1. Weight or size
You will want to account for your sleeping bag's weight or size, as this can make or break your camping experience. As much as possible, opt for something light and less bulky for your backpacking. The less heavy and bulky, the better it is for your convenience. In terms of weight, keep in mind that it varies—from the ultralight to the mega-heavy. Visit your local store or check our wide selection of sleeping bags for your camping needs, but know that the lightest yet most efficient bag may come with a premium price. So, for the most part, your budget will determine your weight options.2. Warmth or temperature
The warmth of your sleeping bag can significantly influence your comfortability at night. Yes, this will still depend on the weather’s temperature, whether you go camping during summer or winter. For your reference, here are the average temperature ratings for each season:- Summer: 30 ºF and above
- Spring/Fall: 10 to 30 ºF
- Winter: 20 to 10 ºF
3. Insulation
When it comes to sleeping bags, there are typically three insulation options to choose from. As each has its own pros and cons, choose one suitable for your personal preferences and camping needs. Below are the three different types based on insulation:- Down insulation: This option is lightweight and compact, with the highest weight-to-warmth ratio. However, it doesn't have an insulative value when wet. Also, it is costly and not hypoallergenic.
- Synthetic insulation: What's good about this option is that it is insulative when wet. On top of this is the fact that it's affordable and hypoallergenic. The only downside is that it is not easily compatible with a lower weight-to-warmth ratio.
- Hybrid: This sleeping bag is a combination of down and synthetic fills. With such integration, you can expect it to be efficient, offering more value in terms of weight, warmth, and insulation. The downside is that it isn't as common as the first two, so you'll have a hard time looking for one.