Choosing the Right Sleeping Bags for Family Camping

Sleeping in a tent doesn’t have to mean a bad night’s sleep. The right sleeping bag helps everyone stay warm and comfortable through the night and is an investment your family can rely on for many camping trips for years to come.

Why a Sleeping Bag Works Better Than a Duvet

Many people may choose to bring a duvet when camping, but duvets can take up a lot of space in the car. Sleeping bags on the other hand, pack down neatly into their own storage sacks, making them easier to transport. They’re also designed specifically for outdoor sleeping, helping to keep you cosy and retain warm air around your body throughout the night - something a standard duvet isn’t designed to do.

Understanding Temperature Ratings

Sleeping bags come with comfort and temperature ratings, which give you a guide to the temperatures the bag is designed for. These ratings help you choose a sleeping bag that suits the conditions you’re likely to camp in. Selecting the right rating is key to prevent being cold during the night. 

For most families, a three-season sleeping bag is a popular choice as it offers a good balance of warmth and versatility for various conditions. The Vango Polaris collection is a great example, featuring Polair® Lining and ThermoLock Pro Insulation. It’s comfortable and lightweight, helping keep you warm and cosy throughout the night without feeling bulky or restrictive.

When camping with children, it’s worth investing in a sleeping bag designed specifically for kids. A shorter length helps prevent them from slipping down inside the bag during the night. Additionally, a smaller fit reduces empty space and helps keep warm air closer to their body. This helps ensure a more comfortable, warmer night’s sleep so they are more refreshed in the morning.

The Vango Stellar Junior is a great two-season sleeping bag for camping. It uses Polair® fabric to provide a soft, cosy feel for a good night’s sleep and comes in a range of fun colours that kids will love.

Sleeping Bag Materials Explained

Sleeping bag materials play a big part in comfort whilst camping. Down is super cosy and offers excellent warmth, however it can be slower to dry if it gets wet. Synthetic fillings are lightweight, easier to wash, and dry more quickly, making them a practical choice for family camping. 

Our Gravity sleeping bag collection is a reliable option for a wide range of camping trips. It uses Grade A ThermoLock insulation for lasting warmth, with a soft, durable Polair® shell and lining that’s easy to care for. The roomy shape and compact stuff sack make it comfortable to sleep in and easy to pack for weekends away, festivals, or camping holidays.

Inner fabrics also affect comfort, breathable synthetic linings help prevent overheating, whilst fleece linings add extra softness and warmth for cooler nights but may be too warm in summer months.

Popular with campers and caravanners, the Aurora Kingsize offers extra space thanks to its wider, longer design. This three-season sleeping bag features a warm double-layer construction and a soft cotton flannel lining and can be unzipped into two single sleeping bags to suit your needs. 

Choosing the right sleeping bag can make a significant difference to your family camping experience. By considering temperature ratings, materials, and the right fit for adults and kids, you can help ensure everyone stays warm and well rested, ready for a big day of adventure. For an even better night’s sleep, a camping pillow is a great addition to your sleeping bag setup, adding extra comfort without taking up much space.