Really need a kids sleeping bag (boring but pls help!)

[Alarm59]

DD (11) has a camp soon and I still don’t have a sleeping bag, nor have we ever needed one. She’ll be in a pod with 3 others but needs to take a sleeping bag. Any recommendations?

Personally I'd ask around to see if anyone has a sleeping bag she could borrow. Seems little point buying one if it won't be used much. However, if you can't borrow one or want your own for future use too, try Decathlon.

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/kids-sleeping-bag-mh100-10-c/_/R-p-303125

Definitely see if you can borrow one from friends/family.

If you buy one, get an adult one, not a kids one. This time of year she'll need a decent one unless she can take blankets too.

Argos? Supermarket?
But I agree, do you have no one who you might borrow one from??
Is she going to be under canvas? If so she’ll need the thickest you can get, I camped in October once it was the coldest id ever been!

Don't get a kids one. They won't be big enough. Outwell camper luxe is fabulous and not too pricey. Changed my camping and rectangle so no horrid squashed feet

Don’t get a kids one. Not at that age. Agree with pp about decathlon but also try sports direct too. If you’re a bit more flush try fishing and game shops. We got a decent diem one out the fishing shop last year for the 8 year olds cubs camp in aboyne. I’ve used it and it’s probably the best I’ve been in

I agree - she needs an adult bag. My 8yo moved into my old adult one this summer having outgrown her child-sized bag.
As for which type, what kind of sleeper is she? Me and DD1 can't sleep if we feel constricted, and given the space are happiest channelling our inner starfish. The mummy-style are a complete no-go for us. I can manage in a rectangular bag, but the Pod (oval-shaped) are best for me, although I now bring the duvet which is even better! DH on the other hand loves his mummy bag and feeling wrapped up.
Do you get the feeling your DD will get the camping bug? If so buying a half-decent adult bag now is a good investment. If not, borrow one from a friend this time.

Also, given the time of year, it might be worth investing in a liner. They are essentially a bag-shaped sheet and you wonder what real difference they'll make given the flimsiness, but they make a huge difference IME.

Get down to Go Outdoors. At this time of year you'll be a "3 Season" bag at the very least. Go outdoors should have a bit of choice. Unless you live anywhere near Alfreton in Derbyshire, when you should go to Mountain Outfitters, the Rab factory shop.

If you get an adult bag, put an elastic band or hair band around the bottom to shorten it to the right size, it’ll be warmer that way.

How tall is the average 11yo? The Decathlon one I shared is suitable for children up to 155cm. But I guess it would make more sense to get an adult one as it would last longer and could be used by others in the family.

Get a brushed cotton lined one

Check the lowest temperature it's recommended for

Go as expensive as you can afford

Im absolutely all for sharing / not buying if you can borrow; but a bit particular about bedding- unless you get one to borrow in time and give it a good airing and wash...

Decathlon do some fab sleeping bags. My kids have them for our camping holidays. Ds & Dd use theirs for Beaver camps outdoors & in. They have adult ones, suitable for temperatures of 0c lowest. They weren’t expensive.

As a cub scout leader I would suggest snugpack. Depends on your budget of course but the elite 3 for example is light enough for them to use on things like dofe when older while being a really good, warm 3 season bag so will cope with a good range of temperatures. They also do less expensive ones that are still really well rated for temperatures but are a big bigger and heavier.

I would suggest a decent 3 season for longevity. A lot of the time it can be flipping cold in spring and summer at night! I'll be honest I use my snuggly 3/4 season bag most of the year round, just leave it half open on hot summer nights. We've got a couple of much thinner and lighter 1/2 season that occasionally get taken on dofe in summer but they get very little use. My 10 year old went on expedition in Sept and took the elite 3 and carried it no problem, it is only 1.6kg.

Many of the snugpacks have clips to shorted the sleeping bag which helps younger kids stay warm as they don't have a big, empty bit of cold sleeping bag at their feet but also means as they grow they can undo the clips.

Military kit usually has decent prices.

Also remember when looking at temp ratings that the comfort temp is where the average woman will be comfortable, the extreme rating is where the average will be kept alive. So while you don't need to go crazy, don't mistake extreme as being the temp that you can be happy using it at!

And remember what you put underneath mashes a huge difference. A foam roll mat or a good self inflating which has some foam in gives good thermal protection. Just an airbed including the nice lightweight comfy things you can get now won't give any thermal insulation from the ground so even with a good bag it can still feel cold.

This is SUCH good information, thank you!!!!

I would buy rather than borrow one as she's getting to the age of sleepovers. Our DC often had to take a sleeping bag and pillow with them or if they stayed over after a party. 3 season is a good idea.