Amidst several online guides discussing the best sleeping bags in India, how to make sure the one you’re referring to is written by someone who has done a lot of camping himself, and hence tried and tested a variety of camping gear, including sleeping bags?
Answer: You Can’t!
But sleeping bags recommended in this blog are certainly recommended by someone who has a lot of experience.
Those who are new to this blog should know that I, the writer and owner of this travel blog, quit my corporate career as a documentary producer in Birmingham, UK, before returning to my home country (India) and becoming a full-time traveller. In 2016, when he started this travel blog, he started as a budget backpacker.
To save 100% on accommodation, camping was a natural choice. And to ensure good sleep, accessories like a mattress and a sleeping bag were a necessity!
5 years later, I own…
- 5 different kinds of tents and 7 sleeping bags for myself.
- 11 tents and 20 sleeping bags for my camping business FootlooseCamps (in Manali, Himachal Pradesh).
In short, I own camping equipment for all weather conditions and usability.
So out of my learning and experiences, in this blog, I am mentioning everything I know to help you buy the best sleeping bags available online in India.
From how to choose a good brand to how to buy something that best suits your needs, this guide discusses it all.
How To Choose A Sleeping Bag
Answer: By accessing various factors.
- WEATHER
In general, the types of sleeping bags for different weather conditions fall into three categories: summer, three-season, and winter.
Summer sleeping bags are suitable for temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius and higher. They’re lightweight because of less insulation, and they’re easy to pack because they pack down tiny. They also have full-length zippers so that you can open them entirely and use them as a quilt if necessary.
Winter sleeping bags are suitable for the temperatures of -15 degrees Celsius and below. They’re heavy because of the extra insulation provided, and comparatively hard to back because of their size because of extra insulation. Most of them have no zipper (because, of course, you won’t feel a need to open the zipper in cold weather). If you’re looking for sleeping bags for camping in the Himalayas in winter — say, for someplace in Ladakh or Spiti Valley where the weather can go as low as -20 degree celsius — you need something that’s warm enough.
Three-season sleeping bags are something in between winter and summer bags. They are suitable for a temperature of around 0 degrees Celsius.
- SHAPE
There are two types of sleeping bags based on their shape: Mummy and Rectangular.
Mummy-shaped bags are comparatively wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Think of them as a V-shape. Most winter sleeping bags are of a mummy shape. They feel a little congested inside and it’s a challenge to sleep inside them sideways. This shape helps retain maximum body heat and thus stay warm.
Rectangular shape bags are of the size of a rectangle, or semi-rectangle. It is common to see this shape in sleeping bags for the summer season. Rectangular shapes are, moreover, more comfortable to sleep than mummy shaped.
Most two-person sleeping bags are rectangular.
- OTHER FACTORS
And then there are other personal factors to keep in mind while buying a sleeping bag like whether you’re buying something for your kids or you as an adult.
Just like for apparel, sleeping bags for kids and different than those for adults, not only because of their size but various other factors (discussed later in the article). Eg, sleeping bags for adults may or may not have a zipper, but in those made for kids, it’s a rarity to find a zipper.
Additionally, think of whether you’re going to use it alone and hence need a 1-person sleeping bag or you’re going to be 2 people sleeping together and hence need something meant for 2-persons.
It also matters what kind of insulation the bag has (bonded insulation or down insulation or loose-fill synthetic insulation) but that will be too much jargon and we don’t need to go that deep a discussion.
And last but not least, as with everything else in the world, budget matters too. You can find cheap sleeping bags online for about 2000 Rupees and you can find something costing as much as 20,000 Rupees. So, again, budget matters. If you’re a regular camper, it makes sense to invest more and buy something that lasts longer. If camping is going to be a one-time experience, buy something cheaper.
This brings the formula for buying the best sleeping bag online to look something like…
OTHER FACTORS + WEATHER + BUDGET = The Right Choice
Best Sleeping Bag Brands In India
- COLEMAN
Coleman is known for quality outdoor gear including tents, lanterns, stoves, coolers, camp stoves, backpacks and electric LED lights, among other things. It is a Chicago, USA-based company in business since 1900.
I’ve been using their Coleman Pathfinder at the moment. I have used it in sub-zero weather conditions in the Himalayas (see video below) and never has it ever disappointed me.
- QUECHUA
You discuss travel, camping and outdoor gear in India and not mention Quechua? Not possible.
Together with Decathlon, Quechua has introduced the culture of travel and adventure in the Indian community. They offer cheap and best outdoor products, including products for camping and hiking.
Later in the article, I have handpicked some of the best Decathlon sleeping bags for you!
- WILDCRAFT
Compared to Decathlon, Wildcraft products are on the higher side of the budget, but of good quality. I remember my first ever backpack was of Wildcraft. I have also used a few Wildcraft sleeping bags including my personal favorite Wildcraft Xtreme that I used during my recent Delhi to Bangalore motorcycle trip.
Some of the best Wildcraft sleeping bags are also discussed later in the blog.
- TRIPOLE GEARS
A Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh-based, Tripole Gears is a very new company in business. I wasn’t introduced to them until last year when they sent me their Tripole Shivalik Minus Ten Degree Sleeping Bag for testing. Honestly speaking, I loved it.
I used it during my early days of living in my new house in Naggar, near Manali (in January in sub-zero temperatures).
View this post on Instagram
Best Sleeping Bags In India For Cold Weather
If travelling in the mountains (for sub-zero weather conditions) here’s a list of best products available online…
Top Features:
- Weighs 2.9 kg
- 1 Year Warranty
- Suitable for -20 degree Celsius
- Includes a detachable fleece inside
- One of the cheapest sleeping bags available online for cold weather
Top Features:
- -10°C comfortable sleep
- Internal pockets for storing mobile, torch
- Extra padding over the chest and head for comfort
- Dual zipper with elongate pullers and velcro mechanism
Top Features:
- Lightweight (2kg) & compact.
- Easy to carry on a motorcycle/backpacking trip
- Mummy shape with a hood for additional warmth
- Comfortable for temperature as low as -5 degree Celsius
- 100 percent diamond ripstop polyester lining ensuring durability
Top Features:
- Imported
- Weighs 2.5kg
- Can fit people up to 6’2″
- 100% polyester ensuring for durability
- Comfortable for temperature as low as -5 degree Celsius
Best Sleeping Bags In India For Summer or 10°C Weather
If travelling in lower Himalayas region during winter, or camping in Goa or someplace else by the beach, here’s a list of some of the best sleeping bags in India for 10 to 15 degree Celcius weather…
Top Features:
- Comfortable sleep at +15 or +20 degree Celsius.
- Come with 2 years of manufacturing warranty.
- Rectangle shape 190 x 72 cm (l x w) ensuring a comfortable sleep
Top Features:
- Very lightweight (about 1.2kg)
- Temperature range: Comfortable at +5°c to +10°c
- Rectangle shape 190 x 84 cm (l x w) ensuring a comfortable sleep (wider than the Quechua sleeping bag featured above).
Top Features:
- +5 to +10°C comfortable sleep
- Internal pockets for storing mobile, torch
- Extra padding over the chest and head for comfort
- Dual zipper with elongate pullers and velcro mechanism
Top Features:
- Comparatively heavier but more versatile Coleman and Quechua sleeping bags featured above.
- Rectangle shape for ensuring a comfortable sleep
- Temperature range: Comfortable at +7°c to +15°c
- Weighs about 1.5kg
Best 2-Person Sleeping Bags
If you’re going to be more than 1-person sleeping together, here’s a list of best 2-men sleeping bags available online…
Top Features:
- Ideal for temprature +5° C to +15° C
- Queen size sleeping bag is 60 by 90 inches (W x D)
- This 2-person sleeping bag also can be converted into 2 single sleeping bags according to your need, which is very flexible and practical
Top Features:
- Ideal for temprature +0° C to +5° C
- With an impressive size of 82″ X 62″, this sleeping bag can sleep two adults
- Can be separated into 2 when unzipped along the zipper and comes with 2 Pillow
Baby Sleeping Bags
Top Features:
- 2 Years Warranty
- Size of the child max 160 cm.
- Comfort temperature 5°C to 10°C
- 3 sizes possible to adapt to a child between 115 cm and 155 cm.
Top Features:
- Comfortable between +5°c to +10°c
- Available in different prints/colours
- Comfortable inside lining meant for kids
Best Decathlon Sleeping Bags
For me, Decathlon produces some of the best (particularly for the low budget segment) outdoor adventure products in India. And speaking of best Decathlon sleeping bags, here’re my recommendations…
Top Features:
- Comfortable sleep at +15 or +20 degree Celsius
- Come with 2 years of manufacturing warranty
- Rectangle shape 190 x 72 cm (l x w) ensuring a comfortable sleep
Top Features:
- Comfortable sleep at +5 or +10 degree Celsius
- Come with 2 years of manufacturing warranty
- Rectangle shape 190 x 72 cm (l x w) ensuring a comfortable sleep
Top Features:
- One of the most lightweight sleeping bags available in India (weighs around 200 gm) and that’s what makes it one of the best Decathlon sleeping bags available in the market
Best Budget Sleeping Bags
For first-timer campers and those who aren’t sure how many times they’re going out for an adventure, the best bet is to buy cheap sleeping bags. Here’s a list of some of the cheap and best ones available online…
Top Features:
- Machine wash possible
- Very lightweight (around 400g)
- Comes with 2 years of warranty
- A reliable brand-name at such price-tag
Top Features:
- Lightweight (about 800g)
- Can fit as tall as 6’3″ person
- Comfortable for +10 degree Celsius temperature
Top Features:
- High-quality durable nylon
- Compact, easy to carry
- Lightweight, weighs 800 gms
- Material Specifications: 100% Polyester
Top Features:
- Good brand
- Weighs 1.5 kg
- L*W*H = 12*18*15cm
- Nice padding around the neck for added comfort
- Comfortable sleep for 0 to +10 degrees Celsius
That’s all in this article on the best sleeping bags in India online. If you’ve anything to add to the article, please leave a comment below.
My family’s planning to set out a camp in the next two weeks…this is just so timely to read.
The best winter sleepingbag not only keeps you warm and cozy throughout the long night but will be comfortable to stretch out in,
allow you to vent when it gets too warm, and give you the dexterity to read or cook without leaving the safety of your lightweight sleeping bag.
Pads are equally important at preventing heat loss—a good sleeping bag is useless with a poorly insulated pad.
These four bags and pads earned top marks during our extensive winter testing.