Do you know the sleeping bag is among the top four heaviest items in a backpack? The others are the tent, backpack, and sleeping pad.1 Choosing the right sleeping bag for your trip is key. Modern bags are light and keep you warm with the latest tech. Most use down because it's warm, light, and squishes small.1
Here, we'll talk about the best sleeping bags for backpacking in 2024. This includes top picks for every need: general use, on a budget, comfort seekers, super light for miles, and for cold nights. Plus, we'll give you tips on picking the right bag and a list of the best light sleeping bags and quilts. Ready for your next adventure?
Key Takeaways
- Sleeping bags with more insulation trap heat better, making them warmer.1
- Down insulation in sleeping bags has a better warmth-to-weight ratio and packs down smaller than synthetic insulation.1
- European Norm (EN) and ISO standardized temperature rating systems are used to ensure consistent ratings across the industry.1
- Mummy sleeping bags are better in cold conditions due to their close body fit, reducing dead space.1
- Many hikers prefer sleeping bags with a lower limit in the 20s for versatile use in most seasons.1
Understanding Sleeping Bag Insulation
Insulation is key for staying warm and comfy when backpacking or camping. There are two main types of insulation: down and synthetic.2
Down vs Synthetic Insulation
Down is the soft plumage under the feathers of birds like ducks and geese. It beats synthetic in warmth for its weight and how well it compresses.2 But, synthetic insulation is better when it's wet since it keeps you warm even if it gets damp.2
Fill Power and Fill Weight
With down, fill power shows how much warmth you get for the weight. Higher fill power means more warmth without being heavier.2 Fill weight talks about the quantity of down, not its quality. More fill weight makes for a warmer bag, but it also gets heavier and bulkier.2
Picking the right sleeping bag means balancing warmth, weight, and how it packs down. Down is great for keeping you toasty, but synthetic might be best if you're worried about staying dry.23
Temperature Ratings Explained
Your body creates heat, not the sleeping bag. The bag's job is to keep the heat close by.4 There's a set way to measure how well bags hold in heat. This system is called the European Norm (EN) and ISO standards.4 When looking at a bag, the main number you see is the EN Lower Limit. It's usually 10-15 degrees colder than the EN Comfort Rating.4 The Comfort Rating shows a more real-world view of the bag's warmth.4 Picking the right bag means thinking about lots of things. The sleeping pad, clothes, and even what you eat matter.
| Sleeping Bag Type | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Summer/low-elevation | 32°F and above5 |
| 3-season | 20 to 32°F5 |
| Cold-weather/winter | 20°F and below5 |
The5 ISO Comfort and Lower Limit numbers are close.5 Brands like Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering are known for extra warmth. It gets tricky with bags that don't have EN or ISO ratings.5 Bigger bags might feel chillier than expected. This is because they have more space.5 Quilts save weight but might not be as warm.5 A bag's warmth changes over time. Old bags might not keep you as cozy. Lots of things impact what feels warm to you. Age, gender, and how well your body circulates blood all play a part.
6 Most sleeping bags are rated from 0ºF to 55ºF. This covers people who aren't climbing big mountains.6 Women's bags are often warmer than men's. This is because they need more insulation. They can end up heavier too.6 Different companies have their own ways of rating. For example, Big Agnes does it their way. Marmot keeps it simple with just one rating.6 The ratings you see don’t look at everything. They don't think about the kind of tent or pad you're using. Clothing layers and your body's own heat are important too.6 So, these ratings are a starting point. They guess what you need, assuming you're warm under your clothes and on a certain pad.
Best Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 is top when looking at backpacking sleeping bags. It's known for its warmth and lightness. With 950-fill goose down, it keeps you cozy down to 20°F. Plus, it weighs just 1 lb. 11 oz.7
A good choice without breaking the bank is the Kelty Cosmic Down 20. It's rated for 31°F comfort with a 21°F limit, making it versatile. Features like a zippered pocket inside and a draft tube add to its value. It weighs 2 lb. 7 oz. and has 16.4 oz. of 550-fill down.7
The Nemo Disco 15 has a unique “spoon” shape, giving more room to move around. It also has special vents and draft collars for comfort. It keeps you warm down to 25°F (Comfort) or 14°F (Limit), filled with 23 oz. of 650-fill down, weighing 2 lb. 11 oz.7
Ultralight Options for Warm Weather
For summer trips at low heights, consider the ultralight Sea to Summit Spark 45 sleeping bag. It weighs only 12 ounces. Plus, it fits into a small size, much like a 1-liter Nalgene bottle. This bag is well-equipped despite its light weight, featuring a hood, zipper, and hydrophobic down for moisture protection.8 Although it's best for temperatures no lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit, this choice is ideal for keeping your load light on hot days.
Winter and Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F is a top pick for cold weather and winter camping. It's packed with 30.5 ounces of 800-fill down. This makes it warm and cozy for temperatures from 0 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit.7 However, it's not the best at keeping you dry in the rain. It really shines in super cold but dry conditions.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F
The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F is top quality for extreme cold adventures.7 It uses 800-fill down for insulation and keeps you warm in temps as low as 12°F.7 Even though it's not the best choice for rain, it's perfect for winter camping and climbing mountains. It ensures you stay warm and dry in the snow and ice.
Quilts vs Mummy Bags
When choosing gear for backpacking and camping, some prefer quilts while others like mummy sleeping bags. It depends on the weather and what you value most, like staying warm but not carrying a lot of weight.9 Mummy bags keep you warmer in cold weather because they fit snugly and keep air pockets small. This helps keep you toasty.9 On the other hand, quilts are lighter and warmer for their weight because they don't have the bottom part.10 This bottom part gets compressed when you lay on it, so it doesn't add much warmth.
Benefits of Quilts
Quilts are great when it's not too cold at night. This is because they offer more freedom of movement and are lighter.9 They weigh less than sleeping bags by 20% to 30%,10 and the way they attach to your sleeping pad means you can still stay warm.10 Also, they don't gather as much moisture from your breath. This makes them a favorite among hikers like Samantha Olthof, who did 1,000 miles on the PCT in 2017.11
Advantages of Mummy Bags
When it's really cold out, mummy sleeping bags do a better job keeping you warm.9 They are warmer since they fully wrap around you, keeping drafts out.9 For people who would rather have a bag than a quilt, some sleeping bags come highly recommended for specific needs.10 Also, if you move a lot while sleeping or sleep on your side, mummy bags prevent you from turning over onto your face in your sleep. This can be a concern with quilts.10
Choosing between a quilt and a mummy bag relies on your personal needs and the weather you expect.10 Companies like Katabatic Gear, Hammock Gear, and ZPacks make top-notch quilts. Meanwhile, Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering are famous for their mummy bags.10
Choosing the Right Size and Shape
Choosing a great backpacking sleeping bag means considering size and shape. You can start by checking with the maker to see which length suits you best. If you're not sure, it's smart to pick the longer one. It offers more coverage and use.12
When it comes to quilts, opt for a size larger than usual. This extra space lets you cover your head when it's very cold. It ensures you stay cozy all night long.12
Mummy-style sleeping bags often come in one width. Be sure to pick one that matches your body shape. A snug fit may mean needing to look at other styles.12
Quilts, though, let you choose your width. If you're a side sleeper or move a lot at night, a wider quilt is the way to go. These offer more comfort.12
Ethical Down Sourcing
Choosing the right down sourcing matters for your backpacking gear. Ethical practices are key. Some low-cost sleeping bags might not have real down or only have a little. This might be mixed with feathers or filler.13 For the most warmth for the weight, aim for packs with pure, 100% duck or goose down.13
Look for signs that the down is sourced ethically. This includes whether the company follows the Responsible Down Standard. This measure ensures animal welfare, prohibiting harmful practices like force-feeding and live plucking.13 By picking ethical and responsible down sourcing, you're both supporting good practices and getting quality gear.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Ducks and Geese Killed Globally for Meat Trade (2017) | 3.7 billion13 |
| Annual Demand for Geese and Duck Meat in China | 6 million tons13 |
| Projected Global Duck and Geese Market by 2025 | 9 million tons13 |
| Duck and Geese Production in China | 80%13 |
| Eiderdown Comforter Pricing Range | $5,000 – $16,00013 |
| H5N1 (Bird Flu) Infection and Mortality Rate | 800 infected, 50% death rate13 |
Best Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
When you pick the best backpacking sleeping bag, find one that's warm but not too heavy. It's great to have a few for different times of the year, but they can cost a lot. Most people go for bags that keep you comfortable in the 20s. This will suit you for spring through to fall, no matter the altitude.7 If you're taking on the trail in summer's heat, a bag rated around 30-degrees can work. This choice is lighter and takes up less space.7
Take the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 as an example. It has 16.8 oz. of 950-fill down and only weighs 1 lb. 11 oz. That’s top-notch for chilly nights with a 20°F rating.7 The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is friendlier on the wallet at $160, hitting 31°F ISO Comfort and weighing 2 lb. 7 oz. If you prefer room to wiggle, check out the Nemo Disco 15. It uses 23 oz. of 650-fill down, lightens the load with a 25°F ISO Comfort, and weighs 2 lb. 11 oz.
Choosing the perfect sleeping bag is up to you and your adventure, what feels right, and your spending limit. Think about how cold it might get where you're going, the quality of the down, and the bag's weight. By doing this, you'll ensure a cozy, light, and snug night's sleep under the stars. Enjoy your time outdoors with the right gear.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sleeping bag is key for any backpacker. It's a heavy but crucial item. The best backpacking sleeping bags find a good mix of warmth, weight, and features. They make you comfy in lots of weather during spring, summer, and fall.14 Do you like down or synthetic insulation? Do you want a mummy shape or a quilt design? Both types have top-notch choices.15 Look at things like temperature ratings, fill power, and weight. Checking how the materials are sourced is also important. This helps you pick the perfect sleeping bag. It will be light on your pack and comfy on your outdoor adventure.16
If you want warmth without the weight, go for the Western Mountaineering MegaLite14 or the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 3014. They are great picks. Need something more wallet-friendly? The REI Co-op Trailmade 2014 gives you quality at a good price. For colder trips, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F14 keeps you toasty.
For any need, there’s a top-notch backpacking sleeping bag waiting. It will keep you warm and snug on your next adventure. Do your homework, and it will pay off. Having the right sleeping bag makes the wilderness even more enjoyable.
FAQ
What are the key differences between down and synthetic insulation in sleeping bags?
Down insulation is top for warmth, lightness, and how small it stuffs down. But if it gets wet, its warmth drops. On the other hand, synthetic insulation stays warm when wet and is easier on the wallet.
What do the terms “fill power” and “fill weight” mean when it comes to sleeping bag insulation?
Fill power shows how good the down is. High fill power down is light and fluffy. Fill weight is just how much down is in the bag. More fill weight means it's usually warmer.
How are temperature ratings for sleeping bags determined, and what do they mean?
EN and ISO set the standards for temperature ratings. The EN Lower Limit is typically 10-15 degrees chillier than the Comfort Rating. This shows how well the bag does in real conditions.
What are the top backpacking sleeping bag options for 2024?
The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 stands out with its high-quality down and build, and great weight-to-warmth balance. For those on a budget, the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is comfy at 31 degrees Fahrenheit. The Nemo Disco 15 is spacious and has a unique shape for side sleeping.
What are some good ultralight sleeping bag options for warm weather?
The Sea to Summit Spark 45 is super light and small. It's only good for 45-degree nights but is perfect to keep your pack light in warm weather.
What are some top winter and cold weather sleeping bag options?
The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F is ideal for winter and high places. It has a lot of warm down and can handle as cold as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the main differences between mummy-style sleeping bags and quilts?
Mummy bags hug your body closely, keeping you warm in the cold. Quilts are lighter by design and wrap around you, offering more flexibility. They let you move and don't have the extra, squished-down material beneath you.
How do I choose the right size and shape of sleeping bag for my needs?
Look at what the maker recommends for your height. For quilts, consider a size bigger for extra warmth on your head. For mummy bags, you can't adjust the width, so pick another if it's too tight.
What should I look for to ensure the down in my sleeping bag is ethically sourced?
Check if the company follows the Responsible Down Standard or uses traceable down. These mean the down is sourced without harming the birds.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best sleeping bag for backpacking?
Find a balance between how warm the bag is and how heavy it is. A good 3-season choice is one with a low 20s or even high teens limit. Also, think about fill power, weight, and if the down is ethically sourced. This helps find the best bag for you.
Source Links
- https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/best-sleeping-bags/
- https://haileyoutside.com/how-to-choose-the-best-sleeping-bag-for-you/
- https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/down-vs-synthetic-sleeping-bag/
- https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/understanding-sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings.html
- https://www.switchbacktravel.com/sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings
- https://terradrift.com/what-do-sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings-mean-how-to-pick-a-sleeping-bag/
- https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-backpacking-sleeping-bags
- https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-ultralight-sleeping-bags-quilts
- https://www.switchbacktravel.com/sleeping-bags-vs-quilts
- https://www.thehikinglife.com/2017/11/why-choose-a-quilt-over-a-sleeping-bag/
- https://thetrek.co/gear-wars-quilts-vs-sleeping-bag/
- https://www.switchbacktravel.com/how-to-choose-backpacking-sleeping-bag
- https://bearfoottheory.com/responsible-down-standard-outdoor-gear/
- https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-backpacking-sleeping-bag
- https://www.trailgroove.com/blogs/entry/189-how-to-choose-the-best-backpacking-sleeping-bag/
- https://puffy.com/blogs/best-sleep/best-backpacking-sleeping-bag
