Are you new to camping and wondering which sleeping bag you should choose to buy? If so, you are in the right place!
You see:
It’s not as simple as going to the shop and picking out any old sleeping bag and hoping for the best. There are many things you need to think about, and in this article, I’m going to break everything down for you, so you won’t make any mistakes.
Without further ado, Let’s go pick out a sleeping bag.
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How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag for Fall Camping
Okay, when you’re choosing a sleeping bag for fall camping, there are many things you need to think about to find the perfect sleeping bag.
But I don’t want to bog you down with too much information in this article, which is why I’ve only picked the essential aspects you need to consider:
The temperature rating of the sleeping bag.
One of the first things you need to understand with sleeping bags is they come in different season ratings. And depending on what rating your sleeping bag provides will depend on what temperature you will be comfortable sleeping in.
And when it comes down to it, there are three you need to understand:
- 1-Season: These are used for the summer months and are meant to be used in temperatures 30°F and higher.
- 3-Season: These sleeping bags can be used during the spring, summer, and fall at temperatures between 15° to 30°F+.
- 4-Season: These are used for winter camping and can handle temperatures from +15°F and lower.
Don’t always rely on the Temperature Ratings
The thing is:
You shouldn’t use the season ratings as gospel; it can vary from sleeping bag to sleeping bag, so you really need to check out the temperature rating the sleeping bag gives.
For example, the sleeping bag you’re looking at may say it’s a three-season sleeping bag, but it can handle temperatures between 10°F and 30°F.
To make things a little bit more confusing:
The sleeping bag might also mention the comfort rating it provides. The comfort rating shows the minimum temperature you can sleep in and still be comfortable.
So, let’s show you an example:
The sleeping bag you’re looking at says the temperature range is between 10°F and 30°F but the comfort rating shows 15°F and 30°F.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use the sleeping bag at 10°F, it just means you’re not going to have a comfortable night’s sleep and might need a few extra layers.
Choose Your Insulation Type Carefully
Next, I want to give some information about the different types of insulation you’ll find inside your sleeping bags.
There are two different styes of insulation you’ll find being used, and they both have their benefits. Let’s break it down:
- Down Insulation: It’s made with feathers, which means it’s only suitable for dry weather; as soon as it gets wet, it’s practically useless. They used to be pretty heavy, but recently, they have become very light and can also pack down to a decent size. The downside is that they are more expensive, and people with allergies struggle with them.
- Synthetic Insulation: They work well in wet weather and dry very quickly if it does get wet. Even if the sleeping bag is moist, it can still provide insulation. They are also non-allergenic, so they work well for people with allergies. They are also very inexpensive to buy.
Understand the Different Shapes
The final point I want to share with you is understanding the different shapes of sleeping bags and what they offer you in regard to warmth and comfort:
- Rectangular: They provide plenty of room for your arms and legs to move around so you can stretch out a little bit.
- Semi rectangular: These have more of a barrel shape and provide a compromise between warmth and comfort.
- Mummy: To help you stay warmer at night, manufacturers use a mummy-style shape that is narrow at the feet and broader at the shoulders; they also usually come with a hood to keep your head warm. The downside is that you don’t have as much room and can feel pretty tight.
- Double Bags: These were designed for two people to sleep in one sleeping bag while providing plenty of room inside.
While many people like the extra space, I’d probably look at a mummy sleeping bag because it provides more warmth.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
And there you have it; you now have a better idea how to choose the best sleeping bag for fall camping.
The thing is:
Sleeping outside in Alaska during the fall is very different than sleeping in California in the fall. So, you should ask yourself these questions:
- What’s the minimum temperature I’m going to be sleeping in?
- Is my sleeping bag going to get wet?
- Do I prefer extra space or more warmth in my sleeping bag?
As you can see; how to choose the best sleeping bag will depend on several things. Answering those questions will help guide you in making the best decision when it comes to picking out the perfect sleeping bag.
-CT