One thing we learned pretty quickly about camping with kids is they get cold easily at night. Even in the summer here in Colorado, we’ve had it drop close to 30 degrees when we’ve been camping close to 11,000 feet. Once the kids are cold, no one gets much sleep. The last couple years, my wife and youngest have slept together in cheap, bulky sleeping bags that zip together. D, our nearly 7 year old, has been sleeping in one of my old -10 degree winter sleeping bags that has become more of a 30 degree bag.
There have been some drawbacks to D using my old sleeping bag. Because it’s too big for her depending on how she lays, a lot of cold air can come in around her. It is a mummy bag so pulling the drawstring tight helps. The problem is she has trouble adjusting the drawstring herself and can end up tangled up in the extra when it is pulled tight. We’ve also had problems with her unzipping the bag all the way and having trouble getting the zipper started.
With camping season almost here, we’ve gotten her the kids 25 degree Nodder sleeping bag from REI. It’s kid sized so it’ll fit her better. Also the hood uses elastic rather than a drawstring to keep it snug around the head. There’s also Velcro for adjusting the opening.
It has a zipper down each side and they only run about half way down the bag. The stuff sack is attached to the sleeping bag so there are no worries about it getting lost. The stuff sack also can be used as a space adjuster allowing you to shorten or lengthen the bag as child grows.
She hasn’t used it yet but it seems that it will work well and solve the problems we’ve had. I plan to do a follow up post once she’s slept in it some.
Currently the REI Nodder sleeping bag retails for $69.50. REI dividends for members become available next week and along with that will be a 20% off one item coupon. The coupon will be good from March 22nd to April 18. If you buy from REI much, the one time $20 cost for membership is well worth it. I believe buying the membership now also gives you the 20% off coupon.
REI Nodder +25 Sleeping Bag – Kids Specs (from REI)
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating (F) | 25 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Temperature rating (C) | -4 degrees Celsius |
| Average weight | 2 lbs. 8 oz. |
| Average weight – metric | 1.13 kilograms |
| Shell | Ripstop nylon |
| Fill | Polyester fibers |
| Lining | Nylon taffeta |
| Fits up to | 5 feet |
| Shoulder girth | 52 inches |
| Hip girth | 48 inches |
| Stuff sack size | 10 x 16 inches |
| Stuff sack volume | 20.6 liters |
| Sleeping bag shape | Mummy |
| Gender | Kids |
| Insulation type | Synthetic |
– UltraRob
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Tags: camping, gear review, outdoor gear
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A really good review and especially helpful for those looking to buy online.
Some online stores don't really give enough information – at least, not information that's really objective enough!
I bought a Nodder about about a year ago. My oldest son has used it a few times for Fall camping and it has been great. The bag is easy for kids to use with the big strong zippers. We have not had any problem with the zippers getting caught. Last week I took my two boys camping on Mount Hood, so I bought a second Nodder. We had 27F Temperatures and the boys slept perfectly all night. These are great bags. I wish I had these when I was a kid.