403 Forbidden
ERR_WEB_NGX_403
Search
Double Sleeping Bag Buying Guide
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 its filling. But how do you know which bag is best for your needs?
In this handy guide, Winfields has put together a few pointers to help you make an informed choice on the very best double sleeping bag for you and your next adventure. We’ll guide you through the all-important questions and factors for buying.
Read on to discover more about double sleeping bags and some of the best options for 2022…
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. Here’s a quick guide to sleeping bag temperature and season ratings:
- 1 Season: an overnight temperature of 10°C or higher, ideal for summer.
- 2 Season: an overnight temperature of 5°C or higher, better for cool nights.
- 3 Season: an overnight temperature of 0°C or higher, ideal for cold nights without frost.
- 4 Season: an overnight temperature of around -5°C or higher, better for winter, frost and snow.
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 poly fibres. 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 are available with hoods to help combat this.
Key Features
Double sleeping bags expand on the standard bag offering with unique details and features. We’ve picked them out below to provide you with as much understanding as possible when buying for your next trip.
- Inner linings – Fine nylon or polyester are 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.
- Compression Sack – Because they’re larger than single sleeping bags, double sleeping bags can be quite cumbersome to pack away. However, a compression sack will make packing easier and reduce the size of the bag for better storage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 come with a cosy half-moon hood.
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. Browse our 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. See our full range of airbeds.
If you would like to know more on these essential extras ahead of your next camping trip, please feel free to read our Camping & Airbeds Buying Guide.
Double sleeping bags at Winfields Outdoors
With the 2022 camping season now in full swing, we’ve picked out some of the best double sleeping bags available. Read on to find out more…
Outwell Contour Lux Double Sleeping Bag
The Contour Lux Double Sleeping Bag from Outwell is the pinnacle of comfort and warmth. This superb double sleeping bag will provide a spacious and ultra-cosy sleeping space for two up to persons – perfect for couples who are planning an outdoor camping adventure.
The Outwell Contour Lux Double 3-season sleeping bag features a double layer of filling to keep you snug throughout spring, all the way through to late autumn. What’s more, the Countour Lux is dual-season reversible, changing temperature rating when reversed.
Discover more about the Outwell Contour Lux Double Sleeping Bag
Vango Aurora Double Sleeping Bag
Popular among campers and caravanners, the Aurora sleeping bag collection offers incredibly durable home from home comfort. Combining a double layer of insulation and plush 100% cotton flannel lining, the Aurora provides supreme luxury comfort and warmth. This is a 3 season-rated sleeping bag and has the added benefit of being able to separate into two single sleeping bags.
Outdoor Revolution Sun Star 300 Duvet
For all adventurers, the Outdoor Revolution Sun Star 300 Duvet is the perfect sleeping accessory and alternative to a sleeping bag to sit on top of a flat sheet. Internally, double layer filling comprises of a 30% single hole siliconized fill and 70% polyester insulation for optimum warmth-to-weight ratio. It also features its own carry pack for ease of storage and transportation.
Discover more about the Outdoor Revolution Sun Star 300 Duvet
Outwell Camper Lux Double Sleeping Bag
A true favourite for family campers and couples alike, we have the Outwell Camper Lux Double Sleeping Bag.
The Outwell Camper features a polycotton outer, patterned soft lining and Isofill insulation – perfect for those looking for undisturbed rest on an outdoor holiday.
What’s more, this stylish double sleeping bag option also features built-in pillows and a zip-off hood – ensuring unparalleled comfort, whilst also being very useful when separated into two single bags.
Discover more about the Outwell Camper Lux Double Sleeping Bag.
Sleeping bags are just part of the essential kit you need for a camping adventure, so you should now be fully up-to-speed on everything you need to know about them before buying. We offer an extensive range of double sleeping bags here at Winfields Outdoors, so if the options featured in this article don’t tick all the boxes – be sure to check out the rest of our website for the full selection.
SHOP OUR EXTENSIVE RANGE OF DOUBLE SLEEPING BAGS TODAY
Similar Products
Related Posts
A good night’s sleep is essential for any camper, whether you’re going solo on an expedition or on a family trip – you will need a sleeping bag. But how do you choose? Winfields is here to help with our sleeping bag buying guide.
If you enjoy the great outdoors then the chances are you get a little dirty and the same can probably be said for your kit, especially your sleeping bag. Whether you’ve had to sleep on the trail, dropped it or got mud all over yourself after trekking through rough terrain, your sleeping bag can get […]
Whether you’re heading for the mountains or a trip down the coast, cooking on a camping holiday is an essential part of any outdoor trip, and surprisingly often overlooked. Here’s the Winfield’s guide to the best camping cookware equipment.
