Are you planning to go camping soon? If so, then you would need the best waterproof sleeping bag of 2019!
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Camping is fun, but since we depend our lives on Mother Nature, we can say that it can be a bit of a hassle too. This is most especially true if you are camping during areas where the weather is quite fickle.
To ensure that you will stay comfortable and be protected from rain and snow, you do not just need a waterproof camping tent— you have to invest in a waterproof sleeping bag as well. To know what is the best one for your needs, read this article until the end!
Contents
Top Waterproof Sleeping Bags
Here are the top waterproof sleeping bags that are available right now:
Abco Tech Waterproof Sleeping Bag
Many people refer to this as the ultimate comfortable sleeping bag. This semi-rectangular sleeping bag is designed with a waterproof and water-resistant double-filled technology as well as S-shape quilted form for that are perfect for extreme weathers. Moreover, it has a rating of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are worried that this bag will add pounds to your hiking bags, you will be surprised to know that this bag is extremely lightweight. Besides, the bag’s polyester lining is skin-friendly and won’t cause unwanted allergies while the outer 210T polyester fabric makes this sleeping bag durable.
The bag is also easy to clean and carry. The entire bag is machine washable, and it comes with a carry bag with compression straps, so you do not have to worry about adding bulk to your hiking bag.
The best thing about this sleeping bag is it comes with a 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee.
Sleepingo Waterproof Sleeping Bag
This is a sleeping bag that is designed for extreme weather conditions. Its materials are designed to withstand temperatures of 32 degrees and above. Its outer shell is made of a waterproof and camping grade polyester material while its inner lining is made of a combination of Cotton and Tetron which creates a comfortable and silky sleeping area for the users.
This waterproof sleeping bag offers plenty of space for two people. But you can still use it if you wish to sleep in separate beds. You see, this sleeping bag is designed to be used as one queen-size sleeping bag but is also versatile enough to be used as two separate individual sleeping bags.
The portability and size of this bag will also not be an issue since it comes with a travel bag with compression straps and it even comes with two travel pillows!
Ecoopro Waterproof Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag is designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Its outer material is nylon which is both waterproof and durable. Its lining is 100% polyester which is both skin-friendly and breathable. The bag is also lined with TC cotton which ensures that the sleeping bag has a temperature range of 48 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
Having dimensions of 83 x 30 inches, the waterproof bag can accommodate either one adult or two children. It also comes with a carrying sack that can be compressed down to 11 inches so you can easily insert it inside your hiking bag.
If you are concerned about the bag’s appearance, you should know that this comes in different colors such as orange, green, dark blue, blue, and wine red.
Redcamp Cotton Flannel Waterproof Sleeping Bag
The Redcamp sleeping bag has a larger size and softer material than most sleeping bags in the market. It is made of high quality and extremely durable 210T polyester ripstop fabric which also has waterproof abilities.
Its interiors are made with a soft flannel liner which is designed for comfort. The bag is lined with 3 pounds cotton filling which ensures that it can keep the user warm even if the weather is above 10 degrees.
One feature that users appreciate in this product is its reverse zipper design. Its zipper closure system is 2-way which is perfect for both right- hand or left-hand users. Moreover, its zipper system also allows two sleeping bags to attach to each other.
TNH Waterproof Sleeping Bag
With its mummy shape design, this sleeping bag is considered to be lightweight, extremely portable and highly affordable. With a temperature rating of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, this sleeping bag is designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
Aside from the fact that its shell is waterproof, it is weather-resistant as well so you can use it even in warmer climates.
The bag is constructed with lightweight, skin-friendly and durable polyester fabric and comes with 100 series easy glide zipper so you can zip it up and down snag-free!
Winner Outfitters Waterproof Sleeping Bag
Here’s another mummy sleeping bag on the list. It has a comfortable temperature range of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. But you can use it in colder climates as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
To make it durable, it was constructed with a water-resistant 350T polyester shell. The bag uses a combination of 350T polyester lining and 3D cotton filling to create a warm and comfortable sleeping space for the user.
The sleeping bag is perfect for hiking as it is lightweight and portable. Together with its compression sack, it weighs only 3 pounds!
KingCamp Waterproof Sleeping Bag
This is probably the most stylish waterproof sleeping bag that you can lay your eyes on. This is because it features minimal design and comes in a wide array of colors including pink, blue, gray, green, red, and purple.
But it is not all appearances. This waterproof sleeping bag is highly functional and durable because of its 100% 190T polyester shell. The interior part of the bag is lined with 100% polyester and filled with polyester that has a comfort loft of 200g/m2.
The bag is multipurpose as it features two straps at the bottom so you can hang it to dry after a rainy night. Moreover, the bag can also double as a blanket.
The bag also comes with a stuff bag so you can quickly bring it with you everywhere you go.
All Season Hooded Sleeping Bag
If you wish to sleep like a baby on your camping trip, you may want to give this sleeping bag a try as it offers comfort for all seasons. It is constructed with Ripstop shell that has a temperature range of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside, the bag features a soft and scratchproof woven liner.
One more thing to love about this bag is it is one of the biggest and broadest sleeping bags out there and can accommodate people with a height of 6’6. It also comes with a hood to protect your head from the cold.
The bag can also be used as a blanket. All that you need to do is unzip it, and you already got a queen-sized comforter.
Last but not least, the bag has an inner pocket where you can safely store your valuables such as your phone, money and car keys.
The Different Sleeping Bag Terms You Need to Know
To help you get started with your search, we have compiled all the sleeping bag terms that you would encounter during your hunt. We explain what they mean below:
Insulation or Fill
This term refers to the type of material used to fill the sleeping bag. The quality and quantity of the fill or insulation can affect the ability of the bag to keep you warm as you sleep. The rule of thumb is this: the loftier the fill, the warmer the bag will be.
Shell
This is the outer part of the sleeping bag and is responsible for blocking the wind, protecting the fill and repelling moisture.
Yoke
This is the U-shaped tube that hangs around the neck area. This part is usually insulated and can block drafts and prevent it from entering the sleeping bag.
Baffles
These are the interior chambers of down bags which secures insulation in place and prevent it from bunching up or shifting.
Pad straps or sleeves
These are found at the bottom portion of the bag and can prevent the bag from sliding off the pad.
Foot vents
These are usually found in sleeping bags that have short zippers and are designed to maximize the ventilation inside the bag.
Draft Tubes
This is found behind the zipper area and can block the air from entering through the bag’s coils.
Tube
Also called as flap of insulation, this is the vital part of the sleeping bag that keeps it interior parts warm in a colder climate.
Shaped Footbox
This is a type of foot box that has sidewalls and offer wiggle room to your feet.
Different Sleeping Bag Shapes
Now that you are a bit familiar with the various terms used for the parts of sleeping bags, the next thing that we would tackle are the most common shapes of sleeping bags that you would come across. Here they are:
Rectangular
This is a type of sleeping bag that has no taper on its legs. This is often used in basement and backyard camping because such design is not thermally efficient.
Mummy
This sleeping bag shape features tapered cut from the legs through the feet. It does, however, provide plenty of room to the user’s upper body.
Because of the smaller size of this sleeping bag, its ability to keep the user warm is greater. Also, the small size of the bag uses fewer materials and insulation and therefore, lighter and smaller to pack. But of course, the comfort of the lower body is sacrificed.
Semi-rectangular
This is a crossover between the mummy and rectangular sleeping bags. This sleeping bag has a wider foot box than the mummy sleeping bag but is still considered to be smaller than the rectangular sleeping bags.
This is perfect because it is not as confining as a mummy bag, but at the same time, it offers more warmth than a rectangular bag. If you are camping outdoors and do not like the feeling of being confined, this is the best sleeping bag shape that you can try.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Sleeping Bag
Waterproof sleeping bags do not just come in different shapes—these come in different sizes, materials, and features. This makes the search process a bit more difficult, so if you wish to find the best one for your needs, you may want to consider the following things:
Types
Sleeping bags fall under three categories—summer, three-season, and winter.
Summer sleeping bags are suitable for seasons when the weather is over 30 degrees Fahrenheit as they do not have insulation features. Because of this, the sleeping bags are lightweight and
smaller. Another feature of this sleeping bag is they have full zipper closure system for proper ventilation at night. Lastly, these do not have extra features like a draft collar or hood.
The second type is the three-season sleeping bag which is perfect for temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, it is the best type of sleeping bag for three seasons—spring, summer (in the mountain), and fall. This sleeping bag offers a lot of features including cinchable hoods, zipper draft tubes, and draft collars.
The last type is the winter sleeping bags which are perfect for temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This has all the features of the three-season sleeping bag but is considered to be a bit thicker because it has more insulation. If you are using this type of bag, it is best that you buy a good compression stuff sack so you can pack it easily.
Temperature Ratings
All sleeping bags have temperature ratings which indicate the minimum temperature that the sleeping bag can handle. But since these ratings are not governed by any agencies, it can be easy for the manufacturers to make false claims.
Because of this, EU companies have adopted a new standardized rating system, and it is currently being implemented by other US agencies too. This system uses the following ratings:
– Upper limit
This refers to the highest air temperature at which a man can be able to sleep comfortably
– Comfort
This is the lowest air temperature at which a woman can be able to sleep comfortably
– Lower Limit
The lowest air temperature at which a man can be able to sleep comfortably.
Type of Insulation Used
Sleeping bag insulation comes in two main types—synthetic and down. Both options come with both pros and cons:
Between the two, down is the most efficient and lightest type of insulation that a sleeping bag uses. It is also compressible and can retain its insulation much longer. However, it is considered to be more expensive.
The second option is synthetic which is a fluffy polyester material that comes in different types. These are less expensive but also, less efficient than down. One advantage of this material is it does not absorb water which is a feature that would come handy for waterproof sleeping bags.
Sleeping Bag Shell Fabric
The shell of your sleeping bag matters it will be the one protecting all the other parts of your sleeping bag. Of course, the shell must have a waterproof feature, but apart from that, it should be seam-taped, or its stitches must be reinforced so the water won’t be able to get inside the sleeping bag.
Size
As mentioned, sleeping bags come in different sizes, and you must ensure that you will buy the right size of sleeping bag for your needs. To do that, here are some tips that you can try:
It is recommended that you try the bag first before buying it. Crawl into it and use it the way you would do your sleeping bag. But when you do that, make sure that you integrate its sleeping pad in it. As we all know, the pad will reduce the interior volume of the bag and may affect its fit.
You should also zip the bag up and down to make sure that the fit will still be comfortable for you even if it is closed. Lastly, try rolling around to see if the sleeping bag can accommodate your sleeping position.
Zipper
We already know that the zipper closure system is the most popular and efficient closing mechanism for sleeping bags. But there are a lot of options about the bag’s zip that you should consider—two-way zip (for ventilation), left or right side zip, or zipped together.
Features
You may also want to look for the following features and accessories when choosing a sleeping bag:
– Anti-Snag Draft Tubes
This is great for minimizing cold spots, especially in the opening of the sleeping bag. Drawcords can also cinch the opening and prevent heat loss.
– Contoured Footbox
This can reduce space in the part of your feet and helps keep it warm.
– Stash Pockets
These are often located at the side portion of the bag and are the perfect spots for storing and securing your valuables as you sleep.
– Velcro Tabs
These tabs are designed to prevent the bag’s zip from opening while you sleep at night.
– Sleeping Bag Liner
This boosts warmth and protects your bag’s liner from dirt and body oils.
– Sleeping Mat
This creates a barrier between you and the ground, making you feel more comfortable at night.
– Pillow
If you can’t sleep without a pillow, a compressible pillow would come handy for saving space and weight. But if you want a firmer pillow, a blow-up type would be your best bet.
In Summary
The only way that you can be able to stay dry and safe while you are out camping is to use a waterproof sleeping bag. But with all the options in the market, you would need to take our tips and advice into consideration so you can choose the best waterproof sleeping bags for your needs.
If you have more suggestions that you would like to share with us, please drop some comments below!