Each piece of the Polara is a separate and unique layer that can be added, removed, or interchanged, allowing it to be multiple bags in one. This layering system provides options, allowing campers to customize to their warmth needs in different climates, temperatures, and seasons. It packs up much smaller and lighter than many of the sturdier bags in our review. It’s warm, has lots of features and options, and, importantly, it’s reasonably priced. Other advantageous features are useful loops, snaps, zippers, pockets, drawstrings, and a detachable fleece liner. The Polara is a combination of your favorite on-the-couch movie blanket and a hardcore, cold-weather camping bag.
We liked the interior pocket, especially the fact that it had a Velcro closure.
As we touched on above, temperature ratings tend to be fairly generous and often require adding a sizable buffer to ensure you’ll stay warm throughout the night. For those who run cold or simply want to bring their bag into lower temperatures, adding a sleeping bag liner can help keep you cozy without breaking the bank. Liners are made of soft materials like fleece, wool, polyester, or silk and typically add around 5 to 15 degrees to the warmth rating of your bag. They also serve as a barrier between you and your bag’s interior, which can help boost lifespan (you can wash the liner after use rather than getting your bag dirty). Liners typically cost between $30 and $60, and a couple of our favorite options are Sea to Summit’s Thermolite Reactor for mummy bags and their Silk-Cotton Blend Liner for rectangular models. To be clear, liners are totally optional and not everyone needs one, but they do offer added warmth and comfort and help keep your bag in good shape.
Mummy-style sleeping bags taper towards the legs, cutting down on bulk and weight while boosting warmth. The first thing you need to consider when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. For your safety and comfort, always use a sleeping bag rated to the coldest temperature you intend to encounter on the trip.
The one that came the closest is the Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide. This bag employs a hooded design that traps heat around the head, helping it outperform hoodless bags like the Exped MegaSleep Duo handily. These are all either synthetic bags, or a combination of synthetic insulation and cotton flannel. Keeps you comfortable down to minus 5 degrees
Fits most up to 6 ft. 5 in. For the extensive sleeping bag review, I also interviewed experts who could speak to what makes a great sleeping bag and how to choose the right one for your needs. I talked to an assistant professor at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Preeti Arya, who’s an expert in technical fabrics and sustainability.
The interior of a sleeping bag varies quite a bit between designs, but one general rule of thumb is that comfort correlates closely with price. For those who plan to get out a lot, opting for an upgraded design may be worth it. A final shape worth mentioning is the semi-rectangular bag, which—as the name implies—shares commonalities with both rectangular and mummy coleman cabin tent designs. In terms of dimensions, they’re typically roomier than standard mummy bags (particularly at the shoulders and hips) but not overly generous like some rectangular models. All in all, semi-rectangular bags typically offer a good mix of comfort and weight, shaving away excess material while still providing enough space to roll around during the night.
Not only does our sleeping bag selection feature a variety of different brands, but we also carry several different styles of sleeping bags. If you’re looking for a cold-weather sleeping bag, you’ll want to browse our options of mummy sleeping bags as these are designed to trap and retain heat better. For those planning on camping or backpacking during the warm-weather months, a rectangular sleeping bag is a popular choice. We even carry youth sleeping bags that are perfect for slumber parties or backyard camping. Stay warm and comfortable throughout the night with a quality camping sleeping bag from SCHEELS. Looking for the perfect sleeping bag for your next backpacking or camping trip?