The Sleeping Bag
Types of Sleeping Bags
Rectangular – ample room to change positions throughout the night. Some rectangular sleeping bags have “zipper compatibility”, which means you can take two individual sleeping bags and make it into a one 2-person sleeping bag. Make sure that if you make this purchase, to buy one bag with a left zipper and the other bag with a right zipper.Mummy – tight fit; retains heat.
Semi-rectangular – somewhere between a rectangular and mummy.
2-person – share a sleeping bag with a significant other.
Temperature Rating
Choose a bag with a temperature rating that’s lower than the lowest temperature you expect to face while car camping. (e.g., The lowest temperature you expect to reach at night is 30 degrees, get a bag that’s rated for 20 degrees or lower).
Sleeping Bag Fill
Synthetic
- Less expensive
- Can get wet and does not lose insulating strength
Down
- More expensive
- Better weight-to-warmth ratio
- Cannot get wet! If it does, it loses its insulating strength
My personal favorite sleeping bag is the Army Surplus Sleeping Bag System for its:
- Low price
- Inter-connectivity (both bags and bivy have interlocking snaps)
- High quality (designed for 50°F to -30°F)
The 4 Part Modular Sleep System comes with a:
- Green Patrol Bag
- Black Intermediate Bag
- Waterproof Gor-Tex Bivy
- Stuff Sack
Used: Price: $40-$50 (Ebay)
New Old Stock: Price: $60-$70 (Ebay)
Sleeping Pad
Don’t make the mistake of not having a sleeping pad. They provide a layer of insulation and cushioning between you and the ground.
Venture Products Self Inflating Air Mat
Cheapest in price and comfortable.
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest
Light, durable, extremely comfortable, but Bulky.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite
Light, durable, extremely comfortable and compact!
If you want it to feel more like a bedroom in your tent, then consider an air mattress.
Air Mattress
Better: ALPS Mountaineering Rechargeable Air Bed (Twin and Queen)
Cheaper: Intex Twin or Queen Sized Mattress w/ built in air pump