Double sleeping bags are the perfect solution for couples who are looking to snuggle up after a hard day’s hiking and experience the great outdoors, quite literally, side by side.
When it comes to buying the perfect double sleeping bag there are lots of things to consider, from its shape to the kind of filling it uses. But how do you know which bag is best for your needs? In this handy guide, we’ve put together a few pointers to help you make an informed choice.
Why Choose a Double Sleeping Bag?
There are many benefits that come with choosing a double sleeping bag. For a start, the combined body heat of you and your loved one will help keep you extra cosy during the night. You’ll also have plenty more room to wriggle around in and find the perfect sleeping position inside a double sleeping bag than you would with a single sleeping bag or mummy bag – there’s even enough room for the kids.
Using a double sleeping bag will also help you cut down your gear list, with only one bag to worry about instead of two.
Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
A basic requirement of any sleeping bag is to keep you warm during the night, and different sleeping bags have different temperature ratings.
Many sleeping bags are given a rating in degrees, either as a limit or a series of temperatures. So, if your sleeping bag has a limit of -6°C it means that it will keep you warm down to external temperatures of -6°C.
Another rating to look out for is the ‘season’, which is designed to give you a rough idea of whether it’s suitable for summer (rated as a 1 season sleeping bag) or right throughout the year (rated as a 4 season sleeping bag).
These two ratings tend to go hand in hand. The better the temperature rating, the more seasons the sleeping bag is going to be useful for. However, these two attributes depend on a number of factors such as the insulation type, the lining and the shell materials.
Sleeping Bag Filling
Another key feature to look for in your double sleeping bag is the kind of insulation it is filled with. In general, sleeping bags come in two types of insulation:
Synthetic filling – This is a man-made filling that uses polyfibres. It is generally considered to be the more affordable option, and has a number of advantages over duck or goose down filling. As well as being cheaper, it is also easily washable and dries out much quicker if it gets wet.
Down filling – Down is the fine layer of fluffy feathers that you find underneath the normal feathers on ducks or geese. A down filling is warmer than synthetic filling and is a bit more rugged, so it lasts a lot longer. However, down doesn’t dry out as well as synthetic filling, meaning that if you get your sleeping bag wet you may have a cold and uncomfortable night’s sleep.
Sleeping Bag Shape
Unlike single sleeping bags, which can come in a range of shapes, from classic rectangle to super-snug mummy, double sleeping bags only really come in rectangular or ‘envelope’ form, as this is the best shape to create the necessary extra space.
A rectangular double sleeping bag is the most basic shape, and is good for those who like their head and neck to have plenty of room. The only downside is that cold air can get in around your shoulders. However, some double sleeping bags, such as the Outwell Camper Lux Double Sleeping Bag, are available with hoods to help combat this.
Key Features
Inner linings – Fine nylon or polyester is the most common materials used for lining sleeping bags. Flannel or cotton are also popular for sleeping bag linings, although lightweight and breathable cotton traps moisture so isn’t recommended for cold conditions.
Outer fabrics – Outer shells are commonly made of nylon- ripstop is popular as it is highly durable. Dryloft is a water resistant, breathable fabric that is often used for sleeping bags.
Two-sided zips – Having zips on either side of your double sleeping bag will help ensure that you don’t disturb your partner should you need to get up in the night.
Hood – Much of your body heat is lost through your head, so a shaped hood is a great way to keep in heat. Many of our double sleeping bags, like the Outwell Camper Lux Double Sleeping Bag for instance, come with a cosy half-moon hood.
Inner pockets – A couple of inner pockets near the top of your double sleeping bag are really handy for safely storing valuables such as wallets and phones.
Compression Sac – Because they’re larger than single sleeping bags, double sleeping bags can be quite cumbersome to pack away. However, a compression sac, like the one found on the Outwell Contour Double, will make packing easier and reduce the size of the bag for better storage.
Essential Extras
Camping mats – However good your sleeping bag is, it’s important to have another layer between yourself and the cold ground. So it’s a good idea to invest in a good double camping mat.
Take a look at out full range of camping sleeping mats.
Airbed – For ultimate comfort, a double airbed is a great way to guarantee a good night’s sleep – provided you have the room. Something like the Vango Hi Rise Double Flocked Airbed is a great choice as it comes with an inflatable headboard for even more comfort.
See our full range of airbeds.
What is the best double sleeping bag?
Winfields recommends…
Vango Keswick 375 Double Sleeping Bag
The Vango Keswick 375 Double Sleeping Bag will keep you comfortable in Spring and Summer throughout the night! Polyester fabrics give it that soft-to-touch to keep you cosy. When your camping trip is sadly over, pack away your sleeping bag with the included stuffsac, down to a compact size for storage space!
Outwell Camper Lux Double Sleeping Bag
The Outwell Camper Lux Double Sleeping Bag is ideal for the colder months! Polycotton outer, soft lining and isofill insulation combined will keep you snug, with built in pillows for extra comfort and a great night’s sleep. The sleeping bag also features an inside pocket for any small essentials you may need.
Vango Aurora Double Sleeping Bag
The Vango Aurora Double Sleeping Bag offers luxurious comfort with a double layer of insulation, so you can brave a camping trip in Autumn/Winter! Extended area for head room, plus two cotton flannel pillowcases included! For storage security, this sleeping bag includes two convenient internal pockets for small essentials.
Need space for two on your camping trip? Then check out our full range of double sleeping bags. We also have a fantastic selection of single sleeping bags, square shaped sleeping bags, and even kids’ sleeping bags.
Last modified: March 18, 2019
