Camping in the summer is great but if you are anything like me you probably enjoy camping in every season, right? You may be kitted out for winter already, but summer is coming, and you are wondering whether you can use your winter sack in the summer?
To answer the question simply, yes you can use a winter sleeping bag in the summer months, however, there are certainly some drawbacks to doing this. Using a winter sleeping bag in the summer is not without its benefits either and you will have much more luck using a winter bag in the summer than a summer bag in the winter. In this article, we will be looking at what makes a summer bag different to a winter sleeping bag and assessing the pros and cons of using a winter sleeping bag during the summer…
What Makes a Winter Sleeping Bag Different to a Summer Sleeping Bag?
The main differences between summer and winter sleeping bags are the weight and insulation of both. Summer sleeping bags tend to be lighter with less insulative filling inside, whereas a winter sleeping bag is much heavier and is filled with a large amount of synthetic insulation or down filling. Winter sleeping bags are designed to keep the camper warm during extremely cold temperatures and summer sleeping bags are designed to simply keep the chill off the air during the milder summer nights.
Of course, there are big differences between summer sleeping bags and winter sleeping bags, but they are also very similar. What makes these bags similar is what makes the winter bag suitable for summer use. The general sleeping bag design features a length long zip down the side or front of the bag and this zip alone means you can keep a comfortable temperature in all but the warmest of climates in your winter sleeping bag. During mild spells inside the tent the zip can be undone, during colder spells the zip can be done up. It really is that simple! That being said, there are certainly some pros to having a summer bag, as you will find out as you read on.
Generally, when you are camping during the mild summer nights you do not need the insulative qualities that a winter sleeping bag brings and you will often be far more comfortable with a lightweight summer bag. This doesn’t mean that you cannot use your winter sleeping bag during the summer months though, you just have to smart about how you use it. If you are using your winter bag during the summer, then you are best off using it like a blanket or laying on top of it in the tent and covering yourself with a lightweight blanket. Leaving the vents and doors open on your tent (as long as you have an insect screen) will also help keep the inside of the tent cooler which will make you feel more comfortable in your winter bag.
What are the Benefits of Using A Winter Sleeping Bag in the Summer?
Although using a winter sleeping bag in the summer can be a pain in some aspects, especially if you are hiking and wild camping with the extra weight of a heavy winter bag, there are some benefits that outweigh this pitfall. The main benefit of using a winter bag in the summer for me is the fact that you will never get cold. Although using a winter bag during the summer can be overkill at times, but as we mentioned earlier as long as you are smart about how you use it you will have no issues staying comfortable throughout the night. You can always zip up your winter sleeping bag to cool down but if you are zipped up in your summer bag and get cold it is difficult to gain more warmth.
You should also realize that if you can use a winter sleeping bag throughout the summer months then you will be able to use it throughout the other seasons as well. This is a big benefit for many reasons. Using one sleeping bag year-round will save you money on buying sleeping bags that will be seen only for one or two seasons, it also means you can spend more money on one bag rather than spreading a little money over multiple sleeping bags – quality over quantity. Having only one sleeping bag for all-season use will also save you heaps of room in your outdoor storage cupboard for those other important outdoor essentials (fishing rods, boots, and binoculars)! Having just one sleeping bag to contend with also makes packing before your camping trip a breeze, this can be a drawback though as if you are camping with friends, you’ll be ready to go way before them!
What are the Drawbacks of Using a Winter Sleeping Bag in the Summer?
The biggest issue that comes up when using a winter sleeping bag during the summer is weight. Winter sleeping bags are considerably heavier than summer sleeping bags so if you do not need the extra insulation, then you are better off cutting the weight and going with a summer bag. This is only true if you are planning on hiking with your camping gear to head out into the wilderness for wild camping. If you are planning a multi-day trek through the mountains where you will be pitching up every night in the middle of nowhere, then the extra space and weight reduction will benefit you massively. If you are only planning on heading out for a non-strenuous hike on some easy trails, then it is unlikely you will notice the extra weight of a winter sleeping bag and not require the space it takes up.
If you are camping a lot during the summer and tend to head out for long hikes in the wilderness then you will likely benefit more from owning a summer bag, than saving money by using a winter one. You should think about the benefits and drawbacks carefully before deciding on whether you need a summer sleeping bag or a winter one because your choice will ultimately depend on your specific circumstances and desires. A weekend camper that doesn’t stray too far from the car will have different needs to someone that leaves their house and hikes 30 miles into the wilderness.
The next thing that can be considered a drawback to some goes hand-in-hand with the weight issue. That issue is the insulation aspect. Winter bags are heavy for a reason and that reason is the sheer amount of filling they contain whether that is the lighter but airy natural down or the denser and heavier synthetic fiber filling. That insulation is obviously there to keep you toasty warm during those cold winter nights, but it can be far too much depending on the location and temperature you are camping in. I Have no problems camping with my winter sack in the summer here in central Sweden however if I were based in southern Spain I think I would have a different opinion! Think about where you are in the world before trying to use your winter sleeping bag year-round or in the blazing heat of the summer sun!
Whether you chose to use only your winter sleeping bag for multiple seasons or have different sleeping bags depending on the seasons and the weather really comes down to your needs. If you are someone that only heads out camping in the summer or goes on long hikes at the same time of year, then a lighter summer bag will suit you better. If you are the casual camper that heads out at all times of the year, lives in a moderate or cooler climate, or has the money for only one bag, then a winter sleeping bag is your best option.
What are You Waiting for? Get Out There!
So, now you know the pros and cons of using a winter sleeping bag in the summer and you should have an idea of whether you need to buy another sleeping bag this year or camp on through with your trusty winter sack. One thing is for sure, you certainly can use your winter sleeping bag in the summer and although it may be an inconvenience depending on your location and the activity choice, you can still get out and enjoy nature! Don’t let your kit stop you from getting outside and certainly don’t let a lack of cash stop you from enjoying nature. Whether you have 100 sleeping bags or just the one, the outdoors is still free for everyone to enjoy!
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