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 great advantage is, if properly cared for, down sleeping bags are very durable and will last about twice the amount of time as a synthetic one.  This is important to keep in mind when making a final decision on which sleeping bag to buy.

One disadvantage to a down sleeping bag is that is requires more maintenance and care.  It will either need to be hand washed or put into a front load washer at a laundromat.  Either way they must be handled with care as to not ruin the down.

Another disadvantage to down is if it gets wet it take a lot longer to dry.  So if you are going to be in wet conditions a synthetic fiber fill sleeping bag may be a better choice.  Or you can add a water resistant shell to your down fill sleeping bag.

One final disadvantage to down sleeping bags is that they are more expensive than synthetic ones.  So if you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider a synthetic one.  However, keep in mind that a down sleeping bag, if properly cared for, will last longer and provides a lot of warmth and comfort, as well as being very light weight.  So when it comes to choosing a sleeping bag, go for overall quality if you can afford it.

Down sleep bags use real down feathers for their fill.  There are three main types: hi-loft down, duck down and goose down.  Hi-loft down is made out of finer goose down and provides the most warmth.  For expeditions in cold weather high-loft is recommended.  Goose down is a higher quality than duck down and is therefore a bit more expensive, but for regular camping they are both good choices.