Sleeping Bags

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, 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 on 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 can be pretty heavy and bulky.

• Mummy sleeping bags are the most thermally efficient type of sleeping bag, with a snug, form-fitting shape and a 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. They provide a compromise between the spaciousness of a rectangular bag and the warmth, weight, and overall efficiency of a mummy bag (below).

Mummy bags are the warmest sleeping bag shape. Their snug, tapered design—narrower at the legs and feet, wider at the torso and shoulders—minimizes dead air space around your body. Dead air space is the enemy of warmth because your body has to work harder to heat it up. By reducing this space, mummy bags help you retain as much body heat as possible.

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, vegan-friendly, and easier to wash and dry. All these reasons mean that for most casual outdoor adventurers, synthetic-fill sleeping bags are the best choice.

Sleeping bag weights vary dramatically based on a bag’s intended use, type of fill, and temperature rating. Sleeping bags for car camping may weigh four to six pounds, while ultralight high-performance backpacking bags can weigh as little as one pound. The bags at retrospec follow the same pattern. Our warmer bags, like Dream 5°, are also heavier (5lbs), but our thinner, summer bags like Dream 30° are very light (2.5lbs).

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 $60 to $80. Serious backpacking sleeping bags, or those designed for extremely cold temperatures, will typically fall in the $200 to $400+ range.

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 look for one with 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 suits your camping conditions!

Yes, the best sleeping bags for camping are designed specifically for insulation and heat retention and will keep you much warmer than blankets, especially in cold temperatures. Sleeping bags achieve this through features like a fitted hood to trap heat around your head, a zippered enclosure and collar to prevent drafts, and insulation that lofts to create a barrier between you and the cold air. Blankets, on the other hand, are open and allow heat to escape easily, particularly in drafty conditions or when you move around in your sleep.

It’s best to sleep with a thin base layer of clothing inside your sleeping bag, such as gym shorts and a t-shirt in the summer, or long underwear in the winter. This helps wick away moisture, keeping you warmer and drier and your sleeping bag cleaner. Avoid getting into your sleeping bag with bulky, dirty, or damp clothing.

There is no hard and fast rule, but it’s typically safe for children over three or four years old to sleep in a sleeping bag alone. Under this age, children may not have the motor skills or awareness to sleep safely in a sleeping bag by themselves and could become entangled. Our unisex Dream Kids’ 25° sleeping bag is built for children up to 60” tall. Once they get bigger than this, they may want to consider an adult sleeping bag!

When you receive your sleeping bag, chances are it will come rolled. Once you unfurl your sleeping bag and put it to use, however, it’s best to always store it by stuffing it. Rolling up a sleeping bag creates consistent creases at the same points, which may damage the insulation over time. Stuffing your sleeping bag into the included stuff sack provides a more even (i.e., random) distribution of the synthetic fill and extends the life of your sleeping bag.

Many sleeping bags, particularly down bags, can be difficult to wash. Our synthetic-fill Dream sleeping bags, however, are as easy to clean as a T-shirt or pair of jeans. Simply throw your bag in the washing machine, wash it with cold water, and hang it up to dry!

If you use your sleeping bag regularly (i.e., almost every weekend) then you should wash your sleeping bag around once per year. Even if it’s not visibly dirty, at a bare minimum, you should wash your bag every few years because body oils, sweat, and dirt will accumulate inside the bag over time.

It depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations, but for maximum longevity, it’s best to hang dry your sleeping bag, like we recommend here at retrospec. The heat from a mechanical dryer can damage the shell fabric, and even melt synthetic fill. If, for some reason, you need to use a dryer, be sure to use the lowest possible heat setting and run the dryer for multiple cycles.

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—with proper storage and occasional washing.