A Good Night’s Sleep
Kid's Sleeping Bags
If you’re introducing someone to the Boundary Waters outdoor experience, you really want to make sure they have a good time. To make sure they have a good time you need to make sure they are comfortable, and you really want them comfortable when they sleep. Nothing is better than a good night’s sleep, right? Little kids can sleep almost anywhere and have their batteries fully charged when they wake up, but if they sleep cold, they’ll have a miserable night. So, here are a few things to consider when buying a sleeping bag for a child.
Insulation:
Sleeping bags come with two types of insulation: Down or Synthetic. The best thing about a down sleeping bag is that it provides better warmth than synthetic sleeping bags. However they do cost quite a bit more. And if they get wet, their insulative properties disappear quickly. Synthetic-insulated bags are much easier to find in children’s sizes, and they are much more economical which is great if you’re buying for several children, or you want to upgrade to that next size. Synthetic bags also come with a large range of qualities, such as water resistant, and can be almost as quality as a good down bag. Whatever type you get, pay attention to the temperature rating. Bring a bag with a temperature rating appropriate for the time of year you’ll be using it.
Weight and Size:
For a trip into the Boundary Waters, I recommend bringing the lightest and smallest sleeping bag you have that is appropriate for the time of year you’ll be taking your trip. A big winter sleeping bag is nice and cozy but is kind of ridiculous for a trip in August. You’ll be regretting those extra pounds by your 4th or 5th portage, and you’ll be really hating it by the 10th portage. The length of the sleeping bag should fit the height of the child. Remember, the heat of a sleeping bag comes from your body. So, if you put a little kid in an adult sleeping bag, they have to fill all that extra space with heat, which takes them longer and is more work for their little bodies. Most “kids” or “youth” sized sleeping bags will fit children up to 5 feet. So, if you need one for someone smaller, you might have to look around a bit more. There are some very nice bags out there that have draw cords or snap fasteners so they can be adjusted.
Face Fabric:
The face fabric is the material on the outside, or “face” of the sleeping bag. Not the material that goes against your face. When you buy a sleeping bag, it’s usually the insulation that will determine much of the cost. However, it’s that face fabric that is going to protect that insulation and make sure it’s working.
The face fabric should be sturdy to extend the lifespan of the sleeping bag. It should also be water-resistant to prevent the sleeping bag from getting soaked in case of rain.
Style and Shape:
Coleman Mummy Bag
Mummy bags tend to be the most versatile. Because of their shape they’re best in class for heat retention. The zippers also don’t go all the way to the feet which only increases their heat-saving. Rectangular bags also have some nice features. They are more comfortable for multiple people and can be easily zipped together. However, their larger size makes them worse for heat retention than the mummy bags. They are also most bulky to pack around.
It’s important to remember that with sleeping bags, you get what you pay for. You may have to hunt around to find the right bag for your little kids, but to me it’s worth the hunt to not have them whimpering from the cold all night. Cause guess what? If they don’t sleep, you don’t sleep. Tripsavvy had this great list of kids’ sleeping bags to start you on your quest. (https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-kids-sleeping-bags-4164936)
To keep children comfortable while camping a good sleeping bag should be at the top of the list. The trip will be a more memorable experience if everyone gets a good night sleep.
Charlene
For more information on BWCA Family Canoe Trips, click here, or call us at 218-365-5837
