Best Sleeping Bags for a Frequent Traveler & Camper

Feb 3, 2020Sleeping Bags0 comments

Every traveler & camper knows the importance of a good, warm sleeping bag after the long day. No matter you are hiking in the mountains or having a family outing, a good sleeping bag can make your night more enjoyable. Sometimes it is a lifesaver.

That is why based on our experience in travel and camping, we want to recommend some of the best sleeping bags to you. You do not need to hassle on the web to get one. There are thousands of choices to get you confused.

What Makes a Sleeping Bag Great?

Nobody can say this is the best sleeping bag. It all depends on several factors. One bag might not be suitable for everyone. You have to consider the price, color, weight, lining, fabric material, zipper, etc before choosing the right sleeping bag. 

So, it is not just the warmth or comfort. Moreover, you can’t use a single sleeping bag in all the seasons and terrain. Your choice of buying a sleeping bag will depend on the weather you are going for backpacking and the terrain you are going to stay. 

Let’s dive into the list of our best 10 sleeping bags.

ImageProductDetails  Price
Thermodown 0 Degree Down Mummy Sleeping BagParia Outdoor Products Thermodown 0 Degree Down Mummy Sleeping BagBrand: Paria
Size: All size
Fill material: Down
Outer Material: 20D Ripstop Nylon
Temperature: Down to 0ºF (-17ºC)
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SONGMICS Camping Sleeping BagSONGMICS Camping Sleeping BagBrand: SONGMICS
Size: 86.6” x 33.1”
Material: Polyester, Silk Wadding, Microfiber
Temp Range: 41-59°F (5-15°C)
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Active Era Sleeping BagActive Era Sleeping Bag for Indoor and OutdoorBrand: Active Era
Size: 75″ x 30″
Fill material: 200GSM hollow fiber
Outer Material:
Temp range: 60°F to 50°F and extreme use down to 25°F
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Lixada Envelope Sleeping BagLixada Envelope Sleeping Bag Ultra-Light Waterproof with Compression Sack for Outdoor Traveling Camping HikingBrand: Lixada
Size: 190 * 75cm / 6.23 * 2.46ft
Material: Breathable and 380T Nylon in the outer which is waterproof material, plus polyester pongee used in the lining
Temperature: 5-15°C
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TETON Sports Regular Sleeping BagTETON Sports Regular Sleeping BagBrand: TETON Sports
Size: 80 x 33-Inch, Right
Fill material: fiber fill
Outer Material: Taffeta
Temperature: -32°C/-25°F
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TOMSHOO Double Sleeping Bag 2 Person Outdoor Camping Hiking Sleeping BagTOMSHOO Double Sleeping Bag 2 Person Outdoor Camping Hiking Sleeping BagBrand: TOMSHOO
Size: Thick
Fill material:
Outer Material: Polyester
Temperature: up to 23°f ( -5°c)
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Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping BagSea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping BagBrand: Sea to Summit
Size: Long
Dimensions LxWxH:
18.11 x 11.81 x 9.06 inches
Fabric Type:
Down Insulation
Temperature: range 25°F to 62°F
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Marmot Phase 30F Degree Down Sleeping BagMarmot Phase 30F Degree Down Sleeping BagBrand: MARMOT
Size: Long/Left Zip
Dimensions LxWxH:
30 x 20 x 12 inches
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Terra Hiker Down Sleeping BagTerra Hiker Down Sleeping Bag, Outdoor Mummy Bag for Backpacking and MountaineeringBrand:
Size:
Fill material:
Outer Material:
Temperature:
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Western Mountaineering Sycamore MF 25 Degree Sleeping BagWestern Mountaineering Sycamore MF 25 Degree Sleeping Bag Cranberry 6FT / Left ZipBrand:
Size:
Fill material:
Outer Material:
Temperature:
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01. Thermodown Paria Outdoor Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Keeping warm and comfortable on the harsh winter nights is essential when you are ready to camp. So the firm Paria Outdoor has designed this excellent sleeping bag that will provide you the necessary shelter in the icy winter nights. Thanks to the addition of a 907 grams insulating layer, being effective up to -17º C.

Its manufacture uses 20D anti-tear nylon fabric so that the irregularities of the terrain, the crossing or the same climate will not threaten the integrity of the piece. Similarly, YKK closures have been added to ensure a durable and easy-to-use product.

Additionally, the bag has a double-zippered trapezoidal foot compartment so your feet stay warm and flex. The bag weighs 1.4 kg which makes it highly portable.

Pros

  1. Warm Design, comfortable size
  2. Temperature rating is good 15 to 17 degree Fahrenheit
  3. Lightweight only 1.4 kg
  4. Good Quality 20D anti-tear nylon.

Cons

  1. The foot compartment is not easily usable.
  2. Need to improve zipper position.

02. SONGMICS Sleeping Bag Lightweight for 3 Seasons

After a strenuous day of hiking, it is necessary to have a comfortable sleeping bag. The Songmics brand puts at your disposal a copy of 220 x75 cm, whose interior is padded with a fluffy silk wadding that will give you warmth and comfort that your body needs.

The ultrasonic seam of the bag not only keeps its padding in place but also increases the ability of the sleeping bag to repel water, as well as avoiding tears in the fabric whose exterior is polyester. With a weight of 1.8 kg, you can pack it in a thin 25 x 43 cm transport bag.

As for its cleanliness, you have the advantage that if you are a regular camper, you can enjoy machine washing in a gentle cycle. Another advantage is that it is the least expensive.

Pros

  1. Very soft and warm
  2. Easy to wash
  3. Less expensive 

Cons

  1. Not for big body person

03. Active Era Sleeping Bag for Indoor and Outdoor use

Now you can sleep peacefully thanks to the benefits and comfort offered by this indoor sleeping bag, which you can transform into a compact bag in just a minute.

Its 190T polyester exterior and its 250 GSM thick hollow fiberfill guarantee an effective performance in temperatures from -5 to 10º C.

Besides thinking about the different needs of campers, the bag has an internal pocket, in which electronic devices can be safely housed; It has an additional insulator along the zipper, keeping the cold air entering the cell.

If you want to enhance the warmth, it is provided with an insulating collar that folds to the neck and shoulders area.

Pros

  1. Extra-large in size
  2. Water-resistant outer part
  3. Lightweight and compact design
  4. Additional internal pocket 

Cons

  1. Little bulky in shape.
  2. Stitching can be improved.

04. Lixada Envelope Sleeping Bag

This sleeping bag is suitable for use in less severe climates such as summer and spring. According to its manufacturers, you can get better performance in temperatures ranging between 9º to 15ºC.

Its exterior composition is cotton, while the interior is polyester. It is comfortable and soft to touch and is very good at isolating moisture. You can use it as a blanket too. Its weight is only 680 grams with dimensions of 190 x 75 cm.

It comes with 4 compression straps, which allows it to fold and strap into a small size making it super portable. 

Through its zipper closures, you can add two sleeping bags together in case you want to share it with another person. A great thing for couples who love to cuddle. An excellent selection for less cold environments.

Pros

  1. Compact portable
  2. Lightweight 
  3. Water resistance
  4. Sufficient Interior space

Cons

  1. Nothing found

05. TETON Sports Regular Sleeping Bag

The Teton Sports Celsius Regular sleeping bag is a great option if you are looking for comfort. It is undoubtedly the most comfortable sleeping bag among the ones we have tested.

In addition to being very hot, being able to withstand extreme temperatures while you sleep peacefully.

With a weight of almost 2.3 kg, it may seem a very heavy bag, but its main feature is its comfort and warmth, being able to withstand temperatures up to -18ºC. That is, it is 4 seasons and the most comfortable sleeping bag you can find at this price range.

And how does it get such comfy and keep you so warm? 

It has a two-layer system. The outside is of taffeta and the inside has flannel fabric, which has made it very soft and without the characteristic noise of synthetic materials. 

Also, its design prevents any air filtration and its zippers are designed to attach another bag at the end.

The Teton Sports Celsius Regular sleeping bag is very suitable for camping in very cold areas and very comfortable to sleep with your partner. 

But, if you are thinking of a bag to carry in a backpack, there are much better options.

Pros

  1. Good Looking design
  2. Comfortable for all types of cold weather
  3. Good build materials

Cons

1. Not waterproof
2. Heavy

06. TOMSHOO Double Sleeping Bag

If you are looking for a sleeping bag with high-end materials, but also an affordable option then check out this bag. Manufactured by the people of Tomshoo, who have put care in each piece to ensure the use of 190T polyester facilitating overnight stays at 10 ℃ ~ 0 ℃. 

Besides, they use the filling with 250g / m² hollow fiber, which will keep you warm and padded when you go to rest.

It has 2 side zippers facilitating the entrance from both sides.

It is super portable and thanks to its 4 belts, you can compress the bag easily to put in your backpack.

We loved the fact about this sleeping bag is that it includes 2 pillows as a gift. Which will allow you to rest your head from the cold floor.

Pros

  1. Lightweight & Portable
  2. Enough space for 2 person
  3. Warm Enough and comfortable 

Cons

  1. Pillows are small in size
  2. Need more improvement in the zipper

07. Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag

The Sleeping Bag Sea to Summit Spark SP II is an ultra-light sleeping bag suitable for camping in seasons where the cold is not too intense. 

So it is the perfect option for getaways when the weather is quite comfy and you need to save space in your backpack.

Let’s start with its weight and dimensions. With only 386 grams of weight and a smaller packed volume than an American football, it fits in any corner of a hiking backpack. Making it ideal for a light traveler.

As for your comfort and warmth. Its high quality down can be seen through the white and semi-transparent fabric that surrounds it, also has a hood, which is appreciated in a sleeping bag so light and compact.

One downside is you can’t use the bag under 2 degrees Celcius.

In conclusion, the Sea to Summit Spark SP 2 sleeping bag is an ideal bag for times when we need to save weight and space and go to sleep in environments without intense cold.

Pros

  1. Ultra-lightweight
  2. Super Portable 
  3. Uses high-quality goose down

Cons

  1. Zippers are not well functional 
  2. Small in size feel narrow
  3. Used fabric create noise

08. Marmot Phase 30F Degree Down Sleeping Bag

The Marmot Phase 30 sleeping bag stands out above all for being very light (just over half a kilo) and offering comfort and quality that are available only in much heavier bags. Without a doubt, you won’t find anything like it with such a small weight.

As we have already said, its main characteristic is that it is very light, but it also occupies very little space. Being its packaged size about 25% smaller than its closest competitors.

As for comfort, this sleeping bag, despite its reduced weight, is filled with high quality down so it is very comfortable and its lining is very silky and narrow to save space and weight. It does not give the feeling of being tight and in summer it doesn’t get stuck.

We conclude that the Marmot Phase 30 is the best sleeping bag if you are looking for a lightweight and small-sized sleeping bag. Although it is not as warm as others, being able to sleep up to -1º. 

Pros

1. Get you warm quickly
2. Comfortable used materials
3. With foot box support 

Cons

  1. No neck support as others
  2. Zippers are not of high quality

09. Terra Hiker Down Sleeping Bag

People who enjoy professional mountain hiking, they know how important it is to stay warm during the freezing nights. That is why experts recommend the guaranteed category products with the Terra Hiker seal.

The one we choose has 550 grams of soft and fluffy feathers capable of giving you the peace of mind that is required when you are at temperatures ranging from -6 to 7 ° C.

This sleeping bag is lightweight and portable, having only 1,160 grams, which is almost equivalent to the weight of a bottle of water. It also has a maximum compression, reaching dimensions of 30 x 18 cm, making it convenient when putting everything in the backpack.

It has a 400T 20D nylon lining, suitable to isolate you from annoying noise, but also to protect you from water and external adverse conditions.

Pros

  1. Easy to carry 
  2. Ultra-lightweight 
  3. Portable in size

Cons

  1. Very thin 

10. Western Mountaineering Sycamore MF 25 Degree Sleeping Bag

The Western Mountaineering Sycamore MF sleeping bag is lightweight (1.42 kg), high performance and perfect for almost any situation. 

This sack of 3 stations is very comfortable and will serve you in almost all your trips and camping.

Let’s start with your benefits. This sleeping bag can keep the ideal temperature for sleep environments up to -4ºC. This is a great choice for frequent travelers and hikers.

The bag is made of Micro late XP and, besides, it is padded without gaps, and with a thickness of more than 12 cm. The hood does not give any feeling of tightening the head and has two zippers so that it can be fully opened. You can even use it as a comforter or mattress when the weather is good.

Pros

  1. Durable build quality
  2. Water-resistant
  3. Lots of foot space

Cons

  1. High Price than others

How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag for Camping?

Acquiring a sleeping bag, and especially the correct one is essential for a great camping trip. You can usually find endless brands in the market that range from manufactured in European, North American, Canadian, Chinese, etc.

What we are trying to tell you is that buying a quality sleeping bag is very important. So you must spend enough bucks to get weather resistance sleeping bags suitable for the weather conditions you are going to travel to.

In short, you should look at:

  • The season in which you will use your sleeping
  • The insulation provided by the manufacturing materials
  • The shape of the bag
  • The manufacturing system and other accessories.

Things You Should Know before Choosing a Sleeping Bag

Evaluate your budget: We always recommend that you buy the best sleeping bag, but the price should be in range so that you can pay comfortably. Remember the price always defines the quality.

The main use of the sleeping bag: There is a big difference between a sleeping piece for camping with family and in a motorhome, to a sleeping bag for a backpacker. Therefore, take time to think where, how and with whom you will camp.

Outdoor conditions: It is also important that you evaluate the possible climatic conditions that you will face in your trip. It is not the same when you do it in the desert or the beach, that when you do it in the mountains or near a waterfall inside some national park.

Best Sleeping Bag for Camping

If camping is your primary activity, what you need is a sleeping bag for camping “all-terrain”, which allows you to enjoy all the environments and in the most diverse weather conditions. In this regard, consider the following points that we detail below:

Sleeping Bag’s Temperature Capacity

The thermal factor is perhaps one of the most important when purchasing a sleeping bag. You will need a bag that keeps you warm when temperatures start to drop.

Therefore, when you look at the product label, you can notice a thermal classification that will specify the lowest temperature at which the average user will be comfortably warm inside. For example, if you notice that the indications indicate “30 degrees”, it means that the bag will keep you comfortable in between 30F and 0° degrees, even in the warmest environments.

Following the classification by temperatures, the three most common categories for sleeping bags are:

Summer season: Sleeping bag for a temperature of 35° F or more. They are ideal for hot climates.

3 seasons: Sleeping bag with a temperature of 10° F to 35° F. These are excellent for camping in spring, summer, and autumn.

Winter: Sleeping bag with a temperature of 10° F or less. Made for camping in winter weather. It is probably too hot to camp in summer.   

Insulation Type

The temperature classification that we just shared, depends largely on the type of insulation that was used in the manufacture of the bag.

The most common elements are the down and water-resistant from synthetic fibers.

Synthetic: Sleeping bags with synthetic insulation are the option with less cost for camping. They are warm and dry quickly. They will also keep you warm even if you get wet. A synthetic insulator is also durable and non-allergenic. The main drawback is that these bags are bulky and heavy and are not very small.

Goose: Sleeping bags with goose feathers are more durable and much more compact than synthetic ones. The disadvantages are a higher price and a lack of insulating power when wet. Besides, if you are allergic to down, it can be a big problem especially when you camp away from a medical center.

Resistant down the water: Resistant basically down to the ages one goose down treated with a special coating to provide better protection against water. These bags are as durable and compact as their traditional goose down counterparts.

Shape of the Sleeping Bag

A traditional sleeping bag is usually more spacious and more comfortable than a bivouac sleeping bag. Although they have the disadvantage that they will occupy more space and weight in your backpack, they have the benefit that they will provide you with unmatched comfort and heating.

There are four basic ways you can choose in terms of shape. These are rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy type and for two people.

Rectangular: Most camping sleeping bags are rectangular. This form provides greater comfort and spaciousness. However, it is the least efficient way to warm up.

Semi-Rectangular: They are also called barrel-shaped sleeping bags, and are a good option for campers who occasionally travel with a bag. Its conical design makes them light and portable and its design improves both heating and space.

Mummy: Mummy- shaped sleeping bags are the most popular among backpackers. They are small, light and provide maximum efficiency at the time of heating. The shoulder area is wider, but in the part of the hips and feet, you will be more restricted.

Two People: There are also sleeping bags designed for two people at the same time. They are the best option for couples who want to share their nights with just one bag. Some rectangular models for a single person can be joined to another bag in the same way, through their zipper lining.

Build Quality of the Sleeping Bag

It is important to know about the construction of a sleeping bag since this will tell you all about the insulating capacity between the outer cover and the inner lining.

Do you have baffles? Sometimes some bags have been designed with a kind of system that allows you to connect the outer part with the inner lining first. Also, they use technology in the manufacture of the fabric to divert the direction of possible fluids and external moisture. Others have a series of pockets that prevent the insulation from moving.

Sewing: Both the exterior and the interior of the lining are sewn in a sandwich, leaving the insulating material in the middle, as is usually observed in a traditional quilt. However, you should know that while a seam can make the piece lighter, these areas can let the cold in more easily. Hence, a sewn and heat-sealed sleeping bag is recommended.

Texas: Similar to sewing, this tile design uses individual pieces. Each tile consists of an outer covering, an insulating material, and an inner lining. Each piece is sewn and attached to the next tile.

Layers: The technique of layers or offset bedspreads has two levels of insulation and is the most popular type of clothing in terms of synthetic sleeping bags. This adds weight to the sleeping bag but restricts the cold air from seeping through the stitches.

Finally, it is important to take into account the raw material used in the outer shell and the inner lining. In this regard, you will find that nylon and ripstop polyester are the most commonly used for the outer layers.

As for the internal lining, polyester and nylon taffeta are usually used. These materials are comfortable and breathable.

Weight of the Sleeping Bag

For many campers who usually do their excursions in the forest or on the beach driving a motor-home or their private car, they generally consider that weight is not a relevant factor since it is enough to place the sleeping piece in the luggage. It will be the vehicle that takes care of the rest, regardless of the mileage you have to travel to reach your holiday destination.

However, if you intend to go backpacking with a sleeping bag on your back, the question changes and you have to look for a lighter bag. In any case, I recommend using a sleeping bag with a semi-rectangular shape. 

They are lighter than rectangular versions and not as restricted as the mummy model.

The key is to achieve a balance between weight and amplitude. It all depends on the quality you prefer for your sleeping bag.

Here are some other additional factors that you must take into account and as a guide, before choosing the right sleeping bag.

Zipper Compatibility

Some sleeping bags have a system that allows you to join your sleeping bag with that of your friend or partner. This is achieved by incorporating a zip system. To do this, you must ensure that the brands are compatible.

Hood 

If you are camping in cold climates it is normal for you to lose your head temperature. In these cases consider a sleeping bag with a hood. Very tight with a traction cord.

Suction or blocking tubes

They are a kind of blocking tube that runs along with the sleeping bag, just behind the zipper. They have the function of blocking cold air from entering, helping hot air to escape.

Locking collar

Similar to the previous feature, it is a kind of yokes or collar that is at the top of the sleeping bag, just around the neck area, and have the function of preserving hot air, that is, they prevent the same escape by using adjustable cords.

Collar with drawstring

This is a collar with a drawstring that tightens and loosens the collar for the sleeping bag. This prevents heat loss.

Hidden pocket

These small interior pockets are very useful since they help keep important elements handy: phone, compass, watch, wallet, a small pocket knife, etc. 

Pillowcase

Some sleeping bags for camping are designed without insulation at the bottom. However, they have replaced this space so that you place an insulating pad through a cover or bottom compartment. This ensures that you do not slip off the sleeping pad at night. You must know that the pillow must be purchased separately.

Trapezoidal footrest

A trapezoidal footrest or foot box in a sleeping bag refers to the section where your feet will be located at bedtime. This flared shape will allow you more space for your feet to rest comfortably. Some sleeping bags for mountaineering have this much more spacious area, allowing you to put a hot water bottle or your boots lining, in that section.

Pillow pocket 

A pillow pocket allows you to get rid of a real pillow while camping. In this compartment, you can put some extra clothes and improvise a pillow and sleep quite comfortably.

Length

Most adult sleeping bags are available in a regular or long length. Some manufacturers also make short pieces exclusively for children or people of small stature, as well as some sizes X or XL for the taller and bulky.


FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions that people usually ask about sleeping bags.

What is the best insulation, down or synthetic one?

☛ If you are interested in winter hiking, your best option is a sleeping bag with the highest filling power that you can pay per gram, since in this season of the year you will appreciate all the extra heat that you can preserve.

Also, you should consider the total weight of all camping equipment: Insulating boots, a high capacity backpack, a tent, winter sleeping pillows, a liquid fuel stove, snowshoes, crampons, etc.

In this sense, it is worth saving both weight and space when packing. In this regard, I can suggest that you use the lightest and smallest winter sleeping bag version you find and of course, it fits your size.

Synthetic insulation is water-resistant and dries quickly also they are lighter. So, if you are on a budget then synthetic is the best choice for you.

Which is better, waterproof or regular sleeping bag?

☛ The so-called waterproof down is not waterproof if this is submerged in water. You will not have the insulating function. However, this type of sleeping bag will dry faster if you compare it with the filling without treatment.

On the other hand, if you are sleeping in a cozy tent with an insulated floor, the treatment of the feathers probably does not matter so much.

Our consideration is waterproof bag is good for any terrain.

Is there differences in cost between the different downfall capacities?

☛ Yes. The higher the filling power, the more expensive it will be. However, the costs have decreased in recent years, everything will depend on the brands selected and the filling capacity and insulating material.

How reliable are the temperature ranking of winter sleeping bags?

☛ While the qualification of a sleeping bag for warm weather (10 degrees and more) such as EN13537 has become much common in recent years with the adoption of international temperature rating standards from tests with third parties, not the same can be said of a winter sleeping bag that has a rating below 10 degrees.

The manufacturers of sleepings evaluate their sleeping bags with people sleeping in cold rooms, to see if they stay warm at different temperatures. This can generate very subjective results depending on who does the test and the conditions.

If they are men or women, what is their body weight, how well they have a sleeping bag, the heat of the long underwear they wear if they wear a snowcap or not, what kind of pad they wear, etc.

Do Women need winter sleeping bags, warmer than men?

☛ Women when they sleep, tend to cool their bodies a little more than men. So we recommend you get a unisex sleeping bag that is 10 degrees warmer.

However, if the sleeping bag is designed exclusively for girls, when you read in the classification that is 0 degrees, it should keep you warm enough as a 0-degree sleeping bag for men.

What is the differences between sleeping bags for Men & Women?

☛ Women’s sleeping bags are usually shorter, narrower at the shoulders and wider at the hips. They can also have additional insulation on the chest, hood, and box or foot box. This is because women find it harder to keep their heads, hands, and feet warm.

Women have extra heat requirements when they sleep on snowy soils, so make sure you bring a sleeping bag with down or synthetic insulation to the snowy mountain. It should be reinforced by a hood, a boot collar, a cover to add a pillow, blocking tubes, a trapezoidal footrest and of course its manufacture has seams sewn, heat-sealed, and reinforced zippers.

All this will ensure that the cold or water does not enter and you enjoy a comfortable temperature for your body during the night.


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