This summer, I hit a new stage of life. I will be the parent wiping away a tear or two as I say goodbye to an independent little boy who is ready for a week away at sleepover camp. As I prepare to cut the metaphorical umbilical cord that much more, I’m realizing that I need to invest in a few things to help my camper have a great week away. One of those things is a sleeping bag.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag
Sleepover camp is different than a hardcore family camping trip in which expensive gear is needed to keep everyone warm in their tent. Depending on the facilities at your child’s camp, they may be in a cabin that may even have heat if the weather gets especially chilly. Spending loads of money on a sleeping bag worthy of winter camping in the backwoods is unnecessary (and unwise).
During my university years, I spent a summer working as a camp counsellor. I know first-hand that anything that gets sent to camp runs the risk of being damaged in a number of ways (from bedwetting to fort-making to some other form of fun). Yes, a sleeping bag that will keep your child warm and comfy is important, but equally important is sending a sleeping bag that can run the risk of getting wrecked.
I searched a number of stores (MEC, Amazon.ca, Canadian Tire, Target) and read a bunch of online reviews to find a sleeping bag that had the right mix of comfort and affordability.
The Best Sleeping Bag for Summer Camp
I found the best selection of sleeping bags (along with the winning sleeping bag) at Canadian Tire. I chose to purchase the Escort Sleeping Bag (4 lbs). It cost $29.99 (plus tax) and has a temperature rating of -3. I opted to go with an adult-size sleeping bag, instead of a child-size one, so I could get more years of use out of the product (provided it survives a week at camp). The Canadian Tire website listed only positive reviews for this product and, since buying it for my family, I have been equally impressed by the quality of the manufacturing, the comfort, and the washability. The only thing I don’t like is that a tremendous amount of effort is required to get this sleeping bag back into its stuff sack (we’ll be tossing the stuff sack and using a garbage bag to store it instead).
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I’m confident this sleeping bag can handle a week of camp. But, if it doesn’t, at least it comes with a one-year warranty!
Tell us: Do you have a sleeping bag brand recommendation for sleepover parties and summer camp?
Disclosure: This review is unsponsored.
The post Is Your Child Going to Sleepover Camp? Choose the Right Sleeping Bag. appeared first on My Real Review.
