One of the perfect ways to get rid of your stress after being under some pressure for some time is to go for an adventure in the wilderness. When preparing to go into the wilderness to enjoy yourself and relax, you will most likely need the best backpacking sleeping bag.
If you have ever had any interest in backpacking sleeping bags, then consider yourself very lucky. We are going to exhaustively discuss some of the best backpacking sleeping bags currently available on the market.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Weight | Material | Shape | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Agnes Pitchpine UL 45 | 1 pound | Nylon | Mummy | Check price on Amazon |
| Western Mountaineering SummerLite | 2.9 pounds | Nylon | Draft tube | Check price on Amazon |
| Nemo Tango Solo Down Comforter | 2.31 pounds | 20D Nylon Ripstop | Rectangular | Check price on Amazon |
| Western Mountaineering AlpinLite | 3.7 pounds | Ripstop Nylon | Mummy | Check price on Amazon |
| NEMO Nocturne 30 Down | 3.1 pounds | 15D Nylon Ripstop | Semi-Rectangular | Check price on Amazon |
| Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed | 4.2 pounds | 20D Nylon Ripstop | Catenary | Check price on Amazon |
| Marmot Sawtooth | 4.2 pounds | 650 fill powder | Insulated draft tube | Check price on Amazon |
Things to Consider Before Buying
Different manufacturers try to manufacture better backpacking sleeping bags so as to outdo their rivals in the business. This competition will, therefore, mean that every backpacking sleeping bag manufactured by a particular company may have a feature that makes it outstand from other backpacking sleeping bags from other manufacturers.
Having said that, the first thing that you need to have at the back of your mind while shopping for your backpacking sleeping bag apart from the price is your personal needs. After you have known your personal needs, then it will now be very easy for you to buy a backpacking sleeping bag that suits these needs that you considered.
When shopping for the best sleeping bag for backpacking, please make sure that you consider the following features.
Sleeping bag temperature rating
When trying to pick out a new backpacking sleeping bag then you should start with the sleeping bag temperature rating. You need to think about where and when you plan to use the backpacking sleeping bag mostly. There are three major categories under which backpacking sleeping bags can be classified according to temperature ratings.
They include 3 seasons (+35 degrees and higher), summer (+10 degrees to +30 degrees) and winter (+10degrees and lower).Most people normally prefer the 3 season temperature rating, but the temperature rating that you will choose to go for will be a personal decision.
The shape of the sleeping bag
While most backpacking sleeping bags are mummy shaped, it is not very strange to find other backpacking sleeping bags with other shapes. The shape of the sleeping bag is important because sleeping bags keep us warm by trapping air and holding the air in a layer next to your body and then your body heats up this layer to keep you warm.
The less the layer of air in the sleeping bag then the faster you warm up and stay warm. So picking a sleeping bag basing on your body size and shape is important for warmth and efficiency. Furthermore, more roomy bags are always heavy. This is why we recommend choosing a mummy shaped bag because of versatility and the capability to work for car camping and backpacking as well.
The type of insulation
Synthetic bags are mostly made using polyester; this means that they are quick-drying, non-allergenic, can insulate even when wet and are cheaper. Their disadvantages are that they do not compress as small as down sleeping bags and also tend to be heavier.
For down backpacking sleeping bags, they are normally much lighter and compress down smaller when packed which is very important in this case because the bag is used for backpacking. Down backpacking sleeping bags are also more durable than synthetic sleeping bags.
Depending on your own personal interests and having considered the pros and cons of both the synthetic and down insulation, you have the freedom to choose the one that melts your heart completely.
Pockets
Some backpacking sleeping bags normally come with pillow pockets that you can use to stash your clothes so as to create a pillow. Other backpacking sleeping bags also come with pockets to keep your watch, glasses and even a cell phone.
Image credit: exped.com
It is worth noting that some other bags also come with sleeping pad pockets so that you don’t roll off the pad as you sleep in the middles of the night. These pockets are a personal preference, and you should know that these pockets will add to the total weight of the backpacking sleeping bag.
Sleeping bag accessories
These are some small additions that are made to your backpacking sleeping bag that can allow you to increase your comfort and hence improve your night’s sleep. Accessories like sleeping bag liners are normally inserted into your sleeping bag so as to provide an extra layer of warmth while at the same time improving hygiene and extend the life of the backpacking sleeping bag.
Other sleeping bags come with the travel pillow which is normally smaller and lighter that the normal pillows hence qualifying them to be ideal for any trip where there is limited space. We are very sure that after going through all these features that you need to consider before buying a backpacking sleeping bag, you will be capable of making an informed decision when it comes to buying the best backpacking sleeping bags.
You will certainly never go wrong after considering these guidelines; however, there are those of you who might ask for the best backpacking sleeping bags that we may recommend. You are free to go through our review section below and find some of the best down sleeping bags that we have reviewed.
Best Products on Today’s Market
If you consider yourself a real adventurer, then we are here to make your life even better. In this comprehensive round-up, we are very sure that you will get to know some of the best backpacking sleeping bags that you will surely like.
Big Agnes Pitchpine UL 45 Sleeping Bag
Weight: 1 pound
Specific features: Quilted Construction, 48-inch YKK zipper, pertex rip-stop nylon, mummy shape, built in pillow pocket, DownTek water repellent down insulation
Best use: Hiking, camping, thru hiking, outdoor sleeping and bush crafting
Description: The Big Agnes Pitchpine UL 45 Sleeping Bag is a mummy shaped backpacking sleeping bag, which combines lightweight versatility with very many packable creature activities. Using the half sleeve design, this Divide Superlight Series is arguably Big Agnes’ most technical design.
If you are those people who are normally concerned about weight and packing size, then you will most definitely fall in love with this backpacking sleeping bag. It has a built-in pocket that will come in handy in holding a fleece of the Big Agnes pillow that will enhance how comfortable when you will be in the wilderness.
What’s more, with the DownTek water repellent insulation, you can be sure that this backpacking sleeping bag will always be environmentally friendly, warm and dry. Did we mention that this backpacking sleeping bag comes with a recycled mesh storage bag as well as a nylon staff sack?
This backpacking sleeping bag is available at an affordable price, and if you consider yourself a serious adventurer, then we recommend that you should go for this particular backpacking sleeping bag.
PROS:
- Roomy
- Comfortable
- Has pillow sockets
- Poor warmth to weight ratio
Related: Just in case you need a sleeping bag that goes well in handy with your Big Agnes Pitchpine UL 45, you can also checkout for the Coleman Brazos Cool Weather Sleeping Bag for a more comfortable camp out.
Western Mountaineering SummerLite Sleeping Bag
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Specific features: 32 degree F rating, insulated draft tube, lightweight, packs easily, weighs less than 2 lbs
Best use: Hiking, camping, thru hiking, outdoor sleeping and bush crafting
Description: The Western Mountaineering Summerlite Sleeping Bag is a very lightweight backpacking sleeping bag. Weighing just 2.9 pounds, this is the lightest backpacking sleeping bag that has been made in a continuous baffle construction. This bag was made with the aim of making it as light as possible while still retaining the essential features that you would expect a backpacking sleeping bag to have.
As a result of high quality design techniques, we now have a fully baffled bag that weighs only 2.9 pounds featuring a full length zipper having an insulated draft protection. For all those lightweight packing fanatics, this is a dream come true.
This backpacking sleeping bag also packs down very easily, and these are some of the features that backpackers love very much. You will still be able to feel comfortable while using this backpacking sleeping bag due the 32 degrees Fahrenheit temperature rating.
PROS:
- Durable
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Down can shift
Related: If you also need a backpacking with full down collar and draft tube that is capped with Gore Windstopper, you can also check out the Western Mountaineering Apache Sleeping Bag.
Nemo Tango Solo Down Comforter
Weight: 2.3 pounds
Specific features: DownTek waterproofing, 700-fill insulation, rectangular shape, 20D nylon ripstop (DWR) shell, 15D OSMO DT W/B (DWR) foot box, 30D nylon ripstop lining
Best use: Camping, hiking, thru-hiking, outdoor sleeping and bush crafting
Description: Nemo Equipment Inc is a company that has built a highly reputable name for itself when it comes to the manufacturing of outdoor equipment. Nemo Equipment Inc has risen to the task again but this time by manufacturing this bag.
The NemoTango Solo Down Comforter is more of a bed than a sleeping bag. This backpacking sleeping bag will let you wiggle around as you sleep so that you don’t get that feeling as if you are in a tomb for eternity the same way one will normally fee while using a mummy shaped bag.
This sleeping bag can attach to any 20 – 25 inch sleeping pads making sure that you don’t wiggle your way into the cold ground throughout the night. This bag has a 30-degree F temperature rating because of the 700-fill hydrophobic down that will maintain insulating properties even in the event that the bag gets wet.
As if that wasn’t enough, Nemo Equipment made a decision to treat the 20-denier nylon fabric with a DWR finish for even more protection from the elements. To eliminate the issue of having sweaty feet while using the bag, the bag has been fitted with a waterproof, breathable foot box that will ensure that you remain trench foot free on all your camping trips.
PROS:
- Great for large backpackers
- Quite roomy
- Comfortable
- Heavy
- Poor warmth to weight ratio
- Low fill power
Related: Perhaps you may also desire to have some other good backpacking for your camping exercises, you can also check for Nemo Symphony Synthetic Sleeping Bag, which is a good synthetic bag that will serve you well even in damp conditions.
Western Mountaineering AlpinLite Sleeping Bag
Weight: 3.7 pounds
Specific features: ExtremeLite ripstop nylon, insulated draft tube, Dacron stiffening tape, full length #5 YKK Coil Zipper
Best use: Hiking, camping, thru hiking, outdoor sleeping, bush crafting, hill climbing
Description: The Western Mountaineering AlpinLite Sleeping Bag is yet another masterpiece from Western Mountaineering Company that is a famous name when it comes to manufacturing outdoor equipment. This backpacking sleeping bag is made used using ExtremeLite ripstop nylon which was sourced for its high thread count weighing just 0.9 oz per square.
What’s more, with the full-length #5 YKK Coil Zipper you will be able to enjoy easy ventilation when using this bag. This backpacking sleeping bag is warmer and comfortable due to the insulated draft tube that will ensure that no heat escapes through the zipper.
Are you tired of a zipping system that snags? Forget about snagging zippers because of the Dacron stiffening tape that will make sure that the zipping is always smooth without any snags. Do not allow yourself to settle for discomfort because, with this backpacking sleeping bag, there will always be five extra inches to allow a blissful repose with less penalty on the overall weight of the bag.
PROS:
- Excellent loft
- Lightweight
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Quite expensive
- Very warm for mid summer
Related: Enjoy a comfortable campout in your backpacking with the Therm a Rest NeoAir XTherm Mattress. It’s considered a best buy for it is quite light yet still very warm.
NEMO Nocturne 30 Down Sleeping Bag
Weight: 3 pounds
Specific features: 700 fill power down with DownTek, unique baffling curves, waterproof/breathable footbox, 15D nylon ripstop with DWR shell fabric, 15D OSMO DTW/B + DWR footboy fabric, 30D nylon taffeta liner fabric, zipper on left
Best use: Hiking, camping, thru hiking, outdoor sleeping, bush crafting
Description: Contrary to other conventional mummy shaped backpacking sleeping bags, the NEMO Nocturne 30 Down Sleeping Bag is spoon shaped and gives extra space where it matters the most. The bag is wide in the shoulders, it then tapers down to the hips before gently flaring back to allow enough room for your knees to bend naturally and shift throughout the night in the wilderness.
The innovative profile of the bag avails true sleeping comfort while maintaining a low weight and thermal efficiency. Your level of comfort is elevated while using this backpacking sleeping due to features like the waterproof/breathable foot box and the tuckable blanket fold.
Are you worried about losing heat via your head? Worry no more as this bag has a nice big hood that will make sure your head is covered. This backpacking sleeping bag is generally comfortably, roomy, durable and its shaping also allows for so much movement. The only controversial issue about this sleeping bag is the warmth rating.
PROS:
- Excellent loft
- Warm in both dry and wet conditions
- Comfortable
- Costly
Related: You can also purchase the Sea To Summit Aeros Pillow Premium to use along with the backpacking which also come with the various good features such as Brushed 50D polyester knit is very soft and durable.
Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed
Weight: 4.2 pounds
Specific features: 800 Fill DriDown, versatile integrated comforter wraps, insulated hand/arm pockets, sleeping pad sleeve, catenary shaped opening
Best use: Hiking, camping, thru-hiking, outdoor sleeping, bush crafting, hill climbing
Description: The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed were designed as a way of rectifying the monumental deficiencies that existed in the traditional backpacking sleeping bags. Old fashioned mummy bags focused so much on thermal efficiency, but it was hard to distinguish whether the resulting product was a bed or a garment.
As a result, these products performed poorly in both applications, and so Sierra Designs introduced the most versatile and intuitive sleeping bag design available on the market.
Extraneous hardware like zippers and Velcro have been avoided in this sleeping bag making this oversized comforter to be freely tucked into or pulled out of the bag opening so as to adapt to any sleeping position you like. It is also very easy to adjust to variable temperatures through the night using this bag.
This bag offers the ultimate flexibility and comfort. Using the DriDown technology which represents the evolution of down insulation and is treated with a molecular polymer that creates a hydrophobic finish on each individual down plume, this sleeping bag stays dry longer; lofts better and dries faster than those other bags that use untreated down.
PROS:
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Somehow heavy and bulky when packed
- Drafty
Related: As you have the adventure with the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed, you should not limit yourself from having the best comfort and satisfactory experience in your campout exercise. Try having the Sierra Designs DriDown Pillow to add to your comfort as you use this product.
Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag
Weight: 4.2 pounds
Specific features: Certified 650 Fill Power Down with Down Defender, insulated draft tube, ground level side seams, full length locking YKK two way zipper with Anti-Snag Slider, 650+ fill power
Best use: Hiking, camping, outdoor sleeping, hill walking or climbing
Description: Marmot is a well-known outdoor clothing company that also manufacturers outdoor camping gear. Marmot has manufactured the Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag that will be loved by many adventurers. This backpacking sleeping bag is very light and highly compressible at the same time. This bag can simply be described as the ultimate all round bag.
This sleeping bag blends just the right down warmth with just the perfect weight. This bag also boasts of a healthy measure of durability and has just the perfect bells and whistles for an industry-leading sleeping bag.
With the 650 Fill Power Down with Down Defender, the water resistance of this bag in wet conditions is just perfect. The availability of the full length locking YKK 2 way zipper with anti snag slider reduces fabric snagging making the zipping process just a walk in the park.
The anatomically designed foot box with wrap around construction helps in increasing the warmth making this sleeping bag to be very comfortable to use. What’s more, this amazing sleeping bag comes at a reasonable great price.
PROS:
- Warm
- Durable
- Heavy
Related: Another sleeping bag that I can recommend to you is the ultralight composite bag, with 850-fill power water resistant down fuses. If the Marmot Sawtooth doesn’t work well for you,the you can also try the Marmot Ion 20F 850-Fill Down Bag.
Have fun as you go on an adventure!
Backpacking sleeping bags are very crucial when carrying out outdoor activities. This is regardless of whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just a newbie. If you want to balance between enjoying yourself, staying safe and staying healthy in the wilderness, then it is inevitable to ignore having a backpacking sleeping bag.
Having said that, you also don’t want to go for something that will not please you and worse still let you down. That is why you need to actually sit down and make an informed decision before deciding to spend your cash on a particular backpacking sleeping bag.
If you will be adventuring in the wilderness most of the times, then you need a durable backpacking sleeping bag that might be expensive but worth the price. If on the other hand, you are planning to be going outdoors less often than an affordable model that is cheaper should just work for you.
Do you think there is a sleeping bag that deserved to be on our list? Do you have a particular backpacking sleeping bag that you prefer to others? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
