When you’re new to camping, the goal is to find a sleeping bag that has the features you need and none of the ones you don’t, which is what the Big Bay offers. The hood is the nicest add-on because it helps retain heat and adds comfort. It’s cinchable, with a simple nylon cord and plastic toggle that aren’t that fancy but get the job done. The nicest comfort touch is the added fleece in the footbox; it adds a touch of coziness to an already plush and comfortable bag. Our annual family camping trip does not involve hiking and then camping so we weren’t looking for tiny sleeping bags. We take day hikes and do outdoor activities from our drive up camping spot in the Smoky Mountains.
The sleeping bag is plenty long for my husband and the wide rectangular shape gives him plenty of room to move around. When not using the Big Bay sleeping bag, store it in a large, breathable bag. Keeping it compressed in the stuff sack for long periods can reduce the loft of synthetic insulation and cause the bag to develop cold spots. Coleman doesn’t provide the bag’s weight, but I weighed it in its compression sack at 4.2 pounds using my kitchen scale. Even though that’s only an extra few ounces, when you’re hiking over challenging terrain, you start feeling that added weight very quickly. If you want to use the Big Bay to test out backpacking on a one- or two-night trip, it’s manageable.
You don’t need to wash your sleeping bag after every camping trip, but you should clean it once or twice a year, depending on how much you use it. Tumble dry on low heat in as large a dryer as possible (high heat can burn the fabric or insulation). You can toss in some tennis balls to help fluff it back up, but make sure your bag is completely dry before storing it away. I tested the Coleman Big Bay 20° against 12 other sleeping bags for an in-depth sleeping bag roundup and awarded it the best value sleeping bag at $120.
I’m a journalist who writes about outdoor and fitness gear for several publications, including Outside, Forbes and the REI Co-op Journal. You can read my in-depth review of the best sleeping bags, including coleman canopy the Coleman Big Bay 20° as the best value for car camping and general use. I didn’t test the big and tall version, but the hood design, insulation, draft tube, neck collar and zipper are all the same.
Extending the camping season doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. The Coleman OneSource Heated Sleeping Bag continues to keep you warm even coleman canopy when the temperatures start to drop. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the mummy-style sleeping bag is equipped with two heating pads.
That being said, we feel this is still a great choice for young kids (who sleep through most anything) or teens (who don’t sleep and will most likely be around the campfire all night). The polyester face fabric is durable, so it doesn’t need to be treated as delicately as some premium bags that require special care. You can wash the Big Bay in a front-loading washing machine on gentle with mild liquid detergent and run it through a low-heat dryer cycle.
Durably constructed of a stain-resistant polyester outer with soft tricot liner, the Brazos holds four pounds of proprietary ColeTherm insulation. A QuickCord system makes for easy packing and storage, with no tying required. Its sand-proof and waterproof features make it an excellent choice for beach trips, hikes, and festivals. When unfolded, it offers plenty of room for you and your companions to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. When it’s time to go, simply fold it up and store it in the small portable bag. Its lightweight design and durability make it a convenient and reliable companion for your outdoor adventures.