Shopping for the best alternatives to the sleeping bag may become necessary due to some factors. First off, sleeping bags are becoming more expensive, as if they were not costly enough already. Besides, a sleeping bag may not be warranted (or available) in every outdoor adventure. It usually depends on the situation at hand.
6 Best Alternatives to the Sleeping Bag
There are various alternatives to the sleeping bag, so deciding which to carry to the wild can be tricky sometimes. Here are a few questions I answer to work out the ideal sleeping bag alternatives to carry along:
- What is my budget & price range?
- What is my desired level of comfort?
- How long can the alternative last?
- Is space or weight an issue?
- And most pertinently, what is the needed level of protection from the area’s weather?
Answer these questions correctly, and you’ll figure out the perfect sleeping bag alternative for your activity (ies).
Let’s look at the top 6 alternatives to sleeping bags now.
Emergency Bivvy
Bivvies share similarities with survival blankets but expect some differences that give the former an edge over the latter. Older-styled emergency blankets tore easily, were flimsy & rarely did an excellent job of retaining body heat in cold weather.
Fortunately, you don’t have to face any of these with the bivvy. Bivvies are made of thin material that is unarguably more durable than emergency blankets. A bivvy has a sleeping bag built by having sealed seams at the sides & bottom, with only the top unsealed. As a result of this, wrapping the bivvy around your body for heat retention is very efficient.
Pros
- Affordable;
- Compact & lightweight;
- Wind- & water-resistant;
- Easy to use;
- Body heat retention is efficient.
Cons
- A bivvy is easily punctured by sticks & rocks;
- There is no cushion support;
- Specifically designed & marketed as products only for SHTF scenarios. They should not be used repeatedly.
Hammock
A hammock is made by stringing up two ends of material & then attaching to 2 anchors, typically a couple of tree trunks (when in the wilderness). This material can be many things, whether a solid (closed) one or an open one, meaning that it is similar to a large fishing net. Hammocks can be traditional or insulated in material.
The main advantage of using hammocks is that they keep you off the ground, cold or wet. And by being suspended in the air, there’s a different level of protection from wildlife or creepy crawlers.
Pros
-
- Very lightweight & compact;
- It keeps you elevated;
- Affordable;
- Usable as a tarp to be tied above;
- Requires little brush & debris clearing to be set up.
Cons
- You may find it uncomfortable;
- Two strong points of anchorage are necessary;
- Hammocks are typically poorly insulated & weatherproofed.
Cots
The usual image of a cot is a weird large bed that is folded up and is mostly used in hotels or military-styled guest rooms at least. However, what we mean here is a smaller cot that can be constructed to fit (snugly) the body’s curvature & can be put up closer to the ground.
Pros
- Provides elevation & extra protection;
- Can be comfortable as lying in a standard bed.
Cons
- They tend to be bulky & difficult to move.
- They can also be costly
Air Mattress
Air mattresses are comfortable, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them if you’re a fan of comfort. These mattresses are pumped up with an air pump & can be constructed just about anywhere.
When inflating your mattress, you can use a manual air pump, but the automatic, battery-powered is surely easier & quicker. Higher-level air mattresses come with their built-in air pumps for easier convenience. You can always get a size ideal for only you or large enough to fit three or more.
Pros
- Easy to use (inflate & deflate);
- Can be easily carried when deflated;
- There’s always a product to fulfill your budget;
- Wide range of sizes.
Cons
- An air pump may become a standby accessory to carry about;
- Provides no coverage above the body;
- Debris must first be cleared to avoid punctures in the mattress.
Wool Blanket
Coming along with a wool blanket or two is always an excellent sleeping option outdoors. Thanks to the fact that the wool fiber is a very efficient insulator even when wet. Although we are only talking about a blanket, you can use it in many ways such as, impromptu poncho, pillow, sleeping pad, or tarp covering. Do you now see why having up to 2 can widen the number of uses for the wool blanket?
Pros
- An excellent insulator;
- Quite lightweight;
- It has a lot of purposes;
- Fairly compact.
Cons
- Larger models can be expensive;
- Can be very heavy when wet;
- You may find it itchy or uncomfortable.
Sleeping Pad
A good sleeping pad is becoming a recurring theme among a lot of outdoorsmen, notwithstanding the outdoor arrangements. The reason for this isn’t far-fetched: a sleeping pad can be everything you need in good weather conditions. A good sleeping pad will provide insulation & comfort from cold rocky & uneven grounds.
When shopping for your sleeping pad, do pay attention to its material. Go for a model made with a thick, durable material, as thin, spongy models will tear easily & will perform poorly when it comes to comfort.
Pros
- Affordable;
- Excellent ground insulation;
- Compact & lightweight;
- Easy to install & uninstall;
- Available in a wide range of sizes.
Cons
- There is no above-ground warmth or weatherproofing.
Concluding The Best Alternatives To The Sleeping Bag
You do not have to fork out an expensive sum of money on sleeping bags. Whenever there’s an outdoor adventure, and you wouldn’t like to go with a sleeping bag, provide answers to the questions asked above & make a choice that fits your needs out of the best alternatives to the sleeping bag highlighted above.