Choosing the Best Sleeping Bag for Backpacking and Survival

Don’t be caught without proper sleeping equipment

Picture this, your country is being invaded by an enemy force, you are out in the wilderness trying to avoid being hunted and you have enough distance that you can sleep for a night. Rather than pitching a full tent and risking being caught, you can just pull a sleeping bag out of your backpack and throw it on the ground, and it will provide enough comfort for the night. That is the ideal situation for some form of disaster or other less than ideal situation.

Now, you don’t have to be evading an enemy force to purchase and enjoy a nice lightweight sleeping bag. Whether you are going off grid and hiking, or you are in the midst of combat survival, a good night's sleep is as crucial as choosing the right boots or socks. A lightweight sleeping bag can make a significant difference in both your comfort and the overall weight of your backpack, which can truly mean life or death depending on the scenario that you are in. 

In this guide, our team at Core Vision Training will explore the key factors to consider when finding the best lightweight sleeping bag for your backpacking escapades.

What is a Sleeping Bag?

For those of you who are newer to survival or outdoors adventures, a sleeping bag is an insulated covering for a person that can be zipped up to keep you warm during your sleep. To put it simply, it is essentially a lightweight quilt that can be closed with a zipper or similar means to form a tube. The tube then functions as lightweight, portable bedding in situations where a person is sleeping outdoors.

These bags can be useful for camping or even if you are trying to survive. Unfortunately, we live in uncertain times now where you never know when you will be faced with a situation that will force you to abandon your home and ruck it. 

What to Look for in a Sleeping Bag

Now, let’s take a look at the main components that make a good sleeping bag for your survival and backpacking experiences.

Temperature Rating

One of the foremost considerations when selecting a lightweight sleeping bag is its temperature rating. The last thing you want is to be freezing cold or sweating profusely throughout your sleep. Different sleeping bags are designed for varying temperature ranges, and understanding the climate of your backpacking destination is crucial. Bags are generally labeled with temperature ratings such as comfort, transition, and extreme. Choose a sleeping bag with a rating that matches the lowest expected temperature on your trip to ensure warmth and comfort during chilly nights.

Weight and Packability

The primary reason for choosing a lightweight sleeping bag for backpacking is to minimize the overall load on your shoulders, especially if you have other gear on you like plate carriers or a fully loaded chest rig, you do not want to be weighed down. That being said, it may be in your best interest to look for bags made from lightweight materials and featuring compressible designs for easy packing. Modern materials like high-quality down or synthetic insulation provide warmth without adding excessive weight, making them ideal for backpackers seeking a balance between comfort and portability.

Insulation Type

Two main types of insulation dominate the lightweight sleeping bag market: down and synthetic. Down insulation, sourced from duck or goose feathers, is known for its superior warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility. However, it may lose its insulating properties when wet. On the other hand, synthetic insulation retains its warmth even when damp but tends to be bulkier and slightly heavier. Consider the weather conditions and your preference when choosing between down and synthetic insulation.

Shape and Size

Sleeping bag shapes come in three main styles: mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular. Mummy-shaped bags are tapered towards the feet, minimizing the air space around your body for better heat retention. Rectangular bags offer more room to move but can be less efficient in trapping warmth. Semi-rectangular bags strike a balance between the two. Choose a shape that suits your comfort preferences and provides enough space without compromising insulation.

Length and Width

Ensure that your chosen sleeping bag is an appropriate length for your height to maximize its effectiveness. Most bags come in regular and long sizes, catering to different heights. Additionally, consider the width of the bag, especially if you're someone who likes extra room to move. Some bags offer a roomier cut around the shoulders and hips, providing more comfort for those who prefer a less constricting fit.

Additional Features

Pay attention to the extra features that may enhance your overall sleeping experience. Look for sleeping bags with draft collars, draft tubes, and hood cinches to prevent cold air from seeping in. A zipper guard can also help to avoid snagging, while a two-way zipper can provide ventilation during warmer nights.

Recommended Sleeping Bag

We wouldn’t leave you just guessing what the best sleeping bag for your survival is. We have selected and tested several sleeping bags, and hand picked our favorite one. 

Men's Always Summer 40° Sleeping Bag

The Men’s Always Summer sleeping bag from Marmot is our top sleeping bag. Whether you are backpacking, camping, or surviving, the Men's Always Summer Sleeping Bag is the sleeping bag for you. It is super-packable and the warm 650-fill-power-down insulation is ideal for cool nights, and dual-side zips make this down sleeping bag easy to climb in and out of. Looking for more room? With the Long version, you can open the footbox for space to stretch or zip it up for extra warmth. Unzip the extended zipper flaps on extra-cold nights for blanket-like coverage.

It also comes with a stuff and storage sack!

Conclusion

Finding the best lightweight sleeping bag for backpacking involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure a restful night's sleep in the great outdoors. By selecting a bag with an appropriate temperature rating, weight, insulation type, shape, and size, you can strike the perfect balance between comfort and portability, making your backpacking experience all the more enjoyable. Take the time to research and choose wisely, and you'll be rewarded with a cozy and lightweight companion for your outdoor adventures.

Do you have a sleeping bag on your gear checklist?

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