Winter camping in Ontario offers some of the most peaceful and beautiful backcountry experiences you'll ever have. But there's one piece of gear that can make or break your trip: your sleeping bag.
Choose the wrong bag, and you'll spend the night shivering, unable to sleep, counting down the hours until sunrise. Choose the right one, and you'll be toasty warm even when temperatures drop to -20°C outside your tent.
So how do you choose a sleeping bag for winter camping? Let's break it down.
Understanding Temperature Ratings
The first thing you'll see on any sleeping bag is its temperature rating. But here's what most beginners don't know: these ratings can be misleading.
The Three Temperature Ratings Explained
Most quality sleeping bags list three ratings:
Comfort Rating: The temperature at which an average "cold sleeper" will feel comfortable. This is your most reliable number.
Lower Limit Rating: The temperature at which an average "warm sleeper" will still feel comfortable. This is usually about 10°C lower than the comfort rating.
Extreme Rating: The temperature at which the bag provides just enough warmth to prevent hypothermia (but you definitely won't be comfortable). Never rely on this number.
What Rating Do You Actually Need for Ontario?
For winter camping in Ontario, here's what we recommend:
- Early winter (November-December): -10°C to -15°C comfort rating
- Peak winter (January-February): -20°C to -30°C comfort rating
- Late winter (March): -10°C to -15°C comfort rating
Pro tip: Always add a 5-10°C buffer to your expected low temperature. If you're camping in Algonquin Park in February and expecting -15°C overnight, get a bag rated for at least -20°C to -25°C.
Down vs. Synthetic: Which Is Better for Winter?
This is the eternal debate in the camping world. Both have serious pros and cons for winter use.
Down Insulation
Pros:
- Superior warmth-to-weight ratio (lighter and more packable)
- Lasts longer (15-20 years with proper care)
- More compressible (easier to pack)
- Better for multi-day trips where every ounce matters
Cons:
- Loses insulation when wet
- More expensive ($400-800 for quality winter bags)
- Requires more careful maintenance
- Takes longer to dry
Best for: Experienced winter campers doing multi-day trips in dry, cold conditions.
Synthetic Insulation
Pros:
- Retains warmth even when damp
- Less expensive ($200-400 for quality winter bags)
- Dries faster
- Easier to maintain
- Better for humid Ontario winters
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier
- Less compressible
- Shorter lifespan (5-10 years)
- Not as warm for the weight
Best for: Beginners, wet/humid conditions, or anyone who wants reliable warmth without the high maintenance.
Our Recommendation for Ontario Winter Camping
For most Ontario winter campers, synthetic bags are the better choice. Our winters are often humid, and the risk of moisture buildup (from condensation, snow, or sweat) makes synthetic's moisture resistance invaluable.
However, if you're planning multi-day backcountry trips where weight matters, a quality hydrophobic down bag (treated to resist moisture) is worth the investment.
Shape Matters: Mummy vs. Rectangular vs. Semi-Rectangular
Mummy Bags
The classic winter camping choice. Snug fit around your body with a hood that cinches down.
Pros: Maximum heat retention, lightweight, most packable Cons: Can feel restrictive, not ideal for side sleepers
Best for: Cold sleepers, lightweight backpacking, extreme temperatures
Rectangular Bags
Roomier, box-shaped bags with more space to move.
Pros: More comfortable, better for side sleepers, can unzip to use as a blanket Cons: Poor heat retention, heavier, not suitable for extreme cold
Best for: Car camping in mild winter conditions (not recommended for backcountry)
Semi-Rectangular (Barrel/Modified Mummy)
A compromise between mummy and rectangular - roomier than a mummy but more thermally efficient than a rectangular.
Pros: Good balance of comfort and warmth, works for most sleep positions Cons: Slightly heavier than pure mummy bags
Best for: Most winter campers, especially beginners
Features That Actually Matter
Draft Collar and Draft Tube
A draft collar is an insulated tube around your neck that prevents warm air from escaping. A draft tube runs along the zipper to prevent cold air from sneaking in.
Why it matters: These features can add 5-10°C of effective warmth to your bag.
Hood Design
A well-designed hood with a drawcord lets you cinch down around your face, leaving just your nose and mouth exposed.
Look for: Insulated hoods with adjustable drawcords (not just elastic).
Zipper Configuration
Full-length zippers let you vent when you get too warm. Two-way zippers let you unzip from the bottom for foot ventilation.
Pro tip: Some winter campers prefer bags without zippers (elephant's foot style) to eliminate cold spots entirely.
Foot Box Design
Your feet are often the first thing to get cold. Look for bags with:
- Extra insulation in the foot box
- Trapezoidal foot boxes (not tapered) for more wiggle room
- Draft-free foot box construction
Size and Fit: Getting It Right
Length
Most bags come in Regular and Long sizes:
- Regular: For people up to 6'0" (183cm)
- Long: For people over 6'0"
Important: Don't buy a bag that's too long. Extra space = extra air to heat = colder sleep.
Width
Some brands offer different widths (Regular, Wide, Women's-specific).
Women's-specific bags typically:
- Have more insulation in the foot box and core
- Are cut wider at the hips, narrower at the shoulders
- Are rated 5°C warmer for the same amount of insulation
Don't Forget: The Sleeping Pad Is Half the System
Here's a critical truth: Your sleeping bag only insulates what's above you. The insulation underneath gets compressed by your body weight, losing its effectiveness.
This means you lose more heat through the ground than through the top of your bag.
R-Value Explained
Sleeping pads are rated by R-value (thermal resistance):
- R-value 0-2: Summer camping
- R-value 2-4: Three-season camping
- R-value 4-6: Winter camping
- R-value 6+: Extreme winter camping
For Ontario winter camping, you need an R-value of at least 5. Many winter campers stack two pads (a closed-cell foam pad + an inflatable) to reach R-values of 7-9.
Real-World Tips for Staying Warm
Having the right bag is only half the battle. Here are pro tips for actually staying warm:
Before Bed
- Eat a high-calorie snack before sleep - your body generates heat by digesting
- Do 20 jumping jacks before getting in your bag - warm up your body first
- Pee before bed - your body wastes energy keeping that liquid warm
- Warm your bag with a hot water bottle - fill a Nalgene with hot water and put it in your bag 10 minutes before bed
During Sleep
- Sleep in dry base layers - never sleep in the clothes you wore all day
- Wear a toque - you lose significant heat through your head
- Keep tomorrow's clothes in your bag - they'll be warm when you need them
- Breathe outside your bag - moisture from your breath will dampen insulation
- Eat a snack if you wake up cold - fuel your internal furnace
Morning After
- Air out your bag - even one night creates moisture buildup
- Don't pack it away wet - let it dry in the sun if possible
- Store it uncompressed - hang it or store in a large storage sack to maintain loft
What About Sleeping Bag Liners?
Sleeping bag liners can add 5-15°C of warmth and keep your bag cleaner. Options include:
- Silk liners: Lightweight, adds ~5°C, very packable
- Fleece liners: Cozy, adds ~8°C, bulkier
- Thermal liners: Technical fabrics, adds ~10-15°C, best warmth-to-weight
Worth it? Yes for multi-day trips. The added warmth and cleanliness factor make them worthwhile.
Maintenance: Making Your Bag Last
Winter sleeping bags are an investment. Here's how to make them last:
Storage
- Never store compressed - hang it or use a large cotton storage sack
- Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight
Cleaning
- Wash only when necessary (every 20-30 uses)
- Use specialized down/synthetic bag wash
- Front-loading washers only (top-loaders damage bags)
- Dry on low heat with tennis balls to restore loft
- Takes 2-3 hours minimum to fully dry
Field Care
- Always use a sleeping pad underneath
- Keep it away from tent walls (condensation)
- Air it out every morning
- Spot clean rather than full washing when possible
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Trusting the extreme rating Only use comfort or lower limit ratings. The extreme rating is survival mode, not comfortable sleep.
Mistake #2: Buying based on weight alone The lightest bag isn't always the warmest. Prioritize warmth over weight for winter camping.
Mistake #3: Neglecting the sleeping pad A $600 sleeping bag with a $30 summer pad = a cold, miserable night.
Mistake #4: Sleeping in too many clothes Wearing too many layers compresses the bag's insulation, reducing effectiveness. Sleep in thin base layers only.
Mistake #5: Zipping the bag completely closed You need some ventilation. Leave a small opening near your face for moisture to escape.
Should You Buy or Rent?
Quality winter sleeping bags range from $300-800. That's a significant investment, especially if you only winter camp occasionally.
Consider renting if you:
- Camp fewer than 5 nights per winter
- Want to try different bags before buying
- Are new to winter camping and testing the waters
- Need different temperature ratings for different trips
Consider buying if you:
- Winter camp regularly (10+ nights per season)
- Have consistent temperature needs
- Do multi-day trips where gear reliability is critical
At Trip Shed, we offer premium winter sleeping bags (-20°C to -30°C ratings) for rent, so you can test different options before committing to a purchase. Explore our winter gear rentals →
Final Recommendations
Best Budget Option
Synthetic -20°C semi-rectangular bag from a reputable brand (Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, MEC). Expect to pay $250-350.
Best All-Around Option
Hydrophobic down -25°C mummy bag with draft collar and good hood. Expect to pay $450-600.
Best Extreme Cold Option
Down -30°C+ expedition bag with elephant's foot design or draft-free zipper system. Expect to pay $600-800+.
Ready for Your Winter Adventure?
Choosing the right sleeping bag transforms winter camping from an endurance test into a genuinely enjoyable experience. Once you've slept warm through a -20°C night, waking up to a snowy Ontario morning, you'll understand why winter camping is some of the best camping.
Not sure where to start? Our team at Trip Shed has guided hundreds of winter camping trips across Ontario. We can help you choose the right gear for your specific needs - or join one of our guided winter adventures where all the gear (including those crucial sleeping bags and pads) is provided.
Browse Winter Sleeping Bag Rentals →
Join a Guided Winter Adventure →
Have questions about winter camping gear? Drop us a line at info@thetripshed.ca - we're always happy to help fellow adventurers prepare for the backcountry.