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Kids sleeping bag vs adult sleeping bag: which to buy

Kids sleeping bag vs adult sleeping bag: a child-sized bag keeps a small body warmer because there is less empty space. Here is when to size up.

Élodie Fontaine4 min read

sleeping bag inside tent camping
Image by chulmin1700 from Pixabay

Verdict: a kids sleeping bag wins for most children, and an adult bag is only a fair choice for tall teens. Your child warms the air around them. A smaller bag has less air to warm, so they stay warmer with the same rating.

An adult bag can work for a child on a warm night. On a cool night, empty space at the feet and sides takes heat out of the bag.

Which wins on

What mattersKids bagAdult bag
WarmthKids bag. Less empty spaceColder for a small body
Weight and sizeLighter and smallerHeavier and bulkier
GrowthChild may outgrow itFits for years
Ease for a childThey can pull the zipHard to handle
Sleeping at 5 amStaying putChild slides down inside

Pick the kids bag if

  • Your child is under about ten, or small for their age.
  • The nights will be cool.
  • You want a child who can carry or pack their own bag.

Pick the adult bag if

  • Your child is nearly adult size.
  • You camp only in warm weather.
  • You are on a tight spending plan and the nights are mild.

If you must use an adult bag

A few fixes help.

  1. Fold the bottom up and tie it, so the feet do not sit in empty space.
  2. Add a liner or a blanket inside the bag.
  3. Put a pad under the child. The ground takes more heat than the air does.
  4. Dress in dry base layers and a warm hat.

Worked example

A seven-year-old has a bag that is a hand's width too long. On a cool night, the fold-and-tie trick fills the space. A hat and dry socks do the rest. On a very cold night, a bag meant for an adult would still be a poor fit, so buy a kids bag with a lower rating.

Reading the rating for a child

Makers list temperature ratings, often with comfort and limit numbers. The numbers come from tests made for adult sizes. A small child may feel cold sooner, so choose a bag whose comfort number is below the forecast low. Sleeping bag temperature rating explained shows how to read them.

What goes wrong first. The pad is missing. A good bag over a thin pad still gives a cold child. Fix: pad first, then bag.

The rule that matters most

Warmth comes from the fit and the pad, not just the rating. Check your child during the night, feel the back of the neck, and add a layer if it feels cool. Ask a doctor if your child has a health condition and you are unsure about cold.

For more on a first trip with a small child, read camping with toddlers.

Quick questions

What size sleeping bag does a child need?

One that is a little longer than the child, with a little room for a layer. Makers give height guides.

Can a child use a mummy bag?

Yes. A mummy shape holds heat well. Some children prefer a rectangular bag because they move more.

How cold is too cold for a child to camp?

There is no single number. Check the forecast, choose a rated bag and pad, and be ready to leave if your child is not warm.

Should kids have their own pillow?

It helps with comfort and with settling. A folded jacket in a sack works too.

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