by Stephanie Harper – Sleeping outside is, in my opinion, one of the best parts about camping with kids. After all, nothing says camping like having a cozy, warm kids sleeping bag in which to bundle up as night approaches. There are tons of options out there, and it may seem confusing, but don’t be discouraged–we recommend checking out the buying guide below before you spend a dime, then check out our top 11 best kids sleeping bags for your young outdoor snoozers.
3 Steps to Buying the Right Kid’s Sleeping Bag
1. Perfecting the fit for your kid’s sleeping bag
Finding the right fit for a child-sized sleeping bag is just as important as comfort. Since kids grow so fast, a bag that will fit over several growth spurts is much appreciated. The age range for most kids sleeping bags is five to 12 years of age, on up to almost six feet in height.
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Look for plenty of room in the barrel for splayed out arms and legs, and smooth zipper motion for easy access in and out. Some kids sleeping bags are larger at the top and slimmer toward the bottom to preserve body heat, or have wider bodies, a more comfortable option for some kids who don’t like tight spaces.
2. Choosing the proper kids sleeping bag insulation
Kids sleeping bags have two kinds of insulation: synthetic and goose down. You’ll want to select a kids sleeping bag based on the season and the type of camping or outdoor family activity you’ll be doing. One of the good things about synthetic insulation is it doesn’t dampen when wet, and also keeps young bodies warmer with the addition of quality outdoor kids clothing, including base layers or jackets.
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Down insulation does get warmer faster, but when wet can soak all the way through. Another consideration is the sleeping bag’s temperature rating. For example, a 30°F rating for a kids sleeping bag is suitable up to a 30°F temperature outside.
3. Which material is right for your kid’s sleeping bag?
Most kids sleeping bags are made of polyester with a polyester/taffeta shell. Quilted material, double layers, and reinforced seams are all beneficial features as well, including special stitching that changes the fabric layout and consistency. A waterproof outer shell can be useful for rainy weather or extra-heavy condensation.
6 Additional Kids Sleeping Bag Features to Consider:
- Double-sided zippers for even easier access
- An attached hood or cuff to set a pillow in
- Outer and inner pockets
- Extra large foot bed for roomy coziness
- Carrying straps and/or compression stuff sack with drawcords
- Able to connect to another bag to make one large one
Researching a kids sleeping bag is the fun part–now read about our top 11 best kids sleeping bags plus our favorite family sleeping bag below for outdoor sleeping adventures and beyond.
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11 Best Kids Sleeping Bags
1. Coleman Plum Fun Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $21.99*
- 45°F rating
- Can fit children up to 5’5”
- Thermotech insulation and ComfortCuff (soft rim on top of bag)
- Zipper guide included to avoid snags
- “Roll control” — sides lock in pace as you roll up
- Quick cord snaps in place easily for efficient, one-person rolling
2. Kelty Woobie Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $59.95*
- 30°F rating
- Can fit children up to 4’
- Polyester Taffeta Shell using Kelty Cloud loft insulation
- Dual-sided locking zippers
- Top draft collar keeps head and neck warm
- Packs down to 9” x 15” in its own stuff sack (included)
3. Wenzel Moose Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $21.61*
- 40°F rating
- Unzips into a blanket
- Can fit anyone up to 66”
- Self-repairing, two-way zipper prevents fabric from being caught when pulling up or down
- Polyester Taffeta fill; Polyester insulation
- Stuff sack included
- 10-year limited warranty
4. Coleman Sunridge Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $21.54*
- Between 40°- 60°F rating
- 100 % polyester
- Can fit anyone up to 5’11”
- Brushed polyester outer shell
- ZipPlow zipper system avoids snagging
- Roll control for one-person capabilities
5. TETON Sports Celsius Junior Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $39.99*
- Taffeta outer shell
- 20°F rating
- Full-length, 2-way zipper
- Inner pockets for flashlight or other items
- Durable stuff sack for easy rolling
- Curved hood to keep pillow in place
6. Kelty Big Dipper Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $142.82*
- 30°F rating
- Double-layered with quilting throughout
- Ages 4-12 or up to 5’ in height
- Insulated with Kelty Cloud, a warmer material within sleeping bag
- Foot box lengthens to an additional 12”
- Comes with stuff sack
7. TETONSports Mammoth Family Sleeping Bag
Price: $119.99*
- 20°F rating
- Double sleeping bag is longer and wider than queen-sized mattress; 94×62 inches
- Soft flannel lining and innovative SuperLoft Elite™ fiber fill for comfort and warmth
- Zipper and shoulder draft tubes keep the warm air in
- Dual-sided, full length, two-way, anti-snag zippers makes getting out on either side easy
- Compression sack included
8. Lucky Bums Explorer Kids Sleeping Bag
Price:$64.99*
- 30°F rating
- Can fit anyone up to 5’8”
- 100% polyester shell and lining
- Curved hood with drawstring allows pillow to stay in
- Full length zipper with front zipper pocket in front of bag
- Can open up to blanket
- Velcro fastener and compression sack included
9. VERZEY Mummy Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $34.90*
- 20°F rating
- Waterproof and moisture proof
- Box-stitching for added warmth
- Stuff sack and straps included
- Roll control design
- Can zip two bags together to make one large one
- Polyester and nylon
10. MalloMe Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $35.99*
- Between 35°- 85°F rating
- All seasons sleeping bag–double layered quilting
- Hexagon shaped fabric and S-shaped stitching throughout
- Can be wiped clean or washed
- Comes with compression stuff sack and straps
- 100% polyester
11. VENTURE 4TH Kids Sleeping Bag
Price: $32.95*
- Barrel-shaped body
- Up to 30°F rating
- Lightweight and suitable used for backpacking
- Waterproof outer shell
- Durable and tested rip-proof polyester
- Carry bag comes with strap for easy transport
*Price at time of publish.
Originally from the Bay Area, CA, Stephanie Harper now resides in the mountains of Asheville, NC with her 4 children, husband, black lab Gus, and Russian grey cat Marley. She is a writer and blogger at Raising Kids Wild and loves to run and hike. When she’s not reading for social justice book club she is foraging or experimenting with new food to ferment.
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