Best Emergency Sleeping Bags for Unexpected Nights Out

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An unexpected night out in the wilderness might be rare, but it’s still something you should be prepared for. Fortunately, there are a lot of inexpensive options out there that can get you through a dire situation. Not all survival bags are for every situation though. Your climate is a big factor in what you need to have.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to find the best emergency sleeping bag to suit your needs, and give you our picks for the best ones in the market.

What to Look For in a Sleeping Bag

Size

We are not all built the same way. If you are a larger, taller person, or both you may want to double-check those sleeping bag measurements. A little snug is one thing but you need to have enough room in general.

On the other hand, if you are smaller you may be able to get a child or teen-sized sleeping bag and save some weight and money.

Weight

Cheaper bags are often heavy and bulky so you definitely do not want them for a bug out or get home bag. Down and synthetic fills can offer a lot of warmth without weighing you down. Although they are going to cost more, it is well worth the expense.

Cold or Temperature Rating

Average temperatures where you live should be a major factor in your decision as to what type of sleeping bag you have. You don’t want to pay for the bag that is good to 20 below zero if you live where the average winter low is 10 degrees.

Those that live in areas where temperatures go from one extreme to another during the course of the year should have multiple options because a bag rated to withstand below zero temps is going to be miserable to use during the summer.

Budget

The latest and greatest state-of-the-art materials and technology can up the price of any quality outdoor gear. You don’t need this but if you find a good deal I won’t say it shouldn’t be considered. At the same time don’t expect to get high-quality materials for Wal-Mart prices.

Shopping clearance and out-of-season can mean big savings. Right after the camping season ends is a great time to buy since there are usually closeouts, what is left in the middle of winter can be the biggest savings.

Purpose

Are you looking for a solution if you have to bug out unexpectedly or do you just need something to get by if you get stuck somewhere in your car?

More rugged conditions mean you need something that can deal with them.

Vents

Some of the better quality bags have features such as bottoms that unzip for ventilation. This can be a good solution when you have a bag where you need more versatility.

Have a Backup Mylar Blanket

If you have a bag that doesn’t quite hold up to the coldest conditions you expect or you want something to help out if you are wet and drying to warm up quicker, then a cheap mylar blanket can help out a lot.

Use the mylar blanket over your sleeping bag. Voila, you have a much warmer bag for next to nothing.

Do You Want Something That Is Suitable for Using Multiple Times or Just a True Emergency Bag?

There are bags that can address any need out there but you will pay more for those that are made to last for long-term use. A lot of inexpensive solutions will save your life but they are not what you want to take on your next backpacking trip or staying overnight at your relatives.

Our Top Picks

Now that to know what to consider before you purchase your sleeping bag, let’s take a look at our top picks.

Life Bivy

This affordable survival sleeping bag is perfect for keeping in your car, boat, utility vehicle or in a go-bag where every ounce counts. The reflective mylar interior reflects up to 90% of your body heat back to you. Even the included carry bag is durable and waterproof.

The bag also has paracord for whatever use you may need it for and a whistle that will go to 120 decibels that can alert rescue personnel to where you are or used to frighten wildlife even.

At 7 feet long, this bag will accommodate practically anyone and it weights just over 4.1 ounces including the carry bag. This small round roll measures only 3 inches by 4 inches so you can keep one of these in a glovebox or console even.

If you have to drive during challenging conditions this could be a real lifesaver. Those scenes we have all seen in movies where cars are stuck during blizzards are prime examples of when a bag like this could save your life.

So why not just a basic mylar blanket for a few bucks?

While these are better than nothing they are not ideal. For starters, mylar can actually get hot enough to be uncomfortable if it touches the skin. They also are not known for being super tough so a puncture is going to be likely. Mylar is a good material but by itself, it is a bare minimum. The bivys listed above have a thick layer of plastic over them for better puncture protection and waterproofing,

Two Person Bivy

The weight versus size of this Bivy is impressive. At just 4.3 ounces it is big enough to fit two comfortably. Some may argue that each person needs their own bag for an unexpected night out but I can see the argument for one large enough for two. Two people in a bag are going to have an easier time keeping warm than one.

12 Pack Mylar Blankets

Although these blankets are not built to withstand a lot of stress, they are still a valuable addition to your bug-out bag.

You can use them for a lot more than just an emergency blanket too. Anytime insulation or light reflection is needed, these are an economical solution

S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Bivvy (OD Green)

This bivy is a bit thicker, heavier, and made to withstand a long-term situation than some of the other options on this list. You can choose between green or orange depending on how visible you want to be. The orange is less expensive for some reason so there is that to consider. If you are in dire straits being visible can be a literal lifesaver.

At 8.5 ounces and it reflects 70% of your body heat while keeping you dry. This is a bivy you could definitely reuse with a little bit of care. I would rather have this one than any on this list if I had to experience more than one unexpected night out.

Proforce Olive/Silver Emergency Survival Bag

This is a very basic bag designed for one use. It will reflect up to 90% of body heat back. The packaging is basic, just a plastic bag with no carry case so it is pretty clear that this is just not meant to be put back in anything at all. It gets reasonable reviews and is less expensive than a lot of the bags on this list.

It wouldn’t be a bad addition to carry in your car but I would not choose this one for a bug-out bag when you can get the Life Bivy. A lot of people like this one because it is not bright colored like other bivys.

Colder Weather Sleeping Bags

I don’t want to leave out you readers that have to travel in some very cold temperatures during the winter months.

A lot of the lighter weight sleeping bags out there are only rated for temperatures in the 30 degree and up range which may be just fine for your area.

For bags made for a colder climate, you are looking at some extra weight. If a bag is meant to go in your car then weight may not be an issue at all. Here is one example I found of a bag that would be useful for cold weather car travel emergencies.

TETON Sports Celsius XL -32C/-25F Sleeping Bag; Sub 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

This bag is rated to -25 ªF and weighs 9.5 lbs. Although this bag may be too heavy to pack around a lot, it might be good to have in situations like unexpected weather or car breakdowns.

I remember over the years seeing a lot of cars stuck on the side of the road during bad blizzards. A bag like this could save a life. You can zip two of these together to make a double bag too.

Synthetics Vs. Goose Down

I really like goose down generally but it does not perform well when wet. If you can find a bag that will keep totally dry then go for it but otherwise, you are better off with synthetic fills. The downside is that synthetics usually weigh more.

A Combined Approach

Although I was able to find what I think are some great options for those that want an affordable bag for an unexpected night out, I do feel that it is important to point out that a lot of these bags would be greatly improved if they were combined with a basic lightweight fleece blanket.

A fleece blanket with a mylar blanket over it is a big improvement over just mylar which is not going to be the most comfortable thing to sleep in by itself. In extreme circumstances, an inexpensive fleece liner will offer additional warmth and protection from moisture.

There are liners made specifically for sleeping bags but you can just buy a fleece blanket for a lot less. In fact you may want to buy up quite a few fleece throws because they are good for so many things and are so budget-friendly that if one gets messed up it is not like losing a $100 piece of gear or anything like that.

50 x 60 Inch Ultra Soft Fleece Throw Blanket Wholesale Case Pack 12

Buying a 12-24 pack of fleece blankets is not a bad idea for emergencies, barter, and a ton of other uses around the home or car.

Put an extra layer between you and the ground. Anything is better than nothing.

The thinnest layer between you and the ground is going to help your sleeping bag perform better and increase your comfort level.

Anyone that has ever put a sleeping bag on the ground directly knows that under some conditions it just feels like that cold and moisture seeps in. An extra blanket or mylar would be ideal but anything that you can find that is dry and not too hard will work.

Some preppers may even consider a camping hammock. Even just the type that are just a hammock and not a tent are better than nothing.

Other Things You Need For a Night Out

I really want to encourage readers to keep a water filter or a gallon or two of drinking water in their vehicle during winter travel. Staying warm and hydrated are your first lines of survival. A few survival rations or high-calorie foods should also be in your car.

Have you ever had to spend an unexpected night out? What tips and advice do you have for getting through the experience?