How To Choose A Sleeping Bag

Sleeping in the great outdoors is magical - especially when you're comfy and warm (but not too hot). Sleep is important, even more so when camping or hiking in the great outdoors. Without a good night's sleep, you will feel tired, exhausted and not at your best. This is why it is essential to buy a comfortable sleeping bag that meets all of your needs. But what size of sleeping bag is best? What type of sleeping bag is going to be better suited to your exact needs? How do you know it will be comfy enough? Will it be easy to clean afterwards?

If you're going hiking, fishing, camping, backpacking or 4WDing, you'll need a good sleeping bag. So, this sleeping bag buying guide will outline the most important factors you will need to consider when weighing up different sleeping bags so it's easier to choose the best one for your needs.

Quick Links

• Types Of Sleeping Bag Shapes
• Choosing A Sleeping Bag Temperature and Comfort Rating
• Choosing A Sleeping Bag Fill and Insulation
• Choosing A Sleeping Bag Size and Weight
• Choosing A Sleeping Bag Liner
• Sleeping Bag Features
• Sleeping Bag Maintenance
• Sleeping Bags: Camping vs. Hiking vs. Travel
• Sleeping Bag Accessories
• Sleeping Bags FAQs
• Environmental Future Of Sleeping Bags

Types Of Sleeping Bag Shapes

When it comes to choosing the right sleeping bag shape, it helps to first understand the different types of sleeping bag shapes and what their benefits are.

Rectangle Sleeping Bags

The rectangular shape is the most popular and common shape of sleeping bags. A rectangular sleeping bag will offer you plenty of room when sleeping and tends to favour comfort over warmth, which means they also don't retain heat that well. However, rectangular sleeping bags are perfect for when camping during the hot months of summer, perfect for those restless campers.

Tapered Sleeping Bags

This shape of a sleeping bag has a design that makes the sleeping bag become slightly more slender and more narrow when it gets down to your feet. Tapered/semi-rectangular sleeping bags are the perfect balance between warmth and comfort, so this is the perfect choice if you can't decide which benefit is more important to you. This design is also more lightweight and much easier to carry around when backpacking and hiking.

Mummy Sleeping Bags

As the name might suggest, the mummy design of sleeping bags is designed to comfortably wrap around your body and provide a snuggly fit. Featuring wide shoulders and narrow legs, mummy sleeping bags will keep you much warmer than any other type of sleeping bag - however, they also provide the least amount of room.

You can also buy sleeping bags for couples - but if one feels the cold more, solo sleeping bags might be a better option. There are also kid's shorter sleeping bags made in fun colours. There are longer sleeping bag designs that are longer than the standard 185 cm sleeping bag types for taller people. You can also purchase sleeping bags with a hood for head warmth (some have a drawstring to keep the cold air out).

Choosing A Sleeping Bag Temperature And Comfort Rating

Most sleeping bags have a temperature rating, also known as a TOG (Thermal Overall Grade). This rating lists the temperatures at which your sleeping bag will help you survive and stay comfortable.

Three ratings to consider are:

Comfort Rating

When considering which sleeping bag to buy, look for the comfort rating. The sleeping bag temperature comfort rating helps you understand the lowest temperature where you'll feel warm and comfortable as you sleep.

Limit Rating

Warm sleepers should opt for a sleeping bag with a lower Limit Rating because this rating indicates the lowest temperature at which a standard adult can sleep comfortably without excessive heat loss.

Extreme Rating

The Extreme Rating relates to survival in the sleeping bag, not the comfort needed to stay asleep. It will tell you the temperature a person inside the sleeping bag can survive in for 6 hours (but could still suffer from serious health complications like frostbite). It's wise not to take these ratings as gospel and to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 10 degrees lower than the coldest expected temperature.

Choosing a sleeping bag fill and insulation

There are two main types of sleeping bag fillings and insulation:

Down Fill Sleeping Bags

To maintain the perfect temperature in a down sleeping bag, you'll want an appropriate level of insulation that matches the conditions you'll be sleeping in. Down itself provides excellent insulation, but the warmth it provides can be affected by factors like temperature, humidity and the R-value of the sleeping pad you're using. Generally, for colder conditions, a down sleeping bag with a higher fill power (800+ for example) and thicker down fill will offer better insulation. Using a high-quality sleeping pad under the bag can also help prevent heat loss to the ground.

Synthetic Fill Sleeping Bags

The type and amount of insulation needed in a synthetic sleeping bag to maintain a perfect temperature depend on various factors, including the outdoor temperature, your personal comfort preferences, and the overall design of the sleeping bag. Typically, synthetic sleeping bags use insulating materials like polyester fibres or hollow fibres. The thickness and density of the insulation play a significant role in determining how well the sleeping bag retains heat. Higher-quality synthetic sleeping bags often have multiple layers or varying densities of insulation to provide better temperature regulation. For colder temperatures, you'd generally want a sleeping bag with thicker and more insulating material. However, it's also important to consider factors such as the sleeping bag's design (mummy shape, rectangular, etc.), the presence of draft collars and hoods, and the overall quality of construction.

Choosing A Sleeping Bag Size

Choosing a sleeping bag that fits you properly will be critical to your bag's effectiveness and comfort:

What size should you choose?

Adult sleeping bags are sized differently to kids sleeping bags:

• Kids sleeping bags are done by the height of the child.
• Adult sleeping bags come in a standard length size and XL sizes to accommodate larger people

When choosing a sleeping bag, you should choose a size that is snug and minimises excess space. You want to minimise space because any excess space requires more energy to heat and may not keep you warm enough in colder climates.

Even though you are trying to minimise excess space, don't pick a sleeping bag that is too tight. You should feel comfortable as you lay in your bag so you have a good night's rest.

Choosing A Sleeping Bag Liner

There are two main types of sleeping bag linings:

Lining Flannel Vs Polyester

Flannel is a soft and cosy fabric that provides warmth and comfort. It's often associated with a luxurious and warm feel, making it a great choice for colder conditions. Flannel has relatively good breathability, which means it can help regulate moisture and temperature inside the sleeping bag. The texture of flannel can be soothing against the skin and contribute to a comfortable sleeping experience. Many people associate flannel with home and comfort, so having a flannel-lined sleeping bag can create a sense of familiarity and cosiness.

Polyester linings are often designed to be moisture-wicking, which means they help pull sweat and moisture away from your body. This can be particularly beneficial in preventing clamminess and discomfort during warmer conditions. Polyester is lightweight and dries quickly, which is useful if you're camping in humid or wet environments. It is generally more durable than natural fibres like flannel, making it a good choice for rugged outdoor use. Polyester is easy to clean and maintain, which is important for gear that will be exposed to outdoor elements.

Your choice between flannel and polyester lining depends on your camping preferences, the expected weather conditions and your comfort priorities. Flannel is excellent for warmth and comfort, particularly in colder temperatures, while polyester is versatile and practical for a range of conditions.

Sleeping Bag Features

Sleeping bags may come with extra features that can provide a better experience. These include:

YKK Zippers Or Normal Zippers

When it comes to sleeping bags, zippers can run up all the way, halfway or a quarter of the way down the sleeping bag. When comparing zippers, look for their labelled numbers, as this number will tell you the width of the zipper and how many teeth it has, determining how strong it will be. Also, be sure to open and close the zippers to see if they're smooth or sticky - nothing worse than buying a sticky zipper. This is why YKK zippers are so popular because they self-lubricate the more you use them, avoiding becoming sticky and gritty over time. YKK zippers also feature self-locking puller technology, which enables them to easily pull and lock without slipping.

Hooded Vs No Hood

Hooded sleeping bags come with an attached hood that can be cinched around the head, similar to a hood on a jacket. These sleeping bags are beneficial for colder conditions as they help retain body heat around the head and neck, areas where a significant amount of heat can be lost. They offer better overall insulation and can provide extra warmth during chilly nights.

On the other hand, sleeping bags without a hood are generally lighter and more suitable for milder weather or situations where weight and packability are crucial. They offer more freedom of movement for the head and are often preferred in situations where you might want to use your head covering, like a beanie or a jacket hood.

The choice between a hooded and a no-hood sleeping bag depends on the specific conditions you expect to encounter, your personal comfort preferences and the overall weight and bulk you're willing to carry.

Compression Sacks Vs Drawcord Bags

Compression sacks have straps or cords that can be tightened to compress the sleeping bag into a smaller size. This is useful for reducing the bulk of the sleeping bag in your backpack, maximising space for other gear. They provide a compact and organised way to carry your sleeping bag, but excessive compression over time can potentially damage the insulation of the sleeping bag, reducing its loft and warmth.

Drawcord bags are simpler in design and don't have the same level of compression as compression sacks. They usually have a single drawcord closure at the top that you can pull to close the bag. Drawcord bags are more gentle on the sleeping bag's insulation and are a good option if you prioritise preserving the loft and longevity of the bag's insulation.

Pillow Pockets, Internal Pockets

Some sleeping bags come with integrated pillow pockets that allow you to stuff extra clothing or a small pillow into the pocket, creating a makeshift pillow. This eliminates the need to carry a separate pillow, saving space and weight in your backpack. It can also help you maintain a comfortable sleeping position by providing support for your head and neck.

Internal pockets within sleeping bags are designed to securely hold small personal items like a phone, wallet, headlamp or other essentials. These pockets help keep your items organised and easily accessible, especially during the night when you might not want to leave your sleeping bag to search for things. Internal pockets can also help prevent your belongings from getting lost within the sleeping bag. Both features enhance the convenience and comfort of using a sleeping bag.

Pillow pockets provide a cosy place to rest your head and internal pockets keep your essentials within reach while you sleep. When choosing a sleeping bag, consider whether these features align with your preferences and camping style.

Neck Muff

A neck muff is an insulated collar that is designed to prevent cold droughts while also helping to insulate your body by reducing the heat that is lost when sleeping with an open hood. Sleeping bags with a neck muff create a seal around the neck, reducing drafts and cold air from entering the sleeping bag. Some neck muffs are designed with adjustable closures, allowing you to regulate ventilation according to your comfort level. This is especially useful if you find yourself getting too warm and want to let some heat escape without fully opening the sleeping bag.

Sleeping Bag Maintenance

Storing Sleeping Bags

No matter what type of sleeping bag you choose, here are some helpful tips when it comes to storing your sleeping bag:

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Store your sleeping bag in a place where temperature fluctuations are minimal. Extreme heat or cold can affect the materials and insulation.
• Loose Storage: Avoid compressing your sleeping bag for extended periods. Store it in a loose, breathable storage bag or hang it in a cool, dry place. Compressing it for too long can damage the insulation.
• Avoid Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can degrade the fabric and colour of the sleeping bag. Store it away from direct sunlight.
• Storage Temperature: Aim for a consistent, cool and dry storage environment. Garages, cupboards or under-the-bed storage can work well.

Washing Sleeping Bags

When it comes to washing your sleeping bag, check out our in-depth guide on How To Wash A Sleeping Bag or follow these 4 simple steps:

1. The first step is to only use washing detergent that is specifically made for cleaning down material, as using regular detergents can damage the sleeping bag. Follow the instructions on the bottle to know how much to put in. If your sleeping bag is made from synthetic materials, then use an appropriate cleaning detergent instead.
2. Make sure the sleeping bag is turned inside out if it has a waterproof lining, and all the zippers are closed and then insert your sleeping bag into a front-loading washing machine. Make sure you do not wash it in a top-loading washing machine and it can tear the sleeping bag.
3. Now wash your sleeping bag on your washing machine's gentlest wash cycle at the lowest temperature. Depending on your washing machine, this can take around 50 minutes to complete.
4. Once complete, wash the sleeping bag again on the same settings one more time. This last step ensures that all of the soap has been removed.

Looking After Down

When looking after a down sleeping bag, always remember to keep it dry at all times. If the down gets wet during use, try to dry it out as soon as possible to prevent damage. Regularly fluff and shake the sleeping bag to maintain the loft of the down insulation. This helps prevent clumping and ensures consistent warmth. For minor stains, use a damp cloth with mild soap to gently spot clean. Avoid scrubbing vigorously.

Sleeping Bags: Camping vs. Hiking vs. Travel

When choosing sleeping bags for camping, hiking or travelling, always consider factors such as weight, size and insulation type to find the best sleeping bag that suits your exact needs.

Best Sleeping Bags for Camping

The best sleeping bag for camping will depend on factors like how many people will be sleeping in it, weather conditions, your personal preferences and your budget. For example, the Spinifex Drifter 0° Sleeping Bag is perfect for school camps and general camping. This is because it's comfortable and lightweight and features a hooded design that provides additional warmth and comfort. It also has a 400GSM hollow fibre fill that traps in the air to keep you warm, and with a full-length zip, it can also be fully opened up and used as a blanket.

Best Sleeping Bags for Hiking

It is best to look for a lightweight, compact sleeping bag with a temperature rating that is suitable for the expected temperatures you will encounter during your hikes. A great choice for a sleeping bag for hiking is the Denali Lite II 200 0° Sleeping Bag. This synthetic fill performance sleeping bag is perfect for hiking due to its extremely lightweight and compact design, durable YKK baffle-lined zippers, internal and external zip pockets and a comfort rating of 0°C. Made from tough and durable nylon diamond rip-stop material, it will keep you extremely warm and can easily handle the rough elements when hiking.

Best Sleeping Bags for Travel

When travelling, it's important to remember that sleeping bags with down insulation will offer an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, while sleeping bags with synthetic insulation will perform better in wetter conditions. For example, the Mountain Designs Travelite 500 Sleeping Bag is an excellent sleeping bag for travelling, especially in colder climates. It is highly compressible, will keep you incredibly warm with 100% RDS down insulation (great for camping in the snow), has a 3D hood design with a face baffle and is very lightweight. It also features a curved baffle design which minimises cold spots when sleeping and a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.

Sleeping Bag Accessories To Enhance Your Sleep and Convenience

There are some great accessories that will help you sleep better and make your sleeping bag experience seamless and easy!

Sleeping Bag Liner

You can also add some additional sleeping bag liners that help you create a hygienic and comfortable sleeping environment. They are designed to make you safer, warmer and more comfortable in harsh conditions. A cotton sleeping bag liner is a great choice for breathability and warmth, some liners are even antimicrobial and can help you stay fresh on long trips and prolong the life of your sleeping bag.

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Stuff Sack

A stuff sack is a compact storage bag designed to hold and compress a sleeping bag, making it easier to carry and pack. A stuff sack allows you to compress your sleeping bag into a smaller size, saving space in your backpack or luggage and making it more convenient for backpacking or travel. Stuff sacks are perfect for when you need a compact option for storing and carrying your sleeping bag without carrying around a bulky backpack.

Hiking Mats

For extra comfort and the best possible sleep, you should consider using a hiking mat with your sleeping bag. Sleeping straight on the ground can be cold and miserable, which a hiking mat is designed to eliminate. A hiking mat will give you extra comfort and insulation when sleeping and will also keep you warm. Alternatively, you can also just bring a few extra doonas and blankets for additional padding on the ground and for extra layers to keep you warm during the cold nights.

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Sleeping Bags FAQs

What is the comfort rating of a sleeping bag?

The comfort rating of a sleeping bag will tell you what temperature you will start to feel cold, which is vital for campers who quickly feel uncomfortable when sleeping in cold temperatures. If you find yourself constantly waking up in the middle of the night due to cold weather when camping, then keep an eye out for the comfort rating when looking for a new sleeping bag.

Is it better to roll or stuff a sleeping bag?

When it comes to the age-old debate of whether it's better to roll or stuff a sleeping bag, the objective answer is that you should always 'stuff' rather than 'roll'. This is because most sleeping bags are designed to be stuffed due to their down or synthetic fill. If rolled, it will decrease the loft and not make it as fluffy over time.

How often should you wash a sleeping bag?

If you are deciding how often you should wash your sleeping bag, well, the answer is at least once a year- but it depends on how often you use your sleeping bag. If you tend to use it a lot, then consider washing your sleeping bag around the end or start of each season for good measure.

Are old sleeping bags still good?

It may come as a surprise, but there is no scientific method for determining when your old sleeping bag will finally break. If you aren't noticing any specific issues like tearing, then it should be fine. However, the higher quality your sleeping bag is, the longer it will last you.

Do sleeping bags go in the washing machine?

As long as your washing machine has a front-loading design or a top-loading design that doesn't have an agitator (the long tall bit in the middle), then it is safe for you to wash your sleeping bag in a washing machine. Also always make sure that you fully unzip your sleeping bag before chucking it in the wash, otherwise it might snag and tear on something when washing.

Environmental Future Of Sleeping Bags

With a focus on bettering the environment, our Oztrail range of sleeping bags also features sleeping bags made from recycled fill, such as our Oztrail Jindabyne 0°C Single Sleeping Bag. Apart from having a 0°C degree comfort rating, which is perfect for keeping you warm during the colder months of winter, it is also made from 80% recycled plastic fill - which equates to 68 plastic bottles. Our range also includes sleeping bags made from responsibly sourced down, like the Mountain Designs 180 Shuttle Down 12° Sleeping Bag, which features 650 loft insulation and is made from 100% responsibly sourced down.

Discover The Best Sleeping Bags For You

Recommended sleeping bags include:

Dune 4WD Nomad Sleeping Bags

Dune 4WD Outback Canvas Sleeping Bag

Spinifex Daybreak Double Sleeping Bag

Spinifex Drifter 0° Sleeping Bag

Discover The Best Sleeping Bags At Anaconda Today

Keep these important factors in mind when choosing a new sleeping bag to make sure you find the best one for your next big outdoor camping adventure. Check out our article Quilt Vs Sleeping Bag - Which Is Better For Camping? for more tips!

Our entire sleeping bag range includes adult sleeping bags, kids sleeping bags and even pet sleeping bags. Before you head out though, make sure you are fully stocked up on all your camping gear needs such as tents, camp furniture, packs & bags and much more!

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