Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
The temperature rating for sleeping bags identifies the lowest temperature in which you'll be able to stay comfortably warm. Generally, these temperature ratings are for campers who wear layers and use a sleeping pad, which helps keep you off the cold ground.
When it comes to choosing the right temperature for your bag, you have to ask yourself what kind of sleeper you are—do you usually get hot or are you typically cold during the night?
"Most of the time," says Peterson, "people say they are cold sleepers." And because you can't really predict what the temperatures are going to be for each weekend you decide to hit the campground, Peterson usually recommends that people err on the side of getting a colder bag.
The general rule in the outdoor world is to choose a sleeping bag that's about 15 degrees less than what you expect the actual temperature to be. Worry only about becoming too cold, not too hot—cooling off while in a sleeping bag is as easy as unzipping, whereas getting warmer in a bag can be much more difficult.
For the occasional camper, look for three-season bags that will keep your warm all year long.
More: How to Choose a Warm Winter Tent
Synthetic Versus Down
You'll hear it both ways: down is best; synthetic is better. "Some people have just always believed in down and don't want anything but down," says Peterson, "but both work great."
Synthetic bags dry quickly and insulate even when wet; down bags compress better and offer high insulation at a low weight, which is ideal for backpacking. However, if you're camping just a few times a year, synthetic will serve you fine. You can still get a quality synthetic bag without giving your wallet a significant hit.
Post-Season Storage and Care
When you store any kind of sleeping bag, keep it in the bigger stuff sack that usually comes with the bag, not the compression sack that you use when camping. Store it inside your house in a climate controlled area, not in your humid garage or moist attic.
If your bag is a bit grimy, post-camping season, with remnants of the trail or ketchup from your kid's hot dog, don't hesitate to give it a wash. Washing sleeping bags is easy; you just have to do it right.
Always wash your bag yourself. Peterson recommends using Nikwax, which has both a Tech Wash for synthetic bags and a Down Wash. Wash your bag in a front-loading washing machine only with no agitation at a low temperature. Pop the bag in the dryer at the lowest heat for a few minutes to get the main moisture out; then let it air dry outside.
More: 10 Secrets for Budget Friendly Camping
Find a campsite at ReserveAmerica.com.
