Choosing a sleeping bag for your camping trip may seem like a simple process, but you should know a few things before making your purchase. If you were to land in store aisle or online retailer full of sleeping bags, you would see many different brands and many different styles, which can be overwhelming. So before you buy, take a few minutes to understand how the sleeping bags differ, and how to buy the right bag to your needs.

Weather conditions

Sleeping bags are rated by temperatures, so knowing the conditions AKSOUL sleeping pad you are camping in is important. If you do not plan on extreme winter camping, a good three season bag that can handle temperatures down to freezing (32 degrees) is probably a good choice. There are sleeping bags with temperature ratings down to -20 degrees! You can always unzip the bag if you get too warm, so get a bag that can handle the cold.

Shape of the bag

Sleeping bags are available in rectangle, tapered, mummy and hybrid shapes. For recreational and family camping, the rectangle bags are nice because they can be opened flat or combined to form a double bag. Kids that need some space will also prefer a rectangular bag. If you move around a lot when sleeping a rectangular bag will suit you better. Tapered and mummy bags are the warmest because they have the least amount of extra air to keep warm. Some will also have a drawstring to tighten the bag and keep your body heat inside the bag. If you lay still while sleeping, these are a good choice for you. Sleeping bags also come in adult and children’s sizes.

Sleeping Bag Material

Most sleeping bags are constructed of nylon, polyester or nylon blends. The synthetic materials are more comfy, warm quickly and breathe very well. Look for a wind proof and water resistant outer shell. Also look for bags that zipper well without getting caught in the material. If you are looking to zipper bags together, make sure they are compatible and that you buy a right and left zipper. Two way zippers on the bag allow you to better control ventilation and flexibility. Look for a dark colored lining on the inside of the sleeping bag, which will absorb the sun’s ray better in case you need to dry out your bag.

Insulation

Synthetic nylon or polyester are the most common types of insulation in sleeping bags. Consider the weight of the bag and how you are going to use it. Your backpacking you will want a lighter bag that packs easy and fits in your pack. For camping near your car, the weight of the bag will not be very important. Look for bags that are quilted so the insulation stays in place and does not shift into lumps inside the bag. Synthetic bags can stay warmer when wet compared to down filled sleeping bags. To make your outdoor sleeping experience even more comfortable, consider using an inflatable air mattress, sleeping pad or cot. Some sleeping bags have an integrated sleeping pad in the bag.