Best Sleeping Bags for Kids

Best Sleeping Bags for Kids

When people think about taking kids camping, their biggest concern is almost always how are people going to sleep (and WILL sleep actually happen???) And with good reason – it’s hard for kids to do change sometimes…and even more so when they’re suddenly in a sleeping bag instead of a bed. Because of this we did some extensive testing and rounded up the best sleeping bags for kids.

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Best Sleeping Bags for Kids – WHY?

Not sure WHY kid-specific sleeping bags are worth it?

Kids grow.  Fast.  Many parents will argue that paying full-price for equipment that kids are going to outgrow in one season (or less) is simply a waste of money.  I get it.  There is a lot of gear out there built specifically for kids that just isn’t necessary.  Modifications of adult equipment can be made, cheaper stuff can be purchased and no one is worse for the wear.

Before having my own children, I was absolutely convinced that sleeping bags for kids were a “luxury item”. Something that was cute, weighed a little less, but really served no good purpose.  

After getting my facts straight, seeing how my kids manage camping (with their own cute, small bodies), and doing a bunch of research, I would make the claim that sleeping bags for kids are the KEY to keeping kids warm while camping.

The science behind it is actually pretty simple:  A smaller sleeping bag means less space that a child’s body has to heat up to keep them warm.

You’ll notice that our focus here is on more serious camping. These aren’t go-on-a-sleepover bags that you would use indoors. They’re not meant to be cutsey, but rather keep your kids warm and happy while camping.

Temperature Ratings for Kids Sleeping Bags

As a parent, it is important to note that sleeping bags for kids don’t always have a temperature rating.

I AM including the ratings in this post because I think they are a great way to help compare the different bags (roughly.)  

However, here’s the scoop: there are a TON of factors and variables that change how warm your child will stay in a bag all HAVE to be factored in:

• Your child’s body in general (if they run cold or hot)
• Whether or not they are using a sleeping pad (and what kind)
• The air temperature
• The relative humidity
• The wind speed
• How many bodies they are sharing the tent with (or if they are sleeping outside) .  

Obviously, it’s not very cut and dry.  No matter what bag a child is sleeping in, make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather (wool or synthetics, hat if needed, extra layers to add on if needed, socks, etc. etc.)

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Kids Backcountry Quilt Option

While most of us think of only using sleeping bags for kids while camping, there are other options. Backcountry quilts are basically down (or synthetic) quilts that are kid-size (or adult if you go that avenue..but we are just talking about kids here!)

They are our top choice for backpacking because they are so small and light. BUT, you’ll end up spending more than other sleeping bags.

You’ll notice that both of these above (from Enlightened Equipment) can be used flat like a quilt, or the toe box can be zipped like below (perfect as you adjust for different temperatures).

How Backcountry Quilts Work

With the quilts, you are sleeping directly on your pad. This allows more warmth with less fabric/material. Remember that when you’re in a sleeping bag, the material under you is compressed and really does almost nothing for warmth (which is why sleeping pads are so essential).

Kids that are really sensitive to how things feel may not love sleeping directly on their pads, but our kids are usually just in long underwear anyway so they don’t even notice.

Enlightened Equipment quilts are made to order (though some are in stock now), which means they take a little longer to get to you, BUT you can also decide how warm you want your quilt to be! Since we live in the mountains and nights are almost always cold, we opted for the colder settings.

In general, down will be warmer and lighter, but synthetic works for most people and costs less. For kid-sized quilts, choose the “short” size.

The quilts come with straps so you can attach them directly to your pad to avoid rolling off and losing your warmth. They can also be cinched at the toe box and around the head.

Pros of Backcountry quilts:

• They are very small and light for backpacking in particular
• They allow more movement than, for example, a mummy bag
• Some, like the ones from Enlightened Equipment, have built-in straps that keep kids on their sleeping pads <–this is HUGE!
• They can be used for more than just sleeping (think more like a throw blanket or used like a pillow)

Cons of backcountry quilts:

• They tend to be more expensive than a sleeping bag
• You are sleeping more directly on your sleeping pad, which has no effect on warmth, but is just something to get used to

Also definitely check out the review by The Kid Project. They have a great video that shows how these quilts work and how they keep kids on their sleeping pads.

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Built-In Sleeve Option for Kids Sleeping Bags

Sleeping pads are key to keeping warm while camping and are important in conjunction with sleeping bags for kids. When you roll off of them (or spin or nudge or whatever your kids do), you lose a ton of warmth.

Big Agnes Sleeping Bags have an integrated sleeve that keeps your bag and your pad attached. So, the only way you are going to be separated from your pad is by completely ditching the whole system.

Big Agnes Little Red and Big Agnes Wolverine 15 sleeping bags for kids

Our favorite sleeping bags for young kids are the Little Red 15 and Wolverine 15. They’re both synthetic, both have pad sleeves and both keep kids really warm. We also like the “neck pillow” to trap warm air in the bag (see second photo below).

For most campers camping in colder temperatures, these are perfect. However, they are, obviously, heavier than carrying a down quilt + a pad (like the Enlightened Equipment ones shown above).

Big Agnes Duster Adjustable Sleeping Bag for Kids

The Big Agnes Duster is Big Agnes’ kids’ sleeping bag made to grow WITH your kids so you don’t have to get a new bag every few years. WIN!

It’s a synthetic bag, rated to 15 degrees F with lots of room to move and wiggle as needed in the shoulder area, while maintaining heat thanks to the adjustable height clips. It’s slightly wider than the Little Red or Wolverine, and works for kids aged ~2 – 10 in my opinion.

The photos below show it in the three different lengths from shortest (with my 2 year old on top) to longest (which is what my 9 year old uses).

Check out our full review of this sleeping bag here.

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Small and Length-Adjustable Bags Sleeping Bags for Kids

Here’s the smallest sleeping bags or sleeping bags that can adjust to be small that we know of. These are all synthetic and will weigh slightly more since they allow lengthening.

Big Agnes Little Red 15

NOT adjustable, but short and a fantastic bag for kids with an integreated sleeve option. This is the shortest stand-alone bag there is currently.

• Temp rating: 15 degrees
• Weight: 2 lbs. 14 ounces
• Length: 4’5″
• MSRP: $69.95

Big Agnes Duster

See more info about this bag in the above section, but it is adjustable AND has a pad-sleeve.

• Temp rating: 15 degrees
• Weight: 3 lbs. 12 ounces
• Length: 5′ 6″
• MSRP: $109.95

REI Co-Op Kindercone 25

This one is a favorite for so many families simply because it truly allows kids to grow, is rated decently for cold nights and is comfortable.

• Temp rating: 25 degrees
• Weight: 3 lbs. 4 ounces
• Length: 5′ 6″
• MSRP: $69.95

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Sleeping Bags for Kids that Don’t Like Being Restricted

If your child really prefers to have some extra room to move throughout the night, we suggest going with a rectangular shaped sleeping bag over a mummy shape. The following below are the ones we love and recommend.

REI Kindercamp 40

The REI Kindercamp is great for backyard and car camping for slightly warmer temperatures (opposed to some of the bags rated to 15 degrees above).

We like that REI Kindercamp 40 stuff sack is integrated into a pocket at the foot, makes packing up so much easier!

It also zips to other sleeping bags like it to make a big double or as a blanket, which we use more than we thought we would. The bottom also unzips, so you can ventilate your feet if it gets warm.

• Temp rating: 40 degrees
• Weight: 3 lbs.
• Length: 5′ 6″
• MSRP: $69.95

Kelty Kids’ Callisto

If you want a sleeping bag for kids that is slightly warmer and slightly lighter than the REI Kindercamp, go with the Kelty Kids’ Callisto. It is rated to 30 degrees, fits kids up to 60″ (slightly shorter than the Kindercamp which fits up to 66″).

• Temp rating: 30 degrees
• Weight: 2 lbs. 9 ounces
• Length: 5′
• MSRP: $44.95

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Down Sleeping Bags for Kids

Many companies have done away with down sleeping bags for kids over the past couple of years. In fact, besides the quilts mentioned above, the only ones I can find are from Feathered Friends. They are definitely more expensive than synthetic bags, but you are buying a much lighter weight bag that will pack small.

Flicker 20

The Flicker 20 is a fantastic bag for kids that grow (um, like they all do) and for kids that aren’t crazy about having their feet locked in a mummy bag. It has a cinch at the bottom you open to allow toes out AND a cinch to tie off for kids shorter than 5 feet. At 25.5 ounces, it still weighs half as much as the Big Agnes Duster, for example.

• Temp rating: 20 degrees
• Weight: 1 lbs. 9.5 ounces
• Length: 5′
• MSRP: $299

Fledging 20

This 22 ounce bag packs down small and is perfect for backpacking with kids. It fits kids up to 5 feet tall and has a mummy shape for warmth.

• Temp rating: 20 degrees
• Weight: 1 lbs. 6 ounces
• Length: 5′
• MSRP: $299

REI Downtime Kids’ Sleeping Bag

The REI Downtime kids’ down sleeping bag is rated to 25 degrees and packs down small. It has a synthetic footbox that helps maintain loft in that area. The zippers are easy to use even for young kids. It would be nice to have some straps or snaps to reduce the length of the bag as it is quite long.

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Sleeping Bags for Babies and Sleeping Bags for Toddlers

YES, please do take your baby camping. Find our best tips on getting them to sleep while camping here and some other outdoor baby gear we highly recommend here.

While you can certainly put a baby in a larger sleeping bag with you, it always makes me a bit nervous. Instead, we recommend these infant and toddler sleeping bags from Morrison Outdoors (also available at REI). Note – sizing correctly is very important for safety (AKA don’t size up for your 9 month old!)

>>> Use code “MTNMAMA” to save 10% on all Morrison Outdoors sleeping bags <<<

Little Mo

Little Mo is for babies aged 6-24 months. They have two different styles for babies.

The synthetic 40 degree Little Mo bag is for warmer weather and has hand cuffs you can open up for warmer weather.

The down 20 degree Little Mo has enclosed hand areas, perfect for really cold temperatures.

Big Mo

Big Mo is for kids aged 2-4 years and just keeps them warm and snug. Again, the synthetic is rated for warmer temperatures and has hand cuffs that open; the down version does not.

Affordable Sleeping Bags for Kids

When you pay more for a kids’ sleeping bag, you’re paying for a lighter bag and a more packable bag. If those two factors don’t matter much to you, but you still want a quality sleeping bag for your kids for camping, these are the cheap sleeping bags we recommend.

Kelty Mistral 30 and Kelty Mistral 20

The Mistral collection of sleeping bags is known for its comfort hood, spacious footbox and cozy CloudLoft insulation with offset quilt construction to prevent pesky cold spots. It is a fantastic deal for a quality bag.

Kelty just released their 20 degree Mistral also (in stock soon), which for an extra $5, I would totally choose over the 30 degree bag just for a little extra warmth.

Kelty Mistral 30

• Temp rating: 30 degrees
• Weight: 2 lbs. 9 ounces
• Length: 5′
• MSRP: $39.95

Kelty Mistral 20

• Temp rating: 20 degrees
• Weight: 2 lbs. 9 ounces
• Length: 5′
• MSRP: $44.95

Teton Sports Celsius Junior

While the Teton Sports Celsius isn’t light by any means, it’s a super warm and comfortable bag. It is perfect for car camping on cold nights.

• Temp rating: 20 degrees
• Weight: 4 lbs. 3 ounces
• Length: 5′ 6″
• MSRP: $69.95 (but you can find for about $45)

Sooooo….which one do I want?

• If you’re backpacking and can afford it, go with the Enlightened Equipment Backcountry Quilts or Feathered Friends bags.
• If your kids roll a lot, go with a Big Agnes Bag sleeping bags for kids.
• If you need more of a summer weight and want the sleeping bag to last longer as they grow, go with the Kelty Callisto 30.
• If your kids prefer being a little less restricted in their bags and you don’t worry about weight, go with the REI Kindercamp or Kelty Callisto.
• Because they’re rated for colder temperates, grow with the child AND have the pad sleeve, we choose the Big Agnes Duster.
• If you need a quality, affordable bag that will keep them warm, go with the Kelty Mistral or Teton Sports Celsius.

Related Posts:

• The Easy Camp Cookbook
• Packing list for car camping + FREE printable
• 13 ways to help kids sleep when camping

Best Sleeping Bags for Kids

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