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What's The Best Sleeping Bag For Your Vacation?

Glacier National Park, Montana, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons & Alaska



Determining the best sleeping bag for your Montana vacation is key to your happiness. While it’s possible to find bargain, discounted sleeping bags, if you purchase a cheap sleeping bag from Wal-mart, you’re guaranteed nights of cold and misery.

Don’t fail to invest in a quality sleeping bag or you risk compromising your entire vacation, as a quality night of sleep is essential to enjoying everything Glacier National Park has to offer.

What constitutes the best sleeping bag for your family vacation depends on what kind of activities you are going to partake in:

  • Planning to camp in the front country everynight? A basic, cold weather sleeping bag will suffice

  • Adventuring in the backcountry? An ultralight sleeping bag or a light weight sleeping bag is the way to go

  • Want the comfort of a warm body next to you? Consider purchasing double sleeping bags

Best Sleeping Bag: Down or Synthetic?

The most important choice you make in purchasing a sleeping bag is its material. You have two options: Down or Synthetic. Each offers advantages and has its downsides.

The benefits of a down sleeping bag are:

Montana weather

Montana weather can be unpredictable--even front country camping requires a sleeping bag with a 32 degree temperature rating


  • Lightweight

  • Compressible, making it a very compact sleeping bag

  • It’s the warmest of sleeping bags





Being compact, lightweight and warm, makes a down sleeping bag an indispensable piece of backpacking equipment

However, if it gets wet, you’re in trouble. The down material absorbs water and it’s difficult for it to dry. While Montana’s weather in areas around Lake McDonald Lodge and Bowman Lake can be similar to rainforest conditions and downpour in the afternoon, Many Glacier Lodge and Two Medicine offer drier climates (and better backpacking trails).

If you’re planning for leisurely front-country camping, a synthetic material bag is the way to go. The benefits of a synthetic sleeping bag are:

  • It's cheaper

  • Your sleeping bag won’t be useless if it gets wet

While synthetically insulated sleeping bags are heavier than down, they’re the less expensive option for front country camping. Also, being less expensive and the ability to stay dry makes synthetic sleeping bags a perfect option for your kid’s sleeping bag.

Best Sleeping Bag For Montana

Montana weather is bi-polar and you need to be prepared for winter conditions in summer. While compact sleeping bags that can endure winter conditions are necessary, you also need a sleeping pad to preserve your body heat. Without a sleeping pad, the ground will just absorb your body heat.

I think the best sleeping bag for any Montana activity is the GoLite Venture 20 Degree Sleeping Bag. It’s a 20 degree down sleeping bag that has a custom, mummy designed shape that provides more wiggle room. And with a full-length zipper, you can connect and snuggle with your loved one.

It’s ideal for front country camping and as a backpacking sleeping bag.

Learn more about the GoLite Venture 20 Degree Sleeping Bag




More Sleeping Bag Information

Store it right: Proper sleeping bag storage is vital to ensuring the longevity of your newly purchased sleeping bag.

Discount Sleeping Bags: Learn tips and secrets for finding a cheap sleeping bag on the internet.

Sleep next to a warm body: If you plan to only car camp, consider purchasing double sleeping bags.

Taking Your Dog: Interested in taking your dog camping? Read my advice on hiking with your dog and find a dog sleeping bag to keep your canine warm.

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