When it comes to camping, one essential you need is a sleeping bag. Unless you want to spend the nights cold in your tent. But with so many types out there, it can be difficult to know which would best suit you and what you need it for. So, what types of sleeping bags are there?
Whilst they can come in all shapes and sizes, there are four main types of sleeping bags – mummy, rectangular, double, and women’s. And each of these four types are perfect for different needs.
Mummy bag shape
A mummy shaped sleeping bag is the snuggest fitting out of the four main types that follows the contours of the body and gradually tapers at the feet. Thanks to the shape, mummy shaped sleeping bags are ideal for carrying in rucksack and retain the most heat. However, due to the snig fit shape, they aren’t the best for those who like to stretch out in your sleep.
Rectangular bag shape
This shape of sleeping bag is one of the most common and what most think of when thinking of a sleeping bag. Rectangular shaped sleeping bags are exactly that, a rectangle. Squared at the top and bottom and zips on both sides, a rectangular shaped sleeping bad is perfect for those who want a little more room to move about. They can also be fully unzipped to be turned into a duvet, or zipped to an identical sleeping bag to make a sleeping back fit for two. The downside? They can be quite bulky and not the best at retaining heat, not what you want for outdoor camping but deal for caravanning.
Double bag shape
The double shape is essentially the rectangle shaped sleeping bag but twice the size. Whilst taking a double instead of two singles can help reduce the space needed, they are still quite bulky and aren’t the best insulators. This means you’ll either have to take multiple sleeping bags, or huddle up to the other person for extra warmth if you are using them for camping in the great outdoors.
Women’s bag shape
A women’s shaped sleeping bag is specifically designed for, well, women as they are proven to sleep colder than men. To help with this, women’s sleeping bags have more insulation to help with heat retention. They are also shorter and narrower at the shoulders for a snugger fit. And because of the different shape, they tend to be lighter and not as bulky as other styles.
Whilst the shape of the sleeping bag is important for keeping you warm and comfortable, you also have to consider the type of insulation that is used and whether that suits your needs. Typically, there are two types of insulation, synthetic and down, which are similar but best for different trips and people.
Synthetic insulation is the most common type used in sleeping bags. It’s cheaper, traps as much heat as possible, and hold 50% of its insulating properties when went making it an ideal sleeping bag for wet and cold trips. However, synthetic insulation is heavier than down so it won’t be the best option if you are carrying it long distances.
Down insulation, on the other hand, is lightweight and incredibly warm at the same time which makes them perfect for winter expeditions. However, they aren’t the best in rainy conditions as they lose a lot of their insulating properties when wet. Sleeping bags with down insulation can also be really expensive and require a lot of care to keep them in the best condition.
If you are new to the sleeping bag game, or want to treat yourself to a new sleeping bag that is better suited to you, you should always do your research first. This will help you get a sleeping bag that is perfect at keeping you warm and comfortable, and something that suits the adventure you’ll be using it for.
