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We've tested many dozens of sleeping bags from brands like Mountain Hardwear, Feathered Friends, Western Mountaineering, REI, Big Agnes, and more to help you hone in on the perfect sleep companion for your next adventure.
We test each sleeping bag on nights out in the wild in the environments they're designed for.
Credit: Elizabeth White
By Ian McEleney ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated December 3, 2025
A great sleeping bag can make your overnight stays in the outdoors more comfortable and more enjoyable. If you're on a budget, you can even find ones that are fairly affordable. Sleeping bags can be as varied as those who snuggle inside them.
Since 2010, our team has tested 250+ of the most popular sleeping bags in the field, carrying them on family camping trips, fast and light backpacking adventures, and remote winter expeditions. Options vary widely, with different materials, weights, and warmth ratings, demonstrating that there is no one-size-fits-all.
Our favorite sleeping bag for car camping is the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood. It's rugged yet comfortable, has a cozy flannel interior, and is quite warm. Backpackers seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and warm bag should check out our favorites, the unisex Western Mountaineering MegaLite or the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite, a perfect shorter size bag for women.
If you only camp a few times a year, you can likely get by with a budget bag like the Coleman Brazos for car camping or the lighter weight, down-filled Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 for backpacking trips.
Editor's Note: We updated our sleeping bag review on December 1, 2025, to add a new award-winning camping sleeping bag, a new backpacking bag, and updated media and recommendations.
Who it is best for: The Alps OutdoorZ Redwood is our top choice for anyone who wants a warm, roomy, and durable classic sleeping bag. If the idea of sleeping under a pile of thick blankets in a log cabin on a cold winter night is appealing, this is the option that brings that rustic vibe to your tent. Featuring a sturdy cotton canvas shell with a cozy flannel liner, the standout feature of the Redwood is its warmth, making it great for those who tend to sleep cold and prefer extra covers at home. It has a -10°F rating, provided by loads of TechLoft insulation, and although we wouldn't recommend it down to quite that frigid of a temp, it proved capable of keeping us warm into the single digits.
Why we love it: Our testers found the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood's spacious dimensions and rectangular shape super comfortable. The large dimensions also make this bag extra versatile when unzipped. “I like that the Redwood doubles as an excellent picnic blanket or a heavy quilt for two people to snuggle up,” said our lead tester. The rugged materials make this bag heavy-duty enough to do it all without worries of rips, tears, or snagged zippers. On our first overnighter with the OutdoorZ Redwood, temperatures dropped to a chilly 25 degrees. Yet we stayed toasty warm. Details like double draft tubes and offset stitching patterns reduce heat loss from even the smallest cracks.
Should you buy it? If you often camp at higher elevations, in cooler climates, or like to extend your camping trips as far into the fall season as temperatures allow, then the Redwood is a great option. It is our overall favorite sleeping bag for camping near civilization, but it's not well-suited for backpacking. With an enormous packed size and weighing nearly 12 pounds on the scale, it's far too bulky and heavy to carry any significant distance. Of course, if you prefer to carry your gear on your back to venture deep into the backcountry, you'll probably want to select a dedicated backpacking sleeping bag. Still, this is the bag we recommend most to our friends and family who are looking for warm and roomy sleeping bags.
Who it is best for: Year after year, the Coleman Brazos has stood the test of time as one of the best budget-friendly sleeping bags available. It continues to impress us with its rugged durability and warmth, especially considering the stiff competition in the world of sleeping bags. As one of our reviewers noted, “This is an ideal choice for anyone who needs a budget bag for that first camping trip or for families who want to load up on sleeping bags for the kids, friends, or extended family.”
Why we love it: At this price point, we weren't expecting greatness from the Coleman Brazos. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the warmth of this bag when we used it on a few chilly nights in Bryce Canyon National Park. It earned an above-average rating in our warmth testing, outscoring a few other bags in this metric. While we don't recommend it for truly frigid camp nights, it's got you covered through the normal camping season of late spring, summer, and early fall.
Should you buy it? This is definitely a budget bag, but sometimes, that's exactly what you need. If you are outfitting an entire household for your first family camp trip and want something to get everyone out the door, then the Brazos is a great option. Although it lacks some of the comfort and rugged build quality found in higher-end models, we were pleasantly surprised at how well it retains warmth. We think it would also be a good choice for backyard campers, RVs, or camper vans, where you don't need as much protection. It also has a smaller fit (75"), so it may not be the right choice for tall or broad-shouldered individuals. However, for anyone on a tight budget who just wants to get out under the stars from time to time, there really isn't a good reason not to have the Brazos in your camping gear arsenal.
Who it is best for: Weighing in at a super light 1.5 pounds, the Western Mountaineering MegaLite is the best sleeping bag for backpacking trips. This ultra-premium model utilizes 12 ounces of 850+ fill power to create a cozy down cocoon of outstanding comfort. This amount of insulation makes it great for backpackers heading out on spring, summer, or fall treks far from the trailhead parking lot. Western Mountaineering bags are made in the USA, and the materials and construction are of high quality throughout.
Why we love it: The MegaLite's warmth-to-weight ratio is impressive, making this bag especially appealing to the diehard backpackers on our test team. Plus, our testers appreciated the more generous dimensions of the MegaLite compared to other products at its price point. The extra space makes for a bit more comfort while sleeping, but it also makes it suitable for larger backpackers. How good is it? Our lead tester puts it this way: “The MegaLite is my first choice for high-alpine route backpacking trips where I know I'll face cold nights.”
Should you buy it? The biggest issue most shoppers will have with the MegaLite is the cost. Not everyone can afford to invest in top-tier gear that will last over many seasons of heavy use. Beginners or occasional backpackers will likely be happier with a budget model that sells at half the price. Serious backpackers, however, should really consider spending extra for the MegaLite. Bags from specialty manufacturers usually cost more even than high-end models from other companies, but in our opinion, they often greatly outperform the competition.
Who it is best for: The Western Mountaineering AlpinLite quickly became our favorite do-it-all sleeping bag for women, with a minimalist build filled by 19 ounces of high-quality, responsibly sourced 850+ goose down and a quiet ultralight ripstop nylon shell that feels soft on bare skin. A continuous baffle system offers versatility and customized warmth, allowing you to redistribute down within each baffle across the length of the bag, relocating it from the backside to the frontside positions where you need the extra insulation most on cold nights (assuming you are using a warm pad).
Why we love it: High fill power and a substantial draft collar work together to prevent cold air from getting inside the bag around the neck. Similarly, a thoughtfully constructed zipper guard and beefy YKK zipper prevent snags when hopping in and out. Although the Phantom line is unisex and includes no features tailored specifically to women, in its smallest size (5'6"), our team found it delivers a top-of-the-line performance across the board. It's wonderfully warm, and we saw little evidence of vulnerabilities or other wear and tear from regular use. Even after several backcountry bivouacs, where it scraped against abrasive sandstone and granite rock overnight, this bag stood strong. Lead tester, Trish Matheny, notes, “I love that the spacious mummy shape is extra warm but doesn't leave me feeling overly constricted; any time the extra space generated a draft, I found it easy to remedy the problem by adding my puffy jacket.”
Should you buy it? Although our testing team was impressed by the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite's simple yet effective construction, it does have a few caveats. To start, the AlpinLite does not include a compression sack with purchase. Next is its price tag. The AlpinLite is an investment for the long term and an expense not everyone can afford. However, the bar is set high by this US-manufactured design, and we can confirm you get what you pay for. If simplicity and quality are the top traits that speak to you, the AlpinLite is hard to beat.
The Western Mountaineering AlpinLite features substantial loft within the 850+ goose down construction that combines with simple features like a “short” uni-sex fit and a super cozy neck baffle to create a cozy night of sleep. Credit: Trish Matheny
New Version Available
Mountain Hardwear's current version of the Bishop Pass features a darker blue-green color, but many of the bag's key elements remain the same as those in the version we tested.
Who it is best for: For all but the most hardcore backpackers, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 delivers the best blend of down insulating power and weight for the price, making it our top pick for backpackers on a budget. This is our favorite budget bag because it combines 650-fill power down in a simple mummy design that offers a solid balance of overall performance. If you like to go backpacking a few weekends per year or plan one longer vacation trek to a national park's backcountry trails per year, this bag is hard to beat.
Why we love it: For an affordable option, the warmth-to-weight ratio of the Bishop Pass is impressive, and it packs smaller than other models that provide similar warmth. Its comfort and versatility may not be otherworldly, but they are high enough to satisfy most backcountry campers. Our lead tester points out, “Most of us don't need the best-of-the-best when camping, we just need the best-for-the-job: something decently warm and easy to pack and carry to wherever we're headed, but won't break the bank.”
Should you buy it? This mummy-style option simply can't match the performance of an ultra-premium sleeping bag. Its goose down isn't as lofty, and the nylon lining isn't as supple. There is also a roughly 30% weight disadvantage compared to the lightest high-end models. However, we think most backpackers will hardly notice these drawbacks. Instead, they will probably be happiest settling for the Bishop Pass and using the substantial savings to upgrade other components of their overnight kit.
Who it is best for: For women backpackers on a budget, the Sierra Designs Get Down 20 offers an outstanding value. It's warm enough for most three-season excursions, decently lightweight, and packs down quite small. Yes, our lineup features fancier and higher-performing bags, but at this price, the Get Down represents an exceptional value. We just wouldn't stretch our use of this bag too far into the shoulder season. It's rated to 23°F, but our tester noted, “I would not be comfortable bringing it along if the temperatures were below freezing.”
Why we love it: We're big fans of down insulation. The Sierra carries a load of 550 fill power down, which is relatively mediocre compared to higher-end models, but it still outperforms most synthetics. This bag also keeps things pretty simple; it's basically a sleeping tube with a zipper, and that's it — no bells and whistles. That simplicity also means it's relatively lightweight to carry. And at its price point, the value warms our hearts.
Should you buy it? We appreciate that Sierra Designs is trying to save weight by using a half-length zipper, but this feature makes the Get Down slightly less comfortable because you can't stick your feet out or drape the bag over you. That said, it is a great starter bag that is easy to pack, and one you can count on to get you through your summer backpacking trips.
The Get Down packs small but is comfy, roomy, and lightweight. It's not as warm as more technical bags, but if the weather isn't too intense you should be happy as a clam. That said, the zipper only goes down halfway which isn't our favorite design choice. Credit: Ian McEleney
Who it is best for: The Coleman Heritage Big and Tall 10 is our favorite all-around camping bag for big and tall campers. At a full 3-feet wide when zipped, it gives large campers room to roll over and smaller campers space to sprawl. With its flannel-style liner, the look and feel evoke a classic vibe while the generous insulation overperforms on cold nights. While it's great for large adults or rapidly growing teens, it's outstanding for smaller or shorter sleepers who like plenty of room to move in the night.
Why we love it: Many inexpensive bags don't live up to their manufacturer's stated warmth ratings, but the Coleman Heritage Big and Tall 10 kept us quite warm. “On a frigid night while camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this bag kept me toasty even in temperatures that dropped well below its 10-degree Fahrenheit rating,” reported tester Chris McNamara. “That's impressive, particularly at its budget-friendly price point.”
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a warm and cozy bag that's large enough for bigger adults, the value is quite good. The most annoying issue is the lack of a stuff sack, made even worse by the fact that the strings for rolling and securing it are thin and hard to use, prompting us to use cam straps instead. Still, for the price, we're quite pleased with this Coleman bag's performance.
Temperature Rating: 10°F | Weight: 8.1 pounds
Spacious and cozy, the Coleman Heritage Big and Tall 10 is a great value, though we must admit we're annoyed by the cheap strings when rolling it up.
Who it is best for: If you're finding that the enjoyment of your backpacking trips is dulled at the end of the day by the aches and pains of carrying a heavy pack, maybe it's time to consider going ultralight. The Sea to Summit Spark 30 is an exemplary summer-weight mummy bag that comes in at a breathtaking 17 ounces. With its included compression sack, it will pack down so small that it almost disappears in your pack, making it our top choice for serious ounce-counters who still want to sleep warm out on the trail.
Why we love it: “More than once, I had to double-check inside my pack and make sure that I hadn't forgotten the Spark 30 at the campsite!” jokes our ultralight reviewer. Fluffed back up, the Spark 30 features 9.3 ounces of some of the highest quality RDS-certified, Ultra-Dry goose down available for a restful night's sleep. A well-designed plow on the half-zipper prevents zipper snags, and snaps around the hood allow you to easily dump heat when needed. While many other ultralight sleeping bags cut weight by slimming down their profiles, the Spark 30 was roomy enough for our muscular, 190 lb, 5'11" lead tester.
Should you buy it? If you're considering joining the ultralight crowd, be aware that lightweight gear often comes with a few compromises. The minimalist Spark 30 is far from inexpensive, primarily due to its use of high-quality, high-performance materials. Additionally, a little extra care needs to be taken when handling this sleeping bag, given that the very thin 10D fabric simply won't withstand abuse as well as bags made from heavier fabrics. “You'll want to bring along a different sleeping bag for car camping trips,” explains our tester. “The Spark 30 is worth special treatment, so that you can depend on its performance for your multi-week, dream backpacking trip.”
At only 17 ounces, the Spark 30 is not only extremely lightweight but also packs down to a tiny size, thanks to the highly effective compression sack included with the bag. Credit: Justin Simoni
Who it is best for: If you're looking for outstanding quality that will keep you warm while camping or backpacking in the winter, the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF packs in plenty of high-performance down insulation to keep cold-weather campers cozy. Its high-quality 850 fill power goose down was some of the best at maintaining excellent loft despite being repeatedly compressed. Made in the USA, the overall construction is nearly perfect. The smooth liner with super-stuffed baffles made slipping into this bag feel like we were sleeping in a cocoon spun from the silky threads of pure awesomeness.
Why we love it: “I was blown away by how comfortable and warm I was in such a packable, lightweight bag,” our tester remarked. It's only 2.85 pounds, which is quite light for such a warm bag (some of its rivals in our cold weather sleeping bag review weighed up to 4.5 pounds). Our testers believe it truly lived up to its 0°F temperature rating. They were also delighted with the wider dimensions of this bag compared to many other winter bags.
Should you buy it? The only reason this bag isn't in everyone's backpack is the eye-watering price point. The high-end down insulation used throughout is an expensive material, resulting in a price tag that many will balk at. We should emphasize, however, that Western Mountaineering's down does seem to maintain its loft better than down from many other companies. That means this bag offers a long-term value advantage. If you know you'll be winter camping frequently over the next decade and have the funds to invest, give the Kodiak MF some serious consideration.
A 20D MicroLite XP water-resistant shell, an extremely warm 850 down-fill, and a spacious cut make for a great night's sleep, even on the coldest nights. Credit: Clark Tate
Who it is best for: The Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1 is a highly versatile 3-in-1 sleeping bag with a removable interior liner made out of warm fleece tucked inside a durable outer shell. Each part of this customizable bag is uniquely separate and can be changed out, removed, or added back in, making it suitable for a wide variety of temperatures and camping situations. “The Polara is great for diehard campers, boaters, hunters, or RV enthusiasts who want the ability to customize their setup based on the temperatures they are sleeping in,” explained tester Jason Wanlass.
Why we love it: This large sleeping bag is roomy and cozy, and it lets us add and remove layers to dial in the perfect amount of warmth for the conditions outside our tents. Instead of using heat management methods that force us to stick our feet out, open zippers, or throw back top layers, we could sleep all night long without needing to wake up to make adjustments. We also appreciated the thoughtful features, such as handy pockets, snaps, loops, and zippers, and the excellent price point.
Should you buy it? The Polara features synthetic insulation that simply isn't as plush or comfy as many of the premium options on the market. And while the inner liner is warm and soft, the material is grabby compared to smoother fabrics, so it sometimes catches on fuzzy base layers or camp pajamas. Lastly, this bag runs a bit small for the big and tall folks. Otherwise, the Polara is a versatile choice for those who camp in chilly seasons as well as on warm summer nights.
Who it is best for: If you would like to make snuggling part of your next camping trip, check out the Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide. This two-person option is our favorite sleeping bag for couples, offering nearly 37 square feet of cozy sleep space. This is also a great choice for families looking to pair up into a comfortable sleeping system for their next car or RV camping trips.
Why we love it: Unlike two bags that you might just zip together, the Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide features two built-in blankets, allowing either sleeper to adjust their warmth during the night. That makes it particularly good for partners who tend to sleep best at different temperatures. “When I am packing up a car or setting up our tent in a drive-up site, I love having all the amenities,” noted one tester.
Should you buy it? Although we enjoyed the smooth feel of the Taffeta lining fabric at first, we did not like the slipperiness of this material in practice. This isn't an issue when you're zipped inside the main bag, but it did cause the built-in blankets to slip off our bodies occasionally. We should also note that at 8.8 pounds, this bag is much too heavy for backpacking. Nevertheless, it's a great choice for any pair seeking a comfortable two-person sleeping bag for camping near the trailhead.
Who it is best for: The Sea to Summit Spark Down 15 is perfect for backpackers who care about the feel of fabrics and want thick and springy 850+ fill power goose down insulation to keep them warm and comfortable on the trail. Sleeping in the backcountry in the Spark Down 15 feels luxurious compared to bags made with rougher, noisier fabrics and lower-quality down.
Why we love it: The silky fabric caught our attention immediately, but other details elevate this bag, too. The Spark Down 15 is slightly wider at the hips than many mummy-style down bags, and the foot box slants upward to provide extra room for your toes. These design choices make it feel more spacious and less constricting than many backpacking-focused bags. “I wish the stuff sack were a bit larger to make stuffing it easier, but I could compress it down to less than 7 liters, making it easy to toss into my backpack,” noted one of our reviewers, who appreciated the compressibility of the down insulation.
Should you buy it? If you like to sleep sans base layers, the fabric simply feels silkier and smoother than most of the competition. However, the fabric is an ultralight 10D shell, which is very thin and could tear if exposed to sharp rocks — or even the nails on dog paws if you share a tent with a backpacking canine. That said, delicate materials will be an issue with most ultralight gear you use, and we still loved sleeping in the Spark Down bag on all of our treks.
Temperature Rating: 15°F | Weight: 1.6 pounds
The supple, silky shell fabric and thick 850+ fill power goose down make zipping into the Spark 15 feel like a treat after backcountry treks. Credit: Elizabeth White
Why Trust GearLab
This review is the culmination of a decade of hands-on testing by ten separate GearLab expert reviewers. These experts included backpacking guides, mountaineers, backcountry skiers, wilderness rangers, guidebook authors, and thru-hikers. The lead author, Jack Cramer, is a former member of Yosemite Search and Rescue and an accomplished climber who has now personally tested more than 70 different sleeping bags. Jack is assisted by Ian McEleney, an AMGA-certified alpine guide who has lent his expertise in sleeping bags and other backpacking gear to thousands of clients and readers over the years. Jessica Haist is a contributor to our women's sleeping bag review and is also a professional guide with decades of experience. She is joined by longtime outdoor athlete and current Yosemite Search and Rescue team member, Trish Matheny, to uncover the best-of-the-best in women's designs. Jason Wanlass is a world traveler and seasoned backpacker and hiker. Whether it's car camping or canyoneering, Jason will take any excuse he gets to sleep outside. Finally, Justin Simoni is an expert in fast and light travel, having taking on many formidable long distance self-powered trips in Colorado and beyond, unencumbered by too-heavy gear.
In this review, we highlight our favorite sleeping bags from a range of sleeping bag categories. GearLab has now purchased and tested upwards of 300 bags in conditions ranging from convenient backyard slumber parties to miserable frigid nights on remote Alaskan glaciers. We sent bags on trips to Nepal, Bolivia, Argentina, and Tajikistan, as well as plenty of locales closer to home but no less impressive. All in all, our team of reviewers spent more than a thousand nights testing different sleeping bags so you can be sure the knowledge shared here is thorough, informed, and unbiased.
It's a team effort to examine and test hundreds of sleeping bags, but our team of expert outdoor aficionados is here for it.
How to Pick the Best Sleeping Bag for You
Sleeping bags come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. Different bags can be made of various materials with distinct features, all depending on the specific application for which they're designed. To top it off, the prices of different bags range from dirt cheap to exorbitant. If you're sort through the options, we suggest you ask yourself a simple question: where are you planning to camp?
We hand-selected and tested each sleeping bag to find the absolute best. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Where Do You Plan to Camp?
This is the biggest differentiating factor when selecting a sleeping bag: what location do you plan to camp at, and, more specifically, how far will you be from motorized transportation? If your camping plans will keep you close to your car, we recommend shopping for a more comfortable and plush camping sleeping bag. This type of bag is usually heavier, but prioritizes comfort and cost savings, and if all you have to do is carry it from car to tent, it's 100% worth it. On the flip side, weight and packed size are paramount when undertaking human-powered adventures farther afield. Backpacking sleeping bags are lighter and more compressible, but tend to be more expensive.
If your plans include a mix convenient car camping and overnight backcountry adventures, we suggest choosing a backpacking sleeping bag. You won't have any issues using a backpacking model near your car, but carrying a hefty camping sleeping bag any significant distance can quickly become a real pain, and in most cases, buying one great backpacking bag will cost less than getting one of each.
Testing sleeping bags in many different environments and use cases might seem like fun and games, but it's . . . all right, yes, it's mostly fun. But the bags? Rest assured, we put them to work during our tests! Credit: Elizabeth White
Camping Sleeping Bags
Many of our favorite camping sleeping bags are great for family weekends at a developed campground, but they don't have to be used exclusively for camping. Rather, the name signifies a sleeping bag category designed and built without weight or packed size constraints. This type of bag can serve equally well for RVing, boating, fly-in trips, or even the simple pleasure of camping out in your own backyard or hosting a living room slumber party. Weight and bulk are usually not big concerns for these activities, so camping sleeping bags can optimize comfort, convenience, and price. This bag category is often made in a rectangular shape, offering a roomier sleeping space and lower manufacturing costs. Specialized performance among camping sleeping bags is far less of a concern than it is for backpacking sleeping bags. The primary consideration is finding a bag that matches your warmth, size, and budget requirements.
Car camping bags are often made with synthetic insulation, which is not as warm or lightweight as down, but for most cases, it does a great job. For the avearge camper, we recommend selecting a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of around 30°F, as these models are suitable for various conditions. However, if you like to push your family camp trips late into the fall, or live at higher altitudes, feel free to tailor your selection for your unique situation. Overall, try not to stress too much about purchasing a car camping sleeping bag. Simply find a bag that matches your plans and budget, and it should be up to the job.
When camping with kids, we like to error toward well-insulated sleeping bags to ensure good nights and great memories. Credit: Chris McNamara
Backpacking Sleeping Bags
When adventure takes you further from the trailhead, you'll probably want to opt for a backpacking sleeping bag. These bags utilize more expensive materials and streamlined designs to provide a sleeping system that offers greater warmth in a smaller, lighter package. These characteristics are most improved for human-powered activities, such as backpacking, sea kayaking, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, or bikepacking.
Backpacking sleeping bags are generally designed with a hood and a tapered sarcophagus shape that cuts down on materials while maximizing thermal efficiency. This design is commonly referred to as a mummy bag. The tapered shape of a mummy bag reduces the space for your legs, so some folks may find them uncomfortable, but the form-fitting shapes help hold warmth closer to the body during the night. You may want to do more careful research when shopping for a backpacking sleeping bag because these models can be fairly expensive. Don't fret, though; with a little effort, it's possible to select a suitable and affordable option. Backpacking sleeping bags are often more expensive because they are frequently made with lightweight down insulation, which provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. This is particularly important when carrying your gear on human-powered adventures.
The best sleeping bags for backpacking use well-insulated baffles and include hoods for extra warmth because temperatures can drop quite low in mountainous backpacking environments. Credit: Elizabeth White
Ultralight Sleeping Bags
Ultralight sleeping bags are, well, very lightweight. These bags are ideal for those following “ultralight” guidelines to keep their packs as light as possible, typically under 10 pounds. Because they are so lightweight, they are great for multi-day backcountry trips and thru-hikes. To cut back on weight, they often use a narrower cut and thinner materials. Some even skip the zippers, cords, and buckles, as every convenience feature also adds extra weight. To keep you warm, these bags are designed to be used in unison with an equally light but performant sleeping pad and weather-appropriate clothing.
Ultralight bags primarily come in two styles: mummy and quilt. Over the past few years, quilts have gained considerable popularity. The reason behind this is the cutdown on materials used and, therefore, the weight. Instead of sleeping on top of the compressed down, the quilt lies over the top with straps that hold it in place on the sleeping pad. They can also be opened up for use in warmer temperatures. Mummy bags, as mentioned above, are contoured around the body and are better at trapping heat. The primary difference between the ultralight and backpacking models lies in the materials used. Some ultralight bags ditch the hood and employ a full-length zipper, allowing them to be used as either a mummy bag or a quilt. Those interested in cutting back on weight can learn more in our best ultralight sleeping bag review.
Because ultralight bags often cut back on materials, they pack up smaller than traditional bags and ultimately save space in the backpack. Credit: Justin Simoni
Now What?
Once you know the broad type of sleeping bag you're interested in, several other factors must be taken into consideration. We'll break down factors like insulation type, temperature, weight, packed size, and comfort below to ensure you can be confident in your selection.
We've slept in hundreds of sleeping bags in tents, under the stars, inside SUVs, vans, and more, giving us the experience to recognize outstanding quality and superior designs. Credit: Justin Simoni
Insulation Type
Sleeping bags provide warmth by insulating your body and its heat from outside temperatures. They achieve this warmth by utilizing two primary types of insulation: down feathers or synthetic fibers. Down feathers are the puffy feathers that many birds, such as ducks and geese, have under their sleek outer feather that help them to stay warm. These feathers are excellent at trapping air in the tiny spaces between their filaments, creating an effective temperature barrier. Synthetic fibers are humankind's best attempt at mimicking this insulation strategy. They contain a matrix of fibers, typically petroleum-based, such as polyester or nylon, to fill a sleeping bag and provide insulation.
To protect goose or duck down insulation from getting wet, many of the best down sleeping bags use Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coatings on the shell fabric to keep water from seeping inside. Credit: Clark Tate
Although synthetic fibers are cheaper to produce than down, they have not yet been able to achieve the same warmth for an equal weight of material. Synthetic sleeping bags, however, have one performance advantage: a greater insulating ability when wet. If down feathers get wet, they clump together and lose nearly all their loft and insulating power. Synthetic fibers, in contrast, do not clump, so they can continue to provide considerable insulation when wet.
For camping in vehicles or tents near parking lots, heavier synthetic insulation is often the best choice for warmth, cushioning, and durability. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Despite this advantage of synthetic insulation, most serious backcountry travelers still prefer down-filled bags over synthetic ones for most applications. The weight savings and differences in packed size are that significant. However, synthetic sleeping bags remain popular due to their lower cost. When considering cost per use, we recommend that beginners and occasional backpackers opt for a synthetic sleeping bag, while more dedicated outdoor enthusiasts will find it worthwhile to splurge on a down model. You can find a more thorough discussion of our favorite down models in our best backpacking sleeping bag review.
High quality models like this Sea to Summit Spark 30 usually indicate key specifications on the bag itself, including type of insulation and weight. Credit: Justin Simoni
Temperature Rating
The warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised in terms of its temperature rating. It's a metric that's supposed to mean the lowest temperature at which a bag should be able to keep you warm enough for sleeping. In practice, however, it's not that simple. Many companies choose their own temperature ratings, which can limit comparison between companies. Most backpacking bags are rated according to an industry-standard EN test. This provides a more consistent measure of warmth, but numerous other factors can affect your actual warmth beyond ambient air temperature. These factors include the type of shelter you're in, the sleeping surface beneath you, the type and quality of your sleeping pad, and even your metabolism.
If you plan to sleep in temperatures near the bottom of your sleeping bag's temperature rating, it's important to sleep on top of a well-insulated sleeping pad where the bag's insulation is compressed by your body weight. Credit: Elizabeth White
We think the most useful temperature rating for a sleeping bag is around 30°F. At this rating, a sleeping bag should be warm enough for most spring and fall conditions while also not being too stifling in the summer months. Your personal preferences and usage may lead you to a different rating. For winter camping, 0°F is a better starting point. Summer campers, however, will probably be happier in a 40°F model. If your sleeping bag doesn't live up to its temperature rating, the issue is most likely your sleeping pad. Check out our sleeping pad review for more info about why your overnight warmth can be dependent on how well you're insulated from the ground.
When held up to light, the down insulation in this sleeping bag's baffles has clumped up during packing and travel, requiring some shaking to redistribute the down before sleeping. Many synthetic insulations are heavier but resist clumping compared to down. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Weight and Packed Size
If you throw your camping gear into the back of your car to reach the campsite, you can skip this section. If you prefer to reach your destination by foot, read closely. A sleeping bag's weight and packed size should be major considerations for any human-powered overnight trip. An extra pound or two might not seem like a lot, but that weight can become significant on an extended backcountry sojourn. A larger packed size can also be an issue because it increases the size of your backpack, which can cause the weight you're carrying to be farther from your center of gravity. Keep these realities in mind when searching for the right sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags filled with ultralight goose or duck down insulation usually weigh significantly less than counterparts that use synthetic insulation. Credit: Chris Maxcer
It's important to recognize that warmer bags are generally bulkier and heavier than colder bags. Therefore, try to analyze only the weight and packed size of bags with similar warmth. Don't be afraid to spend a little more for a lighter or more compressible sleeping bag if you plan to venture deep into the backcountry. After all, your knees and back are more valuable than even the priciest sleeping bag.
Even cold-weather sleeping bags insulated with down compress to sizes not much larger than a cook pot, making them much easier to fit into backpacks than similar bags filled with synthetic insulation. Credit: Elizabeth White
Comfort
A bag's comfort is largely dependent on its dimensions and the type of materials used. More expensive insulation, such as goose down, is often perceived as more comfortable because it's lighter and weighs less on the body. Among budget models, the type of lining material can also impact comfort. Our testers generally found flannel feels cozier than the other linings commonly used in budget car camping sleeping bags.
The underside of this quilt-style sleeping bag shows its closed section for keeping your feet toasty while sleeping under the extra-roomy blanket-like top portion. Credit: Justin Simoni
Transitioning from an ordinary blanket to an enclosed sleeping bag can be a claustrophobic experience for some folks. We recommend a sleeping bag with roomier dimensions if this sounds like you. Be especially careful about the length of a hooded mummy bag — stuffing your head inside the hood of a too-short bag can be a literal pain in the neck. Most manufacturers categorize the length of men's sleeping bags as follows: short equates to 5'6" in length, regular is 6'0", and long is 6'6".
We like to test sleeping bags at high elevations because it lets us see how well different models handle wide temperature fluctuations. Credit: Trish Matheny
Women's Sleeping Bags
The length of a sleeping bag is undoubtedly important, but the horizontal measurements should also be taken into account. Women's sleeping bags incorporate design features that cater to women's unique anatomy. Women's bags are often designed with wider hips and narrower shoulders. Women typically sleep colder than men, so sleeping bags marketed toward women usually have more conservative temperature ratings. This can also translate into a bargain when women's bags incorporate extra insulation but are sold at the same price, or in “short” unisex models where the volume of insulation is unchanged from the larger iterations of the same model. See our Sleeping Bags for Women review to read more about our top sleeping bags in this category.
We love dozing in cozy comfort after a night under the stars. Credit: Trish Matheny
Other Sleeping Bags You Should Consider
The above sleeping bags are the creme-de-la-creme, cream of the crop models that we have tested. You can't go wrong with any of them. However, there are some other models that we liked almost as much, and are definitely worth taking a look at.
Kelty Galactic 30: For car campers wanting straightforward rectangular sleeping bags that won't take up too much cargo space, this down-filled option weighs under 3 pounds and compresses easily. The 550 fill power duck down isn't as lofty as higher quality down, but it handily outperforms most synthetics — unless it gets wet. The only other drawback is that it's sized for campers under 6' tall, so it's not great for big and tall sleepers. Still, if you want to try out a down bag without spending a small fortune, it's a great value option.
REI Co-op HunkerDown 20: Where most down-filled sleeping bags have body-hugging, mummy-shaped tapers, this alternative is rectangular and it includes a hood-like pocket similar to those found in typical tapered options. We love it because we get the lightweight benefits of down insulation in a package that gives us extra room to roll over and move our legs at night. If you want a lightweight rectangular bag, with the option to snug into a hood on cold nights, this is another of our favorites.
The REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 packs into a remarkably small stuff sack compared to most full-size rectangular camping-focused sleeping bags. Credit: Jason Wanlass
REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20: The standout feature of this synthetic camping-focused sleeping bag is its extra large, squarish hood. It gave us the warming benefits of a hood without feeling too contained or constricted while sleeping. Better yet, if you tend to loose your pillow while sleeping in tents, the hood kept our pillows in place all night long. It's now available in three different sizes.
Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30: One of the highest rated backpacking bags we've ever tested, this down-filled bag provided the thickest loft we've experienced. Feathered Friends does not skimp on insulation when it fills its baffles, so cold spots aren't ever a thing with this premium winner.
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20: For fast and light summertime treks, this ultralight bag weighed just 1.19 pounds, making it one of the lightest bags we've ever tested. Sized best for women, the drawback is that it's quite snug and sacrifices some three-season comfort in favor of low weight you'll barely notice in your pack.
NEMO Tempo 20 Synthetic - Women's: This bag uses synthetic insulation, making it a great option for damp environments because the insulation will retain some loft and warmth if it gets wet. It doesn't pack down as small as down-filled alternatives and it's heavier, but the overall quality and value is excellent.
Neve Gear Waratah 28 (quilt): If you prioritize the ability to shift and move at night, particularly if you want to extend an arm or leg outside of a sleeping bag to cool off or stretch, then an ultralight down quilt might be the best “bag” for you. This quilt is filled with 850 fill power, RDS-certified duck down for lofty, warm insulation and a zippered foot box to help keep your feet warm on cold nights. The value is outstanding, just know that it doesn't have a full-length zipper like typical sleeping bags. Think of it as a blanket with a big pocket for your feet.
The Neve Gear Waratah 28 quilt has a foot box you can unzip to create a plush blanket. Credit: Justin Simoni
Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX 30: Most quilt-style sleeping bags are made with down insulation, but this option uses synthetics instead. Weighing in at just 1.54 pounds, yes, it's technically a bit heavier than competing down-based quilts, but we were impressed with its warmth-to-weight ratio and reasonable price. Plus, if we were heading out into chronically wet conditions, this synthetic option would likely be a smarter choice than most non-water resistant down competitors in its price range.
Nemo Sonic -20: If you're planning to camp in truly frigid winter temperatures, this thickly-insulated sleeping bag is rated down to a truly frigid -20° Fahrenheit. It's one of the warmest bags we've slept in, and our testers trust it down to -10° Fahrenheit, which is surprisingly close to the manufacturer's rating. Innovative zippered vents let you dump heat so you can use this bag in warmer temps, too.
Marmot Never Summer 0: While we don't believe this winter bag will keep most people comfortable down to 0° Fahrenheit, it was quite warm well below freezing and livable down into single digits. For the reasonable price, we think it's a great option for cold sleepers looking to extend their camping seasons when the snow might fly.
Conclusion
Selecting the right sleeping bag doesn't have to be an ordeal. First, decide whether you need a backpacking or car camping model based on whether your overnights will occur far from motorized transportation. Then, determine your budget and warmth requirements. Finally, you can peruse the appropriate models that meet all your criteria. Our detailed sleeping bag reviews are broken down according to these criteria and include a wealth of information to aid your search, based on our hands-on testing.
