Best Camping Sleeping Bag for Kids

Why kids can't use adult sleeping bags

It seems like a reasonable shortcut: put the kid in an adult bag, fold the extra length over. The problem is that sleeping bag insulation works by trapping body heat in the air space around you. An extra 18 inches of empty bag at the foot draws heat away from the child's body and creates a cold pocket they can't warm up. The result is a cold, sleeping-bag-resistant child at 11pm, which is exactly what you're trying to prevent.

A sleeping bag should fit close to the child's body length. Bags with adjustable footboxes can accommodate a range of heights, but the bag should never be significantly longer than the child.

How to read temperature ratings

Sleeping bag temperature ratings are the temperature at which an average adult male won't freeze — not the temperature at which they'll be comfortable. For children, who run colder than adults and are less efficient at self-regulating body temperature, the practical rule is:

Buy a bag rated at least 10°F below the coldest forecast night.

If the forecast low for your camping weekend is 45°F, buy a 35°F bag. If the low could hit 35°F, buy a 25°F bag. The cost difference between a 45°F and a 35°F bag is small; the difference between a warm kid and a cold kid at midnight is enormous.

A child who overheats in a warm bag can unzip and regulate. A child who is cold in an insufficiently rated bag has no good options.

What temperature rating to buy by region and season

• Summer camping below 5,000 ft elevation (Southeast, Midwest, coastal): 40°F to 50°F bag. Lows rarely drop below 55°F in most regions in summer.
• Summer camping above 5,000 ft (Rockies, Sierra Nevada, high desert): 25°F to 35°F bag. Elevation drops temperature significantly — nights at 7,000 ft can hit 35°F in July.
• Spring and fall, most regions: 25°F to 35°F bag. Nights can drop into the 30s even in May and September.
• Shoulder season (April, October): 20°F bag or layer inside a 30°F bag. Cold snaps happen.

Top picks for kids' camping sleeping bags

Best for most families: Coleman Kids Sleeping Bag

The Coleman Kids bag comes in 50°F and 45°F ratings, fits kids up to about 5'2", and comes in several print options that kids actually get excited about. It uses synthetic fill (dries faster than down if it gets wet), has a full zipper for easy on/off, and packs into its own stuff sack. At $30–40, it is the right answer for families trying camping for the first time with elementary-age kids.

Best for: Summer and warm-night camping with kids 4–10. Annual camping rather than heavy use.
Limitation: 45°F rating is the warmest I'd use; buy a warmer bag for any shoulder season use.

Best mid-range: REI Co-op Kindercone 15°F

The Kindercone is the most consistently recommended kids' sleeping bag for families who camp regularly and in varied conditions. It's rated to 15°F, has an adjustable footbox that shortens the bag for smaller kids (grows with the child), and uses synthetic fill that maintains loft when damp. The mummy shape is warmer than rectangular bags but takes some adjustment for kids who like to roll around. At $80–100, it's a long-term buy.

Best for: Families who camp multiple times per year, in spring and fall as well as summer, including any high-elevation camping.

Best for toddlers: Big Agnes Little Red 15°F

Specifically designed for children 2–4 years old. Short length (4'0" max), a zipper that goes around the bottom of the bag (easier for small kids to get in), and a 15°F rating. Synthetic fill. At $70–90, it's the right pick for toddlers who need a bag sized to their actual body before they grow into the Coleman or Kindercone.

Best for: Toddlers age 2–4 who are too small for even the smallest Coleman Kids bag.

Best budget option: Teton Sports LEEF Ultralight

At $45–55, the Teton LEEF offers a 20°F rating in a mummy cut with a hood for cold nights. The fill compresses well, the zipper quality is better than entry Coleman bags, and it's available in smaller sizes that fit kids. Not quite as polished as the REI option but significantly more capable than the Coleman for cold-weather use.

Best for: Families who want a warmer-than-Coleman bag at a lower price point than REI.

How to layer inside a sleeping bag

Even with the right bag, kids sleep warmer with proper layering inside. The camp sleep clothing system:

• Base layer: Long underwear top and bottom (synthetic or wool, not cotton). Cotton absorbs sweat and cools the body — avoid it for sleep layers.
• Mid layer: A lightweight fleece or hoodie. Worn over the base layer on cold nights.
• Socks: Wool or synthetic. Never cotton. Socks keep feet warm through the night even when the bag temperature is marginal.
• Beanie: Significant amount of body heat is lost through an uninsulated head. A simple beanie can make the difference between a comfortable child and a cold one.

A child in base layer + fleece + wool socks + beanie in a 35°F bag will sleep comfortably at temperatures down to 25°F. This is meaningful for shoulder-season camping.

Sleeping pads: the part parents often miss

Cold ground pulls heat from a sleeping bag much faster than cold air. A $15 closed-cell foam pad insulates from cold ground more effectively than a $200 sleeping bag without a pad. Every child needs a sleeping pad under their bag.

For car camping, a lightweight foam pad or self-inflating pad works well for kids. The foam pad in particular is ideal — it can't deflate, kids can roll off it and back on without consequence, and it costs almost nothing. See the family camping gear list for pad recommendations.

Bag care

• Air the bag after every trip. Synthetic fill bags develop odors if packed damp or stored immediately. Hang over a railing or lay out on a clean floor for 24–48 hours before storing.
• Store loosely, not in the stuff sack. Compressing fill long-term degrades its loft. Store in a breathable mesh bag or loose in a closet shelf.
• Wash rarely, gently. Front-loading washer on delicate, low-spin, mild detergent designed for down or synthetic fill. Air dry fully before storing — incomplete drying causes mildew that destroys fill.

Frequently asked

What temperature sleeping bag do kids need for camping?

Rate it at least 10°F below the coldest forecast night. 35°F bag for summer camping, 25°F for spring and fall.

Can kids use adult sleeping bags camping?

No. Adult bags are too long — kids lose body heat in the empty foot space and end up cold. Kids need a bag sized to their height.

What is a good sleeping bag for a child aged 4–8?

Coleman Kids Sleeping Bag ($30–40) for summer. REI Co-op Kindercone 15°F ($80–100) for regular camping in varied conditions.

Should I buy a sleeping bag that a kid can grow into?

Avoid too-long bags — they defeat the insulation. Choose bags with adjustable footboxes instead, which fit the child now and can be opened as they grow.