the weight and dimensions of the folded sleeping bag. Only downy models can be really light and at the same time warm even in winter, the price tag for which is usually at least 2 times higher than for synthetic counterparts. Sleeping bags, usually, have covers for carrying. A special compression sack can also play their role, which allows to compress the bag and thereby free up more space in a tourist backpack;
  • everyday use. The presence of internal pockets, light-accumulating elements and protector on the zipper slider, hanging loops (for drying and ventilation) in the sleeping bag can increase the overall convenience of the tourist.
A compression sack is a handy accessory if the travel backpack is not very large.

Ideally, a sleeping bag should include functional, reliable and high-quality fittings – zippers, fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. Among the best manufacturers of these components today, it is worth highlighting the YKK company.

If you choose a model specifically for tourism (not for hunting or tactical purposes), then it is preferable to take bright colors. It will be noticeable from afar - you will not lose equipment if it is blown away during drying, and, for example, in emergency situations, this will increase the chances of rescuers detecting you.

Sleeping bags with compression sack

In conclusion about prices and brands

The overall quality, reliability, and durability of a sleeping bag depends in one way or another on its manufacturer. The recognized market leaders today include Deuter, Sea To Summit, Mammut and Outwell. But they tend to represent the highest or advanced price segment. Much more lower prices and still high-quality products are offered by such brands as Naturehike, Pinguin, and, for example, in Ukraine, the domestic brand Terra Incognita has a good reputation.