Find the Best Sleeping Bags and Backpacks

July 31, 2006 — -- Sleeping bags are must-haves on any summer camping trip.

With school just a month away, many parents are going to be searching for the perfect backpack for their kids.

Anna Wallner and Kristina Matisic -- "the Shopping Bags -- came to "Good Morning America" to give tips on what backpack and sleeping bag is right for you.

"The Shopping Bags" are also the authors of "The Tips, Tricks and Inside Information to Make You a Savvy Shopper."

Sleeping Bags

A sleeping bag that is too small or too large will not provide optimum warmth and comfort.

Slumberjack Talon +40, $74.99

The rectangular bag is good for those who toss and turn.

North Face Skareb 40, $149

Because this sleeping bag tapers in at the legs, it is good at generating warmth from your body heat. If it is too big, you won't generate enough body heat to use the bag to its full potential. Get kid-size bags for your children because putting them in bags that are too big may not keep them as warm as they need to be.

North Face W Blue Kazoo, Long Version, $219

This sleeping bag is also for a larger-than-average person.

North Face Cat's Meow, $159

The manufacturer says the cut is geared for women in the length, shoulders and hips.

Synthetic Vs. Down Bags

Synthetic bags will dry quickly if you've been caught in the rain or spent the night on damp ground. They can be cleaned in the washer-dryer.

Down bags are warmer, more lightweight, and generally more expensive. You determine how warm down bags are by the fill number. The higher the number, the warmer the bag. The lowest recommended fill number is 600. These bags usually need to be dry-cleaned.

Temperature

The sleeping bags showcased by the "Shopping Bags" are made for use in the spring, summer and fall.

On the bags, the manufacturer posts a temperature rating. If you feel colder more than most people, you'll want to keep that in mind when buying your bag.

Cotton Sleeping Bags

Cotton bags are only good for sleepover parties and offer no protection from the elements. They are very heavy when they get wet and take a long time to dry.

Backpacks

If a pack does not fit properly, the weight will be much harder to carry and you could cause serious damage to your back.

Get a pack with a waist belt, which spreads the weight to your hips and makes the load much easier to take.

There are also women-friendly packs, which have contoured waist belts and padded straps that fit a woman's body more comfortably.

If you live in a warm climate, get a bag with mesh in the back, which will make you less sweaty as you carry it on hot days.

Too many panels and pockets invite more leaks and tears, so keep them down to a minimum.

Children should only carry 10 percent to 15 percent of their weight in their backpack.

North Face Skareb 40, $149

This backpack is a top-loading pack, which is inherently stronger with fewer stress points. The single top zipper means there are fewer leakage points.

Kelty Redwing 2650, $100

This backpack is good for school because it's front loading, which means easy access to books and supplies. There's a waist belt to help kids balance the weight of all that homework.

Victorinox Swiss Army Bond, $99.99

This backpack is great for an adult who is running around, doing errands, and not carrying anything heavy.