Sleeping bags don’t have to be boring, and with Frozen or Paw Patrol, they’ll definitely make bedtime more exciting!
Camping with kids can be difficult to organise and even more difficult to execute. But quality family time makes it definitely worthwhile in the end.
The best way to ensure everything is smooth-sailing is by getting your packing list and camping items in order long before the trip. And we’ve got you covered for both! In terms of a basic packing list for a family camping weekend, you will need the following:
- Sleeping bags
- Tent
- Sleeping mat or blow-up mattress
- Warm clothing
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Cookware, including camping stove, tongs, camping crockery and mugs
- Bin bags (we always follow the rule: leave no trace!)
- First aid kit
- A book to read!
With your camping essentials, it is always important to find the right product that fits your needs. If you’re going hardcore and camping in the middle of a national park after a long hike, down sleeping bags with high warmth rating may be necessary. If you’re heading to a caravan park or camping spot by the beach, your children’s sleeping situation will be a little more chill.
And of course, the best kids sleeping bags are always the ones that feature fun designs or their favourite character. Let’s take a look at our favourite kids sleeping bags, and you can let your child pick out which one they want to take away!
The best kids sleeping bags for camping in 2024
RasmussOn animal sleeping bag, $54, Amazon
This animal sleeping bag provides the perfect mix of cutesy and comfortable for your child. Made of 190T durable and water-resistant polyester, there’s no worry for cold or rain seeping through during the night (especially if you’re sleeping under the stars!). Plus, there are three designs to choose from: a fox, owl or frog, so no sibling sharing is necessary!
Key features:
- Durable and water-proof.
- Manufactured with 190T durable water-resistant polyester.
- Double reinforced seams and strong double zippers.
- Weighing in at less than 2 lbs and manufactured with a compact design.
- Three bright and vibrant animal designs to choose from; frog, owl and fox.
Rioyalo YOLO 45 kids sleeping bag (unicorn rainbow or space dinosaur), $89.71, Amazon
Although YOLO is in the name, this kids sleeping bag does not take any risks when it comes to comfort and warmth. The 300GSM filler in this sleeping bag will create a child-sized heaven for your kid to nestle into after a day of hiking and roasting marshmallows. Better yet, the rainbow unicorn or space dinosaur design means there’s a sleeping bag for every kid’s interest!
Key features:
- 190T rip stop shell top water resistant.
- 190T pongee liner soft and skin friendly.
- 300GSM filler warm and cosy.
- Premium anti pinch double zipper.
- Comes with convenient carrying bag / compression sack with adjustable carry straps.
Frozen kids’ hooded sleeping bag, $49.99, BCF
Although Elsa is the Queen of Snow, your child certainly won’t feel the cold in this sleeping bag. With a water-repellent outer shell and heavy-duty fibre-fill, this sleeping bag will not let any cold in or any warmth out. Keeping cosy and snuggled is easy in this one. Your kid won’t want to get out of the tent in the morning!
Key features:
- Suitable for ages 3+ years.
- 210T Diamond ripstop water-repellent outer shell.
- Heavy-duty 300gsm hollow fibre fill for warmth.
- Easy to carry backpack style stuff sack.
Spiderman kids’ hooded sleeping bag, $49.99, BCF
While Spiderman swings from buildings, your child will be too cuddled up in their sleeping bag to worry about villains. Again, made with a 300GSM fibre-fill, this sleeping bag will keep the chilliest child warm throughout the whole night. Better yet, they can pack away and carry the sleeping bag themselves, with a backpack-style stuff sack.
Key features:
- Suitable for ages 3+ years.
- 210T Diamond ripstop water-repellent outer shell.
- Heavy-duty 300gsm hollow fibre fill for warmth.
- Easy to carry backpack style stuff sack.
Wanderer MiniFlame 0C hooded sleeping bag in blue and orange, $64.99, BCF
This is what you’re getting if you’re taking the whole family on a serious camping holiday. If you enjoy hiking in the rainforest or sleeping in colder climates, this light-weight, yet extremely warm kids sleeping bag is the perfect choice. With 400GSM polyester insulation and a brushed polyester lining, comfort is the top priority, and it sure does show! Weighing in at only 1.4kg, this could fit in a pack easily if hiking to your destination is the plan.
Key features:
- 0C Comfort rating for temperate climates and transitional seasons.
- Performance 400GSM polyester insulation for increased comfort.
- High tech 300T soft touch polyester shell.
- Comfortable soft touch 190T Pongee, brushed polyester lining.
- Premium zips with easy pull tabs and anti-snag zipper protection.
SlumberTrek Bear 2 in 1 instant ready air bed and sleeping bag, $39, Big W
For the child that likes a bit of luxury, this two in one option for a sleeping bag is the ideal choice. With an instant bed that can be blown up in seconds with the included pump, and a cosy outfitted sleeping bag, camping is made as easy as pie. The bear design makes you think of hibernation, which is definitely what your kid will be doing in this comfy, glamping alternative to a sleeping bag.
Key features:
- Integrated 2 in 1 instant bed, perfect for kids sleepovers and camping adventures.
- Blow up air mattress with integrated sleeping bag.
- Pump included.
Available at:
- $39 from Woolworths
- $39 from MyDeal
Coleman Kids Aztec sleeping bag in teal and grey, $54.99, Anaconda
This beautiful teal and grey design might be the selling point for you, but the functional features for this kids sleeping bag will blow you away! The Thermotech insulation and draft tube within the sleeping bag fibre will keep your child extremely warm and comfortable. And our favourite part is the cuff design placed at the top of the sleeping bag, so their little faces will be wrapped up in softness as well.
Key features:
- Roll Control system keeps your bag straight while rolling it up.
- Comfort Cuff design surrounds your face in softness.
- ZipPlow zipper for snag-free opening and closing.
- Thermolock draft tube prevents heat loss through the zipper.
- ThermoTech insulation keeps you warm and comfortable.
Paw Patrol hooded sleeping bag in blue, $69.99, Anaconda
They’ll be dreaming of their favourite TV show when they go to bed, which is the perfect way to end a day of holidaying. Chase, Rubble and Marshall adorn the front of this kids sleeping bag, and while it’ll stay extremely warm and cosy inside, there will be no need to put any fires out! With heavy duty 300GSM, cosiness is at its peak and a strong outer shell will keep out any cold winds.
Key features:
- Comfortable soft touch inner lining.
- Includes carry bag with wide opening for easy pack up.
- Heavy duty 300gsm hollow-fibre fill for warmth.
- Strong 210T diamond ripstop water repellent outer shell resists tearing and ripping.
How do I choose a camping sleeping bag?
Choosing the right camping sleeping bag always comes down to the type of camping you are participating in. If you love going hardcore and camping in adverse weather, rural locations or cold climates, then a heavy duty, extremely warm sleeping bag is definitely needed. For those that love hiking to their sleeping destination, it would be better to invest in a more light-weight option that’s easy to carry. And for your general, run of the mill camping at a caravan park or beach spot, something warm and cosy should work fine!
Here are the top 5 things to consider when choosing a sleeping bag:
1. Temperature: do you need something that can withstand very cold temperatures?
2. Shape: do you prefer a tight fit or something to spread out in? This also applies to hooded vs. non-hooded sleeping bags.
3. Size and fit: making sure you get the right length for your height will mean no curled toes or cramped legs while sleeping.
4. Level of warmth: warmth is the number one priority when sleeping, especially when it’s intermediate camping. Make sure to always check the warmth rating of your sleeping bag.
5. Durability: wear and tear can be the downfall of even the warmest sleeping bag. If you’re hiking or your sleeping bag will be exposed to the elements, make sure your outer shell is durable and strong.
What is the best thing to sleep on when camping?
Ideally, a blow up mattress is the best for comfort and warmth (the ground is very cold!), but that’s not always the most realistic option. For camping that doesn’t have the option for a little bit of luxury, getting an inflatable sleeping mat or hiking mat will keep you off the ground, which means more warmth and less likelihood of dampness getting to your sleeping bag.
Why am I cold in my sleeping bag?
If your sleeping bag boasts of a high temperature and warmth rating, and yet you’re still cold, your sleeping bag may be the wrong size or shape. If your sleeping bag is too big or has too much length for your height, it’s much harder for your body to retain heat, which is how warmth in sleeping bags works. On the other hand, if your bag is too small, the restrictive size can compress the insulation and create cold spots through the sleeping bag fabric.
This is why it is especially important for your child to have a children’s size sleeping bag. An adult size may be too long and wide and cause warmth problems while sleeping. Plus, kids sleeping bags always have better designs, don’t you think?
Looking to save money on kids sleeping bag? Check out our coupon codes for Anaconda and more.
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