Getting a decent night’s rest is important whether you are part of a multi-day expedition or simply camping overnight on a weekend away, so that you can wake feeling fresh, well rested and ready for the next adventure. One of the pieces of outdoor gear to help achieve this is the humble sleeping bag.
Over the past number of decades, Sleeping Bags have become a much more technical item with many premium outdoor brands spending a great deal of time trialling and testing new fabrics, protective treatments and a selection of both natural down and synthetic insulation. These have led to sleeping bags for any climate throughout the year in lightweight and surprisingly packable constructions.
Here at Webtogs Gear Guru we have looked at a lot of different sleeping bags throughout the past year to determine which is the best performing overall from the brands we carry to establish our Top 5 Sleeping Bags in 2016. We have chosen the best from our main brands so each one is included in our favourite five.
Gear Guru Top 5 Sleeping Bags
Snugpak Softie 12 Osprey Sleeping Bag
The Snugpak Softie range of sleeping bags has grown to include options for every climate condition on Earth, but the Snugpak Osprey 12 Osprey we found the ultimate version for versatile use throughout the year. Designed as a four-season sleeping bag, the Softie Twelve Osprey has its namesake Softie Premier filling and lining that works to reflect and trap heat inside for a temperature rating at minus 10°c comfortably and minus 15°c at the absolute extreme. Paratex Steelplate fabric on the outer is a soft and flexible fabric that also has plenty of durability, while inside Paratex Light provides next to skin comfort. Both liner fastening and hanging tabs help to keep the Softie insulation in place so it remains comfy as you sleep. A Snugfit Hood is tailored, pleated and quilted with a drawcord that lets you find the right shape and fit for you personally. The Snugpak Softie 12 Osprey also has a reinforced foot if you need to keep footwear on during the night, plus can be combined with a Snugpak Expanda Panel to create a wider sleeping space.
OMM Mountain Raid 16 Sleeping Bag
A few different materials have been brought together to create the OMM Mountain Raid 16 sleeping bag. A lightweight shell made from PointZero, a stain resistant Durable Water Repellent treatment and Primaloft Gold all work together to make this OMM Mountain Raid Sixteen a minimalist sleeping bag that is easy to carry and very comfy and warm. The Primaloft Gold really does give plenty of warmth throughout this OMM sleeping bag and with the footbox being shaped and filled with it you have plenty of insulation in the right places. A tailored ‘mummy’ shape and drawcord on the hood enable a nice fit for lasting comfort as you sleep.
Jack Wolfskin Smoozip Plus3 Sleeping Bag
The Jack Wolfskin Smoozip Plus3 Sleeping Bag is a summer sleeping bag, so different from our previous two of our Top 5. SoftTouch 50D material on the outside gives durability and breathability but with a soft feel; while inside SoftTouch Pongee 50D lining is very smooth against the skin, plus dries quickly which is ideal during warm summer nights. Predominantly the insulation consists of dual-layer Microguard which is a synthetic, multi-denier fibre that insulates really well and is soft to touch. In areas that are known to be the most sensitive areas on the body to the cold, ThermoZone technology has been included for much more effective insulation. The Smoozip part of the Jack Wolfskin sleeping bag is an ergonomic S-shape, all-round zip that is very easy to open and close. A cleverly designed hood that can be pulled around the head or alternatively laid flat if you prefer gives versatile comfort with ease. Rated between 7 and 24°c, this Jack Wolfskin Smoozip Plus3 should only be used during warmer climates.
Rab Ignition 3 Sleeping Bag
Created for camping trips throughout the year, the Rab Ignition 3 Sleeping Bag offers plenty of comfort, is light and packable. The outer is 30 Denier ripstop Nylon so is ideal for when you need a sleeping bag that is lightweight, yet needs to be durable as well. Pyrotec insulation is made from polyester microfibre and gives quite a high level of warmth that can be compressed for packing without compromising on the performance. The Rab Ignition 3 sleeping bag also has a ‘mummy’ shape for a comfortable fit and an angled toe box that lets you lie down in a natural position.
North Face Blue Kazoo Sleeping Bag
This three season North Face Blue Kazoo sleeping bag is ideal for most adventurers that camp throughout the year other than during the winter time. A 650+ down fill power gives really good warmth to weight even when compressed or damp, plus as with the rest of this TNF sleeping bag is lightweight. The outer much like some of our other Top 5 2016 Sleeping Bags is made from a ripstop fabric for durability and regular use that still feels soft to touch for comfort.
Conclusion
Any of our 2016 Top 5 Sleeping Bags will give you the comfort needed to help you get a decent rest, providing you remember to bring a tent and sleeping mattress along as well of course. Not all are suited to colder weather but should do for the more casual camper throughout the year.