When you have to travel, year round, regardless of weather, you are going to inevitable end up stuck in the middle of subzero temperatures. When this happens, the temperature inside your sleeper can drop quite substantially. Even if it doesn’t become dangerous, it make sleeping fitful and chilly.
Packing a simple sleeping bag in your gear is an easy way to bolster your covers on those cold nights. They also allow you to camp outside when you are back in warmer weather, should you like. Here are seven sleeping bags to keep you warm in the cold when traveling cross country.
What Type of Sleeping Bag Do I Need in Winter?
The type of sleeping bag needed for winter is ideally best for below 0 degrees F. Keep in mind that the temperature rating of a sleeping bag doesn’t mean you’ll be toasty at that temperature. You just won’t be in danger of freezing.
There are three main factors when choosing a sleeping bag in winter:
- The shape. Do you prefer a rectangular sleeping bag, or a mummy style that sinches around your face?
- The type of filling. Down is light and packs tight, but is useless once it gets wet. Synthetic fillings are heavier, but retain their insulation even when wet.
- How often you’ll use it. If you’ll use it once in a blue moon, choose a simple cloth sleeping bag since they won’t degrade if compressed for too long.
Keep those in mind as we discuss our picks for sleeping bags.
Teton Sports 101R Celsius XXL -18C/OF Sleeping Bag
Coming in at a very spacious 90” x 39”, the 101R is a great choice for truckers on a budget. Made of “SuperLoft” Elite fill and Poly-Taffeta outer fabric, this sleeping bag will hold its insulative properties even when wet and is large enough not to restrict you too much.
It can usually be found for less than $100, and it is a three season bag.
Marmot Never Summer Long Down Sleeping Bag
Made from 650 Fill Power Down and Down Defender and 20D 100% Nylon plain weave, this bag means business.
A true winter bag, the aptly Never Summer is good for temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Marmot is a big name in the backpacking world, so you can rest easy knowing that it’s a quality bag from a quality company.
This bag can usually be found between $300 and $400, and is a 4 season bag. Just keep in mind that it is down, so don’t let it get drenched outside.
Kamp-Rite 0-Degree Sleeping Bag
This bag is a more traditional type, with a flat sandwich quilted design. Since we’re not looking at serious camping gear, we have a lot greater flexibility and can choose bulkier designs like this.
While it won’t pack down well, it will certainly keep you warm. Choose this one if you don’t like the feel of sleeping bag material and want something more blanket-like instead!
It can usually be found for $100 to $150 and offers a surprising 0 degree rating.
ALPS OutdoorZ Redwood -10 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag
Alps has an interesting take in this flannel sleeping bag. Oversized and made of a cotton canvas outside, it has 100% cotton flannel inside which acts as a very good insulator—and is super soft to the touch, too. It is rectangular with dimensions of 38 inches wide by 80 inches long.
You can usually find this bag for between $150 and $200, and has an impressive -10 degree rating.
Coleman Brazos Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
Made of polyester with a FiberLock construction, this Coleman bag is 75 inches by 33 inches. It has a roll control and comfort cuff. In addition, it has stain-resistant cloth with a super soft feel. It weighs only 4 pounds but has plenty of insulation.
You can find it anywhere from $25 to $75 depending on who is selling. Since it only has a 20 degree rating, consider this a three season bag only.
Coleman Tandem 3-in-1 45 Big and Tall Double Adult Sleeping Bag
Coleman’s Tandem bag was built for two. For those truckers that are couples, this bag is a good option. It is 81 inches long by 66 inches wide. Made of a polyester outer and is double-wide, it weighs only 9.5 pounds. You can also unzip the doublewide into two single sleeping bags!
You can find this one around $50 to $100, but it is only rated to 45. This may still be plenty since you will be using it already inside your primary shelter (your cab).
Marmot Sawtooth 15F Degree Down Sleeping Bag
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079MGTPV8?tag=big-rig-pros-20
Price: $250 – $290
With a heater pocket in the foot box and internal stash pocket, Marmot’s Sawtooth will keep you warm and dry. Mummy shaped and water resistant, it has 650 Fill Power Down and 20d 100% Nylon Plain Weave. It weighs 2.11 pounds
You can often find this bag at a higher price, between $200 and $250, but Marmot is a time tested company. It is rated to 15 degrees.
Best Sleeping Bags for Truckers
Once you know what style and temperature rating you need, choosing the right bag is as simple as finding one that fits your taste and budget.
While you may not need it all that often, having an emergency sleeping bag rated to freezing temps could save you not only from being chilly—it could one day save your life.