Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Ideally, a backpacker will have a few sleeping bags in their arsenal to provide comfort over a wide range of temperatures. For most, this is not practical. As such, a backpacker should select a bag that will be adequate most of the time to ensure a sound sleep. Sleeping bags are either made from down or synthetic materials. I highly recommend a down bag for the reasons below.

1. Down

• Most common amongst backpackers
• Higher warmth to weight ratio
• More compressible
• Useless when wet (can be avoided with proper precautions)
• Fraction of hikers are allergic
• Example: Western Mountaineering UltraLite

2. Synthetic

• Higher warmth when wet
• Can be used by hikers with down allergies
• Lower warmth to weight ratio
• Less compressible
• Example: North Face Cat’s Meow

Sleeping bags come in 2 main shape choices, rectangular and mummy.

1. Mummy

• Most common amongst backpackers
• Less material = less weight (compared to same size rectangular bag)
• Less airspace to heat up (for a warmer sleep)
• Can be constricting
• Example: Western Mountaineering UltraLite

2. Rectangular

• More space is helpful for restless sleepers
• More airspace to heat up
• Can be heavier
• Example: Big Agnes Summit Park

Lastly, sleeping bags come in many different temperature ratings and have many different features. Continue reading to learn more.

Selecting the Right Sleeping Bag

When selecting a bag, a hiker should consider:

• Weight/volume constraints
• Temperatures to be encountered
• Body size
• Comfort needs

I typically start my bag selection process by defining my constraints. I am always looking for a smaller and lighter bag for a given temperature rating. As such, these constraints always drive my choice for a down bag. I also tend to prefer bags with an 800+ fill power. They have a higher warmth to weight ratio, but the catch is they are more expensive. Next, a backpacker should define the temperature extremes they expect to use the bag in. I typically think of the extremes as the range of temperatures that will be encountered 90% of the time. I can sacrifice one or two cold nights for a lighter bag. Also, I can tradeoff temperature rating when using a warmer sleeping pad. Pay extra careful attention to the temperature rating. Some bags are defined by the EN ratings. This rating system provides a more real-world feel for the bag. Other bags simply set a lower limit. Often times, these “lower” limits are expressed on the high-side meaning you will be cold when sleeping in those temperatures. For more information regarding temperature ratings click here . When selecting a bag based on temperature ratings also take in account whether you are a warm or cold sleeper. Depending on this answer you may want to go up or down one level. I, for instance, am a cold sleeper so I tend to be conservative when selecting a bag. The choice may also be different for men and women as women tend to sleep colder. Next up, determine your body size. You should select a bag that is long enough for your height, but not too long to add unnecessary airspace to heat up. The same goes for the width of the bag. The goal here is to select a bag that you will comfortably fit in without having too much dead space. This is the main reason why mummy bags are a more efficient choice. Lastly, there exist many finer details that a backpacker should consider when selecting a sleeping bag. Below are few of the more common choices and their benefits.

• Full-size hood keeps in heat around your head (responsible for a large amount of heat loss)
• Neck collar also keeps in heat
• Full-length zipper provides the option of ventilating your feet area when temperatures are warmer and can also allow the bag to be used like a quilt in warmer temperatures

Test Driving Sleeping Bags

There is not much you can do in a store for these. You just need to get out there and try it! I typically will test drive a new bag the same way as I would for sleeping pads mentioned above.