Camping & Outdoors

When choosing a sleeping bag for camping, first consider the temperature rating to ensure it's suitable for the conditions you'll encounter. Also consider the insulation type (down or synthetic) and shape (mummy or rectangular) and look for features like a hood, draft collar, stash pocket, and zipper baffle to enhance warmth and comfort. Lastly, be sure to look at the weight and packed size, especially if you'll be backpacking!

Sleeping bag temperature ratings indicate the lowest external temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) at which a sleeper will feel comfortable. For example, a 15° sleeping bag is designed to keep a user warm when outside temperatures are as low as 15°F (-9°C). Keep in mind that sleeping bag temperature ratings are a great starting point, but they’re also estimates. Your warmth and comfort in a sleeping bag will vary based on sex, height, weight, and other factors.

It depends when and where you plan to camp. In general, purchase a bag with a slightly lower temperature rating than the lowest expected nighttime temperatures where you plan to camp. So for summer camping at low elevations, a sleeping bag rated 30° or higher will keep you warm, but not be so hot that it’s uncomfortable. For three-season camping (spring, fall, and summer) or summer camping in higher elevations, consider sleeping bags with temperature ratings of 15° to 30°. For winter camping, you’ll need a sleeping bag with a temperature rating that’s at least below 15°. (Bags like our Dream 5° are perfectly suited for the coldest nights.)

Sleeping bags come in one of three shapes: rectangular, semi-rectangular, or mummy-style. There are also “double bags” designed for two people to use at the same time.

• Rectangular sleeping bags are the cheapest sleeping bag models. Because of their spacious design, rectangular bags can feel more comfortable than mummy bags, but they offer poor heat retention, and are quite heavy and bulky.

• Mummy sleeping bags are the most thermally efficient type of sleeping bag, with a snug, form-fitting shape and hood that reduces empty space, retains body heat, and maximizes insulation. Mummy bags are ideal for cold-weather camping, backpacking, and mountaineering, where minimizing weight and maximizing warmth are crucial.

• Semi-rectangular sleeping bags, also called “modified” mummy bags or barrel bags, have a slightly tapered shape, providing a compromise between the spaciousness of a rectangular bag and the warmth, weight, and overall efficiency of a mummy bag (below).

Like weight, the average cost of a sleeping bag varies based on fill type, temperature rating, and features. You can generally find quality sleeping bags for car camping in the $50 to $75 range. All our best sleeping bags for camping range from just $60 to $80. Serious backpacking sleeping bags, or those designed for particularly cold temperatures, will fall in the $200 to $400 range, and many are even higher.

A good sleeping bag should keep you warm and comfortable. Look for features like a draft collar, close-fitting hood, and zipper baffle to prevent heat loss and a water-resistant shell to protect from moisture. Choose the right size and shape (mummy bags are warmest!), and consider a zippered stash pocket. These let you keep crucial belongings like a phone, wallet, headlamp, or car keys close at hand. Don't forget to check the temperature rating to ensure your sleeping bag is suitable for your camping conditions!

Both down and synthetic filling have their merits when it comes to sleeping bags, so the answer to this question depends on who you ask. Down is prized for its superior warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, making it a favorite for high-altitude mountaineers and those prioritizing minimal pack size, such as ultralight long-distance trekkers. It also tends to last longer.

However, synthetic filling excels in damp conditions, retaining its insulation even when wet (unlike down, which clumps and loses its loft). Synthetic bags are also more affordable, hypoallergenic, and vegan-friendly, and are easier to wash and dry. All these reasons mean that for most casual outdoor adventurers, synthetic fill sleeping bags are the best choice.

For long-term storage, take your sleeping bag out of its stuff sack, and store it in a large, breathable sack, such as a king-size pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag. This allows the insulation to fully loft and prevents compression damage. Store your bag in a dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and pests. You should also avoid temperature extremes, so don’t leave your bag in places that can become extremely hot or cold, such as attics or garages.

The lifespan of a sleeping bag depends on factors like its quality, how often you use it, and how well you care for it. The best sleeping bags will last 5 to 10 years—sometimes as long as 15 years—with proper storage and occasional washing.

When choosing a camping cooler, prioritize features that maximize ice retention and durability. Look for rotomolded construction for impact resistance and thick polyurethane foam insulation to keep ice frozen for days. Features like a freezer-style gasket and secure latches further enhance ice retention by sealing in the cold. Consider accessories like tie-down points to secure the cooler during transport, non-slip feet for stability at your campsite, integrated bottle openers, and a plug to drain water from the cooler. A wheel kit for easy transport, as well as dividers and a basket to keep goods separate, will also enhance value.

It’s hard to answer this question, because the size of cooler you need for a camping trip will depend on how long you’ll be camping, how many people are coming, the food and drinks you’re bringing, and the meals you hope to make. For a one or two-day trip with one or two campers, or to simply carry drinks for a large group, a 45-quart cooler is a great choice. A 65-quart cooler, meanwhile, is ideal if you plan to carry lots of food, will camp for several days, and/or are heading out with a bigger group of campers.

The three main types of camping coolers are soft-walled coolers, powered coolers, and hard coolers. Soft-walled coolers, which essentially look like a stiff bag, can be a good choice for day trips or short hikes and picnics, where portability is important. However, they have poor ice retention compared to hard coolers, can’t carry as much, and are susceptible to tears, scrapes, and other damage.

Powered coolers, on the other end of the spectrum, are extremely expensive (many models cost over $1,000), heavy, and bulky, but eliminate the need for ice to keep your goods cold. They can be a good choice for RVers and van-lifers, or for extended trips where you need precise temperature control, but their cost, energy use, and weight make them a poor option for most campers.

Hard coolers, like Palisade, are the best option for most camping trips, providing maximum ice retention, storage space, and durability, without the bulk and cost of a powered cooler. Wheel kits make our hard coolers even more portable than many soft coolers.

The ideal internal temperature for a camping cooler is below 40°F (4°C). This is the temperature recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure perishable foods like meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs are free from bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illness. Pre-chill the cooler, use a blend of block ice and cubed ice, pack items cold, and minimize opening it to maintain this temperature. In high heat, store your cooler in the shade, and consider using a thermometer to monitor its internal temperature.

Rotomolded camping coolers—like our Palisade—are made by pouring melted plastic into a mold that rotates slowly. This process creates a seamless, one-piece cooler body that's incredibly durable and resistant to leaks. The walls of the cooler are then filled with thick polyurethane (PU) foam insulation. This type of insulation is very effective at preventing heat transfer, keeping your ice frozen for much longer than traditional coolers. The combination of the tough outer shell and the high-performance insulation makes rotomolded, PU foam coolers the cooler of choice for extended camping trips and rugged outdoor adventures.

The best water bottles for camping fall into two categories: plastic or metal. Plastic bottles are lightweight and packable, and sometimes even collapsible. These bottles are great for backpacking but offer no protection against extreme temperatures. In the summer months, your water will be lukewarm in minutes, and in the winter months, it could freeze.

The other category of camping water bottles are durable, insulated metal water bottles, like our Alder Water Bottle. For car camping, particularly in hot or cold weather, water bottles like these are a must-have. Thanks to double-wall vacuum insulation, these leak-resistant bottles will ensure your hot drinks stay warm, and your cold drinks stay cool up to 24 hours!

One liter (32 ounces) is the standard size for most camping water bottles, but in some situations, slightly larger or smaller capacities may be ideal. For shorter day hikes, or activities where compact size is beneficial, a 22-ounce bottle might be best. For multi-day camping trips, a 40-ounce bottle could be preferred. For storing larger quantities of water, most campers like to use storage bladders or canteens, which can hold as much as three or four liters, if not more.

Insulated water bottles and tumblers are designed to maintain the temperature of your drink for extended periods. This means your cold drinks stay refreshingly chilled, and your hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) remain warm, even after several hours. This is especially useful during outdoor activities like camping, where access to refrigeration or heating is limited. Beyond temperature control, the best insulated bottles also offer features like leak-proof lids, sip mouths, durable steel construction, and carrying loops.

While both maintain drink temperature, insulated water bottles and tumblers differ mainly in design and intended use. Water bottles prioritize hydration, with a narrower mouth and uniform shape built for easy drinking on the go. In short, they’re primarily made to store and drink water. Water bottles also usually have a larger capacity.

Tumblers, with their wider mouths, are designed for comfortable sipping rather than quick hydration, and are often used for a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, and even soup. They also have a narrower, cup-holder compatible base, so you can take them with you in the car. Both our insulated water bottles and tumblers are compatible with a variety of lids, allowing you to sip directly from the bottle, use a straw, or clip it to your backpack with a handle lid.

Yes, you can certainly use an insulated tumbler instead of a water bottle. From a performance standpoint, they offer comparable insulation. Our Arroyo Stainless Steel Tumbler features the same double-wall vacuum seal as our Alder Water Bottle, which keeps cold drinks cool for up to 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12.

The primary difference is in their design, capacity, and lids. Tumblers are slightly smaller in overall capacity, have a narrow, cup holder-compatible base. They also use either wide-mouth sipping lids or traditional straws, which aren’t as easy to drink from on-the-go as the integrated straw lid that comes with our insulated water bottle.

Choosing a metal water bottle or tumbler over a plastic one offers significant advantages for both your health and the environment. One major concern with plastic bottles, especially single-use ones, is their contribution to microplastic pollution. These tiny plastic particles shed from the bottle over time and end up in our waterways and even our food chain, posing potential risks to human and animal health. Metal bottles don't shed microplastics, making them a safer and more eco-friendly choice. Furthermore, in addition to the insulating properties of metal water bottles and tumblers, they’re far more durable and sustainable. They can withstand drops, bumps, and everyday wear and tear without cracking or breaking, unlike their plastic counterparts. This longevity means you'll replace them less often, reducing waste and your environmental footprint. Metal is also infinitely recyclable, so even at the end of its life, your bottle can be repurposed without adding to landfills. While metal bottles are heavier than plastic, the benefits of durability, safety, and sustainability make them a worthwhile investment for a healthier planet and lifestyle.