Sleeping bags

Which sleeping bag suits you?

A rectangular sleeping bag is roomy and opens out into a blanket; the choice for families, caravans and summer camping. A mummy sleeping bag narrows at the feet, has a hood, is warmer and packs smaller; for trekking and cool nights. A kids' sleeping bag is shorter and warms better because there is no empty space. A double sleeping bag or two zip-together bags for couples.

Comfort temperature: the only number that counts

Every sleeping bag lists three temperatures (comfort, limit, extreme). Look only at the comfort temperature: down to 10 degrees for summer, 0 to 5 degrees for spring and autumn, below 0 for winter. Women feel the cold sooner on average and should take 5 degrees of margin.

Down or synthetic?

Down is lighter, packs smaller and lasts longer; pricier and sensitive to damp. Synthetic warms even when damp, is easy to wash and cheaper; heavier and bulkier. Synthetic for car and caravan, down for trekking.

What to look for

• Length: standard up to 185 cm, XL up to 205 cm body height.
• Zip: left or right, zip-together, with a draft baffle.
• Hood and neck collar: for temperatures below 5 degrees.
• Lining: cotton feels pleasant, polyester dries faster.
• Underneath: the mat decides how much cold comes from the ground; see sleeping mats.

Brands

Nomad and Vango for trekking and family, Bo-Camp and Human Comfort for caravan and summer, Sea to Summit for ultralight down.

Frequently asked questions

Which sleeping bag for children?

A kids' bag up to 150 or 170 cm, synthetic, with a comfort temperature around 5 degrees.

How do I wash a sleeping bag?

Synthetic at 30 degrees in the machine; down with down detergent and tumble-dried with tennis balls.

Can I zip two sleeping bags together?

Yes, with a left and a right zip of the same model. See also sleeping and pillows.