Sleeping bags for small kids

Brett C

Brett C

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Senior Staff
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I need help on selecting a sleeping bag for each of my boys. They are 3 and 5 years old. We are headed to mt RV and that will be their first overnight. Heaven help us all lol.

I want to ensure they are properly comfortable when sleeping but really could use advice as to what I'm choosing for a sleeping bag. I'd hate to spend a fortune on a bag they will each outgrow in a season if its not needed but on the flip if rather do that then have them uncomfortable.

We are using a Kodiak Canvas tent that's approximately 6' tall and 10x10 floor space. I've seen the heaters and such but not sure how much I trust them. I've always been a primitive camper because that's what I was taught in the military but now with the truck camping becoming the norm I'm trying to embrace more creature comforts but definitely need guidance.
 
Look at Teton Sports - I've been very impressed by the quality of the bags we bought (Celsius -25 degree). Great bang for the buck and these bags have never left us cold. They make some kids bags too :)

.02
 
Gawd... harden them little tykes up! That's the problem with America today - we're too soft on our youth. Besides, they'll just outgrow those stupid-expensive bags anyway.

When I was their age I was damn happy to have a garbage bag and some wadded up newspaper - and I was living in Fairbanks then. :tango
 
TangoBlue said:
Gawd... harden them little tykes up! That's the problem with America today - we're too soft on our youth. Besides, they'll just outgrow those stupid-expensive bags anyway.

When I was their age I was damn happy to have a garbage bag and some wadded up newspaper - and I was living in Fairbanks then. :tango
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If they are comfortable, they sleep. If they sleep I sleep.
 
SFSMedic said:
If they are comfortable, they sleep. If they sleep I sleep.
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Try Nyquil? Seriously, if you are in a RV, they will be warm and dry. Anything would work, I would not spend money on a good bag(s) yet

Never mind, you said tent, duh. I used to put my daughter in a 5degreee north face mummy regardless of temperature. Kids don't seem to get too hot
 
I got my daughter a eureka grasshopper bag when she was just 1 year old. We have been using this for over a year now with no problems. Got it from Sport Chalet.
 
Lots of options out there... I just use one of my down backpacking bags for my daughter, since I already have them. And if we're backpacking, I end up carrying both of our bags, so it's good that they are light and pack small.
 
I was always under the impression that an air gap was a good thing to have as an insulating property. Applying that logic to sleeping bags, I've noticed if the bag is too small I would note cold spots and would try to "tent" that area to provide a larger air gap for warmth to accumulate. Having a larger bag and a smaller human would just provide a "cave-like" capsule for warmth generated by their higher metabolisms to accumulate in. I know when my little ones were actually little this proved true for them camping in the cold, night air in coastal California.
 
TangoBlue said:
I was always under the impression that an air gap was a good thing to have as an insulating property. Applying that logic to sleeping bags, I've noticed if the bag is too small I would note cold spots and would try to "tent" that area to provide a larger air gap for warmth to accumulate. Having a larger bag and a smaller human would just provide a "cave-like" capsule for warmth generated by their higher metabolisms to accumulate in. I know when my little ones were actually little this proved true for them camping in the cold, night air in coastal California.
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Agreed. I prefer a big roomy bag in all environments.
 
It's probably just in my head, but the flannel lined bags always seem warmer to me as well. At a bare minimum, they are more comfortable than the slip-n-slide nylon (or similar) style.
 
bob91yj said:
It's probably just in my head, but the flannel lined bags always seem warmer to me as well. At a bare minimum, they are more comfortable than the slip-n-slide nylon (or similar) style.
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Yup, all our bags save one (the Kelty) are flannel lined - it's much more comfortable IMO.
 
I would think the flannel bags are warmer. The other bags just take a lot less room. But since truck camping that's not an issue. As for the airspace this is completely opposite of everything I've read.

I'm ordering from Daves recommendation above. Looks like a good bag at a good price.
 
SFSMedic said:
I would think the flannel bags are warmer. The other bags just take a lot less room. But since truck camping that's not an issue. As for the airspace this is completely opposite of everything I've read.

I'm ordering from Daves recommendation above. Looks like a good bag at a good price.
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Really? :confused:

What have you read that says an air gap offers no an insulating space? :wow

Assuming that you're former military and you'll probably recall fielding of the ECWCS garments - even the PST's include this information when fitting the right-sized garment for optimal insulation value. That was even part of the instruction performed at USMC Mountain Warfare School. The Extreme Cold Weather Boots (Mickey Mouse) foundation of insulation is based on this principal (that little valve on the side of the boot will either make you happy with 2 feet, or unhappy with 2 stumps).

Here are some facts to learn more about this subject. Be sure to read it all - question #10 is just for you! :lol
 
TangoBlue said:
Really? :confused:

What have you read that says an air gap offers no an insulating space? :wow

Assuming that you're former military and you'll probably recall fielding of the ECWCS garments - even the PST's include this information when fitting the right-sized garment for optimal insulation value. That was even part of the instruction performed at USMC Mountain Warfare School. The Extreme Cold Weather Boots (Mickey Mouse) foundation of insulation is based on this principal (that little valve on the side of the boot will either make you happy with 2 feet, or unhappy with 2 stumps).

Here are some facts to learn more about this subject. Be sure to read it all - question #10 is just for you! :lol
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I wore the kit I was given. None of it had instructions except how to be washed.

When I was reading the rei site. It made sense to me. To large of an air pocket requires body heat to warm it and keep it warm so you're shedding off energy keeping that extra air warm is constantly cooling you. Remember tango I did say too much of an air pocket. Meaning to big of a bag. More of a good thing doesn't always mean better.
 
SFSMedic said:
I wore the kit I was given. None of it had instructions except how to be washed.

When I was reading the rei site. It made sense to me. To large of an air pocket requires body heat to warm it and keep it warm so you're shedding off energy keeping that extra air warm is constantly cooling you. Remember tango I did say too much of an air pocket. Meaning to big of a bag. More of a good thing doesn't always mean better.
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Got it. You are right! :D
 
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