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The North Face Dolomite One

Using The North Face Dolomite One as a makeshift camp blanket. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia


The Inertia

Camping is our favorite getaway. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of life and spend some focused time with friends, family, or solo. When you’re car camping — as opposed to backpacking — you have the luxury of having more (and more comfortable) gear. Aside from your tent and sleeping pad, your sleeping bag is the most essential item on your packing list. We tested nearly twenty of the best sleeping bags on the market to bring you our favorites.

If you’d like to learn more about how these sleeping bags compare to one another, take a look at our Comparison Table. Or, if you’re curious about what to look for in a good camping sleeping bag, check out our Buyer’s Guide below. And if your sleeping bag needs skew lighter-weight, hop over to our guide to the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags.

The Best Sleeping Bags of 2024

Best Overall Sleeping Bag: The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag
Runner-Up Best Sleeping Bag: Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag
Best Budget Sleeping Bag: Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag
Best Double Sleeping Bag: NEMO Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag
Runner-Up Best Double Sleeping Bag: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Double


Best Overall Sleeping Bag

The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag ($175)

TNF sleeping bag

Temperature Rating: 15°F/30°F/50°F
Weight: 5 lbs
Sleeping Bag Shape: Rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Gender: Unisex

Pros: Multiple layers for different temps, stash pocket in each layer
Cons: Switching layers during the night is tricky

The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag was designed with temperature control in mind. The bag is made up of three layers that feature varying warmth ratings. If it’s a chilly night, you can sleep under both the yellow and the blue layers for the most insulation, which is rated at 15°F. If the night is a bit warmer, say sayonara to the blue layer and sleep under just the mid-level yellow layer for a 30°F-rated sleeping bag. If that’s still too warm, you can shed the yellow layer and opt for just the blue, which creates a sleeping bag rated at 50°F. Our tester thought the different layers in the bag were ingenious, and we feel that this bag offers tremendous value and versatility.

The Dolomite sports a rectangular shape, and the sleeping bag is roomy and comfortable. The zipper runs the entire length of the bag, so you can unzip it partially for some ventilation or unzip it fully to lay the sleeping bag flat and use it like a blanket. Our tester found that switching layers during the night wasn’t the easiest mission. It’s best if you figure out which one you want to sleep in before going to bed so you’re not trying to figure it out in the middle of the night. Much to our delight each layer comes with a stash pocket for your headlamp and other essentials. For maximum warmth, you’ll definitely want to pair this bag with a sleeping pad, especially when you’re using both top layers. If you prefer to sleep with your partner, the Dolomite also comes in a double option. Thanks to its affordable price, comfort, and multiple temperature sleeping options, the Dolomite took the win for the best overall camping sleeping bag.

Check out our full review of The North Face Dolomite One.

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Runner-Up Best Sleeping Bag

Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag ($200)

big agnes sleeping bag

Temperature Rating: 20°F
Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi-rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Gender: Unisex

Pros: Semi-rectangular shape, inside feels like a quilt
Cons: Pad sleeve is floppy

The Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag is a cozy camping sleeping bag that packs down relatively small. The semi-rectangular shape cuts down on extra weight and volume but still allows enough room to spread out. The Echo Park’s soft, quilt-like liner provides an at-home feel while on adventures. Additionally, there are hand pockets in the top corners that allow you to wrap the bag over your shoulders like you would with your comforter.

Much like the Dolomite above, we found the Echo Park sleeping bag to be highly adjustable. There are zippers on both sides that allow for fine-tuned climate control. Or, unzip them all the way to turn your sleeping bag into a comforter. The Echo Park has a no-draft collar, a no-draft wedge, and a no-draft zipper that work together to ensure – you guessed it – no drafts. The pad sleeve can accommodate a variety of pads, the pillow pocket is generously sized, and the bag even has internal fabric loops for attaching a liner. The pad sleeves are a little large and floppy, which makes it easy to attach a variety of pads, but they aren’t as secure as we would have liked. The Echo Park is long and wide, making it a great pick for bigger and/or taller folks or those who simply wish to have some extra space. The Echo Park finished just behind the Dolomite because it was slightly less versatile and slightly more expensive.

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Best Budget Sleeping Bag

Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag ($170)

kelty galactic sleeping bags

Temperature Rating: 30°F
Weight: 2.9 lbs
Sleeping Bag Shape: Rectangular
Insulation: Down
Gender: Unisex

Pros: Double zippers, lots of space
Cons: Material isn’t soft, difficult to get back in the stuff sack

The Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag is a classic, no-frills camping sleeping bag. The rectangular shape and lightweight material make it spacious and comfortable. The Galactic is rated to 30°F but due to the thin, lightweight fabric and minimal down insulation, we’d recommend using it in warmer temperatures. Our tester felt that it was a great spring and summer bag.

The Galactic doesn’t come with a hood, but it does have zippered draft tubes and you can cinch the top of the bag up tight on chilly nights. While the Galactic does pack down small into the included stuff sack, we found it difficult to get back in. At 2.9 pounds, we felt it could double as an affordable backpacking sleeping bag as well.

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Best Double Sleeping Bag

NEMO Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag ($350)

Nemo Jazz double sleeping bag

Temperature Rating: 30°F
Weight: 8 lbs 14.7 oz
Sleeping Bag Shape: Rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Gender: Unisex

Pros: Made from recycled materials, zippers on both sides, built-in pillow pocket and pad sleeve
Cons: Sheet bunches up at night, bulky and heavy

The NEMO Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag was specifically designed with the comfort of two people in mind. It feels like the closest thing to bringing your bed from home with you. The Jazz comes with a soft, built-in bedsheet that is removable and washable, a pillow pocket, a sleeping pad sleeve, and an insulated featherbed-style quilt on top. Our tester was concerned it might feel like a tight squeeze with two people in one sleeping bag, but the Jazz is super luxurious, and comfortable, and pairs perfectly with Nemo’s Roamer sleeping pads (it will work with other sleeping pads as well).

We appreciated the thought behind the sheet for warmer nights but found that it tended to bunch up throughout the night, so we preferred to go without it unless it was an extra warm night. The sleeping bag material itself is cozy and the double zippers were nice for individual temperature control and being able to easily get in and out during the night. And when it’s time to pack up camp, the Jazz fits readily into a large stuff sack with backpack-style straps, making it easy to transport. The Jazz is our favorite sleeping bag for couples, parents with young children, or for those chilly nights when you wish to sleep with your pup.

To learn more about the Jazz, read our in-depth review.

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Runner-Up Best Double Sleeping Bag

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Double Sleeping Bag ($239)

Temperature Rating: 20°F
Weight: 9 lbs 6 oz
Sleeping Bag Shape: Rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Gender: Unisex

Pros: Spacious, durable, warm
Cons: Hood is hard to cinch tight, we don’t love the color

While we love the NEMO Jazz above, the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Double packs a ton of comfort into a much more affordable package. About $100 less than our top double sleeping bag (and even less during REI sales), the Siesta Hooded Double sleeping bag is ideal for couples who want to sleep snuggled in the same bag.

While we noticed that the Siesta lacks some of the premium material feel of other more expensive sleeping bags, the interior of the bag was very comfortable. There isn’t a fancy zip system or integrated zippers here, but the Siesta is easy to unzip at the top or the bottom (on both sides) so each sleeper can dial in their temperature. One feature we were excited about was the hood, a nice touch on a double sleeping bag; that said, the hood was pretty short and hard to cinch tight to sleepers’ heads. The draft collars were helpful in closing the air gap on chilly nights, and this sleeping bag felt warm down to about freezing.

While we’d still splurge for the NEMO Jazz if we had the extra money, the REI Co-op Siesta is an exceptional value for a double sleeping bag, and it is rated for lower temps. If you’re looking for a cozy, simple option for you and your partner, the Siesta is a great pick. We only wish it came in a more exciting color than the drab tan/brown.

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Best of the Rest

Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bag

Therm-a-Rest Questar 0 Sleeping Bag ($410)

therm-a-rest sleeping bag

Temperature Rating: 15°F
Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Gender: Unisex

Pros: Warm, pad sleeves, external zippered stash pocket
Cons: Not as roomy as other camping bags, pricey

The Therm-a-Rest Questar Sleeping Bag was created for backpacking, but it’s become our go-to for chilly car camping trips. The Questar sports a mummy shape, so it’s not as roomy and comfortable as some of the bags on our list but the slim cut packs in the warmth. For a mummy-shaped bag, our tester did think it was roomy and found she could easily sleep on her back, side, or stomach. The Questar is filled with 650-fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, meaning it’s warm, absorbs minimal water, and dries relatively quickly (especially for a down bag).

Therm-a-Rest is known for making excellent sleeping pads, and conveniently the Questar has sleeping pad sleeves on the underside. Unlike most pad sleeves, this comes with just two small straps, making it easy to attach almost any pad. The draft collar, full-length zipper draft tube, and cinch-able hood work to keep the cold out and the heat in. The stash pocket on the Questar is a zippered compartment on the outside, which our tester found she actually preferred to an inside pocket as it was easier to find and access. The Questar comes with a mesh bag for storage and a stuff sack for times when you need to pack it down small.

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Fully-Recyclable Sleeping Bag

NEMO Forte ($180)

NEMO Forte backpacking sleeping bag

Temperature Rating: 35 F
Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
Insulation: Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi-Rectangular
Gender: Men’s & Women’s

Pros: Made from 100% recycled materials, ventilation zippers in the chest region
Cons: Heavy for a 35 F bag

A part of NEMO Equipment’s Endless Promise collection, the NEMO Forte is NEMO’s first fully recycled sleeping bag.  NEMO took its popular three-season spoon-shaped backpacking bag and gave it a sustainable upgrade by using mono-polymer construction and 100% recycled materials. We love a sustainable sleeping bag. But we were eager to see if it still performed well with the eco-friendly upgrades.

The NEMO Forte features a unique spoon shape, which provides more room at the knees and shoulders, allowing you to spread out or comfortably sleep on your side. The Forte we tested was rated to 35 degrees, but it also comes in a 20-degree rating if you need some added warmth. Our lead tester lives in Hawaii, so they preferred the 35 F and really appreciated the vents in the chest area for added airflow on warm nights. Other features we appreciated were the draft collar that seals in warmth and blocks the cold and the pillow pocket that prevents your pillow from sliding around all night.

For a 35-degree bag, we felt that the Forte was a little on the heavy side — it was a similar weight to the 20-degree bags we tested without the added warmth. Our lead tester is a 5’7″ woman and she found that the regular length was too small, so be sure and order a long if you’re 5’6″ or taller. Overall, the Forte is cozy and comfortable and easy to pack down into the included stuff sack.

Check out our full review of the NEMO Forte.

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Great for Ventilation

Sea to Summit Traverse Tv II 25 ($219)

sea to summit traverse sleeping bag

Temperature Rating: 25 F
Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz
Insulation: Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi Rectangular
Gender: Unisex

Pros: Multiple zippers, packs down small
Cons: Not as warm as advertised

The Sea to Summit Traverse TvII 25 is a straightforward backpacking sleeping bag that gets the job done. Of all the sleeping bags we tested, the Traverse was one of the smallest when packed up, which is a huge plus when backpacking. Although the Traverse is rated to 25 F, we found it was more comfortable in the 40s and preferred to save it for slightly warmer nights.

The Traverse features a tapered rectangular shape, providing enough room to spread out a little and sleep on your side. The Traverse comes with zippers galore. On the right side of the bag is a half zipper, on the left side is a zipper that runs the full length of the bag, and there’s even a foot zipper. The combination of zippers was amazing on warmer nights for enhanced ventilation, and we enjoyed the different options for getting in and out of the sleeping bag.

The Traverse was also designed to zip with another sleeping bag — a fun option for couples. The bag is synthetic and treated with a DWR coating, so it holds up well when wet and dries out fairly quickly. It easily packs into the stuff sack, which includes straps that allow you to cinch it down small and tight.

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Budget Down Sleeping Bag

Kelty Cosmic 20 ($150)

Kelty Cosmic 20 backpacking sleeping bags

Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: Men’s & Women’s

Pros: Compact, inexpensive
Cons: Doesn’t hold up to temperature rating

The Kelty Cosmic 20 has been our go-to budget down sleeping bag for years. 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, this makes an excellent entry-level sleeping bag that can be used for both backpacking and car camping. One of our testers has owned an older version of this sleeping bag for just over 10 years and logged hundreds of nights camping in it, and it doesn’t even have a patch.

Because of the Cosmic’s competitive weight, packability, and affordability, we recommend this bag for folks just getting into camping, especially those who might want to try backpacking. It also makes a great sleeping bag for kids and teens who want to grow into something that will last them years. Our lead tester’s 10-year-old stepson used this sleeping bag in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and was comfortable through 40-degree nights. However, this bag doesn’t perform well at temps much colder than that.

We still prefer the Kelty Galactic above for car camping, as the Cosmic doesn’t provide as much room to move around, but if you want to save money and are interested in backpacking, the Cosmic’s lightweight and packable down insulation is tough to beat at this price ($150 at time of publishing).

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Affordable Backpacking Sleeping Bag

The North Face Cat’s Meow ($189)

The North Face Cat's Meow backpacking sleeping bags

Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lbs 15.5 oz
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

One of our favorite backpacking sleeping bags this year, The North Face Cat’s Meow is a versatile and affordable option. Our lead tester has owned a previous version for over a decade, and the latest version holds up to her lofty expectations. Rated to 20 degrees, this sub-three-pound sleeping bag boasts backpacking-ready specs at an approachable price (under $200 at the time of publishing).

While this sleeping bag is mummy-shaped, our tester noted extra room in the shoulders and foot-box, and we found it worked well for both camping and backpacking. Notable features include an insulated hood that can be cinched down, sleeping pad attachment points, and an effective DWR finish. The two-thirds length zipper didn’t provide great breathability, so for summer and warm-weather camping, there are better options.

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Fjallraven Abisko Three Season ($200)

Fjallraven Abisko Three Season backpacking sleeping bags

Temperature Rating: 35° F
Weight: 2 lbs 14 oz
Insulation: Synthetic
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Gender: Unisex

Pros: Insulated hood has drawcord adjustments on both sides, two-way zipper
Cons: Not a lot of room to move around

The Fjallraven Abisko Three Season backpacking sleeping bag may only be rated to 35 ºF, but it sure does pack in the warmth. For starters, the insulated hood is one of the most impressive we’ve seen. It has drawcord adjustments on both sides so you can custom tailor the fit and get it pulled super snug on cold nights. Additionally, there’s a draft collar around the entire neck of the bag to ensure no cold air sneaks in.

The Abisko comes with a two-way zipper, so you can zip from both the top and the bottom. There’s also an internal stash pocket for quick-grab items. The Abisko is insanely fluffy and comfy, but the bag is slim, so there’s not a lot of room to roll around. The slim design helps keep you warm, but it’s not as comfortable as a more spacious bag.

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Best Sleeping Bags Comparison Table

Sleeping Bag Price Temperature Rating Shape Insulation Weight Available In
The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag $175 15°F/30°F/50°F Rectangular Synthetic 5 lbs Unisex
Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag $200 20°F Semi-Rectangular Synthetic 4 lbs 12 oz Unisex
Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag $160 30°F Rectangular Down 2 lbs 14 oz Unisex
NEMO Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag $350 30°F Rectangular Synthetic 8 lbs 15 oz Unisex
REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Double $239 20°F Rectangular Synthetic 9 lbs 6 oz Unisex
Therm-a-Rest Questar 0 Sleeping Bag $400 20°F Mummy Down 2 lbs 11 oz Unisex
NEMO Forte $180 35°F Semi-Rectangular Synthetic 2 lbs 10 oz Men’s & Women’s
Sea to Summit Traverse TvII 25 $219 25°F Semi-Rectangular Synthetic 2 lbs 8 oz Unisex
Kelty Cosmic 20 $150 20°F Mummy Down 2 lbs 7 oz Men’s & Women’s
The North Face Cat’s Meow $189 20°F Mummy Synthetic 2 lbs 15 oz Unisex
Fjallraven Abisko Three Season $200 35°F Mummy Synthetic 2 lbs 14 oz Unisex

How We Tested Sleeping Bags

To test these sleeping bags, we rounded up some friends and hit our local campgrounds. Our lead tester, Rebecca Parsons, lives in Oahu, Hawaii, so the bulk of the testing was done at beachfront campgrounds in fairly warm weather. Our tester travels a lot, so she likes a versatile camping sleeping bag that can perform well in varying temperatures. Because our testing was done in Hawaii, we can’t speak directly to how well these sleeping bags fare in colder temperatures, but we will continue to update this review as we venture to colder regions.

Our lead tester has spent a lifetime sleeping in sleeping bags. She grew up camping and even spent five summers living in a tent. She was a camp counselor for seven years and has always gravitated towards sleeping under the stars. Over the years, she’s slept in some great sleeping bags (and some not-so-great ones) and knows the importance of a quality sleeping bag.

One of our editors, Nathan Lemin, also tested some of the best sleeping bags in this guide. He’s been camping since childhood, and while he loves to backpack, the comfort of a heavy, spacious sleeping bag is one of his favorite parts about car camping.

a bunch of camping sleeping bags lines up in front of a tent

Comfortable and cozy camping sleeping bags. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia


Sleeping Bags Buyer’s Guide

Features of the Best Sleeping Bags for Camping

Sleeping bags for camping (i.e. not backpacking sleeping bags), are specifically designed for car camping and trips that don’t require you to trek into your campsite. Because you’ll be camping close to your vehicle, camping sleeping bags are focused on comfort rather than packed size and overall weight. If you plan to use your sleeping bag for both camping and backpacking, opt for a backpacking sleeping bag because you can easily use it camping, but a camping sleeping bag will often be too bulky to carry on your back.

s bunch of camping sleeping bags and a tent

Some of the best camping sleeping bags in the industry. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Sleeping Bag Shapes

Rectangular

As the name suggests, rectangular sleeping bags sport a rectangular shape. This is the most popular option for camping sleeping bags as it is the most spacious, allowing room to spread out both your arms and legs. In a pinch, rectangular sleeping bags can also be fully unzipped to convert them into a blanket. The downside of rectangular-shaped sleeping bags is that they are typically the bulkiest and the heaviest. Another con: Rectangular sleeping bags don’t typically feature a hood, so in cold conditions, they don’t insulate your head very well. However, rectangular sleeping bags are usually the least expensive.

Semi-rectangular

Sometimes referred to as the “modified mummy,” semi-rectangular sleeping bags are a compromise between warmth and space. They are more tapered than rectangular sleeping bags but not as severely as a mummy bag. They still have a fair amount of internal space, but cut down on some weight and volume. These are a great choice for folks who primarily car camp, but may occasionally go backpacking.

Mummy

Mummy bags are the warmest, most compact, and lightest of all the sleeping bags. They start off wider at the shoulders and taper down towards the feet. Mummy bags are usually reserved for backpacking as they’re the least spacious option. However, if you plan on using your sleeping bag for both camping and backpacking, a mummy-shaped bag is a good pick.

Testing The North Face Dolomite One sleeping bag

The North Face Dolomite One features a spacious rectangular shape. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Sleep System

Your sleep system consists of your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and the clothes you’re wearing. If you have a warm sleeping bag but are sleeping without a sleeping pad, your sleeping bag won’t live up to its temperature rating because the pad provides a thermal barrier between you, your sleeping bag, and the ground. All three factors play a role in your overall warmth and comfort and are worth considering when purchasing a sleeping bag.

Down vs. Synthetic Insulation

Camping sleeping bags come with either down insulation or synthetic insulation. Down insulation is made from duck or goose plumage, so it’s natural. Down is lightweight, easy to compress, performs well in cold, dry conditions, and is durable. The cons of down is that it doesn’t perform well when it’s wet and some people are allergic to it. Plus, we like to ensure that the down used in our outdoor gear is responsibly sourced.

Synthetic insulation is made from polyester fibers and is designed to mimic the qualities of down. Synthetic insulation is quick-drying, insulative when wet, non-allergenic, and typically more affordable. However, synthetic sleeping bags tend to be heavier and bulkier than down bags and they’re not as durable. Some sleeping bags utilize a combination of down and synthetic insulation.

Best Overall Camping Sleeping Bag
Best Overall Camping Sleeping Bag

The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag was designed with temperature control in mind. The sleeping bag features color-coded sections with corresponding temperature ratings, so you can adapt to your camping conditions on the fly. Additionally, it’s affordable and comfortable.

Price: $175

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Temperature Rating

The temperature rating is one of the most important features to note in a camping sleeping bag. Sleeping bags come with a standardized ISO/EN rating that is based on someone who is wearing long underwear and sleeping on a sleeping pad with an R-value of 5.5 or higher. The ISO/EN rating will include an overall rating, a “comfort” rating, and a “limit” rating. The “comfort” rating is the lowest temperature that a cold sleeper can comfortably sleep through (based on female sleepers), and the “limit” rating is the lowest temperature that a warm sleeper can comfortably sleep through (based on male sleepers). For more information, refer to this helpful guide. Consider the lowest temperature you plan on sleeping in, and choose a sleeping bag with an ISO/EN rating that’s lower than the lowest temperature you will encounter—a cold night isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.

What Else Should I Look For in a Sleeping Bag?

Sleeping Bag Shell

The sleeping bag shell is the outermost layer of your sleeping bag. Sleeping bag shells are typically made from durable polyester or nylon and help ensure your sleeping bag doesn’t snag or tear. Most camping sleeping bags are treated with a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating. The DWR coating is essential as it will help keep your sleeping bag dry and should it get damp.

close up of the north face sleeping bag

The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag has multiple layers for a wide array of temperatures. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Sleeping Bag Lining

The sleeping bag lining is the fabric on the inside of the bag. The lining is typically softer than the shell and isn’t treated with DWR. You can also purchase a separate sleeping bag liner. Liners can be nice as they are easy to remove and wash and they can make your bag warm depending on what type of liner you choose.

Single or Double Sleeping Bag?

Most camping sleeping bags are single sleeping bags but there are some double bags out there. Double sleeping bags are a great option for couples, parents with young children, or for folks who like sleeping with their dog in their sleeping bag. Pro-tip: If you have two of the same sleeping bag, they can often be zipped together to create a make-shift double sleeping bag.

Nemo double sleeping bag in a truck

Double sleeping bags work well for camping in the back of a truck or in a tent. Photo: Jonathan Kemnitz//The Inertia

Zippers

Nothing is worse than a snagged zipper. To combat this issue, many sleeping bags come with a zipper guard that runs the length of the zipper. Other sleeping bags utilize a cover on the zipper itself. Another feature we look for in zippers is that they run the entire length of the bag and are on both sides of the bag. Double zippers allow for easy ventilation and if they run the entire length of the sleeping bag you can unzip them and transform your sleeping bag into a blanket on warmer nights.

thermo gills on a camping sleeping bag

The NEMO Riff 30 Endless Promise Down has Thermo Gills for added ventilation. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Hood

Hoods are less common in camping sleeping bags than backpacking sleeping bags, but some have them. Rectangular sleeping bags don’t usually have a hood but semi-rectangular and mummy bags often do. Hoods are great for chilly camping trips, especially if they’re snug-fitting. Additionally, many hoods have a pillow pocket, which is a nice comfort enhancement.

Pockets

Camping sleeping bags often come with pockets. Some have a sleeping pad pocket, which is a nice option because it helps prevent sliding off your sleeping pad during the night. As mentioned before, some sleeping bags come with a pillow pocket which helps ensure your pillow stays in place. Finally, many sleeping bags come with stash pockets on the inside or outside of the bag for storing essentials such as a headlamp, phone, or Chapstick.

camping sleeping bags in stuff sack s

Store your sleeping bag in a loose sack when you’re not traveling. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Sleeping Bag Accessories

Stuff Sack 

Most sleeping bags come with a stuff sack, which allows you to pack the sleeping bag small for travel. Some stuff sacks come with straps that allow you to cinch it down extra small.

Storage Bag

The only time you should store your sleeping bag in its stuff sack is when you are camping or traveling. Otherwise, you should store it in a loose storage bag to help prolong the life of the insulation and the sleeping bag. Many sleeping bags come with a mesh storage bag but if yours doesn’t, a trash bag or pillowcase will get the job done.

 Return to Comparison Table | Return to Top Picks

Editor’s Note: Need something lighter for backpacking? Take a look at our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags. Looking to gear up for more car camping adventures? Check out our related Gear Guides, like the Best Portable Power Stations, or Best Camping Chairs. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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