Compact Sleeping Bag

Should you get a compact sleeping bag for your camping trip?

It’s important to choose bedding that’s going to keep you comfortable and warm when you go out into the wilderness, but there’s more to it than just that. You’re also going to need to think about performance when wet, weight, and size. A compact sleeping bag is a common choice for people who need to carry their bedding and camping supplies and are worried about bulk. These bags compress extensively, making them a lot easier to carry. Unfortunately, there are also some tradeoffs for compactness, depending on the kind of bag you get. You’ll need to find the one that suits your preferences and sleeping habits the best.

Step one is learning the weather conditions and average temperatures in the area and seasons you’ll be using the sleeping bag in. Bags of all kinds are rated to different temperatures, and some work better in the damp than others. For instance, down makes a very compact, warm, and light bag, but it doesn’t insulate well at all if it’s allowed to get wet. Synthetics work better when they’re wet, but they’re usually a lot bulkier and heavier. There are some trade offs when it comes to buying the perfect sleeping bag for your needs.

If you’re not sure where you’re going to be camping, it’s best to err on the side of buying a bag for colder temperatures. You might get to warm, but you can always unzip the bag. This is better than being too cold. Some people will tell you to just wear warm clothing and a hat in the bag, but this can be very uncomfortable, and you won’t save all that much money in the long run.

Mummy bags, which are very form fitting and made with hoods to cinch around the face, are best for those who want the most insulation in the smallest package. However, they’re costlier than a rectangular bag, and can feel a little claustrophobic. Remember this before you buy one. You can also bring a bivy sack for extra warmth if you’re in conditions where your compact sleeping bag doesn’t work alone.

Look for draft tubes to keep heat from escaping through the opening and a collar to prevent heat from escaping through the top if you’re very worried about warmth. These things can be very important in the winter, and can allow you to buy a less insulative, more compact sleeping bag without having to deal with a lot of heat loss. Take a little time to think about what you’re going to need, and you’ll have a lot more luck buying the right bag for you.