Setting up the sleeping bags for a chilly night in the backcountry. Photo: Jack Conners//The Inertia
Let’s be real: Sometimes, sleeping in the backcountry is uncomfortable. But in our extensive experience, it doesn’t have to be. The best backpacking sleeping bags can take a cold night of tossing and turning and make it a cozy night of restful sleep. We tested top-rated sleeping bags and quilts from a range of brands to recommend our favorites for every situation. From high-elevation trips in the Western Rockies to temperate island backpacking nights, we tested these backpacking sleeping bags in various conditions and found a favorite for every backpacker.
Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide
Related: Best Sleeping Bags | Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads
Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in December 2024 with many new top picks, improved navigation, and updated links and buyer’s guide info.
The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024
Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping Bag: REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag
Best Premium Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering MegaLite 30
Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic 20
Runner-Up Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30
Best Backpacking Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
Best Backpacking Sleep System: Zenbivy Light Bed
Best Ventilation Options: Sea to Summit Ascent 15
Best Value Backpacking Sleeping Bag: The North Face One Sleeping Bag
Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping Bag
REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag ($429)
Temperature Rating: 15° F
Weight: 2 lbs 3.6 oz
Packed Size: 8 Liters
Insulation: 850-Fill Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: 9 genderless sizes
Pros: Incredible value, comfortable down to temp rating, feature-rich, size range
Cons: Still somewhat pricey
We’ve tested iterations of the REI Co-op Magma 15 before, but none have come close to the quality and versatility of the current version. The Magma is our favorite backpacking sleeping bag this year, and it has been among the first out of the gear closet for many trips this summer. Often REI branded products fill a niche between the high-end premium gear market and the more budget-oriented options, but we firmly believe the Magma 15 is positioned in the premium sleeping bag territory—best of all, it’s more affordable than many top-tier competitors like Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Plus, if you don’t need the 15-degree rating, the 30-degree version is just $379 and weighs just 1 pound 8.4 ounces (right on par with aforementioned competitors).
One of the notable improvements REI made with the latest Magma is moving to genderless sizing; there are now nine size options that range in width and length so you can dial in your backpacking sleeping bag fit perfectly. Best of all? They all cost the same, a rarity in sleeping bags. The 850 fill-power down insulation is extremely lofty, and we found that this was one of the fluffiest, most comfortable sleeping bags we tested, and considerably warmer than prior versions (it even rivals the impressive Therm-A-Rest Hyperion’s fill below). The Magma is spacious in the right spots for a mummy sleeping bag, and the fitted zip setup (another update) makes this sleeping bag comfortable for both side and back sleepers.
Naming a best overall backpacking sleeping bag was one of the harder choices we’ve made in gear testing this year. But we really couldn’t ignore how much value buyers get with this option. Of course, at over $400, the Magma 15 isn’t a cheap sleeping bag by any stretch, but we think that compared to options like the Western Mountaineering MegaLite or Feathered Friends Swallow UL, you get a ton of value for the money. Those 30° F backpacking sleeping bags are both roughly $140 dollars more than the Magma, which is a 15° bag (or almost $200 more than the similarly temp-rated Magma 30). For that value, awesome range of sizes, and added warmth, we are confident in recommending the REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag as the best for most backpackers.
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The REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag is our favorite blend of value and performance. Photo: Jack Conners//The Inertia
Best Premium Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Western Mountaineering MegaLite ($570)
Temperature Rating: 30° F
Weight: 1 lb 8 oz
Packed Size: 6 Liters
Insulation: 850+ Fill Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: 5’6″, 6’0″, 6’6″
Pros: Warmer than rating, spacious, durable for weight
Cons: Pricey, zipper is just so-so
Barring any financial limitations, if we had one backpacking sleeping bag that stood out as our favorite, it would be the Western Mountaineering MegaLite. We tested the 30-degree rated bag and found that it was warm, spacious, comfortable against our skin, and extremely compressible. The impressively low weight paired with durable outer fabric made this our favorite premium backpacking sleeping bag. With multiple below-freezing nights in this bag, we can comfortably recommend it if you have the budget.
Western Mountaineering has a well-earned reputation as a crafter of excellent sleeping bags, and the MegaLite is our recommendation for most backpackers. With 64 inches of girth at the shoulder, this option suits larger adults with room to spare but doesn’t feel overly loose or drafty for smaller testers. Another aspect of the brand that we admire is its tendency to underestimate. What do we mean? Well, the 850+ fill-down was actually much loftier than similar down in our tests, and the 30-degree rating is a conservative rating (the lower limit is actually 22 degrees). We did end up running a bit of wax along the zipper because it wasn’t functioning as smoothly as we would’ve liked, but that was an easy fix.
We also found the simplified draft collar to work really well on cold nights, but the draft tube along the zipper wasn’t quite as beefy as the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 below. Overall, for someone with broader shoulders or a sleeper who moves around in their bag, this is one of the best backpacking sleeping bags we’ve ever tested.
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Western Mountaineering has a great reputation in the backpacking world—we loved the MegaLite sleeping bag. Photo: Jack Conners//The Inertia
Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Kelty Cosmic 20 ($160)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
Packed Size: 10.7 Liters
Insulation: 550-Fill Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: Men’s & Women’s
Pros: Compact, expanded foot box
Cons: Doesn’t hold up to temperature rating
The Kelty Cosmic 20 is an affordable, no-frills backpacking sleeping bag. At 2 lbs 7 oz, the Cosmic is relatively lightweight and compressible, but not as impressive as top bags. Because of its weight and straightforward design, one of our testers had her ten-year-old stepson use this bag on a backpacking trip in Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii.
Despite being in Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park got down to the low 40s at night, and the Cosmic 20 proved to be sufficient for those conditions. But we worry it would be too cold should the temperature actually be in the 20s. The 550-fill down isn’t quite as lofty or warm as the REI Co-op Magma 15. Our ten-year-old tester felt that the bag was soft, comfortable, and easy to pack and stow. For a mummy shape, this bag has a roomy foot box, which makes it easier to shift positions throughout the night. The Cosmic also has an internal zippered stash pocket and sports a full draft tube and collar, which helps retain heat and seal out the cold.
Overall, the specs on this sleeping bag aren’t anything too exciting, but the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is really well-made and affordable. This makes an awesome first backpacking sleeping bag for those just getting into the sport, and one of our editors has had a Kelty Cosmic Down for 11 years—it’s still in great shape and he uses it as a loaner sleeping bag for friends.
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Runner-Up Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 ($569)
Temperature Rating: 30° F
Weight: 1 lb 8 oz
Packed Size: 8 Liters
Insulation: 950+ Fill Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: Regular, Long
Pros: Super light and compressible, warm for weight
Cons: Not the most durable face fabric, pricey
Another premium sleeping bag from another awesome company, the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 wowed us with its incredible loft and warmth in such a lightweight package. While we couldn’t quite recommend it above the REI Magma due to price, if you have the budget, the Swallow UL is worth it. With 13.6 ounces of 950+ fill down, this bag packs incredible specs in a pound-and-a-half package. It runs a touch narrower in the shoulder than the Western Mountaineering MegaLite (60 inches vs 64 inches), and we found it to be comfortable and warm even below freezing temperatures.
The Swallow UL’s most direct competitor on this list is the MegaLite, and in some ways they are similar. Both are roughly the same price and contain high-quality down that lacks some of the washing and treatment that other companies opt for (both companies argue natural down performs better in all conditions). This sleeping bag from Feathered Friends has some of the loftiest and highest-quality down we’ve tested, and we found that this sleeping bag practically sprang out of the stuff sack at camp. Once inside, it is impressive how warm a bag this light can be. The draft tube along the zipper is the best of any option on this list, but we found the draft collar around the hood to lack the insulative power of others on this list, including the Magma and MegaLite.
Overall, the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 is a bag you’ll want to hang onto forever: It combines the specs, comfort, and real-world performance that will make it a top pick for years to come. If you don’t need the added shoulder space of the MegaLite or want a slightly higher fill down, this is the best bet.
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The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 is an incredibly lightweight and warm sleeping bag. Photo: Jack Conners//The Inertia
Best Backpacking Quilt
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 10 ($370)
Temperature Rating: 10° F
Weight: 1 lb 10 oz
Packed Size: 8 Liters
Insulation: 850-Fill Down (950 available)
Sleeping Bag Shape: Quilt
Available In: Customizable
Pros: Warm with unrestricted movement
Cons: Harder to cover head
Not a fan of the restrictive, slim fit of a sleeping bag? Becoming ever-popular, backpacking quilts are a suitable solution for folks who don’t sleep well bundled in a bag. The best in test is the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt, an extremely high-quality and versatile backpacking quilt. We tested a 10-degree quilt, which we found to be the perfect blend of weight (1 pound 10 ounces) and warmth. And one of the best aspects of buying a Revelation Quilt is the ability to dial in specs to suit your needs—from temperature rating to down fill-power to color and accessories like a draft collar and material. Plus, at $370 for a pretty standard 10-degree rated loadout, the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt packs some serious value.
Eschewing a traditional sleeping bag might be a bit scary for novices, and trust us, opinions on the matter abound. While there are some general cons to a quilt (harder to insulate your head without a hood, lack of a zippered closure may let heat escape on sides), the benefits are suited to specific backpackers. First, if you hate the restrictive feel of a sleeping bag to the point where you don’t sleep well, we highly recommend considering this quilt. The foot box still zips up if it is necessarily cold, and the quilt can be clipped around a sleeping pad on the sides to help seal out the chill, but there is still more room to rotate and move your shoulders. And on many testing nights, we simply slept under this quilt like a blanket. The loft is incredibly thick (about 3 inches), and we found we could sleep comfortably at right about freezing with this quilt opened up. For that, we love the versatility of the 10-degree quilt: At just 2 ounces more than the MegaLite or Swallow UL, we found this performed well at similar temps but with complete freedom of movement. Of course, if you’re a real thrasher, you might want to at least zip the foot box up.
At $370 for the unit we tested—850-fill down, 10-degrees, regular/regular, no draft collar—this quilt is also one of the best options for pure value. With really high-quality down, tons of loft and versatility, all while maintaining competitive weight, undercutting the premium sleeping bags by about $200 is significant. While a quilt won’t be for everyone, we’re stoked to recommend the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt as our favorite. Pro tip: We loved this quilt paired with a sleeping bag liner, which can function like a light sheet underneath.
Check Price on Enlightened EquipmentBest Backpacking Sleep System
Zenbivy Light Bed ($388)
Temperature Rating: 25° F
Weight: 1 lb 15 oz
Packed Size: Dimensions vary – 7L
Insulation: 800-Fill Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Quilt system
Available In: Regular, Large, XL
Pros: Really comfortable and spacious
Cons: System setup takes time and know-how, lacks loft of other options
If you’re interested in a backpacking quilt arrangement but aren’t ready to lose the hood, a sleep system like the Zenbivy Light Bed is the move. While in many ways the top quilt is designed similarly to the Revelation Quilt above, this option from Zenbivy can be paired with a hooded sheet (we tested the full-length sheet) that functions somewhat like the bottom layer of a sleeping bag to block out drafts. The advantage here, though, is that rather than be fully zipped into a mummy shape, you clip the top quilt to the sheet where you want it, and this creates a bit more internal volume for shifting around during sleep. Zenbivy beds pair well with the brand’s line of sleeping pads, and we also loved the SoftTop Pillow with this setup.
This is a great option for side sleepers or folks who feel restricted by traditional mummy backpacking sleeping bags, and the Zenbivy Light Bed has a really comfortable face fabric. It feels a bit less “technical” than some options, which we thought improved comfort against the skin. Plus, there really is more room to move around in this system, and on a 25-inch-wide sleeping pad, it provides an excellent night’s sleep.
That said, there are some disadvantages to the Zenbivy Light Bed. First, the price-for-performance is solid, but we didn’t find it could compete with something like the REI Co-op Magma 15 or the Revelation Quilt, because the loft from the lower fill-power down wasn’t quite as impressive. With that in mind, the 25-degree rating is versatile, but we would hesitate to use this in temps much lower than 35 degrees, and for that rating, the full setup is slightly heavier than competitors. Now, the real advantage of the Zenbivy system is the ability to dial in your arrangement to meet your needs. For an experienced backpacker tired of the sleeping bag life, the Zenbivy Light Bed should be at the top of your considerations.
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Sea to Summit Ascent 15F Sleeping Bag ($469)
Temperature Rating: 15° F
Weight: 2 lb 4 oz
Packed Size: 7.5 Liters
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: Men’s & Women’s
Pros: Additional zippers make it easy to ventilate, stuff sack has compression straps
Cons: Not quite as lofty as top picks
One of our testers flat-out wanted to make the Sea to Summit Ascent 15F his best overall backpacking sleeping bag. Why? Well, he’s a warm sleeper, and most of the time a well-insulated, warm sleeping bag is overkill for him. The Ascent features an incredibly useful “Free Flow Zip System” that allows the user to unzip different sections of the sleeping bag (including the opposite side, a rarity) to provide just the right amount of warmth. Beyond the utility for a warm sleeper, our team believes this zip system contributes a ton of versatility to the Ascent, as it can be used safely down to 15 degrees, yet it can function effectively in temps much warmer.
Beyond the sweet ventilation options, Sea to Summit Ascent has the premium feel we love in other top picks. It’s a surprisingly spacious backpacking sleeping bag, and we loved that the kit included a stuff sack with compression straps to really make this bag small. The included storage sack is also smaller than competitors, but it does tend to compress the sleeping bag a bit more than we prefer for storage (though it’s nice on the road).
One drawback we experienced particular to the Ascent was its tendency to pick up odor. While down sleeping bags are prone to a musty smell due to dampness and camping conditions, we found it particularly strong in the Ascent—if that’s something you’re sensitive to, it might be worth considering the REI Co-op Magma 15 above. That said, a quick wash with a down detergent and this was good as new.
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The Sea to Summit Ascent 15F is a super versatile backpacking sleeping bag due to its ventilation options. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Best Value Backpacking Sleeping Bag
The North Face One Sleeping Bag ($350)
Temperature Rating: 40° F, 20° F, and 5° F
Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz (for 5° F)
Packed Size: 17.5 L, 13.5 L, 9.1 L
Insulation: Down and Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: Regular, Long
Pros: True 3-in-1 bag for year-round use, durable outer, good value
Cons: Pretty heavy and bulky, even in 20° configuration, lacks premium feel
We’re all about good value when we can find it, and The North Face One Sleeping Bag is an extremely versatile backpacking sleeping bag at a great price. Essentially, the TNF One employs a multi-layer system to pack three temperature-ratings into one sleeping bag. You can run this bag in a 40-degree, 20-degree, and 5-degree configuration, which gives it true year-round capability. We found that, while it lacks some of the premium feel of higher-end sleeping bags, the “One” performed well in both cold and warm camping situations, especially considering the competitive price point ($350, but on sale for about $250 at the time of publishing).
In a cool design just like the top pick TNF Dolomite One Sleeping Bag from our camping sleeping bags guide, the “One” features a base layer onto which you can zip one synthetic layer, one down layer, or both, creating a 40-, 20-, or 5-degree-rated bag, respectively. Our biggest concern with The North Face One is its packed size and shape. While many backpacking sleeping bags have a more classic cylinder shape when packed, this bag is a bit more square and voluminous when cinched down, even in the 40- or 20-degree setups, which is likely a result of the synthetic insulation. Speaking of, that does make this sleeping bag significantly heavier than the top-tier backpacking bags.
All that aside, for many more casual or value-oriented backpackers, the versatility and price of The North Face One will make it worth it. After all, you can use this sleeping bag comfortably in most winter camping situations, and then shed the mid-layer and camp on balmy summer nights, or anything in between, really. While you won’t get the premium feel or packability of options like the Magma, MegaLite, or Swallow UL, you will get one bag that can truly do it all.
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More Top Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Don’t sleep on the rest of our backpacking sleeping bag recommendations (or do, technically). The following all come highly recommended by our team, from our former top pick (the Big Agnes Torchlight) to the fully recyclable Nemo Riff.
Our Former Top Pick
Big Agnes Torchlight 20 ($330 $245)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lb 11 oz
Packed Size: 20.85 Liters
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: Men’s & Women’s
Pros: Expandable side panels, interior fabric liners to attach liner to
Cons: Packs down a little large for a down bag
Editor’s Note: The Big Agnes Torchlight 20 stock has been fluctuating, so we’ll keep an eye out and update if needed.
The Big Agnes Torchlight 20 is a trail-ready sleeping bag with all the bells and whistles. Despite being down, the Torchlight was specifically designed to fare well in wet conditions. The innovative PFC-free DownTek water-repellent down insulation absorbs 30% less water and dries 60% faster than untreated down (according to Big Agnes). Although we can’t speak directly to those numbers, we did find that the sleeping bag was still warm and cozy when it got a little damp (shoutout to the DWR coating). And we found that when we aired out the bag it dried in a matter of hours.
One of our favorite features of the Torchlight bag was the expandable panels on the sides. Because it’s a mummy-style bag, the Torchlight isn’t very roomy, but the panels allow you to expand the bag, making it larger and more comfortable. On a super chilly night, we’d recommend keeping everything as small as possible, but on a warm night, having the option to expand it is incredible.
The sleeping bag has a draft collar to seal in the warmth, a contoured hood that conforms to the shape of your head, interior fabric loops that you can attach a sleeping bag liner to, and exterior loops you can use to hang to dry or store. On top of that, you can zip it together with other bags on the left or right sides!
This sleeping bag came with a stuff sack for backpacking and a mesh bag for storing it at home. The only downside of the Torchlight is that it packs down a little larger than most down bags likely due to the lower fill-power down, but it’s still a fully manageable size for backpacking.
Read our full review of the Big Agnes Torchlight 20.
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Excellent Warmth to Weight Ratio
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 ($550)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Packed Size: 3.5 Liters
Insulation: Down/Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: Unisex
Pros: Ultra light, hydrophobic down
Cons: Small in the legs, not as much insulation underneath
Editor’s Note: This Therm-a-Rest option is currently out of stock, but we’re hoping it comes back around due to its excellent packability.
Weighing in at just 1 pound 4 ounces, Therm-a-Rest’s Hyperion gives plenty of warmth in a small package. It’s filled with 900-fill hydrophobic down that dries quickly on dewy mornings, leaving the insides warm and toasty. It sports a zonal fill system with 70% on the top and sides and 30% underneath, so be sure to have a warmer sleeping pad underneath. Since it’s from Thermarest, they have your sleeping pad in mind, offering straps under the bag to keep those who toss and turn secure on the mattress.
The Hyperion also has dual zippers for venting wherever you need it, should you get a little too toasty. The legs are pretty tight, so sprawlers might not like the snug fit, while others will appreciate the locked-in feeling. Packing down to just 6″ x 8″, the Hyperion was one of the smallest and lightest sleeping bags we tested.
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Great For Side Sleepers
Big Agnes Sidewinder ($250)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz
Packed Size: 14.4 Liters
Insulation: Down/Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: Men’s & Women’s
Pros: Made from recycled polyester, specifically designed for side sleepers
Cons: Zipper sometimes snags
The Big Agnes Sidewinder sleeping bag was designed with side sleepers in mind. Our lead tester is a side sleeper, so she was curious to see how it felt sleeping in this bag. If you look at the Sidewinder, it looks like the bag was twisted, and everything is shifted to the side. The head opening is just off to the side instead of facing straight up. When sleeping in the bag, our tester found it comfortable, but the benefits of the side sleeping design weren’t widely evident. The bag is slim, so the biggest perk of the side sleeping design was that instead of rolling over inside the bag, you can roll the entire bag over with you.
Our tester has been using the Sidewinder for camping and backpacking for the past two years and loves that it is both warm and comfortable. The combination of down and synthetic allows it to be lightweight, packed down small, and fare well when damp. The sleeping bag has a warm, form-fitting hood with a built-in spot for your pillow. The anti-snag zipper does snag on occasion, but it’s easy enough to free it and continue zipping. The Sidewinder easily packs down into the included stuff sack and has a mesh bag for storing.
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Fully-Recyclable Backpacking Sleeping Bag
NEMO Riff 30 Endless Promise Down Sleeping Bag ($360)
Temperature Rating: 30°F
Weight: 1 lb 14 oz
Packed Size: 8.1 Liters
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi-rectangular
Available In: Men’s & Women’s
Pros: 100% recyclable, ventilation zips in the chest area, lightweight
Cons: Pricey for the warmth, material isn’t as soft
Although the NEMO Riff 30 Endless Promise Down Sleeping Bag was created with backpacking in mind, we found that it works well for camping also. At 1 lb 14 oz, it’s incredibly lightweight and packs down small, but thanks to its semi-rectangular shape, it’s spacious as well. The Riff comes with a draft collar that you can tuck in to seal in the warmth or pull out if you need to cool off.
NEMO’s ThermoGills—ventilation zippers in the chest area of the sleeping bag— quickly became one of our favorite features. The gills can be zipped from the inside or the outside and are useful when you need to let in just a little bit of air. If you’re camping with your partner, the Riff can be zipped together with another Riff to transform it into a double sleeping bag. The sleeping bag also comes with a stuff sack for when you want to pack it down small and a looser sack for at-home storage. We also love that the Riff is made from a single material, meaning that it’s 100% recyclable at the end of its life.
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Exped Trekkinglite ($400)
Temperature Rating: 15° F
Weight: 2 lbs 13.5 oz
Packed Size: 10.2 x 6.7 x 6.3 inches
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: Medium, Long
Pros: Generous draft tube and collar, fluffy and warm
Cons: Short for a unisex bag
Editor’s Note: The Trekkinglite 15 is currently out of stock, but the 32-degree version is available at REI. We’ll update this with hope that the 15-degree bag comes back around.
The Exped Trekkinglite sleeping bag was designed with warmth in mind. The 15 F sleeping bag has 700 fill-power duck down that allows it to be warm and fluffy while still packing down small. The insulated hood is plenty spacious, but sports pull strings so you can cinch it tight on extra chilly nights.
There is a draft tube along the full length of the sleeping bag, as well as a draft collar at the top of the bag to seal in the warmth. The draft collar at the shoulders is much more prominent than in any of the other bags we tested, helping ensure that the cold stays out. The foot box is narrow to cut down on weight and increase warmth, but there’s still enough room to move around.
For a unisex bag, the Trekkinglite is very short. Our tester is 5’7″, and the regular length was too short for her. We didn’t test the long size, but based on the regular length, we feared that the long would be too short for taller men.
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Affordable 3-Season Down Sleeping Bag
Marmot Lost Coast 30° Sleeping Bag ($199)
Temperature Rating: 30° F
Weight: 2 lbs 5.8 oz
Packed Size: 13 x 7.1 inches
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi-Rectangular
Available In: Short
Pros: Affordable, nice features for the price
Cons: Lacks premium feel, underwhelming loft
A surprise for our team this year was the new Marmot Lost Cost 30-degree sleeping bag. While this wasn’t the flashiest, lightest, or most premium feeling sleeping bag, it was one of the lowest-priced options we tested, and it seriously punched above its $200 cost. While most sleeping bags in this price range don’t feature extras, we were pleasantly surprised by the Marmot Lost Coast.
Beyond the stuff sack, the Marmot comes with a storage sack (most budget options don’t). The sleeping bag also features a phone/headlamp pocket near the hood. While it isn’t the loftiest sleeping bag on this list, we found that it insulated really well, and while it is rated to 30 degrees, that’s actually an average of its lower limit and comfort rating, so this bag should keep you safe all the way down to 25 degrees. It’s also a pretty lightweight package, especially considering the price.
While we still think the Kelty Cosmic 20 is a better value (cheaper and better warmth rating), the Marmot Lost Coast is an intriguing new entry in the backpacking sleeping bag market and a great option for those who want a three-season sleeping bag.
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A few of the backpacking sleeping bags we tested for this guide. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Backpacking Sleeping Bags Comparison Table
| Sleeping Bag | Price | Insulation | Weight | Packed Size | Sleeping Bag Shape | Temp Rating |
| REI Co-op Magma 15 | $429 | 850 Fill Down | 2 lbs 3.6 oz | 8 Liters | Mummy | 15°F |
| Western Mountaineering MegaLite 30 | $570 | 850+ Fill Down | 1 lb 8 oz | 6 Liters | Mummy | 30° F |
| Kelty Cosmic 20 | $160 | 550 Fill Down | 2 lbs 7 oz | 10 Liters | Semi-Rectangular | 20° F |
| Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 | $569 | 950+ Fill Down | 1 lb 8 oz | 8 Liters | Mummy | 30° F |
| Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt | $370 | 850 Fill Down | 1 lb 10 oz | 8 Liters | Quilt | 10° F |
| Zenbivy Light Bed | $388 | 800 Fill Down | 1 lb 15 oz | 7 Liters | Quilt | 25° F |
| Sea to Summit Ascent 15F | $469 | 750+ Fill Down | 2 lbs 4 oz | 7.5 Liters | Mummy | 15° F |
| The North Face One Sleeping Bag | $350 | Synthetic and 800 Fill Down | 3 lbs 13 oz | 17.5 L, 13.5 L, 9.1 L | Mummy | 40° F, 20° F, 5° F |
| Big Agnes Torchlight 20 | $330 | 600 Fill Down | 2 lbs 11 oz | 20.85 Liters | Mummy | 20° F |
| Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 | $550 | 900 Fill Down | 1 lb 4 oz | 3.5 Liters | Mummy | 20° F |
| Big Agnes Sidewinder | $250 | 650 Fill Down | 2 lbs 4 oz | 14.4 Liters | Mummy | 20° F |
| NEMO Riff 30 Endless Promise | $360 | 800 Fill Down | 1 lb 14 oz | 8.1 Liters | Semi-Rectangular | 30° F |
| Exped Trekkinglite | $400 | 700 Fill Down | 2 lbs 13.5 oz | 10.2″ x 6.7″ x 6.3″ | Mummy | 15° F |
| Marmot Lost Cost 30 | $219 | 600 Fill Down | 2 lbs 5.8 oz | 13″ x 7″ | Semi-Rectangular | 30° F |
Note: Size and weight are based on each backpacking sleeping bag’s “regular” size. Other sizes will vary.
We compared every aspect of these backpacking sleeping bags, from their packed size to their warmth and comfort. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
How We Tested Backpacking Sleeping Bags
One of our editors, Nathan Lemin, took the lead on the most recent round of testing for backpacking sleeping bags. He contributed his 12 years of backpacking experience to this guide. For this test, he slept in backpacking sleeping bags in backcountry sites across the Western United States, including high-elevation sites in Arizona and California, as well as an off-grid coastal trip to the Channel Islands. Weather ranged from well below freezing nights, to rainy mornings, to balmy 50-degree nights, and sleeping bags were carefully considered in the range of conditions.
Rebecca Parsons also tested for this guide. She has over a decade of backpacking under her belt. Over the years she’s slept in some terrible and some great sleeping bags and can say from experience that a proper backpacking sleeping bag can make or break a backcountry trip.
We have updated, rearranged, and expanded our list after more testing. We shifted backpacking sleeping bags around in our guide after more time spent with each option, and we’ll continue to do so as we conduct more testing. In many cases, our continued testing justified the steeper cost of some of the more premium backpacking sleeping bags. That said, we always try to balance cost with performance, and our list represents a wide range of value options.
Warm, packable, lightweight, and feature-rich—we ask a lot of our backpacking sleeping bags. Photo: Jack Conners//The Inertia
Backpacking Sleeping Bags Buyer’s Guide
If you made it this far, you’re likely looking to learn more about backpacking sleeping bags and what makes them stand apart from a traditional camping sleeping bag. With a ton of experience under our belts, we’re going to go over key factors in selecting the right sleeping bag for your conditions and use-cases.
What Makes a Backpacking Sleeping Bag?
Although any type of sleeping bag can technically be used for backpacking, you’ll have the best experience with a backpacking-specific sleeping bag. Backpacking sleeping bags are designed to be lightweight, pack down small, and deliver exceptional warmth for the weight. Typically, we find backcountry-specific bags are filled with down, as it is more compressible and lighter when compared with the insulative properties. More below!
Types of Insulation
There are two types of insulation used in sleeping bags: down and synthetic. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Some sleeping bags use a blend of both.
The Kelty Cosmic 20 features down insulation. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Down Insulation
Down insulation is a natural fill made from goose or duck plumage. Down is highly sought after by backpackers because it is lightweight, easy to compress, performs well in cold, dry conditions, and is durable. The downside of down insulation (pun intended) is that it can lose insulation efficiency when it’s wet, some people may be allergic, and it is typically more expensive than synthetic.
If you’re purchasing a down sleeping bag, you’ll want to check out the fill power. In short, the fill power indicates the quality of the down — it measures how many cubic inches of loft one ounce of downfill produces. Higher numbers mean a warmer sleeping bag at a lighter weight, because loftier down traps more air that your body heat then warms. You’ll find premium sleeping bags like the Western Mountaineering MegaLite or Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 have high fill-power down, typically 850 or more, whereas a budget bag like the Kelty Cosmic 20 only has 550-fill down.
The North Face Cat’s Meow features synthetic insulation. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic insulation is designed to mimic down but is instead made from polyester fibers. It is desirable because it dries quickly, provides insulation even when wet, is non-allergenic, and is affordable. The negatives of synthetic insulation are that it’s not as durable as down and tends to be heavier and bulkier. Synthetic sleeping bags don’t have a fill power spec, so you’ll have to refer to the ISO/EN rating to determine how warm the sleeping bag is. We don’t typically recommend synthetic sleeping bags for backpacking unless you are allergic to down or you are consistently camping in very wet weather, as modern down sleeping bags tend to offer a much better warmth to weight and still maintain solid water resistance.
Down/Synthetic Blends
Some sleeping bags opt for a best-of-both-worlds option by using a blend of down and synthetic. Some hybrid bags contain down in certain regions of the bag and synthetic in others, whereas other hybrid bags use a blend of materials throughout. Hybrid bags tend to perform well in mixed weather conditions and hold up well when wet or damp. Some will use synthetic insulation in areas like the foot box or underside of the bag that are most likely to get wet and down in the areas that require the most insulation. The downside of hybrid bags is that they are typically not as light, compressible, or warm as fully down bags, nor are they as water resistant and affordable as synthetic bags. However, a sleeping bag like The North Face One lends a ton of versatility to your backpacking kit.
A mummy-shaped sleeping bag is standard, but some companies put their own spin on this design. Photo: Jack Conners//The Inertia
Shapes, Fit, and Styles
Backpacking sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The three main sleeping bag shapes are mummy, semi-rectangular/modified mummy, and rectangular. Plus, we considered backpacking quilts as a distinct shape in this test.
Mummy
Mummy bags are the slimmest sleeping bag option and are wider up top and taper down towards the feet. Mummy sleeping bags have a snug fit and typically feature a contoured hood that you can cinch tight. This is often the lightest and warmest sleeping bag design, making them a great pick for backpacking. The Western Mountaineering MegaLite is a classic mummy shape but with great girth at the shoulder and hips.
Semi-rectangular
If mummy bags make you feel claustrophobic, you may prefer the semi-rectangular or modified mummy. These bags come in a variety of shapes but tend to be a little wider and roomier than mummy bags with a slightly tapered design. Semi-rectangular sleeping bags feature a blend of warmth and space. The NEMO Riff 30 Endless Promise is a well-designed modified-mummy bag that has tons of space to move around.
The Kelty Cosmic 20 features a semi-rectangular shape and the Big Agnes Torchlight 20 sports a mummy shape. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Backpacking Quilt
In our most recent test, we finally checked out a couple of backpacking quilts for this guide, and we’re really excited about their potential for certain backpackers. A quilt is sort of like a cross between a blanket and a sleeping bag, and the options we tested—the Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt and Zenbivy Light Bed—had varying closure methods. Both models tapered some near the feet, and the Revelation has a zipper to secure the foot box, whereas the Zenbivy can be had with a zipper or more simple clips. In general, a quilt should allow the sleeper a bit more room to move around.
Rectangular
As the name suggests, rectangular sleeping bags are, well, rectangular. They are roomy and comfortable but aren’t typically the warmest nor the lightest option. These sleeping bags rarely feature a hood, so they won’t provide as much warmth potential as one of the options above. Rectangular bags are best suited for car camping trips rather than backcountry outings.
Other Important Specs and Considerations
Temperature Rating
Sleeping bags come with a temperature rating. Most temperature ratings have a range, and you’ll want to pick a bag for which the temperature rating is lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. We prefer a bag with a lower temperature rating because you can usually unzip the bag to suit the temperature if you’re too warm (especially with a versatile ventilations system like that found in the Sea to Summit Ascent 15F) . That said, we choose bags that best match the conditions of most of the camping we do.
The difference in loft between different temp ratings is visible: the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 (top) and REI Co-op Magma 15 (bottom). Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Some sleeping bags come with an ISO or EN temperature rating. Both ratings were determined by independent standardized tests and allow you to fairly compare sleeping bags. A “comfort” rating is the lowest temperature that will keep a cold sleeper warm enough (based on average female testing). The “limit” rating is the lowest temperature that will keep a warm sleeper warm (based on average male testing). If the bag doesn’t offer “comfort” and “limit” temperatures, then the ratings were likely determined by the brand and are not an ISO or EN-tested rating. That’s not always a bad thing, but we recommend doing some research to find out what the brand’s rating is based on. Note: the ISO/EN rating is based on a sleeper who is wearing long underwear and socks and is sleeping on a sleeping pad with an R-value of roughly 5.5.
Backpacking Sleep System
In addition to your sleeping bag, your entire sleep system plays a big role in how warm you’ll stay. Your sleep system consists of your backpacking sleeping bag, backpacking sleeping pad, and clothes. The amount of clothes you are wearing will play a role in your overall warmth, and there’s an age-old debate on how much you should wear while in your sleeping bag. We typically opt for dry socks and a breathable merino base layer top and bottom, and then add another light layer like a fleece if it’s really cold.
But an even bigger factor is your sleeping pad. If you’re sleeping in cold conditions and your sleeping bag doesn’t offer much insulation, then you may be chilly even if the weather is within your sleeping bag’s temperature rating. Another factor to consider is your tent—we’re always surprised how much a well-staked-out rain fly does to keep warmth in.
The temperature rating, sleep system, and fit of the sleeping bag all affect its overall warmth. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Sizing
A sleeping bag might not be as custom fit as a pair of jeans, but the size of the bag sure does matter. For starters, some sleeping bags come in men- and women-specific sizing. More recently, some manufacturers (like REI, for example), are creating genderless sizing. We like the latter setup because it helps ensure you get the right fit regardless of the advertised gender and size. Other brands like Western Mountaineering use different sleeping bag models in a series to denote sizing—for example, the MegaLite is wider at the shoulders than others in the ExtremeLite series.
For camping, the size of a sleeping bag isn’t crucial, but for a backpacking sleeping bag (especially a mummy bag), it can be. All that said, if you are shopping for sleeping bags with gendered sizing, a safe rule of thumb is that sleeping bags designed for women tend to be shorter, narrower at the shoulders, and wider at the hips than men’s bags. There are also kid’s sleeping bags that are shorter, smaller, and typically cheaper.
Most sleeping bags also come in regular and long sizes, and maybe even short. Check the size chart and pick what works best for you. Keep in mind that smaller bags are lighter, and if they fit you right they’ll likely insulate better, so if you’re between sizes, you may want to opt for the smaller bag.
We’re fans of REI’s genderless sizing for sleeping bags—it made it easy to dial in the correct size for our needs. Photo: Jack Conners//The Inertia
Why does a sleeping bag size matter?
You might be wondering why it matters what size sleeping bag you get. It’s a fair question. And there’s a three-part answer.
- Insulation: Basically, the closer a sleeping bag fits to your body, the better chance it has to keep you warm. Why? When a sleeping bag is using the loft to insulate/trap your body heat, the less air it also has to insulate the better. Now, we’re not advocating for vacuum-sealing your sleeping bag to your body, but we recommend that you find a sleeping bag that provides just enough room for you to move around comfortably without adding excess space.
- Packed size and weight: Naturally, larger backpacking sleeping bags are also larger when packed down, and they are usually a couple of ounces heavier than smaller sizes, too. That might not be a huge deal to every backpacker, but if you don’t need the larger size, you might as well save the space and weight!
- Cost: Some (but not all) backpacking sleeping bags have different prices for different sizes, and typically the smallest sizes are the least expensive. This is due to the varying amount of material used to construct the sleeping bags. If you don’t need the largest sizes, you might save some money.
Weight
When you’re backpacking, every ounce counts, so the weight of your sleeping bag is very important. A lot of factors contribute to the weight of a sleeping bag, but in general, the lightest bags are down mummy sleeping bags. We don’t like to lug much more than two pounds of sleeping bag when we’re backpacking, but you might need to if you’re opting for a lower temperature rating or a budget-oriented bag.
The REI Co-op Magma 15 is our top-pick sleeping bag due to its excellent specs at a super competitive price. It undercuts other top bags by more than $100 while offering excellent warmth, packability, and comfort in the backcountry.
Price: $429
Packed Size
Like weight, size is essential when you’re backpacking. The ideal backpacking sleeping bag is comfortable and warm but packs down small so it doesn’t take up too much room in your pack. Typically, higher fill-power down sleeping bags are more compressible because less down is needed for a warmth rating, enabling it to pack down smaller. It’s why a sleeping bag with 950+ fill down like the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 can maintain such great warmth while weighing just a pound and a half and packing down to 8 liters or less.
Fabric
Most sleeping bags feature an outer shell made from ripstop nylon or polyester that is treated with durable water repellent (DWR) to help keep them dry. Depending on the quality and construction of your bag, you’ll be looking at the denier of your sleeping bag indicated by a number next to D, for example, 10D. This will give you a general idea of the durability of your bag (a higher number = higher durability, but also higher weight). Many sleeping bag liners sport a brushed fabric that makes them softer than the exterior.
Additional Features on Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Hoods/Draft Blocking Features
Most backpacking sleeping bags have hoods, which can keep you warm when you cinch them tightly around your head. Other bags have draft collars and draft tubes running along the zippers, which help prevent warm air from escaping. We recommend both for truly cold backpacking. Our top pick, the REI Co-op Magma 15, featured a great blend of a snug hood, a sizeable draft collar, and a sufficient draft tube.
Anti-snag Zippers
Snagged zippers are not only annoying but can damage your bag. Some bags offer anti-snag features, with a guard running the length of the zipper or a cover on the zipper itself. We found that higher-end bags like Feathered Friends Swallow UL 30 had smooth-sliding zippers.
The Big Agnes Torchlight 20 features an anti-snag draft tube along the zipper to prevent heat loss. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Left/Right Zipper
For most people, the zipper being on the left or right doesn’t really matter. But if you plan on zipping your bag together with your S.O., then one of you will want a right zipper and the other a left zipper. We’ll let you sort out who sleeps on what side of the tent.
Pockets
Some sleeping bags come with a small stash pocket located in the chest region. This can be nice for stashing your phone, an eye mask, ear plugs, or anything else you want easy access to. Another pocket that can come in handy is a pillow pocket. Camping pillows are infamous for slipping around — a pillow pocket can put an end to that.
It’s important to take good care of your sleeping bag to extend its life. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
How To Care for Your Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Bag Liners
Although a sleeping bag liner isn’t necessary, it can be a nice addition. Sleeping bag liners can help keep your sleeping bag clean and minimize how often you need to wash them. Cutting down on washes can help extend the life of your sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags are designed to repel bugs, others can help keep you cool, and some can add warmth.
Washing
If you’ve been sleeping in a liner and/or clean clothes, your sleeping bag may need a simple spot clean. If your bag is dirty or lots of sweat has soaked into it, then you’ll want to throw it in the wash. Most sleeping bags are safe to put in a front-loading or agitator-free washing machine, but you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s recommendations first. You can have your bag professionally laundered or do it yourself.
If you choose to wash your bag yourself, make sure to use a down-specific detergent like Nikwax. Finally, you’ll want to restore some of that loft. While you can technically line dry and agitate the bag by hand, we like to put a clean sleeping bag in the dryer and run it on the fluff air setting with a few tennis balls. This helps un-clump the down and bring your sleeping bag back to life.
Back home? Store your backpacking sleeping bag in a loose storage sack to maintain loft, and keep it in a dry, temperature-controlled place. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Storage
The way you store your sleeping bag plays a huge role in the life of the bag. As soon as you return home from a backpacking trip, unzip your sleeping bag and air it out. Make sure it’s completely dry before storing it. Store your sleeping bag loosely in a cotton or mesh storage sack (many sleeping bags come with these). Never store your sleeping bag in its stuff sack, as the long-term compression of the down will reduce its loft and therefore its insulation efficiency.
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Editor’s Note: Looking for a sleeping bag for camping instead of backpacking? Check out our guide to the Best Sleeping Bags. Or, pair your new backpacking sleeping bag with a top-rated backpacking sleeping pad. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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