Colin Snow
When it comes to sleeping bags, 20-degree bags are a popular choice for backpackers and campers. They offer a good balance between warmth and weight, making them suitable for a range of conditions. However, some people may find them insufficiently warm for colder environments, and they might verge on “overkill” in warm summer weather. The effectiveness of a 20-degree bag can depend on factors such as the bag's design, materials, and the individual's sleeping habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | 20°F |
| Weight | 1 lb., 9.2 oz. - 2 lbs. 7 oz. |
| Fill weight | 16 oz. - 21 oz. |
| Pack volume | 9-10.7 liters |
| Fill | 550-900+ fill-down |
| Zipper | Full-length, no-snag |
| Draft collar | 360°, simplified |
| Draft tube | Full-length |
| Price | $250 - $580 |
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What You'll Learn
The North Face One Sleeping Bag
A 20-degree sleeping bag is enough for most summer backpacking trips, but those who run cold might find themselves a bit chilly. The North Face One Sleeping Bag is a versatile option with three temperature ratings in one sleeping bag. It has a multi-layer system with a base layer and two additional layers that can be added or removed depending on the temperature. The bag can be configured for 40-degree, 20-degree, and 5-degree weather, making it suitable for year-round use.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks of The North Face One Sleeping Bag is its weight. The bag is heavier than many other options due to its multi-layer design and the presence of multiple zippers. The bag's packed size and shape also differ from traditional backpacking bags, with a more square and voluminous shape when cinched down. Despite this, the bag offers tremendous value, with a competitive price point that makes it a popular choice for casual or value-oriented backpackers.
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Western Mountaineering UltraLite
A 20-degree sleeping bag is enough for warmer summer weather, but it may not be sufficient for colder temperatures. If you're considering a bag with a 20-degree rating, it's important to understand the temperature ratings and your own cold tolerance to make an informed decision.
Now, here's a detailed overview of the Western Mountaineering UltraLite sleeping bag:
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is a highly regarded sleeping bag for backpacking and hiking enthusiasts, especially those who embark on three-season trips into the mountains. It has a temperature rating of 20°F/-6.67°C, making it suitable for a wide range of conditions. Western Mountaineering is known for conservative ratings, so you can trust that this bag will perform as expected in cold weather. It is filled with 850-fill down, which provides exceptional loft and warmth while keeping the weight down to just 29 ounces (936 grams), including 16 ounces (454 grams) of down fill. This makes the UltraLite an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight bag without compromising warmth.
The UltraLite has a mummy shape, which is designed to contour the body efficiently, maximizing heat retention. It comes in different lengths, and both left and right-hand zip versions are available, offering a personalized fit for various users. The bag also features a wraparound draft collar and a full-length #5 YKK zipper, which help prevent heat escape and ensure your body heat stays trapped inside, boosting overall warmth. The draft collar is especially useful for cold nights, providing an extra layer of insulation around your neck and upper body.
The UltraLite is constructed with high-quality materials and is known for its durability. Users have reported that it holds up well over time, even in diverse conditions, including rain, snow, and desert environments. The bag also comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, giving you peace of mind. While it carries a premium price tag, the UltraLite offers exceptional performance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and long-lasting sleeping bag for their outdoor adventures.
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Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20
A 20-degree sleeping bag is enough for summer backpacking, but testers who run cold found themselves a bit chilly when using a bag down to 20 degrees. If you want to stay warm, you may want to consider a 15-degree bag.
The Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 is a sleeping bag designed for backpackers who are not ultra-price sensitive, with warmth and weight being the biggest considerations. The Swallow bag is stuffed with 16.7 ounces of 950+ fill power down, which is the highest quality, RDS-certified, and trackable goose down in the world. The bag weighs 27 ounces, which is impressive for a feature-rich, accurately-rated mummy bag. The bag is spacious and allows ample room to roll over or layer up with a down jacket without compromising loft. The Swallow is also longer than average, at 6'0", and is perfect for taller people. The bag has excellent craftsmanship, with straight and tight stitching. The Swallow is an ultralight mummy sleeping bag that is perfect for shoulder season conditions in spring and autumn when nighttime temperatures approach or drop below freezing. The bag is also available in a 30-degree option.
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Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15
A 20-degree sleeping bag is enough for summer backpacking, but testers who run cold found themselves a bit chilly at 20 degrees.
If you're looking for a sleeping bag that's enough for 20-degree weather, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is a great option, especially for those on a budget. It has a warmth-to-weight ratio that is decent, especially considering its low price. It is filled with 21 ounces of 650-fill power duck down, which is more than almost every other down bag in its category. It weighs just over 2 pounds.
The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 doesn't have any stand-out features, but the features it does have are well executed. It has a long zipper and a bright fabric lining, making it easy to find small items inside the bag. It is about average in terms of shoulder girth, providing 62 inches of space around the torso. This was found to be roomy enough for a slender side sleeper who rolls over repeatedly during the night. Overall, it is a comfortable option for a middle-shelf sleeping bag.
The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is heavier than other down-filled offerings, but it is lighter than all the synthetic-filled bags in its category. It is also not as light as ultra-premium options like the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 or the Western Mountaineering MegaLite. The bag's down insulation isn't the highest fill power, but there is over a pound of it, making the bag fairly warm for its weight.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, the Kelty Cosmic 20 is a good value down bag, although it doesn't perform as well. For a bag that can be used in all seasons, The North Face One Sleeping Bag has a multi-layer system with three temperature ratings (40, 20, and 5 degrees), although it is pretty heavy and bulky.
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Kelty Cosmic 20
The Kelty Cosmic 20 is a popular choice for backpackers looking for a sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F. While it may not perform as well as some of the more expensive options on the market, it offers a good balance of features and price.
One of the standout features of the Kelty Cosmic 20 is its trapezoidal baffle construction, which helps retain heat and provides enhanced thermal efficiency. This unique design is based on the trapezoid shape from high school geometry, optimising warmth retention. Additionally, the sleeping bag features an expanded natural-fit footbox, a zippered stash pocket, and fully recycled fabrics with a PFAS-free DWR treatment. With a weight of around 2 pounds, it is on the heavier side compared to ultralight options, but its durability and warmth make it a popular choice for backpackers on a budget.
User reviews of the Kelty Cosmic 20 highlight its warmth and comfort. One user reported being warm in 30-degree weather, while another mentioned using it in 11-degree weather and feeling warm once the bag heated up. Its roominess is also praised, with users noting its ability to accommodate those with broad shoulders. The bag's durability is also impressive, with some users mentioning its longevity with only occasional washing.
However, the Kelty Cosmic 20's bulkiness and weight are often mentioned as downsides, especially when compared to more expensive, lightweight options. For backpackers prioritising weight and packability, alternative bags such as the Hammock Gear Burrow Econ or the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 may be more suitable. Nonetheless, the Kelty Cosmic 20 remains a top choice for those seeking a rugged and long-lasting sleeping bag without breaking the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kelty Cosmic 20, Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20, Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20, and Western Mountaineering UltraLite are all good 20-degree sleeping bags.
20-degree sleeping bags can be too warm for summer use, especially in mid-summer.
The Kelty Cosmic 20 is a good budget option.
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is a good 3-season sleeping bag.
The North Face One Sleeping Bag can be used in a 40-degree, 20-degree, and 5-degree configuration, making it a good year-round option.
