Your kid’s first camping trip should be an experience they’ll treasure forever; stories around the campfire, roasting s’mores, and exploring the sights and sounds nature has to offer are all unforgettable moments.
Unfortunately, without an appropriate sleeping bag, it’ll be anything but treasurable for your kid. They’ll be cold and uncomfortable, and they’ll certainly end up with aches and sores.
- What to Consider When Buying a Kids Sleeping Bag
- Top 10 Best Kids Sleeping Bags 2023
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Coleman Youth 45°F Sleeping Bag
- 2. Best Budget Pick: REVALCAMP Sleeping Bag
- 3. Best Double: Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag
- 4. Best Premium Pick: Hyke & Byke Eolus Sleeping Bag
- 5. Most Waterproof: MalloMe Camping Sleeping Bag
- 6. Best for Sensitive Sleepers: TETON Sports Celsius Jr. Sleeping Bag
- 7. Best for Slumber Parties: Jay Franco Sleeping Bag
- 8. Most Kid-Friendly Design: Tundra Wolf Kids Sleeping Bag
- 9. Best Adjustable: Kelty Big Dipper Sleeping Bag
- 10. Most Lightweight: Big Agnes Little Red Sleeping Bag
- Guide to Buying the Best Kids Sleeping Bag
- Final Thoughts
What to Consider When Buying a Kids Sleeping Bag
Of course, it can be tough to know what sleeping bag is best for your kid. But don’t worry, we honor the Scout Law – today we’ll be helping you find the ultimate sleeping bag for your child, and we’ll also be telling you exactly which kids sleeping bags are worth your buck.
Beyond comfort, there are a lot of factors to consider when buying a kids sleeping bag.
Type
There are several types of sleeping bags to choose from, each being ideal for different situations and needs. We’ll be going over the different types – including their pros and cons – in our comprehensive full guide below.
Temperature Rating
Most sleeping bags have a temperature rating, which gives you an idea of what temperature the sleeping bag is suitable for. It typically includes two critical measures: an extreme (survival) temperature and comfort temperature.
The comfort temperature is the temperature your kid will feel comfortably warm in, so it’s the best number to look at. If the comfort temperature isn’t described, you can assume it will be 15°F to 20°F higher than the extreme temperature.
Insulation
Kids sleeping bags either have down insulation or some form of synthetic insulation. We’ll cover the differences between them in our guide, so you’ll know for sure which one is best for your kid.
Outer Shell
An outer shell that can survive wear and tear is crucial, as kids tend to be rough with their belongings. If your kid plans to use the sleeping bag outside, the outer material should also be water-resistant.
Polyester is the most common material, as it is durable, water-resistant and affordable. If you want exceptional durability though, stick to rip-stop.
Size
A sleeping bag should fit snugly. The more extra air space there is, the longer it’ll take to heat up, and the less heat it’ll retain overall. That said, there are some situations where a roomier sleeping bag is better. We’ll talk more about this later on in our guide.
Portability
Will your kid have to carry the sleeping bag for a long period of time? Will they have to carry it while participating in outdoor activities like hiking? If so, they’ll need a sleeping bag that’s lightweight and easy to carry. It shouldn’t be bulky and should compress down nicely into its sack.
Easy to Clean
If you’re buying a sleeping bag for a young kid, one that’s stain-resistant and easy to clean is a must. Little ones are messy, and it’s no fun spending hours scrubbing at mud, dirt, spilled drink and whatever else they put it through.
Keep in mind that while many sleeping bags are machine-washable, you should avoid machine washing a sleeping bag as much as possible. Frequent machine washing can cause it to lose loft, and it can also cause the filling to become clumped together. Plus, most washable kids sleeping bags have special instructions you’ll need to follow.
That said, some kids sleeping bags hold up well when washed, like the Tundra Wolf Kids Sleeping Bag.
Features
A kids sleeping bag can have several features, so we’ll be noting the features of each sleeping bag we review. If you’re unfamiliar with any of the terms, don’t worry. You can simply check out our features glossary.
Now we’ve given a rundown of the most important factors, it’s time to get seated around the campfire. We’ll be telling a true tale called the best kids sleeping bags of 2021…
Top 10 Best Kids Sleeping Bags 2023
1. Best Overall Pick: Coleman Youth 45°F Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Rectangular
- Temperature Rating: 45°F
- Suitable For: Up to 5ft 5″
- Size: 66″ x 26″
- Material: Polyester, ThermoTech
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Machine-Washable: Yes
Cozy is an understatement for the Coleman Youth Sleeping Bag. Its ThermoTech insulation makes it super toasty inside, and it also has a soft plush liner around the opening (a ComfortCuff). The ComfortCuff helps your kid to feel extra snug, and it means they can pull the sleeping bag up to their face without any rough material rubbing against their skin.
This kids sleeping bag machine-washes well and doesn’t stain, making it a breeze to clean. It comes in three stylish designs. One of the designs even glows in the dark, a feature that’s sure to make your kid’s bedtime more magical, fun and exciting. Plus, if your kid struggles to sleep in the dark, or in unfamiliar places, its illuminating light can help put them at ease.
While colorful, the designs are not garish and will still appeal to older kids wanting something more mature.
Extra Features
Comfort isn’t the only thing the Coleman Youth Sleeping Bag has got going for it; it’s designed for ease of use. It has a Roll Control system that ensures it stays straight and compressed while being rolled up, as well as a unique, ZipPlow system which prevents the full-length zipper from getting caught on fabric.
We also love that it comes with a convenient interior pocket.
Sadly, the zipper itself lacks durability. It won’t withstand rough handling. If you need a kids sleeping bag with a sturdy zipper, check out the Hyke Byke Eolus Sleeping Bag.
Coleman Youth do sell different versions of this sleeping bag, though each has slightly different features. The Coleman 50°F Sleeping Bag is perfect for summer camping, while the Coleman Kids 30°F Sleeping Bag is ideal for colder temperatures.
Pros
- Super cozy; ThermoTech insulation and ComfortCuff
- Breeze to clean, plus 5-year limited warranty
- Three stylish designs, glow-in-the-dark option
- Designed for ease of use
- Versions for hot summer/winter camping
Cons
- Zipper lacks durability
2. Best Budget Pick: REVALCAMP Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Rectangular
- Temperature Rating: 40°F
- Suitable For: Up to 6ft 1″
- Size: 71″ x 30″
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Machine-Washable: Yes
A kids sleeping bag doesn’t have to be dull and plain; the REVELCAMP Sleeping Bag comes in an impressive range of vibrant colors and styles. With 13 options to choose between, you’re sure to find an option that suits your kid’s tastes. Plus, if you have multiple kids, they’ll be able to each have their own unique color, so you can avoid any sibling fights over whose sleeping bag is whose!
If your kid tosses, turns and wiggles throughout the night, they’ll definitely appreciate this sleeping bag’s extra-roomy size. It can even be unzipped entirely and turned into a quilt.
Despite its spaciousness, the REVELCAMP Sleeping Bag is extremely lightweight. It also folds up compactly and comes with a handy compression sack, making it perfect for backpacking or hiking.
Sadly, it is on the thin side, and it doesn’t offer as much comfort as the Coleman Youth Sleeping Bag does.
Extra Features
This kids sleeping bag has excellent durability, especially when considering its budget-friendly price tag. It has a tough shell and the stitching is well made.
The shell is fast-drying and effortless to wipe clean. It won’t lose its color if exposed to the sun, making it perfect for sunny climates.
Pros
- Impressive range of style options
- Roomy yet great portability
- Easy to wipe down, fast drying
- Tough cover and durable stitching
- Budget-friendly, eco-friendly, plus 100% satisfaction policy
Cons
- Thin
3. Best Double: Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Double
- Temperature Rating: 32°F Comfort: 50°F
- Suitable for: Up to 6ft 3″
- Size: 87″ x 59″
- Material: Polyester, Tetron and Cotton
- Weight: 5.10 pounds
- Machine-Washable: Yes
A family camping trip with all your kids doesn’t mean you have to lug around several, bulky sleeping bags – the Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag is spacious enough for two to three kids, and it folds up compactly.
It’s also ideal for younger kids who need the comfort of sleeping next to a parent. However, be aware that this sleeping bag won’t comfortably accommodate adults taller than 6ft 3 inches.
The Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag is extremely versatile; it can be converted into two singular sleeping bags. If your kids are prone to squabbling, you’ll definitely find this feature handy. After all, instead of having to listen to them argue throughout the night, you can simply change it to two sleeping bags and move them apart.
Sadly, it doesn’t really keep out drafts, so if your family campout involves braving colder temperatures, it’s best to avoid this sleeping bag.
Extra Features
A typical double sleeping bag only has one zipper. This can be a hassle, as it means if your kid feels hot and they’re not sleeping at the side with the zipper, they would have to wake you (or their sibling up) to unzip the sleeping bag. However, the Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag has zippers on both sides, so you can rest assured that that problem will never arise.
Other features include a water-resistant shell, a compression sack and a cozy inner lining made from tetron and cotton.
It does come with two travel pillows, but the pillows are pretty small, so they won’t provide the best comfort.
Pros
- Spacious; perfect for multi-kid households
- Versatile design
- Zippers on both sides
- Cozy inner liner, plus lifetime warranty
- Comes with travel pillows
Cons
- Travel pillows not ideal
- Drafts can get through
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Mummy
- Temperature Rating: 0°F Comfort: 10°F – 32°F
- Suitable For: Up to 5ft 6″
- Size: 72″ x 26″ – 11″
- Material: Rip-Stop Nylon, 800 Fill Power Hydrophobic Goose Down
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Machine-Washable: Yes
Is your kid a hardcore camper or backpacker? Then the Hyke Byke Eolus Sleeping Bag will be the perfect gift. This durable sleeping bag will keep them snug in below-freezing temperatures, and it compresses to a significantly small size, so it won’t get in the way of whatever outdoor activities they have planned.
Its phenomenal insulating capability is mainly due to its fill: 800 fill power goose down. We go over the pros and cons of down in our buyer guide.
If you’re familiar with down, though, you’ll know that its main drawback is that once it gets wet it stops insulating effectively. Fortunately, Hyke Byke have taken steps to combat this drawback; the down has been coated with water repellent, meaning if there’s a sudden downpour your kid’s camping trip won’t turn into a freezing nightmare.
That said, it’s still not entirely waterproof, and the down does tend to smell. If your kid has a sensitive nose, or plans to camp in wet weather, stick to a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation. The MalloMe Sleeping Bag is a good alternative, as it’s entirely waterproof and uses synthetic insulation.
Extra Features
This kids sleeping bag boasts a spacious footbox, and it comes with a water-resistant compression sack. It has an interior pocket and durable, snag-free YKK zippers that are easy to use.
The Hyke Byke Eolus Sleeping Bag can be adjusted around the shoulders and head, and it comes equipped with shoulder and zipper baffles.
Pros
- Exceptionally durable, comes with lifetime warranty
- Water-resistant down
- Ideal for extreme weather
- Adjustable and compresses well
- Great array of features, including spacious footbox
Cons
- Expensive
- May smell
5. Most Waterproof: MalloMe Camping Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Semi-Rectangular
- Temperature Rating: 35°F
- Suitable For: Up to 6ft
- Size: 86.6″ x 31.5″
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Machine-Washable: Yes
No matter how much rain (or damp ground) this sleeping bag is exposed to, you can be sure your kid will stay warm, dry and cozy within it. Its unique hexagon weave polyester shell is exceptionally waterproof, and it even has a double-layered design with S-shaped stitching, which further ensures no moisture can enter.
Plus, it’s durable and extremely weather-resistant. It won’t wear down, regardless of how many times it’s exposed to the elements.
Thanks to its mature design and long length, the MalloMe Sleeping Bag is particularly perfect for teens. It’s also extra-wide, so your teen will have space to toss, turn and stretch out while sleeping.
However, be aware that this sleeping bag is pretty heavy, so it’s not really suitable for hiking and backpacking. If you want something with excellent portability, the REVELCAMP Sleeping Bag is a better choice.
Extra Features
Another great aspect of the MalloMe Sleeping Bag is that its bottom can be unzipped, which will allow your teen to free their feet if they get too hot during the night. Its hood is also adjustable, and it comes with a compression sack that has convenient carrying straps.
This sleeping bag has a no-snag zipper with a Velcro cover. The zipper itself isn’t of the best quality though, and it may snap if not handled gently.
Pros
- Exceptionally waterproof and weather-resistant
- Highly durable
- Roomy and can unzip bottom
- Mature design and long length; perfect for teens
- Adjustable hood
Cons
- Bit heavy
- Poor quality zipper
6. Best for Sensitive Sleepers: TETON Sports Celsius Jr. Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Semi-Rectangular
- Temperature Rating: 20°F
- Suitable For: Up to 5ft
- Size: 66″ x 26″
- Material: Taffeta, Brushed Poly Flannel, SuperLoft Hollow Fiber
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Machine-Washable: No
Some kids find it difficult to sleep soundly in a sleeping bag; a typical sleeping bag’s internal material is completely different from the bedsheet feeling they’re used to. Fortunately, the TETON Sports Jr Sleeping Bag has been designed with sensitive sleepers in mind. Its brushed poly flannel internal liner mimics the texture of bedsheets, so it’s sure to help your kid feel like they’re snoozing in their bed at home.
It also comes equipped with a zipper draft tube and a warm SuperLoft fiber fill, ensuring a snug and toasty experience.
That said, while not directly an issue of the sleeping bag itself, the sack it comes with is very small. A kid will definitely find stuffing the sleeping bag into it a challenge, and they’ll likely need an adult’s help.
Extra Features
It can be awkward for a kid to operate a zipper that’s on the same side as their dominant hand, especially with their limited fine motor skills. However, the TETON Sports Jr Sleeping Bag comes in two versions: one with a right zipper, and one with a left zipper, so you’ll be able to get the zipper style that suits your kid best.
This sleeping bag has plenty more features though; it has a stain-resistant outer layer, built-in hanging loops, an interior pocket, a zipper guard, and a Velcro zipper cover. It even has a soft, curved hood that will keep a pillow in place and off the (likely dirty) ground.
Sadly, unlike the MalloMe Sleeping Bag, the curved hood is wide and can’t be tightened around the head. This can make your kid’s head feel cold, and the wide opening will allow air to escape easily (causing heat loss). For this reason, this sleeping bag isn’t really suitable for use in low temperature.
Pros
- Ideal for sensitive sleepers
- Handy features, including stain-resistant cover
- Can have either right or left zipper
- Curved hood, perfect for a pillow
- Has limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Wide, non-adjustable hood
- Small storage sack
7. Best for Slumber Parties: Jay Franco Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Rectangular
- Temperature Rating: N/A
- Suitable For: Kids up to 4ft 4″
- Size: 54″ x 27″
- Material: Brushed Microfiber Polyester
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Machine-Washable: No
If you’re looking for a fun indoor sleeping bag your little one can take to their next slumber party, the Jay Franco Sleeping Bag is the perfect choice. It comes in a wide array of fun, colorful designs featuring characters from popular shows. If your kid wants to feel like a superhero, there’s even a design starring the Avengers!
The Jay Franco Sleeping Bag isn’t bulky, and it’s a breeze to roll up and stuff into the drawstring sack. Packing it away doesn’t require any tying or knots, making it hassle-free for kids with limited fine motor skills.
Sadly, the Jay Franco Sleeping Bag isn’t the best quality – it’s on the thin side (little to no padding), so it won’t provide much warmth. Its zipper also lacks durability and has been poorly designed; it snags on fabric and slides down easily.
Another issue is that it can’t be machine-washed. Your kid’s slumber party will undoubtedly get messy, and it’ll be time-consuming to clean off all the food stains and spilled juice. If your kid’s not fussed about the sleeping bag’s design, the Coleman Youth Sleeping Bag is easier to clean, and overall a much more durable and warmer option.
Extra Features
You can buy other gear, like towels and blankets, in the same colorful designs. Your kid will love collecting all the matching gear, and it’ll certainly impress their friends!
Pros
- Array of fun designs
- Not bulky, breeze to roll up
- An easy to use drawstring sack
- Can collect matching gear
Cons
- Thin
- Poor quality zipper
- Can’t be machine washed
8. Most Kid-Friendly Design: Tundra Wolf Kids Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Rectangular
- Temperature Rating: 23°F
- Suitable For: Up to 5ft
- Size: 66.9″ x 27.5″
- Material: Rip-Stop Nylon, Polyester, Hollow Fiber
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Machine-Washable: Yes
The Tundra Wolf Kids Sleeping Bag is water-resistant, warm and boasts a phenomenal kid-friendly design: the shell is made from rip-stop nylon, making it able to withstand a kid’s rough handling. It’s also lightweight and comes with a backpack styled sack, so your little one will have no problem carrying it.
Another kid-friendly aspect of this sleeping bag is that it’s a breeze to clean. It’s highly stain-resistant and can handle repeated machine washing without the filling becoming clumped together. It also retains its colors after washing and has buttoned hanging loops for fast drying.
Kids love to be independent, and the Tundra Wolf Kids Sleeping Bag has taken even this into account – it comes with kid-friendly maintenance instructions, so your kid can feel in charge and you can rest assured they’ll know how to properly look after their sleeping bag.
This sleeping bag’s cover is colorful and features a cartoon wolf, making it perfect for an animal-loving kid. Although, if your kid gets scared easily, this sleeping bag is probably not the best idea. The cartoon wolf may make them wary of the wilderness outside their tent!
If you want a stylish sleeping bag that’s a little less fear-inducing, we recommend the REVELCAMP Sleeping Bag for outdoor use, or the Jay Franco Sleeping Bag for indoor use.
Extra Features
This sleeping bag has plenty of unique features that really take into consideration a kid’s abilities and needs. For example, it has an interior pocket for all their valuables, and a durable zipper that glows in the dark, which makes it easy for your kid to locate the zipper during the night.
That said, the glow isn’t that strong, and it does tend to lose its brightness over time.
The Tundra Wolf Sleeping Bag’s bottom can be unzipped, allowing your kid to cool off their feet if it gets too hot.
Tundra Wolf does sell a matching liner for this sleeping bag. Sadly, the liner isn’t the best quality; it’s thin and feels a little rough against skin.
Pros
- Kid-friendly design and features
- Unique glow-in-the-dark zipper
- Colorful, fun look, ideal for animal-loving kid
- Cozy, durable and water-resistant
- Easy to clean, bottom can be unzipped
Cons
- Glow-in-the-dark zipper could be brighter
- Matching liner thin and rough
9. Best Adjustable: Kelty Big Dipper Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Mummy
- Temperature Rating: 30°F
- Suitable For: Up to 5ft
- Size: 69″ x 28″
- Material: Polyester Taffeta, Cloudloft Insulation
- Weight: 2.15 pounds
- Machine-Washable: Yes
Looking for a snug-fitting sleeping bag that will grow with your little one? Then look no further. This kids sleeping bag can be adjusted in length by 12 inches (expandable footbox), so no matter how many growth spurts your kid has, you can rest assured this will be the one thing they won’t outgrow.
The Kelty Big Dipper Sleeping Bag boasts great durability, thanks to its double-layered, offset-quilted construction. The zipper is highly durable, easy to use, and won’t snap off if yanked hard.
It also comes equipped with an innovative Cloudloft insulation, which has a much higher warmth-to-weight ratio than your average synthetic fill.
The Kelty Big Dipper Sleeping Bag comes in two color options (green or blue). Both have stylish interior designs; the green features camping related items, while the blue has a floral pattern.
Sadly, this kids sleeping bag is bulkier than most other mummy sleeping bags, so your little one may find it hard to carry. If you want a sleeping bag your tiny tot can easily carry, we recommend the Big Agnes Little Red Sleeping Bag.
Extra Features
The Kelty Big Dipper Sleeping Bag has a snug hood, fully-insulated footbox, draft collar and a draft tube zipper construction. These features all help to keep your little one warm and toasty in low temperatures. Although, keep in mind the hood can’t be tightened around your little one’s head.
Pros
- Adjustable, grows with child
- Innovative Cloudloft insulation
- Stylish internal design
- Durable, with sturdy zipper
- Insulating features, including insulated footbox and draft collar
Cons
- Bulky
- Hood can’t be tightened
- Expensive
10. Most Lightweight: Big Agnes Little Red Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Type: Mummy
- Temperature Rating: 15°F
- Suitable For: Up to 4ft 5″
- Packed Size: 9″ x 7.5″
- Material: Polyester Rip-Stop, M4 Synthetic Insulation (Polyester)
- Weight: 1.12 pounds
- Machine-Washable: Yes
This kids sleeping bag is durable, water-resistant and perfectly sized for little kids. At 1.12 pounds, it’s exceptionally lightweight, and it’s compact when packed. As such, your tiny tot will definitely be able to carry it themselves.
It also has a gorgeous nature-themed interior design that will definitely captivate your little one.
Thanks to its sophisticated no-draft design, this sleeping bag will keep your tot snug in cold temperatures. It even has a contoured hood that fits around their head.
Unfortunately, the Big Agnes Little Red Sleeping Bag is expensive, especially considering the fact that your child will outgrow it pretty quickly. If you do not specifically want something ultralight and easy for a young kid to carry, the adjustable Kelty Big Dipper Sleeping Bag will be more cost-effective in the long run.
Extra Features
This kids sleeping bag has hanging loops, a zipper garage and a built-in pad sleeve which will keep a sleeping pad in place.
The built-in pad sleeve is convenient, but the downside of it is that in order to accommodate it, the sleeping bag’s back has no insulation. This means without a sleeping pad your kid will definitely feel the cold ground.
The pad sleeve also isn’t ideal for little ones that toss and turn; as the sleeping pad is secured to them it can cause it to turn with them, resulting in them not being insulated from the ground.
Pros
- Ultralight and compact
- Keeps little one snug in cold temperatures
- No-draft design
- Built-in pad sleeve
- Gorgeous interior design
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for wrigglers
- Back lacks insulation – sleeping pad a necessity
Guide to Buying the Best Kids Sleeping Bag
At times, navigating the world of kids sleeping bags can feel like exploring the woods without a compass – there’s just so much information to process!
Luckily, we’re here to be your compass. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be going over everything else you need to know about kids sleeping bags, including the various types, insulation, and other gear you’ll likely need.
Types of Kids Sleeping Bag
Kids sleeping bags come in a wide array of styles. Here, we’ll map out clearly all the key differences between them, so you’ll know for sure which type will give your kid the coziest night’s sleep.
Mummy
This sleeping bag is called mummy for a reason: with its tapered shape and hood, it literally looks like a sarcophagus (a mummy’s tomb!). But don’t let that put you off from buying it. We promise no mummies lurk within it, and its snug-fitting shape has fantastic advantages.
For example, a mummy sleeping bag has the best thermal performance out of all the types, making it perfect for cold weather. It’s also less bulky than other sleeping bags.
That said, there’s little to no wiggle room in a mummy sleeping bag. This restrictiveness can make it an uncomfortable experience for a sleeper that tosses and turns. A mummy sleeping bag is also not ideal for kids who are claustrophobic, as it can make them feel too…entombed.
Rectangular
This sleeping bag is rectangular in shape and doesn’t have a hood. Most rectangular sleeping bags, such as the Coleman Youth Sleeping Bag, can be opened up completely and turned into a quilt.
A rectangular sleeping bag is budget-friendly, and it provides much more freedom of movement. It’s perfect for warm weather camping or indoor use. It retains less heat than a mummy bag and can even be unzipped to let heat out if it gets too hot.
Some rectangular sleeping bags can withstand colder temperatures, like the Tundra Wolf Kids Sleeping Bag. However, it’s uncommon to find a rectangular sleeping bag with an extreme rating below 20°F.
Unsurprisingly, while perfect for hot weather, it won’t keep you comfortably warm in freezing temperatures. It also tends to be bulkier than a mummy sleeping bag.
Semi-Rectangular
A semi-rectangular sleeping bag is a happy medium between the types mentioned above. It is similar to a rectangular sleeping bag, but it tends to be narrower and has a hood.
This style offers more wiggle room, so it’s perfect for kids planning to go camping in cooler weather, but can’t handle the restrictiveness of a mummy bag.
Although, some kids might still find a semi-rectangular sleeping bag too restrictive.
Double
A double sleeping bag is extremely wide, and for good reason: it’s designed to fit two people. Some, like the Sleepingo Double Sleeping Bag, can be separated into two sleeping bags.
A double sleeping bag is more cost-effective for multi-kid households. However, most double sleeping bags are not sized for kids – they’re sized for adults. Due to this, a double sleeping bag is unlikely to keep a kid warm in low temperatures. There will just be too much extra air space.
Down or Synthetic Insulation
Kids sleeping bags either use down insulation or synthetic insulation.
We’ll briefly describe them, then give a quick rundown of their pros and cons.
Down
Down is a natural insulation made from the fluffy plumage underneath the outer feathers of waterfowl, like duck and geese. Down insulation can vary in fill power, usually ranging between 300 to 900. The higher the fill power, the better insulating efficiency the sleeping bag will have.
Pros
A down sleeping bag with high fill power will keep your kid warm and cozy in even below-freezing temperatures. And, due to its phenomenal warmth-to-weight ratio, it provides this warmth while staying lightweight.
For example, the Hyke Byke Eolus Sleeping Bag has a temperature rating of 0⁰F, yet it only weighs three pounds!
Down also has extremely high compressibility, making for easy carrying. With proper care, down can retain its insulating power for decades.
Cons
Unfortunately, down is not water-resistant, and if it gets wet it loses most of its thermal efficiency. Plus, down isn’t hypoallergenic, so it’s not ideal for kids with sensitive skin.
Down also requires a lot of care and maintenance, and it’s much more expensive than synthetic. If your child is young, a down sleeping bag will definitely not be a cost-effective choice, as they’re sure to outgrow it (or destroy it) quickly!
Synthetic
Synthetic insulation is typically made up of polyester fibers. The fibers are structured in a way that mimics down insulation.
Pros
Synthetic insulation is budget-friendly and easy to maintain. Unlike down, it’s hypoallergenic, making it suitable for kids with sensitive skin.
While down loses most of its insulating properties when wet, this isn’t the case for synthetic insulation, making it ideal for rainy weather.
Cons
As long as down doesn’t get wet, its insulating power tops synthetic insulation by tenfold. If you plan to take your kid camping in low temperatures, synthetic insulation might not keep them warm enough.
Moreover, the lifespan of synthetic insulation isn’t anything to write home about. It loses its insulating power much faster than down.
Synthetic insulation has a poorer warmth-to-weight ratio, and it lacks the high compressibility down has, so it can be a hassle to carry. That said, some kids sleeping bags, like the Kelty Big Dipper Sleeping Bag, have innovative synthetic filling that improves warmth-to-weight ratio.
How Reliable Is Temperature Rating?
Temperature rating isn’t 100% reliable. There are just too many external variables, like wind speed, humidity and if your child runs hot or cold, that can affect how warm the sleeping bag will actually be.
The other thing worth noting is that while there are temperature rating standards for adult sleeping bags (e.g. EN 13537 standard and the new ISO standard), there is no temperature rating standard for kids sleeping bags.
As such, manufacturers typically conduct their own individual methods to determine temperature rating. This means that even if two kids sleeping bags are rated at 30°F, your child could run hot in one and feel cold in the other.
Generally, though, a sleeping bag’s temperature rating will still give you a good idea of what temperature it’s suitable for. Just treat the rating as a rough guide and always err on the side of caution. You should also make sure to test the sleeping bag at home first before taking your kid out on a camping trip!
Be aware that if you’re looking at sleeping bags that can accommodate both adults and kids, their temperature rating may be based solely on an adult.
Other Gear You’ll Need
If your kid intends to use the sleeping bag outside, especially in cooler temperatures, you’ll need to invest in some other vital gear.
- A sleeping pad (or mat) goes underneath the sleeping bag. It ensures your kid is insulated from the cold ground and won’t feel the uneven terrain.
- A sleeping bag liner is a thin, soft fabric that goes inside the bag. It helps to keep the interior clean and fresh and adds an extra layer of warmth.
- A camping quilt is an insulating blanket that you can cover the sleeping bag with for warmth and comfort.
You should also make sure your kid has warm clothing, including a cozy hat.
Plus, having repair tape on hand will ensure you (or your kid) can easily and quickly patch up any rips or tears.
Keep in mind most sleeping bags are on the slippery side. If your kid tosses and turns in their sleep, their movements may cause the sleeping bag to fall downwards or slip off the pad, exposing them to the cold. For this reason, it’s a good idea to take measures to reduce the chance of slipping. For example, you could put a slip-resistant mat underneath it (like a yoga mat).
Features Glossary
Internal pockets, shaped footbox, hanging loops – a sleeping bag can have plenty of features. But let’s be real: unless you’re an avid camper or backpacker, you’re probably clueless about what these features even are.
But don’t worry, we won’t leave you in the dark. Here, we’ll shine a light on all the features.
- Baffles: Keeps insulation in place, prevents it from clumping together or ending up stuck to one side. Head, shoulder and zip baffles add more warmth, as they help to stop heat escaping. Shoulder and head baffles are sometimes called a draft collar.
- Compression Sack: A sack designed to make your sleeping bag as compact as possible.
- Draft Tube: An insulated tube within the zipper. Reduces the chance of cold drafts getting in.
- Footbox: A shaped area at the bottom designed to give more space for feet. Allows for a more natural sleeping position.
- Hanging Loops: Built-in loops which enable you to hang the sleeping bag up. Perfect for fast-drying and storing.
- Internal Pockets: Pockets inside the sleeping bag where your kid can store their valuables.
- Zipper Cover/Garage: Keeps zipper in place and prevents zipper from rubbing against your kid’s delicate skin.
- Zipper Guard: Stops zipper from snagging on fabric.
Final Thoughts
When your kid leaves their bedsheets behind and hunkers down in a sleeping bag for the first time, they’ll be filled with thrill, delight, and a sense of adventure. However, all these feelings will be short-lived if the sleeping bag isn’t fit for their needs.
Choosing the right sleeping bag for your kid isn’t easy, but as long as you consider the factors we’ve discussed throughout our guide, you’re sure to find one that’ll let them sleep snug as a bug!