Ashwin Lewis
Choosing a sleeping bag for winter hiking can be a complicated purchase decision. The bag's weight, packability, warmth, and comfort all need to be considered. It's important to select a bag that is lightweight and compressible, while also providing the right level of warmth for the expected nighttime temperatures. For winter camping, a high-quality goose down sleeping bag with a temperature rating of at least -20° Fahrenheit is recommended, and a -40° bag is essential for camping in the Northern US or mountainous regions. Synthetic bags are also an option, as they dry quickly and maintain insulating abilities when wet, making them suitable for summer camping. Sleeping bags come in various shapes, such as rectangular, semirectangular, and mummy styles, each offering different levels of roominess and warmth. The bag's temperature rating is a key factor, but it's also important to consider individual factors such as metabolism and sleeping habits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | For winter hiking, a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of at least -20° Fahrenheit is recommended. A rating of -40° provides a larger margin of safety. |
| Weight | If you are backpacking, the weight of the sleeping bag is an important consideration as you will need to carry it in a pack. Lighter bags are generally preferred. |
| Compressibility | The sleeping bag should be compressible to minimize the space it takes up in your pack. |
| Shape | Sleeping bags come in rectangular, semi-rectangular ("modified mummy" or "barrel"), and mummy shapes. Rectangular bags offer more room to move around, while mummy bags are more snug and lightweight. |
| Insulation | Sleeping bags can be insulated with down fill or synthetic fill. Down fill is generally more expensive and lasts longer, while synthetic fill is a more affordable option that dries faster and retains some insulating ability when wet. |
| Size | Sleeping bags come in different sizes for adults and children. |
| Additional features | Some sleeping bags have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to protect the insulation from moisture. Other features to consider include zippers, draft collars, and vapor barrier liners. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
When choosing a sleeping bag, the key factor is its temperature rating. Sleeping bag temperature ratings are a complicated subject. To understand them better, it helps to know how the bags are tested for warmth in the lab and the meaning of some not-so-intuitive terms used in bag temperature ratings.
In the past, brands tested sleeping bags in their own labs using different methods, making it difficult to compare bags from different companies. Today, most brands send their sleeping bags to independent labs that assign bag temperature ratings. EN (European Norm) was the original standard adopted by the sleeping bag industry. Now, the ISO (International Standards Organization) oversees bag testing, using a similar method to EN. Standardized laboratory tests produce a rating range for each sleeping bag, with two temperature ratings within that range: the comfort rating and the lower-limit rating.
The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable. This is the temperature rating used for women's bags. The lower-limit rating, which is always lower than the comfort rating, indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable. This is the temperature rating used for men's bags. It's important to note that temperature ratings are estimates, and lab testing may not account for all variables such as clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and food intake.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's recommended to pick one with a lower temperature rating than the lowest nighttime temperature you expect. This is especially important if you plan to use your bag in colder months. The shape and weight of the sleeping bag are also important considerations, depending on whether you will be camping or backpacking. Backpacking sleeping bags should be lightweight and compressible, while camping bags can be more spacious and comfortable.
In addition to temperature ratings, sleeping bags are also graded by their fill power. 800, 850, 900, and 1000 fill power bags are the most expensive, prized for their ultra-lightweight and compressibility. These bags are ideal for those wanting low pack weights, but they come at a high price, with winter bags costing upwards of $1000.
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Sleeping bag shapes
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of the most common sleeping bag shapes:
Rectangular
Rectangular sleeping bags are the most common shape for recreational camping. They offer ample room for both legs and arms to stretch out, making them a comfortable option for those who like to sleep in a natural position. Rectangular bags can also be completely unzipped and used like a comforter. This shape is ideal for car camping as you don't have to worry about weight or packing the bag into a small space.
Semi-rectangular
Also known as a "modified mummy" or "barrel" shape, semi-rectangular sleeping bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. This shape covers a variety of designs, all of which provide more space than a traditional mummy bag while still retaining some of the warmth and weight advantages.
Mummy
Mummy bags are designed to boost warmth and cut weight, featuring a snug fit. Instead of rolling over inside the bag, you roll over with the bag. This shape is ideal for backpacking as it minimizes weight and bulk, making it easier to carry on your back. Mummy bags are also suitable for winter hiking as they can provide more warmth than other shapes.
Double
Double sleeping bags are designed for two people and are ideal for couples. They provide more space and comfort than single bags, but they are also heavier and bulkier. If you prefer to sleep alone, you can opt for rectangular bags designed to zip together, but they must be the same model and brand.
Quilt
Quilt-style sleeping bags have gained popularity in recent years due to their weight advantages. Quilts lie on top of the sleeper with straps that hold them in place on the sleeping pad, reducing the amount of material needed. Ultralight quilts are ideal for those who want to keep their packs as light as possible, and they are perfect for multi-day backcountry trips and thru-hikes.
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Sleeping bag insulation
When choosing a sleeping bag for winter hiking, it is important to consider the type of insulation. The two main types of sleeping bag insulation are down fill and synthetic fill. Down fill is made from the feathers of ducks and geese, and it is generally more expensive and longer-lasting than synthetic fill. It is also lighter and more compressible than lower-quality insulation. The quality of down is described as fill power, where higher numbers indicate higher quality. Good quality down is around 600 to 700-fill power, 800 to 900-fill power is considered excellent, and 900+-fill power is the best. On the other hand, synthetic fill is less expensive and can provide adequate warmth for winter camping.
In addition to the type of insulation, the amount of insulation is also important. A higher fill weight indicates that there is more insulation in the bag, which will provide more warmth. The bag's fabric thickness and features like the hood and venting zippers also play a role in its ability to retain heat. Water-resistant fabric and insulation are crucial for winter camping, as they help keep moisture out and maintain warmth when damp.
The shape of the sleeping bag also affects its insulation capabilities. Mummy-shaped bags are designed to boost warmth by having a snug fit, while rectangular bags provide more room to move around but may not retain heat as well. Semirectangular bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess.
When selecting a sleeping bag for winter hiking, it is recommended to choose one with a lower temperature rating than the lowest expected nighttime temperature at your camping location. It is also important to consider the weight and compressibility of the bag, especially if you will be backpacking and carrying your gear in a pack. Balancing weight and compressibility with the correct level of warmth is crucial.
Some popular options for winter sleeping bags include the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF, which is known for its exceptional warmth and lightweight design, and the Marmot Never Summer 0, which offers impressive warmth at a more affordable price. The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0 is also an excellent choice for its remarkable water resistance and lightweight design.
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Sleeping bag weight
When choosing a sleeping bag for winter hiking, weight is an important consideration. The weight of a sleeping bag is largely determined by its insulation and shape. Advanced synthetic insulation and high-fill-power down are more efficient insulators, providing greater warmth for less weight. Mummy-shaped bags, for example, tend to be lighter and more snug, whereas rectangular bags are roomier but heavier.
The weight of a sleeping bag is also influenced by its temperature rating. As the temperature rating decreases, indicating a warmer bag, the weight tends to increase due to the need for more insulation. For winter hiking, a lower temperature rating is crucial to ensure adequate warmth, but this may result in a heavier bag. It's recommended to select a bag with a rating slightly lower than the anticipated low temperatures to ensure comfort.
When comparing weights, it's important to consider bags with similar temperature ratings. The weight of the insulation itself, known as the fill weight, can be a factor in warmth, but the overall bag weight is what matters when carrying it in your pack. Lighter bags are generally preferred for backpacking as they reduce bulk and weight in your pack.
Some of the lightest sleeping bags on the market include the Sea to Summit Spark SP I, an 850-fill down bag weighing 12.4 oz, and the Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20, a high-quality down bag weighing 1 lb 12.7 oz. The Magma 15, with a true mummy shape, is another lightweight option for winter hiking, weighing only 1 lb 6.3 oz.
In addition to weight, other factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag for winter hiking include packability, warmth, comfort, and features such as adjustment options and stash pockets. The type of insulation, whether down or synthetic, also plays a role in weight, durability, and cost. Advanced synthetic insulations and high-fill-power downs provide excellent warmth-to-weight ratios, making them ideal for lightweight and compressible backpacking sleeping bags.
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Sleeping bag compressibility
When it comes to winter hiking, you'll want a sleeping bag that is lightweight, compressible, and able to keep you warm. Cramming a bulky sleeping bag into your backpack is far from ideal, so you'll want to prioritise finding a bag that is both light and packable.
The compressibility of a sleeping bag is largely determined by its filling. Down bags are generally more compressible than synthetic bags. Synthetic bags are often bulkier and less compressible, but they are usually a more affordable option. Synthetic bags also retain their insulating properties when wet, which is not the case for down bags. However, down bags are generally of higher quality and offer more choices in shell fabrics. They are also longer-lasting, as the filling does not degrade over time like synthetic filling can.
If you're looking for a highly compressible bag, you'll want to look for a bag with a high fill power. 800, 850, 900, and 1000 fill power bags are the most compressible, but they are also the most expensive. These bags are prized by hikers who want to minimise the weight of their packs.
It's worth noting that over-compressing a sleeping bag, regardless of whether it's down or synthetic, can lead to loft degradation, reducing its ability to insulate efficiently. This can be avoided by using a storage sack when the bag is not in use, as this will prevent the bag from being compressed for long periods of time.
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Frequently asked questions
For winter hiking, a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of at least -20° Fahrenheit is necessary. If you're hiking in the Northern US or in mountainous areas, a -40° bag is recommended for safety.
Goose down filling is recommended for winter hiking sleeping bags. Down filling is more expensive but it lasts longer than synthetic filling.
The shape of your sleeping bag depends on your personal preference and how much space you have to carry it. Mummy-shaped bags are snug and lightweight, while rectangular bags offer more room to move around but are bulkier.
Quality online retailers such as Amazon, REI, Eastern Mountain Sports, and Moosejaw offer a wide range of sleeping bags. REI is a good starting point due to its user-friendly website and detailed technical information.
Temperature ratings are based on tests conducted by independent labs. However, they are estimates and do not account for individual differences in body types, clothing, and weather conditions. It's recommended to pick a bag with a lower temperature rating than you expect to encounter.
