Sleeping Bags

Summer has officially started and hopefully with it vacations. If you are a camper and are ready to embark on your first camping trip with the little ones, you are going to have to invest in a sleeping bag of one sort or another. I suggest getting a 40 degree bag. This will work great for most summer camping- if you live in a colder region or classify yourself as more of the hardcore backpacker you may need to adjust your needs accordingly. But for the average "car camper", I wouldn't worry about the weight of the bag or invest in something much warmer than 40 degrees. But please get something warm enough- nobody sleeps well (including YOU) when the little ones are cold. There are many "cute" camping sets available that don't actually provide a bag that is warm enough- consider this when you are making your purchase.

Here are two great options to consider as you begin gearing up for that first trip:

LL Bean has a 40 degree Kids Camp Bag, Wildlife Print in a variety of great colors for $39. It fits up to a 4'6" child. It has a nylon shell with polyester fill. Polyester with cotton lining dries quickly in case there are any unfortunate accidents of one kind or another. You can machine wash it in a front-loading washer. It is sturdy, comfortable, soft, and warm. My son loves the wildlife camouflage print.

Sierra Designs has a 40 degree bag in either Dragonfly or Big Dog (girls and boys bags) for $70-89. They also have 20 degree options if you are in a colder climate. It is a light weight bag- 1 lb. 13 oz. It has a tricot-lined foot box for extra warm feet, and ergonomic hood, and a built-in pillow. It is made out of HeatSync Insulation- has a nylon shell and polyester liner. It is very comfortable. My daughter loves the pillow, the extra chest pocket for storing her flashlight or tucking her teddy bear in, the interior clothes warming pocket for those chilly mornings, and the attached stuff sack- no more misplacing that darn thing.