Summer is over, but that doesn’t mean camping has to be, especially with the right kit, we’re looking at the best cold weather sleeping bags to help you extend the camping season, allowing you to enjoy a few crisp winter nights in relative comfort. A winter sleeping bag alone be enough – it needs to be paired with a high R-rated sleeping mat and a decent tent – but it does go a long way!

Main Image Credit: Sierra Designs

Choosing a cold weather sleeping bag is a game of compromise between weight, price, and warmth so you need to figure out which is more important to you. The fill type also impacts all of these. Down fill is warm and light but can be expensive, while synthetic is heavier, not as warm but usually cheaper.

Across Britain, winter temperatures can vary hugely. A night out could range from -15 to +5 degrees Celsius. Having a cold weather sleeping bag that is warm enough for the coldest nights, while still having options to vent a bit for warmer nights is useful, but that is a big range, so base your choice on where and when you plan to use the bag.

It’s generally a good idea to look for basic features like main zip baffles (aka draft tubes) which help to prevent cold spots, and anti-snagging zips, which reduce the chances of wrestling with your zip after a comfort break at 3am! A descent outer shell and a water resistant footbox go a long way in helping to retain warmth and improve durability, too.

Additional features that can be nice to have are pillow pockets, blanket collars, or zips to allow more ventilation, which can all help increase the comfort and the chance of a better night’s sleep.