The most classic outdoor item is a sleeping bag for backpacking. A sleeping bag is your best friend because it keeps you warm at night and alive in extreme conditions. When considering the size, follow the same guidelines as in clothes shopping: never buy too small or too large. Check out our tips for choosing the right size. You should also think about the conditions where you want to use your sleeping bag. If you’re not into arctic hiking, a three-season sleeping bag is the most versatile option. You can also make it work in winter by using it on top of a summer sleeping bag. If you thrive in extreme weather, it might be worth it to invest in a good winter sleeping bag. Check out our awesome inventory of military sleeping bags!

A winter sleeping bag is usually also the heaviest choice. However, for you, the best sleeping bag for camping is the one that meets your requirements, heavy or not. If you have a flexible budget, a down sleeping bag might be just the thing – down is warm but lightweight. If you are on a tight budget, a surplus military sleeping bag is a solid choice. Military sleeping bags are usually well made and also affordable when sold as used (or unused) surplus.

The best sleeping bag for hiking? Get the one which is easy to carry, and is suited for the temperatures you will be spending your time in. Usually sleeping bags come with a compression bag, which you can use to optimize your packing arrangement. You can also pack your sleeping bag in your backpack without a compression (or other) bag to fill all the nooks and crannies inside your backpack. This will of course affect the accessibility of other items. Also, sleeping bags should not be stored inside compression bags – especially down sleeping bags. We have separate compression bags in our collection, if you need one. You should at least give your sleeping bag a good airing out after every use. Down sleeping bags are recommended to be stored in a separate, breathable storage bag.

You can also get a sleeping bag liner to extend the service life of your sleeping bag. This will also add comfort to your outdoor overnight activities. The liner can (and should) be washed separately, and this way you will always have a fresh night of sleep.

If you are into, let’s say, a more extreme style of camping, you can ditch tents and tarps, and just get a waterproof outer shell for your sleeping bag. This will of course require some advanced survival know-how, and possibly the use of natural resources for building a temporary shelter out in the wild.

Should I buy a used sleeping bag?

Before you rush to buy the most expensive sleeping bag on the market, think about military surplus sleeping bags for a bit. First read our tips on buying used sleeping bags.