The Six Best Dog Sleeping Bags: Camping Comfort for Your Canine!

The Best Dog Sleeping Bags: Quick Picks

• #1 RUFFWEAR Highlands Sleeping Bag [Best Overall Dog Sleeping Bag] — If you’re serious about camping with your dog, this is the obvious choice. Ready for really rugged camping conditions, this bag will cost you a bit more, but it has most of the bells and whistles your own sleeping bag does.
• #2 KUDES Dog Sleeping Bag [Best Sleeping Bag for Large Dogs] — There aren’t a ton of sleeping bags on the market that are roomy enough for big pups, but this one should accommodate dogs up to about 100 pounds and keep them warm and comfy in the process.
• #3 Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag [Best Sleeping Bag for Small or Medium Dogs] — There are a bunch of sleeping bags available for dogs up to about 40 pounds, but the Outrav comes with more features than most, such as a draft tube on the zipper and an included stuff sack.
• #4 DOG HELIOS Trail-Barker [Most Versatile Dog Sleeping Bag] — This sleeping bag also works as a sleeping pad, and you can even zip together several Trail-Barkers if you like! In addition to being versatile, this is the lightest bag we recommend, making it perfect for backpackers.

Those who love the great outdoors will agree that top-notch gear is key four open-air adventures! And a good sleeping bag that’ll keep you warm and dry while you get those precious Zzzs is certainly one of the most important things you need!  

While your canine camping companion may have a warmer fur coat than you do, he may appreciate a sleeping bag of his own to get some quality shut-eye.

We’ll run through the benefits of dog sleeping bags, explain the things you’ll want to look for when picking one, and share a few of our favorites below! 

What to Look for in a Dog Sleeping Bag

There are a ton of great canine sleeping bags on the market, which can make shopping for one a little overwhelming. Don’t worry — we’re here to help!

Just consider the following features when trying to purchase the best sleeping bag for your dog.

Adequate Insulation

There are a few things to take into account here: your dog’s sleeping habits, the time of year you plan of camping, and where you intend to go.

If your dog isn’t really a snuggler and you plan on sleeping near sea level during the summer, a lightweight sleeping bag will be just fine. But if Fido loves to cozy up next to you, and you’re headed up the mountains in early spring, he’s going to need something warmer!

Durability

Durability is important for most products (you don’t want your new gear falling apart after one or two uses), but it is most important for owners who’re big on the outdoors and intend to use the sleeping bag frequently.

In terms of sleeping bags, you’ll primarily want to consider the durability of the outer shell and the zipper. These are the places your bag is most likely to show damage first.

Also, note that an included stuff sack will help keep the bag in good shape, no matter how durable it is or is not.

Portability

The very purpose of a sleeping bag is to keep your pet comfy while away from home (even though you can certainly use them at home). So, you’ll want to be sure Fido’s sleeping bag is easy to haul with you.

But portability isn’t equally important for all owners.

If, for example, you plan on car camping, you don’t need to worry too much about the bag’s size or whether or not it comes with a stuff sack. You can just toss it in the car and go.

On the other hand, if you are planning on backpacking, either you or your doggo (via a doggie saddle bag) is going to have to carry the bag, so you’ll want it to squish down to a pretty compact size.

Ease of Care

We’re going to go ahead and assume that after a big adventure you’re not going to want to spend hours cleaning equipment and gear, right? We wouldn’t want to either.

But you have to wash your dog’s sleeping bag after each trip (trust us — you won’t like the way the bag smells the next time you break it out if you don’t).

So, save yourself some time and effort by picking a bag that’s machine washable. Some bags may still need to hang dry, but that’s not a huge problem. Washing it by hand, however, is a headache you don’t need.

Weight

As with portability, weight is a serious consideration for some owners, but it isn’t a huge issue for others.

Simply put, if you’re backpacking, you want the bag to be light (the same would go for any activity involving a lot of walking and carrying stuff). And as ultralight backpackers know, every ounce counts.

But the weight of your pup’s bag just doesn’t matter very much, if you’re car camping or using it in the backyard. In these cases, your longest walk will probably be from the car to the bathroom, so don’t sweat the bag’s weight.

Waterproof/Water Resistant

No one, fur or no fur, wants to wake up damp! So, you’ll always want to stick to sleeping bags that are water-resistant, if not completely water proof.

Aside from the discomfort damp sleeping conditions cause, sleeping in a wet bag can actually be a BIG problem.

Forty-degree weather may be chilly if your dog is dry, but it can be downright dangerous if he’s wet.

Flexibility of Function

Don’t be surprised if your pooch wants to enjoy his sleeping bag in “non-traditional” ways. In other words, he may not want to crawl inside it; he may prefer to simply lay on top of it. And for that matter, he may like to use it in different ways at different times.

The best way to be ready for these possibilities is to pick a sleeping bag that has the option to open completely and lay flat.

Experienced campers probably already know that mummy-style bags rarely do this (at least, not very well). But fortunately, rectangular bags (which usually open all the way) are more common among models made for dogs.

The Six Best Dog Sleeping Bags

Now that you understand what to look for in a canine sleeping bag, it’s time to look at some of the best options on the market.

We’ve tried to identify the best ones for different circumstances, but just remember to keep your specific needs (and those of your canine) in mind when making a choice.

1. Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag

Designed for serious campers and their canine companions, the Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag comes with many of the features high-end human sleeping bags do.

Honestly, this bag is probably a little more than casual car campers need, but it’s a great choice for those preparing to hike the AT or conquer the Rockies with their pooch.

Features:

• Water-resistant and quick-drying
• Features a sleeve for Ruffwear’s Highlands Sleeping Pad (sold separately)
• Synthetic down fill
• Includes insulated neck baffle
• Half-length zipper provides insulation while still letting your pup move
• Comes with compressible stuff sack

Sizes:

• Medium — 25.2 inches x 33.5 inches (1.6 pounds) 
• Large — 28.3 inches x 43.3 inches (2.3 pounds)

2. KUDES Dog Sleeping Bag

The KUDES Dog Sleeping Bag is one of the few sleeping bags on the market that is both affordable and large enough for big dogs.

It doesn’t have some of the high-end features a few other canine sleeping bags do, but it is still a great option for many owners and their pets. For example, it’d be perfect for those who are just trying out #outdoorlife or car camping during warm weather.

Features:

• Polyester shell with a fleece interior
• Drawstring allows you to cinch up the top
• Velcro closure for maximum snuggliness
• Waterproof
• Unzips and opens completely (58 inches wide when flat)
• Machine washable
• Comes with storage bag

Sizes:

• One size — 43.31 inches x 27.56 inches (28.2 ounces)

3. Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag

The Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag is designed for small dogs, but several owners mentioned that it was large enough for their medium-sized pooch (most such accounts involved dogs in the 40-pound range).

This bag is also packed with features to keep your pooch warm and comfy while camping. In addition to features like a draft tube by the zipper and an included stuff sack, most owners raved about how warm this bag kept their doggo.

Features:

• Waterproof, polyester shell
• Comes with a matching stuff sack
• Draft tube near zipper helps retain heat
• Double zipper
• Comes in your choice of three colors

Sizes:

• One size — 36 inches x 26 inches (11.25 ounces)

4. DOG HELIOS Trail-Barker

The DOG HELIOS Trail-Barker is a unique solution for your dog’s sleeping needs. You can use it in either of two configurations: as a thick, comfy sleeping pad (as pictured) or, you can unzip it and let your dog use it as a more traditional sleeping bag.

You can also zip more than one of these together to make an even larger sleeping space for your pooch.

Versatility aside, this sleeping bag/pad comes with a number of nifty bells and whistles, it’s rated for use down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (though it’s comfort rating is only 23 degrees Fahrenheit).

Features:

• Impermeable, waterproof, and windproof
• Made from PU coated polyester-cotton and nylon
• Strap included to keep it tightly rolled
• Can connect to other Trail-Barkers
• Available in four colors: Blue (pictured above), Orange, Red, and Grey

Sizes:

• One size — 26 inches x 20 inches (8 ounces)

5. Alcott Adventure Sleeping Bag

The adorable Alcott Adventure Sleeping Bag is a solid and flexible option for casual campers, which will keep your canine cozy in a tent, the bed of your truck, or on the ground looking up at the stars.

You can give it to your pooch in the standard, “pocket-style” configuration or open it (most of the way — it doesn’t flatten completely) to give your pup more of a sleeping pad. This makes it useful in a range of temperatures and camping situations.

Features:

• Cosy soft flannel lining
• Waterproof base
• Comes with convenient storage bag
• Can be opened most of the way for use as a sleeping pad

Sizes:

• Small — 20 inches x 32 inches (14.82 Ounces)
• Medium — 24 inches x 38 inches (1 pound)
• Large — 28 inches x 42 inches (1 pound)

6. CHEERHUNTING Dog Sleeping Bag

The CHEERHUNTING Dog Sleeping Bag is another great option for camping canines, and it comes with a lot of features that are normally only found on high-end sleeping bags. This includes a Velcro tab to keep the zipper in place and a drawstring closure.

This bag is great for medium to large dogs, and it appears big enough for pooches weighing up to 90 pounds or so. It can also be opened completely and laid flat for even larger canines.

Features:

• Can be completely unzipped and used in flat configuration
• Polyester shell; fleece inner liner
• Water-resistant
• Drawstring closure
• Velcro tab keeps bag from unzipping accidentally
• Comes with stuff sack
• Machine washable

Sizes:

• One Size — 43.3 inches x 27.5 inches (2.12 pounds)

Another Option: Canine Camping Pads

Let’s face it, some dogs simply don’t want to sleep inside a sleeping bag. And for that matter, sleeping bags may simply be too warm for your pupper in some cases.

Never fear! There is another option that’ll keep your canine comfy and keep him from hogging all of your sleeping space: camping sleeping pads.

Just like the sleeping pad you probably use under your own sleeping bag, these camping pads provide some cushion that’ll help your pooch get a good night’s sleep.

Additionally, the ground can be quite cold in the great outdoors (even when the temperatures are relatively high). So, keeping some insulation between your pet and the ground will help keep him warm enough, without being too hot.

Check out a few of our favorite dog sleeping pads on the market, which may be perfect for your next camping expedition.

1. Ruffwear Highlands Dog Pad

The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Pad is specifically designed to fit into a sleeve in the Highlands Sleeping Bag, but it will also work as a standalone sleeping option for your pooch.

Ultimately, this pad is better than some of the ones marketed for human use, and it comes from a name most owners trust.

• Closed-cell foam provides insulation and padding
• Microsuede pillow top for your dog’s comfort
• Collapses via accordion-style folds and locks in place with strap
• Must be hand-washed and air-dried

Sizes:

• Medium — 23.6 inches x 33.3 inches (0.7 pounds)
• Large — 26.8 inches x 43.3 inches (1.0 pounds)

2. Chuckit! Travel Bed

The Chuckit! Travel Bed is a standalone sleeping pad designed to be used outdoors (but you could still use it inside if you like).

Despite its attractive price tag, this portable dog bed comes is well-made, durable, and easy to pack away in the morning (though it may be too bulky for backpackers).

Notably, this sleeping pad is machine washable, and it comes with a strap to help keep it rolled up tight and an included stuff sack.

Features:

• Machine washable
• Made from water-resistant poly-suede
• Durable nylon base
• Compact style with own carrier bag
• Built in loop for easy air drying

Size:

• One size — 39 inches x 30 inches (1.1 pounds) 

3. Cheerhunting Outdoor Dog Bed

The Cheerhunting Outdoor Dog Bed is a big ‘ol sleeping pad you can use on all your outdoor adventures. It is designed with flexibility in mind, and you can use it in a variety of outdoor contexts.

Although you could use this camping dog bed pad while backpacking, it is a tad heavy and probably best-suited for car camping, picnics, and backyard use.

Nevertheless, it’s easy to pack in the included stuff sack, no matter where you plan to use it.

Features:

• Scratch and claw resistant (not recommended for chewers)
• Machine washable
• Rolls up and fits in included stuff sack
• Made from Oxford cloth and water-resistant
• Reversible
• Available in three colors: Blue, Green, and Orange

Sizes:

• Large (pictured above) — 43 inches x 26 inches (1.72 pounds)
• Extra Large — 51 inches x 35 inches (2.77 pounds)

Benefits of Using a Dog Sleeping Bag

Dog sleeping bags may sound strange or even frivolous, but they actually provide a lot of value to camping canines. A few of the most noteworthy benefits they provide include: 

• Dog sleeping bags will keep your doggo warm. Even though dogs have fur coats, they can catch a chill when temperatures fall — especially if you’re camping from late fall to early spring. But a sleeping bag will keep him warm and cozy.
• Canine sleeping bags protect your dog from the ground. Giving your dog his own sleeping bag will help insulate him from the cold ground, and it will also give him a more cushioned sleeping surface (dogs don’t like to sleep on rocks and tree roots either).
• A dog sleeping bag will keep your dog separated from you if he’s wet or dirty.  You may not always have the facilities to give Fido a proper bath after a long day of adventures, and while you may both want to snuggle, it’s nice to keep away the dirt. This is also why dog-friendly camping tents are a smart consideration too! 
• Pupper sleeping bags provide extra security for your doggo. If you’re not a regular camper, it may be quite unsettling for your dog to sleep away from home. A bed to call his own will definitely provide that much needed security and comfort. 
• Canine sleeping bags are typically more durable than blankets or beds. Dog sleeping bags are designed to be as durable and weatherproof as your own bag, so they’re far better suited to the outdoor elements than a dog blanket or dog bed designed for indoor use. Whilst Fido may have a real soft spot for his bed at home, dog sleeping bags are a lot easier, portable, and durable!

Good Situations for Using a Dog Sleeping Bag

Dog sleeping bags are pretty versatile items, which are helpful in a variety of applications. A few of the best situations for using a dog sleeping bag include:

• Outdoor Leisure Time — By this, we mean cook outs in cold weather, bonfire parties, and even picnics. Any time you’re hanging out in the great outdoors, your pooch will likely appreciate a sleeping bag.
• Traveling — Whether you’re visiting family, going on holiday, or an epic road trip, dog sleeping bags work great as travel beds for your pet. 
• Drive-Ins, Outdoor Concerts, and Trips to the Beach — Your dog will love having a cozy place to chill whenever you’re enjoying these kinds of “outside but not really outdoorsy” adventures.
• Regular ‘ol Household Use — There’s no reason at all you can’t let your four-footer enjoy his sleeping bag on the living room floor! In fact, they actually make viable alternatives to dog blankets.

All of these activities aside, dog sleeping bags are primarily designed for canine camping adventures.

“Camping” can mean different things to different people. However, there’s likely a canine sleeping bag on the market that’ll suit the way in which you prefer to camp best.

This includes truly high-end sleeping bags for dogs accompanying their owner on a trek across Patagonia, as well as more affordable, no-frills models, which are perfect for a weekend of car camping with the kids.

Just be sure to choose one that’s a good fit for your preferred camping style. And speaking of how to pick a dog sleeping bag…

Dog Sleeping Bag FAQs

A lot of owners are unfamiliar with dog sleeping bags, which understandably leads to a ton of questions. We’ll try to answer a few of the most common queries owners have about canine sleeping bags below! 

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So there you have it! We hope we’ve inspired you to pick up a cool piece of gear for your next adventure.

Let us know which one you end up picking, your choice could definitely help out a fellow K9 of Mine reader so please leave a comment below!