Sleeping Bags

How to choose a sleeping bag for camping

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Here are some things to consider when looking for a sleeping bag:

Temperature Rating in Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bag manufacturers use two types of rating methods.

Comfort Rating: This indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable.

Lower Limit Rating: This temperature is always lower than the comfort rating at which a warm sleeper might feel comfortable.

The temperature ratings are only an estimate. Sleeping bags are tested in a lab-controlled environment and do not consider variations in people’s clothing, body temperatures, gear, changing weather conditions, etc. A -18°C sleeping bag can only keep you warm when paired with base layers and an appropriately rated sleeping pad.

Material

Synthetic
Synthetic sleeping bags contain manufactured insulation such as poly-fibres. Despite being affordable, they are easy to maintain and suitable for damp/wet conditions. These bags are perfect for casual campers tenting in muddy/wet conditions.

Down
Down sleeping bags are filled with high-quality duck or goose feathers to retain body heat. While these bags are lighter, longer-lasting, easier to compress and pack, they require extra effort to clean. Aside from wet conditions, these bags are great for most situations.

Shape

Sleeping bags come in several different shapes and configurations. The most common shape is rectangular, designed for maximum roominess. Two bags with compatible zippers can also be linked together to create a double sleeping bag. Double-sized sleeping bags are ideal for couples or families.

Semi-rectangular sleeping bags are also a popular choice, and feature a slightly rounded top. Mummy sleeping bags feature a narrow toe that gradually widens at the hip and shoulder. These are the snuggest, lightest sleeping bags and are designed to maximize warmth.

Features

Consider the following features when purchasing a sleeping bag:

Sleeping bag hood, for more heat in cool conditions
Extra pockets, to keep your phone, flashlight, glasses or portable music player close
Sleeping pad sleeve, to prevent rolling off a sleeping pad in the night
Pillow pocket, for stuffing with clothing or soft items to create a pillow
Extra liner, for increased warmth in winter weather

Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Make trekking through nature easier with a sleeping bag that suits your backpacking needs. Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's have has a wide array of efficient, lightweight sleeping bags that keep your pack smaller without sacrificing any warmth or comfort. These bags are highly compressible, so they won’t get in the way as you hike through rugged terrain.

Outfitter Sleeping Bags

Robust and durable, roomy and warm, Cabela’s Outfitter sleeping bags keep nature from disturbing a good night’s sleep. Featuring cozy cotton flannel and over 4 lbs. of hollow fibre insulation, Outfitter sleeping bags are a great way to keep you warm when camping out in the Canadian cold.

Camping should be a cozy and comfortable experience. Having the right sleeping bag can help ensure you feel snug and sleep tight.

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How to Care for Your Sleeping Bag

Be it synthetic or down, keep your sleeping bag clean as you camp. Taking proper care of your sleeping bag means you can look forward to a cozy and restful good night’s sleep.

Check out our expert tips on how to clean, wash, dry and store your sleeping bag:

1. Cleaning Your Sleeping Bag

Always sleep in clean clothes and consider using a sleeping bag liner to avoid body oils, dirt, sweat, and sunscreen seeping into your sleeping bag as these can damage your bag’s insulation.
Protect your sleeping bag from the ground by putting a pad down on the ground to protect it from conifer pitch, sharp sticks, or rocks.

Get to know your sleeping bag’s zipper and use it gently to avoid fabric tears or snags.
After every night's sleep, turn the sleeping bag inside out and air it out. Avoid direct sunlight as UV light can gradually degrade the fabric.

2. Washing Your Sleeping Bag

Handwash: Lay your bag in the tub and fill it with warm/cold water along with suitable cleaner. Gently soap throughout the bag before draining the tub and rinsing it with warm/cold water. Press out all the extra water and dry it out using a large dryer to prevent the bag from getting balled up.

Machine wash: Most sleeping bags can be machine washed if they are either a top-loading machine without an agitator or front-loading washers. Always wash on a gentle cycle with a suitable detergent. To balance the spin, add some damp clothing, such as towels or t-shirts. Rinse your bag thoroughly, making sure all the soap residue is removed.

3. Drying Your Sleeping Bag

It is recommended to set your dryer to low heat. Max heat will melt the fabric or the synthetic fill.

While small home dryers do the work, taking your bag to a laundromat will increase your bag’s loft. Adding a couple of clean tennis balls will help to thoroughly dry and break down clumps.

Alternatively, you can dry your sleeping bag naturally by laying it on a clean surface in partial sunlight or hanging it up using loops overnight.

4. Storing Your Sleeping Bag

The lifespan of your sleeping bag depends on how you store it at home. While a stuff sack is great for backpacking or camping trips, storing your bag in it at home is a big no-no!

Compression for several weeks or months when there is no nightly use will permanently cause damage to your sleeping bag. It affects the insulation properties and loft of your bag.

Store your sleeping bag in a breathable, loose sack that allows air circulation. You can also lay your bag on a spare shelf where air can circulate and not cause any mild dew.

SLEEPING PADS

When choosing a sleeping pad, consider the weight, insulation and comfort.

There are generally three different types of sleeping pads:

Air pads: Very lightweight and portable. A favourite among backpacking campers, though can be prone to punctures from stones or sticks. These can often easily be fixed with the pads’ repair patch kit.

Self-inflating pads: A great middle-of-the-road option, boasting portability while not being too bulky. These pads are better suited for side sleepers, as it will give more padding for your hips. These may also be prone to punctures, but can easily be fixed with a repair patch kit which is often included.

Foam pads: Lightweight and durable, but more bulky than air and self-inflating pads. Usually the most economical option. When looking for insulation, check the pads’ R-value. The higher the R-value, the more insulated.

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Cots

Cots are great for those who don’t have to carry their gear for long before setting up camp.

They offer increased support, while maximizing storage space in your tent by allowing you to store gear underneath it. A few things to consider when looking for a cot:

Weight: You’ll want to consider how far you’ll be travelling with the cot in tow before setting up camp. Opt for an ultralight model if you will be going a distance.

Size & capacity: Make sure you fit comfortably on your cot. Cots will have varying weight limits, and come in different sizes, just like campers themselves.

Ease of assembly: If you are moving your camp every night, having a cot that easily assembles and dissembles will be crucial. If you are staying in one place for a while, you can get away with one that may take more time to assemble at the beginning.