The Best Sleeping Bag for Car Camping in 2023: Our Top 5 Picks

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The Best Car Camping Sleeping Bags

There are so many great sleeping bags on the market today, so we narrowed down a list of about two dozen to just 7 of the absolute best.

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Car Camping Sleeping Bag Buyer’s Guide

Here are the most important things to know when research the best car camping sleeping bag for you.

Camping vs Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Car camping sleeping bags are generally much heavier and bulkier than backpacking bags.

The trade-off is increased comfort. Most backpacking bags are quite restricting with minimal space to move around in.

Car camping sleeping bags, on the other hand, are generally rectangular shaped with plenty of room to move around in. You can even sleep on your side with ease!

Temperature Rating

Temperature rating is perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying a sleeping bag.

The manufacturer’s temperature rating is the lowest temperature at which the average user will be comfortable inside the bag.

However, we recommend adding at least 10° F if not 15° F to a bag’s temperature rating to ensure you stay warm enough.

For example, a 30 sleeping bag will probably chilly in 30° F but will be perfectly warm in 40° F weather. For 30° F weather, you probably want a 20 sleeping bag or even lower.

It’s better to select a bag that’s too warm rather than too cold. If you’re too warm in your bag, just unzip the side to increase ventilation.

Insulation

Insulation type is the primary factor that dictates a sleeping bag’s temperature rating.

• Synthetic – Cheap, durable, and non-allergenic. These stay warm and dry out quickly, but they’re heavy and bulky.

• Goose-Down – Quite compressible and very durable, but lack insulating power when wet. Also expensive.

• Water-Resistant Down – Basically special goose down, but the feathers are specially treated for better water resistance.

All of these insulation types work well for car camping.

Sleeping Bag Shape

Here are the four main sleeping bag shapes:

• Rectangular – Comfortable and spacious, but least efficient for heating and warmth.

• Semi-Rectangular – Also known as barrel-shaped, these are still quite roomy but are tapered to shave off weight and improve their heating efficiency.

• Mummy – Most popular for backpacking, but still work well for car camping, especially if you go backpacking on occasion. They are lightweight and the most heat efficient but can feel restrictive because of their narrow design.

• Two-Person – Designed for two people at once. Best for couples that want to share the same sleeping bag.

We prefer rectangular sleeping bags for car camping since they are roomier, more spacious, and most people find them more comfortable.

Packed Size & Weight

Packed size and weight aren’t hugely important for a car camping sleeping bag.

That said, a lightweight sleeping bag is still beneficial for car campers, because you can use it for backpacking if you ever want to.

A semi-rectangular sleeping bag strikes a good balance between weight, comfort, and warmth.

Other Factors

Here are a few additional factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag for camping:

• Length – Most adult sleeping bags are available in regular plus long sizes. Some brands also make short (or petite) models.

• Zipper Compatibility – Some sleeping bags can be zipped together to create a two-person bag. Look for bags with zipper compatibility if you want to do this.

• Hood – You lose a lot of heat through your head. A sleeping bag with a hood is ideal for cold weather camping.

• Stash Pocket – These small interior pockets help keep important items (phone, watch, wallet, etc) close at hand.  

• Sleeping Pad Sleeve – Certain camping sleeping bags are designed without insulation on the underside. Instead, you slip an insulated sleeping pad through a bottom sleeve to ensure you don’t roll off the sleeping pad at night.

• Pillow Pocket – A pillow pocket allows you to ditch an actual pillow. Instead, just stuff extra clothes into your sleeping bag’s pillow pocket to create a comfortable makeshift pillow.

Best Sleeping Bag Accessories For Car Camping

Here are some common sleeping bag accessories to make your next car camping trip even better:

• Stuff Sack – A small, compression sack with drawstrings to store your sleeping bag inside.

• Storage Sack – A loose, roomy sack (usually made from mesh) to store your sleeping bag inside at home.

• Sleeping Bag Liner – A soft cloth to slip inside your sleeping bag to increase comfort, make cleaning your bag easier, and add up to 15° F of warmth.

A sleeping pad is another accessory to consider adding to your camping gear list. A camping cot is a good alternative.

How to Care for Your New Sleeping Bag

Because buying a new sleeping bag is a big investment, here are a few care and maintenance tips to keep it in good shape for years to come:

• Keep Clean – A clean sleeping bag lasts longer. Always wear clean clothes in your bag if possible. A sleeping bag liner also helps keep the dirty at bay.

• Air Out – Air your sleeping bag out each morning. Just a few minutes will do. Remember not to leave it out in the sun for too long!

• Spot Cleaning – Spot clean your sleeping bag after each trip. A toothbrush and a mixture of laundry detergent and water works well.

• Limit Washing – Spot cleaning should keep your sleeping bag mostly clean. If you need to deep clean, use our sleeping bag cleaning tips or hire a professional cleaner.

• Hand Wash in Tub – Don’t want to dish out for a professional cleaning job? Then hand wash your sleeping bag in the bathtub instead. Use warm water mixed with special laundry detergent for down-filled items. Work gently with your hands, let soak, and rinse with cold water. Hang dry until completely dry.

• Proper Storage – Air out your sleeping bag after every trip. Then store loosely – not stuffed into a stuff sack. Either hang your bag or store in a special sleeping bag storage sack.

• Repair Promptly – Small tears and broken zippers are the most common damages. Use nylon repair tape in the field. Send your bag to a professional for more serious repairs.

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Wrapping Up

In our opinion, the Coleman Heritage Big & Tall 20 Degree Sleeping Bag is the best sleeping bag for car camping.

We love it because it’s comfortable, spacious, and has a roomy hood that fits a full-sized pillow. Its 20° F temperature rating is perfect for spring and fall as well as mild winters. Sleep in it unzipped for summertime comfort.

And don’t forget to check out our family camping checklist and backpacking gear checklist for help selecting other camping gear for your next trip.