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Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Weight
Sometimes, every ounce in your pack counts. An ideal weight for backpacking sleeping bags is two pounds or less. Carrying more weight than needed, can slow you down and wear you out. Many reviewers find the weight to be more valuable than the packed size, which is one common complaint about mummy-style sleeping bags. Finding one that is light enough, but also gives you the space you need to sleep comfortably can be difficult.
Overall when looking at investing in a new sleeping bag for your next backpacking trip, keep the weight of the bag in mind as it will make all the difference as even though these sleeping bags can be compacted down for easy transport if they are heavy they will cause you discomfort. The last thing you want after hiking for hours in the wilderness is to be uncomfortable. Going a bit further with it, you really want to consider the warmth-to-weight ratio that your choice offers. You can find a bag that insulates properly while still maintaining a decently lightweight package. Lightweight sleeping gear is a must. We are seeing more and more people going with the more ultralight sleeping options, as it saves a little more on the weight that you'll have to carry. Just remember, the best sleeping bags for backpacking are going to be the ones that have an acceptable warmth to weight ration. you have to carry it, and it has to work.
Size
Depending on how you will be exploring the outdoors, the size of your crucial items is incredibly important, and this goes especially for sleeping bags. The only instance that you wouldn't be stressing about this is if you were driving to a campsite or didn't have far to walk. If you have a long trek ahead of you, you will need to plan ahead with water, food items or cooking supplies, clothes, first aid or emergency kit, and a tent. Fitting all of this into a 30L backpack can be difficult. A great solution to this headache is a sleeping bag designed specifically for backpacking. The packs we have included on our list are lightweight and most pack down quite small. If the packed-down size is still too big for your backpack, we recommend using a carabiner to attach the sleeping bag to a strap of your backpack. As long as you choose a lightweight option, this shouldn't be a hassle and will save you space inside your bag. For the taller people out there, you should make sure your pick fits comfortably. That way you can get the best sleep experience you can get on your trek.
Materials
The material of your backpacking sleeping bag plays a big roll in how comfortable you will be on your expedition. We recommend bags with a DWR coating. If you get stuck in the rain or accidentally lay your bag down on a wet surface, the water will not seep through and you can still sleep cozily. The better the material, the more versatile sleeping bag you'll have fo all kinds of different occasions.
It's what's on the inside that really counts, right? There are a few different fillings available for sleeping bags. The most popular are down filling and synthetic. Down filling, especially goose down, is said to be the warmest and most luxurious. The only downside to down filling is that it can move around and you will have to re-position the feathers if you notice any cold spots. A synthetic filling is typically more cost-effective. While down fillings have seen recent improvement with moisture, a synthetic filling is known to keep you warmer in the case that moisture seeps in. But, you do want to find a bag that is breathable, especially for the warm summer nights. This is also where choosing the right items for the location is important.
Comfort is key for all of this kind of outdoor gear! Check whether it has zippers and what the length of them is. This will determine what type of ventilation is possible and how easy or hard it will be to get in or out of the bag. Some bags have draft tubes around the zippers and draft collars around the hood to improve insulation. Sleeping pad loops or pockets are also convenient so you do not roll off the pad. What you wear to bed, metabolism and if you use a tent can all affect a person’s comfort level while sleeping in nature as well. Another good thing to think about is that the materials can also dictate the temperature ratings. Also look for durable materials, such as abrasion resistant panels and a ripstop nylon shell. Many of the newer and more durable materials are light enough for those ultralight sleeping options.
Weather Resistance
Like all of your backpacking gear, your stuff has to work in not so great conditions. Look for sleeping bags that are versatile so they can be used through multiple seasons and in different weather. If you are looking for a specific temperature sack, winter, for example, check the temperature rating or EN number on for a general guideline. Also, consider the type of hood and the types of zippers for venting. You want it to be warm enough on a cold night, but also comfortable enough on a summer evening. This is really one of those factors that should be considered with all of your outdoor gear.
Overall you are looking for sleeping bags that are fitted for the season as this is the most efficient way to make sure you stay comfortable. When backpacking sleep is one of the most important things you can do to recharge your energy for the next day's activities and journey. So make sure your sleeping bag is fitted for the season you intend to use it, that way you will be sleeping easy. The weather resistance properties can also influence the temperature ratings of a particular bag. To get the best sleep experience on the trail, the weather resistance matters. A water-resistant shell is also a good idea, just in case you find yourself waking up in a wet area in the morning.
You should also put some thought into where you're heading. Are you going to be in cold weather, moderate temps, or are you heading into warmer weather? If you stick to warm weather, you should be able to get something pretty light in overall weight.
10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
1. SEA TO SUMMIT SPARK 2
The Sea to Summit Spark 2, in our opinion, is one of the best sleeping bags we looked at for several reasons and is the way to go if you are desiring an incredibly light sleeping bag to pack up and backpack with. It doesn't offer all the bells and whistles that other bags offer, but this is because it forgoes some of the perks in order to be light. It looks just like the Spark 2, but it is made to be warmer.
Read moreWeight
What is special about the Spark 2 is that it is designed to offer you warmth, so that it can be used all year round, but it only weighs 1.38 pounds. Weight is what you're looking at when it comes to sleeping bags you'll be carrying long distances. This is one of the reasons we picked this as the best sleeping bag in our guide. This one could fall into the ultralight bag category.
Size
If you prefer mummy bags, the main benefit of this particular sleeping bag is its compressed packing size. It's 1/3 size that packs down to fit in a compressed sack that can fit in the palm of your hand.
Materials
Like most of their sleeping bags, this comfortable sack feels soft and comfortable to the skin. It is 100% nylon that is treated with DWR, which will offer you protection from moisture. The inside is filled with 850 dry down and European goose down. This means that the sleeping bag keeps you warmer on those colder nights out backpacking and camping.
Weather Resistance
There are many factors that keep you warm in this mummy bag. A combination of the 850+ ultra dry down, the 10D nylon treated with DWR shell, 1/3 length zipper, and baffle construction all work together to keep you warm and cozy in the cold and beautiful environments. If you are looking for a sack that offers you a lightweight option that can be packed down to take up minimal room, then this is your perfect choice. It features a 3YKK zipper that is durable. And the Spark 2 will keep you feeling very warm with its premium down fill. Maybe this is a bold statement, but we felt like this was one of the best sleeping bags that we looked at.
2. MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR HYPERLAMINA FLAME 20
Mountain Hardwear's Hyperlamina Flame 20 is a synthetic, mummy-style sleeping bag, which is affordable and well designed. It is efficient and innovative, as well as built with high-quality material. Synthetic bags are generally best if the hiker wants confidence that they will stay warm in wet conditions. Along with many others, that is one of this bags best qualities. It also has a ½ zipper located on the front of the Flame and a hyper-ergonomic foot box. The exterior was designed without seams or stitches, which makes it more water resistant and helps with retaining heat. Reviewers felt the fabric that the inside and outside were constructed with was comfortable and soft of the skin. Other synthetic bags can come with a heavy and smothering feeling, but the Hyperlamina was neither. Overall, this is one of the best synthetic sleeping bags out there for an affordable price.
Read moreWeight
For the fast and light hiker who wants a synthetic bag, this is the best one on the market. At 43 ounces, it is not the lightest on the market. However, with a synthetic sleeping bag, you can rest assured that if it went wet, you will not be cold. Synthetic insulation insulates far better if moisture enters when compared to down bags.
Size
Synthetic filled sleeping bags are a bit tougher to pack small compared to down filling. When in its packed size, it is 7×16 inches, which is comparable to lower quality down bags. If the packed size is really important to you, a down filled sack may be a better option.
Materials
Most reviewers noted that the half zip design of the Hyperlamina sleeping bag made it easy to get in and out of. The zipper runs chin to belly button length and is located on the chest side. When fully zipped, the end of the zipper is protected behind the draft tube, so it doesn’t poke users all night. Reviewers liked the location of the zipper compared to other bags, but the short zipper does eliminate the option of venting the lower body on warmer nights. The zipper was also prone to snagging the outer material, which can lead to poor long-term durability if it rips the material. Reviewers reported that they thought the synthetic fill was overall very comfortable and that it maintained excellent loft.
Weather Resistance
A little pack weight and size is given up for warmth. Testers agreed that this is one of the sleeping bags that actually did live up to its 20-degree rating. Thermal-Q fill keeps users remarkably warm, even when it is below freezing outside. The construction also has no stitching, so there are no small holes for cold air or moisture to sneak in through. Reviewers noted that the design of the hood was well thought out. Users felt that the hood conformed to their head without limiting movement or vision. The hood has a passive draft collar, which is secured by a velcro closure. Reviewers felt the draft collar was comfortable and kept the warmth inside. They also noted that the velcro strip was strong enough to keep the tube in place all night. The Flame provides a slim, snug fit, which helps keep the person inside warm. Most people loved the snugness (slimmer people), but some didn’t like that it restricted their sleeping movements.
3. TENTON SPORTS LEEF
This sleeping bag for you fellow backpackers is brought to us by Teton which is a brand known for their quality sleeping bags and other gear that are fitted to exploring the wilderness. One of the key factors you want to consider when looking for a backpacking sleeping bag is that it is lightweight, will compress to a smaller size for great portability, and that it will keep you warm at night. The Tenton Sports Leef provides all those features and is definitely one to look at if you're in the market for a new sleeping bag.
Read moreWeight
This sleeping bag when all packed up and ready to be connected to your backpack comes in at a five pounds which are perfect for a weekend backpacking trip. A normal backpacking sleeping bag is between 3-7 pounds and this bag fits that specifications. It also is able to be compressed to under 15" so it will be easily connected to your backpack and allow those five pounds to be secluded to a specific area of your backpack.
Size
This sleeping bag when compressed is under 15" which is a perfect size for backpacking sleeping bags. This is a perfect size because it is able to be packed inside your backpack or connected to the outside of your backpack to give you more room inside. When in use, this backpack will fit an adult up to 7' 3", so you should have no issues being uncomfortable while getting a good night sleep.
Materials
Like all of the other sleeping bags on our list, this one is made from durable materials and you can be sure that it will be a part of your gear for many years to come. It is made with double insulation to ensure even if you are camping in cold climates that you are protected. To be specific you would be able to use this sleeping bag in 0 degrees Fahrenheit if needed.
Weather Resistance
Again this sleeping bag is not only made from durable and insulated material but will keep you warm and comfortable in the cold. To be specific this sleeping bag can be used in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. KELTY COSMIC DOWN 20
If you need a warm, lightweight, and good all-around sleep sack that’s also affordable, then you might want to consider the Kelty Cosmic Down 20. While it doesn’t stand out in any particular area, it does offer you a good all-around option if you are on a budget. This is one of those sleeping bags that is great for getting started.
Read moreWeight
The Kelty Cosmic is very lightweight, especially for its price, and tips the scales at 2.7 pounds. That makes it one of the lightest options on the list, so it’s very easy to carry.
Size
The Kelty Cosmic compresses down into 8x14, meaning it does save space in your pack. You’ll love how easy it is to compress and carry along with you. A lot of people felt like this one has a little more room than many other mummy bags.
Materials
Kelty’s Cosmic has a polyester shell, but it doesn’t feature ripstop fabric so it won’t be as durable as some other bags. However, for the price, it is still a viable option.
Weather Resistance
Kelty’s Cosmic is designed to be 3-season and can handle temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It does keep you warm, and it can keep you even warmer if you sleep with a sleeping pad.
5. OUTDOOR VITALS
If you’re looking for a great, lightweight sac that’s easy to pack down and brings you a lot of comforts when you have to sleep outside in the cold at night, then you’ll love the Outdoor Vitals Down. The Outdoor Vitals compresses easily, so it is easy to carry, and you’ll love how warm you’ll feel when you sleep inside of it.
Read moreWeight
The Outdoor Vitals is very lightweight; in fact, it is classified as an ultralight sack. You’ll get a very warm, lightweight backpack with this one since it only weighs 2.75 pounds.
Size
Although roomier up top compared to some others, the Outdoor Vitals also packs down very well and compresses into 11x8x8 inches, so it is very easy to carry. You’ll love how light it feels and how easily it compresses when you need to take it with you.
Materials
The outer material of the Outdoor Vitals is made from Rip-stop polyester, meaning it can keep water out and also help protect the down. Plus, the down insulation makes you feel the warmth, which can handle freezing temperatures.
Weather Resistance
The Outdoor Vitals is able to hand temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it very warm. You’ll feel cozy and safe even when the weather outside dips to freezing.
6. MARMOT TRESTLES 30
If you are looking for a versatile, lightweight, and moisture resistant sleeping bag, you may have found your perfect match here. This 3 season mummy bag is packed full of extra features. While the Trestles 30 isn't quite as lightweight or compressible as the Elite series, it will certainly keep you warm and is more transportable than a regular sleeping bag.
Read moreWeight
This bag weighs in at 3.1-pounds. It is slightly heavier than some other options on our list, but still portable.
Size
When this bag is packed, the volume of the bag is about 10.5 liters. It is about the size of half of a pillow. It is worth noting that the storage sack is not waterproof. Reviewers have not had complaints about the size of the packed bag, even though it isn't quite as compact as others. One reviewer fit the bag nicely into the sleeping bag compartment of their backpack, and the other had room to spare in their 50L backpack.
Materials
The shell of this bag is DWR treated polyester. The DWR treatment allows you to keep warm and dry even if the bag is not. The Durable SpiraFil synthetic insulation, paired with wave construction on the top of the bag brings you an excellent level of warmth. The hood of the bag features two drawcords, making it easy for you to tighten the hood in the cold dark night.
Weather Resistance
This mummy bag has a 30-degree rating. Through testing, REI has found that the bag is ideal for a temperature of 36.1 and the lowest temperature of 26.2. It all depends on you, as reviewers have found this bag to work well in under freezing temperatures, while others were cold sleeping in only 40-degree weather.
7. SIERRA DESIGNS BACKCOUNTRY
The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed offers you an innovative sleeping sack without zippers, helping to create added comfort and a lot of great temperature regulation. It brings you a lot of comforts and will help you keep warm even during very cold outdoor winter nights.
Read moreWeight
The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed is very lightweight, weighing in at about 3 pounds 5 ounces. That means it is very light and easy to pack and carry along with you as you venture through the great outdoors.
Size
The packed size of this backcountry bed is 8.5x16, meaning it packs down small enough to be safe saving. That makes this sleeping back convenient to carry and pack.
Materials
Made with a durable polyester outer shell, this backcountry bed helps to repel water as you sleep. Plus, the insulation in this backcountry bed is made with 24 ounces of duck down that has been treated with a molecular polymer to help it better repel water.
Weather Resistance
The temperature comfort level of the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed is around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this is a 3-season sack that would allow you to use it at temperatures of around 15 degrees Fahrenheit if you get a good sleeping pad as well.
8. TETON TRACKER
If you prefer mummy-style for an extra boost in warmth, then you’ll love the ultralight Tracker Ultralight product. This sleep sack features excellent insulation to help regulate your body temperature even when the weather dips down and becomes very cold.
Read moreWeight
The Tracker weighs in at only 4.1 pounds when it’s packed. That makes it very lightweight, and you’ll love how easy it is to carry along with you.
Size
The packed size is 14x9.5, meaning it is very compressible. You’ll be able to save a decent amount of space in your backpack if you purchase this product.
Materials
The outer shell of the Tracker is made from Ripstop polyester fabric, meaning the Teton Tracker is quite durable. Also, the material has the ability to repel water and keep you very dry at night.
Weather Resistance
Made with Teton’s “Polarlite” insulation, the Teton Tracker is designed to provide an extra boost of warmth during the freezing weather. The Teton Tracker can help you withstand temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. KELTY TUCK 22 DEGREE
Filled with 11 ounces of 800+ goose down and a temperature rating of 20 degrees F it excels in heat retention and compressibility. It is also lighter than most 20-degree bags on the market, which helps users maximize room in their pack. This versatile 3-season sack can be used on long trips, cold nights, or summertime treks, due to its excellent insulation and ventilation options. Those options make it a great choice for someone who is looking for one sleep sack to do it all.
Read moreWeight
Weighing less than 2lbs (1 pound 8 ounces) the Kelty Tuck 22 Degree Sleeping Bag is extra light on your back. This makes it a lot easier to keep moving on your backcountry adventures. The Kelty’s main feature is its lightweight build, but it does not give up performance and features for its lighter weight. The Kelty Tuck 22 Degree Sleeping Bag has slightly larger dimensions than others weighing around the same weight.
Size
Another main perk of the Kelty Tuck 22 Degree Sleeping Bag is its stuff size. It comes with a small, lightweight, non-compression stuff sack that reviewers concluded does a very good job at compressing it smaller than other stuff sacks. However, some found that using an actual compression sack could make it 25-40% smaller overall.
Materials
The Kelty Tuck 22 Degree Sleeping Bag was designed with patented trapezoid toe box, which is wider at the toes and narrower at the heels. This gives your feet more wiggle room and provides a more natural, comfortable fit. It has also been designed with a full-length zipper, which can be ordered on the left or right side, depending on your preference. Whatever side the full-length zipper is not ordered on, a second 12” zipper will be placed, allowing for more ventilation options or to fold down part of it. Both zippers have zipper guards to prevent snagging of the material, as well as an insulated draft tube to prevent the cold from creeping in. The inside has soft-brushed nylon feel, making it very cozy when you are inside of it.
Weather Resistance
Real testers and reviewers thought the Kelty Tuck 22 Degree Sleeping Bag was accurately rated for 20 degrees F. They also agreed that the hood added significant warmth when used on below freezing nights. The ergonomic, draw-string hood is designed to be super effective at keeping warm air in, but not being too tight around one's face. The outer layer is treated with Dri-Down Defender, which is a strong water repellent treatment that allowed the down to stay drier 10 times longer than untreated down. Down Defender also maintains 150% more loft and dries 30% faster, to make sure you keep warm and dry. The outer layer which is made of Pertex Microlight 20D fabric to keep it durable, but light. Another perk of this fabric besides saving weight is that most users thought it was very breathable.
10. WESTERN MOUNTAINEERING ULTRALITE 20 DEGREE
If you are looking for a sleeping sack that is a solid three season option, the Western Mountaineering UltraLite 20 Degree is a fantastic choice. The Ultralite 20 best suits people who tend to be cooler at night, or higher elevation backpack trips, and of course, colder months.
Read moreWeight
The Ultralite 20 weighs in a 1.13 pounds, so it's not the lightest product on the list, but it's definitely not the heaviest.
Size
On the manufacturer's website, the sac size is listed as XS.
Materials
The shell is both waterproof and breathable, so you can rest assured that you won't feel overheated and that moisture won't sneak its uncomfortable way in.
Weather Resistance
The Ultralite is rated for 20-degree weather, and it is filled with 850 down fill so that you are surrounded by soft and warm comfort. The down means that it packs down small. If you are looking for a product that you can purchase knowing it can be used all year long, this is an option you will want to consider. It's lightweight enough that it won't weigh you down.
Sources
- , The 7 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags 2017, Informational Camping Website
- , Sleeping Bag Reviews, Informational Camping Website
- , 6 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags, Informational Camping Website