The Best Sleeping Bags Reviewed

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Coleman Mummy
Test Winner: Coleman Mummy
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If you are heading for a weekend of camping, what is one of the first things you think to grab? Your sleeping bag of course! Everyone enjoys the outdoors but what they enjoy even more is a good night sleep in a comfortable tent. A great sleeping bag can make or break a camping trip and you want to ensure you get a quality one. When looking to invest in a sleeping bag, you definitely do not want to get something cheap as nothing is better than a great night sleep, especially when you are in the middle of the woods, so look to stay within your budget but get something that is affordable and comfortable as you will thank yourself later. Below we have lent a hand and listed the top ten sleeping bags to keep you comfortable on your next camping trip.

Standout Picks

Outdoor Vitals 20F Summit Down
For the ideal balance between being lightweight and being warm, the Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag is a great choice. Featuring 800-fill responsibly sourced down, this sleeping bag still comes in at under three pounds!
Marmot Trestles 15
If you're looking for a no-frills sleeping back to bring with you car camping in the colder months, Marmot's Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag is just the thing you need without breaking the bank.
Amazon Link
Coleman Mummy
The Coleman mummy is not only a quality sleeping bag but also will keep you warm in very cold climates. It is a great sleeping bag for camping as well as backpacking as it is lightweight and compacts up nicely. If you are in the market for a new sleeping bag, the versatile Coleman Mummy might be the way to go.
Amazon Link
$75.51
Kelty Tuck 22F
For those on a budget, the Kelty Tuck is a great sub-$100 option that doesn't skimp on quality. It's lightweight and offers all of the warmth and durability you've come to expect from Kelty.
Nemo Salsa 30
If you want a comfortable sleeping bag that’s easy to pack down and will let you sleep in any position, then you’ll love the Nemo Salsa 30. The Nemo Salsa 30 provides you with plenty of warmth and room as you sleep, and also packs down so it is easy to carry.
Abco Tech All Seasons
Freezing temperatures, warm summer nights or any weather in the middle. This bag offers all you want, good for all four seasonal kinds of weather, light to carry and compresses to fit into a small carry sack, waterproof and designed with extra features to ensure a comfortable outdoor sleeping experience. Made from durable long-lasting high-quality polyester which gives a combination of comfort and protection. This product is selling well because it is very good and the online reviews are very favorable.
Amazon Link
Coleman Dunnock
The Coleman Dunnock is a sleeping bag that has a number of unique features that make it stand out, but nothing quite as killer as some of the others in this guide. For example, a small media pocket is included near the chest area, which is something that testers found to be handy, but not invaluable. Even if not groundbreaking, it certainly is unique.
Amazon Link
$69.45
Slumberjack Country Squire
The Slumberjack Country Squire 0 is one of the more fully-featured bags we’ve ever reviewed. Far and away from the unique feature, though, is the removable cotton sheet. For those of you who want a bit more to wrap yourselves up in, this is the killer app of killer apps for sleeping bags. The main zipper, along with all the rest of the hardware, is extremely durable and has the looks to match. All of the zippers are two-way, allowing you to vent the bottom as needed, or grab socks without having to venture into the depths from the top, which was a small but welcome feature.
Amazon Link
Kelty Callisto 30
The Kelty Callisto 30 is one of the more feature-rich bags in this guide. We found that far and away the most notable one was the adjustable top opening; something that many bags do not include, especially rectangular ones.
Wenzel Grande
The Wenzel Grande combines a lot of value with a low sticker price, giving it an edge over almost all the other products listed in this guide. The Grande keeps things simpler than many sleeping bags, but its heavy design is sure to please those looking for something serious on a budget.
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Criteria Used for Evaluation

Durability

A sleeping bag’s durability depends a lot on the materials that are used in the sleeping bag. There are a few stereotypes you’ll have to get past as well as far as the durability of sleeping bags is concerned. First, you might think that if a sleeping bag is more lightweight, it probably isn’t as durable, but this isn’t always true. Some lightweight sleeping bags are designed with great external shell materials that make them very long-lasting.

One of the best ways to check to ensure that you get a durable and long-lasting sleeping bag is to check the material of the sleeping bag and also the customer reviews. By checking the customer reviews you will get an inside look before you buy and see how the sleeping bag held up for other customers and if it is one you want to invest your money and time in.

Comfort

Since you’ll want a warm sleeping bag, especially if you plan to use it when the weather gets cold, you’ll want to know how to measure your sleeping bag’s warmth. Warmth is affected by how much loft, or insulation, can be found in a bag, and insulation is usually measured by its thickness. Typically, the more insulation is packed into your sleeping bag, the more warmth you’ll experience when sleeping outdoors during cold winter nights.

Also, to make sure your bag is comfortable and warm, you’ll want to make sure it fits you correctly. If your sleeping bag feels too snug or isn’t long enough, you’re going to feel a lot colder than what you’ll want to experience. On the other hand, if you wind up with a bag that is too large for you, you’ll wind up wasting insulated areas and have open areas more prone to coldness.

Remember as well that warmth has a lot to do with conductive heat loss to the ground. So, you also want to make sure you get a good sleeping pad, especially if you know you’ll be outdoors when the temperature is quite cold, or there is snow on the ground. So don’t forget that you’ll also need to get a warm, comfortable sleeping bag to give you that extra layer of protection in comfort when you purchase your sleeping bag.

Comfort can really be a relative experience and is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few things that can affect how comfortable you feel in your sleeping bag. These things include sleeping style, fit, and the fabric on the interior of your sleeping bag. Having some room to move around as you sleep is also a nice thing, especially if you tend to toss and turn, or you don’t like sleeping on your back. However, remember, you won’t want too much extra space on the interior of your bag or your sleeping bag won’t insulate well and can allow in cold drafts. So, make sure you give yourself some space for comfort, but not too much space so you are sacrificing warmth.

Weight

The weight of your sleeping bag depends on the type of insulation that’s found inside the bag, the shell material used to cover the bag, and the number of features you’ll find on a bag. Sleeping bags that are on the heavier end usually use synthetic insulation that’s got a lower fill power down inside it. Sleeping bags that perform better usually have about 800 to 850 fill power down in them and are made to be lightweight with durable shell fabrics. Also, how a sleeping bag is cut can influence the weight of your sleeping bag. How many features your sleeping bag has can also affect weight, since the more weight your sleeping bag has, the more features it probably has as well.

Overall when looking for a sleeping bag, you need to consider what type of camping you will be using it for. If you will be backpacking and traveling long distances, you will want a lightweight sleeping bag. But if you are looking to use the sleeping bag for camping at a campsite or to bring with you if you stay over at friends than you may want to focus on a thicker sleeping bag which will be more comfortable but weigh more.

Portability

Another thing you’ll want to take a look at before purchasing your sleeping bag is the compressibility of the sleeping bag since that will affect how easy it is for you to pack down and carry it with you. Certain insulation found inside of sleeping bags will pack down better than others. Natural goose and duck feather down does a great job of compressing down without getting damaged by the packing. Most high-end down bags are very compressible because they feature excellent down insulation and also are made to be lightweight and easy to pack. On the other hand, if you buy a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation, it will be much more difficult to compress and pack. Other than insulation, the fabric of the bag, its temperature rating, and its overall design can also influence how well the sleeping bag packs down into your backpack when you want to carry it.

Again, when looking for a sleeping bag to invest in most likely you want to have to purchase a sleeping bag once and expect that it will last you many years to come. So you have to consider what type of camping you do the most and purchase a sleeping bag that will best fit that activity. If you are an avid backpacker than you want to look for something lightweight and that is easily carried. If you will be driving up to your campsite then you may not want something that is to portable as you will be putting in your car and unloading it at the campsite.

Top Ten Sleeping Bags

1. Outdoor Vitals 20F Summit Down

Where to buy
Outdoor Vitals 20F Summit Down
Amazon Link

For the ideal balance between being lightweight and being warm, the Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag is a great choice. Featuring 800-fill responsibly sourced down, this sleeping bag still comes in at under three pounds!

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Durability
The outer material is made of rip-stop synthetic fabric, while the inner down is both responsibly sourced and DWR treated to ensure water resistance. The drawstrings are not the greatest quality though and may start to the fray over time.

Comfort
The 800 fill down is resistant to moisture, which will keep the water out and the warmth in even if you aren't using a sleeping pad. The down material is rated for temperatures as low as 20F, with a grid baffle design to keep the down material in key places in the bag. Overall this is a very soft and comfortable sleeping bag that will keep you warm even below freezing.

Weight
At just under three pounds, this is a light sleeping bag, ideal for situations where you won't be near a car. This low weight also makes it easy to compress, so it won't take up too much room in your bag.

Portability
The Outdoor Vitals Summit Down Sleeping Bag is a great choice for colder conditions, while still being lightweight and compressible enough to carry with you on longer outdoor trips.

2. Marmot Trestles 15

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Marmot Trestles 15
Amazon Link

If you're looking for a no-frills sleeping back to bring with you car camping in the colder months, Marmot's Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag is just the thing you need without breaking the bank.

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Durability
While this sleeping bag is rated to be very warm, it is somewhat lacking in durability. The zippers have a tendency to jam, especially in the cold. The sleeping bag also isn't waterproof, so it may keep to safe from some errant drops but not much more.

Comfort
Rated as low as 15F, the Marmot Trestles will be able to withstand even the coldest of weather with ease. The pull tabs glow in the dark for added visibility at night.

Weight
This sleeping bag weighs just under three and a half pounds, this sleeping bag is a little heavier than others, but that's to be expected for the 15F temperature rating. It isn't very compressible, however, so it may not be ideal for longer excursions.

Portability
The Marmot Trestle is a great sleeping bag for car camping in colder conditions, while the weight and compressibility make it less than ideal for outdoor trips.

Amazon Link

3. Coleman Mummy

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$75.51
Coleman Mummy
Amazon Link

The Coleman mummy is not only a quality sleeping bag but also will keep you warm in very cold climates. It is a great sleeping bag for camping as well as backpacking as it is lightweight and compacts up nicely. If you are in the market for a new sleeping bag, the versatile Coleman Mummy might be the way to go.

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Durability
This sleeping bag is made from durable material as it is made by Coleman and Coleman is known for their durable and well-made products. Not only is the outer shell durable against rips and tears but also is durable against the winter elements. This sleeping bag will keep you warm in up to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Comfort
Every avid camper knows that the mummy-style of the sleeping bag may be one of the most comfortable on the market as it secures your body and wraps you so you stay warm and comfortable. Not only will this sleeping bag keep you snug but it will also keep you warm if you find yourself in colder climates.

Weight
This sleeping bag is quite versatile as it only weighs 6 pounds. That means that it is not too heavy to transport and can be used for simple weekend camping or a weekend getaway backpacking in the woods. This is a big plus as most people have to purchase a sleeping bag that is designed for camping and a lighter weight one for backpacking. With the Coleman mummy, you get a versatile sleeping bag that is fitted for both.

Portability
Again this sleeping bag is not only comfortable and durable but also is lightweight which means that transporting it is quite easy. It can be used for backpacking as well as camping which means you do not have to have two different sleeping bags and can simply use the Coleman Mummy for both adventures. It also rolls up into a compact carrying case so that it will store easily in your car or attach to your backpack without issue.

Amazon Link
$75.51

4. Kelty Tuck 22F

Where to buy
Kelty Tuck 22F
Amazon Link

For those on a budget, the Kelty Tuck is a great sub-$100 option that doesn't skimp on quality. It's lightweight and offers all of the warmth and durability you've come to expect from Kelty.

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Durability
The synthetic outer material resisting tearing very well, and will easily withstand long-term use. The zipper, however, is not very smooth and could break if you try to force it too much.

Comfort
Don't let its lightweight fool you; the Kelty Tuck is a great 3-season sleeping bag, withstanding temperatures as low as 22F. The interior is comfortable and soft, and it includes a foot tuck so you can kick your feet out on those warmer nights. The full-length crossbody zipper allows it to be opened up like a quilt. It is a little narrow around the shoulders, however, so if you have broad shoulders this may not be the sleeping bag for you.

Weight
Coming in at 3lbs, this is definitely a light sleeping bag, making it ideal for long trips. It also compresses easily to save on storage and hassle.

Portability
Coming in at under $100, the Kelty Tuck is a great option for the budget-conscious without compromising on warmth and durability. The crossbody zipper allows it to be opened up like a quilt. Easily compressed so that you can take this option along no matter where you go.

5. Nemo Salsa 30

Where to buy
Nemo Salsa 30
Amazon Link

If you want a comfortable sleeping bag that’s easy to pack down and will let you sleep in any position, then you’ll love the Nemo Salsa 30. The Nemo Salsa 30 provides you with plenty of warmth and room as you sleep, and also packs down so it is easy to carry.

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Durability
You’ll get a lot of versatility and durability with this bag since its lightweight but also spacious. It also features a zipper that helps you ventilate and plenty of high-quality materials that make it long-lasting.

Comfort
With this sleeping bag, you get protection down to temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning you get a lot of warmth. Plus, this sleeping bag has 14 ounces of 650 fill power down that brings some nice insulation.

Weight
Weighing in at two pounds and one ounce, this sleeping bag is standard in weight for its size. However, unlike bags that have a similar size, this sleeping bag packs down very well, making it easy to carry.

Portability
For the price, which is quite affordable, you’ll get a lot of use from the Nemo Salsa 30. This sleeping bag is a great value and provides you with durability, comfort, and warmth. A great lightweight option for those who are always on the go.

6. Abco Tech All Seasons

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Abco Tech All Seasons
Amazon Link

Freezing temperatures, warm summer nights or any weather in the middle. This bag offers all you want, good for all four seasonal kinds of weather, light to carry and compresses to fit into a small carry sack, waterproof and designed with extra features to ensure a comfortable outdoor sleeping experience. Made from durable long-lasting high-quality polyester which gives a combination of comfort and protection. This product is selling well because it is very good and the online reviews are very favorable.

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Durability
The bag will roll up without losing integrity due to the use of durable materials for making this product. Durability for the material construction is consistent for all four weather seasons. Made from tough but gentle polyester this product gives long durability.

Comfort
The lining is soft polyester and feels gentle against the skin while sleeping, the polyester fill will dry out very quickly if sweat/body moisture is created inside the bag and the product can be opened with a side zipper for warmer weather, also includes a drawstring closure if you want to close up on cold nights to stay warmer.

Weight
This product for top-performing sleeping weighs in at three pounds. More features include a design which is waterproof, wider foot room and double-fill tech, which will give more overall protection for the body.

Portability
Can easily slip into a compression bag when this is done the whole bag is carriable at measurements of only 16 by 9 inches. A little higher than standard costs for a sleeping bag, but this has a broader performance.

Amazon Link

7. Coleman Dunnock

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$69.45
Coleman Dunnock
Amazon Link

The Coleman Dunnock is a sleeping bag that has a number of unique features that make it stand out, but nothing quite as killer as some of the others in this guide. For example, a small media pocket is included near the chest area, which is something that testers found to be handy, but not invaluable. Even if not groundbreaking, it certainly is unique.

Read more

Durability
The zipper is tape-backed, but testers unfortunately still reported some snagging during repeated use. Another annoying omission is that there are no loops sewn into the foot area for hanging. Many of our readers and staff alike love to hang sleeping bags out in the sun during extended camping trips, in order to keep the bags dry and fresh. While not including this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it would have been great to see it included.

Comfort
The Dunnock is best suited for moderate weather situations where the temperature isn’t likely to dip below the mid-30s. We found that the insulation on the Dunnock was sewn to both the shell and the lining fabric, preventing the material from holding heat in during freezing conditions.

Weight
This is a rather hefty bag, coming in right at 7 pounds, 8 ounces. That isn’t as heavy as some others in this guide, but we found that for the weight, we were hoping for more in the warmth department. Rolling and packing this bag proved to be frustrating for testers, but the inclusion of a handle was a welcome feature.

Portability
The Wenzel Grande is both warmer and heavier than the Dunnock, and for many, it will be the better value overall. Still, if you are looking for a larger bag for warmer weather camping, the Dunnock is comfortable and spacious enough to accommodate you.

Amazon Link
$69.45

8. Slumberjack Country Squire

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Slumberjack Country Squire
Amazon Link

The Slumberjack Country Squire 0 is one of the more fully-featured bags we’ve ever reviewed. Far and away from the unique feature, though, is the removable cotton sheet. For those of you who want a bit more to wrap yourselves up in, this is the killer app of killer apps for sleeping bags. The main zipper, along with all the rest of the hardware, is extremely durable and has the looks to match. All of the zippers are two-way, allowing you to vent the bottom as needed, or grab socks without having to venture into the depths from the top, which was a small but welcome feature.

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Durability
The heavy-duty storage duffle that comes with the main bag is very high quality as well, and even though this thing is super thick, we didn’t find that there was any trouble getting everything packed up when it was time to go. In fact, we found that the oversized bag that comes with the Country Squire 0 was large enough to fit loads of other supplies in, which, depending on your setup, might be the coolest feature about this bag for camping. Imagine being able to load all of your clothes, odds and ends, tools, survival supplies, and even a small tent into a single bag that also holds your sleeping bag. Talk about a one-stop-shop!

Comfort
The Slumberjack Country Squire 0 turned out to be the single most comfortable, warmest bag in this entire guide. We found that laying in this bag felt essentially like laying in a comfortable bed at home, which is a statement we don’t take lightly. The inner sheet was an excellent addition, but in all reality, the more space you have to move around, the likelier you are to feel comfortable in a sleeping bag.

Weight
Predictably, this is the burliest, heaviest bag in this guide, weighing in at 14 pounds. Like our top pick, the Country Squire 0 definitely isn’t suitable for long outdoor excursions. As mentioned above, the oversized bag is incredibly handy, but it’s also insanely large. For times when you aren’t packing heavy, the bag can compress down quite a bit, so there’s no need to get too worried if space is at a premium in your car.

Portability
Coming in at 84” by 42”, this bag has the largest surface area of any in this guide, giving you plenty of room to move around, no matter how big and tall you might be. For many, this feature alone might make this bag the right choice for you. Don't let the size fool you as this is still a viable option for traveling.

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9. Kelty Callisto 30

Kelty Callisto 30
Amazon Link

The Kelty Callisto 30 is one of the more feature-rich bags in this guide. We found that far and away the most notable one was the adjustable top opening; something that many bags do not include, especially rectangular ones.

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Durability
There are two large hoops at the foot of the bag for hanging, as well as two smaller hoops on either side of the edges. The zipper included on the Callisto is probably the highest quality out of all of the bags we’ve included in this guide. We found that its operation was as smooth as butter, and the tape-backed zipper itself never snagged or got caught even once. One other potentially great feature for couples who camp together is the fact that two of these bags can be zipped together at the bottom to create one, a larger sleeping bag. Coupled with a Synmat Hyperlite Duo, this is our favorite way to camp with our significant others.

Comfort
The Callisto proved to be a very warm and comfortable bag during extensive tests in colder weather. The bag is roomy enough, at 81” by 31”, to provide ample room for an average-sized person to move around comfortably in, and the synthetic polyester taffeta materials used felt great on the skin.

Weight
At 5 pounds exactly, this is the lightest rectangular sleeping bag in this guide. This is definitely still heavier than what you’d typically backpack with, but we felt comfortable carrying this thing around packed, and it never became too much of a burden, even when walking a few miles to the campsite.

Portability
The Kelty Callisto is a fantastic sleeping bag for those who are looking for a couple-friendly bag, or those simply looking for great warmth in a lightweight package. The included stuff sack is nice enough, but other reviewers have noted that you can cut down the volume even more by using a better compression-style stuff sack instead.

10. Wenzel Grande

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Wenzel Grande
Amazon Link

The Wenzel Grande combines a lot of value with a low sticker price, giving it an edge over almost all the other products listed in this guide. The Grande keeps things simpler than many sleeping bags, but its heavy design is sure to please those looking for something serious on a budget.

Read more

Durability
The rough, outer shell fabric is extremely durable, and the inner flannel lining is soft and comfortable. That setup is ideal for spreading out as a blanket when needed, and the exposed velcro folds over to avoid any chance of getting scratched. There aren’t many other extras, so if you’re looking for bells and whistles, the Slumberjack Country Squire below might be a better pick for you.

Comfort
The heavy-duty materials in use on the Wenzel Grande aren’t just for looks; this is a serious sleeping bag that will keep you warm and comfortable in a variety of different situations, from car camping to general use. We found that the Grande was the 2nd warmest of all of the sleeping bags we tested, losing out only to the Slumberjack Country Squire. Wenzel has stated that the bag is rated to 0 Degrees Fahrenheit, but we’ve discovered that it starts to test the limits of its capabilities around 20 degrees or so. The only thing missing that could have improved the warmth of this sleeping bag is a draft tube, but this is a feature usually reserved for bags that cost much more than this one does, so that can be forgiven. Overall, if you’re looking for warmth and versatility on a budget, you really can’t do better than this.

Weight
Coming in at around 11 pounds, this is, without question, a heavy bag. At that weight, this isn’t an ideal sleeping back to take on long jaunts. If you’re going further than a mile or so from your car, you’ll probably be better off with a lighter option, such as the Kelty Callisto 20 below.

Portability
The bag includes compression straps and carrying handles that are sewn directly into the fabric, which can be a plus for hauling the thing out, but they get a bit annoying whenever you are using the bag as a blanket. The warm fabrics, heavy-duty build, and simplistic design make it ideal for camping in a variety of conditions, but the heavy, bulky material means that it isn’t ideal for longer outdoor trips.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Switchback Travel, Best Hitchhiking Sleeping Bags of 2017, Informational Camping Website
  2. Ian Nicholson, The Best Camping Sleeping Bags of 2017, Informational Camping WEbsite
  3. Backpacker, Sleeping Bag Reviews, Informational Camping Website