Whether you are going for a long trek or overnight camping, a sleeping bag will always prove useful to you. Sleeping bags feature an insulated covering like a lightweight quilt, which you can close with a zipper. It can also be made of insulating materials that form a tube around your body while you sleep.
A sleeping bag can serve as portable bedding in case you will sleep outdoors during hiking, camping, rock climbing, or hill walking. Moreover, sleeping bags come in various types. So, if you want to make an intelligent purchase, you should at least get to know the different types of sleeping bags available in the market.
Sleeping bags come in various types and designs. They can be categorized based on different parameters like shapes, insulation, seasons and temperature, and sleeper types. Hence, if you are shopping around for a handy sleeping bag, you should be cognizant of these parameters:
4 Types of Sleeping Bags Based on Shape
Sleeping bags can be categorized according to shapes. Some campers want enough room for rolling over or stretching out. Some, however, want something that will give them enough insulation from the weather. One caveat, however, when shopping around for a sleeping bag is that you should try on various types of sleeping bags to figure out which among them is the most comfortable for you to use. Here are the four types of sleeping bags based on shape:
1) Rectangular Sleeping Bag
The rectangular sleeping bag is the traditional sleeping bag type. It is perfect for those who want extra room while sleeping. With these sleeping bags, you will have ample space for turning and tossing around. If you are a squirmer or wriggler, for example, you will find this type of sleeping bag more comfortable than the tapered ones.
Yet, because these sleeping bags come with extra spaces, they are not known for great insulation. They also do not always come with a hood. They are, however, perfect for use indoors or car camping. Its other features include enough foot space, can be used as a quilt, and zip compatibility. Moreover, they are not expensive.
2) Semi-rectangular
This type of sleeping bag is for all-purpose use and is perfect for cooler conditions. You can use it when backpacking or camping. This type of sleeping bag is also referred to as “barrel-shaped.” It comes with a wide top that gradually tapers inward in the middle toward the lower part. With this contour, its level of insulation improves. Moreover, it comes with less fabric that makes it lighter. It also may come with a hood for additional warmth and protection.
3) Mummy Sleeping Bags
The mummy sleeping bag, as its name implies, wraps around your body, and keeps you warm in colder weather. It comes with a tapered leg area and foot box. Its hips and shoulder parts are wider and taper a bit above the shoulders. It also has a fitted hood that tightens with its drawcord.
The upsides of using this type of sleeping bag include its great insulating property and the level of comfort it provides. Moreover, it is lighter and more portable as compared to the previously mentioned types. One downside, however, to its use is that it provides less room for movement. Hence, wrigglers and squirmers will find this type of sleeping bag less likable.
4) Double Sleeping Bag
This type of sleeping bag comes in larger shapes and provides ample space to fit in two adults. If you snuggle a lot, for example, you will find this type of sleeping bag great. You will also find it perfect if you feel that the single type of sleeping bag is more restrictive to you.
The level of insulation, however, provided by this type of sleeping bag decreases because of its larger size and extra spaces. Yet, you configure some double sleeping bags into two separate sleeping bags, making them more flexible and versatile to use.
2 Types of Sleeping Bags Based On Their Insulation
Another critical aspect of a sleeping bag that you should consider is that of the level of insulation it provides. When considering insulation, you got two main options, namely: down or synthetic.
1) Down Insulation
The sleeping bag with down insulation is perfect for dryer conditions. It provides a greater warmth level per unit weight. Thus, it is perfect for hiking and backpacking. This type of sleeping bag is usually wrought in bird feathers like those of goose or duck. Moreover, this type also lasts longer and is more compact.
Yet, since it provides better insulation, it is more expensive. Another downside of using this type of insulation is that it does not fare well in moist and damp conditions. However, if you are a minimalist or someone who wants to go light, then, down insulation is perfect for you.
2) Synthetic Insulation
This type of insulation is perfect for moister conditions. It is wrought in synthetic polyester and thus, it is less expensive. It performs better in damp and moist conditions because it dries quickly as compared to the down-insulated sleeping bags. Minimalists and those who want to go light on their baggage, however, would instead prefer the lighter down insulation type.
Types of Sleeping Bags Based on Temperature & Season
To zero in on the right sleeping bags, you also need to know the different types of sleeping bags that are appropriate for the different seasons. To figure out the right one, you need to understand something about the temperature ratings of sleeping bags.
At the onset, therefore, you should also know how to differentiate between extreme rating, limit rating, and comfort rating. The comfort rating, of course, refers to the level of temperature wherein an adult female can sleep comfortably. Limit rating, on the other hand, refers to the level of temperature wherein a grown-up male can sleep comfortably. Extreme rating, however, refers to the lowest temperature that can keep alive an adult female. Knowing how the temperature rating works can help you choose the suitable sleeping bags with the appropriate temperature rating. Here are the different types of sleeping bags based on seasons:
1) Summer Sleeping Bags
The summer sleeping bags are suited for warmer temperatures. They often have a comfort temperature of 35°F or greater. They are also made of lighter materials and come in rectangular or semi-rectangular shapes for extra space and ventilation. They may also be double-wide.
They are perfect for warm weather. Yet, if you expect a cold nighttime temperature, then, the summer sleeping bag might not be the right choice for you.
2) Three-season Sleeping Bags
These sleeping bags are appropriate for all seasons, saved for sub-zero weather. Its Comfort Temperatures range from 10°F-35°F. It also comes in different shapes and may be wrought in different types of insulation. Moreover, it is perfect for any camping conditions.
3) Sleeping Bags for Winter
The next type of sleeping bag is the one appropriate for extremely cold temperatures. Its comfort rating is from 10°F and below. Most of these sleeping bags are mummy type of sleeping bags and provide great insulation. They are also of the down type sleeping bags for better insulation per weight unit. In some cases, however, you will also find synthetic sleeping bags for winter. This type of sleeping bag is hefty and heavy.
4) Sleeping Bags for Four-seasons
This type of sleeping bag can be used for general purposes. This type of sleeping bag can also be used in extremely cold weather. You can also use this in warmer conditions, and this differentiates it from the winter sleeping bags.
The four-season sleeping bag is appropriate for camping in areas wherein the daytime weather can be very hot while the nighttime weather can be extremely cold. The good thing about this type of sleeping bag is that it can adapt to any type of weather. It usually comes with a full-length zipper and removable baffles. It is also highly convertible.
Type of Sleeping Bags Based on Sleepers
Sleeping bags can be categorized depending on sleeper types. There are sleeping bags for women and sleeping bags for men. Women, of course, have different body shapes than men. Moreover, the core temperatures of men and women vary from each other. Additionally, different persons have different core temperatures. In the case of women, for example, the variation in their core temperatures are more pronounced when compared to men. As such, a sleeping bag that might be suited for men may not be suited for women.
Kid Sleeping Bag
Furthermore, sleeping bags for kids should be differentiated from those of adults. This is because older persons have different core temperatures than younger ones. You can’t simply let a kid use, for example, a sleeping bag for adults because adult sleeping bags may not completely give insulation to the body of a kid. Thus, you should also choose sleeping bags that are appropriate for kids when you go out camping with your kids.
Conclusion
In the past, the most common sleeping bags were rectangular sleeping bags. Nowadays, however, various types of sleeping bags are now available in the market. So, you got a lot of options at hand. With a variety of choices at hand, you can always select the type of sleeping bag that suits well your needs. So, if you are shopping around for the perfect sleeping bag, you can always use this article as your guide to zero in on the right sleeping bag.