Collection: Sleeping Bags

While tents tend to get the most attention when buying for a camping trip, the right sleeping bag is just as important. After all, your tent might keep you dry, but you're not going to enjoy your trip into the outdoors if you're kept awake all night by an uncomfortable sleeping bag. With a wide range of sizes and temperature ratings to choose from, you should think carefully about what conditions you'll be camping in. Thankfully, with our wide selection of sleeping bags, we've got an option to suit all needs!

Mummy Sleeping Bags vs. Square Sleeping Bags

While there are some outliers, most sleeping bags fall into one of two categories: square and mummy sleeping bags. The clue to the difference between them lies in the name: one is more tapered to the body's contours (thereby resembling a mummy), while the other is square in shape.

Mummy sleeping bags tend to be warmer because of their snugger fit and hood, which helps retain body heat more effectively. They also tend to be lighter and pack down smaller, making them a smart choice for backpacking and hiking, or any time where space is at a premium.

On the other hand, square sleeping bags aren't quite as restrictive, meaning many people find them more comfortable to sleep in. And while they don't retain as much heat, that's not always a bad thing if sleeping in warmer temperatures. Many of them can be fully unzipped to be used as a blanket as well, making them a bit more versatile.

What else should I look out for?

Other than shape, another big factor to consider is the type of filling. Sleeping bags either come filled with down (duck or goose feathers), or a synthetic filling. Down sleeping bags are great at retaining heat, and they pack down well, but they do tend to be quite expensive. On the other hand, synthetic filling still tends to be plenty warm enough, and is more damp resistant than down. If you're planning a family camping trip, then we'd generally recommend synthetic as a solid, affordable choice.

You should also consider the season rating of sleeping bags. This broadly tells you how versatile your chosen model is. One-season models are suitable for summer when the weather is warmer, while two-season sleeping bags will see you through the spring and summer. For more serious campers, three- and four-season bags are suitable for autumn and winter, too.