7 Best sleeping bags of 2024

To compare the warmth of different sleeping bags, take a look at their temperature ratings. This will make it much easier to choose the sleeping bag best suited to where and when you will be using it. A sleeping bag rating specifies the lowest temperature at which the average person will remain warm inside. The three main types are:

•Summer (0°C and above)
•3-Season (-10°C to 0°C)
•Winter (-10°C and below)

Of course, some people feel the cold more than others, but the above rating can be used as a general guide. When choosing your sleeping bag, you should select one with a rating just below the coldest conditions you expect to experience on your trip.

You may also find sleeping bags rated by season. Ratings start from season one for summer months, all the way up to five for extremely cold temperatures:

Season 1 - Summer
Ideal for warm summer nights, typically five °C or above. Suitable for festivals and indoor use, such as sleepovers for kids.

Season 2 - Spring/Summer
For cooler evenings, temperatures are from 0 to 5°C—ideal for camping during school half-term holidays.

Season 3 - Autumn
For anywhere between 0 to -5°C, a cold night but no frost. Perfect for those who are braving camping in cooler weather and those who feel the cold when they sleep.

Season 4 - Autumn/Winter
It is suited for cold weather, temperatures as low as -10°C, where there may also be frost or snow on the ground.

Season 5 - Winter
For expedition-style camping and mountaineering, suitable for temperatures as low as -40°C. You’ll need a down sleeping bag to stay warm in these temperatures.

There are two key types of sleeping bag insulation to choose from: down and synthetic. Down sleeping bags are made with fine under feathers from ducks or geese, while synthetic sleeping bags are filled with man-made insulation.

Synthetic insulation is the most common type of insulation used in sleeping bags. A synthetic sleeping bag will perform better when wet compared to bags filled with down. These are also the cheaper option and are easier to clean and maintain.

A big disadvantage of synthetic sleeping bags is that they do not retain heat like natural down. Synthetic sleeping bags are also much heavier and bulkier as they need more filling to work efficiently in a similar temperature range.

Advantages
•Cheaper than down
•Retains insulation when damp
•Easier to clean

Disadvantages
•Does not retain heat as well as down
•Heavier & bulkier
•Shorter lifespan

Down sleeping bags are great in cold weather, as the loft of down creates thousands of tiny air pockets, making them more effective at trapping warm air and retaining heat. These are also much lighter than synthetic bags and compress to a smaller size when packed, making them perfect for mountaineering.

Advantages
•Good heat retention
•Easier to compress & pack small
•Lightweight (good warmth-to-weight ratio)
•Suitable for cold & warm temperatures
•Long lifespan if looked after

Disadvantages
•Loses heat-insulating properties when wet
•More expensive
•Requires special cleaning
•Takes a long time to dry out
•Some cheap down sleeping bags may not use ethically harvested down

Whether you choose a synthetic or a down sleeping bag, it will need cleaning from time to time. Please take a look at our guide to washing your sleeping bag to keep it fresh and clean and prolong the life of your bag.

There are two main shapes sleeping bags come in: The basic rectangle shape and a mummy-style sleeping bag.

Not all sleeping bags are created equal, and there are particular features to look out for which will provide a more comfortable night's sleep. The main functionalities to look out for include a full-length zip and baffle construction. This means the sleeping bag is filled in sections, which stops the insulation from moving around inside the bag and causing 'cold spots. Here are some of the other features to look out for when choosing a sleeping bag:

Left/right-hand zips: You can buy sleeping bags with the zip opening on the right or the left-hand side. For ease of opening, choose a bag with the zip on the left if you're right-handed (and vice versa).

Two-way zip: A sleeping bag with a two-way zip is useful for easy opening when you need ventilation. Zips can be full-length or halfway, and they can also be used to create a double sleeping bag if you buy two of the same style and zip both together.

Zip baffle: Heat can be lost through the zipped area of a sleeping bag, so an insulated zip baffle (behind the zip) helps reduce heat loss.

Sleeping bag lining: Nylon and polyester are the most common materials lining sleeping bags. Although lightweight and breathable cotton trap moisture, flannel or cotton are also popular, so these aren't isn't ideal in damp conditions.

Outer fabric: The sleeping bag outer is often made of nylon-ripstop material as it's highly durable. Dryloft shells are also commonly used due to their breathable and water-resistant properties.

Hood: As much of our body heat is lost through our heads, a hood will help keep the heat in. A drawcord will allow you to pull the hood tight against your face for extra warmth.

Inner pockets: These handy pockets are typically found near the top of the bag, perfect for keeping valuables safely tucked away.

Your sleeping bag will also come with a compression bag or stuff sack to make it easy to transport and store. Stuff sacks are often used on sleeping bags designed for camping trips or when a larger pack size wouldn't be much of an issue. But when it comes to backpacking and trekking, where space is limited, a compression bag with adjustable straps will ensure your sleeping bag is as small as possible when not in use.

At Decathlon, we have sleeping bags to suit every type of camping and every kind of budget. We’ve included a budget sleeping bag, a lightweight sleeping bag, and our warmest sleeping bag so you can find your perfect fit. Here’s our rundown of the seven best sleeping bags of 2024:

Different situations call for different functionalities in your sleeping bag. But in general, find a sleeping bag that is comfortable, suitable for the climate and easy to store and transport. There is also a range of sleeping bags to suit different budgets so you’re sure to find the perfect sleeping bag for you here at Decathlon.