Sleeping bag or blanket for camping – Are you in the middle of planning your camping vacation and going through your packing list?
Then you might be wondering whether a sleeping bag or a blanket is more suitable, especially if you’re new to camping.
It depends on whether you are camping in summer or winter, or whether you are traveling in a classic tent, camper or roof tent.
Depending on various factors, you can decide as you wish.
Find out all the advantages and disadvantages here.
Camping Ratgeber:
Which is more suitable: sleeping bag or blanket?
Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a longer camping trip – camping is becoming increasingly popular with young and old!
However, this can add up to quite a few accessories.
Should I pack a blanket or a sleeping bag for sleeping?
It depends on your own preferences as well as a number of factors such as storage space, region and sleeping area that need to be taken into account.
A sleeping bag is recommended for this
If you are going hiking and plan to spend a night sleeping in the open air, or in a tarp or trekking tent, you should definitely use a sleeping bag.
In cold temperatures, a special winter sleeping bag is best.
These have a much smaller pack size than a blanket, are easier to stow away and can also be carried in your rucksack.
This saves you storage space and gives you a warm, versatile option at the same time.
Find out more here:
A sleeping bag offers these advantages
A sleeping bag is therefore definitely recommended if you don’t have much space available and you can’t take a lot of luggage with you.
In addition, a sleeping bag usually keeps you warmer, as it can be completely sealed and cold air cannot get in.
You have the following advantages with a sleeping bag:
- Has a small pack size
- Is easy to stow away
- Can be transported in a backpack
- Keeps you warm even in cold temperatures
- Suitable for winter camping
- Can be sealed airtight
- Advantageous when camping in the open air
Whether in a tent or in the open air – a warm sleeping bag is the number 1 tip for camping! 
When is a blanket suitable for camping?
However, if you are traveling in a roof tent, tent trailer or motorhome, it is usually a little warmer than in a tent.
Therefore, you don’t necessarily need a thick sleeping bag.
Instead, you can opt for a blanket, which can then simply be left on top of your mattress.
This gives you more legroom and the feeling of sleeping at home.
More about roof tent sleeping accessories here! Nevertheless, a sleeping bag is the space-saving option.
For example, if you have to stow away your bedding every time you are on the road, a blanket will take up more storage space than a sleeping bag that can simply be rolled up. A blanket is suitable for this:
- You have enough space in the motorhome / roof tent
- The bedding does not have to be stowed away every day
- You sleep on a really thick mattress
In the camper or roof tent, you can also opt for a blanket – especially in warmer weather! 
Conclusion: blanket or sleeping bag?
In theory, it depends on your own preferences whether you go camping with a sleeping bag or a blanket.
However, a sleeping bag is the more practical option as it is definitely more space-saving, easier to stow away and easier to transport.
It is also suitable for very cold temperatures and can be used in a variety of ways.
The perfect all-rounder for everyone is the blanket sleeping bag, for example.
This can be opened completely and converted into a blanket.
This option therefore combines the advantages of a sleeping bag and blanket and is recommended if you are still undecided.
