Additionally, integrated blankets, interior pockets for stowing small items like a headlamp, and draft tubes at the collar for trapping warmth are becoming more common. We don’t suggest the Brazos for really cold weather; however, for normal late spring, summer, and early fall camping, this bag will work overtime to keep you warm — as long as you can fit in it. During our controlled coleman lantern warmth tests, we used a laser thermometer to measure this bag’s ability to retain heat. My husband is a tall man (6 foot, 4 inches) so thought I better find him a sleeping bag made for tall people so that he would actually stay covered instead of sticking out at the top! I was happy to see that Coleman has a new BIG-N-TALL 30 Sleeping Bag that is just right for him.
Synthetic bags are typically made with thicker fabrics and require more insulation to provide sufficient warmth, which can add up to a surprising amount of bulk. And if you’re considering a double bag (covered in more detail below), you’re talking about packed dimensions listed in feet rather than inches. If weight and packed size become important, a crossover backpacking/sleeping bag like the still-roomy Nemo Disco Endless Promise 15 reduces both. In the end, the temperature rating does have value and you should use it as a basic guideline.
Not only is it easy to create a large and comfortable space for two if you zip it to another bag, but unzipping the bag on its own opens it up for use as a blanket. And if the bag has a tough exterior shell, you can use it as an outdoor picnic blanket in a pinch. The Coleman Big Bay 20° is rated for a lower temperature limit of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which seems about right based on my experience. Wearing long johns and wool socks, I crawled into the Big Bay, napped on a cot in 32-degree weather and found it comfortably warm. For anything colder than that, you’ll need extra layers as well as a beanie, or you’ll want to consider another bag altogether. Most recreational campers won’t be sleeping in temperatures that low (it’s already transitioning into winter for me at that temperature), so this bag is practical for most people’s needs.
The air and foam combination strikes the perfect balance between comfort, pack size, and weight. The Klymaloft Double sleeping pad features an innovative foam and air design to deliver premium sleep comfort for two. When not using the Big Bay sleeping bag, store it in a large, breathable bag. Keeping it compressed in the stuff sack for long periods can reduce the loft of synthetic insulation and cause the bag to develop cold spots.
In choosing the proper approximate rating, try to get an idea of the very coldest temperature you’ll be experiencing overnight. Once you have that number, it’s a good idea to build in a little buffer (we like an extra degrees) to avoid getting cold. And keep in mind the temperature rating is closer to a survivability rating rather than being comfortable and warm.
The Big Bay is a mummy-style sleeping bag, starting wide at the shoulders and tapering around the feet. Mummy bags are becoming more popular because they’re lightweight and packable, and they’re easier for your body to heat up and keep warm (a sleeping bag is not inherently warm—your body heat gets trapped inside). coleman lantern However, close-fitting mummy bags, like those designed exclusively for backpacking and alpine pursuits, can feel claustrophobic for most people because there’s not a lot of room to toss and turn. The open footbox design adds space, and the bag has enough room for me to side sleep and bend my knees.
Most traditional camping bags stick to synthetic fill for cost savings, but lofty down clusters offer a premium feel and warmth that polyester just can’t match. And as we’ve come to expect from Kelty, the Galactic is solidly built and priced pretty affordably at $160, which is around $40 less than REI’s similarly intentioned Hunkerdown above. 3.1 lbs poly-therm hollow synthetic insulation retains insulating efficiency if wet. Double layer constructed with a rugged polyester diamond rip stop shell, and comfortable polyester pongee lining.
The compromises in choosing the cheaper fill type are relatively minimal for camping. With a car or camper to transport all of your gear, the larger stuffed size and extra weight are much less of a concern than when your sleeping bag has to be crammed into a pack and carried on your back. And should the insulation get wet, synthetics continue to keep you warm, unlike down feathers.