How to Select a Sleeping Bag


When purchasing a sleeping bag, you need to consider three things:

Primary Use: Hunting/Fishing, Backpacking, Camping, At Home
Temperature Rating to Match Weather Conditions
Body Size, Sleeping Habits
Primary Use

Home/Backyard : Home use. More fashion oriented fabrics & colors, smaller sizes for kids in the backyard, warmer temp. ratings

Family Camping : Rectangular, see size variations for different members of family

Hunting/Fishing : Large rectangular, with heavy-duty durable outer. For cooler temp. ratings

Hiking/Backpacking : Compactible, lightweight bag, possible mummy. For cooler temp. ratings

Temperature Rating

Sleeping bags are usually rated for the lowest temperature at which they can keep an average person comfortable. The amount and type of insulation achieve the rating.

The ratings are a general guide, but not absolute. The final warmth factor depends on ones body metabolism, as well as the ground temperature, wind, humidity, altitude, and clothing that you will be sleeping in.

Ratings as low as -40º F are best for expedition camping in frigid conditions. Ratings in the +35º F to +40º F are best for warmer weather camping trips.

Body Size/Sleeping Habits

Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Select the size and shape that best fits your size and sleeping habit.

Kids : 28" x 57" smaller overall for less area to warm. Fun, bright colors.

Junior : 29" x 66" either a shorter bag or slimmer bag for the young adults or petite person.

Standard : 33" x 75" standard for average sized person.

Double Bags : Two bags zipped together to form a double sleeper to accommodate two people.

Oversized : either extra long for taller 33" x 78", extra wide 38" x 81" for bigger (or person who likes more room).

Mummy Shape: Lighter weight for backpacking, and for colder weather trips, but more confining.

All Wenzel sleeping bags are machine washable.

Use a Wenzel sleeping mat with your bag for extra comfort and warmth.