Miya Pearson
When it comes to choosing a down sleeping bag, there are several factors to consider. Sleeping bags are one of the most important investments for camping and backpacking, so it's essential to pick the right one for your needs. The first consideration is often the temperature rating, as a good sleeping bag should keep you warm throughout the night. Other factors include the type of insulation, the weight and packed size of the bag, and the features it offers, such as zippers, vents, and hoods. This review will look at various down sleeping bags and their performance in terms of warmth, comfort, weight, and features to help you decide which one is the best fit for your outdoor adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature rating | 0 °F to 30 °F |
| Insulation | Down and synthetic fill |
| Best for car camping | Recycled-poly-fill bag |
| Best for side-sleepers | Backpacking bag with down and synthetic fill |
| Best budget down bag | TETON Sports Trailhead |
| Best for broad shoulders and narrow hips | Lofty, down-filled bag with diagonal baffles |
| Best for women | Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 |
| Best for humid destinations | NEMO Tempo 20 Synthetic |
| Best for backpackers | Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 |
| Best overall sleeping bag | Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 |
| Best for weight | Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 |
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$85.49 $89.99
What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag warmth
It's important to note that real-world comfort may not match lab-tested temperature ratings due to various factors such as differences in people's clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and more. Therefore, it is recommended to add around 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit to the temperature rating when choosing a sleeping bag. For example, if you want a sleeping bag for temperatures around freezing, you should consider a 10-degree or even a 0-degree bag. Additionally, the colder the potential temperatures, the more you should 'overshoot' the temperature rating.
When it comes to warmth, different types of sleeping bags offer different advantages. For car camping, synthetic fill is usually sufficient. For backpacking, a down-filled sleeping bag is recommended as it is lighter, warmer, and more compressible. The Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 is a top choice for saving weight, as it uses the highest fill power down (950+) to create a warm and lightweight bag. The Western Mountaineering MegaLite is another excellent option for backpacking, offering an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio in a small package. The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is a budget-friendly option that provides similar performance to the Hummingbird UL 30, although it has a shorter zipper and is not as packable.
Other features to look for in a sleeping bag for warmth include a draft collar, which helps to eliminate drafts inside the bag, and baffles, which divide the pockets of insulation to prevent cold spots. Additionally, a sleeping pad with a proper R-value is crucial for providing insulation from the ground and ensuring a comfortable night's sleep.
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Synthetic vs down insulation
When choosing a sleeping bag, one of the most important decisions is the type of insulation. The insulation type directly affects the warmth, weight, water resistance, compressibility, and price of sleeping bags. Both down and synthetic insulations have their pros and cons.
Down insulation is made from the soft, fluffy, wispy filaments of plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Some products use a blend of down and feathers, but down is distinct from feathers. The advantage of down insulation is that it achieves a certain temperature rating with less fill, resulting in a lighter product. However, down insulation tends to clump up and lose loft when it gets wet, causing it to lose its insulation properties. While proprietary treatments have been developed to make down water-resistant, even treated down will get wet if submerged in water or exposed to heavy rain.
Synthetic insulation, typically made of polyester, is quick-drying and maintains insulation even when wet. It also tends to be less expensive, more durable, and hypoallergenic. Synthetic insulation can be either short-staple or continuous filament. Short-staple insulation uses densely packed fine-denier filaments to minimize heat loss, resulting in a soft, flexible, and compressible product similar to down insulation. However, it is less durable than continuous filament and may create cold spots as the insulation can shift over time. Continuous-filament insulation, on the other hand, uses thicker filaments that provide loft, strength, and durability.
For car camping, synthetic fill is a suitable option. However, for backpacking, a down sleeping bag is preferable due to its lightweight, warmth, and compressibility. Some manufacturers offer hybrid sleeping bags that combine water-resistant down and synthetic insulation to provide the benefits of both materials while mitigating their respective drawbacks.
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Sleeping bag zippers
Materials
Sizes
The size of the zipper will depend on the size of the sleeping bag. Adult sleeping bags typically require larger zippers, such as a #10 molded plastic zipper or a #10 metal-tooth zipper. For children's sleeping bags, a smaller zipper such as a #5 brass or molded plastic zipper is more appropriate. Sleeping bag replacement zippers are often 9 feet long (108 inches), but they can vary, so it's important to measure before ordering.
Styles
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Sleeping bag weight
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider its weight. The weight of a sleeping bag is influenced by factors such as its warmth, insulation type, fill power, and construction.
Warmth is a crucial factor in determining the weight of a sleeping bag. Generally, the warmer the bag, the heavier and bigger it will be. This is because warmer sleeping bags require more insulation and shell fabric to trap heat effectively. Therefore, if you prioritise warmth, be prepared to carry a bulkier sleeping bag.
The type of insulation also impacts weight. Down insulation is widely recognised as the lightest option, making it ideal for backpacking sleeping bags. It offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, but its performance suffers in wet conditions. Down bags are also typically more expensive. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, provides better moisture resistance, even outperforming some modern down bags with hydrophobic treatments. Synthetic bags are a more affordable option, but they tend to be heavier and bulkier, making them a common choice for car camping rather than backpacking.
Fill power, which measures the quality of down insulation, also plays a role in weight. Premium down with higher fill power (800-fill and above) insulates better at a given weight, resulting in lighter sleeping bags. For example, the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30, which utilises 950+ fill power down, is known for its exceptional warmth and surprisingly light weight.
Construction methods can also optimise weight. Advanced construction techniques can help achieve the perfect balance between warmth and weight, ensuring even warmth distribution. Additionally, features like draft collars and well-designed hoods can enhance warmth while minimising weight.
When considering sleeping bag weight, it's essential to strike a balance between warmth and portability. For activities like backpacking, lightweight and compressible sleeping bags are crucial to minimise pack weight and space. In contrast, month-long expeditions or car camping trips allow for more flexibility in weight and size, as other factors like comfort and durability may take precedence.
Lastly, it's worth noting that sleeping bag weight preferences are highly subjective. What one person considers ultralight might be uncomfortable for another. Therefore, it's important to assess your specific needs, priorities, and budget when making a decision.
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Sleeping bag cost
The cost of a down sleeping bag can vary depending on its features and quality. For instance, the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 is an expensive option, but it uses the highest fill power down (950+) to create a warm and light bag. The Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 is another option that offers exceptional comfort and a women's fit, but it comes at a higher price.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is a good choice for backpacking trips. It may not perform as well as ultra-premium bags, but it offers a substantial saving. The REI Co-op Trailmade 20 is another budget-friendly option, although it doesn't pack down as small as the Bishop. The TETON Sports Trailhead is also a decent synthetic alternative, although it is much less warm.
For car camping, the Teton bag offers a good balance of features and price. The regular size bag is available for a lower price, while the long version costs $10 more. The bag uses water-resistant down and has a durable water repellent (DWR) coating.
Other down sleeping bags with their prices include the Feathered Friends range, which starts from $379 and goes up to $569. The Therm-a-rest Hyperion 32 is another option, although it is not as warm as its rating and has fewer features than some other bags.
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Frequently asked questions
The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 is a popular choice for backpackers, as it is stuffed with over a pound of 950-fill goose down and has a water-resistant shell. The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is another good option, as it features dual zippers that allow for customised venting. The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 is a great budget option.
The Feathered Friends Penguin YF is a good option for camping as it can sleep two people. The Siesta Hooded 20 is another good choice, as it has a hood and is expertly balanced in terms of features and price. The Teton is also a good option, as it is water-resistant and has a durable water repellent coating.
The Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 is a great option for women as it offers exceptional comfort and a women's fit, although it is pricier. The NEMO Tempo 20 Synthetic is a good budget option for women, as it features a loft and comfort similar to down.
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