If you’re an avid and frequent car-camper, you’re probably aware of the importance of a good-quality sleeping bag for car camping. After an entire day of adventure, physical activity, and exhausting yourself, you need a blissful and peaceful slumber out in the woods or mountains, wherever you are.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The key to a good night’s sleep during a thrilling car camping trip is nothing more than a soft, cozy, and comfortable sleeping bag. The nights during camping trips tend to get really chilly, so you need the kind of sleeping bag that will keep you warm enough and retain as much heat as possible.
There are many different types of sleeping bags available out there that vary in terms of size, color, design, comfort levels, insulation levels, and price, to name a few. However, the best sleeping bag for car camping is the one that offers maximum warmth and comfort, and is durable enough that you can take it on all your camping trips!
The 5 Best Sleeping Bags for Car Camping
To help you pick the right sleeping bag for your next camping trip, we have come up with a few amazing options that won’t burn a hole in your pocket and will also help you have a good night’s sleep.
1. Coleman Cool Weather Sleeping Bag
This has been touted as the best sleeping bag for car camping and for all the right reasons, too. It’s made of 100 percent hollow-core and lofted polyester and consists of a 100 percent cotton fill that provides top-level comfort and warmth, especially during cold weather.
This sleeping bag is highly functional and offers excellent value for money. It has a super-spacious design that accommodates all kinds of sleeping positions and doesn’t restrict you at all while you’re sleeping.
A great feature of this bag is that it’s really big, which makes it suitable for people who are as tall as 6 feet (or taller). The bag comes with a ZipPlow system that greatly prevents the snagging of the fabric during zipping by simply plowing it away.
This sleeping bag offers an excellent kind of warmth and heat retention with the help of its Coletherm insulation, thermolock draft tube, flannel lining, and fiberlock construction. All these features together help campers stay super cozy and warm during the night.
Furthermore, the bag comes with a roll control design that makes it really easy to pack it; all you need to do is lock the edges and keep the bag straight up as you roll it up.
Pros
- Offers maximum warmth and comfort
- Comes with a second zipper by the feet to allow air movement
- Has a Velcro-close pocket to keep your valuables
- Zips together extremely nicely
Cons
- The string used to roll up the bag is not stretchy enough
- Doesn’t come with a stuff sack to keep it clean
2. Slumberjack Boundary Sleeping Bag
If sleeping under the stars and the dark, open sky, but with maximum warmth and coziness is next on your bucket list, the Slumberjack Boundary sleeping bag is our top pick for you. It’s made with ultra-thick polyester that remains super sturdy and allows you to sleep comfortably on rough, open camping grounds. Also, it’s equally amazing to use indoors.
While this sleeping bag weighs almost 11 pounds and is one of the heaviest options that we’ve come across, the weight shouldn’t be a problem when you’re car camping. All you have to do is stow it in your camping car or truck, and you’re good to go!
This is one of the best sleeping bags for car camping, given its incredibly large size. It’s big enough to fit people who are as tall as 6 foot 6. It comes with a draft tube along the zipper that prevents heat loss and doesn’t allow cold air to enter the bag.
It has been designed with a poly-cotton liner and consists of the most durable shell material, both of which provide extra warmth and allow campers to sleep comfortably.
Pros
- Extremely warm sleeping bag
- Has a removable and washable inner liner
- Comes with a heavy-duty zipper
- It’s incredibly large, roomy and spacious
Cons
- The quality of the inner liner isn’t great
- Doesn’t have a draw-cord, so it’s not temperature-flexible
3. Kelty Galactic Down Camping Sleeping Bag
With three different lengths and an excellent polyester Taffeta liner and shell material, the Kelty Galactic Down Camping Sleeping Bag is truly worth all the money. It’s a must-have sleeping bag for car camping with a DriDown insulation feature that helps it retain its warmth and loft even when the bag gets wet.
This sleeping bag offers a greater amount of comfort than the standard, mummy-shaped sleeping bags. It provides campers with extra space to sprawl out in any sleeping position they want.
One of the best features of this sleeping bag is that it weighs even less than 3 lbs, making it the perfect sleeping bag for car camping, or even overnight backpacking. Another great thing about this bag is that it’s easily compressible, especially towards the bottom, which makes it super lightweight and compact when it’s packed up.
Pros
- Comes with an anti-snag zipper that makes it easy to get in and out
- Available in three different lengths for different heights
- Super lightweight
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for really cold temperatures
- Some might not find it warm enough
4. TETON Sports Polara 3-in-1
No matter where you camp, be it near the waters or the hillsides, the TETON Sports Polara 3-in-1 is the best sleeping bag you can get for all your camping trips. It has a great dynamic duo of layers that includes a sturdy, rugged, Taffeta shell exterior and a super-soft double-layer interior lining, which together create the perfect sleeping bag for you.
A great feature of this sleeping bag for car camping is the incredible versatility that allows it to adjust to varying temperatures in the night and also allows campers to change things around in just a few zips. It comes with a nice compression sack with heavy-duty straps that help you stuff the sleeping bag and keep it secured.
The secret of this sleeping bag lies in the removable inner fleece liner that provides it with optimal warmth and heat even in the coldest climates. You can use the bag as a blanket and snuggle up by the campfire.
Pros
- Comes with a sturdy compression sack
- Ideal for all types of camping trips
- Has four Velcro tabs that hold the bag together
- Works amazingly well during cold camp nights
Cons
- Difficult to put it in the compression sack
- Takes too much room in a small car
What to Consider When Buying A Sleeping Bag for Car Camping
Although all the above-mentioned sleeping bags are the best of the lot, there are some features and factors you must consider when buying one for your next camping trip.
This is because each camper has different needs and preferences, so it’s best to keep a few things in mind when you’re buying a sleeping bag.
The Shape of the Bag
Sleeping bags are available in different shapes. These typically include rectangular, mummy, semi-rectangular, and double bags. It’s best to try all these styles first to see which one is most comfortable for you.
Material
When going for a car camping trip, you want to get a sleeping bag that is made with the warmest materials. The bag also has to be durable and thick. The thicker the bag, the more comfortable and cozy it’s going to be.
Weight
The best sleeping bag for car camping is one that offers excellent comfort but is also super lightweight. Although car camping gives you the freedom to carry whatever you want, it’s still ideal to get a lightweight sleeping bag for added comfort and convenience.
Our Final Thoughts
If you ask us, a sleeping bag has the power to make or break your camping trip. If you aren’t well-rested and don’t get proper and comfortable sleep at night, the next day is obviously going to be bad for you.
This is why you must get your hands on the best sleeping bag for car camping if you want to have the best time camping with your friends!
