To make your camping trip go smoothly, you need to get the right camping gear. No, this does not mean packing your house into a couple of bags, because on a camping trip, you’re not going to be able to enjoy the conveniences of a home. What you will enjoy is an outdoor trip that won’t break your back while opening your eyes to the wonders of nature’s beauty.

Since we spend a lot of time resting and sleeping, a camping sleeping bag worthy of a good night’s sleep should be at the top of your list. How to choose a quality camping sleeping bag will depend on your sleeping habits, as well as the details of your camping trip.

For instance, are you planning to drive to the camping grounds, or hike your way to a camping site? Can you sleep on a hard surface, or do you need a cushiony bed? What time of the year is your camping trip, and does your camping area get any snow? Going on backpacking italian lakes holidays? Are you sleeping outdoors or in a tent? These are just some of the details you need to straighten out before going shopping for sleeping bags for camping.

When you have your trip all planned out, then shopping for the ideal camping sleeping bag is going to be a breeze – and a matter of price, of course. However, regardless of your budget, here are some of the features of a camping sleeping bag that you need to focus on.

• A quality, heavy-duty zipper which can be opened both ways, from inside or out
• Position of the zipper because if you are left-handed it would be hard for you to maneuver yourself just of open up your bag
• A hood for your head – if you plan to sleep outdoors
• Sturdy stitching
• Loft and fill – these two factors will determine how warm you will be inside the camping sleeping bag. The rule of thumb is more loft and filling will mean better insulation
• Size that will accommodate your height and width. Take a look a double sleeping bags if you are a larger person.
• Cotton or synthetic material – cotton is softer but will take longer to dry if it gets wets. You can also consider down sleeping bags.

These are just some of the details you need to pay strict attention to. Other features can be considered extras, and will raise the price of the camping sleeping bag. Thus, if money is no object, then go for broke and get the best (but light) camping sleeping bag. Remember though that the brand does not necessarily equal the best there is, so window shop first before making your decision, and you won’t have any regrets.

One of the main distinctions between camping sleeping bags is there are two different types of fill.  There are down sleeping bags and bags that have synthetic fill (usually polyester).  There are advantages and disadvantages to both types.  Down is usually lighter weight, more comfortable, and keep you warmer.  Synthetic fill dries much faster in wet conditions and is less expensive.

Another nice option is double sleeping bags.  These are twice the width of a normal sleeping bag and are designed to sleep two.  These can be nice to have if you are camping with your spouse or partner.  You can also zip two single sleeping bags together if they have compatible zippers.

They also design sleeping bags for children and there are even baby sleeping bags.  The ones for babies are designed to fit over your baby’s clothing with opening for his or her arms and head.  They provide warmth and safety for a sleeping baby.  These are usually not associated with camping but more for use at home in a crib.

If you are going to be camping in extremely cold conditions you need to make sure you have the right camping gear. You may even want to consider an army sleeping bag.  These are manufactured to military specifications and are very durable.  They can be used in very cold sub zero temperatures.

Another important factor to consider is the temperature rating that has been assigned to the camping sleeping bag.  They will give a rating based on the lowest temperature that will keep an average sleeping person warm.  For summer camping you may only need a rating of 35, but for cold weather camping you may want one somewhere between -10 to +10F.

You will also need to decide on the shape that you want your camping sleeping bag to be in.  There are mummy shaped sleeping bags that will keep you very warm.  If you prefer more space a rectangular or semi-rectangular bag may be more comfortable for you.

Even if you prefer to camping in a motorhome, a folding camper or a gazebo tent, having a good sleeping bag is great for when you have too many people to fit in the camper or if the weather is really nice and you want to sleep outside.

Other Camping Gear

In addition to a sleeping bag, you may want to consider some other outdoors camping gear. For a more comfortable camping experience you may consider bringing along camping chairs and a camping lantern. Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean that you have to be uncomfortable.

Another advantage to double sleeping bags is that they can be less expensive than having to buy two separate bags for you and your spouse or partner.  It’s also one less bag to care for, store and transport.

One disadvantage to a double sleeping bag is that you may need a bigger tent to accommodate the bigger bag. However, if its just you and your partner, a 4 man tent would be just fine. But they fit the best in large family tents. You also will have to factor in whether you and your sleeping partner have compatible temperature level needs in terms of how warm a bag you want to go  with.

Double sleeping bags come in a wide variety of materials, styles, shapes and colors and are offered by many sleeping bag manufacturers.  You will need to choose between down and synthetic when it comes to the fill of the sleeping bag.  Down is warmer and often more comfortable and light weight but is more expensive and harder to dry.  Most double sleeping bags will be rectangular in shape but you may also be able to choose a semi rectangular or even mummy style bag.  You will need to check with your spouse or partner to make sure that the sleeping bag that you choose will be comfortable for both of you.

There is nothing better than enjoying nature with the one you love.  Double sleeping bags make it possible to enjoy the comfort of sleeping with your loved one and still getting away to enjoy the fresh air and scenery.  They also are an efficient and economical choice for today’s campers and backpackers.