For a full explanation of the two insulation types, see our article on down vs. synthetics. With the return of the colder weather, it is time to pull out our winter sleeping bags. Of course, I wanted something that would keep us warm. Mummy bags are very effective for keeping warm, but I am not comfortable in a confining bag. If you’ve ever had a pad deflate or slept directly on the ground in cold weather, you know firsthand the importance of an insulated pad beneath you.
When sleeping beneath the stars on your camping adventure, stay warm on chilly nights with the Ozark Trail 10F Mummy Sleeping Bag. This lightweight sleeping bag features a soft, insulated double-layer construction that is designed to maximize warmth and keep you comfy all night long, even in extreme temperatures. An ultra-durable, polyester outer shell and water-repellant finish make this adult-size sleeping bag stain- and moisture-resistant, ideal for backpacking and hiking trips. The mummy-shaped design with chest baffle provides optimal thermal insulation and is approved for temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It protects your head and shoulders from the elements and boasts a roomy, tapered shape that provides extra warmth and comfort while sleeping outdoors.
You do pay a premium compared with our top picks at $200, but we think the Forte hits a great middle ground for mixed car camping and backpacking use. In the end, the temperature rating does have value and you should use it as a basic guideline. In choosing the proper approximate rating, try to get an idea of the very coldest temperature you’ll be experiencing overnight.
A final shape worth mentioning is the semi-rectangular bag, which—as the name implies—shares commonalities with both rectangular and mummy 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. For instance, NEMO’s Forte 20 has a roomier fit than most traditional mummy bags, with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows. Coleman sleeping bags are only filled with synthetic polyester.
Mummy bags typically have a ¾-length side zip that requires some wriggling to get in and out of and can’t be opened up completely should you want to zip the sleeping bag together with another compatible bag. That’s why for camping, we prefer a bag that fully unzips. Not only is it easy to create a large and comfortable space for two if you zip it to another bag, but unzipping the bag on its own opens it up for use as a blanket.
Weather camping in a tent or roughing it under the stars, this bag features a quilted outer shell and an attractive inner liner made of soft comfortable materials. Also great for overnight guests, slumber parties or opening it up to use as a blanket or comforter. A third type is the no-zip style, which is limited to a couple designs (none of which made our list), including a handful from Sierra Designs. The large oval opening requires some modest flexibility and patience to get out of, but going zipper-less can be nice. There’s no fumbling in the night for the zipper pull, and you don’t have to worry about snags or heat loss (if the bag lacks a good draft tube). But in the end, we don’t see the zipper-less concept completely taking over the market.
Made with lightweight mini ripstop fabric, the down-filled Ozark Sleeping Bag is soft to the touch. 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. Comparing two of our top picks, Coleman’s cheap Brazos 20 uses a tricot lining that’s reasonably cozy but less soft than The North Wawona Bed (especially the smooth fleece-like panel along the top of the Wawona’s interior). For those who plan to get out a lot, opting for an upgraded design may be worth it. It introduced its sleeping bags in the 1960s and has since been a camper’s favorite. Their sleeping bags are available in a wide range of temperature ratings, designs, and colors.
When it is very cold I also use a comforter over the sleeping bags. We wear warm clothes to sleep in, including a beanie. Hand warmers in our socks and body warmers in our shirts are helpful Ozark Trail Camping Chairs as well. Our sleeping bags zip together, allowing us to take advantage of the shared body heat. Pairing these strategies together made it reasonably comfortable at that temperature.
Since space and weight are not at a premium when you can drive to your destination, the comfort dial can get turned way up. There’s no need to suffer through the night in a constricting mummy bag, so options in this category tend to lean more Ozark Trail Canopies towards a traditional rectangular shape or a roomier mummy. Below we rank our top picks for 2023, and if you need some background information, our comparison table and buying advice dive into topics like fill type and temperature rating.
If you are thinking of enamelware, you are on the right track. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor when you go camping. Portable and electric, these grills make it easier than ever to prepare delicious meals no matter where your adventure takes you. I think the expensive bags are just marketing and overengineering, unless you are going to the arctic.