BEST SLEEPING BAGS, PADS & COTS

Camping Sleeping Bags

Picking the right sleeping bag that will work for all four seasons is important. I used to get talked into buying lighter weight sleeping bags when I would see a good sale. I have learned my lesson, even camping in early or late summer, that the nights can get much colder than the sleeping bags were rated for, waking up in the middle of the night freezing. Now I only buy heavy weight sleeping bags that are rated for all four seasons, just to make sure I always have the right bag. It’s easier to unzip my bag if I get too warm, but it’s no fun waking up in the middle of the night freezing. It’s always great to be prepared with the right gear no matter what happens with the weather. If you want to own multiple bags, so that you can have lighter weight bags in the summer, then it’s easy to identify what you will need by looking at the rating of the bag on the packaging. Typically bags rated for summer would be rated at thirty degrees or higher, bags rated for three season (summer, fall, and spring) would be rated at fifteen to thirty degrees, and sleeping bags rated for winter would be rated at fifteen degrees or lower. There are several shapes for sleeping bags, and it all depends on you feel is comfortable for you. There are rectangular bags, which are my favorite, there are mummy bags, there is a mixture of the two that is referred to as semi- rectangular or the modified mummy bag, double bags, and kids sized bags. I prefer an over sized rectangular, and the double bags because they give me the most room to stretch out and feel comfortable and not feel tight and restricted. The mummy bags are tighter and restricted, but for extreme cold they are the preferred type of bag, and they are also smaller and easier to carry backpacking. I do not buy the kid sized bags for my kids unless it’s a bag to use at home as they are not typically the heavy weight warm sleeping bags. Kids grow so fast, and a good bag can last ten years or more, so I buy them the regular adult sized bags. A few of my kids prefer the adult sized mummy bags or modified mummy bags because they like the tighter snug as a bug feeling, and the extra warmth. I always buy the over sized rectangular sleeping bags that can zip together because sometimes my wife and I will zip them together for the extra warmth and closeness because it is cozier on a cold night. The outer fabric of a sleeping bag is typically cotton, polyester or nylon. I prefer the cotton type with a cotton or flannel interior because I like the quieter and warmer to the touch material. The other materials are noisier and freezing to the touch until you warm them up. But they do add the extra benefit of moisture protection. It’s good to have a layer of protection between your sleeping bag and the tent floor. You can use an air mattress or a camping cot, and I like both. I have a large family so I don’t always have extra room in the truck for the cots, so some times I bring a roll of carpet that I bought that is just the right size for my tent, and sometimes I use blankets or extra sleeping bags to put below us which keeps us warmer and is a much more comfortable night’s sleep. One thing to not be cheap on is a sleeping bag. Your life can depend on it, your comfort and a good night’s sleep will depend on it. Some things I have noticed with the cheaper bags is that the zippers always got stuck in the material causing the material to rip. They are also hard to roll up and stay together. I always buy the higher end Coleman sleeping bag such as the big game series.

Coleman Big Game Big & Tall Sleeping Bag

Sleep comfortably, even when it’s 0⁰ F outside, in the Coleman Big Game Big and Tall Sleeping Bag with cotton canvas cover and cozy cotton flannel liner. The full-cover construction locks in the heat by eliminating quilting cold spots, making it perfect for extreme weather sleeping. The bag’s roomier design keeps campers up to 6 ft. 5 in. warm from top to bottom. The specially- designed, patented zipper system plows fabric away from the zipper every time to avoid snags. The Comfort Cuff feature surrounds your face with softness when you sleep and the Thermolock System reduces heat loss through the zipper. Fiberlock construction prevents insulation from shifting, extending the life of your sleeping bag. When you’re ready to pack up, our patented Roll Control System keep the bag in place for easier rolling and the Wrap ‘N Roll integrated packing system makes storage a cinch. The bag is machine washable and comes with a matching flannel pillow.

Coleman Heritage Sleeping Bag

Sleep comfortably even when it’s 10° F outside in the Coleman Heritage Big and Tall Sleeping Bag. The full-cover construction locks in the heat by eliminating quilting cold spots, making it perfect for extreme weather sleeping. The bag’s roomier design keeps campers up to 6’7” warm from top to bottom. The specially-designed, patented zipper system plows fabric away from the zipper to avoid snags. The Comfort Cuff feature surrounds your face with softness when you sleep and the Thermolock system reduces heat loss though the zipper. Fiberlock construction prevents insulation from shifting, extending the life of your sleeping bag.

Coleman Autumn Trails 30 Degree Sleeping Bag

Sleep comfortably under the stars in the Coleman® Autumn Trails 30 Big & Tall Sleeping Bag, even when the temperature drops to 30 °F outside. You'll stay comfy with lightweight Coletherm hollow polyester insulation and the Thermolock draft tube helping to keep your body heat in the bag. The soft flannel lining gives you extra warmth and comfort, while the Comfort Cuff design makes sure you only have soft fabric around your face while you sleep. Thanks to the ZipPlow zipper, you'll get snag-free opening and closing every time. Stash a few small things, such as gloves or a flashlight, in the exterior tuck pocket. Packing up is made easy with the Wrap 'N' Roll system, which lets you roll your bag right up into an attached cover.

BEST CAMPING SLEEPING PADS

Sleeping Pads for Camping

No matter whether I bring a rake and a shovel and make the most perfect spot for my tent, I still end up laying on bumps and holes in the ground, not to mention a hard ground, so I wake up feeling like I got ran over by a truck. A good night’s sleep while you are camping is what camping is all about. A restful vacation turns into a painful back, a kinked neck, and more. Don’t let this happen to you when you are out camping, invest in a sleeping pad to give you a comfortable, restful night’s sleep.

Rock Creek Pro Inflating Sleeping Mat

The Rock Creek Pro Self Inflating Sleeping Mat is extra cushioned, with a wide spacious design. It is easy self-inflating and deflating for quick setup and efficient packing. Has thick, supportive 3 inch cushioning, and a strong polyester pongee bottom with TPU coating. Carry bag is included.

Rock Creek Self Inflating Sleeping Mat

The Rock Creek self inflating sleeping mat is a terrific upgrade from closed cell foam mats with lightweight comfort and easy to pack self inflating valve for quick setup. Inflates to 2" thick. Carry bag with drawcord is also included.

Therm A Rest Trail Scout Sleeping Pad

The Therm A rest trail scout sleeping pad is a hybrid air plus foam pad combo that offers ease & comfort. It has self inflating PU foam plus valve for custom firmness. It has a streamlined shape that creates a lightweight, compact sleeping pad that is perfect below your sleeping bag for tent or RV camping. It packs compactly with the included stuff sack for ease. It has a smooth, comfortable & durable urethane exterior.

Venture Forward BaseCamp 3.0 SI Sleeping Pad

Extra thick design for thermal insulation Self-inflating for easy camp setup Brass valve adds durability 30D polyester top; tough 75D polyester bottom Dimensions: 75"L x 25"W; Weight: 5.7 lbs.

Rock Creek Insulated Air Mattress

Lightweight design is perfect for packing Cross-layered air pockets for comfort Insulated foam layer helps retain heat Durable 20D ripstop nylon with TPU coating Includes carry bag and repair kit

Camper’s Choice Classic Camp Sleeping Pad

Great for backpacking, camping, travel as well as emergency use. Built using a synthetic rubber foam, which provides comfort and insulation from cold, as well as durability. Featuring an easy to roll closure and carry strap for portability. Water resistant, shock absorbing and easy to clean.

CAMPING SLEEPING COTS

Cots for Camping

It does not matter if I bring a rake and a shovel and make the most perfect spot for my tent, I still end up laying on huge bumps and holes in the ground, not to mention a hard ground, so I wake up feeling like I was ran over by a truck while I was sleeping. A good night’s sleep while you are camping is what camping is all about. A sleeping cot will give you a great night’s sleep, so you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to get out into your outdoor adventures.

Big Agnes Helinox Folding Camp Cot

With the Big Agnes Helinox High Cot Folding Camp Cot, you can enjoy the comfort of a light weight cot in camp that's easy to get into. This cot combines big performance with a simple setup. It is incredibly comfortable, functional, and has a lightweight cot design so that it can be set up pretty much anywhere. You will sleep at a comfortable 15 inches up off the ground for a great night’s sleep. This cot, with it’s quick setup design combines a strong Helinox aluminum frame with a Helinox tension system for really strong support. It also packs up nicely and compacted for easy storage in the included carry bag.

Cabelas Big Outdoorsman XL Camping Cot

The Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman XL Cot with Lever Arm is perfectly oversized to fit campers of all sizes, providing better sleeping comfort that they can count on. Not only does it have a large size, it is very durable, and water resistant with it’s polyester fabric surface. It is roomy and comfortable with a whopping 85"x40" sleeping surface. The durable and rugged powder coated steel frame provides strength that will last a long time, trip after trip, year after year. It is extremely quick and easy to set up and take down thanks to its built in lever arm. It folds up nicely for easy transport and storage. Carry bag is included.

Eclipse All Season Camping Cot

The Eclipse All Season Cot has a versatile and easy-to-use cot design that makes life easier for outdoor adventurers. It is built around a fully assembled, speed-frame design, that allows you to simply unfold for quick and easy setup. The powder coated steel frame is strong and heavy duty. The cot sleeping surface is a water resistant 600D polyester fabric that has large nylon mesh panels for a comfortable, ventilated sleeping surface. Includes a deluxe carry bag with adjustable shoulder strap.

Cabelas Alaskan Guide Cot with Lever Arm

The Cabela's Alaskan Guide Cot with Lever Arm provides a quick and easy to setup that is worthy of the Alaskan Guide name, and great strength for durability and sleeping comfort. It is oversized at 82"L x 30"W and made of PVC-backed 450D polyester. It is great to kick back and relax in the tent or cabin. It has a rugged powder coated steel frame that features strong brackets and hinges for long lasting strength and durability. Folds down to nicely to fit in the included nylon carry bag. 83.5"L x 32"W x 19.5"H. Maximum weight capacity: 300 lbs. Rugged cot with fast setup design Oversized 82"L x 30"W sleeping surface PVC-backed 450D polyester sleeping surface Rugged powder coated steel frame Strong brackets and hinges for long lasting strength and durability Folds down to 42-1/2" x 8" x 5" Carry bag included.

Cabelas 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed Cot

The Cabela's 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed by Disc-O-Bed is a highly versatile sleeping solution for larger outdoorsmen. It also makes it easier to sleep multiple campers in a tent. It is designed for use as a 2 person bunk bed or you can also use it as 2 single cots. This this innovative system gives you a modular, portable, compact, and strong sleeping solution for your tent or cabin. It’s large 85"L x 40"W sleeping surfaces support comfortable 1,200-denier polyester sleeping mats to ensure a restful night's sleep. The strong, PVC-coated, 2.2mm steel frame also features rubber dipped stabilizer bars to minimize noise to make it more quiet. It stores nicely in a compact canvas carry bag. This cot has convenient hanging organizers that feature multiple pockets to organize and stow your gear neatly. About The Author Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase. The Best Sleeping Camping Experience Awaits!