| Just like any other camping item, sleeping bags come in two main types, these being traditional and mummy bags. |  |
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A Mummy Bag |
Traditional
| These are the most common types of sleeping bags out there, and also the least expensive. They are good for cool or warm weather camping in the Spring, Summer, and Early Fall. |  |
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Two different Traditional Sleeping Bags - The Hunter (above) and the Pine Ridge Classic (left) |
Mummy Bags
| For colder weather campouts, you will want to consider purchasing a "Mummy Bag". These have a pull string around the head, and are usually made out of nylon, instead of cotton. They keep you warm to much cooler temperatures, even negative temperatures. | |
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Two types of mummy bags, above is the 3-D and on the left is the Lightyear which rolls up into a compact ball that will fit in your hand. |
Once you have selected the type of sleeping bag that will suit you best for your camping type, you will need something to put underneath the sleeping bag.
Cots
| Cots pick you up off the ground, but do not work well for short camp trips. They are mainly used for long term camping (a week or more) in one place. |  |
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Sleeping Bags
| Your other option is a sleeping pad. These are much cheaper than cots and are very lightweight, so they are good for backpacking. You just unroll them and lay your sleeping bag on it. There are very thin ones, as well as thick ones with Styrofoam padding. |  |
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