Sleeping bags

Tuck in with sleeping bags

Nothing beats climbing into your soft, warm sleeping bag after a long day of exploring the outdoors. At MEC, you’ll find a wide variety of sleeping bags made for any kind of outdoor adventure you’re craving, from backpacking to winter camping. Take a look at the different sleeping bags from epic outdoor brands like our very own MEC Label, Nemo, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear and more. Learn how to choose a sleeping bag and more on our website so you’re fully prepped before making your choice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between down and synthetic insulation?

Down insulation is very light, compresses small, and provides excellent warmth for its weight. It performs best in dry conditions. Synthetic insulation is bulkier but continues to keep you warm even when wet, which makes it a reliable choice for damp climates.

How should I choose the right temperature rating?

Look for a bag rated slightly lower than the coldest temperature you expect to encounter. If you camp in 5°C nights, a bag rated to 0°C will give you a comfortable margin of warmth.

What shape of sleeping bag is best?

Mummy bags are more thermally efficient since they reduce extra air space, while rectangular or semi-rectangular bags offer more room to move and can feel less restrictive.

Sleeping bag buyer’s guide

Sleeping bag temperature

The temperature rating of your sleeping bag is one of the most important things to consider when choosing one. The number tells you the lowest temperature that the bag is intended to keep the user warm. These ratings assume you’re using a sleeping pad for insulation and are wearing warm clothes like long underwear. If you're planning on camping mostly in the summer, you might only want a sleeping bag that will keep you warm up to 1 degree C. If you think you'll be camping during a chillier season, you might want to consider a 3-season sleeping bag, which will typically keep you warm between 1 to -10 degrees C. For winter camping in Canada, you'll want a sleeping bag that can handle temperatures as low as -18 to -30 degrees.

Sleeping bag sizing

Most sleeping bags come in a variety of different lengths. The size you decide on should match your height, plus an extra inch or two. If your sleeping bag is a lot longer than you, you’ll have unused space to heat and you’ll feel colder as a result. If your bag is too short, you’ll press up against the hood and footbox, which squishes the insulation and leads to cold spots. There are specific sleeping bag sizes like women’s, kids’ and double as well if you need something even more specific.

Synthetic sleeping bags

Sleeping bags typically come made with either down or synthetic materials for insulation. Synthetic insulation uses polyester threads spun in continuous long filaments mixed with short pieces, called staples. Many bags contain a mix of thinner and thicker pieces, as thinner threads fill empty spaces and trap warm air effectively, while thicker strands provide loft and durability.

Down sleeping bags

Down insulation is made up of thousands of plumules – fluffy filaments from goose or duck feathers. Down fill-power is a good indicator of quality, and higher fill-power provides more warmth for the same weight. About 500 is good, 600–700 is better and above 700 is excellent. A down sleeping bag is a great long-term investment if you plan to use it a lot. Keep in mind that when down gets wet, it forms clumps and no longer retains warmth. So for extended trips, wet weather or anywhere that dampness is likely to accumulate, down insulation might not be the best choice.

More on 3-season sleeping bags

A 3-season sleeping bag is one of the most versatile pieces of camping gear you can own. Designed for spring, summer, and fall conditions, these bags strike a balance between warmth, weight, and packability. They typically have a temperature rating between 0°C and -10°C, making them suitable for chilly nights in the mountains as well as mild evenings at lower elevations.