When selecting your next sleeping bag, you must first understand what you what you will be using it for, how often you will be using it, and when you will be using it. You must also remember your size and sleeping style. Browse the list below to help you choose a sleeping bag that is best for you.

What kind of a camper are you?

The Frequent Backpacker:

If you go camping and backpacking many times throughout the year, you will need a sleeping bag that is reliable, one that will withstand the elements, and, more than likely, one that is light. You will encounter all kinds of weather, including rain and snow. This will require a higher quality down insulation, and it will also be helpful to purchase a sleeping bag with a water resistant shell. Be mindful of where you will be using camping and use the lowest possible temperature you will be sleeping in dictate your bag's temperature rating.

The Casual Backpacker:

You will need to choose a bag that is in the middle of the pack. Since you are probably only camping during the summer, you do not need a high-end sleeping bag with a low temperature rating, but you will need your something to withstand the elements and the years. You probably do not need to spend the extra money for an ultralight model, but there may be some comfort features you want in your sleeping bag.

The recreational camper:

You go camping a few times per season and have no need for high quality sleeping bag. If you take care of your bag, it should last you many years to come. Depending what season you will be camping, synthetic fill may work well since you are not as concerned with size and weight.

When will you go camping?

Summer

If you only go camping in summer, you probably do not need a sleeping bag rated to below 30 degrees. If you go camping in warmer climates, where there is no possibility of frost, most of the better synthetic and down insulation bags will be too warm for you. Fear not though, you can always sleep on top of your bag while you sleep.

Three seasons

You will certainly camp in freezing conditions and should look for a temperature rating between 10 to 30 degrees. Again, keep in mind the climate of where you camp to determine the temperature rating you will ultimately choose. In general, you want to make your purchase according to the lowest temperature you will be camping in.

Four seasons

Depending on your climate, you will probably need a sleeping bag rated to at least 10 degrees and may need a bag that is rated below zero. No model will truly keep you warm in the winter and cool enough in the summer, because of the large temperature swings. This will more than likely necessitate the purchase of two sleeping bags. However, you might be able to get away with simply purchasing a liner to make up for the colder temperatures. This is a much cheaper option than purchasing another bag.

A Note on Temperature Ratings: The values of temperature ratings assume you are wearing weather appropriate clothing and are using a sleeping pad to separate you from the cold ground.

Other considerations:

You are tall
Please note if you are 6 'feet in height or above will probably have to buy a sleeping bag that is long or very long. In general, this creates a slight increase in price due to the additional material needed.

You are a woman
There are sleeping bags specifically designed for a woman that are wider at the hips, have extra insulation in the shoulders and feet, and shorter and narrower at the shoulders.

Heavy Set or Restless Sleeper
During the camping trips, a mummy bag will usually keep you the warmest and also weighs the least. However, if you have a larger frame or are a restless sleeper, you may need more space. There are many semi-rectangular and rectangular bags that should work just fine for you.

Price
You can purchase sleeping bags with two different types of insulation-down or synthetic. In general, a down sleeping bag will keep you warmer and weigh less than a synthetic one, but the down bag will also cost significantly more. Keep in mind all of the criteria discussed above and you will find the perfect bag for you.