Choosing a Sleeping Bag
A warm night depends on the whole system: bag, hood, mat, dry clothing and conditions.
Choose by the comfort rating
Look for an independently tested ISO 23537 or equivalent EN temperature label. Use the comfort figure as the practical starting point for a young person or cold sleeper, and choose a bag with a comfort rating below the lowest temperature expected on the activity. The lower-limit and extreme figures are not promises of a comfortable night.
People sleep at different temperatures. Age, fatigue, food, clothing, wind, humidity, bag fit and the sleeping mat all affect warmth, so allow a sensible safety margin and follow the Leader’s forecast-specific advice.
Good choice versus poor choice
| Better choice | Poor choice for a cold Scout camp |
|---|---|
| Contoured or mummy-shaped bag with a well-fitting hood and neck baffle | Flat rectangular summer bag with no hood and large gaps around the shoulders |
| Clearly labelled, independent comfort temperature rating suited to the forecast | No rating, vague “season” marketing, or choosing by the extreme/survival number |
| Correct fit: enough room to move without a large empty space to heat | An oversized adult bag for a small child, or a bag so tight it compresses insulation |
| Dry, fully lofted insulation in good condition | Damp, clumped, heavily compressed or damaged insulation |
| Insulated sleeping mat suited to the ground temperature | Sleeping bag directly on the ground, a thin picnic rug, or an uninsulated air bed in cold weather |
Synthetic or down?
Synthetic insulation
Usually less expensive, easier to care for and more tolerant of damp conditions. It is often a practical first Scout sleeping bag, though it can be bulkier and heavier for the same warmth.
Down insulation
Excellent warmth for its weight and packs very small, making it useful for hiking. It generally costs more and must be kept dry and cared for correctly; untreated down loses performance when wet.
The sleeping mat is part of the system
A sleeping bag is compressed beneath the body and provides little insulation from cold ground. Use a closed-cell foam mat or insulated inflatable mat with an R-value appropriate to the conditions. A thick uninsulated air mattress can feel colder because the air inside circulates and draws heat away.
Use and care
- Test the complete sleep system at home before camp.
- Change into dry base layers and socks before bed; do not wear damp activity clothes.
- Fluff the bag and let it regain loft before sleeping.
- Keep the nose and mouth outside the bag to avoid adding condensation to the insulation.
- Dry and air the bag after use, following its care label.
- Store it loose in a large breathable sack, not permanently compressed in its stuff sack.