Top Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Choosing the wrong backpacking sleeping bag can keep you up at night. Literally. It is hard to get a restful night of sleep when you’re feeling too cold, too crammed, or too sweaty. But what is considered the ideal sleeping bag will vary from person to person. It depends on your tolerance to temperature, the type of conditions you’ll be sleeping in, and whether you prioritize comfort over weight. SInce it’s impossible to find the one perfect sleeping bag, we gathered a list of the top backpacking sleeping bags that are sure to satisfy people of all sorts.
Whether you’re chilly person who wants the coziest sleeping bag no matter the weight, or a dedicated ultralight hiker who needs the bare minimum to get them through the night, you’ll find a bag on this list that suits you.
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Backpacking Sleeping Bag Insulation
When you are shopping for sleeping bags, you’ll notice there are 2 main insulation options to choose from – down or synthetic. Either material can make for an excellent sleeping bag. It all just depends on your needs and which qualities are most important to you.
Down is ideal for the ultralight backpacker or someone who backpacks in the winter because of how warm, yet lightweight it is. You can have a really warm sleeping bag that is easy to pack with the rest of your gear. However, it does come at a higher price tag. If it isn’t treated, it also loses its ability to retain heat when it gets wet.
Synthetic is a great alternative for someone who doesn’t want to use down because of the price, the use of animal material, or because they backpack in wet climates. Unlike down, synthetic maintains its ability to keep you warm even when exposed to moisture. Though sleeping bags made with synthetic tend to be a bit heavier and less compact than similar down-filled bags, you can still find an excellent sleeping bag that doesn’t use a single feather.
Down
Pros:
- Incredible warmth-to-weight ratio
- Very compressible
- Durable and long lasting
Cons:
- Requires proper maintenance
- Loses warmth when wet
- Expensive
Synthetic
Pros:
- More affordable
- Keeps you warm when wet
- Doesn’t use animal material
Cons:
- Heavier
- Bulkier and harder to pack down
- Not as efficient with heat
Fill Power
If you get a down sleeping bag, you’ll want to consider the fill power. Fill power measures how much space an ounce of down takes up in a cylindrical tube. This number will range from 550 to 900+, with the top backpacking sleeping bags reaching above 800. A higher fill power means a warmer, lighter, and more compressible sleeping bag.
Temperature Ratings
There is a lot that goes into the temperature ratings of sleeping bags. If you want to get into the nitty gritty of it, check out our article on backpacking sleeping bags. For the purpose of comparing the top backpacking sleeping bags, we’ll keep our explanation brief.
On some sleeping bags, you will find two temperature ratings – comfort and limit. This may be confusing at first, but it allows for people to get a better feel for how warm a sleeping bag will be. If you tend to get cold easily, you’ll want to focus on the comfort rating. If you are a lover of air conditioning, the limit rating will be more accurate for you.
Comfort rating – lowest temperature at which someone who “runs cold” will feel comfortable in.
Limit rating – lowest temperature at which someone who “runs warm” will feel comfortable in.
When you’re choosing from our top backpacking sleeping bags, you’ll want to choose one that has a temperature rating lower than the lowest temperature you expect to experience. Play it safe and lean to the side of too much warmth. You can always unzip the bag or remove a layer of clothing if you get too hot. Warming up in the middle of a cold night, on the other hand, is difficult to do.
While temperature ratings are a great way to compare the warmth of different sleeping bags, they shouldn’t be thought of as the gospel truth. Keep your personal needs, experiences, and preferences in mind when making a selection.
Top Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Best All Around
REI Magma 15
For the average backpacker, the REI Magma 15 provides all you need and more in a backpacking sleeping bag. It is light, compact, warm, and uses high quality materials all while keeping the price tag below $400. Though it is made of down, you don’t have to worry about it losing its warmth if it gets wet. The goose down is water-resistant. It is also certified to the Responsible Down Standard.
The design is aimed at maintaining heat, with an insulated yoke to fill the neck and shoulder gap and a contoured hood. Although, depending on the backpacking pillow you use, you may have trouble fitting it in the hood. It has just enough space to fit a low-profile pillow.
There are a few drawbacks to this sleeping bag. For one, it can feel a bit snug for larger individuals. While a tight-fitting sleeping bag is helpful for preventing heat loss, it can feel uncomfortable for some. The temperature rating on this bag is also a bit generous. We recommend using this bag in temperatures above 30 degrees. The women’s version does offer a bit more loft and warmth.
Best Premium
Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20
- Avg Price: $620
- Comfort Rating: 20° F
- Fill: 850 fill down
- Weight: 1 Lb 15 oz
If you’re willing to spend a bit more on one of the top backpacking sleeping bags, Wester Mountaineering’s AlpinLite 20 should be your go-to. From the durable, breathable, and waterproof shell fabric to the 19 ounces of 850 plus fill power goose down, this sleeping bag is made from top notch material.
In addition to being lightweight and warm, this sleeping bag also boasts some impressive features. For larger individuals or people who prefer a little more space, this bag provides 65 inches of shoulder room. This is a bit wider than many competitors without being overkill. It also has a 360 degree down collar to trap in heat along with a full length zipper and draft tube.
For most, the price tag is the number one thing that holds them back from snagging one of these for themselves. However, the price does reflect the quality. If you decide to invest in this sleeping bag, be sure to research proper maintenance. A bag like this requires quality care to get the full life out of it.
Best Budget
Kelty Cosmic 20
- Avg price: $169
- Comfort Rating: 32°F
- FIll: 600 fill down
- Weight: 2 Lbs 13 oz
For someone who still wants one of the top backpacking sleeping bags, but doesn’t want to spend over $200, the Kelty Cosmic 20 is an excellent choice. Kelty is a brand known for making good quality, affordable gear for backpackers. This isn’t just an affordable down option, it’s an affordable DriDown option. DriDown is treated with a hydrophobic finish to stay drier, loft better, and dry faster than typical down.
A low price doesn’t mean that it is low on features. It has an internal stash pocket to keep your headlamp or cell phone easily accessible throughout the night. Hikers also appreciate the way the 50D polyester taffeta liner feels against their skin in the summer months. If you need a little extra leg room, you can snag the longer size.
Unfortunately, choosing a budget option typically comes with some drawbacks. While this bag has a comfort rating of 32, we would recommend using it in temperatures above 40 degrees as it doesn’t feel quite as warm as advertised. If you need a warmer bag, you can take a look a their Cosmic 0. It has a bit more warmth, but a heavier price tag. Another common complaint is the zipper. Many people experience snags and breaks. So you might not be using this sleeping bag for years to come.
Best for Winter Backpacking
Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF
- Avg Price: $730
- Comfort Rating: 10°F
- Weight: 2 Lbs 15 oz
- Fill: 850 fill down
When you need something big and fluffy to snuggle into on a cold night, it is hard to beat the Kodiak MF. This bag is built for people who are hiking in colder climates. It offers a little extra wiggle room than your typical sleeping bag, so you can wear your winter clothing or stash some gear inside with you to stay warm. If you’re a larger individual, you’ll really enjoy the extra wiggle room this bag offers.
You’ll also find 3D draft tubes, snag-free zippers, and a full down collar in this sleeping bag. The MicroLite XP shell is also great in terms of being both breathable and water resistant.
This sleeping bag may be a bit overkill in the warmer months. You’d be better off carrying something a bit lighter and less bulky when the weather is mild. However, with the money you are investing in this sleeping bag, we won’t blame you for wanting to use it on every trip!
Best for Warm Weather
Sea to Summit Spark
- Avg Price: $399
- Comfort Rating: 48°F
- Weight: 12 oz
- FIll: 850 fill down
If you stick to hot climates and low elevation, you can get away with a lightweight and compact sleeping bag such as the Spark. This sleeping bag is really only warm enough for summer use or to use as a down-filled liner for another sleeping bag. However, if you don’t need the warmth, you can really take advantage of how easy this bag is to pack with you!
You can shave a lot of weight off your backpack by using this 12 ounce sleeping bag. You’ll save a lot of space too – this packs down to be about the size of a camelbak water bottle. It is filled with high quality, Ultra-Dry down that retains its loft and dries faster when exposed to moisture.
When paired with a good sleeping pad this sleeping bag should keep you fairly warm in the summer months, but we wouldn’t recommend it on chillier nights.
Another drawback to this sleeping bag is the lack of durability in the shell, making the bag susceptible to rips and snags. The 1/3 length zipper also limits the versatility and opportunity for ventilation. However, for a minimalist, ultralight summer backpacker, this is a great fit!
Best Ultralight
Feathered Friends Hummingbird 20
- Avg Price: $480
- Comfort Rating: 32
- Weight: 1 Lb 10 oz
- Fill: 950 fill down
When weight is a concern but you need something warm to get you through three seasons, the Feathered Friends Hummingbird 20 is the top backpacking sleeping bag. The premium down and quality build of this bag is responsible for the hefty price tag, but it is built to last. It has a water resistant, and durable Pertex® Endurance® shell and a tough but soft nylon lining.
This bag packs down to around 9L as well, so it won’t take up a ton of space in your pack. They were able to get this sleeping bag so compact by adopting a narrower build to the bag compared to similar designs. While this is helpful for preventing heat loss, it can feel restricting for larger individuals or side sleepers. The premium price of this sleeping bag also deters backpackers who are not ultralight enthusiasts.
Best Women- Specific
REI Magma 15 – Women’s
- Avg Price: $399
- Comfort Rating: 17°F
- Weight: 2 Lbs 4 oz
- Fill: 850 fill down
It’s clear we are a fan of the Magma 15 if we have it on our list twice! If you’re looking for one of the top backpacking sleeping bags designed for women, the REI Magma 15 is hard to beat. It boasts REI’s highest warmth-to-weight ratio with high quality blue sign approved goose down. Unlike unisex sleeping bags, this one is designed to fit a woman’s body. It has more room at the hips and less room at the shoulders to improve thermal efficiency.
In addition to the contoured design, this bag also has a insulated yoke to keep the gap between your neck and shoulders to keep you warm. It’s contoured hood with drawcords adds an additional cozy element to keep you feeling warm on those chilly nights.
While this sleeping bag has plenty of great features, it does have a few downsides as well. For one, it is missing the Velcro tab at the top that many other sleeping bags feature. This tab can come in handy for keeping the bag secure over your shoulders as you unzip for ventilation. Some women also find the sleeping bag to be too snug, especially for those who wear bulkier clothing as they sleep.
Best Spacious
Nemo Disco
- Avg Price: $299
- Comfort Rating: 25°F
- Weight: 2Lbs 11 oz
- Fill: 650 fill down
Sometimes you want a little extra wiggle room in your sleeping bag. While having one that fits more snugly can keep you warmer, it can feel more comfortable to have a larger sleeping bag. Especially for side sleepers. If this is your preference, the Nemo Disco 15 is a great fit.
This sleeping bag is incredibly warm while offering a roomy and comfortable sleeping space. It features a pocket for your pillow, a waterproof footbox, and a lifetime warranty by NEMO. You’ll also notice the 2 “gill” zippers that offer ventilation on those nights where you’re running a bit warm.
Unfortunately, a larger sleeping bag means a heavier and bulkier sleeping bag. You won’t be saving space or weight by going with this design. The extra space also means that the bag is less heat efficient. Your body heat isn’t as effectively retained within the bag when the bag doesn’t sit snug against you
Best Synthetic Fill
Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20
- Avg Price: $169
- Comfort Rating: 32°F
- Weight: 2 Lb 6 oz
Many of our picks for the top backpacking sleeping bags are made with down fill. However, that doesn’t mean that synthetic fill bags can’t stand up to the competition. The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 is a fantastic choice for someone who prefers to stay away from down.
The fill is made of 100% recycled fibers that provides a soft feel and high loft all while staying lightweight and compactable. A benefit to this fill is that it makes the bag easier to wash and care for than it’s down alternatives. Wash in the machine and tumble dry low! This bag also features an external stash pocket to keep small items handy and a compression stuff sack to pack itself down to 19 x 9.4 inches.
We wouldn’t recommend using this bag in temperatures much lower than 35 degrees. Though it is a warm bag, it isn’t designed for cold temperatures and might not keep you warm enough on freezing nights. The zipper is another downfall. It isn’t as smooth as the zippers on other bags and can catch and snag easily.
Conclusion
It’s important to invest in a sleeping bag you can trust. One of the sleeping bags in out top backpacking sleeping bags list are sure to satisfy your needs. Just be sure to think hard about what those needs are before purchasing. An excellent ultralight 40 degree sleeping bag won’t be suitable for someone who hikes in colder climates. If you need help assessing your needs, check out our other article on how to pick a sleeping bag!
Cover Photo by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash
