When it comes to choosing between an outdoor sleeping bag or slumber bag, there are some stark differences between the two options. Slumber bags are meant for indoor use and are typically found at a child’s sleepover. Outdoor sleeping bags are generally weather resistant, offer more warmth and comfort, and are designed for camping or backpacking.
Full Answer
What makes a sleeping bag different?
This includes the filler and fabric materials used, the size, shape, and the temperature rating. An indoor sleeping bag (or ‘slumber bag’) is typically a lot less costly than an outdoor sleeping bag meant for backpacking or camping outdoors.
What is the difference between sleep and Slumber?
One of the main difference between sleep and slumber is that sleep is normally accompanied by dream where as slumber is the state of the mind that is not accompanied by dream. In short it can be said that sleep is qualified by dream whereas slumber is not qualified by dream.
What is a double sleeping bag?
Double sleeping bags measure 193 x 137cm and are designed to be shared by two people. You can find double sleeping bags in both synthetic and down, such as a the Basecamp Double Sleeping Bag and Lightweight Down Double Sleeping Bag. 5. Key Features When choosing your sleeping bag, look out for the below features which will improve your comfort.
What is the size of your sleeping bags?
Each of our sleeping bags has a tag either saying R (regular) or L (long). Extra Long Length Sleeping Bags are even larger measuring 230 x 105x 70cm, such as our Summit 250 XL Sleeping Bag. Double sleeping bags measure 193 x 137cm and are designed to be shared by two people.
What are the 2 types of sleeping bags?
If you're wondering how to choose a sleeping bag, we reckon there are broadly 8 types in terms of a bag's shape...Rectangular sleeping bags. ... Semi-rectangular sleeping bags. ... Mummy-style sleeping bags. ... Double sleeping bags. ... Quilts. ... Elephant's foot sleeping bags. ... Zipless sleeping bags. ... Women's sleeping bags.
What are the 4 types of sleeping bags?
Sleeping Bag TypesBags fall into three basic categories: summer, three-season, and winter. Summer. ... Three-Season. ... Winter. ... Down. ... Synthetic. ... Mummy. ... Rectangular. ... Semi-rectangular.
What is the difference between a sleeping bag and a sleeping quilt?
Essentially, the main difference between a sleeping bag and a quilt is that a quilt is like the ultralight sibling of the sleeping bag. Designed to be lightweight, highly compressible, and incredibly simple, quilts are great for the ultralight hikers among us who need the lightest and most compact pieces of gear.
What type of sleeping bag will you use?
Understanding Sleeping Bag Temperature RatingsBag TypeTemperature Rating (°F)Summer Season+30° and higher3-Season+15° to +30°Winter+15° and lower
What should I look for when buying a sleeping bag?
7 things to look for when choosing a sleeping bagFit. Some bags come in a standard, unisex sizing, which usually means a man's fit. ... Temperature ratings. Every sleeping bag has a temperature gauge. ... Weight. The ideal bag combines low weight and high warmth. ... Zips. ... Shape. ... Fill. ... Extra features.
Should I get a 15 or 30 degree sleeping bag?
What Temperature Rating to Choose - When deciding how warm of a sleeping bag is needed, a good "rule of thumb" is to take the bags advertised temperature rating and then add 10-15 degrees to it. Thus, a bag rated to 20° degrees will keep you warm in temperatures of 30-35° degrees.
Are sleeping bags warmer than quilts?
1. Warmth: Sleeping Bags. All else being equal, sleeping bags are the clear winner when it comes to warmth. During a cold night, it's hard to beat the heat retention of a tightly cinched bag and hood.
Can you use a sleeping bag like a quilt?
2:288:47WHY YOU SHOULD USE A SLEEPING BAG.. NOT A QUILTYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's gonna have less insulation. Less materials overall. So it's gonna weigh less and therefore yourMoreIt's gonna have less insulation. Less materials overall. So it's gonna weigh less and therefore your hike is what people consider to be the most important part of just getting out to camp.
Why use a quilt over a sleeping bag?
There is no way around it, quilts are lighter, more versatile, take up less space and usually cost less than sleeping bags. If you decide to give quilts a try, make sure you pick one that isn't too narrow, has a warm neck collar and a good attachment system.
What is the best type of sleeping bag for camping?
Rectangular bags are the most traditional sleeping bag — roomy, with plenty of space to stretch or roll over, rectangular bags lean more toward comfort than warmth. Because rectangular bags are larger than other types of bags, they don't retain as much heat. That makes them a common choice for warm-weather camping.
Should I get long or regular sleeping bag?
The regular typically can be used for someone up to 6-feet tall at the very most, I would say under 6-feet tall to be safe. Anyone 6-foot or taller should go with a long. If you get a sleeping bag too short, you won't be able to have adequate coverage and be too cramped.
What sleeping bag is best for camping?
Our Team's Camping Sleeping Bag PicksBest Overall Camping Sleeping Bag: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 25.Best Double Sleeping Bag for Camping: Nemo Jazz 30 Double.Best Budget Camping Sleeping Bag: Coleman Green Valley.Best Crossover Camping and Backpacking Bag: Nemo Forte 20.More items...•
What is the difference between sleep and slumber?
One of the main difference between sleep and slumber is that sleep is normally accompanied by dream where as slumber is the state of the mind that is not accompanied by dream. In short it can be said that sleep is qualified by dream whereas slumber is not qualified by dream. In sleep you would have the sub-conscious mind inactive whereas in slumber ...
Why is slumber called sleep?
It is believed that the sub-conscious mind becomes one with the Supreme Bliss in slumber. This is the reason why slumber is often called as ‘sleep’. Philosophers have classified the states of the mind into four, namely awakening, sleep, slumber and the Supreme.
What is the state of slumber?
The state of slumber is often recognized as the state that is very close to the Supreme state of mind in the sense that it experiences the state of Supreme Bliss bereft of dreams. The person who is in slumber often says that he slept so well that he knew and dreamt nothing during his sleep.
How do sleeping bags work?
How a sleeping bag is sewn can affect its performance. Bags for mild-weather use often feature sewn-through or quilted construction , where the shell and lining, with the fill sandwiched between, are simply sewn together. When sleeping in the cold, these stitching lines can leak a lot of heat. Higher-end bags rated for cold weather often feature offset construction, with a layer of insulation sewn to the shell and another sewn to the liner, with the stitch lines staggered. This eliminates heat-leaking stitches and the cold spots that result. Baffles are generally used in down bags, to keep the feathers evenly distributed throughout the insulation space. They’re vertical walls between the shell and lining. Some down bags have what are known as continuous baffles; think of a series of tubes wrapping around the sleeper. These allow you to shift the down where you want it—usually to the underside, to make the top side more comfortable in warm conditions.
What is a sleeping bag shell?
The shell refers to a sleeping bag’s outside fabric, and the lining is the fabric on the inside. Modern sleeping bags tend to be made of nylon or polyester, which are durable and lightweight. If cold weather is likely, you will be more comfortable inside these synthetic fabrics than in cotton, which is notorious for trapping perspiration, ...
What is the temperature rating of a sleeping bag?
Sleeping bags almost always come with a comfort rating. Most three-season bags, for example, will have a comfort rating somewhere between 15 and 50° Fahrenheit. Some companies assign comfort ratings through a scientific test known as the EN (European Norm) 13537, which involves a mannequin fitted with sensors, wearing long underwear and socks, lying in a sleeping bag in a cold room. Along with a comfort rating, EN-tested bags often come with an “extreme” rating, which purports to show the coldest temperature in which the bag will protect you from injury or death from the cold. Not all sleeping bag brands use EN testing; some commission tests of their own, while others seem to make an estimate based on experience. However they are derived, comfort and extreme ratings should be considered a guide, not a guarantee. When camping in cold weather, it’s best to err on the side of caution. For example, if the temperature is likely to get down to freezing (32°F), use a bag that is comfort-rated for 20°F, just to be in the safe side.
What is the best insulation for sleeping bags?
Goose down is widely considered the warmest kind of sleeping bag insulation. It’s also lightweight and compressible, making it attractive for backpackers. Many winter campers, who rely on their gear to be safe, as well as comfortable, will use nothing else.
What is baffle in down bags?
Baffles are generally used in down bags, to keep the feathers evenly distributed throughout the insulation space. They’re vertical walls between the shell and lining. Some down bags have what are known as continuous baffles; think of a series of tubes wrapping around the sleeper.
Where is the zipper on a sleeping bag?
Some sleeping bag makers include a separate zipper across the foot box (the part of the bag where your feet go) for this purpose.
What is a liner in a bag?
Not to be confused with the lining (the fabric on the inside of a bag), a liner is a mini-sleeping bag made of a single thickness of cotton, polyester, silk, or other fabric. Its main purpose is to keep the inside of your bag cleaner and prolong its life; a liner can usually be tossed in the laundry like a bed sheet.
What are sleeping bags?
Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: Rectangular: These bags allow plenty of room for both legs and arms to stretch out; some can be completely unzipped and used like a comforter. Semirectangular: Also known as a “modified mummy” or “barrel” shape, this designation covers a variety of shapes, all of which offer a compromise between warmth ...
What is a sleeping bag shell made of?
Sleeping bag shells: The outer fabric, which is made of either a durable polyester or nylon, has a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to protect the insulation inside the shell from dampness. Inside the bag, you’ll find materials with a soft, warm texture.
What is the difference between backpacking and camping bags?
In general, camping bags offer plenty of room to move around in, while backpacking bags are light and snug. If you’ll be using one bag for both activities, choose a backpacking style because you need it to be lightweight if you’re going to carry it in a pack. Read How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking to learn more about bags for ...
What do campers want in a camping bag?
In general, campers want bags that offer ample room to stretch out and roll over, which is why so many camping bags have a simple rectangular design. It’s hard to predict if you feel a bag is roomy enough without zipping yourself inside a bag. So, it's a good idea to go to an REI store to “try on” different bags to see which bag styles feel most ...
What is the temperature rating of a bag?
If you will use your bag into the colder months of the year, look at bags that can handle lower temperatures: Bag Type. Temperature Rating (°F) Summer Season. +30° and higher. 3-Season. +15° to +30°. Winter. +15° and lower.
Can you zip a sleeping bag together?
A few bags also can be zipped together if one person chooses a right-hand zip and the other a left-hand zip. Kid-size sleeping bags: These are simply shorter, smaller and more affordable variations of adult sleeping bags.
What is a sleeping bag suit?
A sleeping bag suit is a wearable sleeping bag with arms and legs, giving you the freedom to move without restriction. Rather than getting in and out of your sleeping bag, a sleeping bag suit allows you to stand up and walk around in complete warmth. Another interesting feature of wearable sleeping bags is they have zip-off booties, so you can wear your usual shoes to move around, and the booties while sleeping. Sleeping bag suits like the Selk’bag Original 6G come in four sizes and contain synthetic insulation with a comfort rating of 45 °F / 7 °C and limit rating of 37 °F / 3 °C.
What is a rectangular sleeping bag?
Rectangular sleeping bags are generally used for car camping or camping beds and are equally wide at the shoulders and feet. These types of sleeping bags are essentially a folded quilt, making them spacious and easier to zip together with compatible zip bags. Rectangular sleeping bags are a good choice for warmer climates, but are not suited to the cold, as they retain less heat than barrel and mummy sleeping bag options. These types of sleeping bags are, on average, much cheaper and will feel similar to sleeping in your sheets at home.
What is a cold weather sleeping bag?
Extreme cold weather sleeping bags are alpine expedition quality bags that provide insulation at extreme temperatures. If you’re interested in camping, hiking, trekking or backpacking, these bags are usually overkill. Sleeping bags such as the Mountain HardWear Phantom GoreTex can insulate at temperatures -40 °F/ -40 °C and above, and will set you back around $900. These types of sleeping bags are designed for alpine expeditions or mountaineers who genuinely require extra insulation.
What temperature should a sleeping bag be?
Unless the area you’re traveling experiences extreme cold, these types of sleeping bags will keep you warm and comfortable. Bags such as the Therm-A-Rest Altair has a comfort rating of 22 °F / – 6 °C and a transition range of 10 °F / -12 °C making them a solid 4 season sleeping bag.
What is the difference between synthetic and down sleeping bags?
Synthetic sleeping bags are heavier and pack larger than down bags. The main advantages of a synthetic bag over a down sleeping bag are they are generally cheaper and respond better to moisture. Synthetic bags can retain loft in high humidity and sweaty sleeping conditions. The drawback of synthetic insulation is that the loft lasts about half as long as down does. Similar to down bags, it is best to stuff your synthetic sleeping bag to reduce tension and decrease the chance of breaking down the fill through the middle of the bag.#N#When weight or size is not an issue, synthetic sleeping bags may be advantageous, as they will provide the same level of insulation at a better price point. The question of how to choose a sleeping bag fill is easier to answer when you understand your purpose for the bag. Synthetic insulation will be better suited to activities such as camping and sleepovers, since it is easier to clean, making for a more practical solution.
How cold can a 3 season sleeping bag get?
3 season sleeping bags will keep you warm at night between 24 °F / – 5 °C and 40 °F / 5 °C. These types of sleeping bags are designed to be used in summer, autumn and spring, when temperatures are not extremely cold. Generally, the limits of a 3 season sleeping bag are up to the point of frost, where you should then consider using a 4 season sleeping bag instead.
Why do zippered bags have zippers?
Not only do zippered bags use a zip to seal you into the bag, they can also use zippers to provide ventilation and storage. Zippers are strategically placed around the bag allowing you to control the ventilation to give you a comfortable sleep. Since snagging can be a problem, many designs try to minimize this by encasing the zipper and including a snag guard.
What is a sleeping bag?
A basic sleeping bag will be rectangular or ‘envelope’ in shape with a zip around two sides. These are roomier than mummy sleeping bags and can be fully opened and used as a blanket. Rectangular sleeping bags are less effective at retaining heat than mummy bags and are best for indoor use, caravanning and summer camping.
How long is a sleeping bag?
The length of your sleeping bag should be taken into consideration when looking for the best one for you, regular sleeping bags from Mountain Warehouse are always 200 x 80 x 50cm and are usually better suited to individuals under 6ft.
How big is a double sleeping bag?
Double sleeping bags measure 193 x 137cm and are designed to be shared by two people. You can find double sleeping bags in both synthetic and down, such as a the Basecamp Double Sleeping Bag and Lightweight Down Double Sleeping Bag.
What are down sleeping bags made of?
There are two key types of sleeping bag to choose from. Down sleeping bags are made with the fine under feathers from ducks or geese and synthetic sleeping bags, which are filled with man-made insulation, mostly poly-fibres.
Why do you put a sleeping bag lining inside?
Sleeping bag liners are inserted inside your sleeping bag to provide an extra layer of warmth, improve hygiene and extend the life of the sleeping bag.
What is a season 1 sleeping bag?
Season 1 sleeping bags are designed for camping on warm summer nights, so are an ideal choice for those attending festivals. They are also great for indoor use such as kids sleepovers.
Which side of the sleeping bag is the zip?
Sleeping bags are available with the zip opening on the right and left hand sides. To make it easier to unzip when you are in it choose a bag where the zip opening is the opposite side to your leading hand. If you are right handed choose a left bag and if you are left handed choose a right bag. Two Way Zip.
What is a sleeping bag?
A sleeping bag is an insulated covering for a person, essentially a lightweight quilt that can be closed with a zipper or similar means to form a tube, which functions as lightweight, portable bedding in situations where a person is sleeping outdoors (e.g. when camping, hiking, hill walking or climbing ).
What is the bottom surface of a sleeping bag?
The bottom surface also provides some cushioning, but a sleeping pad or camp cot is usually used in addition for that purpose. The bottom surface of a sleeping bag may be moderately water repellent, but a plastic tarp or groundsheet is often used to protect against moist ground . There are a range of sleeping bag models designed for different ...
What is the second type of sleeping bag called?
The second major type of sleeping bag, sometimes called a mummy bag because of its shape, is different in a number of important ways. It tapers from the head end to the foot end, reducing its volume and surface area, and improving its overall heat retention properties.
What is a mummy bag?
One subcategory of cold-weather sleeping bag, the mummy bag, is so named because it has an insulated hood for the head. A bivouac sack ( bivy) is a waterproof cover for a sleeping bag that may be used in place of a tent by minimalist, experienced hikers. A bivy bag may also be carried by day hikers as a backup or emergency shelter, ...
What is a well insulated sleeping bag?
There are a range of sleeping bag models designed for different purposes. Very lightly insulated sleeping bags are designed for summer camping use or for indoor use by children during slumber parties. Well-insulated bags are designed for cold weather use. The most well-insulated and lightweight sleeping bags, which are designed for serious hikers ...
Why do mummy bags not unzip?
Most mummy bags do not unzip all the way to the feet, because the zipper is a weak point in any sleeping bag's insulating qualities. Together with the tapered shape, this design feature helps protect the feet, which are more vulnerable to heat loss than other parts of the body.
What is a Russian sleeping bag?
A basic sleeping bag is simply a square blanket or quilt, fitted with a zipper on two or three sides, which enables users to get into the bag and then close it up.
What is the difference between a quilt and a sleeping bag?
The main difference between a sleeping bag and quilt is that a quilt has an open back, reducing material and weight, while a sleeping bag envelops your body completely and usually has a full-length zipper. As for price, a quilt will generally be a little bit cheaper than a sleeping bag made of the same materials, ...
Why are down filled sleeping bags so expensive?
This is because demand for down is higher than synthetic materials because the warmth to weight ratio is superior. Most long distance hikers choose down fill because of this. All sleeping bags and quilts have temperature ratings that are used to determine at what temperatures their ...
Why use a sleeping bag over a quilt?
Why choose a sleeping bag over a quilt? One of the biggest advantages of using a sleeping bag over a quilt is the variety. You can find sleeping bags in various shapes, with or without hoods, and some bags can even be zipped together to sleep more people.
Why do quilts have less material than sleeping bags?
This is because a quilt uses less material than a sleeping bag since there is no back, which also means less fill is required. Choosing between a sleeping bag and a quilt can be a difficult choice, but I’m going to highlight the benefits of each, and hopefully you will be able to make a decision that is best for you.
Why do sleeping bags need loft?
In order to keep you warm, whatever fill your sleeping bag uses needs loft. Loft allows more warm air within your bag’s inner and outer shells and this air helps to insulate you. But when you lay on the back of your sleeping bag, all that fill is compressed, thus it loses its insulation value making the back of your sleeping bag almost useless ...
Can you use a quilt with a sleeping bag?
However, with a quilt you can always use a toboggin, balaclava, or something else designed to keep your head warm. Regardless of whether you are using a sleeping bag or quilt, a sleeping pad should be used, but quilts are designed specifically to be used in conjunction with them.
Do down quilts save weight?
But if you plan to hike miles before setting up camp and are looking for ways to make your backpack lighter, then a down quilt will save you the most weight. You should also take into consideration the space a sleeping bag gives you versus a quilt.
Why you should trust us
During one particularly frigid training evolution in my Marine Corps experience, my issued sleeping bag was one of the most cherished pieces of gear I had. Even when nighttime temperatures dipped into the teens and a humid wind cut through the Virginia trees, I could end each day by sliding into it and becoming toasty warm in minutes.
Types of sleeping bags
The types of sleeping bags essentially boil down to three categories based on their intended use. If you don’t need protection against cold, windy nights, there’s no need for anything more than a basic sleeping bag. If you’re embarking on a wilderness expedition, you need the best there is. Most people need something in the middle.
Key features of sleeping bags
Sleeping bag comparisons begin and end with the insulation. I don’t care how light or soft a sleeping bag is, if I wake up to the sound of my own teeth chattering, I’m going to be upset. More isn’t always better, though, so it’s important to make an informed decision.
Benefits of sleeping bags
In most situations that require a sleeping bag, conserving energy is key. Whether you’re eating calorie-dense food and sticking to an established trail or relying on body heat to stay warm at night, it’s important to be efficient.
Pricing considerations for sleeping bags
Buying a sleeping bag doesn’t have to cost more than a case of beer. In some situations, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure you understand what you’re getting into before you haul off on a weekend camping trip.
How we chose our top picks
Our evaluation process for this gear guide was pretty simple. Given a chilly night and a patch of cold, hard ground, would each sleeping bag be something we’d be happy to pull out of our pack? Some are designed for harsher environments than others, but all of them have to inspire enough confidence to earn our trust.
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Scott Murdock is a Marine Corps veteran and contributor to Task & Purpose. He’s selflessly committed himself to experiencing the best gear, gadgets, stories, and alcoholic beverages in the service of you, the reader.
What is an ultralight sleeping bag?
Most outdoorspeople are familiar with traditional mummy bags, but ultralight sleeping bags need a bit more explanation. These lightweight pieces take on the design of a mummy bag (narrow at the feet, wider at the shoulders, a hood around the head) and streamline it even more with thinner shell materials, higher-fill-power down, half-length (or shorter) zippers, and smaller dimensions. Some ultralight bags even drop the hood and zipper altogether for a tube-style design that offers exceptional warmth for weight (but at the expense of temperature regulation). And it’s important to note here that sleeping bags are such effective insulators in large part due to their draft-free design that fully encloses the body (including the head), keeping warm air in and cold air out.#N#A sleeping bag eliminates drafts by fully enclosing the body
How much is a quilt compared to a sleeping bag?
In fact, the average sleeping bag on our list of top picks is $370, whereas the average quilt is $324.
What is a backpacking quilt?
Backpacking quilts are more of a niche piece for ultralight backpackers and those sleeping in hammocks, but they deserve a close look from anyone hoping to streamline their overnight kit. The design of a quilt builds off the idea that the feathers on the underside of your bag don’t offer much in the way of insulation—they’re mostly compressed by the weight of your body. Thus, a quilt removes the hood and back (but not the foot box) from a traditional mummy bag, offering insulation only on the front and sides of your body. Quilts known as “top quilts” simply drape over the body, whereas the majority of designs come with pad attachments to create a closed system with your sleeping pad.#N#The REI Magma Trail quilt (top) and Magma sleeping bag
What is a sleeping pad?
A sleeping pad keeps you insulated from the ground. 2. Weight and Packability: Quilts. Ultralight enthusiasts always are looking for ways to shave weight and bulk from their packs, and the back of a sleeping bag is an obvious target.
What is the difference between a full zip bag and a zipperless bag?
To sum it up, full-zip bags offer class-leading temperature regulation (on both cold and warm nights) for a considerable weight penalty, whereas partial-zip or zipperless bags offer lower weights for a considerable temperature-regulation penalty .
Do sleeping bags help with cold air?
A sleeping bag eliminates drafts by fully enclosing the body.
Is a sleeping bag warmer than a quilt?
All told, you can expect a fully featured sleeping bag with similar loft to be warmer than a quilt—but it’s important to dig deeper for true comparisons. Last but not least, your sleeping pad is a very important component of your sleep system (whether you’re in a sleeping bag or a quilt) and should not be overlooked.
