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We tested 16 camping sleeping bags from brands like Coleman, Kelty, REI, The North Face, Alps OutdoorZ, and more to find the best models for your camping needs
Credit: Jason Wanlass
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated November 5, 2025
Nothing ruins a camping trip like a poor night's sleep. We set out to find the warmest, coziest bags that deliver on warmth, comfort, and cost.
The Alps Outdoorz Redwood is the best sleeping bag we have tested. It is warm, comfortable, and almost feels like a weighted blanket. There is plenty of room to move your legs, and the material is super cozy.
The best deal for a first-time camping bag is the Coleman Brazos. For the best deal on space, warmth, and a flannel-like fabric, get the Coleman Heritage. Both are a fraction of the price of other bags and are warm and durable, great for people who only go on a couple of camping trips a year.
Since 2012, we've purchased and tested dozens of the best camping sleeping bags, with 16 top models in this review. We spent countless nights outdoors, sleeping under the stars in national parks and dozens of campgrounds from Alabama to Utah.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on November 5, 2025, after testing new bags for kids and the Coleman Heritage.
The Alps Outdoorz Redwood is a massive rectangular camping sleeping bag with a rugged, vintage design. From head to toe, this bag is made from high-quality materials designed to keep you warm and comfortable. At first glance, we were impressed, and after months of testing, our experts unanimously selected the Redwood as our favorite. We named it our top bag for several reasons: it's warm, plush, extremely comfortable, incredibly rugged, and stylish. “I almost felt like I was sleeping in a weighted blanket when I slid inside,” our lead tester said. “The general weight of the bag settled around me as if I were being hugged to sleep.” The fabrics are soft, void of cool spots, and are virtually silent during nighttime movement. We're big fans of the comfort and warmth of flannel liners in camping sleeping bags, and this model has them.
SPECIFICATIONS
Claimed Temperature Rating
-10 F
Measured Packed Weight
11.7 lbs
Style
Rectangular
Insulation
TechLoft
Measured Size
80"L x 38"W
Here's the caveat: although Alps Outdoorz lists a -10°F temperature rating on the Redwood, we would not recommend using it at those temperatures. “This bag is warm, but I don't think it's that warm, unless you're willing to wear a decent amount of extra layers,” one user noted. Alps Outdoorz also offers the Redwood in a -25° version for a slightly higher price. The Redwood also has a large packed size, which may matter if you have limited space in your home, car, or trailer. It rolls up bed-roll style, so it lacks the added convenience and protection of a separate stuff sack. It also isn't ideal for wet climates and may be too warm for summer nights at low elevations. The Teton Sports Deer Hunter is an all-synthetic bag that offers a similar look, but it isn't as warm. If you need something with more layering options for a range of temperatures and climates, the Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1 might be a better option. For those who want a super warm, cozy camping sleeping bag to make overnight stays outdoors feel luxurious, the durable Redwood is our top recommendation.
Folks looking for a first-time sleeping bag should check out the Coleman Brazos. It has a simple design and low cost, yet we are consistently impressed by its performance. This bag has earned the title of our favorite low-priced sleeping bag for cool (not below freezing temps) for eight years running. Over the years, we've monitored the Brazos for any substantial design changes, and we're pleased to see Coleman has consistently delivered the same level of quality. “When it comes to warmth, I really think the Brazos can hold its own against bags that cost far more,” said one of our lead testers. “Although it's listed as a 30-degree product, I've always felt like it performed better than its rating.” It's not the warmest of the bunch, but it's still a great deal for price-conscious shoppers or for families looking to buy several affordable bags for camping.
SPECIFICATIONS
Claimed Temperature Rating
30 F
Measured Packed Weight
5.5 lbs
Style
Rectangular
Insulation
Polyester
Measured Size
75"L x 33"W
It's not the most comfortable in our tests, however. The Brazos is noticeably a step down in comfort and quality compared to the high-end bags we tested. “Honestly, this bag is pretty narrow and short,” noted one of our taller testers. “But, to its credit, it is perfect for younger campers or teens, and the price makes mishaps or damage that come with kids a little more tolerable.” For adults, if you're taller or have a larger frame, a good alternative is The North Face Wawona Bed 20. It's another great 20°F bag with a basic design, like the Brazos, but it's more spacious and higher quality. The Kelty Catena 30 isn't as warm, but it is a great value and garnered similar scores as the Brazos. We also found the Coleman Kompact 20 to be more comfortable than the Brazos, but it's also more expensive. But for the thrifty camper planning on spending just a few nights under the stars each year, there aren't many reasons to spend more when you can get the Brazos at such a terrific price.
If you like the idea of being shrouded in soft down on your next night in the woods, the REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 is a cost-effective option that really delivers on warmth. “I've gotten several good nights' sleep in this bag when mountain temps were cool and crisp,” said one of our key reviewers. “It had all of the features necessary to hold in heat and keep me warm.” One of the best things about the HunkerDown is that its entire opening, including the hood, can be cinched tight to keep cool air out and warm air in. Its full-length zipper is also covered by a dense draft tube, which does an excellent job blocking airflow through the naturally occurring holes in zipper teeth. This bag is roomy enough, comes in different sizes, and its fabrics are comfy and easy to move in. It's also lightweight and packs up smaller than other bags on our list (thanks to its down insulation).
SPECIFICATIONS
Claimed Temperature Rating
20 F
Measured Packed Weight
3.5 lbs
Style
Rectangular
Insulation
600-filll down
Measured Size
84"L x 33"W
We didn't like the interior storage pocket on this model. It is very basic and doesn't close securely, but this was a small trade-off for an otherwise solid product. REI went above and beyond with their design; our favorite feature is the ability to fit a large variety of pillow sizes securely in its large hood. Most of our testers also loved the inviting down insulation of the HunkerDown. However, if feathers just aren't your jam, the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is a great option. It's cheaper, has synthetic insulation, and it offers a very similar design. If you have a smaller frame, the Kelty Galactic is another excellent down-filled sleeper.
For value-conscious campers who want a cozy, warm bag with ample space, the Coleman Heritage Big and Tall 10 is hard to beat. While it's marketed towards bigger people, our 5'9" testers didn't want to sleep in anything smaller after a few weekends in this. Unlike narrower bags and mummy bags, there is more than enough room to stretch your legs and even have a thigh perpendicular to your torso. We were skeptical about the 10-degree rating. Our first night was a sub-zero night at 7,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada Range. According to tester Chris McNamara, “I started with an extra down blanket on top of me because I just didn't see how this bag would withstand the cold valley air sweeping through camp. However, after a few hours, I was actually too warm! I had to ditch the extra down blanket and even unzip the Heritage a bit to get the right temp. I woke up after an amazing night's sleep and didn't want to get out of this bag.” The material has that classic look and feel. It's not quite as cozy as your flannel pajamas, but it is still much more pleasant against your skin than a polyester-lined bag. It would be entirely appropriate to roll out for guests. You can zip two of these bags together.
SPECIFICATIONS
Claimed Temperature Rating
10F
Measured Packed Weight
8.1 lbs
Style
Rectangular
Insulation
Polyester
Measured Size
78"L x 36"W
While our expectations are low for a bag at this price, it would be nice to have a stuff sack. Without one, we found ourselves constantly using kitchen trash bags (it fits snugly in a standard 13-gallon bag). Also, rolling this bag up takes some force to tighten the thin compression strings. We now use two 5-foot cam straps instead, and the bag is way easier and more compact to store. Regardless, you end up with a relatively compact package when this bag is fully rolled up. It's not as light or as small as a down bag, but it packs and stores much smaller than many of the warmer, higher-rated bags in this review. At this price, it's hard to go wrong, whether you are a seasoned camper or going on your first trip. Is the comforter in our bed more comfortable? Yes. But this still feels like a welcome comfort indulgence when camping.
The Heritage is a roomy and cozy bag at a price we love.
Large hood keeps pillows in place and heads warmer
Extra-wide top quilt
Separate built-in individual quilts
Packs up easily
Easy to use U-shaped zipper system
CONS
Lightweight fabric prone to snags
Expensive
Does not unzip completely
The Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide is our favorite two-person model. Many double bags are simply extra fabric, resulting in little more than a super large sleeping bag. However, the Tru.Comfort offers cuddlers an array of features that make it a more well-designed sleeping system. Individual, built-in blankets let sleepers customize their warmth preferences. A U-shaped, top-side zipper bypasses the foot box to keep toes warmer, while a massive hood keeps pillows in place and helps trap heat escaping from the top of the head. “Whenever possible, I enjoy sleeping solo in my own sleeping bag, but I must admit the Tru.Comfort really adds a lot to camping in duo-mode. Its length and width offer a ton of comfort,” said one of our key testers. It's the size of a standard queen-sized bed, and its features and add-ons create one of the best systems we have seen for letting two sleepers customize their temperature independently.
SPECIFICATIONS
Claimed Temperature Rating
20 F
Measured Packed Weight
8.8 lbs
Style
2-person
Insulation
Cloudloft insulation
Measured Size
90"L x 60"W
The Tru.Comfort is pricey. You can find two single bags to zip together for a wider two-person system at a lower overall cost, but you'll sacrifice the excellent features this bag offers. The taffeta fabrics are very silky and ultra-soft but also seem prone to snags and small tears. Additionally, we feel the built-in individual quilts could be a bit wider. However, this double bag is better than other two-person models we've tested in the past and currently. We also loved the The North Face Wawona Double. We found it to be as warm and comfortable as the Tru.Comfort, but it offers fewer features and doesn't have a hood. The Nemo Jazz 30 Double is similar in design to the Tru.Comfort. It's comfortable, fun, and unique, but it's a little smaller and packs much larger.
GearLab has plans to test the most recent version of the Tru.Comfort in 2026. Over the years, we've tracked each update, but we feel it's time to get our hands on a new bag to test it directly against previous models.
Somewhat narrow, may feel too confining for some users
Polar fleece liner is grabby
Difficult to pack into its stuff sack
The Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1 is an interchangeable bag that offers a wide range of warmth. It has a rugged outer bag and a zip-out warm fleece center quilt, so you can customize your bag to your needs. It's essentially multiple sleeping bags in one. “I simply love the options this bag offers. It's easy and fun to reconfigure based on my sleeping conditions, and each layer really does work the way it was designed,” one of our test team and avid camper stated. You can customize your warmth needs in different climates, temperatures, and seasons. It also packs up much smaller and lighter than many of the sturdier bags in our review. The Polara is warm, has lots of features and options, and, importantly, it's reasonably priced. Other advantages include useful loops, snaps, zippers, pockets, drawstrings, and a detachable fleece liner. Our lead reviewer said, “It's a combination of my favorite on-the-couch movie blanket and hardcore, cold-weather camping bag.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Claimed Temperature Rating
0 F
Measured Packed Weight
8.0 lbs
Style
Rectangular
Insulation
SuperLoft Elite hollow fiber
Measured Size
82"L x 36"W
The synthetic materials that make up the Polara 3-in-1 aren't as cozy or comfortable as the high-end designs, and it won't offer the same cushy level of luxury as the premium bags. The interior liner and fleece blanket are soft and warm, but they're grabby compared to the smooth, flannel interior of other bags. If you require more space than the Polara offers, the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 is much roomier. We also really loved the warmth and spacious comfort of the Teton Sports Celsius XXL. It's rated for 0 degrees, and it's one of the longest bags in our lineup. Otherwise, stick with the Polara for its versatility of offering three bags in one.
Snoozing in the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is like sleeping in a giant-sized version of your favorite hooded parka. It's our favorite hooded bag because it offers more features than the other single-person hooded bags on our list at nearly the same price. It also weighs less, packs up smaller, and is more portable. “I love that the large hood can fit my pillow from home,” one tester remarked. “That and the insulated top flap that lets me quickly burrow my whole head under the covers when the temps drop.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Claimed Temperature Rating
20 F
Measured Packed Weight
5.5 lbs (long)
Style
Rectangular
Insulation
Synthetic
Measured Size
72"L x 32"W
Previously, we lamented that the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 felt a bit narrow for larger bodies, but recently, REI released extended sizing. It's now available in standard and long lengths as well as wide sizes for each. We're hopeful this addresses the issue, and we're glad to see REI including more sizes in their lineup. The weight has increased because the wider bags use more fabric, but none of the bags in this review were designed for backpacking, so we don't mind the extra weight. Overall, this 20-degree bag is really cool—in a good way. If you prefer a more woodsy look, the Teton Sports Deer Hunter features a hood and a more traditional lumberjack vibe.
REI updated the Siesta Hooded 20 with more inclusive sizing. In addition to Regular and Long sizes, they also offer Regular Wide and Long Wide to help accommodate more body shapes and sizes. The new bag is light green but otherwise looks very similar in design and materials to the version we tested.
The REI Co-op Kindercone 25 is the best kids' bag we have tested to date. It is plenty warm for all but the most frigid camping trips. We used it at freezing temps in the High Sierra, and our 6-year-old daughter was plenty warm. We love that the stuff sack is sewn in: one less piece of gear to keep track of. The colors and patterns are fun, which is something many kids' sleeping bags lack. The synthetic material makes machine washing simple. We believe most families could use this bag for children aged 3-11.
At three pounds and made of bulky synthetic material, this isn't an ideal bag to throw in a backpack, whether your child is going on a sleepover or backpacking. With its included stuff, it is the size of most children's fully loaded school backpacks. If you want a lighter or more compressible option, consider a down bag or the Morrison Outdoors Big Mo 20. However, the Big Mo is a premium option and will only last until most kids are around 4 years old. We also recommend the Teton Junior Celsius 20, which is a little less expensive but not as easy to pack. Also, despite the lower temperature rating, our kids liked the Kindercone warmer. And just thought it was a more fun shape with better color options. Both are similarly priced.
The Kindercone (purple) next to the Teton Junior (dark blue). Both are excellent bags for kids and great values.
Product Comparison Table
We love going on location for side-by-side testing. It just makes us happy. Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
At the start of our review, we identified every desirable feature in a top camping sleeping bag, then narrowed those characteristics into four key performance areas for our testing metrics. We then weighted each metric based on its relative importance. We conducted specific tests involving ease of movement, bag dimensions, and natural padding. For warmth, we used a laser thermometer to measure each bag's ability to capture and retain heat during side-by-side timed tests on the same chilly night. We evaluated comfort by having multiple testers share each sleeping bag and share their opinions. We assessed comfort features, like cozy materials (or lack thereof), as well as user-friendly features, like snag-free zippers and small storage pockets. We measured, weighed, and examined each bag's craftsmanship. We also evaluated how small each bag could be packed down into a stuff sack. For full details on our testing process, see our How We Test article.
Our testing of camping sleeping bags is divided across these four key metrics:
Warmth (35% of overall score weighting)
Comfort (30% weighting)
Features (25% weighting)
Packed Size (10% weighting)
We camp and test in some beautiful locations to help bring you the information you need to do the same! Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why Trust GearLab
GearLab Review Editor Jason Wanlass lives in a camping paradise. If he's not already outdoors, he's busy planning his next adventure. He seizes every opportunity, whether hiking, backpacking, or canyoneering. He also enjoys the open road and takes car-camping road trips whenever possible. Jason has hiked or backpacked throughout the Western U.S., including Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, California, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. More recently, he has turned his interest to exploring backwoods areas of the Deep South. When not on the trail, Jason enjoys the convenience and added luxury of car camping and often takes a few days to lounge about in campgrounds near the backpacking trails he's recently completed. In the last few years, he has turned some of his attention to the international scene, logging thousands of hours on trails in Iceland, Nepal, Slovenia, France, Switzerland, Italy, and the Patagonia Regions of Argentina and Chile. In total, he has more than 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge of camping and backcountry gear, including sleeping bags and sleeping systems.
The gruesome aftermath of three days of campground testing. Credit: Jason Wanlass
During his most recent testing, Jason loaded his truck bed with camping sleeping bags and took several road trips throughout Utah, including trips to Bryce Canyon National Park and the Bonneville Salt Flats. Springtime in Alabama was also on his list, as he spent several days camping along the beautiful rivers and waterfalls of the South. He also spent time testing products with his family on many weekend warrior campouts in campgrounds, public lands, and even the back of a truck in the middle of Utah's high desert.
GearLab co-founder Chris McNamara joins Jason. Chris has been camping for four decades, and he now has a young family, bringing the perspective of camping with a 3- and 6-year-old. Chris and his family camp 1-2 months a year, with temps ranging from the 50s and 60s at night to sub-freezing temperatures along the Sierra Camino Trail in late fall.
From salt flats to sagebrush to hoodoos, we love being on the road and setting up camp to test sleeping bags.
Analysis and Test Results
The individual metrics we used to assess each sleeping bag are important for a good night's sleep. They provide a solid foundation for determining which bag is right for you. However, these metrics become the most helpful when you have a clear idea of the type of camping you plan to do. For example, the warmest bag may not matter if you only camp in the summer or at lower elevations where the air is warmer. In the end, the best camping sleeping bag for you is the one that gives you the most value by matching your specific needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Many of the least expensive bags in our tests meet most people's needs perfectly.
Our favorite value bag is the Coleman Heritage Big and Tall 10. It isn't the cheapest bag, but it offers the best combo of warmth, comfort, and size.
You can save even more money with the Coleman Brazos. It is a little more restrictive and lacks the same flannel coziness as the Heritage, but it is still comfortable and warm enough for most camping trips.
For the best value for warmth, get the TETON Sports Polara 3-in-1. It is not only warm and priced well, but it also offers innovative ways to customize your preferred temperature.
Glamour shot of our study group. Each has its own unique pros and cons, but the ones who more effectively balance performance, quality, and price generally retain the most value. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Warmth
Of the four metrics we used for testing, we devoted a lot of attention to determining each bag's warmth and comfort scores. As the sun sets and the cool mountain air settles in, we care most about whether the sleeping bag covering us is warm and comfortable. A bag can have lots of style and tons of different bells and whistles, but if it doesn't keep you toasty or swallow you up like your favorite down comforter, what's the point?
As expected, the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood handily outperformed the competition, followed closely by the Teton Polara 3-in-1, REI Co-op HunkerDown 20, and REI Siesta Hooded. In our side-by-side tests, the Redwood led in warmth. It is incredibly cozy, and it was hard for our testers to want to unzip and get up for the day after sleeping in it—so consider yourself warned. It's also the only option in our lineup with a 100% cotton flannel liner, providing a soft next-to-skin feel and, by far, the coziest experience. Cotton generally offers a more even temperature, resulting in fewer cold spots. The Redwood's heavier cotton canvas external fabric also provides a tucked-in feeling that most of our testers loved.
Cotton is softer, cozier, and warmer to sleep against because it more evenly disperses body heat.
We also recently tested the newest version of the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 and found it to be just as warm as its predecessors. It performed very well in all of our warmth tests. So did The North Face Wawona Bed 20 and the larger-sized The North Face Wawona Double. We were also impressed with the Kelty Catena 30, a somewhat basic, inexpensive bag that performed just as well during our controlled body-heat tests.
We laid in each bag for 5 minutes and then used a laser thermometer to record the internal temperature. Surprisingly, the Catena had one of the higher temps of the whole bunch.
Additional double bags in our lineup include the Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide and Nemo Jazz 30 Double. Both trapped heat reasonably well and kept our couples warm overnight, although with double the body heat, we expected them to be just a little warmer than they were. Both models offer large hoods that help protect the head from heat loss, making them usable for three seasons.
Folding up like a potato bug. The Nemo's massive hood and top quilt make it easy to hunker down in colder temps. Credit: Jason Wanlass
A bag that surprised us was the Coleman Brazos budget. Considering the modest price tag, we expected to be somewhat underwhelmed by its performance. However, its warmth ratings outperformed several of the more expensive bags.
Staying cozy and warm in our Coleman Brazos during a chilly Fall morning in Bryce Canyon National Park. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Comfort
Ever felt trapped and uncomfortable in a sleeping bag? When you're already far from the comforts of home, it's appreciated when your sleeping bag can increase your comfort level, not compromise it. That's why we put all these sleeping bags through multiple comfort tests.
A typical down mummy page (on top) is about half the width of a larger rectangular bag, such as the Coleman Heritage (on the bottom). If you like to spread out when you sleep, the larger rectangular bags are much, much more comfortable. Credit: Chris McNamara
We squirmed back and forth in each bag for weeks to see which ones allowed the easiest tossing and turning, which fabrics felt best against our skin, and which bags had the most natural plush padding. We combined all of our data to determine the most comfortable contenders.
Our testers enjoyed snuggling into the uber-comfortable cotton flannel interior of the Redwood. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Alps Redwood is by far the most comfortable out of the single bags. We also liked the Polara 3-in-1for its removable padding layers and soft fabrics, as well as the Big Agnes Echo Park, Teton Deer Hunter, and Teton Celsius XXL. Other top performers here include the The North Face Wawona Bed, REI Co-op HunkerDown 20, and REI Siesta Hooded.
From its neck baffle to its zipper draft tube, the Teton Polara's entire lining is soft, squishy, and comfortable. Credit: Jason Wanlass
However, the Redwood and Deer Hunter were our favorites out of the single bags we tested. Both are oversized, traditional canvas bags with ample space and padding. Side by side, the Redwood is more comfortable because of its fabrics. It's lined with cotton flannel and enveloped in a cotton canvas shell. These materials are weighty, soft, and very comfortable. It's also spacious, eliminating the claustrophobic feeling you get with narrower bags. The Deer Hunter is made from synthetic fabrics that are silky, smooth, and comfortable, but they're not as comfortable as the as cotton materials found on the Redwood.
Chillin' like an old cowboy. The Deer Hunter is over-stuffed, very comfortable, and it stows like a vintage pack roll, making it perfect for an afternoon snooze. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Of the two-person bags we tested, the Nemo Jazz 30 Double was our favorite for its plush comfort, followed closely by the Kelty Tru.Comfort. Both bags are similar in design, but in the end, we preferred Nemo's interior and exterior fabrics over Kelty's.
Catching some late autumn rays while testing out the comfort level of our Nemo Jazz. Even when placed directly on hard-packed mud, it's still quite cushy. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Features
Since there's less focus on shaving weight, car camping bags tend to have more features. We inspected everything from the zipper function to how well these bags rolled up. Generally, bags with the coolest additions scored best. However, even basic bags often include features people miss, like recycled materials, cool colors, or unique insulation. We factored these characteristics in as well.
The Teton Polara, REI Co-op HunkerDown 20, and REI Siesta shared the spotlight for their unique features. The Polara stands out for its unsurpassed layering system, which lets you customize the bag for warmth. The HunkerDown's main draw is its comfortable and warm down insulation. The Siesta has a plush hood and several smaller design details that help it retain heat effectively.
Testing our Siesta's drawstrings. We loved that its sizable hood and top quilt can be cinched tightly around the neck and shoulders. This keeps body heat in and cold air out. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We were impressed with the Big Agnes Echo Park 20's great hood, wide dimensions, and built-in drawstring system that lets the bag cinch tightly onto most sleeping pads. Testers also loved its massively roomy footbox. Our feet were never cramped.
Showing off the features of the Big Agnes Echo Park 20. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our two double-person bags scored almost evenly in this metric. Both the Nemo Jazz Double and Kelty Tru.Comfort are chock full of extras, including storage pockets, optional layers, spacious hoods, and oversized top quilts. We scored the Nemo Jazz slightly higher because we absolutely grooved on its generous pillow sleeve that runs the entire width of the bag. No more searching for your pillow in the middle of the night.
Testing out the Nemo's huge pillow sleeve. We enjoyed knowing exactly where our pillow was at all times. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Finally, the Kelty Galactic 30 is a more basic bag with a standout feature worth mentioning. The Galactic's 550-down insulation sets it apart from the synthetic bags on our list. Although a few others are on the market, rectangular down bags are still a novelty, which is why we still gave this bag top scores for this metric despite its relatively simple design.
Go, go, gadget, Galactic. This bag's down insulation goes from packed to pillowed in just a few minutes. Just unpack and let it sit. The down feathers expand and do the rest. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Packed Size
Traditional camping sleeping bags are known to be a little big-boned, so packed size was not a complete deal-breaker for us. However, space is rarely unlimited, so we rated each bag according to its stowed size. We also factored in each bag's packed weight and how easy it was to stuff into its stuff sack.
The lightest and most compact in our test is the Kelty Galactic 30. Weighing just 2.9 pounds for a size long, the Galactic is very lightweight among the rectangular, traditional car-camping models. It's not built for backpacking, but it packs down small enough that we'd consider it for short hike-in campsites if we didn't have another option. Another lightweight bag that packs up tight is the REI Co-op HunkerDown 20. We tested the long/wide version, and it weighs just 3.5 pounds. Both the Galactic and the HunkerDown use Sport Down insulation.
Showing off our Galactic. It packs up super small for a rectangular bag, and its down insulation is warm and lightweight.
Nothing on our list really compares to the Galactic in terms of packed size or weight. However, the closest competitors are the Big Agnes Echo Park, REI Siesta Hooded, and The North Face Wawona Bed. In particular, the Echo Park packs down smaller and weighs less than the Siesta or Wawona because its entire back lacks insulation, saving weight and volume. The sleeping bag sources all of its bottom insulation from the sleeping pad you place beneath it.
The Big Agnes Echo Park is one of the more spacious bags we've slept in, but it also packs down small and is lightweight. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We realize that in real life, not everyone wins a trophy; however, if we had an honorable mention award for packed size, we would certainly give it to the Nemo Jazz 30 Double. Yes, it received the lowest scores available for this metric. Indeed, its stuff sack is nearly 3 feet long. But thanks to its oversized duffel, it packs up easier (not faster) than many of the smaller bags we tested. Even better, it can be carried in a backpack style, which makes it extremely easy to transport—although we admittedly looked more like we were going paragliding than camping.
Ready for take off. Although we absolutely loved the Nemo's backpack stuff sack, we were often mistaken for a paraglider, BASE jumper, or skydiver. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Lastly, the Teton Celsius XXL, Kelty Catena, Oaskys 3-Season, and Coleman Brazos all packed up well enough to get on the board with above-average scores for this metric. Of the three, the Kelty is the easiest to pack, thanks to its larger stuff sack.
Coleman calls this an innovative storage strap on the Heritage, but it is really a string. We felt it was flimsy and harder to use, and recommend people use 5-foot cam straps. Credit: Chris McNamara
Our last day in Bryce Canyon National Park. How did each bag stack up against each other? We committed hours and hours testing each bag to find out. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Other Sleeping Bags to Consider
The North Face Dolomite One - This is one of more versatile bags we have seen. You can adjust the bag to a 15F or 30F rating with top quilts (we verified these temperature ratings to be accurate in our tests). The bag is comfy and spacious. We did find a gap where the zippers converge in the toe box, which lets in air on cold nights. That said, we were impressed with the value of this bag and feel many people will appreciate the innovative multilayer design. Often do you get to sleep in an onion?!
Exped MegaSleep Duo 25 - This is one of the most compressible and light double bags we have seen. It offers temperature versatility not often found in many bags, along with a spacious and airy feel. That said, you pay a lot for this bag, and its warmth somewhat underwhelmed us.
Teton Junior Celsius 20 - While the REI Co-op Kindercone 25 is our favorite kids' bag, the Teton Junior is a close second. It is also less expensive. We felt the Kindercone was a little warmer,and we appreciated the attached stuff sack. Our kids also preferred the Kindercone's fun color options. That said, the Teton Junior received high reviews from our kid testers and provided them with a little more legroom.
The Teton Junior getting the ultimate sign of approval from a 3-year-old: deep sleep and smiles. Sometimes at once.
How to Choose the Best Camping Sleeping Bag for You
Nearly every sleeping bag on the market has a warmth rating. It gives you a basic idea of the lowest temperature you can withstand while sleeping outdoors. This rating is typically based on the user wearing additional layers, such as thermal underwear. Keep this in mind before you buy. Warm-weather bags typically range from 35°F to 90°F, while bags for colder weather start at 20°F and go down to -20°F. For basic car camping, choose a bag in the sweet spot so you can sleep comfortably across a range of temperatures. Additionally, consider how your own body produces heat. If you tend to sleep cold, consider a bag rated for colder temperatures than you plan to be exposed to. Likewise, if you sleep warm, you might be able to use a bag with a warmer rating, with the idea that you can add a beanie or extra layers if needed.
Generally, a 20°F or 30°F sleeping bag falls in the sweet spot of what you might need.
How Many Bells and Whistles Do You Want?
Review the features each bag offers. Added-value options can enhance your sleeping bag's comfort, versatility, and warmth. A hooded bag lets you cover your head on cooler nights. It also does a great job at keeping your pillow in place. Drawstrings let you cinch the top opening around your neck and shoulders, helping the bag trap body heat more efficiently. A two-way zipper lets sleepers stay cool on warmer nights by unzipping the bottom half of the bag. Full-length draft tubes are crucial to minimizing airflow through the zipper. All of these features, and more, are worth considering.
A glance at some of the features to consider.
Types of Fills and Fabrics to Consider
In the sleeping bag world, “fill” refers to insulation. Basically, there are two types of fill: down (feathers) or synthetic (usually polyester). Each comes with individual benefits. Down fill is lighter, more comfortable, and often warmer. Synthetic is heavier and bulkier, but it's cheaper, easier to maintain and clean, and insulates better if it becomes wet. When it comes to fabrics, cotton-based shells and linings (like flannel or duck cotton canvas) are warmer, quieter, softer, and disperse heat more evenly. However, they are heavier and less water-resistant. Synthetic fabrics (like polyester) are lighter, repel water better, and feel silky smooth, but they are more prone to snags and tears.
Cotton-based fabrics vs synthetic.
Conclusion
Throughout our review and testing, we didn't give these camping sleeping bags any leeway. Regardless of price or prestige, we held all to high standards and the same test methods. We researched and tested for what we would want to know if we were buying these bags for ourselves. In the end, we hope our efforts help you decide on your camping gear kit.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by our vast selection of gear and aren't sure If you're not sure where to start, we recommend taking a look at our complete camping checklist. You'll find information and tips on everything from camping stoves for all your outdoor cooking needs to top-ranked camping tents to nestle into at the end of the day.
Packing up after a full day of testing. Credit: Jason Wanlass
