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Top 10 Kids Sleeping Bags Reviewed
First of all, an adult size sleeping bag is too big, bulky, and long for a kid, especially the younger ones. While it may not be very heavy, it may prove to be too awkward and cumbersome to carry to the campsite. Plus, nothing teaches your little one responsibility more than owning and taking care of their very own gear.
In this guide, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite kids sleeping bags that will keep you little one warm no matter where their travels take them!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Quality materials are key to staying warm and cozy. We wanted to make sure that we selected materials that did exactly that. Most brands stuck to the tried and tested polyester for their designs. Polyester is great because it is durable and washes up incredibly well.
Below, we wanted to get into some of the key features we considered when selecting various designs.
Waterproof polyester: Hands down, sleeping bags must be waterproof. Keeping dry is tantamount to staying warm. Utilizing waterproof materials means that morning dew won’t penetrate through the bottom and get your PJs wet! It also means that you can even take a nap in the rain and the water simply wicks off the surface.
It is important to note that not all designs are considered waterproof. Some are classified as water-resistant, which is very different. Water-resistant means that water will wick away from the surface to a certain extent. However, when exposed consistently to moisture, it will begin to seep into the fabric over time.
Insulation: What is found inside is just as important as what is found on the outside. Insulation that is light and breathable is key. That’s why we selected designs that utilize cotton or polyester pongee. This type of material is incredibly light and fluffy, and it also doesn’t weigh a lot which why it’s perfect for children.
Advanced Features
Small features take a simple bag to a whole new level. While it is important that these kids sleeping bags keep your little ones warm while camping, extra features make life just a little bit easier.
Here are a few small features found in these products that can make a big difference.
Stash pockets: Getting out of your bag to fetch important items is not only annoying, but it also means you lose generated from your body. We loved designs that added little stash pockets so your kids can store all of their important gear such as flashlights and toys.
Double zippers: The importance of a well placed double zipper that doesn’t stick is that you can zip it up while still inside. It was key for us to select products that used double-sided zippers to make it a little bit easier to use, especially for little hands.
Double zippers are also super important for mummy-style options. For this style of bags, limiting your exposure to the air is a major factor, so inside zippers make this feat just that much easier.
Long zippers: Sometimes, you just want to curl up with a great blanket while huddled around a bonfire. Sure, you could always pack an extra blanket, but with a long zipper that spans 3 sides of your bag, you don’t need to!
When fully unzipped, your standard bag turns into a fluffy and plush blanket, which is perfect for those times you want to cuddle up, but it’s not quite bedtime.
Draft tubes: The biggest enemy that outdoor sleepers face is drafts. A small draft down at your feet can be the difference between a good night’s rest and tossing a turning. Drafts often occur at the points of the zipper that isn’t reinforced with any type of fabric.
Designs that utilize draft tubes along the zippers are great because they limit drafts and help to keep you warm as the temperatures start to fall at night.
Style
Kids don’t care about keeping warm, they just want something that looks cool. If kids went shopping for their own bags, they would select a bag made of newspaper if it looked cooler than their friend’s bag!
That’s why we have to do the shopping for them. To ensure that they stay warm and excited for the next camping trip, style is key.
First of all, we wanted to make sure that we selected brands that offered a wide variety of color options. While your child’s affinity for Minnie Mouse may fade over the years, their favorite color will likely remain the same. To ease the financial burden of buying a new bag as your child’s taste grows and matures, simple designs are key.
That doesn’t mean, however, that you have to stick to solid prints. There are some designs out there on the market that have bright and colorful outside shells with unique patterns on the inside, such as cupcakes, pineapples, or plaid designs. Keeping the outside solid and in the inside unique is a great way to please your child without purchasing something that their taste will grow out of.
However, it’s hard to resist the siren call of adorable exterior shell designs. In those instances, we made sure to select kids sleeping bags that came in at a lower price point over some of the more basic designs. While your child may love the adorable dinosaur design now, they may refuse to carry it as they get older. That’s why selecting an affordable option is key.
Portability
Kids are small and can’t really carry a lot of gear the same way that adults can. That’s why we selected designs that rolled up easily and compactly.
The best options out there on the market come with convenient carrying bags with drawstring closures. To pack your bag away, simply roll it up into a tight ball and place it inside of the drawstring case. There are even some designs out there that use a compression material that can string down even smaller to make it easier to carry.
Kids are small and can’t really carry a lot in their hands, which is why it is so important that these designs are able to be stored compactly. When walking to the campsite, it gives children a sense of responsibility and control when they are in charge of toting all of their gear on their own. Besides, parents have a hard enough time carrying their gear without worrying about carrying their child’s gear as well!
Be sure to select models that have the carrying case included. While some options out there on the market advertise as being able to be placed into a carrying case, some do not include the tote with your purchase. All of the designs that we select for our list come with a tote. However, if you select a slightly different style, be sure to check the fine print!
Weight
To keep little campers happy, select lightweight designs. Selecting fabrics that are lightweight and easy helps keep the weight light so your little one can carry their gear all on their own.
We selected products that have a weight of about 1.5-3.5 pounds. A difference of a pound my not seem like a lot to adults, but it can feel like 100 pounds to little campers that have to walk a long way to the campsite.
Overall, we selected kids sleeping bags that weigh in at about 2 pounds, which also includes the carrying tote that makes it easier to carry.
Please note that lighter designs are typically made for spring, fall, and summer. Lighter materials work well at holding in heat, but they don’t have enough weight for them to work well in super cold winter months.
If you plan on camping in rough climates, you will have to sacrifice weight in most instances in order to stay warm all throughout the night.
Best Kids Sleeping Bags
1. MalloMe
This design from MalloMe is a bag that your children will be able to grow into with time. It is made from quality materials that hold up quite well in the elements, and it folds up super compact so that it is a cinch for little hands to carry to their destination.
What we liked most about this design is that it is built to hold up to some pretty nasty elements. The shell is completely waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about morning dew waking you up. It is made to keep you warm in temperatures that range from 35 degrees to 85 degrees.
It is composed of 6 sided polyester that is completely waterproof. A polyester shell, as well as a polyester interior, helps retain and is a real cinch to wash at the end of your trip. Plus, it rolls up super easy and compactly into a drawstring carrying case.
For those in the market for something that your child can grow into but is still functional while they are small, this is a great option. It is composed of materials that are easy to clean in case of an accident and come in a wide variety of fun colors that any kid is bound to love.
2. Coleman
Coleman is a brand that knows how to make outdoor gear, so it is no wonder they are making an appearance on our list. What we loved about this kids sleeping bag from Coleman is that is designed specifically for kids. This means that it rolls up compactly for easy handling for small hands, and it is incredibly easy to care for.
Many of the small little features found in this design make it stand out from the rest. It has a storage pocket on the inside where kids can stash a flashlight or other important little toys. It also uses Coleman’s ZipPlow system that pulls the fabric away from the zipper so it makes it easier for short-tempered little ones to close up their bag!
The outside is composed of polyester ripstop materials that are completely waterproof. Inside, the polyester fabric is insulated with Coleman’s ThermoTech to keep your child warm in temperatures that plunge down to about 45 degrees.
If you are in the market for a design that comes from a trusted brand that knows what you need when facing the elements, this is a great option. While it comes in fun colors that your child will love, it also is built to grow right along with your child!
3. Teton Sports Celsius Junior
What we liked most about this kids sleeping bag from TETON Sports is that it is made from materials that are incredibly comfortable, and sports a style that your child won’t grow out of. It is made from materials that are slightly different from other brands out there on the market, which makes this option worth checking out!
The most notable features are that it is composed of materials that feel like soft and plush bed sheets. The slick taffeta is filled with SuperLoft Elite 4 insulation, which keeps your little one warm in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit! Plus, it is packed with smart design features to enhance comfort.
Unlike many of the other child designs out there on the market, this option is just a little bit longer and wider than most, which is perfect for those that just can’t seem to lie still come bedtime. It also had a convenient stash pocket on the inside to stash a flashlight or a midnight snack. It also has a zipper that is a cinch to close on the outside as well as the inside.
If you need something that is able to grow along with your child and comes in at a great price point, this model is an excellent choice. It is made from materials that are soft and warm, and really hold up to some pretty cold temperatures!
4. Revalcamp
If you need something that your child won’t grow out of, but still comes in a ton of fun colors that they’ll love, this design is a really great choice. We love that it is made from high-quality materials that are made to withstand the elements, but it is still simple and easy enough to take with them on their next indoor sleepover.
One of the most important features of this bag is that it is incredibly lightweight. Weighing in at just 2 pounds, it is one of the lightest designs out there on the market. This means that your child can carry their own gear to the campsite! Plus, it comes with an easy to use drawstring bag for easy and compact packing.
The exterior shell is composed of UV resistant and waterproof material that wicks water and UV light away from your child. The quality insulation is designed to keep your little one warm in temperatures that plummet to about 40 degrees. The zipper is easy to use and resists snagging.
What we liked most is that it comes in a ton of fun colors that your kid is bound to love. It is incredibly lightweight and easy to roll up and pack away in an included drawstring carrying case.
5. Redcamp
This mummy sleeping bag is the perfect fit when camping in cooler climates. It is designed to be used by kids, which means that rolling it up and zipping it closed is incredibly simple, even for little fingers. It is composed of incredibly durable polyester that is made to withstand the elements.
The most notable feature of this design is that it zips up completely to keep your child incredibly warm, even when temperatures plummet to 40 degrees. It is composed of high-quality polyester fabric on the inside and outside that is completely waterproof and wicks away water to keep your child warm and dry in all types of conditions.
The edges of the bag are reinforced with draft tubes to prevent warm air from escaping. In some designs, a lot of heat is lost around the zipper. The inclusion of draft tubes ensures that there are no points where warm air can escape. Plus, it is a cinch to roll up and store in a drawstring carrying case.
If you are in the market for something that is designed to keep your little one incredibly warm when the temperature drops, this model is a great option. It weighs in at just over 2 pounds, which makes it incredibly light for your little one to carry all on their own to the campsite.
6. Kowell
The kids sleeping bag from Kowell is made from durable materials that are perfect to stay warm 3 seasons out of the year, and this design is incredibly easy to clean after each and every camping trip.
The outside shell is composed of an incredibly durable polyester pongee lining that retains heat and helps wick away moisture. It is insulated with silky cotton that is light and comfortable and also helps to retain heat once the temperature begins to drop.
Kids love that it comes in a variety of colors and patterns that are bound to match their interests. Designs include dinosaurs, cupcakes, and brightly colored patterns. It’s a cinch to roll up and place into the compact drawstring carrying case and weighs in at just over 2 pounds.
If you are looking for a bag that your kids will get excited about, but it is made from materials that you know will keep your little one warm and comfortable, this is a really great option.
7. AceCamp
Having trouble convincing your little one’s that sleeping under the stars is actually fun? What we loved most about this option from AceCamp is that it has a unique style that actually glows in the dark for a fun and exciting outdoor experience.
The outside shell is composed of soft polyester that is water-resistant and embellished with constellations that actually glow in the dark after the sun goes down. You can even toss this option into the washing machine for quick cleaning without the worry of fading or discoloration.
The inside is also composed of a durable polyester that feels soft against the skin. The mummy-style bag slips up all the way over your head to limit exposure to the air and has a simple to use a zipper that makes it easy to slip in and out incredibly quickly and easily.
If you are in the market for something that is a little more fun and whimsical over other designs out there, this is a great option. Kids love waiting for the sun to go down to watch as all of the constellations show up right on their bag! Plus, it is made from quality materials to keep you little one warm, even on those cooler nights.
8. Tough Outdoors
Need something that is built to take a beating? What we loved about this model from Tough Outdoors is that it is built to withstand some pretty harsh conditions while keeping your child nice and toasty on those cold nights. The simple design and larger footprint mean that your child can use this option well into their teens.
The 3-season bag is great for temperatures that plunge to around 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit. While this option is incredibly lightweight, users may need to pair it with warm clothes and an additional blanket for those super cold nights when out in the wilderness.
It's incredibly easy to use and care for. It comes with a compression sleeve that stores your bag as small as possible for easy toting. When you get back from your adventure, simply toss it into a washing machine with cool water and gentle detergent to wash it up like new!
For those in the market for something that is easy to care for and keeps your kids warm and cozy in a cooler climate, this is a really great option. The only downside is that it doesn’t come in a lot of color options. It is only offered in basic blue and pink.
9. Wenzel Moose
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to Wenzel Moose's bag. What we liked most about this classic design is that it is easy to use, easy to store, and keeps your little ones warm and comfortable. We loved the unique nature and moose design on the outside of this bag, and it comes in basic blue and pink colors that appeal to boys and girls.
It's made from a comfortable polyester that feels light and soft against the skin. Inside, it is insulated with a thick layer of polyester to help hold heat against the body and prevent it from escaping. When rolled up and packed away, it weighs in at 3.25 pounds which are only slightly heavier than most.
When it comes to cleaning, it washes up like new! Simply toss it into your washing machine with cool water and gentle detergent. The resilient polyester fibers won’t shrink or fade, even with continued cleanings. Just be sure to avoid any heat sources, and hang it up to dry in a well-ventilated area.
For those in the market for something simple and easy, this option from Wenzel Moose is a great choice. It is designed to be used in temperatures that reach 40 degrees and will keep you little one nice and toasty in cooler climates.
10. Pacific Pass
This bag is made from quality materials that boast an adorable style that your little one won’t grow out of as they reach their teenage years. It’s easy to roll up, and one of the lightest options currently out there on the market.
The very first thing that we noticed is that when rolled up and placed into a carrying case, it only weighs 1.98 pounds. This weight makes it one of the lightest options out there on the market, which means your little one will have no problem carrying their gear to the campsite.
The outside is composed of a soft 210T polyester taffeta shell that feels like bedsheets against the skin. Inside, it is filled with a standard 190T polyester pongee bag lining. It has a quilted construction to ensure that your little one is nice and toasty from head to toe.
If you are in the market for something that boasts a unique design that your child will be excited to use, get this option. It is made from quality materials that keep your little one warm, and it is slightly larger so they can carry it with them well into their teens.
Sources
- , Tips for Camping with Kids, Blog
- , How to Wash a Sleeping Bag, Blog
