14 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags (MUST READ • 2020)
SLEEPING BAGS: Buyer Guide | Comparison Table | Best Overall | Best Ultralight | Best Budget
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If you’ve ever spent a night out in the woods, or camping in the shadow of the Himalayas, freezing your ass off and anxiously waiting for the night to be over, you probably already realize how important it is to pack the best backpacking sleeping bag possible!
My style of travel involves a lot of camping, when I’m backpacking across the world I always travel with a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. I know from experience that it’s well worth investing in the proper gear – you want a sleeping bag that is lightweight, warm, comfortable, and packs down small.
I’ve put together this detailed guide after personally testing some of the best sleeping bags out there. I’m going to share these sleeping bags reviews with you now so you can make an educated decision before you head out on your next adventure.
When you’re choosing a sleeping bag, you need to take into account warmth, weight, comfort functionality, and price to find the best sleeping bag for your adventure style. With this guide, we’ll cover all of these aspects and more, so that you know exactly what to invest in. From cheap & affordable sleeping bags to ultralight kipping-sacks, we’ll review them all!
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer: These are the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
- #1 Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF
- #2 Sea to Summit Spark Quilt
- #3 REI Magma 15
- #4 Marmot Trestles 30
- #5 Sea to Summitt Trek TKII
- #6 REI Co-op Joule 21 Sleeping Bag – Women’s
- #7 Kammok Thylacine 20
- #8 Marmot Never Summer Sleeping Bag
- #9 Nemo Disco 15
- Best of the Rest: More of the Best Sleeping Bags for Backpackers
- #10 Feathered Friends Hummindbird UL 20/30
- #11 Nemo Forte 35 Sleeping Bag
- #12 Exped MegaSleep Duo 25/40
- #13 REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 30
- #14 Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20/30
- How to Choose a Great Sleeping Bag…
- Sleeping Bag Rating and Type
- Insulation, Weight and Style
- Final Thoughts on Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Quick Answer: These are the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
- Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF – Top Pick for Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Sea to Summit Spark – Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Hikers
- REI Magma – Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag Honorable Mention
- Marmot Trestles 30 – Best Budget Sleeping Bag for Backpackers
- Sea to Summit Trek TKII – Best Entry-Level Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- REI Joule 21 – Best Women’s Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Kammok Thylacine – Best 4-Season Bag for Traveling
- Marmot Never Summer – Best 0-Degree Sleeping Bag
- Nemo Disco 15 – Most Durable Sleeping Bag
| PRODUCT | DESCRIPTION | ||
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Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping BagBest Overall Backpacking Sleeping BagFeathered Friends Swift 20 YF
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Check on Feathered Friends |
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Best Ultralight Sleeping BagBest Ultralight Sleeping BagSea to Summit Spark Quilt
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Check on AmazonCheck on REI |
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Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag Honorable MentionBest Ultralight Sleeping Bag Honorable MentionREI Magma 15
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Check on REI |
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The Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping BagThe Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping BagMarmot Trestles 30
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Check on AmazonCheck on REI |
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The Best Entry-Level Sleeping Bag for New BackpackersThe Best Entry-Level Sleeping Bag for New BackpackersSea to Summitt Trek TKII
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Check on REICheck on Backcountry |
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Best Women’s Sleeping BagBest Women’s Sleeping BagREI Co-op Joule 21 Sleeping Bag – Women’s
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Check on REI |
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Best Four Season Sleeping Bag for TravellingBest Four Season Sleeping Bag for TravellingKammok Thylacine 20
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Check on AmazonCheck on Kammok |
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The Best 0-Degree Sleeping Bag for Budget BackpackersThe Best 0-Degree Sleeping Bag for Budget BackpackersMarmot Never Summer Sleeping Bag
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Check on AmazonCheck on REI |
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Most Durable Sleeping BagMost Durable Sleeping BagNemo Disco 15
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Check on REICheck on Nemo |
Best Sleeping Bags Reviewed
Alright, let’s get stuck into reviewing the best sleeping bags for backpackers! Before we dive into the in-depth reviews, let’s take a quick peek at how our top four sleeping bag picks rank against each other…
A good quality sleeping bag isn’t going to be cheap; however, look at your sleeping bag as an investment.
Many of the sleeping bags on our list come with lifetime warranties, and you can expect them to last for decades. Moreover, I think it is worth investing in a lightweight and packable sleeping bag if you want to keep your overall backpack light so as to avoid straining your back.
I’ve listed a couple of backpacker-friendly sleeping bags from the store REI (USA). REI has a one-year warranty on all of the brands they carry, so you can use the gear for up to a year, and return whatever isn’t perfect for a full refund.
Here is a list of the most kickass camping sleeping bags no matter what kind of adventure you are on…
#1 Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF
Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Best Use: 3-season hiking sleeping bag
- Weight: 1lb 15oz (Just under 1 kg)
- Insulation: 900-fill goose down
- Temperature Rating: 20 F (-6.7 C)
This sleeping bag is not cheap, but the Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF is one of the best (if not THE best) sleeping bags for its quality, comfort, and durability.
No synthetic insulation here, it’s real goose down. It is comfortably fluffy (900+ fill down), yet durable, and the bag still compresses to the size of a loaf of bread.
It’s large, the durable zipper doesn’t get caught in the material, and the outside fabric is treated for water and stain resistance far beyond typical sleeping bags. Whilst the bag isn’t waterproof, it’s one of the most water-resistant down sleeping bags on the market.
Feathered Friends bags are the highest quality sleeping bags, made by hand in Seattle, USA, and are filled with down from geese raised with the highest humane standards. You can customize the bag on their site, and even have the sleeping bag customized after purchase (years down the line) if ever needed.
The Swift 20 YF is my pick for the best overall quality sleeping bag because of its weight, durability, and comfort. Treat this bag as an investment and you won’t be disappointed.
- Warm and comfortable
- Durable yet compact
- Ethical down feathers
- Expensive
- Once wet, down is difficult to dry
Should You Buy the Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF?
Are you looking for the warmest sleeping bag possible and don’t need to worry the price tag? Then you can’t really go wrong with the Feathered Friends Swift; it’s a rugged and ultra-compact sleeping bag that will keep you warm on cold nights.
View on Feathered Friends
#2 Sea to Summit Spark Quilt
Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- Best Use: Summer nights, ultralight
- Weight: 12 oz (.5 kg)
- Insulation: 750-fill goose down
- Temperature Rating: 54 F
At 12 oz. of total weight, the Sea to Summit Spark is one of the lightest sleeping bags on the market. If you are traveling with very limited space and weight, you’re a minimalist, a biker, or a kayaker, this is the sleeping bag for you. It packs as small as a softball! (That’s smaller than most down jackets!)
Lack of insulation to save weight means this hiker friendly sleeping bag carries most of its fill in the space for heat where you need it most: over your core. The hood has a simple drawcord on the right, snugging around the face.
The drawback? It has a 54F comfort rating, so this is not for backpacking in cold conditions. On the other hand, if you like this Sea to Summit bag, you can get its big brother (Spark III), which handles temperatures at 25F; however, this makes the sleeping bag heavier and more expensive as well, which kind of defeats the ultra lightweight minimalist approach.
- Lightweight
- Ultra compact
- Insulation centered around your core
- Not as warm as other down sleeping bags
- Once wet, down is difficult to dry
- Probably need a sleeping bag liner to go with this.
Should You Buy the Sea to Summit Spark Quilt?
Do you need an ultralight sleeping bag for your ultralight adventures? The Spark Quilt is one of the smallest and lightest sleeping bags and the market and shouldn’t a burden to carry, whether you’re backpacking Southeast Asia or in the mountains of Pakistan.
View on Amazon View on REI
#3 REI Magma 15
Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag Honorable Mention
- Best Use: Year round backpacking
- Weight: 1lb 14 oz (Just under 1 kg)
- Insulation: 850-fill water resistant down
- Temperature rating: 16 F (-7 C)
At 1 lb. 14 oz, the REI Magma 15 isn’t what I would call ultralight. That said, it packs a lot of warming power into a lightweight sleeping bag feel. For colder climates, a super lightweight sleeping bag simply will not keep you warm enough to be comfortable (or safe).
When you start dipping below 32 F (0 C), having a warm ultralight sleeping bag isn’t just a luxury, it is a necessity for survival! If you plan on taking a backpacking trip to the Andes, Patagonia, the Himalayas, New Zealand, or other cold-climate/high-altitude destinations, I strongly recommend that you go with a lightweight sleeping bag that has an EN comfort rating of at least 20 degrees F.
The REI Magma is just that. It features an abundance of 850-fill water resistant down that will keep you toasty when the weather turns cold in the mountains.
For $350, the Magma 15 is actually perhaps the best value backpacking sleeping bag when compared to other burly ultralight sleeping bags offering the same temperature rating. It’s a solid buy for those looking for a more serious lightweight sleeping bag to take backpacking.
- Very Warm
- Water Resistent
- Great Value
- Heavy (Compared to other down bags)
- Bulky
Should You Buy the REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag?
Are you looking for a super warm sleeping bag that won’t break the bank? The REI Magma 10 is an excellent bang for your buck and will keep you warm in some pretty cold climates.
Check out our super in-depth REI Magma 15 review.
View on REI
#4 Marmot Trestles 30
The Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Best Use: 3-season hiking sleeping bag
- Weight: 3lb 1 oz (1.4 kg)
- Insulation: SpiraFil High-Loft
- Temperature Rating: 30 F (0 C)
The Marmot Trestles 30 is one the company’s flagship products is often suggested to casual backpackers and hikers. It can handle the elements, keep you warm, and is fairly easy to pack. I’ve taken this sleeping bag when backpacking Mozambique, Georgia, and the Colorado Rockies. It never failed me once.
Granted, the Marmot Trestles 30 is not the warmest nor the most lightest sleeping bag on this list. It is not advised to take this sleeping bag backpacking in the winter nor on demanding expeditions.
All that being said, I still love my Trestles 30. To me, it is one of the best sleeping bags for $100 that you can have, just so long as you’re a 3-season hiker.
- Affordable
- Relatively lightweight
- Warm
- Easy to pack
- Heavier compared to other sleeping bags
- Less compact
Should You Buy the Marmot Trestles 30 Sleeping Bag?
Regardless if you’re casual or wilderness backpacker, the Marmot Trestles 30 is an excellent sleeping bag. Hiking will be a breeze with this baby, thanks to its packability and effective insulation. It’s the warmest or lightest sleeping bag on this list, but, for the price, it’s still a great deal.
View on Amazon View on REI
#5 Sea to Summitt Trek TKII
The Best Entry-Level Sleeping Bag for New Backpackers
- Best Use: 3-season backpacking
- Weight: 2lbs 6 oz (Just over 1kg)
- Insulation: 650-fill-power ultra dry down
- Temperature Rating: 18 F (-8 C)
Imagine you and your homies are retreating from the city to go explore the pacific northwest backcountry. You tend to run cold, so you want a down sleeping bag, but you’re in the pacific northwest… Its wet out there. Never fear, thats where the Sea to Summitt Trek TKII can meet the best of both worlds.
With 650 fill water resistent down, and a DWR nylon shell finish, you can count on this sleeping bag meeting some moisture without ruining your night.
This sleeping bag comes with all the standard features: 3D hood, neck collar draft tube that keep heat from escaping, and side and foot zippers for ventilation. Which is great for letting the heat out (if needed) and keeping the cold air where it belongs, outside!
In addition to the standard features, its sometimes the small details that matter. Ever wake up to pee in the middle of the night? Unfortunately, that damn headlamp is nowhere to be found. Thankfully, theres an internal lining pocket fr a place to safely store the essentials. Trying snuggle with your partner for warmth? Unzip your bag and rezip it to theirs to create a double bag.
This is a great option for the new folks trying to get their foot in the door in the backpacking world. Solid material, compact design and affordable price make this a great option.
- Versatile sleeping bag that can withstand cold temps
- Affordable (Compared to other down bags)
- Protective water proof layers prevent excessive exposure to mositure
- Heavier (Compared to other down bags)
- Rectangular shape makes it less packable compared to mummy style bags
Should You Buy the Sea to Summit Trek TKII?
This is a great, affordable options for backpackers out there. Want to learn more about the Sea to Summit Trek TKII? Thankfully we have a review written just for you.
View on REI View on Backcountry
#6 REI Co-op Joule 21 Sleeping Bag – Women’s
Best Women’s Sleeping Bag
- Best Use: 3-season, very versatile.
- Weight: 2 lb. 3 oz (1kg)
- Insulation: 700-fill duck down
- Temperature Rating: 21 F (-6 C)
REI’s Joule 21 is consistently rated one of the best women’s sleeping bags for its comfort, warmth, and durability.
REI makes great quality, affordable camping gear, and in the last few years their gear caught up to the same quality as many of the other brands in the outdoor space.
The Joule 21 can actually handle temperature’s at 21F without extra clothing or a liner. One cool feature is its waterproof finish (despite its down material)!
The most important feature is the Joule is designed to fit a woman’s body and offers increased room at hips, decreased room at shoulders, and extra insulation in critical heat-loss areas. This is a great quality sleeping bag for a woman traveler and comes with a one year warranty.
- Specifically designed FOR women
- Waterproof sealing
- Can handle versatile environments
- Heavier (Compared to other down bags)
Should You Buy the REI Joule 21 Sleeping Bag?
Are you outdoorsy type of girl who wants the best sleeping bag for a female’s body? Then the REI Joule 21 is about as good as it gets. It’s warm, form fitting, durable, and a great investment.
View on REI
#7 Kammok Thylacine 20
Best Four Season Sleeping Bag for Travelling
- Best Use: 4-season, cold weather backpacking
- Weight: 1 lb 15 oz. (Less than 1kg)
- Insulation: 750 Fill Power European Goose Down
- Temperature Rating: 15 F (-9.4 C) with liner
Many winter sleeping bags will run you $500-600+. The Kammok Thylacine, however, is one of the most versatile sleeping bags on our list because of its unique 3 in 1 feature. You essentially get three sleeping bags for a fraction of the cost.
The bag is normally at a 30°F temperature rating, but with its attachable liner, it can withstand 15°F. Add the liner insert and the Kammok becomes a winter bag for 0°F temperatures. While I wouldn’t use the Kammok as a replacement for a winter only sleeping bag, it’s a great choice for the four season traveler, who plans to camp in multiple temperatures and climates!
Other cool features include a pillow pocket to keep the pillow in place and storage pocket for your head torch. Plus the Kammok compresses quite small for a 3 lb bag!
The drawback? They do not have a short size for the vertically challenged. Its regular size is 78” and fits a person up to 6’3”.
- Great build quality
- Versatile use for different environments
- Good price
- Not ideal for taller people
- Desite the fact it’s a 4-season bag, it cannot withstand extreme cold
Should You Buy the Kammock Thylacine Sleeping Bag?
Are looking for a convenient sleeping bag that can be used in both the winter and the summer? The Kammock Thylacine is a unique 3-in-1 bag that allows you to do both! Just don’t expect it to be a perfect replacement.
View on Amazon View on Kammok
#8 Marmot Never Summer Sleeping Bag
The Best 0-Degree Sleeping Bag for Budget Backpackers
- Best Use: 4-seasons
- Weight: 3lbs 3oz
- Insulation: 650 Fill Power Down with Down Defender
- Temperature Rating: 0 F
For those dirtbag mountaineers who need to save a couple of dollars, the Marmot Never Summer is an excellent deal. It’s a 0-degree bag that doesn’t break the bank or your back and will perform very well in the wilderness.
Some people note that the Marmot Never Summer isn’t a true 0-degree bag, which has some merit since the down fill is only 650. For this reason, the Marmot Never Summer may actually be more like a 5-degree bag and for women more so.
On another note, I do have to admit that this bag could be a little more compact.
That being said, the Never Summer is still a great purchase. Even though the down fill may not be perfect, it still does a great job. I still believe that it’s the best budget sleeping bag for mountaineers and those seeking a 0-degree or, at least, a bag close to 0.
- Best 0-degree for the price
- Compact and packable
- Very warm
- Heavy (Compared to other down bags)
Should You Buy the Marmot Never Summer Sleeping Bag?
Do you need a good 0-degree sleeping bag that won’t leave you broke? Are you ok with using a bag that doesn’t use the best possible down or isn’t the most packable either? If you you’re ok with these shortcomings, then the Marmot Never Summer will serve you very well. I’ve used it in the mountains extensively and has kept me toasty through all of them.
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#9 Nemo Disco 15
Most Durable Sleeping Bag
- Best Use: 3-season sleeping bag
- Weight: 2lbs 3oz (1kg)
- Insulation: 650 power-fill down
- Temperature Rating: 15 F (-9.4 C)
First things first, lets talk about durability. Have you ever left camp in a rush? Stuffed your sleeping bag in your back and off you went. Only to find when you get to camp you ripped the stitching at the seam? Any experienced backpacker has been there. The Nemo Disco 15 has a ripstop nylon finish on the shell, to prevent just that. In addition, the nylon water resistent finish can take on the mositure too, without ruining your night in the backcountry.
Dueability is important but it’s the little things that matter too:
You lay down in your tent after an exhausting day in the hills, fall asleep instantly. Hours later you wake up, face down, sprawled across your tent, your sleeping bag is twisted at your waist. You get yourself sorted. Hours later, you wake up. Same exact situation happened. You wake up in the morn, exhausted. Why? Because your sleeping bag manufacturer neglected to include the little details, thats why.
The Nemo Disco 15 is designed for the side sleeper. With acticulated elbow and knee room allows you to shift around so your sleeping doesn’t have to.
- Ripstop shell inproves durability
- Ethically sourced goose down
- Lifetime warranty
- Heavy (Compared to other down bags)
- Semirectangular style makes it less packable
Should You Buy the Nemo Disco 15 Sleeping Bag?
Warm an durable makes this a great product if you put your gear through the wringer. Care for more info on the Nemo Disco 15? Check out our review!
View on REI View on Nemo
Best of the Rest: More of the Best Sleeping Bags for Backpackers
#10 Feathered Friends Hummindbird UL 20/30
Its time for the early morning rise and grind. So many miles to crank, so little time. It’s frigid, but somehow your body temperature is stable in your Featured Friends Hummingbird UL. Let me tell you from experience that it is definitely easier to leave your cocoon in the early morn when you’re already warm.
This sleeping bag is the ideal pick for the ultralight backpackers or for the folks who tend to run cold. Formerly, known as the Feather Friends Merlin, the Hummingbird UL lives up to its rebranded name.
The goose down insulation (for warmth) and the Pertex Endurance (water resistance) fabric shell is a winning combination for any 3-season sleeping bag.
It’s ultralightweight (24 oz/ 680 grams) is complemented by its packability. A ‘long’ 20 degree (Fahrenheit) will fit in your 10-liter stuff sack with room to spare.
Sometimes simplicity is the key to brilliance, especially with the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL.
View on Feathered Friends
#11 Nemo Forte 35 Sleeping Bag
Finally! A sleeping bag manufacturer that has done something to accommodate the way most people fall asleep, on their side. The trademarked Unique Spoon feature offers more room for the elbow and knee areas so side sleepers can shift comfortably throughout the night.
This synthetic sleeping bag is made from 80% post-consumer content. The synthetic Primaloft insulation maximizes heat retention while wicking away moisture.
Have you ever brought a 3-season sleeping bag on a summer trip? Then you know how miserably hot and sweaty those nights can get. Thankfully, the Nemo Forte 35 includes Thermo Gills that allow for more ventilation on warmer nights, unzip the gills and let the excess heat out without letting cold air in.
Planning on a shoulder season trip? The Blanket Fold draft collar and tube provide more efficient temperature regulation. So when those spring and fall trips have the warm days and cold nights, you won’t even notice the outside temps inside the Nemo Forte 35. A 3-season sleeping bag exists that actually allows you to be more COMFORTABLE during all 3 seasons of use, go figure!
Hey ladies, want a sleeping bag with the same features, no worries! Nemo has made a Forte 35 just for women as well.
View on REI View on Nemo
#12 Exped MegaSleep Duo 25/40
This one is for all you couples out there. There comes a time where one of you (the crazier one) decides that spending every day with your partner isn’t’ enough. Why not treat yourself to a remote, romantic, weekend getaway in the backcountry?
The sunsets, the alpenglow hits your partners face, the mood strikes, its time for a romp in the sack (pun intended).
Except, have you ever had sex in a tent? Let me tell you from experience, it’s a logistical hassle. Sleeping bags and pads get shifted around, someone usually gets cold, next thing you know whoever is on the bottom has a rock jabbing their ass. Thankfully, the Exped MegsSleep Duo solves all those problems.
This sleeping bag is compatible with any sleeping pad. In addition, it comes with the same standard features and the quick-dry microfiber insulation that wicks away moisture. All fabrics are treatment-free, meaning no allergens or chemicals, BUT what does that really mean? It means you can cuddle without the concern of the material irritating your skin.
The whole setup weighs only 4 pounds, so you can pack the comfort without adding the extra weight. Are you worried it won’t fit in your pack? No worries, make your partner carry it!
Lightweight, warm and affordable makes this a home run for all the adventurous couples out there.
View on REI
#13 REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 30
The backpacking quilt is becoming all the rage these days. Why would anyone use a quilt instead of a sleeping bag? Three reasons: simplicity, packability and (most importantly) weight. REI has taken the classic Magma sleeping bags and made it even simpler for all you minimalists out there.
The REI Magma Trail Quilt ditches the zippers without ditching the warmth. This quilt is filled with water-resistant goose down. In addition, it has a durable water finish Pertex coating to protect the down insulation from exposure to moisture.
Despite its simplistic design, it has all the meaningful features any seasoned backpacker would care about. Unlike a wool quilt, this one secures to your sleeping pad so half your body doesn’t end up on the cold, hard earth in the middle of the night.
When you sleep with a normal quilt, your feet are sure to pop out. Not with the REI Magma Trail Quilt, it comes a trapezoidal ‘foot box’ to keep your feet secure and warm.
I’m gonna be real with you, the backpacking quilt may not be for everyone. But if you’re willing to be experimental with this trending product, and revert to the Jeremiah Johnson days, then this option is worth considering.
View on REI
#14 Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20/30
After cranking miles all day you finally make it to camp. The first thing that comes to mind: food. Bust out the stove, nourish the body. The sunsets. You pull out the tent, sleeping pad and your 9-liter stuff sack filled with…your puffy? Nope, your Feathered Friends Swallow YF sleeping bag.
Down insulation, Pertex and YFuse water-resistant shell fabric all in a compact set up. The packability is the ideal lightweight setup to keep your back from aching. Despite its compactness when its shoved in your pack, you’ll unpack it to realize it’s more spacious than the other mummy-style Feathered Friends sleeping bags.
Warm, lightweight, compact and durable make the Feathered Friends Swallow YF an ideal 3-season sleeping bag for backpackers.
View on Feathered Friends
How to Choose a Great Sleeping Bag…
Before you make any purchase, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions: WHEN and WHERE do you plan on using your sleeping bag? Answering these basic questions will make your research a lot easier for you. If you can’t give yourself a straight answer, then there are definitely some versatile options out there.
This is the definitive guide for the best sleeping bags for backpacking of 2020
Let’s take a look at the crucial factors you need to consider when choosing a sleeping bag…
Sleeping Bag Rating and Type
Sleeping Bag Temperature Rating
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are often rated on the European Norm (EN). EN is a European rating system many outdoor brands use to standardize the temperature ratings on sleeping bags. EN uses three temperature ratings:
- Comfort rating: The lowest temperature a sleeping bag will keep the average woman or “cold sleeper” comfortable.
- Lower-limit rating: The lowest temperature a sleeping bag will keep a man or “warm sleeper” comfortable.
- Extreme rating: Some bags come with an extreme rating, which is the temperature the average woman or “cold sleeper” can survive a night without getting hypothermia
Despite this information, most manufacturers defer to the extreme rating. Meaning if you’re sleeping in a 20-degree sleeping bag, and the low temperature hits 20 degrees, you can expect to survive the night but not feel warm and cozy.
Lots of things to consider when buying the right sleeping bag. Unless you plan on backpacking in extreme conditions, a solid 3-season bag is your best bet.
Backpacking Sleeping Bag Types
Summer Bags: Summer sleeping bags are typically rated 32 F (0 C) or higher, which means they are made for sleeping in 40s F and 50s F (4 C – 10 C). Summer sleeping bags may not have the features that keep you warmer in colder temperatures like built-in hoods. Most summer bags are rectangular.
3-Season Bags: 3-season bags are the most versatile bags for hikers and travelers. 3 season sleeping bags are usually rated from 10 F to 32 F (-12 C to 0 C) for sleeping in around 20 F to 40 F (-6 C to 4 C). You can easily use a 3 season sleeping bag in the summer by unzipping or just draping it over you like a blanket.
Winter Bags: These are tough-as-nails sleeping bags made for camping in the snow and extreme temperatures. They usually rate at 10 F and lower (-6 C to 4 C). Winter bags are typically bulkier and heavier. Let me tell you from experience, if you are planning a winter trip it is well worth the money for a winter bag. Otherwise, if you don’t see yourself planning any winter adventures in the near future, they probably aren’t worth it.
Now that you have some background information for the sleeping bags on the market. Let’s dive into the buyer’s guide:
Insulation, Weight and Style
Whether you’re looking for sleeping bags for backcountry hiking or traveling the world, a lightweight and compact sleeping bag is a top priority.
The different types of insulation will make a huge difference in weight (as well as cost). If you’re looking for the best ultralight sleeping bag with the smallest pack size, then look for down because down weighs significantly less and packs lighter than synthetic. The drawback is down costs more.
Dmytro Gilitukha (Shutterstock)
Sleeping Bag Insulation
Down: What is down? Usually its goose feathers (or something similar). Down sleeping bags are lightweight, warm, and packable, but they are also more expensive than synthetic bags. Down sleeping bags last much longer, often for decades of use. The downside (pun intended) is when they are exposed to moisture, it takes longer to dry out and does not retain body temperature very well.
However, we are in the 21st century. Water-resistant down sleeping bags exist on the market! Meaning what? It can definitely handle condensation and other minor forms of exposure to moisture. Even with water-resistant down, if the whole sleeping bag gets wet then you’re in for a long, cold night.
Synthetic: Many ultralight backpackers tend to steer clear of synthetic because it is usually heavier and isn’t as cozy as sleeping bags with lofty down insulation. That said, synthetic insulation does have its advantages.
If its exposed to moisture, it dries much quicker. What about extreme circumstances? Like if your sleeping bag is wet and there’s no opportunity to dry it? Crawl inside it anyway, even when its wet it will still keep you warm throughout the night. Additionally, if you’re a baller on a budget then synthetic sleeping bags are typically cheaper.
Pro tip: If you plan to travel in a wet and/or humid environment then synthetic sleeping bags are absolutely worth the weight.
Alexandra Lande (Shutterstock)
Sleeping Bag Weight
When you’re carrying your home on your back every ounce seems to matter. On average, down sleeping bags range from 1-3 pounds (.5-1.5 kilograms), while synthetic sleeping bags range from 2-4 pounds (1-2 kilograms).
The weight of your sleeping bag should depend on its intended use. If you’re an experienced backpacker that is planning a thru-hike. Packing a zero-degree synthetic bag probably isn’t a great idea. Or on the contrary, if you’re new to backpacking and only take a couple of trips a year. A down sleeping bag will certainly keep you warm and comfortable, but you can count on it being more expensive.
So how much does weight actually matter? Consider the other gear that you plan to carry as well. That includes your tent, sleeping pad, stove, food, water etc. Personally, I do not consider myself an ultralight hiker; however, I do tend to go lighter side when it comes to sleeping bags so I can pack other things (beer) on my backpacking trips.
Everst (Shutterstock)
Sleeping Bag Style
For women: Women-specific bags are designed to fit a woman’s body shape, and are usually shorter in length, to help women and “cold sleepers” trap more heat. Many of them come with extra insulation in the upper body. Smaller women may find that youth bags are the best fit.
Rectangle Bags: While they have become less popular for backpackers over the years, rectangular sleeping bags are often the most comfortable because you have more room. By design, rectangular sleeping bags are often harder to pack. Despite this fact, rectangular bags just as durable and reliable as any other style of sleeping bag.
Mummy Bags: Mummy bags are warmer because they are tight-fitting, and usually have hoods to keep heat in from your head. They are more compact, therefore easier to pack than rectangular sleeping bags. More contemporary bags have a mummy design because it better fits the curvature of the human body.
Quilts: As the ultralight form of travel becomes more trendy, manufacturers are coming up with more creative ways to sacrifice weight while maintaining packability and warmth. These backpacking quilts are usually made of down and are by far the most simplistic design.
All these styles have their purpose. Which of these styles will best meet your needs?
Dolomite Summits (Shutterstock)
Final Thoughts on Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Everyone has different requirements and budgets when backpacking, so I decided to break down our top picks for sleeping bags based on different types of travel needs.
If you are aiming for an overall amazing quality backpacking sleeping bag, the Feathered Friends Swift 20 is without a doubt the best sleeping bag that I have ever slept in.
I understand though that many hikers and travelers are looking for something a little cheaper – The Dolomite 30 Sleeping Bag is a steal at $99 and if you don’t mind the extra weight it’s a solid choice and is definitely one of the greatest backpacking sleeping bags.
For the best ultralight sleeping bag on the market, the Sea to Summit Spark Quilt is a great option.
If you are off camping, don’t forget to take a headlamp. Oh, and check out the backpacking packing list if you are hitting the road, and unsure of what else to pack in your backpack!
Happy traveling!
Yay for transparency! The links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you buy anything, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse crap. Your support helps me keep the site going.
Need More Inspiration?
- 11 Best Sleeping Bag Liners
- Best Backpacking Tent for your Travels
- Nemo Disco 15 Review
- Sea To Summit Trek TK II Review
- REI Magma 15 Review
- Best Winter Sleeping Bags
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