The BEST Sleeping Bag Alternatives for Your Family

Sleeping bags are a camping staple. They come in a variety of weights and sizes and are custom to temperature. Not everyone is a fan of a traditional sleeping bag, however, and this is where alternatives to sleeping bags come in handy. 

Sometimes a sleeping bag is just too much blanket. Here I’ll explain some reasons to skip sleeping bags and a few of our favorite sleeping bag alternatives. 

Sleeping Bag Alternatives

If you’re new to camping, you might not want to rush out and buy a whole bunch of gear right away. Good camping gear is expensive and you might have what you need already at your house!

Sleeping bags are insulated zippable quilts (in theory). They’re practical for camping and backpacking trips because they’re:

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Easy to pack and unpack

I worry less about these things when I’m driving to a campsite. Carrying blankets to the tent is less daunting when you’re car camping. 

Our family has tried many different sleeping bag alternatives. Below are some of the solutions we commonly use. 

Quilts

Quilts have three layers, two exterior fabric layers and an internal layer of cotton batting. They make great outdoor blankets because they provide even insulation distribution.

Here are some camping quilts to try on your next camp trip. 

Rumpl Quilt

Rumpl makes amazing camping quilts for those looking for an ultralight sleeping bag alternative.

We’ve had one for years and it’s gone with to many camping trips, Ragnar races, fireworks, and cabin stays.

We always stay warm snuggled under the Rumpl blanket. They have 3 sizes: kids, single and double and you can choose from synthetic or down insulation.

Pros: Lightweight at 2.1 lbs (1kg), The Cape Clip® allows you to wear your blanket hands-free.

Cons: Expensive, but worth it.

Material: Polyester fabric, synthetic or down insulation.

Size: 52” x 75” (132cm x 190.5cm)

Available Colors: Anything from basic black to National Park themes.

Stuff Sack Included: Yes

Kammok Mountain Blanket

This quilted camp blanket is one of my favorites. It includes a durable nylon shell and polyester fleece liner, each with loops and snaps. Our family likes to connect the blankets when we’re sharing.

The Kammok quilt has a convenient pocket to hold your mobile phone, headlamp, or anything else you might need. It’s also waterproof, which is excellent on rainy camp nights. Try it in poncho mode while making smores; you won’t be disappointed. 

Pros: 11.5″ x 7.5″ pocket. Durable and waterproof material. Loop and snap system for blanket expansion. 

Cons: Some reviewers found washing instructions a little vague. 

Material: Nylon and polyester fleece

Size: 50” x 84” (127cm x 213.3cm)

Available Colors: Granite gray and ember orange

Stuff Sack Included: Yes

Get Out Gear Puffy Blanket

This camping quilt is less expensive than other down quilts on the list. It’s great for air mattress campers or cabin enthusiasts. The Get Out Gear Camping Quilt comes in both down and synthetic, which is a great option for anyone with down allergies.

I like that it has a water repellant coating, and this blanket is perfect for cold nights.

Pros: Extra comfy and down or synthetic. It works at home as a quilt for your bed.

Cons: Water Repellant Coating makes it less breathable.

Material: 20D ripstop nylon shell and either down or synthetic fill.

Size: 77″ x 50″ (195cm x 127cm)

Available Colors: Gray, Olive, Teal, Black, Orange, Blue

Stuff Sack Included: Yes

Blankets

Blankets have a single layer of fabric, and warmth depends on the material used. I like camping blankets for hot nights or outdoor activities, and they’re great for draping around your shoulders at a campfire. 

Sleeping with just a blanket is perfect for when you’re camping in hot weather.

These are some of my top camping blanket options.

Pendleton Camp Blanket

The Pendleton Camp Blanket is on the luxury end of camp blankets, but oh so warm! I love how rough and tumble this blanket is. It was initially designed for life in the wild Pacific Northwest, and it has a mix of 86% pure virgin wool and 14% cotton. 

This sleeping bag replacement comes in twin and queen sizes. My family enjoys how soft it is. Many wool blankets are itchy, but this one is comfy. It’s also American-made, which is a nice bonus. 

Pros: American-made. Twin and queen sizes. All natural materials. 

Cons: Expensive. Dry clean only. 

Material: 86% Pure virgin wool and 14% cotton

Twin: 66″ x 84″ (167cm x 213cm) Queen: 90″ x 90″ (228cm x 228cm)

Available Colors: Lake, Mineral Umber, Green Heather

Stuff Sack Included: No

Inca Fuzzy Ecuadorian Blanket

The Inca Fuzzy Ecuadorian Blankets may not be natural wool, but they’re machine washable. They’re flame and sun resistant and come in two sizes—medium and extra large. 

My favorite thing about this blanket is the social responsibility it instills. Artisanal weavers weave these camp blankets by Quichua communities in Ecuador. They’re also versatile and cozy, and the smaller size blanket makes a great decorative throw at home. 

Pros: Socially responsible. Machine washable. Two sizes. 

Cons: The blanket sheds before the first wash and dry. 

Material: Modacrylic fibers which resemble wool

Size: 48” x 72” (121.92cm x 182.8cm) and 72” x 84” (182.8cm x 213.3cm)

Available Colors: Blue, bright red, dark brown, gray-blue, gray-brown, grayscale, light gray, red, and teal

Stuff Sack Included: No

Comforters

Comforters, like quilts, include two outer layers of fabric with an insulating center, and comforters aren’t quilted. Comforters are less fluffy than duvets and often use cotton batting rather than down for insulation. 

I like comforters because, as the name implies, they’re just so darn comfy! These are great for families with young children who might feel homesick at camp.

It’s nice to just pop up the tent, grab your comforter and snuggle in! Some of my favorite comforter camp options are listed below. 

White River Home King of Bucks Comforter Set

People who love the outdoors know white bedding is not an excellent camp option. This microfiber comforter set is perfect for tenting. Shades of brown hide stains and marks quickly, and the buck portrait adds a touch of fun. 

I like this set because it comes in four sizes; twin, full, queen, and king. It also includes matching pillow shams. We’re not glampers, but sometimes it’s fun to accessorize the tent. Some matching bedding, a set of twinkle lights, and voila!

Pros: Four sizes to choose from. Soft microfiber shell. Colors camouflage stains. 

Cons: No carry bag. Not as warm as wool blankets might be. 

Material: Polyester microfiber

Size: 86″ x 68″ (218.4 x 172.72cm), 86″ x 80″ (218.4cm x 203.2cm), 92″ x 90″ (233.6cm x 228.6cm), and 92″ x 104″ (228.6cm x 264.1cm)

Available Colors: King of bucks

Stuff Sack Included: No

Camper Queen Bedding Set

This comforter set is so cute. It’s not as easy to hide camp dirt in shades of blue, but I love this print. This set is an excellent option if you’re heading to a cabin or sleeping in a camper, and it’s decorative and functional. 

My family usually chooses practical over ornamental bedding, but this comfort is a bit of both. It includes the comforter and matching pillowcases and comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. 

Pros: Super cute and on theme with camping. Machine washable. Comes in a variety of prints.

Cons: Some reviewers found the material to be less durable than other bedding. 

Material: Polyester microfiber

Size: 90″ x 68″ (228.6cm x 172.72cm), 90″ x 79″ (228.6 x 200.66), 90″ x 90″ (228.6cm x 228.6cm), and 90″ x 104″ (228.6cm x 264.1cm)

Available Colors: 42 prints to choose from

Stuff Sack Included: No

Sleeping Bag Liners

A sleeping bag liner acts as an added level of insulation in your sleeping bag. They also work as standalone bedding for a sleeping bag alternative. I like them because they’re thin and easy to wash. Liners can add around 5°F to your sleeping bag. On their own, they keep you cool but cozy. 

Sleeping bag liners are sometimes called travel sheets and are lightweight and convenient. Here are some of my top picks. 

Ultra Lightweight Single/ Double Sleep Sack

This sleeping bag liner is extra large. The soft material is lightweight but heavy enough to feel covered at night. This is an excellent option for summer camping. It’s easy to set up and pack away, and it has a pillow pocket.

I like that you can choose cotton or premium polyester for your material. This is ideal if you have sensitive skin or prefer natural fibers. 

Pros: Choice of cotton or polyester. Breathable and lightweight. Comes in zipper and non-zipper designs. 

Cons: Some reviewers had trouble ordering the zipper version of the bag. Be sure to double-check your choice at checkout. 

Material: Cotton or polyester

Size: 86.5″ x 31.5″ (219.7cm x 80cm)

Available Colors: Gray, cotton, and navy blue

Stuff Sack Included: Yes

The Friendly Swede Sleeping Bag Liner

This liner comes in the zipper, non-zipper, and velcro options. It adds up to 10°F to your sleeping bag and comes in polyester or microfiber materials. I’m a fan of the microfiber bag, which feels soft and cottony against the skin. 

This sleeping bag liner is a good choice if you camp year-round. You can use it on its own as a lightweight summer sleep option or as a liner in the cooler months. 

Pros: Choice of microfiber or polyester. Comes in zipper and velcro designs. Machine washable. 

Cons: The polyester liner isn’t an excellent choice for summer camping, and it sticks to the skin in the heat. 

Material: Microfiber or polyester

Size: 86″ x 41″ (218.44cm x 104.14cm)

Available Colors: Gray

Stuff Sack Included: Yes

Wearable Sleeping Bags

Wearable sleeping bags are a game changer. This might be a good choice if you get cold at night, even in warm weather. I’ve seen some campers use wearable sleeping bags inside their standard sleeping bags, and it’s all about what makes you comfortable. 

My family loves wearable sleeping bags. They’re perfect for cold camping and make it easy to get ready for bed. You won’t wake up with the sleeping bag tangled around your feet when you’re wearing it.

All you need is a pillow and sleeping pad. Here are some recommendations for wearable sleeping bags.

Morrison Outdoors Wearable Sleeping Bags

The best thing about the Morrison Outdoors sleeping bags is that your kids can wear them for more than just sleeping. If you’re going for a hike and it’s chilly out, they can wear their Little Mo in the Osprey Poco backpack!

Pros: Machine washable. Comes in 2 sizes and 2 warmth levels so you can customize to you and your child’s needs. Covered hands. 

Cons: None that I know of.

Material: Rip-stop Nylon, Duck Down

Size: 6-24 months, 2-4 years

Related Articles:
Sleeping Bags for Kids

Selk’bag Lite Wearable Sleeping Bag

This polyester sleeping bag comes in four sizes and includes removable boots. Hand enclosures fold over fingers when things get too cold, and a kangaroo-style pocket keeps small items safe.

I like that this product has a zipper closure and can be tossed in the washing machine when dirty. My family plays hard when we camp and dry clean; bedding isn’t convenient for us. 

Pros: Machine washable. Comes in a variety of colors and four sizes. Extra features like pockets and removable boots. 

Cons: Some people find this product restrictive when bending or sitting. Size up to avoid discomfort. 

Material: Polyester

Size: Small, medium, large, and extra-large

Available Colors: Violet cockatoo, teal sunlight, rainforest, gray fiery, foggy blue, blue evening, and black terracotta. 

Stuff Sack Included: Yes

Gaorui Mummy Sleeping Bag

It says it’s a mummy sleeping bag, but this wearable bedding is more of a suit than a bag. Like the Selk’bag, Gaorui shapes this blanket around your body with zipper enclosures, and openings at the hands and feet allow you to keep them inside or outside the sleeping bag. 

I like this style of sleeping bag because there’s no chance of kicking off the covers at night, and it’s cozy and weatherproof. 

Pros: Easy to put on and take off. Head, foot, and hand enclosures are open for convenience. 

Cons: Boots are not fully removable. Runs small in the torso. 

Material: Cotton and polyester

Size: Medium, large, and extra-large

Available Colors: White, camouflage, brown, and blue

Stuff Sack Included: Yes

Why Not Use a Sleeping Bag?

Sleeping bags are convenient in some ways and a pain in the butt in others. There have been many occasions where my family has chosen a cozy blanket or quilt instead, and here are some of the most common reasons to choose a sleeping bag alternative. 

Price

Sleeping bags are for camping and outdoor activities, and any good-quality niche product costs a little more than a general one. (There are ways to get a good deal on camping gear if that’s what you’re set on)

The more unique features and customizations you make in your sleeping bag, the more you spend. Camp blankets and comforters don’t usually include the bells and whistles of specialty camp gear. 

Too Restricting

My most significant deterrent from sleeping bags is how restricting they are. I’m not tossing and turning all night, but I like to stretch out. Some sleeping bags are restrictive. Camp quilts can be folded in half to create a sleeping bag feel without the boundary of zippers. 

If you like to stretch out when you sleep, look for the camp blankets with optional fasteners. Some blankets turn into sleeping bags, offering the best of both worlds. 

Too Warm

Sleeping bags come with seasonal guides and temperature limits. You can find temperature limitations for your sleeping bag on the packaging or label. In general, use this chart for guidance:

• Hot weather (summer): 32°F and up
• Cold weather (winter): 20°F and under
• Three season: 20°F to 32°F

Even hot weather camping includes some cold nights. A fully zipped sleeping bag is too hot on a hot summer evening, and this is where lightweight sleeping bag alternatives are best. 

Too Bulky to Pack

Sleeping bags are bulky. Even when I roll my sleeping bag tightly, it’s a lot to carry with other camp luggage. Lightweight camp blankets are thin and can be vacuum sealed for easy transport. 

Note:

If you’re planning on washing a water-resistant blanket in the washing machine, be sure to know how to re-waterproof it if needed. It may be best to spot-clean like you would clean a tent.

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Compared to sleeping bags, comforters and quilts are also quite bulky. Stick to thin blankets and sleeping bag liners to minimize your load.

If you’re not sure if you’ll like switching to a sleeping bag alternative, try it out in the backyard first!

Whichever sleeping bag alternative you choose, sweet dreams and stay cozy!

Happy Camping!