Just as a tent, sleeping bags are designed to keep you safe from outside elements, be it weather, insects, or environmental conditions. However, many sleeping bags leave you cold and miserable.
If you’re dealing with restless nights, how will you enjoy the great outdoors?
Our guide is filled with valuable information intended to help you choose the most desirable sleeping bag for your camping adventures.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT&DETAILS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Best 4-seasons  |
Coleman North Rim Adult Mummy Sleeping Bag
|
||
For Car/RV Campers  |
Wenzel Sleeping Bag
|
||
Best Cheap/Budget  |
Coleman Palmetto Sleeping Bag
|
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Best Camping  |
TETON SPORTS Celsius XXL
|
||
Best Kids  |
Coleman Kids 50 Sleeping Bag
|
Reviews of The Best Sleeping Bag for Camping
Below, you will find a few reviews with an in-depth look at our favorite features, what to be wary of, and product ratings, in addition to a buying guide and FAQs.
By the time you finish reading, you will be well-informed and ready to purchase the best sleeping bag for camping.
Coleman North Rim Adult Mummy Sleeping Bag – Best 4-seasons sleeping bag
Coleman is known to produce top-notch recreational products. The Coleman North Rim Adult Mummy sleeping bag is no exception.
- Design and Comfort
Designed for heights up to 6 ft. 2 in., the North Rim sleeping bag provides ample room for movement. The mummy style bag allows campers to be completely covered, from head to toe, while encapsulating and maintaining body heat. It measures 32” x 82” and is machine washable. The North Rim has a two-way, no-snag zipper and extra ventilation. It can be used year-round.
- Material and Temperature
The North Rim is made of 100% polyester – the outer shell is comprised of a diamond ripstop polyester cover. The inside has a polyester liner, making it suitable to handle temperatures from 0° to 10° F. It is also equipped with Coleman’s Thermolock™ draft tube, which prevents heat loss through the zippers.
- Warranty
The Coleman North Rim comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Consumer Reviews
Most consumers are happy with the performance of the Coleman North Rim Adult Mummy sleeping bag. Its price, comfort, construction, and heat retention are factors that stand out the most.
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Things We Liked
- Moderately priced
- An accompanying stuff sack
- 5-year limited warranty
- Suitable for all four seasons
- Accommodates larger, taller people
- Reliable and dependable
Things We Didn’t Like
- Difficult to pack into the stuff sack
- Zippers may snag on lining occasionally.
Final Impression
While the Coleman North Rim Adult Mummy sleeping bag is not the best sleeping bag for camping, it does the trick. Factors, such as its reliability in cold temperatures, its usefulness during any season, and its price, make it an attractive option for backpackers.
Wenzel Grande Sleeping Bag – Best Sleeping Bags for Car/RV Campers
If you’re looking for an affordable, comfortable camping sleeping bag to add to your gear, look no further than the traditional Wenzel Grande sleeping bag. This 0° F, 3-season sleeping bag is suitable for hikers, backpackers, and car campers.
- Design and Comfort
From cool to frigid temperatures, the Wenzel is cozy and warm due to the cotton flannel/polyester blend of the liner. It’s equipped with a sturdy two-way zipper for smooth, no-snag zips, offering easy ventilation. The Wenzel can also be transformed into a throw or picnic blanket with ease.
- Material and Temperature
The rectangular Wenzel Grande consists of a cotton outer shell, and a polyester and cotton flannel blend liner. Overall, it’s one of the warmest and coziest sleeping bags on the market.
- Value
From the quality materials used, the simple, yet durable design, and the warmth provided, the Wenzel Grande could be considered a best budget sleeping bag. It’s one of the most affordable in its class.
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Consumer Reviews
Consumers cannot say enough about how warm and cozy the Wenzel Grande is. They also love its versatility and comfortability.
Things We Liked
- Great price for the quality
- Strong cotton and polyester
- Great for three seasons
- Versatile and rugged
- Extremely comfortable and warm
Things We Didn’t Like
- Too heavy for long treks and hikes
- Bulky when packed away
- May not be suitable for taller campers
- Not appropriate for extreme wet weather
- Basic design
Final Impression
Ignoring all of the bells and whistles, this old-school sleeping bag is a bargain. It’s ultra comfy and durable at the same time. If you’re on a budget and need a versatile sleep bag dedicated to general use, consider the Wenzel Grande.
Coleman Palmetto Sleeping Bag – Best Cheap / Budget Sleeping Bags
Another Coleman sleeping bag has made our list. The Palmetto bag is perfect for anyone who goes on the occasional camping trip and is not looking to break the bank. One of their most popular bags, the rectangular Palmetto is suitable for hikers, campers, and backpackers, as it is just over 4 lbs.
- Design and Comfort
The Palmetto can comfortably accommodate individuals up to 5’11”. It’s soft and machine washable. Along with the Thermolock™ System, which prevents heat loss through the zipper, the Palmetto also features Coleman’s Roll Control™ Design for easy and quick folding of the bag. It comes with the Quick Cord™ System enabling speedy fastening without having to tie anything. Also, two Palmetto bags can be zipped together for additional sleep space.
- Material and Temperature
This lightweight sleeping bag features a soft tricot fiber blend liner and a polyester cover to keep you warm on cool days and nights. It can tackle temperatures between 30° F to 50° F.
- Warranty
The Coleman Palmetto Cool Weather bag comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Consumer Reviews
Collectively, consumers love this sleeping bag. One notable feature loved by consumers is the ability to combine two sleeping bags. If you have children, then this bag may top your list. Others speak about the cost and quality of the Palmetto. A handful of consumers consider the Palmetto the best sleeping bag for camping.
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Things We Liked
- The ability to combine two bags
- Roll Control™ Design
- 5-year limited warranty
- Affordability
- Lightweight
Things We Didn’t Like
- A tad bulky
- Tricot fiber blend liner causes static
- Useful for occasional use
- Issues with zippers
- Can be a snug fit
Final Impression
The Palmetto is great for the occasional use, but not durable enough for multiple backpacking trips. While very warm, the inner liner is a huge issue. Aside from those issues, the Palmetto is an overall decent, inexpensive sleeping bag.
TETON SPORTS Celsius XXL – Best Camping Sleeping Bags
As large as it is comfortable, the TETON XXL is a sleeping bag for the more experienced outdoor adventurer. If you are not afraid of braving severe weather, then you may love this sleeping bag.
- Design and Comfort
The TETON XXL is a very spacious sleeping bag, designed 6” wider and 15” longer than most bags. It measures in at 90” x 39”. Also, it’s equipped with dual zippers, allowing two bags to be zipped together – transforming an already sizeable bag into a two-person sleeping bag. To trap in your body heat, the TETON XXL includes shoulder draft tubes and a half-circle mummy style hood with drawstrings for your head.
- Material and Temperature
Made with a taffeta outer shell, a 100% poly brush flannel liner, and filled with SuperLoft Elite™ Hollow Fiber, the TETON XXL is engineered to retain warmth and provide outstanding comfort. Further, its double-layered construction allows campers to sleep in 0° F temperatures.
- Other Additions
The TETON XXL has an internal storage pocket reserved for stashing keys, money, documents, or a cell phone, and it includes a stuff sack with compression straps.
Consumer Reviews
Per several consumer reviews, the TETON SPORTS Celsius XXL should be a top choice for any adventurer looking to brave the great outdoors, especially chilly temperatures. Additionally, consumers appreciated the massive size of the bag and its performance out in the field.
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Things We Liked
- Two people can link together
- Warmth retention
- Internal storage pocket
- Limited warranty
- Useful in any season
Things We Didn’t Like
- Bulky for regular backpacking
- Hand wash only (machine washing voids warranty)
- Difficult to pack into the stuff sack
- Best for car or cabin camping
- Cannot transform into a blanket
Final Impression
The TETON SPORTS Celsius XXL may not be the best backpacking sleeping bag, but to some, it’s a top cold weather sleeping bag. While a few tweaks could be made, overall this all-season sleeping bag is spacious, good at retaining warmth and built for longevity.
Coleman Kids 50 Sleeping Bag – Best Kids Sleeping Bags for Camping
If you’re searching for a sleeping bag for kids, then you already know the struggle in finding a reliable, kid-friendly option. From our research, the Coleman Kids 50 bag may do the trick.
- Design and Comfort
Designed for ages 6 and up, the Coleman Kids 50 sleeping bag will accommodate your child as they grow up. It’s lightweight and boasts an attractive, decorative, kid-friendly lining. It’s rectangular in shape and suitable for young campers up to 5’ tall. Similar to other Coleman bags, this kids’ sleeping bag is equipped with the same warmth, roll control, and zipper systems.
- Material and Temperature
The Coleman Kids 50 is comprised of a polyester shell, lining, and fill. A temperature rating of 50° F, this sleeping bag is best used during the spring, summer, and fall months.
- Other Additions
The Coleman Kids 50 has a fun glow-in-the-dark feature and comes in a few choice colors. It also has an internal storage pocket to store small items.
Consumer Reviews
The consensus is in – consumers are overall happy with the Coleman Kids 50. Most mention its durability, and its value over quality.
Things We Liked
- Lightweight
- Glow-in-the-dark feature
- 1-year limited warranty
- Inexpensive
- Available in three colors
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not ideal for rugged camping
- Not suitable for extreme cold weather
- Challenging to roll up
- Could have more padding
- Zippers can be an issue
Final Impression
The Coleman Kids 50 sleeping bag is a decent choice for backyard or less rugged camping. It does not necessarily fit in the 3-season sleeping bags category, but the Kids 50 can be used during the spring, summer, and fall months. The Coleman brand is known for its durability, which is vital when it comes to children. For the price tag, any parent will be happy with this bag.
Buying Guide
Aside from a durable tent and camping pillow that meets your needs, another essential component of a great camping trip is a sleeping bag. While on the trail, you’ll need good sleep to explore the outdoors. If your sleeping bag does not meet your needs, say hello to restless nights.
This guide will cover a few key factors to consider when trying to find the best sleeping bag for camping.
Key Features
Sleeping Bag Shapes
There are five different sleeping bag shapes:
- Mummy: Offers a snug fit; designed to be lighter in weight and retain warmth
- Rectangular: Allows a great deal of movement; some can be completely unzipped to serve as comforters or picnic blankets
- Barrel, semi-rectangle: A modified mummy-shaped sleeping bag that offers both warmth and room
- Double Bag: Spacious and suitable for two
- Kid-size: Designed for young campers; these bags are shorter, smaller, and more affordable
Sleeping Bag Types
- 3-season sleeping bags: Typically best suited for spring, summer, and fall months; in some cases, they are equipped with draft tubes and hoods to combat lower than normal temperatures
- Summer sleeping bags: Designed to be lightweight and feature full-length zippers, allowing for ventilation
- Winter sleeping bags: Resemble those of a 3-season bag, but with added insulation
Temperature Ratings
Always err on the side of caution and select a bag with a lower temperature rating than the environment in which you’re in. Based on the average sleeper:
- 3-season bag: +15° to +30° F
- Summer season bag: +30° F or higher
- Winter season bag: +15° F or lower
Sleeping Bag Insulation
Down: Very durable, easily compressed, lightweight, and suitable for extreme weather conditions; maintains a consistent level of warmth
Synthetic: Can be bulkier and heavier than down. It is less expensive, non-allergenic, and conducive to damper areas, as it continues to insulate when wet
Additional Sleeping Bag Features
The best sleeping bag for camping, for you, will likely include one or a few of these features.
- Draft-restricting Features
Many bags are equipped with draft tubes that run the length of the zipper line to prevent warm air from escaping. Draft yokes or collars are also included to do the same thing.
- Internal Stash Pockets
An added pocket, likely near the top of the bag, designed to hold small items such as lip balm, mobile phones, travel documents, keys.
- Snag-free Zipper System
Some bags have zippers that are protected by covers, while others implement a guard that runs the full length of the zipper line.
- Sleeping Bag Hood
Hoods help to reduce heat loss. Most bags come with drawcords which adjust the neck area and the hood’s opening.
FAQs
Below are a handful of commonly asked questions in regards to purchasing a sleeping bag.
- Is down insulation better than synthetic insulation? Which should I choose?
One is not better than the other. They are different materials, and the choice is yours. Evaluate what your needs and wants are to make the best selection.
Down is more expensive, but geared more towards camping in colder, dryer temps.
Synthetic insulation is more affordable and performs well in damp conditions.
- Should I purchase a double sleeping bag or two bags that can be zipped together for my camping partner and me?
There is no right or wrong answer. It depends on your budget and if you want or need an individual sleeping bag for other adventures.
Keep in mind, if you want to combine two bags, you need to:
1) purchase bags that allow this
2) make sure they are the same brand
3) one bag should be left-zippered and the other a right zippered bag
- I use a 3-season sleeping bag with a 0° F temperature rating while camping in the mountains, but I’m still cold. Do I need to purchase another bag? Is there anything I can do?
We do not recommend purchasing another bag right away. Try adding extra blankets into your bag or a sleeping bag liner.
Also, ensure all zipper lines are closed, and all drawcords are cinched.
If nothing changes, perhaps purchasing a different brand may be the answer.
- How do I wash my sleeping bag?
Refer to your manufacturer for washing instructions. Some bags require hand washing, while others are machine washable.
Beware, some manufacturers will void your warranty if you do not follow their protocol.
Conclusion
Finding the best sleeping bag for camping is an investment in both in time and money. When selecting a bag, there are no right or wrong answers.
That said, our top pick of the best sleeping bag for camping is the TETON SPORTS Celsius XXL.
It offers the warmth to handle different seasons and can be linked with another bag.
The TETON SPORTS Celsius XXL is more rugged than the other choices and will let you sleep peacefully throughout the night.
