Both have their place in the outdoors, and the right choice often depends on how and where you choose to camp.

In this guide we will break down the key difference between the two and help you purchase the perfect sleeping bag for your next trip.

 

What is a Synthetic Sleeping Bag?

Synthetic sleeping bags are made of man-made fibres. Usually polyester, they are made from an insulating fibre. Synthetic fibres are designed to trap the warm air in and retain your body heat making it an ideal choice for sleeping bags. 

Pros of Synthetic Fibres:

  • Lightweight and portable - generally lighter to carry and ideal for backpacking and wild camping were size and weight matters.
  • Cost-effective - Often the affordable options and ideal for family and festival camping.
  • Quick-drying - Synthetic sleeping bags are great in wet camping conditions. They will retain heat and dry quickly if exposed to moisture.
  • Durable - Designed to withstand harsh conditions and a reliable option for camping.
  • Easy care - Machine washable options making them easy to care for.

Cons of Synthetic Fibres:

  • Reduced life span - over time, the synthetic fibres will break down and lose their fullness.
  • Budget option - Synthetic bags can sometimes feel like a less luxurious option and not as cosy as its down counterpart.

 

Recommended Synthetic Sleeping Bags

 

What is a Down Sleeping Bag?

Down insulation is typically sourced from geese and down refers to the plumage found underneath the exterior of the duck or geese feathers. They work by creating clusters of this plumage and features trapping hot air making excellent insulation. 

The quality of down is measured by its fill power, which indicates how well it holds and insulates. Generally, brands will not share how much down is included per product but it can be displayed as a percentage when shopping for down sleeping bags.

 

Pros of a Down Sleeping Bags:

  • Warmth - Down sleeping bags offer a fantastic warmth to weight ratio.
  • High-quality - Down insulation compresses down to a tiny size and still keeps the same quality and shape.
  • Comfortable - Soft and comfortable for outdoor sleeping.
  • Energy efficient - the small clusters of plumage trap air, keeping you warmer.

Cons of Down Sleeping Bags:

  • Slow-drying - When wet, Down sleeping bags take a while to dry.
  • Price point - Generally more expensive than synthetic.
  • Care - Cannot simply put in the washing machine after a trip, down sleeping bags require more after care.

Recommended Down Sleeping Bag - Sea to Summit Trek Down Sleeping Bag

 

A Final Note from us

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to sleeping bags. Down bags are perfect if you want lightweight, compressible warmth for cold nights, while synthetic bags offer reliability, durability, and performance in damp or unpredictable conditions.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to check out the range of options in our camping superstore along with backpacking tent, cooking and sleep essentials.