How to choose the right sleeping bag – with recommended insider tips & inexpensive alternatives away from the well-known brands.

It is not that easy to buy a new sleeping bag: the selection is large and manufacturers love promises – but you can only rely on them in the rarest of cases.

  • It is very important that you can rely on your sleeping bag when you are out and about.
  • After all, it should keep you warm and dry on your adventures.

This article will tell you what makes a good sleeping bag, why insulation is so important, and what to look for when buying.

Are you short on time? Jump directly to the sleeping bag recommendations .

important terms

When buying a new sleeping bag, many people stumble upon the many new terms and are confused.

 

Therefore you will find an overview of the most important terms here:

  • The outer shell of the sleeping bag contains the insulation. This protects you from wind and moisture.
  • hood or hood helps to keep you warm in particularly cold temperatures. Make sure that it is easy to use, for example with a practical drawstring or Velcro fasteners.
  • The hose or the insulating cap at the neck opening is the so-called pull collar (or heat collar ). This keeps the heat inside and prevents drafts from entering. This is especially important in the cold.
  • The insulation or filling is the most important part of your sleeping bag. Common filling materials are down, nylon or cotton, for example.
  • The outer material should be particularly water-repellent. But it is also important that air can circulate.
  • The foot box is the lowest area of ​​the sleeping bag. Ideally, this part of the sleeping bag should be preformed and have side walls. This gives you enough space for your feet and you avoid cold spots.
  • The zipper system should ideally run twice and have a windproof edging.

Ask yourself these questions before you buy

Before deciding on a particular sleeping bag, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Where do you want to go or what is the sleeping bag used for?
  • What are the prevailing temperatures here?
  • How heavy can the sleeping bag be?

Nothing is as annoying as investing your hard-earned money in the wrong sleeping bag. Naturally, there is a big difference between going to a festival, traveling with your family or planning a multi-day mountain tour.

Tip : Weight and mass cannot necessarily be equated with a warmer sleeping bag. The size and quality of the insulation is also crucial.

Do not forget to get a good travel pillow , a soft mat as a pad and possibly an inner sleeping bag.

Sleeping bag types for every season

To get a rough overview, you can divide the different sleeping bags into the following categories: summer, winter and 3 seasons.

Summer sleeping bag

Sleeping bags for summer are suitable for temperatures around -1 degrees and higher. This shape is often particularly light: less insulation material also means less weight. Summer sleeping bags can usually be packed up very small.

  • In summer your sleeping bag doesn’t need a hood or a warm collar.
  • A simple sleeping bag without a lot of gimmicks is completely sufficient here.

Tip : It is practical, however, if the sleeping bag can be opened all around with a zipper. This is how you ensure adequate ventilation on warm nights.

3-season sleeping bag

This sleeping bag is perfect for temperatures above -6 degrees. That is why they are mainly used in the spring and autumn months.

 

Even if you are planning a trip high in the mountains and temperatures drop below freezing point, 3-season sleeping bags are useful.

Good sleeping bags that are suitable for three seasons have certain features:

  • This includes a foldable hood,
  • the pull collar
  • and the windproof edging of the zipper, which prevents the heat from escaping.

Winter sleeping bag

This thick version of the sleeping bag is suitable for temperatures below -6 degrees. In addition, winter sleeping bags have all the properties of a 3-season sleeping bag: They too have a foldable hood and a drawstring collar.

In addition, however, they are reinforced with more insulation in order to withstand very low temperatures. Sleeping bags for the winter time are usually very bulky and therefore difficult to pack.

Tip : Make sure to buy a good compression bag to tame the thick sleeping bag.

What to look for when choosing

The right sleeping bag will keep you warm on the go and provide comfort wherever you are. Deciding on the right model including insulation, type and heat rate can quickly become overwhelming.

 

Regardless of whether you are looking for a sleeping bag for an ambitious mountain tour or you are going camping with your family, you should consider the following points:

Heat rating

Most sleeping bags also come with a special heat rating to help you make the right decision.

  • Unfortunately, these are often exaggerated and often even misleading. So here you should look carefully!
  • Manufacturers prefer to specify several temperatures. Many models contain information on the minimum temperature that the sleeping bag can still handle.

Since manufacturers can make claims here as they please, you are primarily dependent on reviews from other customers.

To solve this problem, the EN system was introduced in Europe . Sleeping bags receive ratings such as …

  • Upper limit : the highest temperature at which the average man can sleep well.
  • Comfort : the lowest temperature at which the average woman can sleep well.
  • Lower limit : the lowest temperature at which the average man can sleep well.

Tip : Use temperature readings only as a starting point and rely on your instinct. If you are naturally cold and the sleeping bag looks very thin, you should find a thicker one.

insulation

One of the first decisions you have to make is: down or synthetic?

We have briefly summarized the most important points about the materials for you.

Down sleeping bags

This is the lightest, most effective insulation you can get. In addition, sleeping bags made of down are easier to compress, which is a big plus for mountaineers.

Unfortunately, down sleeping bags are also a lot more expensive. The warming effect is also strongly related to the filling strength: There are values ​​between 600 and 900. The higher this number, the warmer the sleeping bag.

This filling method is often used for particularly warm jackets, gloves or special down comforters for the summer months .

Advantages : effective, easy

Cons : expensive

Synthetic sleeping bags

Today there are many different types of synthetic insulation. A fluffy polyester is mostly used.

The big advantage is that the material is naturally water-repellent. At the same time, these sleeping bags are bulkier and heavier than the natural alternative.

Advantages : water repellent

Disadvantages : often heavier and more massive

Shapes of the sleeping bag

In order to do justice to the various outdoor types, manufacturers today produce sleeping bags in different shapes and sizes.

 

These can be divided into the following forms:

mummy

Due to the optimally adapted cut, these sleeping bags offer the best thermal efficiency. This means that they optimally contain their own body heat. The smaller the interior space of the sleeping bag, the more efficient it is.

Although mummy sleeping bags offer enough space in the area of ​​the shoulders and torso, many campers find a wider cut to be more comfortable.

Another advantage: mummy sleeping bags require less material and filling. That means they are lighter and smaller to pack.

Advantages : small, light and efficient

Disadvantages : sensitive people quickly feel cramped

Rectangular

Rectangular blanket sleeping bags don’t do that well to keep you warm while you sleep. That is why they are particularly suitable for overnight stays in a mild climate: preferably in your own garden or in the house.

Hut sleeping bags are also often used to sleep better in uncomfortable or unhygienic beds. For example in hostels, huts or at festivals.

The generous shape of these sleeping bags offers a lot of freedom of movement and comfort.

  • Many campers love to be under a blanket with their partner on the go.
  • Very wide blanket sleeping bags are ideal for this.

As the name suggests, you can usually convert this model into a ceiling.

Advantages : more space, often cheaper

Disadvantages : only for a mild climate, difficult

Egg-shaped

Do you feel a bit cramped in the sleeping bag, but a wide blanket shape is still not effective enough for you? Then an egg-shaped sleeping bag could be just the thing for you.

  • In general, these sleeping bags are bulkier and heavier than mummy sleeping bags.
  • However, they also offer more space and are not so cramped when sleeping.

In this way, you offer an optimal compromise between mummy and rectangular sleeping bags.

Advantages : more space, effective and small

Disadvantages : not for very low temperatures

The right size

It is not easy to decide on the right size of a sleeping bag. On the one hand, it should be as small as possible, on the other hand it should also offer appropriate comfort.

So you can be sure that the sleeping bag fits perfectly and you can sleep well – wherever you are:

  1. Try the sleeping bag: lie down in the sleeping bag and wear enough clothing to test the real-life conditions.
  2. Get moving: If you also camp in cold weather, you need a sleeping bag that is particularly well-fitting. If you often sleep very restlessly or if you sleep on your side, you should also ensure that you have enough room to move around.
  3. Pay particular attention to the zippers: pull it up and down several times. Can it be opened easily? If a zipper is already getting caught, find another one.

Tip : The best way to do this is to order a sleeping bag and try it out at home. This saves you from embarrassing scenes in the sports shop.

When you need an inlet

Inlets for sleeping bags are often underestimated by camping fans. These thin inner sleeping bags are very light and can be easily packed into the backpack.

What many do not consider: They provide an additional portion of warmth and play an important role in hygiene.

Consider: would you like to lie in a bed without sheets or sheets? Probably not.

An inlay is an extra layer between your body and the sleeping bag. These thin sleeping bags are much easier to wash.

Tip : In addition, these inner or hut sleeping bags can also be used outside of the sleeping bag.

For example, if you don’t want to sleep in someone else’s hotel bed or on long train journeys.

Cleaning and care of the sleeping bag

After you have decided on a sleeping bag, it is important to take good care of it. But what is the best way to wash a sleeping bag?

to read the instructions on the label: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions . You can often find more information on the manufacturer’s website.
  1. Prepare the sleeping bag : Close all zips and turn the inside of the sleeping bag outwards. This will also keep the inside clean.
  2. Use the correct detergent : If your sleeping bag contains down, you need to be particularly careful. Important components should not be washed out when washing. Fortunately, today there are detergents especially for down products. It’s a little easier with synthetic products.
  3. Washing : The best way to clean your sleeping bag is by hand washing in the tub or using a gentle program with cold water in the washing machine.
  4. Drying : Hang the sleeping bag lengthways on the clothesline. If you want to use a dryer, put the sleeping bag in a laundry bag and dry it at a low temperature.

The best sleeping bags in comparison

Are you looking for a sleeping bag that offers you the perfect balance of warmth, weight, comfort and functionality?

Fortunately, you can choose from many different options.

  • Particularly popular brands here are, for example, Mammut , Fjällräven , Vaude and McKinley .
  • Apart from these well-known manufacturers, there are also a few real insider tips, which are often cheaper.

In the following recommendations I would like to introduce you to great sleeping bags of all brands:

Mummy sleeping bag for extreme conditions

I particularly like the extremely soft material that is also an effective filling method.

  • The inside of the sleeping bag is made of nylon.
  • This perfectly reflects your own body heat.

Thanks to the integrated footmuff, your feet will also stay comfortably warm.

The only drawback: sometimes the zipper doesn’t run that smooth! The pleasant head area, on which you sleep like on a cushion, is advantageous. Above all, the good price-performance ratio speaks in favor of this sleeping bag!

4-in-1 outdoor blanket sleeping bag

Although this flexible blanket sleeping bag comes with a good compression bag, the pack size remains quite large.

  • Many customers are enthusiastic about the first-class sleep feeling. It feels like you are lying on a soft feather bed in the middle of nature.
  • The sleeping bag is very cozy and soft. It also keeps people who are very sensitive to the cold warm.

Another advantage: Thanks to the innovative zip technology, you can use the sleeping bag in different ways.

Egg-shaped down sleeping bag

We generally recommend this sleeping bag at medium temperatures: The comfort temperature is 8 degrees, the limit is 3 degrees and in extreme cases temperatures of -10 degrees can be withstood.

Personally, I particularly like the practical egg shape of this sleeping bag. The sleeping bag is not as tight as, for example, with mummy sleeping bags.

If necessary, the model can also be converted into a ceiling without any problems.

The best sleeping bag for women

The comfort temperature is -7 degrees, which is great for women. Of course, this point is also strongly related to your own coldness.

Particularly great: The foot area is specially lined so that the feet also stay nice and warm.

Light trekking sleeping bag

This model is perfect for mild temperatures above 10 degrees. Thanks to its low weight of less than 1 kg, the sleeping bag can be stowed away in a space-saving manner and hardly disturbs even on long hikes.

 

If you would like to find out more about the Trek Night, I recommend reading the detailed review.

Trek Night sleeping bag tested

The best sleeping bag for couples

  • The zipper runs along the sides, making it easy to open.
  • Despite its size, the sleeping bag can be packed compactly in the compression bag.

The filling is made of cotton and the outer shell is made of polyester. I particularly like the fact that there is still enough space in this sleeping bag even for two and that you don’t feel cramped.

Sleeping bag for babies and toddlers

A good sleeping bag can protect you from the cold not only when you are out and about. At home he ensures that your baby is safe at night and can sleep peacefully.

 

So you can also benefit from your little one’s sleeping bag.

  • A sleeping bag is part of the basic equipment in your baby’s first years of life.
  • While an ordinary blanket doesn’t store as much heat and slips easily when you move, you can rely on the sleeping bag.

Even if your child is a little older, a sleeping bag can be a good option. This is how you prevent them from waking up at night because they are freezing.

Other advantages: These sleeping bags for toddlers are easy to wash, dry quickly and prevent your feet from getting caught in the bars.

Tip : Make sure, however, that the sleeping bag is suitable for the respective season. In winter the sleeping bag can be a little thicker, while in the summer months a thinner one is sufficient.

  • But even outside of everyday life, many parents are looking for the right sleeping bag for their children.
  • Planning a camping trip with children is a challenge. At the same time, it is also a valuable and educational experience for the little ones.

From when no more sleeping bag

In general, sleeping bags for babies and children are available in many sizes: from newborns to 10-year-olds.

Many toddlers love their sleeping bag and don’t mind using it for long periods of time. Others refuse to do so after the first few months of life.

Tip : In this case, it is best to let your feelings guide you. If your child likes to sleep in a sleeping bag, there’s nothing wrong with it!

Types of sleeping bags for children

If you are looking for a sleeping bag for your children today, one of the main things you will discover is that there is more than enough choice!

  • Sleeping bags differ in terms of design, filling, fabric and many other things.
  • Some models even have sewn-on sleeves or legs.

This way the sleeping bag fits particularly well and your little one cannot get stuck in the sleeping bag so easily.

Sterntaler sleeping bag for babies

I particularly like the optimal fit of this model:

  • The cut is adapted to your baby’s body, with matching neck and armholes.
  • By the way, the sleeves can be removed if your baby can’t stand them.

The material feels cuddly soft and is easy to clean. Put the sleeping bag in the washing machine at 40 degrees and it will be like new again in no time!

Sleeping bag set cuddly bear

I found the enclosed instructions for use to be particularly practical: As a new and inexperienced parent, you are happy to receive any help. This will tell you which sleeping bag or clothing is recommended at which room temperature.

Year-round sleeping bag for children

 

The slumber bag is lined and can be used all year round. That includes room temperatures between 15 to 21 degrees.

Closing word

I hope this comprehensive guide & my recommendations have helped you choose the right sleeping bag. Please share this free page with friends and acquaintances.

I created Sleep Knowledge to share my interests and experiences on healthy sleeping with others. On this page I am therefore dealing with interesting questions about the optimal night’s sleep & everything else that goes with it.

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