Hey there, campers, and welcome to my post, where I will share my three best sleeping bags for summer camping this year. Summer is a great season for camping and there could be no better time of the year to enjoy the flourishing forest and inviting lakes and beaches other than summertime.
The only problem with Summer camping however is the heat. And as we are often away from our creature comfort fans and air conditioners, a good sleeping back is an important factor as we try and get some sleep. And of course whether you’re a novice camper or a seasoned pro, there are summer sleeping bags for every situation that will ensure a safe and comfortable camping experience. Let’s check them out…
My three recommended sleeping bags for winter camping
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my three are listed here for your convenience:
| Summer Sleeping Bag | Price | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Active Era Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bag | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
What are sleeping bags for summer camping?
If you camp in the summer, you’re probably more concerned with staying cool than staying warm. Hence, summer sleeping bags allow us to slumber peacefully and safely as we enjoy our outdoor adventures within the warmer months.
That said, even in the summer, if you don’t have the right clothes or a sleeping bag, you can get cold at night. Hot weather sleeping bags then are lightweight and designed to keep you comfortable while you sleep with the right balance of warmth and ventilation.
Important Note: Knowing where your campground will be ahead of time is an integral part of choosing the right summer sleeping bag. You should start with the basics such as weather conditions, available shelters, and an estimate of the amount of time you will be sleeping outside. Make sure to take altitude and wind into account as well. Just because it is warm at the bottom of a mountain does not mean it will be hot at the top, too!
What Should You Be Looking For?
When it comes to a good sleeping bag for summer camping, there are a few things to consider as below:
- Temperature rating
- Insulation type
- Shape
- Size and weight
- Liners
- Additional features
Temperature rating
This feature informs you of the comfort the sleeping bag provides. Summer sleeping bags have a temperature rating ranging from +35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.67 degrees Celsius) or higher. It is generally a good idea to buy a bag rated to a slightly lower temperature than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. On a humid night, it is much easier to unzip a bag when you feel hot than warm up a bag that does not provide enough heat on a cold night.
Insulation type
Down and synthetic insulation are the two most common types of sleeping bag insulation. Each has advantages and disadvantages as below:
- Down insulation – Comprised of bird feathers (usually Goose or Duck), this type has an excellent warm-to-weight ratio. Sleeping bags with down insulation have impressive compressibility as well as being lightweight. An area of concern for down insulation however is it requires extra care when it comes to cleaning.
- Synthetic insulation – Known for its breathability, synthetic insulation can regulate your body temperature to keep you from getting too hot or cold. Another advantage of synthetic insulation is its water-resistant capability and compared with down insulation, sleeping bags with synthetic cushioning are more affordable. They do however tend to be heavier and bulkier than down.
Shape
Although sleeping bags come in different shapes, rectangular ones are most recommended for our summer camping trips as they do not retain as much heat as other types of bags. Another notable benefit is once you get too hot while sleeping or if the weather becomes unusually humid, you can easily unzip a rectangular sleeping bag and convert it into a comforter.
Size and weight
Most sleeping bag models are available in a variety of lengths. The size you choose should be an inch or two larger than your height. If your bag is much longer than you, there will be unused space to heat, making you feel colder. A lightweight and packable summer sleeping bag is essential for backpacking and mountaineering whereas if you are just driving to a campsite and staying in a big tent, then this is not as critical.
Liners
Sleeping bag liners are placed inside sleeping bags to add warmth and to keep dirt out. Liners can provide practical versatility to summer sleeping bags and are helpful if you plan to hike or camp in areas where the weather varies greatly.
Additions
Again, as with everything to do with outdoors equipment there are added extras available when it comes to sleeping bags. These can include:
- Baffles – Baffles are the compartments in a sleeping bag holding the filling together. Because of baffles, fillings are distributed evenly.
- Shell – The shell fabric is what consists of the sleeping bag’s exterior. The shell fabric is typically more robust than the lining fabric and may include waterproof breathable technology.
- Inner pockets – You can locate pockets in different areas of the sleeping bag (e.g., hood or chest). These pockets are perfect for keeping your phones and other small gadgets.
- Zippers – These allow you to regulate the sleeping temperature because you can close or open different bag sections.
- Pad loops – These are located on the sides and included in some products are intended to connect the liner to your sleeping bag and keep it in place while you sleep. These also attach to your backpacks for easy carrying.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Active Era Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bag
Our first option is a 3-season sleeping bag with a rectangular shape making it ideal for your summer camping sleep. It can handle a large range in temperature conditions with a durable build to stand up to the rigours of camping. Its specifications include:
- Brand: Active Era
- Shape: Envelope
- Size: All age
- Temperature rating: 50 °F to 27°F (10°C to -2.8°C)
- Fill material: 200GSM hollow fibre filling
- Outdoor material: 190T Polyester
- Item weight: 2.09 pounds
- Closure type: Zipper
Other inclusions:
- Machine washable
- Rip-resistant outer shell
- Lightweight
Why have I chosen it?
This item provides comfort for people of all shapes and sizes, can be efficiently compressed and can be carried easily. The 200GSM insulated filling ensures that your sleep is comfy and sound as you sleep outdoors over a number of seasons. Additionally, should the weather be extra warm, it folds out to become a light comforter as well.
2. oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag
This second option comprises premium insulation material for breathable comfort over a number of seasons. There is a separate zipper at the bottom to relax your feet and a hood for extra warmth should it be needed as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: oaskys
- Shape: Rectangular
- Size: 31.5 inches X 86.6 inches
- Temperature rating: 50 °F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C)
- Fill material: 90T polyester pongee
- Outdoor material: 210T Anti-tearing Polyester Fabric
- Item weight: 3.2 pounds
- Closure type: Zipper
Other inclusions:
- Weather-resistant
- Anti-tearing polyester fabric
- Half-circle hood at top
- Compression sack with straps included
Why have I chosen this?
This is a great option with a weather-resistant design to keep you warm and dry in the damp or even if the conditions are extreme. It is perfect for family camping and school camps alike with the ability to keep you cool in summer and warm in autumn and spring as well.
3. WERTYCITY Lightweight 3 Season Sleeping Bag
This third option is ultralight and space-saving with a temperature rating ideal for those looking to hike or kayak to their favourite camping spot. Aside from being water-resistant, the bag’s texture is skin-friendly with the ability to transform into two sleeping bags if need be as well. Its specifications include:
- Brand: WERTYCITY
- Shape: Rectangular
- Size: Adults
- Temperature rating: 59 °F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
- Fill material: Polyester Lining & with 100% imitated silk floss filling
- Outdoor material: 400T Nylon
- Item weight: 1.76 pounds
- Closure type: Zipper
Other inclusions:
- Skin-friendly
- Convertible to double sleeping bags
- Machine washable
- Ultralight
Why have I chosen this?
The product has all the elements of an optimal summer sleeping bag with a rectangular shape recommended by both experts and pros alike. Its 1.76-pound weight is certainly negligible when you include it in your adventure backpack making it perfect for someone who loves to hike.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best sleeping bags ideal for your summer camping escapades. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
