Backpacking Sleep Systems Simplified (With Kid-Friendly Tips)
🏕️ Why Sleep Systems Matter (Especially with Kids)
Let’s be honest—backpacking is amazing, but it’s also exhausting. And nothing derails a trip faster than a miserable night of sleep. Whether it’s you waking up cold at 3 a.m. or your kid tossing and turning on a crinkly pad, your sleep system can make or break your experience. Im here to explain backpacking sleep systems simplified.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive to work. It just needs to be warm, comfortable, and familiar enough that everyone actually rests.
In this post, I’ll break down how to build a backpacking sleep system—for adults and kids—plus share what we personally use on our trips.
🧭 What Is a Sleep System?
A backpacking sleep system includes three basic parts:
- Sleeping bag or quilt – your main insulation
- Sleeping pad – your comfort and warmth barrier from the ground
- Pillow or head support – totally optional, but can be a game-changer
Optional add-ons:
- Sleeping bag liner – adds warmth or keeps your bag cleaner longer
- Extra layers – dry base layers, warm socks, and a beanie at night
🛏️ How to Choose the Right Sleep Setup
🛌 1. Sleeping Bags
When choosing a bag, consider:
- Temperature rating: Look for the comfort rating, not just the survival limit
- Down vs. synthetic: Down is lighter and packs small, but synthetic insulates better if wet
- Fit and size: Especially important for kids—oversized bags can lead to cold air pockets
💬 What I use: I love the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 0 degree bag but I would recommend the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 20°F bag—it’s warm, reasonably priced, and works well for 3-season trips.
Kid tip: A shorter sleeping bag or a kids’ model is usually warmer. You can also cinch down the footbox or use a fleece liner to reduce air space.
🧽 2. Sleeping Pads
This is where warmth really comes from. Key factor: R-value (insulation rating). For 3-season use, aim for R-3 or higher.
Types of pads:
- Inflatable pads – Lightweight and comfy (but can pop).
- Foam pads – Bulky but reliable and inexpensive.
- Hybrid (foam + air) – Best of both worlds.
💬 What I use: The NEMO Tensor Insulated pad is light, super quiet, and packs down small. I’ve used it on every overnight trip.
😴 3. Pillows
Some people roll up their puffy and call it good. Others (me 🙋♀️) need something softer.
- Inflatable pillows – Lightweight and compact
- Stuff sack filled with clothes – Good hack in a pinch
💬 I usually bring a small inflatable pillow plus a fleece cover for coziness. My kid packs a mini travel pillow from home—and that tiny bit of familiarity helps more than you’d expect.
🧒 Sleep System Tips for Backpacking with Kids
- Dry clothes = better sleep – Always change into a clean base layer
- Add warm socks + hat – Night temps can drop fast in the PNW
- Keep bedtime routines – Books, headlamp chats, or hot cocoa help calm nerves
- Let them set up – Kids love feeling ownership over “their” space
- One tent, together – We always start in a shared tent for comfort and coziness.
👉 Related: Backpacking with Kids: A Survival Guide
❄️ What About Cold Weather?
Some extra tips if you’re camping in early spring, late fall, or alpine elevation:
- Layer a foam pad under your inflatable for more insulation
- Boil water, fill a bottle, and tuck it into the foot of your sleeping bag (make sure it seals!)
- Zip sleeping bags together if needed, or use a double bag for co-sleeping with smaller kids
- Bring a small microfiber towel to wipe down condensation or dry out gear in the morning
🧼 Keeping Your Sleep Setup Clean
To keep your gear lasting longer and smelling fresher:
- Use a sleeping bag liner (washable + adds warmth)
- Change into dedicated sleep clothes—even if they’re just a dry base layer
- Air out bags and pads when you get home
- Store sleeping bags unstuffed (loose in a large sack or hung up)
👉 Related: Backcountry Hygiene: Staying Clean(ish) in the Wild
🧳 What We Personally Pack
Here’s our current lineup:
For me:
- 💤 Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15°F sleeping bag
- 🧊 NEMO Tensor Insulated pad
- 😴 Inflatable pillow + fleece stuff sack
For my 10-year-old:
- 🛌 REI kids synthetic bag (shorter = warmer)
- 🧽 Foam pad + inflatable combo
- 🧸 Mini pillow from home
💬 Final Thoughts
Your sleep system doesn’t have to be perfect, expensive, or ultralight—it just needs to work for you. And when you’re backpacking with kids, the most important things are warmth, comfort, and familiarity.
The better everyone sleeps, the more fun you’ll have the next day. Trust me on this one. 😉
What’s your favorite trail sleep hack? Or the one thing you always pack to stay warm? Drop a comment or tag me on Instagram @thetrekkingmama—I’d love to hear what works for you!
