Sleeping Bag Recommendation

In an effort to get all my ducks in a row, I’ve been preparing my pack for school and driver training. Based on all of the information I’ve found here on TruckingTruth.com, I think that I’ve got everything that I need to take with me with the exception of a sleeping bag.

I’ve been looking to purchase one, but the choices are overwhelming, not unlike every other decision I’ve needed to make, or will need to make, during this quest to OTR.

I was wondering if any of you recent graduates or current drive training students could recommend a sleeping bag. Obviously, price is a factor, but more importantly, what type is more appropriate? Size, weight, temperature range, material, packed size, etc. What have you used? Would you recommend it?

Any guidance to my selection would be greatly appreciated!

LittleJoe

I actually just looked into this the other day. While reading one of TruckerMike's older blogs, he recommends an "indoor" sleeping bag, as opposed to a sleeping bag for outdoors / camping. The latter being too hot and bulky for wrapping up. His reasoning for the sleeping bag was if you're being dispatched as a team truck while training. Since the truck is always moving, and nobody can be in the top bunk, you're constantly changing sheets. If you're not being dispatched as a team truck while training, it's not an issue. You'll have your bunk, your trainer his/hers, and you'll both be sleeping at the same time. The company that's my first choice, Crete / Shaffer, doesn't dispatch training trucks as team operations, so I'll probably pass on buying the indoor sleeping bag.

With temps being what they are at this point in the year I would think a non cotton ( too hot ) synthetic sleeping bag LINER would be plenty .

Synthetic is breathable and light , as well as being small and compact when rolled or folded .

I brought a thick warm one only because it's what I already had and didn't want to spend money on another one. It's been fine so far, it is great when in a cold state and if it's hot out I just crank up the AC in the bunk. I think what ever you choose will work since you have control over the temp in the bunk. I like a big roomy bag for sleeping on the bottom bunk while the truck is moving, so I have a barrier between me and my trainers bedding. I try to cover entire bed with bag and get inside as to not have any contact with other guys stanky bedding.

I found that the $20 sleeping bag @ Walmart works wonders. Light, warm & rolls up easily. It is an indoor sleeping bag, don't remember temp range.

Ernie

Yup...a light bag will be fine for your time in the trainers truck. and when yo uget your own truck, you can go back to sheets and blankets...

Chris...you crack me up....and you probably have OCD...like I do...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I'm glad you got a kick out of that Starcar, I'll be laughing about my training experience later on for sure. I'm really sick of riding around with this guy. I been on his truck for 2 weeks now and have only stopped 3 times for a shower. I'm telling you this is a real smelly truck and I don't like touching anything. Still several bottles of urine on the floor and I won't touch those either. Yuk!

Good info. I was just going to bring sheets but now I will get the cheap sleeping bag at Wally World. Thanks.

As a team driver, I can tell you that this choice is an important one. Getting good rest is a top priority if you are going to be able to operate the equipment safely. Here are some things to keep in mind: While the cab is normally temperature controlled, breakdowns happen and usually at the worst time. Be prepared to deal with cold. Synrhetic shelled bags do compact smaller and stay very warm, but on some matresses can slide easily which can literally be a pain! Think fast stops, hard turns, winding mountain roads... Avoid the mummy bag. Being able to stretch out makes it easier to sleep and in the event of a need to evacuate the truck, will make your escape faster.

I'm glad you got a kick out of that Starcar, I'll be laughing about my training experience later on for sure. I'm really sick of riding around with this guy. I been on his truck for 2 weeks now and have only stopped 3 times for a shower. I'm telling you this is a real smelly truck and I don't like touching anything. Still several bottles of urine on the floor and I won't touch those either. Yuk!

I'm definitely not OCD nor a germ freak, but I still won't sleep on anyone else's sheets. Yuck.

Nor would I want anyone to have to sleep on mine.