Sleeping bag guidebook
Sleeping bag guide: Which sleeping bag is right for me?
A good sleeping bag is not chosen based on which one has the most impressive temperature rating or the longest list of technical details.
The crucial factor is whether it suits you, your tour, and the conditions under which you actually want to sleep.
Camping in summer? Multi-day trekking tour? Bikepacking with limited space? Hut-to-hut hiking? Family holiday in a campervan? Or a winter tour in sub-zero temperatures?
In this sleeping bag guide from Grüezi bag® you will learn step by step what is important when buying a sleeping bag: from temperature range and size to sleeping bag shape, insulation and pack size to proper care.
This way you can meaningfully compare different sleeping bags and choose the model that suits your nights outdoors.
Discover all sleeping bag models
Compare sleeping bags directly
Select sleeping bag according to intended use
Finding the right sleeping bag size
Understanding sleeping bag temperatures
Buying a sleeping bag: The 7 most important questions before making a decision
Before comparing individual models, you should know your intended use as precisely as possible.
These seven questions usually lead to finding the right sleeping bag faster than a long list of technical data:
- Where would you like to sleep? In a tent, in a cabin, in a van, camper van or under the open sky?
- What temperatures do you expect to encounter while traveling?
- Do you have to carry the sleeping bag yourself, or are you transporting it by car or camper?
- How important are weight and pack size?
- How much freedom of movement do you want while sleeping?
- How sensitive are you to cold?
- Which insulation suits your needs – wool, DownWool®, hybrid or synthetic fiber?
If you can answer these questions, the seemingly huge selection of sleeping bags will quickly become a manageable decision.
Which sleeping bag is suitable for which purpose?
There is no single sleeping bag that is ideal for every situation.
The right sleeping bag for a trekking tour differs from a comfort-oriented camping sleeping bag. For bikepacking, a small pack size is more crucial than in a campervan. On winter tours, warmth is the primary focus.
Sleeping bag for camping
When camping with a car, campervan or caravan, you usually don't have to carry your sleeping bag for miles.
This allows you to pay more attention to freedom of movement and sleeping comfort.
A generously sized blanket sleeping bag can be particularly comfortable here. Depending on the temperature and personal preference for warmth, however, comfortably cut mummy sleeping bags are also an option.
Discover camping sleeping bags
Sleeping bag for trekking and hiking
On a multi-day tour, every gram in your backpack counts.
A trekking sleeping bag should therefore combine a suitable temperature range with the most sensible ratio of weight, pack size and sleeping comfort .
For such tours, particularly compact mummy sleeping bags and, depending on the conditions, DownWool® models are of interest.
Sleeping bag for bikepacking
When bikepacking, storage space is often even more limited than when trekking.
A small pack size and low weight are therefore particularly important.
However, the sleeping bag should not be chosen solely based on weight: the temperature range must still be suitable for the expected number of nights.
Discover lightweight and compact sleeping bags
Sleeping bag for motorhome and van
Different priorities apply in a motorhome or van.
When weight and pack size are less important, freedom of movement and a generous cut can be more crucial.
Many models of blanket sleeping bags can also be fully opened and used like a blanket.
Sleeping bag for hut tours and travel
Less insulation is usually needed in cabins or heated accommodations than in a tent.
Then a lightweight sleeping bag, a hut sleeping bag or a liner might be the better solution.
Sleeping bag for winter and sub-zero temperatures
Sufficient warmth is particularly important during winter tours.
Besides insulation, you should also pay attention to the hood, thermal collar, chamber construction, appropriate size and, above all, a sufficiently insulating sleeping mat.
Discover extra warm sleeping bags
Mummy sleeping bag or blanket sleeping bag?
After considering the intended use, the shape of the sleeping bag is one of the most important decisions.
Mummy sleeping bag
A mummy sleeping bag conforms more closely to the shape of the human body.
This results in less unnecessary air space inside, and weight and packing size can be kept comparatively low.
Mummy sleeping bags are therefore particularly suitable for:
- Hiking
- Hiking
- bikepacking
- mountaineering
- Winter tours
- Traveling with light luggage
Sleeping Bag
A blanket-style sleeping bag has a more rectangular shape and therefore offers more space in the shoulder, hip and leg area.
Many models can be fully opened and then used like a normal blanket.
Blanket sleeping bags are particularly interesting for:
- Campsite
- Caravan
- Caravan
- Vanlife
- Holiday home
- all those who prefer a lot of freedom of movement
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Is a tight-fitting sleeping bag automatically warmer?
No. While a compact sleeping bag contains less air that needs to be warmed up first, it should definitely not be too tight.
If shoulders, feet, or other body parts press strongly against the outer shell, the insulation can be compressed. This can create thermal bridges.
Grüezi bag® therefore deliberately designs its sleeping bags with ample freedom of movement. Wider versions are also available to suit different body shapes and comfort preferences.
Compare sleeping bag types in detail
What size sleeping bag do I need?
The correct size affects not only comfort but also the function of the insulation.
A sleeping bag should be long enough that neither your head nor your feet press against the inner wall.
At the same time, it shouldn't be unnecessarily much bigger than your body.
rule of thumb for sleeping bag length
Grüezi bag® recommends as a guideline:
Body height + at least 25–30 cm = required inner length of the sleeping bag.
The extra space is necessary because the feet stretch when lying down and because the filling should not be compressed by the head or feet.
How do I know the right size?
- You can lie stretched out.
- Your feet are not pressing against the footboard.
- The head does not hit the top end.
- You can turn around without compressing the insulation too much.
- There is no unpleasant pressure in the shoulder area.
Standard or Wide
For those with broader shoulders, a stronger build, or a desire for more freedom of movement, a wide-fit version may be more comfortable.
Side sleepers also often benefit from a little extra space.
Finding the right sleeping bag size
How warm does my sleeping bag need to be?
Temperature ratings are among the most important – and most frequently misunderstood – specifications for sleeping bags.
For suitable adult sleeping bags, the values are determined according to EN ISO 23537-1 under standardized laboratory conditions. This allows for a technical comparison of different models.
Comfort temperature – Tcomf
The comfort temperature is an important guideline for the lower range in which a person with normal sensitivity to cold will not yet feel cold under the defined test conditions.
This value is significantly more relevant to the purchase decision than the extreme temperature.
Limit temperature – Tlim
The limit temperature is lower.
It is a technical comparative value and should not automatically be understood as a personal comfort temperature.
Extreme temperature – Text
The extreme temperature is a safety value from the standard test.
It is not a recommendation for comfortable sleeping.
Why can I still feel cold despite the temperature being correct?
The standard allows for comparability, but cannot predict your personal situation. Grüezi bag® therefore also points out real influencing factors.
These include, for example:
- individual perception of cold
- physical exhaustion
- Nutrition
- health status
- Sleepwear
- sleeping pad
- Wind
- humidity
- Substrate:
- Height
Plan for a heat reserve
If you get cold easily or arrive at your tent exhausted after a strenuous day of touring, your sleeping bag should offer extra reserves.
Don't buy based on the lowest number in the product name
Instead, compare comfort level, personal intended use, and the entire sleep system.
Sleeping bag temperatures explained in detail
Why is the sleeping mat just as important as the sleeping bag?
A warm sleeping bag alone does not make a warm sleep system.
The filling under your body is compressed by your weight and can therefore store significantly less insulating air.
The insulation from the ground is therefore mainly provided by the sleeping mat.
If the mat does not provide sufficient insulation against the ground temperature, even a significantly warmer sleeping bag cannot fully compensate for this heat loss downwards.
Pay attention to the R-value of the sleeping mat
The R-value provides information about the thermal resistance of a sleeping mat.
The colder the ground and surroundings, the more important a sufficiently insulating base becomes.
Grüezi bag® explicitly points out in its temperature advice that the sleeping mat must be suitable for the temperature range of the sleeping system.
Down, wool or synthetic fiber – which sleeping bag filling is better?
No insulation is automatically the best for every application.
The crucial factor is which features are particularly important for your tour.
DownWool®: Down and wool combined
DownWool® combines down and wool within one insulation.
The down provides high loft and warmth at a comparatively low weight.
The wool content can absorb moisture and thus supports the climate inside the insulation.
When is DownWool® interesting?
- Hiking
- bikepacking
- Tours with a small pack size
- lightweight sleep systems
- multi-day outdoor tours
Discover DownWool® sleeping bags
AlmWolle: Focus on moisture management
Wool can absorb moisture and release it back into the environment.
This makes it particularly suitable for sleep systems where balanced moisture and temperature management plays an important role.
This can be useful, for example, when camping, canoeing, or in conditions with higher humidity.
Discover AlmWolle sleeping bags
synthetic fiber
Synthetic sleeping bags are robust, easy to care for and relatively uncomplicated in dealing with moisture.
They can be particularly interesting for camping, festivals, children, or applications where minimal weight is not the highest priority.
DownWool Hybrid
For particularly cold conditions, there is also the DownWool hybrid construction.
This involves combining high-quality down with a separate layer of wool.
This design is primarily aimed at winter tours, alpine missions and expeditions.
Discover extra warm DownWool hybrid sleeping bags
What is more important: weight or comfort?
That depends on how your sleeping bag is transported.
If you have to carry the sleeping bag
Weight and pack size have an impact every day when trekking and bikepacking.
Then a lightweight and compact sleeping bag is particularly worthwhile.
When the sleeping bag travels in the car or van
When camping with a vehicle, you can usually plan more generously.
Greater freedom of movement or a wider cut can then be more important than saving a few hundred grams of weight.
The decisive compromise
As light as necessary – but so comfortable that you can actually sleep well.
A sleeping bag that is extremely lightweight but in which you can hardly turn over at night is of little help to you on a longer tour.
What makes a good sleeping bag?
A good sleeping bag consists of more than just good filling.
Several details need to come together.
Suitable insulation
The filling should be suitable for the temperature, use, and mode of transport.
Sufficient freedom of movement
The sleeping bag should be neither unnecessarily huge nor so tight that the insulation is compressed.
Functional hood
For sleeping bags designed for cooler conditions, a well-fitting hood helps to reduce heat loss in the head area.
thermal collar
A thermal collar reduces the air exchange between the warm interior and the cooler outside air.
Covered zipper
A lined zipper baffle can reduce heat loss along the zipper.
Foot area
A sufficiently sized foot space prevents feet from permanently pressing against the outer shell and thus compressing the insulation.
ventilation options
Depending on the model, a two-way zipper or separate foot ventilation can help to make the sleeping bag more flexible to use in warmer conditions.
What makes a good sleeping bag
Which sleeping bag details are truly useful?
Not every technical detail is important to every user.
Pillow compartment
A fleece jacket or other soft clothing can be inserted into a pillow pocket, creating a simple pillow for when you're on the go.
Foot ventilation
If your feet tend to get warm quickly at night, a separately opening foot section can be particularly pleasant.
Two-way zipper
This allows for more flexible regulation of the ventilation.
Connectability
Selected sleeping bags can be connected together and thus used as a shared sleeping solution.
Thermal collar and face buff
In colder conditions, such designs help to reduce air exchange in the head and neck area.
Grüezi bag® describes these and other design details in detail on the material and construction page.
View materials & sleeping bag construction
Children's sleeping bag: What's different?
Children should not simply be put into a sleeping bag that is clearly too large for an adult.
A suitable children's sleeping bag reduces unnecessary interior space and is adapted to smaller body proportions.
Adjustable children's sleeping bags
Depending on the model, Grüezi bag® children's sleeping bags have an extendable foot section.
This allows the same sleeping bag to be used over several growth phases.
Temperature ratings for children's sleeping bags
Children's sleeping bags do not have the same specific temperature ratings as suitable adult sleeping bags. Grüezi bag® points out that EN ISO 23537-1 does not specify corresponding precise temperature values for children.
Children differ too greatly in development, physique, and temperature sensitivity to make the same standardized comparison meaningful.
Discover growing children's sleeping bags
Learn more about children's sleeping bags
Double sleeping bag or two single sleeping bags.
Those traveling in pairs basically have two options.
Two individual sleeping bags
They offer maximum flexibility. Everyone can choose the temperature range, size, and sleeping bag model to suit their own perception of warmth.
Connectable sleeping bags
Selected models can be connected to each other.
This is particularly interesting for couples when camping or traveling.
Discover sleeping bags for two people
Why moisture is important for sleeping bags
Moisture doesn't only come from rain or a wet tent.
The body releases moisture naturally during the night.
In cold conditions, this moisture can accumulate inside the sleep system.
moisture and down
Down provides insulation through its loft and the air trapped within it.
If down gets very damp, its loft can decrease.
Moisture and wool
Wool can absorb moisture and then release it again.
That is precisely why Grüezi bag® uses wool alone or in combination with down, depending on the product.
multi-day tours
This issue becomes particularly relevant when the sleeping bag is used for several nights in a row and there are only limited opportunities for it to dry completely.
How do I properly care for my sleeping bag?
A sleeping bag does not need to be washed after every trip.
Much more important is that it can dry completely after use.
Ventilate after the night
Weather permitting, open the sleeping bag and air it out thoroughly.
Grüezi bag® recommends regular airing of DownWool® sleeping bags during a tour.
Stuff it into the pack sack instead of rolling it.
According to Grüezi bag®, for transport the sleeping bag should be loosely stuffed into the pack sack and not always rolled along the same lines.
Do not store permanently compressed.
A pack sack is intended for transport.
At home, a sleeping bag should be stored as loosely, dry and unencumbered as possible.
Wash only when necessary.
The correct procedure depends on the isolation.
DownWool®, AlmWolle and synthetic fibers can be washed, but each requires appropriate treatment.
How to properly wash and care for a sleeping bag
Why a small pack size isn't everything
A small pack sack looks impressive – but the pack size should never be the sole deciding factor in the purchase.
A sleeping bag must first be warm enough and fit your body.
Bikepacking and trekking
A compact packing size is particularly valuable here.
When camping
Additional freedom of movement may be more important here.
During winter operations
The necessary insulation accounts for a large part of the weight and volume.
A slightly larger sleeping bag in which you sleep well at night is a better choice than a minimal pack size with too little warmth.
The most common mistakes when buying a sleeping bag
Only look at the lowest temperature reading.
Extreme temperature, in particular, is not a sensible factor to consider when buying.
Choose a sleeping bag that is too small
Compressed insulation can lead to thermal bridges.
Choose a sleeping bag that is unnecessarily large
Then an additional volume of air must be heated.
I forgot the sleeping mat.
Insulation from the floor is a crucial component of the entire sleep system.
Buy by weight only
An ultralight sleeping bag is of little use if the temperature or fit is not right.
Wash the sleeping bag after every trip
In many cases, ventilation, drying and spot cleaning are sufficient initially.
Here's how to find your sleeping bag in 7 steps
1. Define the area of application
Camping, trekking, bikepacking, travel, cabin or winter?
2. Determine realistic temperatures
Do not base your decision on the most favorable weather forecast, but rather on the realistically expected nighttime temperatures.
3. Consider your personal sensitivity to cold
Those who get cold easily should plan for extra warmth.
4. Choose the sleeping bag shape
Mummy for more compact weight and pack size, or blanket for additional freedom of movement?
5. Select isolation
Compare AlmWolle, DownWool®, hybrid or synthetic fibers to suit the intended use.
6. Check size and width
Take into account body height, shoulder width and sleeping position.
7. Compare weight and features
Only now is it worth taking a look at pack size, weight, foot ventilation, thermal collar and other details.
Compare Grüezi bag® sleeping bags now
Frequently asked questions about buying a sleeping bag
Which sleeping bag is the best?
There is no single best sleeping bag for everyone. Crucial factors include intended use, temperature, size, insulation, weight, pack size, and personal sleeping habits.
Which sleeping bag is suitable for camping?
When camping, comfort and freedom of movement are more important. Depending on the temperature, mummy or rectangular sleeping bags are suitable.
Which sleeping bag is suitable for trekking?
Low weight and small pack size are particularly important when trekking. At the same time, the temperature range must be suitable for the tour.
Which sleeping bag is suitable for bikepacking?
When bikepacking, a sleeping bag should be compact and lightweight. Depending on the temperature and humidity, DownWool® models can be particularly suitable.
Which is better: a mummy sleeping bag or a blanket sleeping bag?
Mummy sleeping bags are more compact and particularly suitable for trekking and light tours. Blanket sleeping bags offer more freedom of movement and are especially suitable for camping, vans, and motorhomes.
Which is better: down or wool?
Down offers excellent warmth at a low weight. Wool is particularly effective at regulating moisture. DownWool® combines both materials in a single insulation.
What does DownWool® mean?
DownWool® combines down and wool. The down provides loft and warmth, while the wool absorbs moisture and helps regulate the climate inside the sleeping bag.
What is an AlmWolle sleeping bag?
In AlmWolle sleeping bags, wool is used as an important part of the insulation. It can absorb moisture and thus contributes to temperature and moisture management.
What size sleeping bag do I need?
As a guideline, Grüezi bag® recommends an internal length of at least your height plus 25–30 cm . You should also consider shoulder width and desired freedom of movement.
What does comfort temperature mean?
The comfort temperature is a standardized comparative value according to EN ISO 23537-1 for suitable adult sleeping bags. Personal perception of cold and actual conditions may differ.
Can I base my decisions on the extreme temperature?
No. The extreme temperature is a safety value and not a recommendation for comfortable sleeping.
Why am I freezing despite wearing a warm sleeping bag?
Possible causes include an inadequately insulating sleeping mat, exhaustion, hunger, high humidity, wind, unsuitable clothing, or personal sensitivity to cold.
Do I always need a sleeping mat?
When sleeping on cold or poorly insulating surfaces, a suitable sleeping mat is crucial because the sleeping bag filling gets compressed under the body.
How often should I wash my sleeping bag?
Only when absolutely necessary. Regular ventilation and complete drying are particularly important for ongoing maintenance.
How do I store my sleeping bag at home?
Keep as dry and loose as possible, not permanently compressed in the stuff sack.
Are there special sleeping bags for children?
Yes. Grüezi bag® offers children's sleeping bags that grow with the child and are suitable for different uses and insulation levels.
Sleeping bag advice from Grüezi bag®
The best sleeping bag is not the one with the most spectacular number on the label.
It's the sleeping bag that suits your body, your tour and your temperatures – and in which you wake up refreshed in the morning.
Therefore, it is worthwhile not only to compare products, but first to know your own requirements.
Camping or trekking? Mummy or blanket? Alpine wool or DownWool®? Standard or wide? Summer or winter?
Once these questions are answered, the decision suddenly becomes quite simple.
Discover sleeping bag models now
Which Grüezi bag® sleeping bag is right for me?
Sleeping bag according to area of use
Sleeping bag by size
Compare sleeping bag shapes
Comfort and limit temperature explained
Sleeping bag materials & construction
Washing & caring for sleeping bags
mummy sleeping bags
blanket sleeping bags
AlmWolle sleeping bags
DownWool® sleeping bags
children Sleeping
Extra warm sleeping bags
Ultralight sleeping bags
Camping sleeping bags
