Best Zip Together Sleeping Bags
When it comes to camping, sleeping bags are an essential tool. A quality sleeping bag will allow you to stay comfortable and get a good night’s rest, even when you’re away from home and a mattress. While many sleeping bags have enough space for only individuals, some are double-sized with enough space for two people.
Zip together sleeping bags are a type of double sleeping bags, with the significant difference being that they can split into two separate bags when needed. This offers plenty of flexibility when planning sleeping arrangements, as well as other benefits.
While it is possible with a little planning and creativity to zip two regular sleeping bags together, having an intentionally designed zip together sleeping bag means that you don’t need to fight the connections or worry about the arrangement of the zippers. The product is ready to go and simple to connect and disconnect as you see fit!
Ready to pick up a zip together sleeping bag for your next trip? My best zip together sleeping bag guide has all the information you need!
Benefits of Having a Zip Together Sleeping Bag
Picking up a zip together sleeping bag has plenty of benefits—especially if you shop smart. Some of these include:
- Enough space to comfortably sleep next to someone else, even while camping
- Zippers on both sides, letting one person get out without disturbing the other
- Splitting the bags allows for versatile sleeping arrangements
- Splitting the bags can help better break packing weight when backpacking
- Zip together bags can have individual hoods or pillow holders, letting each person have their preferred sleeping arrangement
- The intended zip-together design makes combining bags into one simple
While simple double sleeping bags may not be a good fit for colder environments, as they can let out heat, splitting the bags can reduce this issue. Note that you also won’t find the mummy sleeping bag style in zip together bags, so you’re out of luck if you wanted a mummy bag.
What Features Should You Consider When Shopping for a Zip Together Sleeping Bag?
With the flexibility and potential of zipping together sleeping bags, you can significantly improve your camping experience—but only if you make a smart purchase. Here are some factors you should consider when shopping to help you find the best of the best.
Size
Even when shopping for one-person sleeping bags, size is a critical factor. Naturally, you want to ensure that there’s enough space for you and your sleeping partner to fit inside comfortably. You should also consider the size of the sleeping bag when splitting into two single ones, so you can ensure comfort no matter how you use the zip-together feature.
Additionally, you should think about the size when the sleeping bag is not in use—especially if you’re planning on using it while backpacking, where every pound you carry and piece of space in your bag counts. There are both lightweight zip-together backpacks for backpacking and thicker ones for those who just camp available.
Temperature and Seasonal Ratings
With the right equipment, it’s possible to camp at any time of the year. Sleeping bags are even capable of keeping you comfortable during winter nights—if they’re suitable for the conditions you’ll be camping in.
The temperature rating on a sleeping bag will indicate the range temperatures that it can best operate in. This ranking connects to the seasonal factor as well. Often, a four-season rated bag will have a more extensive temperature range to work with, while a one-season bag will mostly be suitable for use in the summer. You should always purchase a sleeping bag concerning when you plan to set up camp.
Fillings
The filling in a sleeping bag is part of what helps provide you with warmth and comfort. When looking over product information, you’ll often find one of two types of filling, each with their advantages and disadvantages:
- Synthetic – Synthetic sleeping bag fillings (that often use polyester) are often more durable. The synthetic material won’t absorb moisture as much, making it a good fit for camping in damp conditions. Polyester-filled bags tend to be more affordable, as well. However, synthetic fillings are often on the heavier side, making them difficult to carry when hiking or backpacking.
- Down – Down fillings are often lighter, making them an excellent pick for those that go backpacking. They also are warmer, and they’re suitable for camping in high altitude conditions. However, they don’t handle damp conditions very well, as the down can absorb moisture. Additionally, some people are allergic to the down.
Tip: Having a buffer between a down sleeping bag and the ground can help when camping in damper environments. See my best camping sleeping pads guide to find the right addition to your gear.
Outer Material
We’ve talked about your sleeping bag’s stuffing, but the outer material is just as important. Without a water-repellent material, your sleeping space can become wet and uncomfortable.
Another aspect you want in a sleeping bag’s outer material is rip resistance. Without this, your sleeping bag can quickly become torn and ruined, making the purchase a waste of money. While the design of a zip together bag means you’ll still be able to make use of half the set, it defeats the purpose of having a combinable sleeping bag in the first place.
Non-rip polyester and nylon are some of the most common sleeping bag external materials because they stay in-tact and repel water.
Possible Features
Sleeping bags come with a variety of potential features, and zip together bags are no exception. Some possible options are:
- Hoods – Hoods on sleeping bags help prevent heat loss from your head, helping you stay more comfortable in cold environments. Double and zip-together sleeping bags with hoods will have two different ones, letting each person decide how they want to sleep.
- Pillow Pockets – With a pillow pocket, you can tuck in a pillow for extra support and comfort while sleeping. Some pillow pockets even allow you to put something inside, such as clothes. This option can be an excellent feature for those who only want to pack the essentials with them.
Features like these can add to your comfort while camping, so keep an eye out for sleeping bags that have them if you’re interested.