View Full Version : 'Proper' Sleeping Bags for children?
Chitterne
31-08-2009, 18:48
Anyone got a top tip for children's sleeping bags suitable for autumn / winter camping?
Everything I've spotted seems to be glorified sleepover kit.
Grateful for any pointers.
Vaude produces some children sized sleeping bags. It certainly is a decent outdoor brand, but I have no clue how warm these will be...
cameronwillowanne
31-08-2009, 19:12
jack wolfskin
Did look into this for my 4 year old, last year when we took him camping in Norway. Can't remember the brand (which is not very useful!) but came across one main stream company, which made decent kids bags which were extendable with a zip in foot section, making them still suitable as they grow further.
In the end these were too pricey and we just got him a really quite good little kids bag from Decathalon, which he loves, only rated for 5C, but he actually found it too warm...
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/s5-light-junior-67880351/
I'm using a standard adult sleeping bag with my little one at the moment - just using a belt around the bottom, so it doesn't go way over his head and to reduce the volume inside. My logic being it's a full spec bag, rather than a lightweight kiddie version (albeit one of my old cast offs) and as he gets bigger we can just move the belt down, until eventually he doesn't need it or needs a new bag anyway.
I'm using a standard adult sleeping bag with my little one at the moment - just using a belt around the bottom, so it doesn't go way over his head and to reduce the volume inside. My logic being it's a full spec bag, rather than a lightweight kiddie version (albeit one of my old cast offs) and as he gets bigger we can just move the belt down, until eventually he doesn't need it or needs a new bag anyway.
But is it still warm when its really loose and baggy (no pun intended) around him? Suppose it depends on the size of the individual kid, but could be a big air gap to try and heat up?
EarlyRiser
31-08-2009, 20:09
I've taken all my children (ages 3 - 10) camping throughout winter and can vouch for tying off an adult bag to resize to a suitable length.
I've also taken a Children's Vango Nitestar Bag which is Ok and boosted it's performance by putting a fleece liner in it and a cheap (£5) envelope bag around it.
Tom
It seems ok. He won't be doing four season camping just yet though - he's only three! I do think he'll be better off in the decent spec adult bag than a kiddie bag though. We're off to Cornwall camping at the weekend, so can report back.
It seems ok. He won't be doing four season camping just yet though - he's only three! I do think he'll be better off in the decent spec adult bag than a kiddie bag though. We're off to Cornwall camping at the weekend, so can report back.
Sure he'll be fine, have a great time!
What about the little agnes range from Big Agnes? (http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/ProductFinder/Bag/filters/4) I have no personal experience of them but if they are upto the same quality as their bigger siblings then I cant see them being duds!
Hers a mini review (http://www.littleadventureshop.co.uk/blog/?p=12).
HTH
tom
We use an adult bag with a belt/strap round it at the appropriate length. Both use a bivi bag with the mat and bag inside, and it works fine so far..