Dreamy Slumbers in the Wild: Top 10 Sleeping Bags for Every Backpacker

Imagine embarking on a backpacking adventure, and as the sun sets, you crawl into your cozy sleeping bag, knowing that a good night’s sleep awaits you. The right sleeping bag can make all the difference, providing the comfort and warmth you need to recharge for the next day’s journey. But how do you choose the perfect sleeping bag? We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we present the top 10 sleeping bags for every backpacker, considering factors such as comfort, warmth, weight, and price.

Snapshot of the Best Sleeping Bags

To help you find your ideal sleeping bag, here’s a quick snapshot of our top 10 picks:

1. The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 has the best overall comfort rating. It is an excellent choice for those who want to be comfortable outdoors.

2. Best for Women: Feathered Friends Egret UL 20/30

3. Best for Ultralight Packing: Western Mountaineering MegaLite

4. Best Value: REI Co-op Magma 15

5. Best for Warmth Retention: Montbell Down Hugger 800 #3

6. Best Four-Season Bag: Western Mountaineering UltraLite

7. Best for Side Sleepers: Nemo Disco

8. Best for Lightweight Summer Adventures: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20

9. Best for Side-Sleeping Comfort: Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20

10. Best for Minimalists: Western Mountaineering SummerLite.

Next, we’ll examine the specific features and benefits of each sleeping bag in detail.

Best Overall Comfort – Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20

Price: $429

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 30 °F/–1.1 °C

• Power is a significant element in achieving lightweight insulation. 950+ goose down offers excellent fill power, ensuring protection against cold temperatures.

• Weight: 27 oz

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable

• Lightweight design

• High-quality materials

• Suitable for both backpacking and car camping

Cons:

• Expensive

• Lacks some contemporary features like a draft collar, pillow pocket, and toe box vent

When prioritizing comfort, I typically opt for the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20. Here’s why:

• The high-quality 950+ fill power goose down insulation provides excellent warmth

• The lightweight design makes it a great companion for both backpacking trips and car camping adventures

• The mummy shape ensures a snug fit

• I appreciate the snag-free zipper for ease of use

Although the Swallow UL 20 lacks some of the latest features like a draft collar, pillow pocket, and toe box vent, these shortcomings don’t outweigh the overall comfort this sleeping bag offers. The only real drawback is the price, which might be on the higher side for some backpackers. However, if you’re willing to invest in a top-quality sleeping bag that provides unparalleled comfort, the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 is well worth the investment.

Rating:

• Comfort: 5/5

• Warmth: 4.5/5

• Weight: 4.5/5

• Compressibility: 4/5

• Price: 3/5

Best for Women – Feathered Friends Egret UL 20/30

Price: $419 – $439

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 20°F / -6.7°C or 30°F / -1.1°C Power is a significant element in achieving lightweight insulation. 950+ goose down offers excellent fill power, ensuring protection against cold temperatures.

• Weight: 27 oz (20°F) or 25 oz (30°F)

Pros:

• Designed specifically for women

• High-quality materials

• Lightweight design

• Two temperature rating options

Cons:

• Expensive

• Limited color options

The Feathered Friends Egret UL 20/30, a feathered friends sleeping bags designed with women’s unique anatomical differences in mind, excels in its category. With two temperature rating options, it caters to a range of preferences, and the high-quality 950+ fill power goose down insulation ensures warmth and comfort. These feathered friends bags are perfect for your outdoor adventures.

I was impressed with the lightweight design of this backpacking sleeping bag, making it a great option for backpacking trips. The mummy shape with a contoured hood and draft collar provides a snug fit, ensuring a good night’s sleep. The only downsides are the price and limited color options, but considering the performance, warmth, and comfort, it is well worth the investment for female backpackers.

Rating:

• Comfort: 5/5

• Warmth: 4.5/5

• Weight: 4.5/5

• Compressibility: 4/5

• Price: 3/5

Best for Ultralight Packing – Western Mountaineering MegaLite

Price: $470

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 30°F / -1.1°C Fill power plays a key role in determining down product quality. 850+ goose down is one of the best choices available.

• Weight: 24 oz

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight design

• High-quality materials The warmth-to-weight ratio is excellent. It ensures an optimal level of comfort.

Cons:

• Expensive

• Narrow cut

When packing light is a priority, the Western Mountaineering MegaLite is my top choice. Here’s why:

• Ultra-lightweight design

• High-quality 850+ fill power goose down insulation

• Impressive warmth-to-weight ratio

• Perfect for ultralight backpacking adventures

The MegaLite sleeping bag has the following features:

• Mummy shape guarantees a snug fit

• Relatively narrow cut may not fit all backpackers

• Full-length zipper provides easy access and additional ventilation when needed

Although it’s on the pricier side, I believe the investment in the MegaLite is well worth it for serious backpackers who want to minimize weight without sacrificing warmth and comfort.

Rating:

• Comfort: 4/5

• Warmth: 4.5/5

• Weight: 5/5

• Compressibility: 4/5

• Price: 3/5

Best Value – REI Co-op Magma 15

Price: $399

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 17°F / -8.3°C Fill power plays a key role in determining down product quality. 850+ goose down is one of the best choices available.

• Weight: 31 oz

Pros:

• Great value for the price

• High-quality materials

• Warm and lightweight design

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than top-tier sleeping bags

• Limited color options

The REI Co-op Magma 15 offers excellent value with its combination of:

• Warmth

• Lightweight design

• High-quality materials

• Cost-effective price

With its 850+ fill power goose down insulation, the Magma 15 provides impressive warmth and comfort, making it a great choice for backpackers on a budget.

While slightly heavier than some of the top-tier sleeping bags in our list, the Magma 15 still manages to deliver great performance despite its lower price point. The features of the REI Co-op Magma 15 include:

• Mummy shape with a contoured hood and draft collar for a snug fit

• Limited color options available

• High-performance sleeping bag without breaking the bank

For backpackers seeking the best backpacking sleeping bags without breaking the bank, the REI Co-op Magma 15 is a fantastic option.

Rating:

• Comfort: 4/5

• Warmth: 4/5

• Weight: 3.5/5

• Compressibility: 3/5

• Price: 5/5

Best for Warmth Retention – Montbell Down Hugger 800 #3

Price: $399

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 30°F / -1.1°C

• The 800+ goose down fill ensures intense warmth, specially designed to keep you cosy and comfortable during cold winter days.

• Weight: 1.42 pounds

Pros:

• Exceptional warmth retention

• Lightweight and packable

• Multi-tube construction with patented Super Spiral Stretch System

Cons:

• Expensive

• Limited color options

The Montbell Down Hugger 800 #3 is a top choice for warmth retention, making it perfect for cold weather backpacking trips. Rated to 30 degrees and weighing just 1.42 pounds, this down sleeping bag offers warmth, lightweight design, and packability in a single package.

The features of the sleeping bag include:

• Multi-tube construction

• Patented Super Spiral Stretch System

• Reduced heat loss through seams

• Snug fit for improved heat retention

• Large down balls for outstanding insulation

While the price tag might be on the higher side, the Montbell Down Hugger 800 #3’s impressive warmth retention makes it well worth the investment for those seeking a reliable sleeping bag for cold weather adventures.

Rating:

• Comfort: 4/5

• Warmth: 5/5

• Weight: 4/5

• Compressibility: 4/5

• Price: 3/5

Best Four-Season Bag – Western Mountaineering UltraLite

Price: $525

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 20°F / -6.7°C Fill power plays a key role in determining down product quality. 850+ goose down is one of the best choices available.

• Weight: 29 oz

Pros:

• Versatility for year-round use

• High-quality materials The warmth-to-weight ratio is excellent. It ensures an optimal level of comfort.

Cons:

• Expensive

• Narrow cut

Providing warmth and versatility year-round, the Western Mountaineering UltraLite is the perfect four-season bag. With its high-quality 850+ fill power goose down insulation, this sleeping bag offers incredible warmth and insulation, making it suitable for both cold and mild weather conditions.

While the UltraLite is relatively narrow in cut, I found the continuous horizontal baffle design helpful in adjusting insulation according to my needs. The full-length zipper allows for easy entry and exit, as well as additional ventilation on warmer nights.

Although the price is on the higher side, the Western Mountaineering UltraLite’s year-round performance makes it a worthy investment for backpackers seeking a versatile and warm sleeping bag.

Rating:

• Comfort: 4/5

• Warmth: 5/5

• Weight: 4/5

• Compressibility: 3/5

• Price: 3/5

Best for Side Sleepers – Nemo Disco

Price: $280

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 15°F / -9.4°C

• Fill power: 650

• Weight: 27 oz

Pros:

• Specifically designed for side sleepers

• Thermo Gills for temperature adjustment

• Innovative Pillow Barn

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than other sleeping bags

• Less compressible without a stuff sack

• Risk of sleeping bag wet in damp conditions

For side sleepers, I highly recommend the Nemo Disco owing to its innovative design and features specifically engineered for this sleeping preference. The bag is equipped with Thermo Gills, which allow for easy temperature adjustment, ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment regardless of the weather.

One of my favorite features of the Nemo Disco is the Pillow Barn, a unique sleeve behind the hood that allows for a pillow to be placed securely under the head. While the Disco is slightly heavier and less compressible than some other sleeping bags on our list, its specific design for side sleepers and innovative features make it a top choice for those who prioritize comfort in their sleeping position.

Rating:

• Comfort: 5/5

• Warmth: 4/5

• Weight: 3/5

• Compressibility: 3/5

• Price: 4/5

Best for Lightweight Summer Adventures – Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20

Price: $550

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 20°F / -6.7°C

• Fill power: 900

• Weight: 1.19 lbs

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and packable

• Designed for fast-paced summer adventures

• High-quality down insulation

Cons:

• Expensive

• Tight-fitting mummy bag, often found in synthetic bags

For lightweight summer adventures, I recommend the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20, offering remarkable warmth and insulation in a compact, lightweight package. Weighing just 1.19 lbs and rated to 20 degrees, this sleeping bag is perfect for fast-paced activities in warm weather where minimizing weight is crucial.

While the Hyperion 20 features a tight-fitting mummy shape that may not be suitable for all backpackers, its high-quality down insulation and clever half-zip design make it an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight and warm sleeping bag for their summer excursions. The price may be on the higher side, but for those who prioritize lightweight and packable gear, the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 is worth the investment.

Rating:

• Comfort: 3/5

• Warmth: 4/5

• Weight: 5/5

• Compressibility: 4/5

• Price: 3/5

Best for Side-Sleeping Comfort – Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20

Price: $299.95

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 20°F / -6.7°C

• Fill power: 650 DownTek™ + FireLine™ Eco

• Weight: 2lb 4oz

Pros:

• Designed specifically for side sleepers

• Body-mapped insulation for optimized warmth

• Unique Pillow Barn

Cons:

• Hood can feel bunched when not in use

The Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 is a game-changer for side sleepers, featuring:

• A unique design with body-mapped insulation that minimizes pressure points while maximizing warmth

• A mummy shape specifically tailored for side sleepers

• The unique Pillow Barn that keeps your pillow securely in place throughout the night

While the hood of the Sidewinder SL 20 can feel a bit bunched when not in use, this minor drawback is overshadowed by the overall comfort and warmth provided by this sleeping bag’s innovative design. If you’re a side sleeper seeking a high-performance sleeping bag that caters to your specific needs, the Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 is an excellent choice.

Rating:

• Comfort: 5/5

• Warmth: 4/5

• Weight: 3/5

• Compressibility: 3/5

• Price: 4/5

Best for Minimalists – Western Mountaineering SummerLite

Price: $485 – $505

Specifications:

• Temperature rating: 32°F / 0°C Fill power plays a key role in determining down product quality. 850+ goose down is one of the best choices available.

• Weight: 19 oz

Pros:

• Lightweight and warm

• Hooded mummy bag design

• Full-length zipper for effective ventilation

Cons:

• Slim cut may not be comfortable for larger individuals or restless sleepers

Minimalists in search of a lightweight, warm sleeping bag will find the Western Mountaineering SummerLite to be a superb choice. This hooded mummy bag is designed to provide warmth without sacrificing weight, making it perfect for those who prioritize weight savings.

The SummerLite features a full-length zipper for effective ventilation, ensuring comfortable sleeping conditions in a range of temperatures. Its slim cut may not be ideal for larger individuals or restless sleepers, but for those who value a lightweight and warm sleeping bag, the Western Mountaineering SummerLite is a top choice.

Rating:

• Comfort: 4/5

• Warmth: 4/5

• Weight: 5/5

• Compressibility: 4/5

• Price: 3/5

How to Choose Your Perfect Sleeping Bag

Choosing the ideal sleeping bag requires considering multiple factors, such as:

• Temperature rating

• Weight

• Type of insulation

• Individual preferences

Understanding the differences between various sleeping bags and their purposes allows you to make a decision that best fits your needs.

Temperature rating is a critical factor to consider, as it indicates the lowest temperature at which the sleeping bag will keep you warm. Bear in mind that individual cold tolerance varies, so choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating that aligns with your comfort level.

Weight and insulation type also play a significant role in the selection process. While backpacking sleeping bags prioritize warmth, weight, and packability, car camping sleeping bags may not emphasize these aspects to the same extent. For a more comfortable car camping experience, a car camping sleeping bag might be a better option. Down sleeping bags tend to be lighter and more compressible than synthetic sleeping bags, so choosing the right insulation type can greatly impact your backpacking experience.

Personal preferences and specific needs should also be taken into account. For example, some individuals may require a wider shoulder girth, while others may prioritize additional features such as a pillow pocket or a draft collar. Women’s specific sleeping bags are designed to accommodate unique anatomical differences, offering a more comfortable fit for female backpackers.

Finally, remember to consider the R-value of your sleeping pad, as it contributes to the overall warmth and comfort of your sleep system. By taking these factors into account and evaluating the various options available, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect sleeping bag for your next adventure.

Summary

In conclusion, choosing the perfect sleeping bag is a crucial decision for any backpacker. By considering factors such as temperature rating, weight, insulation type, and personal preferences, you can find the ideal sleeping bag that meets your specific needs and guarantees a comfortable, restful night’s sleep. Whether you’re a minimalist, a side sleeper, or a four-season adventurer, our top 10 sleeping bag recommendations offer something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sleeping bag good for?

Sleeping bags provide warmth by trapping your body’s heat and insulating it from outside temperatures. They typically use two primary types of insulation, down feathers or synthetic fibers, to achieve this.

What does zero degree sleeping bag mean?

A zero degree sleeping bag has a temperature rating of 0°F, meaning an average sleeper will stay comfortably warm down to 0° Fahrenheit – though this may vary based on body heat.

How much does a good sleeping bag cost?

A good sleeping bag for camping generally costs around $50-$200, depending on size and design features.

What is considered a lightweight sleeping bag?

A lightweight sleeping bag is an ultralight bag weighing about 2 pounds or less that can be compressed down to a small size in a stuff sack.

What is the difference between down and synthetic insulation?

Down insulation provides superior warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility, while synthetic insulation offers better performance in wet conditions but is heavier and less compressible.