Dog Sleeping Bag Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for a dog sleeping bag, there are several factors that you need to consider in order to make the very best decision for your pooch. There are enough options out there that choosing just one can be a little more tasking than it needs to be for you.
This is the case mainly if you do not know what really matters and how the dynamics of camping with your pet affect the whole selection process. To make your life easier, here are 6 very important things you need to remember to ensure that you arrive at the best conclusion on what to buy for your dog.
Cold nights can be brutal; so can hot ones
When camping with your dog, temperature should always be your number one concern. Dog’s may be hardy but this doesn’t mean they do not get uncomfortable in extremes of temperature. As a result, it is crucial to factor this in when making your selection of camping sleeping bags.
The best options are those with temperature control features. This could be anything from insulated padding to breathable lining. Some options, like our top pick, are versatile and can be adapted to different environments. This gives you full coverage for whatever situation.
However, if you only go camping in specific weather or places with stable temperatures, you can use this to influence your choice. So you could go for something cool and airy if your common camping site runs hot or something warm and built for heat retention if you usually set up somewhere cold.
A little padding never hurt
Your dog may not complain to you but an uncomfortable night will take a toll on them. With larger dogs, it could even be as serious as worsening of back and joint problems. This is particularly the case when you set up somewhere where the ground is rough and littered with things like rocks.
In this case, padding is your friend. In fact, you can never have too much padding when it comes to your dog’s comfort. This ensures that there is a nice cushion between them and the unforgiving surface for a truly comfortable and enjoyable experience for them.
However, it is very vital to remember that the thickness of the padding affects how compact the sleeping bag will be when packed. The thicker it is, the larger the bundle you have to deal with. You need to strike a balance between something comfortable for your dog but also convenient to carry around. The last thing you want is to be hauling what is essentially a mattress around.
The ground stability the sleeping bag gives
This is particularly imperative to remember if you don’t plan on having the dog sleep inside a tent. While they are outside, there is not really much stopping them from sliding out into the wild while they lay cozily in the sleeping bag. It is therefore crucial that you ensure you get one that is designed to offer stability when set up outside.
One feature that guarantees this is the presence of setup steaks. These are the most stable and ensure that your dog’s sleeping bag stays in place even if it rains or gets super windy. All you have to do is find a good spot where the ground is firm enough to hold the steaks but also soft enough to penetrate.
Another option is getting a sleeping bag with antiskid bottoms. These are not very common on the market and might not really do your dog much justice especially if set up outdoors and on slopes. However, the design could offer you a lot if you are planning on having your furry bestie in the tent with you. As such, if they play and pop on and off the bag it remains stable on the floor of the tent.
Make sure it is weatherproof
In this case, you should be worried about wind and water. There is nothing more uncomfortable for a dog than sleeping on a wet surface or having wind blow the peace away from their night’s rest. The good news is that with the right choice of sleeping bag, these are not problems you really have to worry about.
With waterproofing, you have very many options. You could get a sleeping bag that features waterproof lining material in which case nylon is one of the most reliable options. You could also get alternatives with special coating that makes ordinary materials water-resistant. Whatever the case, what matters is that the sleeping surfaces are kept nice and dry for your dog’s comfort and their health.
With wind, on the other hand, you could get a bag that comes with a wind tarp, these go over the dog’s face offering additional protection from direct wind. This will help prevent direct exposure to cold and uncomfortable wind especially if you plan on having the dog sleep outside the tent.
It needs to be easy to carry around
Whether you are going for a one-night camping trip or a whole several-day expedition, the last thing you want is bulky luggage weighing you down. When travelling with a dog, this becomes an even more important consideration to make as you will already be carrying more of their luggage. This includes everything from toys, treats and accessories like harnesses and leashes.
Consequently, you need to find a dog sleeping bag that can be packed compactly and that features lightweight construction for your own convenience. That way you can just plop it onto your existing load without noticing too much of a difference.
However, you might have to compromise on things like thicker padding or heavy duty material in order to enjoy this luxury. So a s previously mentioned, it is all about striking a balance.
Durable material is non-negotiable
That sleeping bag is about to see some tough times from set-up on rough ground to bad weather. You must then ensure that you buy something that can actually handle all that is about to be thrown at it from your expeditions.
In this case, the two most consequential features to look into are the materials used and the quality of construction.
When it comes to materials, you have a lot to choose from. However, the best for the job are nylon and polyester. While cotton is comfortable and durable, it is not always the best when it comes to weather-resistance. So if you are to go with it make sure that it is lined externally with something water-resistant and difficult to rip like nylon.
