Choosing a Sleeping Bag for Different Seasons and Hiking Modes

When purchasing a sleeping bag, you need to consider that no universal ones exist. Of course, there’s a so-called “hiking class,” but the thing is, even this broad category is divided based on insulation and waterproofing.

Therefore, if you travel to various terrains and at different times of the year, you usually need to buy multiple sleeping bags.

For example, a compact, compressible blanket-style sleeping bag is ideal for summer hitchhiking. It may be fairly heavy but should be small in size. Why? Because most of the time, hitchhikers are being driven by kind strangers, and when it’s time to stop for the night, leaving the road by more than a kilometer is rare. Walking along a flat highway is not particularly difficult, and you can always stop to rest or continue hitchhiking. Therefore, weight is not as critical, but size is very important: hitchhikers with larger backpacks are less likely to get rides.

For a hiker walking through the forest in summer, the sleeping bag’s volume isn’t particularly important. Weight, however, is critical. The lighter the sleeping bag, the more food you can carry and the longer you can survive in the woods. The insulation requirements, in this case, can be exactly the same because it’s summer. A hitchhiker might prefer a blanket-style sleeping bag that can double as a cloak on the road. For a hiker, a “mummy” bag might be more convenient, as these are usually lighter than blanket-style bags.

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What Type of Sleeping Bag to Choose

“Blanket-style sleeping bag” or “camping bag” – typically shaped like quilts and essentially are just quilted blankets with zippers. Their insulation is modest; they soak easily and are quite bulky. However, since they are intended for a single overnight stay and are usually transported to the campsite by car, this is not a significant downside. They work well as “summer” sleeping bags, and their zippers easily join together, allowing you to combine several sleeping bags into one. This is very convenient. You can create a double sleeping bag out of two. Hitchhiking pairs, especially families with children, often choose identical blanket-style sleeping bags because they’re warmer and more comfortable.

“Sleeping bag” (rectangular bag) – it also resembles a blanket but includes a hood. In such a bag, your head won’t get cold, and clothes placed in the hood as a pillow won’t get damp or cold overnight (those who’ve left sweaters outside overnight will understand). This form is typical for “hiking” sleeping bags.

“Mummy-style sleeping bag” – has a tapered trapezoidal shape that narrows significantly toward the feet and also includes a hood. While it’s not very comfortable to sleep in (unless you’re used to “standing at attention” in your sleep), it’s warmer than other shapes and takes up less space. This shape is typical for sleeping bags designed for extreme overnight conditions. All sleeping bags can be unzipped — most convert into a blanket, either rectangular or trapezoidal. Some “extreme” mummy bags feature half-length zippers. There are also “half-sleeping bags,” which cover only the body up to the waist, with a jacket attaching above this section.

According to the season, they are categorized as:

Three-season sleeping bags: Labeled for -2 to -5°C. Suitable for camping under open skies in any season except winter.
Single-season sleeping bags: Summer versions are protective in temperatures above freezing, are more compact, and very lightweight. Winter sleeping bags are bulkier but can retain warmth at temperatures as low as -15°C.
For extreme overnight conditions.

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Quality Requirements

Typically, an item of the “expedition sleeping bag” or “extreme overnight” class won’t be found in marketplaces or budget sports stores. High quality is delivered only by premium brands, and even they are often counterfeited. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect everything about the sleeping bag – the documents (technical passport and warranty card), its external and internal appearance, and even the filler.

The technical passport contains information about the materials and properties of the sleeping bag. The temperature scale is of primary importance (different indicators may exist for men and women). Comfortable temperature – this is the temperature at which an individual can comfortably sleep through the night without freezing. This is the lower boundary of a woman’s comfort temperature.

Comfort limit temperature – this is the comfort temperature limit for men (who are less sensitive to cold). Extreme temperature – at this temperature, the sleeping bag will protect a man from hypothermia; it may even be possible to sleep for about six hours—it’ll be cold but without life-threatening consequences (think a mild runny nose). For women, it will likely be very cold, with a significant risk of severe chills. Extreme temperature always assumes wearing warm clothing and using a sleeping pad (a camping foam mat or similar).

The temperature scale is always calculated for healthy individuals aged 18 to 40 without signs of physical exhaustion. Individuals older or younger should avoid using a sleeping bag at the edge of its capabilities. It’s generally better to err on the side of caution and purchase a warmer model. After all, who knows what the wind, humidity, or campfire conditions will be like overnight? It’s easy to unzip a sleeping bag if you’re too hot—but warming up in the freezing cold is another story.

A good sleeping bag does not have seams stitched straight through (these reduce insulation). Stitches are non-through and always even, with trapezoidal closed sections. A drying loop, internal pocket for a phone and documents, drawstring hood, and durable zippers are always present. Additional features include zippers that don’t snag fabric and come with a protective flap.

Double-sided zippers, which can be opened from the bottom, and Velcro tabs to prevent unintentional unzipping are particularly convenient. Extras in a high-quality sleeping bag might include a compression sack (besides the standard cover), a repair kit (containing fabric patches, zipper pulls, stuffing material, and thread—making repairs on the go much easier), an anatomical collar for neck protection, and a cotton liner (adds warmth in winter and reduces the need for frequent washing).

To choose the right size for your sleeping bag, add 25–30 cm to your height. Width is determined by personal comfort—remember, a bag that’s too wide will be colder, while a bag that’s too narrow can cause muscle stiffness from prolonged immobility. Standard adult sizes, larger options, double sleeping bags, as well as child and adolescent-sized models are available.

Materials

The outer material must “breathe”—that is, allow moisture to exit the bag rather than trap it inside. It must not absorb odors or moisture and should feel soft and pleasant to the touch. The filler determines the bag’s insulation performance.

Synthetic batting (Polartec) is inexpensive but heavy (sleeping bags weigh between 1100 and 2500 g) and bulky. It’s very warm and suitable for outdoor sleeping. However, it compresses and loses insulation effectiveness within 2–3 years.

Down (goose or eiderdown) is a warm, lightweight material (sleeping bags weigh 600–900 g), but over time, feathers may begin to pierce through the outer layer. A soaked down sleeping bag loses its insulation properties, and drying it during an expedition is nearly impossible. This means they’re best suited for use in tents.

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Synthetic hollow-fill insulations are slightly heavier (about 900 g) than down but cost more while offering similar warmth. These are often professional hikers’ top choice. They are moisture-resistant and dry easily by a campfire. You can even sleep in them under the rain without a tent. The best synthetic fill brands for sleeping bags include Hollofil, Thermolite, Aerofiber, and Thinsulate.

Thinsulate – a non-woven insulating material made of ultra-thin fibers, resembling down in appearance. Its composition is 75% polyester and 25% polypropylene. It comes in several grades depending on density. Though thought to be somewhat outdated now, it is still used in budget sleeping bags. Similar to down in many ways, but heavier.
Hollofil – polyester with hollow channels in each fiber, which are interwoven and twisted into spirals, coated with silicone for enhanced softness and moisture resistance. This insulation retains heat well and can be dried by a campfire when needed. Beware of hollowfiber and other similarly named replicas, which are lower-quality imitations.
Thermoloft-6 – features six closed air channels within each fiber, all of which are interwoven and silicone-coated. Similar to Hollofil but warmer and better in quality, as well as less bulky. It’s typically used in “extreme” models for minimal weight and size. Comparable in performance is QualloFIL, with seven air channels per fiber. These are among the most expensive, lightweight, and warm brands.
Micro-loft also consists of silicone-coated fibers, but its fibers have no voids. Its properties are close to down insulation, but it does not get wet, is very lightweight, and provides excellent thermal protection.

Typically, the outer material is a variation of nylon. This material is suitable for all types of sleeping bags except down-filled ones, as it cannot hold the down. For a down-filled sleeping bag, a Pertex or Ultrex covering is required, which can retain the down and also protect it from moisture. Expensive winter sleeping bags often include an air-permeable yet moisture-resistant membrane, labeled as Dry-Loft.

For summer camping and non-extreme summer hiking or rafting trips, you can opt for sleeping bags filled with synthetic materials like padding, Hollowfiber. If choosing a sleeping bag for a challenging sports expedition, especially in winter, it’s better to invest in one with down filling or materials like Hollofil, Quallofil, POLARGUARD, and avoid synthetic fillers or Thinsulate.

No matter how warm a camping sleeping bag is, you should never get into it feeling cold or hungry. It’s important to eat something and warm yourself up first.

Care Requirements

A sleeping bag with synthetic filling should be washed by hand in cold water; ironing or taking it to the dry cleaner, especially where organic solvents are used, is not allowed. Machine washing is only permissible on a delicate cycle with no spin-drying. Each wash reduces the thermal insulation properties. Sleeping bags should always be stored in a loose, unfolded state (at most, loosely rolled), always when dry. They should not be stored in a compressed state, especially in a compression sack, or in conditions of high humidity and temperature.