Camping can be so much fun but can also be quite overwhelming especially if it is your first experience camping as you want to ensure you have all the essentials for you and your family to enjoy the adventure.
We recommend using our camping checklist to ensure you don't forget any of the essentials. Once you've got the tent sorted, the next thing on your list is likely to be a sleeping bag as unfortunately you cant take you bed with you!
It's important that your sleeping bag provides you with enough warmth and comfort so you're ready for any adventures the next day and you get a good night's sleep. We've put together a guide to help you decide what type of sleeping bag is best for you, as well as some examples of our best sleeping bags to help you along the way.
Features To Look For When Buying a Sleeping Bag
We've written a full guide on how to choose a sleeping bag, however here are some of the key features to look out for.
Sleeping Bag Shape
Single Sleeping Bags
Single sleeping bags are the most common shape of sleeping bag. Aptly named, they're designed to fit one person and are typically rectangular in shape, such as our Bienna sleeping bag.
Double Sleeping Bags
Double sleeping bags are designed to accommodate two people. They're more square in shape than single sleeping bags in order to have the extra space.
Kids' Sleeping Bags
These are simply smaller versions of either a single or double sleeping bag. Kids' Sleeping Bags often include two-way zips so that they can also be used as a blanket.
Mummy Sleeping Bags
Mummy sleeping bags are slimmer and more tapered, therefore they tend to retain heat better than the average rectangular sleeping bag as there is less room for air to circulate. They're geared towards handling colder climates.
Size
You need to ensure you take your height into consideration when purchasing a sleeping bag, although most sleeping bags will fit the average person there are some exceptions. If you are above the average height we would recommend you double check the measurements of a sleeping bag before making a purchase.
Pockets/Compartments
This is a great feature for a sleeping bag, it ensures you have somewhere safe to store your valuables whilst you sleep.
Material
Sleeping bags can come filled with either synthetic or down insulation. Synthetic is cheaper and is therefore used for frequently, but it does still mimic the effects of real down. Down fill is more expensive but does perform better in terms of heat retention, unless the sleeping bag were to somehow become wet, in which case down fill loses its loft.
What are Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings?
The temperature of your sleeping bag is important, though the temperature you require depends on when you plan to use your sleeping bag, these are referred to as the temperature rating, which are defined as the following:
Upper limit – The highest temperature the average male can expect to have a comfortable night’s sleep.
Comfort – The temperature at which the average adult can expect to have a comfortable sleep without the need for any additional equipment.
Lower limit – The temperature at which the average adult male can expect to sleep in a curled position.
Extreme – The lowest temperature at which the average adult woman can survive, but should be used with caution
What are Sleeping Bag Seasons Ratings?
Sleeping bag season rating is another way to help you find the perfect sleeping bag for you, it informs you what season and weather the sleeping bag is most suitable for.
Season One - Ideal for warm summer nights or camping abroad in sunnier climates.
Season Two - Ideal, for cooler evenings in spring, summer, or even early autumn with temperatures around 5°C.
Season Three – Ideal for cold nights but were there is no frost present, usually between 0 to -5°C
Season Four – Ideal for the winter months for when temperatures as low as -10°C.
Regatta Great Outdoors: Our Best Sleeping Bags
We've put together a selection of our best sleeping bags to help you in your search for comfort and warmth when camping.
1. Bienna Single Sleeping Bag Laser Blue
Reasons to Buy:
+ Soft-touch cotton lining for added comfort
+ Left hand two-way zip to allow opening from the top or bottom
+ Internal pocket to keep valuables close by
+ Rectangular shape provides more space and added comfort
2. Hilo 250 Lined Ripstop Mummy Sleeping Bag Extreme Green
Reasons to Buy:
+ Mummy shape provides excellent heat retention and minimal pack size
+ Soft-touch lining for a comfortable night's sleep
+ Internal pocket to keep valuables close by
+ Insulated zip baffle to cover cold spots and retain body heat
3. Hilo Boost Expandable Sleeping Bag Oxford Blue Ebony
Reasons to Buy:
+ Mummy shape provides excellent heat retention and minimal pack size
+ Soft-touch lining for a comfortable night's sleep
+ Internal pocket to keep valuables close by
+ Insulated zip baffle to cover cold spots and retain body heat
4. Maui Polyester Lined Single Sleeping Bag Azalea
Reasons to Buy:
+ Spacious rectangular shape
+ Soft-touch lining for a comfortable night's sleep
+ Bag can be opened fully to convert into a blanket
+ Two-way zip to allow opening from the top or bottom
Our Best Sleeping Bags for Kids
Whether your little one is going on sleepover or going on a camping adventure they will need a good sleeping bag. Our kids sleeping bags feature two-way zippers, so that they can be opened from both ends for easiness.
1. Maui Kids Polyester Lined Sleeping Bag Oxford Blue Palm Tree Print
Reasons to Buy:
+ Spacious rectangular shape
+ Soft-touch lining for a comfortable night's sleep
+ Bag can be opened fully to convert into a blanket
+ Two-way zip to allow opening from the top or bottom
2.Maui Kids Polyester Lined Sleeping Bag Cabaret Polka Dot
Reasons to Buy:
+ Spacious rectangular shape
+ Soft-touch lining for a comfortable night's sleep
+ Bag can be opened fully to convert into a blanket
+ Two-way zip to allow opening from the top or bottom
We hope you found our guide on how to choose the best sleeping bag useful. Read more of our handy camping related articles over on the camping section of our blog, or head over to Great Gear for more in-depth product information.
