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Like humans, dogs want to be cozy and warm in the tent at night when they are on a camping trip. So, a good sleeping bag or travel dog bed is an important piece of gear to pack when camping with your pup. This guide reviews the top dog sleeping bags and travel beds to help you choose the right sleep system for your outdoor adventure pup.
Quick Picks: The Top 3 Sleeping Bags for Dogs (read ahead for the guide and individual reviews)
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag
This Outrav sleeping bag is made of high-quality durable, waterproof material. It presents good value when compared to many other highly rated dog sleeping bags on the market. It’s also lightweight and fits in a small included stuff sack for backpacking and other outdoor adventures.
Alcott Adventure Sleeping Bag
The Alcott Adventure Sleeping Bag for dogs has a waterproof, polyester bottom and a soft, fleece lining inside to keep your pup dry and warm. It comes in three sizes, so you can choose the right size for your dog.
Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag
The Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag uses a hooded sleeping bag design that gives your dog a little pillow to rest its head. It also has a drawstring, so it can be made smaller for puppies and small dogs.
Shopping Guide for Buying a Dog Sleeping Bag
The right sleeping bag or travel dog bed is essential to ensuring your dog sleeps comfortably when camping. Every dog is different, so you will want to consider several factors when choosing your dog’s camping sleep system.
Durability
Many dogs tend to chew up things when they are young. I have a labrador, and he destroyed three dog beds before he was two years old. Luckily, dog sleeping bags are generally more durable than dog beds because they are meant to be used in a tent and outdoors. When shopping for a dog sleeping bag, look for one that specifically says it’s durable.
Size
When thinking about size, you will want to consider the size of your dog and your tent. The sleeping bag should be slightly larger than the dog, so it can easily get in and out and sleep in a comfortable position.
Before purchasing your dog’s sleeping bag, make sure it will fit in your tent with your own bedding and all the gear you will store in the tent with you. Dogs should not sleep outside in the wilderness because they may be attacked by or try to attack wild animals.
Portability
The amount of space you have available for gear in your car will help determine what kind of dog bedding you can bring. Regular dog beds generally do not fold or roll up compactly, so they take up a lot of space in the car.
Conversely, dog sleeping bags roll up and usually come with a small carrying case that makes them great for travel. You can also purchase a compression stuff sack to make the sleeping bag even more compact. These are great for backpacking. Click here to shop for a compression sack online.
Weather
For camping in cold weather, insulated sleeping bags are best. For camping in hot weather, look for a sleeping bag that is made of heat reflective material or one that unzips for better air circulation. Keep in mind that dogs have fur coats and may overheat even when temperatures are in the 70s. Make sure to supervise your dog closely when camping in hot weather. If you like to camp year-round, look for a sleeping bag that is both insulated and heat reflective.
In the wilderness, especially at high elevations, weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. That’s why it’s best to choose a sleeping bag that is water-resistant or waterproof and made of quick-dry material. If the sleeping bag is not waterproof, consider putting a tarp under it to keep it dry.
Weight
When car camping, the weight of the sleeping bag may not be a big factor. However, if you are going to a walk-in campsite or you are backpacking, lightweight gear is very important. Since you will be carrying all or most of your dog’s gear yourself, you will want to find the lightest dog sleeping bag on the market for backpacking with your dog.
Style
There are different styles and shapes of dog sleeping bags. The main two styles are:
- Circular-shaped sleeping bag with a pouch
- Human-shaped sleeping bag with a zipper
Some dog sleeping bags even have hoods for extra warmth and comfort. There are also dog travel beds that roll up like sleeping bags for easy transport.
When choosing the right style for your dog, consider the way the dog sleeps. If it likes to burrow, then a small sleeping bag is a great option. If you have a big dog that likes to spread out when it sleeps, a travel bed or a sleeping bag that unzips may be a better choice.
FAQs About Dog Sleeping Bags
Why Should I Buy a Sleeping Bag for My Dog?
Dog sleeping bags are more compact and lightweight than regular dog beds which makes them more ideal for taking on trips including camping trips. Dog sleeping bags are also meant to be used outdoors with helpful features like water-resistance and extra durability.
How Do I Clean My Dog’s Sleeping Bag?
Your dog will likely get dirty when camping, so it’s important to clean its sleeping bag regularly. Follow the washing instructions on the sleeping bag tag. Some dog sleeping bags are machine washable, but they should always be air-dried.
Can My Dog’s Sleeping Bag Be Used Outside?
Many dog sleeping bags are water-resistant, but most are not 100% waterproof throughout. Therefore, your dog’s sleeping bag should not be left outside overnight or in the rain. It can be used outside during the day when it’s not raining and brought into the tent with you at night. If you want to use the sleeping bag outside, look for one that is made of durable material.
The 8 Best Sleeping Bags for Dogs
Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag stands out above the rest. It’s made of durable polyester material, so you don’t have to worry about it being damaged when used outdoors. The durability also makes it great for puppies and other rambunctious dogs because they will not be able to destroy this sleeping bag easily.
The sleeping bag can be used in a tent at night while you are camping. It can also be placed outdoors during the day or in the car for long trips. It’s very versatile and easy to move around. It rolls up to the small size of 5.5 inches by 15 inches and fits in a provided stuff sack with a drawstring.
The sleeping bag’s compact size when stored in the stuff sack makes this an ideal sleeping bag for backpacking with your dog. It weighs less than a pound, so it’s easy to carry. It can even be added to your dog’s backpack if you have one. This way your pup can carry its own gear!
This dog sleeping bag is great for all weather. The polyester material is quick-dry and waterproof. It’s also insulated to keep your dog warm on cold nights. The double zipper that lines half of the sleeping bag allows for versatility. You can unzip the sleeping bag for more air circulation on warmer days.
Pros:
- Good value option
- Comes in three colors: blue, green, and red
- Double zipper for versatility
- Large enough for most dogs
- Lightweight for backpacking
- Comes with a stuff sack
Cons:
- Only comes in one size
- No soft inner lining
Alcott Adventure Sleeping Bag
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Alcott Adventure Sleeping Bag for dogs mimics the appearance of a human-sized sleeping bag making it adorable and functional. One half of the sleeping bag unzips, so you can use it like a traditional sleeping bag, or lay it flat and use it as a dog bed or blanket. It’s very versatile!
The bottom of the sleeping bag is waterproof, but the top and inside are not. It can be used outside on sunny days but should be kept in the tent at night. The long length of this sleeping bag allows your dog to spread out or burrow depending on its sleep preferences. The bag is also machine washable for easy cleaning.
This sleeping bag comes in three sizes. Check out the size chart below to find the right size for your dog:
Size | Dimensions | Sleeping Bag Weight | Recommended Dog Weight | Example Dog Breeds |
Small | 20 by 32 inches | .8 pounds | Under 20 pounds | Chihuahua, Pug, and Yorkie |
Medium | 24 by 38 inches | 1.2 pounds | 20 to 40 pounds | French Bulldog, Border Collie, and Shiba Inu |
Large | 28 by 42 inches | 1.5 pounds | 40 pounds and up | Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, and Poodle |
Pros:
- Good value
- Comes in three sizes
- Has a soft, fleece inner lining
- Includes a storage bag for easy transport
- Lightweight enough for backpacking
Cons:
- Only comes in one color
- Inner lining is not waterproof
Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag is another sleeping bag that mimics the shape and design of human sleeping bags. This one has a hood that can be used as a pillow or to keep the dog’s head warm on cold nights.
While it only comes in one size, the Lifeunion sleeping bag has a drawstring, so the hood can be pulled tight for smaller dogs. This feature makes this an ideal sleeping bag for a puppy because the sleeping bag can be expanded as the puppy grows. It’s large enough for most full-grown dogs. Dogs up to 70 pounds should fit comfortably in this sleeping bag.
This sleeping bag is very convenient to use. It rolls up small and fits in the provided stuff sack making it very portable. It’s also machine washable and has an attached hook so that you can easily hang it to air dry anywhere in your home.
Pros:
- Hood with drawstring
- Zipper on bottom and side
- Fleece inner lining for warmth and softness
- Good value
- Large enough for most dogs
Cons:
- Only comes in one size and color
- Not completely waterproof
Hurtta Outback Dreamer
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Hurtta Outback Dreamer comes in three sizes, so it is great for all sizes of dogs. It’s insulated, heat reflective, and water-resistant making it ideal for camping trips with your dog all year round. It’s made of durable houndtex material, so it can be used outside or inside.
The design of this sleeping bag is more of a pocket than a traditional sleeping bag style. It’s a circular shape with a big pocket for your dog to snuggle in or sleep on top of. This style of sleeping bag is great for dogs who like to curl up in their sleep.
Here’s the size chart for this sleeping bag:
Size | Diameter | Weight |
Small | 22 inches | .5 pounds |
Medium | 28 inches | 1 pound |
Large | 35 inches | 1.5 pounds |
Pros:
- Three sizes available
- Heat reflective for hot weather
- Insulated for cold weather
- Lightweight enough for backpacking
Cons:
- Doesn’t zip
- Not completely waterproof
- Only comes in one color
ONELIGHT Dog Sleeping Bag
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ONELIGHT is another affordable, hooded sleeping bag for dogs. It’s made of waterproof polyester on the outside and soft fleece on the inside. It comes in one size that is big enough for most dogs. Here’s the specs: 45 by 29 inches when zipped up and 45 by 58 inches when completely unzipped. It weighs 1.7 pounds which is light enough for backpacking with your dog.
I love the versatility of this dog sleeping bag. Roll it up and place it in the stuff sack to easily carry it anywhere. Unzip it to lay it flat for use as a dog bed or blanket in a crate. Zip it up completely and pull the drawstring tight to keep your pup protected from cold and wind while camping in the winter.
Pros:
- Has a hood with drawstring
- Unzips flat
- Lightweight enough for backpacking
- Made of quick-dry material
Cons:
- Inner lining is not waterproof
- Only comes in one size and color
- Zipper may break easily
Kurgo Waterproof Dog Bed
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Kurgo Waterproof Dog Bed is not technically a sleeping bag, but it rolls up like a regular sleeping bag making it easy to transport for camping trips. It even has an attached handle. When unrolled, the bed has a rectangular shape that makes it look similar to a regular dog bed.
This travel dog bed comes in two sizes. The medium-sized bed is 2.25 feet by 3 feet, and the large bed is 3 feet by 4 feet. It’s also completely waterproof on the bottom and water-resistant on top. The bottom is also made of non-slip material. When using this dog bed in your car, it should stay in place while on the road.
Pros:
- Two sizes available
- Waterproof
- Has a hidden zipper pocket
- Includes a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t zip up or have a sleeping pouch
- Does not come with a stuff sack
Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You may recognize the Chuckit! brand from their more well-known product, the tennis ball launcher. However, this brand makes many other high-quality dog products including a dog travel bed.
The Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed looks similar to a sleeping bag, but it lacks the pouch that is characteristic of sleeping bags. It comes in one size that is great for small and medium dogs up to 25 pounds. It rolls up and fits in a provided stuff sack. It’s also machine washable and has an attached loop, so you can easily hang it up to air dry. It shouldn’t be put in the dryer.
Pros:
- Zipper on bottom and side
- Fleece inner lining for warmth and softness
- Comes with a stuff sack for portability
Cons:
- Only comes in one size and color
- Not big enough for large dogs
- No pocket or zipper
Lightspeed Outdoors Self Inflating Travel Dog Bed
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Lightspeed Outdoors Travel Dog Bed is unique in that it has a self-inflating air mattress inside. You inflate the mattress by twisting a nozzle. You can also blow it up manually if you prefer. The cover is made of durable, puncture-resistant material to keep the air mattress safe.
This square-shaped dog bed is 42 inches by 32 inches which means it’s large enough for most dogs. The cover has a water-resistant bottom and a fleece top to keep your dog dry and warm. While it doesn’t come with a carrying case, the bed does roll up and have attached straps to secure it for transport.
Pros:
- Includes a self-inflating, puncture-resistant air mattress
- Water-resistant
- Rolls up with attached straps
- Machine washable cover
Cons:
- Does not come with a stuff sack
- Only comes in one size and color
- At 3.6 pounds it is way too heavy for backpacking
Conclusion
The best dog sleeping bags are waterproof, durable, and easy to clean. The three top-rated dog sleeping bags on the market right now are the Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag, Alcott Adventure Sleeping Bag, and the Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag.
Factors to think about when choosing your dog’s sleeping bag include the size of your dog and how it sleeps. Another good option is a travel dog bed. There are several great ones on the market that are lightweight and roll up for easy transport.
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