Sleeping Bags--Which season rating is for me?

Four-Season? 3-Season? Summer? What do these ratings mean for me and my family?

Basically, the 4-season bag means just that...it should be good for all 4 seasons, which could happen in one day in some places! But a 4-season bag will be too hot for most folks in the summer time, unless it really cools off in the evening. On top of that, you can save some bucks by purchasing a 3-season or summer bag.

Your 3-season bag will serve you well if you plan to camp in all but the coldest areas or seasons. The 3-season bag, all purpose bag will take a fair amount of cold, but will still remain comfortable in warmer weather. 3-seasons refers to spring, summer and fall and can usually handle temperatures down to between 10 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so if a cool storm blows in, all is well. As a woman, I often bring an extra blanket to throw on top, just in case. On the other hand, if things heat up too warmly at night, sleep on top of the bag with perhaps a sheet covering.

Summer bags tend to be very light weight and the least expensive. The children tend to have these for sleepovers, but we don't take them camping unless we know we're camping in the warmest regions with warm evenings and nights.

How reliable are the ratings on sleeping bags? Some manufacturers are more careful than others. In general, count on a 10 degree fudge factor. My experience as been that the higher-end (pricier) manufacturers are also more careful with their ratings, and therefore more reliable. The shape, cut, length, and fill will make a huge difference, as well as tent vs cabin vs sleeping under the stars.