Size and Weight
Regardless of the shape, double sleeping bags take up more space than their single-person counterparts, and you may need to consider the size of your tent and sleeping pad when choosing which sleeping bag size to get. Some larger double bags may take up the entire floor size of a two-man tent, or be too big for an air mattress or double sleeping pad. Check the bag's dimensions, and consider buying the sleeping bag and sleeping pad from the same brand to be sure both work together as a unified sleep system.
Double sleeping bags are, obviously, bulkier than their single sleeping bag counterparts. But packing one double sleeping bag can provide weight and space savings versus packing two separate bags (you just have to decide who gets to carry it). Double sleeping bags come with a stuff sack or carrying back, and lightweight and ultralight options do exist for backpacking, but most double sleeping bags will work for car camping since you don't have to hike in your gear.
Materials
Sleeping bags typically come with down and synthetic fill, which provides insulation and keeps you warm while you sleep.
Down sleeping bags tend to be more expensive but they weigh less, provide more warmth, and pack up smaller than synthetic sleeping bags. When shopping for down-filled sleeping bags, you'll notice something called fill power. A down sleeping bag with a higher fill power number will provide more insulation and warmth per gram. Common fill power ratings range from 600 to 900. Down sleeping bags don't do well in damp or wet conditions because the insulation can saturate and clump, losing its loft and ability to provide warmth, though manufacturers are finding ways to make down water-resistant.
Over the past decade, synthetic insulation has made large strides, becoming lighter, warmer, and more packable. Synthetic sleeping bags are still typically heavier than down bags (though it depends on what models you're comparing) but work better in wet or damp weather. Synthetic sleeping bags dry quicker than down bags and are less expensive but take up more space when packed.
The outer shell of a sleeping bag is usually constructed with nylon or polyester ripstop, and often coated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to make it water-resistant. Inside, many brands use a softer polyester taffeta.
Additional Features
Two-person sleeping bags might also come with various additional features to make your next camping trip more comfortable.
One example is draft tubes, which are additional tubes of insulation fitted around the zippers of your sleeping bag to stop cold air from seeping in through the zipper. Some double bags also have hoods designed to keep your heads warm in freezing temperatures, or pillow pockets for keeping a cushion in place, or small stash pockets for essentials like a phone.
How to Care for Your Double Sleeping Bag
How to Wash Your Double Sleeping Bag
Dirt, sweat, and body oil can cause your sleeping bag to become musty and damage the liner. One way to slow this process is to sleep in clean clothes or use a sleeping bag liner. These liners are easy to clean and lengthen the lifespan of your sleeping bag, while also providing additional insulation and warmth.
When it does come time to wash, hand-wash or wash it in a front-loading washing machine that doesn't have an agitator on the delicate setting. Don't use fabric softener. Do use a technical fabric soap like Nikwax's Down Wash Direct for down-filled bags and Nikwax's Tech Wash for synthetic ones.
Air-dry your sleeping bag away from direct sunlight. If you absolutely need to, you can place it in the dryer along with some tennis balls or a towel. Remember not to use the heat setting when you do this, as the heat could shorten the lifespan of your sleeping bag. Don't dry-clean your sleeping bag.
How to Store Your Double Sleeping Bag
Keeping your sleeping bag in its compression sack for long periods could affect its loft and, therefore, its ability to provide insulation. Fluff out your sleeping bag after it has been packed away, and store your double sleeping bag by either hanging it or lightly folding it inside out inside the larger mesh sack that it comes with. This helps to eliminate any smells that could get trapped in the liner and preserve the filling.
How to Repair Rips & Tears
If your bag does get torn during an adventure, the quickest fix is a specialized patch that you can easily apply yourself—our favorite is Tenacious Tape. We know that duct tape is like a dirtbag's badge of honor, but it won't last as long as a patch and will wear away over time, leaving a nasty, gluey residue all over your bag. Zipper failures and other more technical repairs are often covered in warranties, so check with the maker to see if you can get a fix for free.
