Best sleeping bags for camping UK 2022: high-spec sleeping bags from Snugpak, Trespass, and Jack Wolfskin

In the face of travel restrictions, 2020-2021 were record-setting years for camping within the UK, as holiday-makers chose to get into the great British outdoors for their vacations.

Now that the borders are open and restrictions relaxed, 2022 is the ideal time to plan a camping holiday - the option of getting out under the stars in a field in France, or in the Italian Dolomites, are freshly returned to us, not to mention great opportunities here within the UK.

You will, then, need a good sleeping bag: an absolutely integral part of the camping experience.

It can turn an uncomfortable night’s sleep in a tent to something worthy of providing the rest and relaxation you need after a hard day hiking the hills.

There are, however, a few things to bear in mind when looking at upgrading your sleeping bag, and in this article, we’ll look to tackle a few of these considerations as well as offer up some recommendations of examples we’ve tested.

Best sleeping bags for camping at a glance

• Best all-seasons, ‘do-it-all’ sleeping bag: Rab Alpine 600 Down
• Best for a reliable, inexpensive sleeping bag: Vango Nitestar 300 Quad Sleeping Bag
• Best for the eco-concious: Jack Wolfskin Smoozip -5
• Best double sleeping bag: Trespass CatNap Double Sleeping Bag
• Best for comfort: Snugpak Softie Expansion 4 Sleeping Bag
• Best for serious warmth in a light package: Nemo Disco 15
• Best high spec spring time bag: Sierra Designs Cloud 800 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag

What kind of sleeping bag do I need?

All sleeping bags have a temperature rating, and they’re generally standardised so you know what you’re looking at. They’ll have a comfort, an extreme and a ‘limit’ figure, which means the there are three temperature numbers to look at, but of course, these figures are largely down to personal preference and limits as well as what the sleeping bag can cope with. 

As a general rule, it’s worth looking for a -10C to -20C limit for expedition bags, around a -5 to -10C limit for UK and European mountain adventures and 0C – 5C for general spring and summer camping with the family.

What is it made of?

There are also different materials and styles of sleeping bags to consider – with down being the most effective warmth-to-weight ratio but very easy to pack down small for longer treks and expeditions. Three season sleeping bags is a term for lighter-weight sleeping bags where the need for outright warm is less. 

What shape and style is your sleeping bag? 

The third thing to consider is the style and shape of your sleeping bag, with ‘mummy’ sleeping bags tapered at the head and the legs allowing for the natural shape of the body. Rectangle sleeping bags are also available, as are sleeping bags that extend at the sides when needed to increase space. 

Overall, it pays to be attentive to the kinds of activities you’re doing with your sleeping bag, the types of camping you’ll be doing, and purchase the right bag to suit. 

Here are some suggestions for some of the best sleeping bags on the market for a range of different uses. 

After a summer sleeping bag? This is our round-up of the best.

Get kitted out for your hiking and backpacking adventures

We have detailed guides to the best backpacking tents for your adventures here. Want to steady your stride? These are the best walking poles for hiking.

Keep it comfy with the best camping folding chairs, and sleep on the best air beds around, as listed here. And keep things illuminated with a great camping head torch.