Nothing can ruin an outdoor adventure faster than an uncomfortable, freezing night of “sleep”. After a long day enjoying nature, the best feeling is snuggling up in a warm, comfy sleeping bag. We know there are tons of sleeping bags on the market advertising themselves as the best, so it can be daunting to make a choice. To help you make a decision we have reviewed and tested the best backpacking sleeping bags for you and listed them below.
Quick Answer: Best Backpacker Sleeping Bags
Below is a list of the best brands of sleeping bags for backpacking:
- REI Co-op Magma 10
- Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20
- Nemo Disco 30
- Kelty Cosmic Down 20
- The North Face Furnace 20
- Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20
- Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15
- Marmot Hydrogen 30
- REI Co-op Radiant 19
- Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z
What to Look for in a Good Sleeping Bag
One thing that can be really helpful is prioritizing what’s most important to you in a sleeping bag. For example, if you’re just testing out the whole camping thing, or don’t have a large budget, you may want to be on the lookout for the best backpacking sleeping bags under 100 dollars. Or if you’re a frequent backpacker and your sleeping bag is on its last leg, but you now always travel with your significant other, you may want to look at the best 2 person sleeping bags.
Everyone has a different travel style, but here are some general things to consider before you add a sleeping bag to your travel gear collection…
1. Fill Power
Fill power measures the quality of down insulation. The highest down fill power is around 900 and the lowest is around 300. A higher fill power down will compress more and weigh less than a lower fill power down. 800 fill power is usually considered to be high quality and these bags will be more expensive. But, especially if you’re not going to be doing cold-weather backpacking or camping, you may be okay with 500-600 fill power. It’s likely to still be a great sleeping bag, but the warmth-to-weight ratio won’t be quite as good.
2. Fill Weight
This is the amount of insulation stuffed into a sleeping bag. If you’re comparing a few different sleeping bags, this may be a helpful number to know. When considering the fill weight also consider the cut / style. A mummy style sleeping bag with 16 ounces of fill weight will be different than a semi-rectangular sleeping bag with the same amount of fill weight.
3. Insulation
When it comes to warmth, keep in mind that sleeping bags with lots of interior space are less efficient because your body has to warm up a greater area. Also, the greater the insulation, the warmer the sleeping bag will be because of its ability to trap heat.
The two main types of insulation are down and synthetic, and both have their positives and negatives. Synthetic insulation is typically cheaper and performs better than down when wet. However, synthetic bags tend to be heavier and bulkier than down bags. Down is more expensive, but it compresses more, has a better warmth-to-weight ratio, and has a longer life (if taken care of properly).
4. Season / Temperature Rating
Consider the type of camping you like to do. If you’re looking for the best warm weather sleeping bags then you don’t need to worry about having a three-season sleeping bag. However, if you’re preparing to camp in cold temperatures, know that the temperature ratings on a sleeping bag may be exaggerated. Just because a sleeping bag says it has a 20°F temperature rating, doesn’t mean you’ll be comfortable if the temperature drops into the 20s. A good rule of thumb is to add about 15°F to whatever the temperature rating is, and that is the lowest temperature you’ll be comfortable at in the sleeping bag. If you are in the market for the best summer sleeping bag and are even considering bringing along your camping hammock instead of a tent, bear in mind that even warm destinations can have chilly evening temperatures so it’s still important to be mindful of the temperature rating.
5. Style
There are several different types of bags on the market, so it’s just a matter of figuring out what will work best for you. For example, If you always travel with your significant other then check out the options for the best sleeping bag for couples.
If you’re a woman, know that the best women’s sleeping bag is likely to be very different than the best for men or a unisex sleeping bag. While some companies may list women’s sleeping bags under the “short” category or size, women’s sleeping bags tend to be cut differently. They may be more narrow at the shoulders and wider at the hips while having a bit more insulation.
When speaking of style in general, mummy-style sleeping bags will have less room to move around. If you don’t move often when you sleep this may be a good option for you. However, if you tend to be a restless sleeper, a spoon shape, or semi-rectangular sleeping bag may be more comfortable for you.
6. Water Resistance
Hopefully it doesn’t rain during your camping trip, but it’s always best to be prepared, so it’s a good idea to have a sleeping bag treated with durable water repellent (aka DWR). This allows the water to bead up on the sleeping bag’s shell instead of soaking into the material. Keep in mind that this treatment will eventually need to be reapplied. Wet weather is one of the only areas where synthetic insulation is a better choice than down. Down feathers tend to lose their ability to insulate when they’re wet.
7. Weight / Compressibility
A heavy / bulky sleeping bag will get old quick. Yes, it’s important that it keep you warm, but you want to make sure your back doesn’t end up hurting from carrying a heavy sleeping in your backpack. When shopping for your new sleeping bag, be mindful of the volume of your backpack and the compressibility of the sleeping bag so it doesn’t end up taking too much space in your bag.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag Reviews
Keeping all of this in mind, here are some of the best lightweight sleeping bags on the market today.
REI Co-op Magma 10 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 10°F
Weight: 2 lbs.
Fill: 850-fill goose down
One of the best lightweight sleeping bags on the market, the REI Co-op Magma 10 Sleeping Bag has a nearly perfect warmth-to-weight ratio. The water-resistant 850-fill-power goose down and flexible 15-denier lining create a super cozy feel that will be the perfect addition to any camping trip. The sleeping bag is designed to have a fitted silhouette and a trapezoidal foot box for additional comfort. There’s even a contoured hood to help retain warmth which also has enough room for a pillow. Its stuff sack measures in at only 7.5” x 15”, making it an ideal size to fit in your travel backpack. With a 10°F temperature rating and weighing in at only two pounds, the REI Co-op Magma 10 Sleeping Bag is one of the best sleeping bags for camping you’ll find.
Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz.
Fill: 850-fill goose down
Among the best sleeping bag brands on the market, Western Mountaineering has another winner with their UltraLite 20 Sleeping Bag. This royal blue sleeping bag has a 20°F temperature rating and is packed with 16 ounces of highly compressible 850 fill. The shell is not only breathable, but it’s also water resistant, so you’ll be protected from condensation whether you’re exploring the Appalachian Mountains or backpacking in Big Sur. The sleeping bag boasts interlocking draft tubes and a full down collar that wraps around your neck to retain warmth. This amazing sleeping bag has a 38” foot girth and a 59” shoulder girth. Designed to last for years, this is among the best hiking sleeping bag options available.
Nemo Disco 30 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 30°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 5 oz.
Fill: 650-fill down
If you need the best 3 season sleeping bag for your next trip, be sure to check out the Nemo Disco 30 Sleeping Bag. With 15 ounces of fill weight, the 650 fill power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down makes for an ultra light but very warm sleeping bag. As expected from all of the best cold weather sleeping bag options, there’s a blanket fold you can tuck around your neck and face to help with comfort and warmth. The spoon shape of the sleeping bag offers wider openings at the knee and shoulder areas, ideal for side sleepers. The Nemo Disco 30 Sleeping Bag comes in two size options – a regular option that can fit anyone up to 6’, and a long option which can accommodate anyone up to 6’6”. This sleeping bag weighs in at two pounds five ounces and has a temperate rating of 30°F. If you’re planning a trip to the backcountry, you don’t want to be without the Nemo Disco 30 Sleeping Bag.
Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 6.6 oz.
Fill: 600-fill down
Whether there’s sun, rain, or snow outside your backpacking tent, you can be confident you’ll stay warm and dry in the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 Sleeping Bag. This mummy-style, high performance sleeping bag features a 600-fill hydrophobic DriDown,™ that means quick drying and moisture defense against the elements. Along with the fill, the sleeping bag is also equipped with a 50D down-proof polyester ripstop shell and a 50D polyester taffeta liner. A thermal hood, top draft collar, and natural-fit footbox are additional features that make this a very popular sleeping bag. Some even consider this the best sleeping bag for backpacking because of its size (only weighing around two pounds 13 ounces) and because it stuffs down to about 14” x 8”. Good sleeping bags are hard to find, but with the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 Sleeping Bag you can embark on your next trip in absolute confidence.
The North Face Furnace 20 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz.
Fill: 600-fill ProDown
When it comes to finding the best camping sleeping bag, the North Face Furnace 20 is a must-see. One of the things that makes this lightweight sleeping bag special is that it has a less tapered cut which allows for more space to move around. Even with a less tapered cut, it’s insulated with a 600-fill water-resistant ProDown™ which prevents outside humidity and moisture while also drying quicker than traditional down. To help with warmth, the Heatseeker™ Eco synthetic insulation layers the bottom panel to eliminate cold spots. As expected, the sleeping bag also includes a draft collar and fitted hood. Weighing in at only two pounds, fifteen ounces, the North Face Furnace 20 should be at the top of your list when considering a new sleeping bag.
Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 7 oz.
Fill: HL-ElixR synthetic fibers
The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 deserves its spot amongst the best backpacking sleeping bags. Even though it only weighs two pounds, seven ounces it’s packed with one pound, nine ounces of HL-ElixR™ synthetic insulation to give it a warm feel without compromising compressibility or weight. This sleeping bag is made from 100% recycled materials and constructed with a blanket layer on the bottom for a comfortable feel, along with a wave construction on the top to maximize warmth and loft. This sleeping bag has hang loops and includes a storage bag and stuff sack. There’s even an external stash pocket for things like your hiking headlamp, keys, or small portable camera. This three-season sleeping bag is the perfect companion for your next backpacking trip.
Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 15°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 5 oz.
Fill: 650-fill down
If you’re in search of the best winter sleeping bag, the Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 Sleeping Bag will definitely get your attention. The 650-fill-power DownTek down repels water while maintaining its insulation value to keep you warm even through chillier temperatures. This 15°F temperature rated sleeping bag is semi-rectangular which offers more sleeping room and there’s even an integrated Flex Pad Sleeve on the bottom. Its thermal efficiency is increased thanks to the Insotect Flow™ construction and the streamlined silhouette. The Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 Sleeping Bag includes both interior (for sleeping bag liners) and exterior (for storage or hang drying) loops and comes with a mesh storage sack and a ripstop polyester stuff sack. With a host of features to make your next camping trip a breeze, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best down sleeping bag options available.
Marmot Hydrogen 30 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 30°F
Weight: 1 lbs. 11 oz.
Fill: 800-fill goose down
Tipping the scales at only a pound and a half, if you need the best ultralight sleeping bag for your next adventure, check out the Marmot Hydrogen 30 Sleeping Bag. Every layer of this sleeping bag is designed to keep you comfortable. The ultralight Pertex Microlight 20D nylon ripstop shell has a heavy-duty water repellent finish and the certified 800-fill goose down with Down Defender treatment offers improved water resistance in wet conditions. Additionally, the curved but smooth baffles reduce the shifting of the down. The bag also includes a zipper garage, an internal stash pocket, and two hang loops as well as a stuff sack and a storage sack. Whether you’re checking one of the world’s best hikes off of your bucket list or tackling the Great Ocean Walk, you’ll love snuggling up in the Marmot Hydrogen 30 Sleeping Bag.
REI Co-op Radiant 19 Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 19°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz.
Fill: 600-fill duck down
Among the best sleeping bags for multi-position sleepers, this bag is praised for its shoulder-to-hip fit. It also has several other key features that enable it to be one of the best compact sleeping bag choices available. The regular size model weighs two pounds, eight ounces while compressing to just 6.3 liters. With a 19°F temperature rating, it’s a great three-season option. It includes a 600-fill-power duck down and a water repellent ripstop nylon. REI has done their best to help keep warmth in by designing the sleeping bag with an insulated face muffler, a contoured hood, and a full-length draft tube. There’s a stash pocket under the collar and you can pack it down into the included nylon stuff sack. When it comes to the best sleeping bag for the money, the REI Co-op Radiant 19 Sleeping Bag is definitely among the best.
Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z Sleeping Bag
Temperature rating: 22°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 11 oz.
Fill: Thermal Q synthetic fibers
Been on the lookout for the best budget sleeping bag? The Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z is high quality without breaking the bank. This mummy-style sleeping bag has a 22°F temperature rating and the insulation has been strategically placed to concentrate warmth in the most important areas. The exclusive welded Lamina construction helps to eliminate cold spots and maximize loft. The ultralight nylon shell repels water while the polyester lining wicks away moisture. If the sleeping bag gets a little warm, the full-length zipper has double sliders to help with ventilation. A highlight of the best cheap sleeping bags on the market, the Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z will be a great addition to your travel gear collection.
Balancing comfort, convenience, price, warmth, and weight can be very difficult when considering a sleeping bag. When you choose to bring along any of these high quality sleeping bags on your next adventure, you can trust that your nights will be filled with warm, restful, comfortable sleep under the stars.
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