Evie Summers
A good sleeping bag is one of the most important investments an avid outdoors person will make. When it comes to backpacking, choosing a sleeping bag that balances warmth, weight, comfort, and price is key. In this article, we will be reviewing the best backpacking sleeping bags for every environment and budget, with top picks from Therm-a-Rest, Mountain Hardwear, Kelty, NEMO, Feathered Friends, and more. We will also be discussing the key factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag, such as temperature rating, insulation type, bag shape, and extra features.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature Rating | Varies from 45°F to 20°F, depending on the bag. |
| Weight | Most bags weigh between 1-2 lbs. |
| Fill Weight | Varies from 5.3 oz. to 23 oz. |
| Design | Mummy-shaped bags are efficient for warmth but restrictive for some sleepers. |
| Warmth | Features like a draft tube, draft collar, and hood improve warmth retention. |
| Comfort | The EN/ISO Comfort Rating indicates the temperature at which most cold sleepers will remain comfortable. |
| Budget | Kelty and Mountain Hardwear offer more affordable options without compromising on warmth and comfort. |
| Durability | The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is made with a recycled nylon shell. |
| Versatility | The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 has multiple zippers for venting and an internal pocket for storage. |
| Packability | The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 is lighter and more packable than the Kelty Cosmic Down 20. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
There are three main rating categories: international standards from EN or ISO, trustworthy homebrew ratings (usually from cottage companies), and ratings from untrustworthy companies who may manipulate the system. EN/ISO standards include the Upper Limit, Comfort, and Lower Limit ratings. The Upper Limit is the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration, with the hood and zippers open. The Comfort rating is the temperature at which a standard female can sleep comfortably in a relaxed position. The Lower Limit is the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
The Comfort rating is used for women's bags because data shows that the average woman will feel colder in the same bag as the average man. At a given temperature, most women's bags weigh more than men's bags because they require more insulation to achieve the same Comfort rating as a man's bag's Lower Limit rating. Not all sleeping bags have an ISO or EN rating; the standard does not apply to bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags.
When choosing a sleeping bag based on temperature ratings, it is generally recommended to select a bag with a comfort rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. This will ensure that you stay warm and comfortable during your trip.
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Insulation type
When it comes to insulation type, the two main options are down and synthetic. Down sleeping bags are generally more expensive and are favoured for their warmth, softness, and compressibility. However, they are less effective when wet. Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, are more affordable and continue to insulate when wet. They are also easier to care for and dry faster than down bags. However, they tend to be heavier and bulkier, which can be a consideration for backpackers who want to travel light.
Down insulation is further differentiated by the type of down used and its fill power. Goose down is considered a premium option and is known for its superior warmth and softness. Duck down is another option, though it is less common. The fill power, indicated in numbers like 650FP or 850FP, indicates the quality and insulating efficiency of the down. A higher fill power means the down has more loft, providing better insulation with less weight.
Synthetic insulation is made from a variety of materials, including polyester fibres, and is designed to mimic the warmth and compressibility of down. While synthetic insulation may not be as warm or compressible as high-quality down, it has improved over the years, offering a more affordable and water-resistant alternative.
It's worth noting that sleeping bags with down insulation are typically more expensive than those with synthetic insulation. However, down bags can last longer if properly cared for, making them a worthwhile investment for frequent backpackers. Ultimately, the decision between down and synthetic insulation depends on factors such as budget, weight considerations, and anticipated weather conditions.
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Bag shape
The bag shape is an important consideration when choosing a backpacking sleeping bag. Mummy-shaped bags are highly efficient at retaining warmth as they eliminate the dead space your body would otherwise have to warm up. However, some sleepers may find the mummy shape restrictive, especially those who sleep on their sides or toss and turn. For those who prioritise freedom of movement, a semi-rectangular bag may be a better option, although this will sacrifice some warmth and packability.
Backpacking quilts are another alternative, offering the benefit of packed volume and weight savings of up to 20-30% compared to sleeping bags. However, quilts are generally not as warm as sleeping bags and may not be suitable for colder climates. The Feathered Friends Flicker UL Quilt is a single-zipper hoodless bag that has been tested and reviewed. Another quilt option is the Katabatic Alsek 22 Quilt, which offers excellent versatility due to its open-backed camping insulation.
For those who prioritise a lightweight and packable design, the Sea to Summit Spark is a good option. Weighing just over one-and-a-half pounds, it features a mummy shape that tapers sharply towards the footbox. Despite its restrictive shape, the bag was found to be roomy by one tester, although side-sleepers may find it constrictive. The Spark can also be used as a quilt when fully unzipped, thanks to a snap system at the neck.
For backpackers who prioritise a spacious design, the Magma 15 is a good option. While it features a true mummy shape, it offers a wider leg girth compared to similar models, providing more room to move. Wide models are available for each length option (short, medium, long) for those who require more space. The Magma 15 is also highly compressible, making it a good choice for efficient packing.
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Extra features
When choosing a backpacking sleeping bag, it is important to consider the extra features that may be included. These can vary from bag to bag and can significantly enhance your experience. Here are some key extra features to look out for:
Draft Tubes and Collars
Many premium sleeping bags feature a draft tube, a down-filled tube that prevents cool air from entering through the zipper. The Swallow and Egret bags, for example, have a particularly robust draft tube that effectively locks in warmth. Additionally, some bags include a draft collar, which wraps around the neck to further prevent heat loss. However, not all bags have this feature, so it is important to check before purchasing.
Temperature Ratings
When considering extra features, temperature ratings are crucial. An "ISO" or "EN" temperature rating allows you to compare the warmth of different bags. These ratings include a "comfort" rating, indicating the temperature at which a "cold sleeper" will remain comfortable, and a "limit" rating, indicating the temperature at which a "warm sleeper" will be comfortable. Choose a bag with a temperature rating suitable for the conditions you anticipate encountering.
Pockets and Storage
Some sleeping bags offer convenient pockets for storing small items like a headlamp or phone. For instance, the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 bag has a zippered internal pocket. Additionally, consider the included stuff sack or compression sack for storing your sleeping bag when not in use. A good-quality stuff sack will help maximise the bag's bulk and make it easier to carry.
Zipper Design
Pay attention to the design of the zipper, as some bags feature a two-way, anti-snag zipper for added convenience. Additionally, a glow-in-the-dark zipper pull can be extremely useful for midnight bathroom trips. These features might seem minor, but they can significantly improve your overall experience.
Mummy Shape
The mummy-shaped sleeping bag is a popular design that maximises warmth by eliminating dead space. While this shape may feel restrictive to some users, it is highly efficient in cold conditions. If you prioritise having more space to move around, consider a semi-rectangular bag, but keep in mind that it may not be as warm or packable.
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Weight and warmth
When it comes to backpacking, weight and warmth are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag. A warm and comfortable night's sleep is not just a safety precaution but also helps set you up for maximum enjoyment outdoors. However, a sleeping bag will also be one of the heavier, bulkier items in your pack, so the warmth-to-weight ratio is key.
Down bags are generally warmer, lighter, and more compressible than synthetic insulation. Down fill is also more durable than synthetic, retaining warmth over a longer period. However, down insulation is more expensive. Synthetic insulation will continue to insulate when wet, whereas down will not.
When looking at warmth-to-weight ratios, the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 and the women's-specific Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 are stand-out performers. The bags are narrower to save weight, but the Egret UL is shaped specifically for women. The Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag is another option for hikers looking to save weight, weighing just 28 ounces. The Western Mountaineering MegaLite is also one of the lightest-weight bags on the market. The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 weighs just over 2 pounds, giving it a great warmth-to-weight ratio. The Therm-a-rest Hyperion 32 is the lightest bag in its review, but it didn't prove as warm as its rating.
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Frequently asked questions
Kelty makes inexpensive sleeping bags that are surprisingly good quality. The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is one of the cheapest down sleeping bags on the market, with an ISO Comfort rating of 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is another good option, offering superior warmth for a reasonable price.
The Feathered Friends Flicker UL Quilt is a single-zipper, hoodless bag that has been tested and proven to be one of the most comfortable models. The Therm-a-Rest Parsec is another good option, designed for lightweight chilly backcountry excursions.
If you're backpacking in the warmer summer months, the Revelation is an excellent choice. You can also boost your warmth with a warm hat, puffy jacket, and an insulated sleeping pad. The Sea to Summit Spark is another good option, with a temperature rating of 51°F ISO Comfort and 45°F Lower Limit.
