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Camping Gear Deep Dive #2: Sleeping Bags & Pads for Kids

Find the best sleeping bags and pads for kids. Compare buy, rent, and DIY options for every age group — from toddlers to teens.

Camping Gear, Sleeping Bags for Kids


🛏️ 1. Why Sleep Setup Matters So Much When Camping With Kids

Sleep can make or break your camping trip — especially when kids are involved.


A cold, uncomfortable night can lead to cranky mornings and early trips home. But the right sleep gear? It can help the whole family enjoy the outdoors longer, better, and cozier.


So, should you buy, rent, or even try a DIY sleep setup for your child? Let's break it down by age and situation.


👶 2. Toddlers (Ages 1–3): Warmth + Familiarity = Success

Key Needs:

  • Safety (no loose materials)

  • Extra warmth (they can’t regulate body temp well)

  • Familiar sleep cues

🛒 Buy:

  • Toddler sleeping bags with sleeves (like Morrison Outdoors' Little Mo 20°)

  • Foam or self-inflating toddler mats

  • Fleece sleep sacks or wearable blankets

🧰 DIY:

  • Layer a foam pad inside a Pack ‘n Play

  • Use familiar blankets from home — under supervision

  • Sleep in a zip-up toddler onesie + sleep sack combo

🔄 Rent:

  • Few rental services offer toddler-specific gear

  • Some family gear rental services (like BabyQuip) may include Pack ‘n Plays or toddler beds


Verdict: For toddlers, buying or DIYing is your best bet. Prioritize safety and familiarity over fancy features.


👧 3. Preschool to Early Elementary (Ages 4–7): First “Big Kid” Camp Sleep

Key Needs:

  • Cozy and fun (think bright colors or favorite characters)

  • Temperature-rated bags

  • Supportive but portable sleeping pads

🛒 Buy:

  • Kids' sleeping bags with 30–50°F rating
    (e.g., Kelty Kids Big Dipper, REI Kindercone)

  • Closed-cell foam pad or small air mattress

🧰 DIY:

  • Roll-up foam mats from home + sleeping bag

  • Inflatable toddler pools lined with blankets (yes, really — it keeps them contained!)

🔄 Rent:

  • Some outfitters like OutdoorsGeek rent child-size bags and pads

  • Regional camping gear libraries (often near national parks) sometimes offer kids’ sleep kits


Verdict: Renting is possible but limited. If you plan more than 2 trips, buying becomes more cost-effective and confidence-boosting.


👦 4. Tweens to Teens (Ages 8–15): Almost Adult-Sized, Still Needs Matter

Key Needs:

  • Room to grow

  • Good insulation (teens tend to sleep cold)

  • Comfort over cuteness

🛒 Buy:

  • Adult-size bags (rated for at least 30°F)
    Budget Tip: Look for “short” length adult bags for tweens

  • Self-inflating or insulated pads (e.g., Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout or Nemo Switchback)

🧰 DIY:

  • Sleeping bag + yoga mat combo

  • Use old comforters inside a zippered duvet cover

  • Roll up extra blankets for pad support

🔄 Rent:

  • Outdoor gear rental services (like REI or Arrive) offer teen-size sleeping kits

  • Backpacker-centric rental shops are ideal for teen camping setups


Verdict: Teens are big enough for adult-sized gear, making rental or purchase easy and flexible.


💸 5. Buy vs Rent vs DIY: Cost Comparison

Option Initial Cost Ideal Use Notes
Buy $40–$150 per setup     2+ trips/year     Higher upfront, better long-term
Rent $20–$40 per trip     1 trip/year or try-before-buy     Good for trying gear
DIY $0–$30     At-home testers or budget trips     Not always weatherproof

Tip: For families with multiple kids, hand-me-downs and multi-use pads can make buying even more cost-effective.


🧠 6. Insider Tips for Sleeping Success Outdoors

  • Test at home first (sleep in the bag on the floor!)

  • Bring a backup blanket for unexpected chills

  • Use earplugs or white noise machines (portable ones exist!)

  • Avoid cotton in colder temps — it traps moisture

  • Pack familiar stuffies, pillows, or nightlights for younger kids


✅ 7. Our Top Gear Picks by Age

Age Group Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad
1–3     Morrison Outdoors Little Mo     Hiccapop Toddler Travel Bed
4–7     REI Kindercone / Big Agnes Little Red     Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
8–15     Kelty Cosmic Short / REI Trail Pod     Nemo Switchback or Klymit Static V Junior

🔚 Conclusion: Prioritize Sleep = Prioritize Sanity

When camping with kids, sleep is sacred. The right bag and pad can mean the difference between a magical memory and a cranky disaster. Whether you buy, rent, or create your own setup, focus on comfort, age-appropriateness, and warmth — your whole trip will thank you.