The Best Camping Sleeping Bags of 2025

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

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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 over twenty of the best camping sleeping bags on the market to bring you our favorites.

Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide 

Related: Best Camping Sleeping Pads | Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags | Other Camping Gear Reviews

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in May 2025 with a couple of new picks, refreshed links, and improved navigation to related camping gear reviews. We also removed out-of-stock sleeping bags. 

The Best Camping Sleeping Bags of 2025

Best Overall Sleeping Bag: The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag
Runner-Up Best Sleeping Bag: REI Co-op Radiant 20
Best Budget Sleeping Bag: Sea to Summit Hameline 30
Best Double Sleeping Bag: NEMO Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag
Runner-Up Best Double Sleeping Bag: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Double

Jump To Other Top Sleeping Bags

Best Overall Camping Sleeping Bag

The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag ($175)

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

REI Co-op Radiant 20 Sleeping Bag ($199)

Temperature Rating: 19°F
Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz (Medium)
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Insulation: 600 Fill Down
Available In: 9 Genderless sizes

Pros: Sizing range is excellent, surprising performance for price, warm for weight
Cons: Not the highest quality down, fabric is pretty thin

The REI Co-op Radiant 20 is an excellent sleeping bag that leans toward backpacking, but is more than capable enough to tackle your weekend car camping adventures. With a huge sizing range (size up if you want more space and comfort for your casual camping) and a really approachable price for the specs, we highly recommend the Radiant 20 to anyone who primarily car camps and occasionally backpacks.

We tested the Long version of the Radiant and found it to be super comfortable and spacious at the shoulders and feet. Features include a draft tube and collar, a functional cinch hood, high quality zipper, and extra space in the knees and leg area. While this bag is designed as a sort of budget backpacking option, we found it fit a perfect space between camping and backpacking, and it’s our runner-up due to its versatility and capability at a great price.

Best Budget Camping Sleeping Bag

Sea to Summit Hameline 30 ($169)

Temperature Rating: 30°F
Weight: 2 lbs 7.6 oz
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi-Rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Available In: Men’s & Women’s

Pros: Spacious and warm, included stuff sack is compressible, zippers on both sides
Cons: Not very compact, not as spacious as true camping bag

In many ways, the Sea to Summit Hameline 30 fills a similar niche as the REI Radiant above: It’s a great option for both car camping and backpacking. Probably the best part about this bag is that it’s only $169, and the performance far exceeds that price tag in our testing. The sleeping bag features synthetic fill and a reasonable weight (just under two and a half pounds), but it’s plenty spacious due to its semi-rectangular shape. While it isn’t the most compact in storage, we loved that Sea to Summit included a cinchable stuff sack, a perk that even some premium backpacking bags skip.

Overall, the Hameline 30 was extremely comfortable and warm for the price. If you’re scared off by the upkeep and lack of wet-weather performance in a down bag, the Hameline is a great option with synthetic fill. It’ll keep you warm and comfortable when camping, and you can easily bring it on a backpacking trip if you’re getting into the sport. Plus, as the least expensive bag on this list, you will be stoked on the savings.

Check Men's Price on REI Check Women's Price on REI

Best Double Sleeping Bag

NEMO Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag ($350)

Temperature Rating: 30°F
Weight: 8 lbs 14.7 oz
Sleeping Bag Shape: Rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Available In: 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 the NEMO 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 ($249)

Temperature Rating: 20°F
Weight: 9 lbs 6 oz
Sleeping Bag Shape: Rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Available In: 4 Sizes

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 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.

Other Top Sleeping Bags

Another Great Budget Pick

Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag ($170)

Temperature Rating: 30°F
Weight: 2.9 lbs
Sleeping Bag Shape: Rectangular
Insulation: Down
Available In: 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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Our Former Runner-Up

Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag ($200)

Temperature Rating: 20°F
Weight: 4 lbs 12 oz
Sleeping Bag Shape: Semi-rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Available In: 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.

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Fully Recyclable Camping Sleeping Bag

NEMO Forte 35 Endless Promise ($170)

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

Pros: Made from 100% recycled materials, with 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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Budget Down Sleeping Bag

Kelty Cosmic 20 ($150)

Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 2 lbs 7 oz
Insulation: Down
Sleeping Bag Shape: Mummy
Available In: 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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Some comfortable and cozy camping sleeping bag options. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Camping Sleeping Bags Comparison Table

Packed in like sardines? That’s okay with a comfy camping sleeping bag. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia

How We Tested Sleeping Bags For Camping

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.

Camping 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.

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.

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 fill are 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, insulating 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

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

Check Price on REI

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-repellent (DWR) coating. The DWR coating is essential as it will help keep your sleeping bag dry, and should it get damp.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 them 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 guides here. For the most recent gear coverage, click here. 

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