The best summer sleeping bags in the UK: 1 and 2 season sleeping bags

A good night’s sleep is crucial to a good camping experience, so here we look at some of the best lightweight summer sleeping bags on the market.

There are a few important things to consider when looking for seasonal camping gear, so we’ll also talk a little bit about how to buy the right sleeping bag for you and what some of the technical specifications mean for your needs.

It can sometimes seem confusing when trying to understand the technical specifications of all the different types of sleeping bags out there.

You will find that almost all sleeping bags have technical ratings. These are usually temperature readings that determine how the bag will perform under certain conditions. There are season ratings that run from 1 to 4 and temperature ratings that define the top and bottom of the bag.

A one-year-old sleeping bag, for example, is only really suitable for the warmest summer nights. On the other end of the spectrum, an all-season sleeping bag will protect you when camping in the colder winter months.

Temperature limits are classified as an upper limit (which is the highest comfortable temperature in the bag), a comfort limit (an average of the most comfortable temperature in the bag), and a lower limit (which is probably the lowest temperature you want to sleep in and still get a good night’s sleep) .

There is also an “extreme” temperature limit, but this is usually a safety rating, representing the lowest temperature the bag can withstand to protect you from hypothermia.

Obviously, as the title of this article suggests, it depends somewhat on what time of year you are going to be camping. Thinner, lighter sleeping bags are great for the warmer summer months, but also be aware of each bag’s “packed weight” if you’re thinking of going to a wild camp in the mountains and packing your gear.

When packing a car for a family or group trip, it clearly makes sense to make the most of the option of not having to carry your gear – so larger double bags or heavier, thicker bags are your best bets.

Also look at the material and filling of the bags you use – down is expensive but lightweight and extremely warm (often with sub-minus comfort ratings), while nylon, polyester and taffeta are less durable, thinner and cheaper, and sleeping bags often aren’t as sturdy or durable.