A few of the backpacking sleeping bags we tested for this guide. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Sleeping in the backcountry can be some of the most restful of your life. But it can also be some of the worst. Many factors can affect your sleep when backpacking, but one of the biggest is the quality of your sleeping bag. The best backpacking sleeping bags are lightweight, compact, and warm. But since they can be expensive, we decided to test a cross-section of some of the best backpacking sleeping bags in the industry to give you a head start.
Here, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorites. If you wish to learn more about how these sleeping bags compare to one another, take a look at our Comparison Table. Or, if you want to know more about what to look for in a backpacking sleeping bag or how to care for your bag, check out our Buyer’s Guide. If you’re looking for a more spacious sleeping bag designed for camping instead of the backcountry, check out our guide to the Best Sleeping Bags.
The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024
Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Big Agnes Torchlight 20
Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic 20
Runner-Up Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag: REI Co-op Magma 15
Best Ventilation Options: Sea to Summit Ascent 15F
Best Warmth-to-Weight Ratio: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20
Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Big Agnes Torchlight 20 ($330 $245)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lb 11 oz
Stuff Sack Size: 9 x 20 inches
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: 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 is becoming increasingly hard to find in stock. We’re in the process of updating this guide with a new top pick. In the meantime, our runner-up best backpacking sleeping bag, the REI Co-op Magma 15, is an excellent choice.
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, but it’s still a fully manageable size for backpacking. Despite its slightly large packed size, the Torchlight was our top-pick backpacking sleeping bag due to the water-repellant down, the expandable panels, its full feature set, and its comfort.
Read our full review of the Big Agnes Torchlight 20.
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Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Kelty Cosmic 20 ($150)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
Stuff Sack Size: 8 x 13 inches
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: 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 lightweight and packs down small, making it easy to fit into a pack. Because of its weight and straightforward design, our lead tester had her ten-year-old stepson use this bag on a recent 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. 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 has an internal zippered stash pocket, which we found was perfect for stashing late-night essentials like a headlamp. The Cosmic sports a full draft tube and collar, which helps retain heat and seal out the cold. For nights when it was a bit warmer, the two-way zipper that extended the length of the bag made it easy to cool off. Because this bag is down, you’ll want to keep it as dry as possible, but the DWR fabric helped repel some moisture.
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Runner-Up Best Sleeping Bag
REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag ($429)
Temperature Rating: 15° F
Weight: 2 lbs 3.6 oz
Stuff Sack Size:
Insulation: Down/Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: Genderless sizing
Pros: Lightweight, excellent fill-power (850), wide range of sizes
Cons: A bit 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 one of our favorite backpacking sleeping bags 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.
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. 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 (it even rivals the impressive Thermarest Hyperion fill below). The Magma is spacious for a mummy sleeping bag, and the fitted zip setup (another update) makes this sleeping bag comfortable for side or back sleepers.
Of course, at over $400, the Magma isn’t a cheap sleeping bag, but we think that compared to some of the upper end of the market (where $500-$600+ sleeping bags rule), you get a ton of value for the money. In all, the Magma narrowly missed the top spot due to the Big Agnes Torchlight 20’s excellent price point. That said, with the Torchlight becoming difficult to find in stock, the Magma just might make the top of this list.
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Sea to Summit Ascent 15F Sleeping Bag ($469)
Temperature Rating: 15° F
Weight: 2 lb 4 oz
Stuff Sack Size: 6 x 8 inches
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: 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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Best Warmth-to-Weight Ratio
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 ($550)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
Stuff Sack Size: 6 x 8 inches
Insulation: Down/Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: 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 hard to find, but we’re hoping it comes back in stock soon.
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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Best of the Rest
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag For Side Sleepers
Big Agnes Sidewinder ($250)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz
Stuff Sack Size: 8 x 17.5 inches
Insulation: Down/Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: 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
Stuff Sack Size: 7.5 x 10.5 inches
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi-rectangular
Gender: 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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An Affordable Synthetic Option
The North Face Cat’s Meow ($189)
Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lbs 15.5 oz
Stuff Sack Size: 10 x 18 inches
Insulation: Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: Unisex
Pros: Made from recycled fabrics, extra room in shoulders/foot box, insulated hood with cinch collar
Cons: 2/3 zipper, doesn’t pack down super small
The North Face Cat’s Meow was the first backpacking sleeping bag that our tester ever owned. She acquired the bag over a decade ago and still has it as a backup sleeping bag. Needless to say, she was excited to test the current model and see if it performed as well (or ideally better) than the older model.
A synthetic sleeping bag, the Cat’s Meow isn’t the most compact sleeping bag out there, but it is plush, comfortable, and warm. However, the bag is rated to 20 F and weighs 2 lbs 15.5 oz, which is light for a synthetic bag of that temperature rating. The sleeping bag sports a mummy bag shape but is a little wider in the shoulder region and foot box than some of the other mummy bags we tested. The extra room makes the bag more comfortable, and we found it worked well for both camping and backpacking. But that extra room adds some weight as well.
The Cat’s Meow has a fully insulated hood with a cinch collar, which was such a nice option on chilly nights. Another feature we loved was the shock cords on the back of the sleeping bag that allowed us to attach our sleeping pad directly to the bag, preventing the dreaded sliding off your pad in the middle of the night. The Cat’s Meow has a 2/3 side zipper, which we both liked and disliked.
We liked that it was always easy to zip and get in and out of, but on hot nights, it would have been nice to be able to unzip the bag all the way. The Cat’s Meow has a DWR coating, which helped it fare well in damp conditions. Thanks to its synthetic construction, the Cat’s Meow dries out quickly when wet and is easy to pack. The included stuff sack has adjustable straps on the side which were helpful for cinching it down as small as possible. The Cat’s Meow finished just behind the Big Agnes Torchlight 20 because the 2/3 zipper didn’t allow for as much ventilation on warm nights.
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Exped Trekkinglite ($400)
Temperature Rating: 15° F
Weight: 2 lbs 13.5 oz
Stuff Sack Size: 10.2 x 6.7 x 6.3 inches
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: Unisex
Pros: Generous draft tube and collar, fluffy and warm
Cons: Short for a unisex bag
The Exped Trekkinglight 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
Stuff Sack Size: 13 x 7.1 inches
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi-Rectangular
Gender: Unisex
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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Backpacking Sleeping Bags Comparison Table
| Sleeping Bag | Price | Insulation | Weight | Stuff Sack Size | Sleeping Bag Shape | Temp Rating |
| Big Agnes Torchlight 20 | $330 | Down | 2 lbs 11 oz | 9″ x 20″ | Mummy | 20° F |
| Kelty Cosmic 20 | $150 | Down | 2 lbs 7 oz | 8″ x 13″ | Mummy | 20° F |
| REI Co-op Magma 15 | $429 | Down | 2 lbs 3.6 oz | 7.8″ x 16.5″ | Mummy | 15°F |
| Sea to Summit Ascent 15F | $469 | Down | 2 lbs 4 oz | 7.5 Liters (compressed) | Mummy | 15° F |
| Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 | $550 | Down/Synthetic | 1 lb 4 oz | 6″ x 8″ | Mummy | 20° F |
| Big Agnes Sidewinder | $250 | Down/Synthetic | 2 lbs 4 oz | 8″ x 17.5″ | Mummy | 20° F |
| NEMO Riff 30 Endless Promise | $360 | Down | 1 lb 14 oz | 7.5″ x 10.5″ | Semi-Rectangular | 30° F |
| The North Face Cat’s Meow | $189 | Synthetic | 2 lbs 15.5 oz | 10″ x 18″ | Mummy | 20° F |
| Exped Trekkinglite | $400 | Down | 2 lbs 13.5 oz | 10.2″ x 6.7″ x 6.3″ | Mummy | 15° F |
| Marmot Lost Cost 30 | $199 | 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.
How We Tested Backpacking Sleeping Bags
To test the best sleeping bags, you guessed it: We hit the trails. And slept. In the sleeping bags, of course. We also packed and unpacked these bags, stored them in our packs, and hiked with them to experience every aspect of the sleeping bag. We noted features we liked and those we didn’t and what made each bag unique.
Our lead tester, Rebecca Parsons, has over a decade of backpacking under her belt. Over the years she’s slept in some terrible and some great bags and can say from experience that a good sleeping bag can make or break a backcountry trip. Because a good night’s sleep is essential.
One of our editors, Nathan Lemin, also tested backpacking sleeping bags and contributed his 12 years of backpacking experience to this guide. He tested sleeping bags in backcountry sites across the Western United States.
When we updated this guide, we rearranged our list due to more time spent with each backpacking sleeping bag. 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.
The Sea to Summit Ascent 15F is a super versatile backpacking sleeping bag due to its ventilation options. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Backpacking Sleeping Bags Buyer’s Guide
What Is 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.
Types of Insulation in Backpacking Sleeping Bags
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.
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 loses 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 warms.
The Kelty Cosmic 20 features down 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.
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.
The North Face Cat’s Meow features synthetic insulation. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
Backpacking Sleeping Bags: Shapes
Like most things, backpacking sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The three main shapes are mummy, semi-rectangular/modified mummy, and rectangular.
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.
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 Kelty Cosmic 20 features a semi-rectangular shape and the Big Agnes Torchlight 20 sports a mummy shape. Photo: Rebecca Parsons/The Inertia
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.
Backpacking Sleeping Bags: What to Look For
Temperature Rating
Sleeping bags come with a temperature rating. Most temperature ratings have a range, and you’ll want to pick a bag whose 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. That said, we choose bags that best match the conditions of most of the camping we do.
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. The “limit” rating is the lowest temperature that will keep a warm sleeper comfortable. 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. 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.
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 sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and your clothes. The amount of clothes you are wearing will play a role in your overall warmth. 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 the quality and warmth of your tent.
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 what the listed gender states you should.
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. Check the size chart and pick what works best for you. Keep in mind that smaller bags are lighter and can be warmer, so if you’re between sizes, you may want to opt for the smaller bag.
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.
The Big Agnes Torchlight 20 is a trail-ready sleeping bag with all the bells and whistles. It’s insulated with water-repellant down, has expandable side panels, is comfortable, and packs down small.
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.
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. If you’re anything like us and you enjoy sleeping outside sans tent on nice days, then it’s extra important to make sure that your bag has been treated with DWR. Oftentimes, your bag will get a little wet even when you sleep in your tent, thanks to condensation and small leaks, so DWR is an all-around important feature. Most lining fabrics (the fabric inside of the sleeping bag) sport a brushed texture that makes them nice and soft.
Additional Features on Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Hoods/Draft Blocking Features
Some 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.
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. Either way, we’re fans.
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 you 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 fine to put in a 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, it’s best to use a front-loading machine. If you don’t have one, visit your local laundromat or hand wash your bag. Next, use a gentle, non-detergent soap that is specifically made for washing synthetic or down. Finally, you can air dry your sleeping bag outside or dry it on low in a large dryer (if this is in line with the manufacturer’s recommendation).
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 (most sleeping bags come with these). Never store your sleeping bag in its stuff sack.
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Editor’s Note: Looking for a sleeping bag for camping? Check out our guide to the Best Sleeping Bags. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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