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Sleeping Bags That Zip Together
It's handy to have sleeping bags that zip together. They are the basis for a versatile camping sleep system!
Having bags that can be attached allows you to meet the changing needs of your family without constantly buying new sleeping bags.
Most sleeping bags can be zipped together.
As long as they have zippers that match, most sleeping bags will zip together.
Check the sleeping bag zippers before trying to attach your bags. Are they the same type, size and length? Great! You have sleeping bags that zip together!
Rectangular sleeping bags
These are the simplest to zip together.
Here's all there is to it:
- Open up the bags.
- Place one on top of the other.
- Match up the ends.
- Zip them up. (more on this below)
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If you are looking for bags that will easily zip together, consider buying two of these. This bag opens flat and can also be used as a blanket. It is rated for use above 55 degrees F (but see these guidelines about sleeping bag temperature ratings before making your purchase.)  |
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Looking for something a bit warmer? This bag is rated for use above 30 degrees F. Two of these would zip together easily. It's perfect for car camping (but too bulky for backpacking.) Unzip it and you have a cozy comforter! |
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Need even more warmth? Here's the bag for you! It's rated for temperatures above 20 degrees F. This bag has a handy pocket for storing your keys, and comes with a stuff sack. |
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Barrel bags
These can be zipped together too, if their zippers work together, and if the bags are the same size.
The tapered ends don't interfere with the doubling.
Click here to learn about barrel sleeping bags.
Mummy bags
Mummy bags can be zipped together - as long as one is a "right zip" bag and the other is a "left zip" bag. (Otherwise, one of the hoods will be facing upwards and one will be facing the ground!)
Click here to learn more about mummy sleeping bags.
This arrangement won't be particularly comfortable. The foot boxes will be separate, making cuddling decidedly awkward.
But it can be done!
Two different types of bags
I know - because I tried it - that you can even zip together a mummy bag with a barrel bag. I don't know why you'd want to, though! It makes for a very uncomfortable arrangement.
Advantages of sleeping bags that zip together
Versatility
Some families buy a double sleeping bag - but a double sleeping bag won't work when you need just a single bag.
For different combinations of campers
With sleeping bags that zip together, you have two single bags when you need them, and a double bag when you want it.
For different weather
Try zipping together a warm bag and a cooler weather bag.
On a cool evening, put the warmer bag on top (with a good sleeping pad beneath you, of course.)
On a warm evening, put the cooler bag on top. Voilà! A multi-purpose sleep system!
On a cold night, separate the bags and let each person cuddle inside his or her own bag. They'll be warmer than if they were in a double bag.
For different ages
If you are accustomed to the family bed, having two sleeping bags
that zip together allows parents and a child to sleep together. This works especially well when you have a toddler. It's cozy (or should I say it's cramped), but it can work. Click here for more ideas about sleeping in a tent with toddlers.
Even if your little ones have their own sleeping bags, they may sometimes need the comfort of sleeping with their parents - when they are sick, for example, or frightened or overexcited. Having the option to make a big family sleeping bag might be just what you need.
When they kids get bigger, you and your partner can decide whether to zip your bags together, or each use a single bag.
Disadvantages
Difficulty
It can be challenging to get the bags zipped together! If you know that you are going to do this regularly, you might want to consider getting a double sleeping bag instead.
(Of course, if you are going to do this regularly, you'll get good at it and it won't be challenging anymore!)
How to zip two sleeping bags together
The hardest part of zipping two bags together is getting started. Here is a photo of two bags, ready to be zipped together.
Before you begin, take a good look at each sleeping bag zipper, and see how they line up.
Once you've figured out that part, the rest is easy!
Tips
Don't wait until bedtime to zip the bags together!
Set up the tent and make your beds early in the day, when you have lots of patience and energy.
Don't wait until dark to zip the bags together.
You don't want to be struggling with this when you are cold and sleepy - or worse yet, when your children are cold and sleepy! (I speak from experience!)
In cold weather, don't zip sleeping bags together.
If you are camping when it's cold, keep each person in one single bag.
Zipping two bags together (or using a double sleeping bag) leaves a large opening at the top of the bag. Cold air will rush in through the opening.
One person in a single bag will stay much warmer than two people in a double bag.
You can try stuffing clothing in the
opening, but you'll be cold anyway. Click here to read more about cold
weather sleeping bags and click here to learn how to stay warm in a sleeping bag.
Using a sleeping bag extender
When our children were small, we bought a sleeping bag extender. It's a piece of fabric with a zipper on each side.
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Each of the zippers attaches to a sleeping bag, and the two sleeping bags zip together.
When it's all put together, you have a huge envelope - big enough for two adults and one child - or even two adults and two very small children.
Unfortunately, sleeping bag extenders seem to have disappeared from the market. If you ever see one of these at a garage sale or a thrift store, scoop it up! It's a really handy thing to have.
The bottom line
Your camping sleeping system will change as your family grows and changes. Sleeping bags that zip together help you to adapt to those changing needs.
Visit The Camping Family home page for lots of great camping ideas.
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