Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags 2026
Three-Season Backpacking Sleeping Bags, Including Best Ultralight, Cold and Warm Weather, Synthetic, Wide And Tall, and Budget Options
June 4th, 2026, updated with three new winners, new bags tested, and a new section on how we tested including new testing notes
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A backpacking sleeping bag is one of the three pieces of gear that determines whether you sleep well or lie awake shivering, and unlike a tent or a pad, the bag is what's in direct contact with your body all night. The difference between a good bag and the right bag comes down to how conservative the temperature rating actually is, how well the insulation performs when compressed or damp, and how the cut fits your body while you're inside it rather than on a store shelf.
We've tested backpacking sleeping bags over thousands of miles and hundreds of nights across the Sierra Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and desert trails, with testers of different shapes, sizes, sleep styles, and cold tolerances putting the same bags through the same conditions side by side. Testing included nights down to 10 degrees to verify warmth claims that don't always hold up under real conditions.
What separates a genuinely good backpacking sleeping bag from one that leaves you cold or uncomfortable comes down to whether the temperature rating is accurate or optimistic, how the fill power and fill weight work together to deliver warmth at low weight, how well the cut balances roominess with thermal efficiency, and how the bag performs after repeated compression and washing over seasons of use.
Top Pick: The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 (men's) and Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 (women's) earn our Best Overall award. They stood out for 950+ fill power down that lofts better than any other bag we tested, a conservative warmth rating that our testers have verified down to 10 degrees, a generous cut that feels comfortable without being oversized, a lifetime warranty, and handmade construction from Feathered Friends' Seattle factory that justifies the price over a bag that needs replacing every few years.
Looking for even lighter? Check out our Best Ultralight Sleeping Quilts guide.
Looking for more affordable bags? See our Best Camping Sleeping Bags guide
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Comparison tables
Men’s Sleeping Bags
| SLEEPING BAG | TREELINE AWARD | TEMP RATING | EN/ ISO COMFORT | EN/ ISO LOWER | TOTAL WEIGHT | FILL WEIGHT | FILL POWER | WATER-RESIST DOWN | SHOULDER GIRTH | LENGTHS | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 | Best Overall Read why |
20°F | N/A | N/A | 26.6 oz | 16.8 oz | 950+ | No | 60.0" | 72, 78" | $659-679 |
| REI Co-op Magma 15 | Best Budget Read why |
15°F | 21°F | 9°F | 35.6 oz | 23.3 oz | 850 | Yes | 61.5-70" | 65, 71, 77" | $419 |
| Western Mountaineering SummerLite | Best Ultralight Read why |
32°F | 41°F | 32°F | 19.0 oz | 9.0 oz | 850+ | No | 59.0" | 66, 72, 78" | $520-555 |
| Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL | Best for Cold Sleepers Read why |
10°F | N/A | N/A | 31.3 oz | 20.0 oz | 950+ | No | 60.0" | 72, 78" | $709-729 |
| Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Liner | Best Summer Sleeping Bag Read why |
Adds up to 10°F | N/A | N/A | 12.8 oz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 62.0" | 78, 85" | $80-85 |
Women’s Sleeping Bags
| SLEEPING BAG | TREELINE AWARD | TEMP RATING | EN/ ISO COMFORT | EN/ ISO LOWER | TOTAL WEIGHT | FILL WEIGHT | FILL POWER | WATER-RESIST DOWN | SHOULDER GIRTH | LENGTHS | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 | Best Overall Read why |
20°F | N/A | N/A | 27.2 oz | 17.3 oz | 950+ | No | 57" | 63, 39" | $629-649 |
| REI Co-op Magma 15 | Best Budget Read why |
15°F | 21°F | 9°F | 35.6 oz | 23.3 oz | 850 | Yes | 61.5-70" | 65, 71, 77" | $419 |
| Western Mountaineering SummerLite | Best Ultralight Read why |
32°F | 41°F | 32°F | 19.0 oz | 9.0 oz | 850+ | No | 59.0" | 66, 72, 78" | $520-555 |
| Feathered Friends Petrel 10 UL | Best for Cold Sleepers Read why |
10°F | N/A | N/A | 32.3 oz | 21.3 oz | 950+ | No | 57" | 63, 39" | $669-689 |
| Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Liner | Best Summer Sleeping Bag Read why |
Adds up to 10°F | N/A | N/A | 12.8 oz | N/A | N/A | N/A | 62.0" | 78, 85" | $80-85 |
The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Best OVERALL MEN’S Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20
Temperature Rating: 20°F (not EN rated)
Total weight (oz): 26.6
Fill Weight (oz): 16.8
Fill Power: 950+
Hydrophobic Down? No
Fabric: Pertex Quantum Pro 7D
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 60” / 56”
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
What we liked: Conservative warmth rating, incredible loft, good sizing options, draft collar
What we didn't like: Expensive
The Feathered Friends Swallow is our winner for best sleeping bag for men for three years running. Feathered Friends is a well-loved sleeping bag manufacturer for good reason. Their bags are simply top-notch and backed by a lifetime warranty. Every review — both professional and customer — found these bags to be very warm (better than the rated temp).
After 5 years of carrying the Swallow mummy bag on backpacking trips in the Sierra, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Northwest, our own testing backs that up. Our testers also liked that unlike many other ultralight sleeping bags, the cut is generous enough to feel comfortable without being oversized. The Swallow is a time-tested and beloved backpacking sleeping bag, and it's our pick for the best overall men’s backpacking sleeping bag.
We think this is the best lightweight sleeping bag you can get for backpacking that actually provides warmth. Not all "20-degree sleeping bags" are equal. With a more than accurate temperature rating, the Swallow is the best 20 degree sleeping bag out there, which we think is the ideal temperature rating for a 3-season backpacking sleeping bag. And while there's a lot of down sleeping bags for backpacking, this one is the best due to its high quality down.
View The Swallow UL 20
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The Swallow is now available in Muscovy Down, a duck down that has benefits over traditional goose down. It’s also more affordable. You still have the option of goose down, if you prefer. They also updated to a lighter 7D Pertex Quantum fabric.
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The men's Swallow is available in 6’0 and 6’6” lengths. We like that for these lengths, the two models give you a wider width spectrum that you'll find offered by most manufacturers. The Swallow is wider in the shoulders as compared to the women's Egret, which is wider in the hips (see below).
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The loft on the Swallow is incredible, appearing ready to burst at the seams with poofiness (referred to as "loft" in sleeping bag lingo) just a few minutes after being removed from the stuff sack.
It’s hard to believe you’ll ever get the bag back in that tiny stuff sack.
Other bags I’ve tested over thousands of miles have just not had this “full” of an appearance. The warmth to weight ratio on this bag is impressive, especially since we've had a cold night down to 10F degrees.
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The Swallow doesn’t have any fancy features like lip balm pockets or zippered vents, which we don't mind because those features add weight.
Instead, we get quality materials that are light but durable.
One feature we especially like is the snag-free zipper, which is not prone to snagging.
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At 27 ounces, the men’s 6’0” Swallow is among the lightest weight available for that temperature rating, thanks to 950+ fill power down. For backpackers who want an ultralight sleeping bag for a warm mummy hood, this is about as warm as you can get for the weight of a sleeping bag. The only way to get more warmth is to go for an ultralight quilt, which won't come with a hood or fill in the back.
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The only real downside to the Swallow is the price. That price comes with the cost of being handmade in their factory in Seattle of the finest materials. Because a high-quality down bag can last at least 10 years, we think it is an investment worth making over other bags.
If you’re concerned about sizing, Feathered Friends is noted for its customer service. They’re also among the only brands of sleeping bags we considered that are willing to work with you on custom sizing. If you’re unsure about your purchase, Feathered Friends offers a 30-day return policy.
Best Women's Backpacking Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Egret UL 20
Temperature Rating: 20°F (not EN rated)
Total weight (oz): 27.2 oz
Fill Weight (oz): 17.3 oz
Fill Power: 950+
Hydrophobic Down? No
Fabric: Pertex Quantum Pro
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 54” / 56”
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
What we liked: Comfortable, incredible loft, good sizing options, draft collar, insulated zipper baffle, wide in hips
What we didn't like: Expensive
The Feathered Friends Egret is our winner for best sleeping bag for women.
I had previously thought a women’s sleeping bag was utter nonsense (what could be that different?), but after testing the Egret UL 20, now I am a believer.
My hips and feet were always cold spots when testing other bags. The thoughtful design of the Feathered Friends Egret mummy bag addresses these common issues. Women’s cut bags expand the range of sizes accommodated, especially in the hip area where traditional cut bags can be restricting for women and wide shoulder areas can feel drafty.
We're increasingly seeing brands move away from manufacturing "women's bags" so applaud Feathered Friends for the thoughtfulness in the Egret.
No matter what the label says, you'll be better off choosing a bag with the best fit for your body. If you are anywhere between 5'6" and 5'9 in height, we recommend the Egret.
We think this is the best lightweight sleeping bag you can get for backpacking that actually provides warmth. Not all "20-degree sleeping bags" are equal. With a more than accurate temperature rating, the Egret is the best 20 degree sleeping bag out there, which we think is the ideal temperature rating for a 3-season backpacking sleeping bag. And while there's a lot of down sleeping bags for backpacking, this one is the best due to its high quality down.
View The Feathered Friends Egret
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The Egret is now available in Muscovy Down, a duck down that has benefits over traditional goose down. It’s also more affordable. You still have the option of goose down, if you prefer. They also updated to a lighter 7D Pertex Quantum fabric.
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The women's Egret is available in 5’3” and 5’9” lengths. While most brands offer a 5'6" option and a 6" option, we applaud Feathered Friends for offering more lengths to accurately reflect the height of women who want this bag.
The reason: Getting a bag in the appropriate size and length is important to maximize warmth, weight, and comfort. If your bag is too small, your feet will compress down in the feet making them feel cold.
A too long bag means you'll pay extra (in cost and in weight) to carry more sleeping bag than you need. Plus, a bag that is too big for you takes longer to warm up.
Feathered Friends is among the only bags we considered that offers the 5’9” length, allowing outdoor enthusiasts at that height access to a better warmth-to-weight ratio than found in other bags.
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At 27.2 ounces for the 5’6” Egret, the weight is quite light for a sleeping bag thanks to 950 fill down. Even though the Egret is shorter than the Swallow, it makes up for the weight difference with more down fill in areas that otherwise may be drafty like the foot box.
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The Egret is a true women's sleeping bag, not just a smaller size of a men's bag.
You can tell because it is wider at the hips than the men's Swallow.
It also recognizes areas where women's bodies are more likely to get cold such as the feet and torso. That's why you will see more down in the footbox and torso, adding extra warmth to those areas which are more commonly colder for women.
For example, after years of use of the very well-regarded Western Mountaineering Versalite (review below), a “men’s” 10F rated bag with a narrower cut and 6’0” length (I am 5’7”), I can say the wider cut in the hips, added areas of insulation, and more appropriate length (5’9”) of the Egret easily make it much warmer than that 10F bag.
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Regardless of your gender, if your height is near 5’9” we recommend considering the Egret. The materials are identical to the men’s Swallow, but the cut is slightly different.
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The loft on the Egret is incredibly full, it’s impressive how small it can pack down and poof back up. The materials are light but durable, and the zipper is not prone to snagging. The warmth to weight ratio on this bag is impressive, especially since we've had a cold night down to 10 degrees.
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Like the Swallow, the only major downside to the Egret is the price. And like the Swallow, the Egret doesn’t have fancy features like zippered vents or pockets, though we don’t see that as a concern as those features are often not necessary.
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If you are looking for a sleeping bag to last at least a decade, the cost is worth the investment. As mentioned above for the Swallow, Feathered Friends is noted for its customer service and are willing to work with you on custom sizing. If you’re unsure about your purchase, Feathered Friends offers a 30-day return policy.
Best budget Backpacking Sleeping Bag: REI Co-Op Magma 15
Temperature Rating (F), EN ISO/ISO Lower Limit: 15, 21/9
Total weight (oz): 35.6
Fill Weight (oz): 23.3
Fill Power: 850
Hydrophobic Down? Yes
Fabric: Recycled ripstop nylon
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 62.5” / 54”
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
What we liked: Quality materials and features at more affordable price
What we didn't like: Not as warm as marketed
If dropping $500+ on a sleeping bag is just not going to happen, the REI Co-op Magma 15 is a solid choice. At the time of writing, the Magma 15 was the bestselling sleeping bag at REI. The bag retails at $419, and you can save more if you time your purchase with an REI sale or coupon promotion.
The Magma boasts some impressive stats that are comparable to the Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering bags we recommended for our Ultralight and Wide & Tall Picks. It’s constructed with lightweight 15D Pertex fabric and 850 fill down. It also has a solid zipper that doesn’t snag and a nicely shaped foot box.
View the REI Co-Op Magma 15
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The Magma feels soft and almost bed-like, making for a cushy sleeping experience even when deep in the backcountry.
The updated version of the REI Magma is marketed as a 15F bag, and is now unisex. It’s now rated 21F/9F comfort/lower limit, which is lower than the previous versions. These temperature ratings are consistent with our own testing with the Magma at over 10,000 feet in the Sawtooths, Tetons, and backpacking in Yellowstone.
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The Magma is rich with features that also make it an excellent all around bag. The interior/exterior zipper has a loop pull that makes for easy hanging, and the zipper is paired with an internal anti-snag strip for easy opening and closing.
The hood area is warm and has excellent coverage, with a feather bolster to block neck chill and a cinchable hood that sports two differentiated cords inside for even more adjustment, ensuring a warm head and neck on cool nights. We also appreciated the small interior pocket, perfect for our phones or small notebook.
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REI recently revamped many of their bags, including their high-end Magma, to create a more size inclusive fit system. The Magma is roomy enough to comfortably accommodate my size 22, 5’9” body without feeling any tightness around my hips and shoulders when zipped.
Our writer Gabi Reyes-Acosta tested this bag in the wide sizing for our article on best plus size sleeping bags says, "I have broad shoulders and a thick stomach, and have rarely found a mummy-shaped sleeping bag that isn’t tight as I toss and turn in the night."
REI claims to have done over 150,000 fit scans to build a new size system that is more inclusive, with a size range of 9 sizes across select bags, including the Magma. This size testing feels evident in how the bag fits and feels when we sleep and lay in it, with a mummy shape that doesn’t feel constrictive but is still close to the body.
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We were impressed with REI’s new sizing system, which ranges from Short Narrow, Short, Short Wide, Medium Narrow, Medium, Medium Wide, Long, and Long Wide. These sizes result in a bag that is likely the most accessible on the market width- and height-wise. This kind of variety is rare among more technical bags.
This refinement in sizing is important because feeling like your sleeping bag is too tight isn’t just uncomfortable physically and aesthetically, it also can lead to uneven heat distribution when the insulation is being stretched thin over one’s body. That isn't a problem with the latest design on the Magma.
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By our tests, as we expected for a budget sleeping bags, there were a few drawbacks. It wasn’t as good at being downproof in daily use as our overall pick, the 10-denier Feathered Friends Egret (women’s bag) and Swallow (men’s bag). Our staff found the Magma’s 15-denier fabric to not feel as durable as that on the Feathered Friends, either. It’s counter-intuitive for a 10-denier fabric to feel more durable than a 15-denier fabric.
Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Summerlite
Temperature Rating (F), EN Comfort/EN Lower Limit: 32, 41/32
Total weight (oz): 19
Fill Weight (oz): 9
Fill Power: 850+
Hydrophobic Down? No
Fabric: 20D nylon ripstop, DWR coating
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 59” / 51”
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
What we liked: Lightweight, great weight-to-warmth ratio
What we didn't like: Fits snug
The Western Mountaineering SummerLite is our winner for Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag. It is the brand's lightest sleeping bag with baffle construction. It weighs only 19 ounces–impressive for fully baffled hooded mummy bag rated to 32F degrees. The bag is fully insulated with 10 ounces of 900 fill power down fill. Our research and testing on over 1000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail and another 1000 miles on the Continental Divide Trail in early summer suggests a comfort rating of 32 degrees seems reasonable.
We found that when it starts getting colder, you'll want a liner, a more insulated sleeping pad, or another bag. But for those summer trips where weight and space are at a premium, it's hard to beat the Summerlite in terms of warmth-to-weight ratio of a true zip sleeping bag (as compared to a quilt–more on that below).
Compare Prices Of The Western Mountaineering Summerlite
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Our tester switched to the Western Mountaineering Summerlite for the northern half of the Pacific Crest Trail for hot evenings in Northern California. He switched from the Western Mountaineering Ultralite (review below), a similar bag rated to 20F.
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The Summerlite is lighter and much more compact than the Ultralite, but otherwise uses the same fabric and fill. They both have full-length #5 YKK Zippers, which means it is easy to get in-and out of the Summerlite, which gives it an advantage over backpacking quilts. Additionally, the full length zipper means you can vent the bag for evenings that are truly warm.
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The Summerlite lives up to its name as a summer bag. It's a 1-season bag, but it does that very well. It's hard to beat the comfort and quality of the materials and stitching. Our Summerlite has lasted almost a decade of hard use. We have had issues trying to push it with the temperature rating–for example, northbound Continental Divide Trail thru-hikers may want to opt for a warmer bag. But for peak summer trips, the Summerlite kept us warm and happy.
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Our one complaint with this bag (and we can't blame them) is it fits snug. To save weight while keeping the features, Western Mountaineering made the SummerLite narrower than other bags.
If roominess is a priority for you, this sleeping bag may not be the best option. But if weight and a compact volume are what you want, then the Summerlite is just that–a lightweight option perfect for the one season where you're most likely to get outside.
Best Sleeping Bag for Cold Sleepers: Feathered Friends Lark 10 Ul (Men’s) and Petrel 10 Ul (Women’s)
Temperature Rating (F), EN Comfort/EN Lower Limit: 10 (not EN rated)
Total weight (oz): 31.3/ 32.3
Fill Weight (oz): 20/ 21.3
Fill Power: 950+
Hydrophobic Down? No
Fabric: Pertex® Quantum Pro
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 60” / 56” (men’s) and 54” / 56” (women’s)
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
What we liked: Warm and comfortable
What we didn't like: Not recommended for mountaineering
The Feathered Friends Lark 10 UL (men's) and Petrel 10 UL (women’s) sleeping bags have been favorites among some of our testers, particularly for cold weather. That is why the Feathered Friends Lark and Feathered Friends Petrel win our award for best sleeping bag for cold sleepers.
The Lark and Petrel are like taking the Swallow and Egret, but making them even warmer. At a 10 degree rating and made with 950+ goose down, these bags are Feathered Friends’ warmest 3-season options. The Lark weighs 31.3 ounces and the Petrel at 30.2 ounces.
Our tester switched to the Lark 10-degree bag for the last few months of his Appalachian Trail thru-hike, which he finished towards the end of December. The Lark helped him sleep comfortably during the long nights of winter in Appalachia and live out his dream of finishing the Triple Crown.
Compare Prices Of The Feathered Friends Lark 10 Ul And Petrel 10 Ul
Men's
Women's
The Feathered Friends Lark 10 is a true 10F bag. Our tester used it on a late season thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail ending in December.
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Our tester purchased the Feathered Friends Lark for the finish of his southbound Appalachian Trail thru-hike.
He told us, "I slept well in it every night" and added, "I named it 'Dreamy.'"
That same tester had tried adding a sleeping bag liner like the one we recommend as the best sleeping bag for warm weather, the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor (see review below).
While adding a liner is a time-tested trick for sleeping warmer, our tester found when added to a 22F quilt that the combo wasn't warm enough. He also found the liner cumbersome to get in and out of.
That's when he picked up the Feathered Friends Lark. The bag was much warmer than the liner + quilt combination, and it only added 1 oz to the system. After he upgraded to the Lark, he slept much better. The full collar traps body heat and the insulation draft protected zipper also sealed in warmth.
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Above, we discuss the quality of Feathered Friends' warranty and repair program. Our tester added that, "Feathered Friends customer service was outstanding. They expedited my order to arrive when and where I needed it."
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Our only complaint about the Lark is that it is an investment. Any 10F sleeping bag is going to be. Like other Feathered Friends bags, the Lark is made in the US, so also comes at a premium price.
Another tester enjoyed the Lark at base camp of Mt. Everest in the summer, where many trekking companies recommend carrying a 10F bag. While this isn't the cold weather bag we'd recommend for mountaineering, this is the 10F bag we recommend for colder than normal backpacking and trekking trips.
Best summer sleeping bag for backpacking: Sea To Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner
Temperature Rating (F), EN Comfort/EN Lower Limit: adds 10F (not EN rated)
Total weight (oz): 12.8
Fill Weight (oz): N/A
Fill Power: N/A
Hydrophobic Down? N/A
Fabric: 110g/m2 Thermolite fabric
Traceable/Responsible Down: N/A
What we liked: Lightweight, affordable, versatile
What we didn't like: Not for cold weather (unless used with a sleeping bag)
Recommending a sleeping bag liner as the best summer sleeping bag is a bit cheeky. We know. But the reality is if you’re backpacking where it’s warm, buying an expensive sleeping bag may not be worth the cost and added weight.
Sleeping bag liners – ideal for adding degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag rating – are versatile in that they can serve as warm weather sleeping accommodations as well.
Of the liners out there, we think the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner is an affordable and practical warm weather sleeping bag for those hot, humid summer days when you only need a little extra warmth.
We've used the Reactor in summer backpacking in Appalachia and also while traveling in tropical destinations like Costa Rica and Thailand. It's everything you need to cut the chill at the deepest part of the night and nothing more.
However, if you are backpacking in the summer at altitude, in cold places like Iceland, or during freak storms, this liner isn't going to be enough warmth. So check the weather, conditions, and temperature and if adding 20-25 F to the low is around what you like to sleep at, this may be a good (and affordable) option.
Sea To Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner
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As recommended in our Shoulder Season Backpacking Gear Guide, the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner both add 25 degrees of warmth for only $85.
At 14 ounces, liners weigh less than a sleeping bag and pack down smaller.
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This is a solid option for hot, humid days. For example, we've taken this bag for many nights sleeping in hammocks and behind bug netting in tropical rain forests and have found it to be everything we need.
As a bonus, if you also backpack somewhere cold, these liners would add extra warmth to your sleeping bag. In fact, these liners are popular among thru-hikers late in season or as they enter the Sierra to add extra warmth to a traditional sleeping bag. That's a win-win!
Best Synthetic Sleeping Bag: Nemo Forte 20 Endless Promise
Temperature Rating (F), ISO Comfort/ISO Lower Limit: 20, 30/19 (men’s), 20, 21/ 8 (women’s)
Total weight: 55 oz (men’s), 58 oz (women’s)
Fill Weight (oz): 32 (men’s), 50 (women’s)
Fill Power: N/A
Hydrophobic Down? N/A
Fabric: 100% recycled 30-denier ripstop polyester
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 64” / 59” (men’s) and 62” / 58” (women’s)
Traceable/Responsible Down: N/A, but fill is recycled
What we liked: good for side sleeping, vegan, affordable, easy venting for warmer days
What we didn't like: heavy
A popular sleeping bag for its comfort, the NEMO Forte 20 Endless Promise sleeping bag is our winner for Best Synthetic Sleeping Bag. This bag has an ISO tested comfort rating of 30 degrees for men and 20 degrees for women, and ISO tested lower limit of 19 degrees for men, and 10 degrees for women. It also has some of the best sustainability initiatives we've seen on a bag.
As a synthetic bag, the NEMO Forte will stay warm when wet. But unlike many synthetic sleeping bags out there, this is highly technical and well-designed bag for serious backpackers.
We backpacked with this bag on a snowy spring trip in Colorado and found it warm even in just below freezing temperatures.
The NEMO Forte is also the most sustainable backpacking sleeping bag out there. It's part of NEMO's Endless Promise program. The idea is that it is made of recycled materials and at the end of its life, it can be fully recycled.
We like this bag so much we wrote an in-depth review NEMO Forte Endless Promise so you can learn more about it.
Compare Prices Of The Nemo Forte 20
Men's
Women's
Tester Meg Carney in the Nemo Forte Endless Promise sleeping bag.
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The Spoon shape of this mummy bag adds extra room at the elbows and knees to allow for more comfortable side-sleeping. You'll find this same shape in the Nemo Disco, which is our winner for Best Plus Size. While it isn't designed for plus size backpackers, the Forte and Disco are wide and comfortable enough that they just happen to work for folks in bigger bodies.
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The Nemo Forte is the first sleeping bag in Nemo’s new Endless Promise program. The idea is that it is made of recycled materials and at the end of its life, it can be fully recycled. The goal is to keep gear out of landfills. The newest model is fully re-designed to be a single material, which allows it to be recycled (recycling multi-material products is difficult, if not impossible with current technology). When you’re finished with your Nemo Forte, send it back to Nemo as part of their Take Back Program, which includes a free return shipping label.
In addition to being recyclable, the Nemo Forte is made of 100% recycled material, including a recycled liner, bluesign-approved shell fabric, and Zerofiber PCR insulation, which is made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials. This goes along with Nemo’s brand commitment to the the environment. They’re also a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association Climate Action Corps.
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The Nemo Forte 20 is the heaviest sleeping bag we tested, which might deter ultralight backpackers. The men’s regular weighs 3 lbs 7 oz, and the women’s weighs 3 lbs 10 oz.
It's typical with any synthetic bag you choose for synthetic insulation to weigh more than a down bag of the same temperature rating. The warmth-to-weight ratio of synthetic won't be as good.
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This sleeping bag is suitable for vegans and will stay warm, even when it gets wet. This is a good option for backpackers who are worried about getting their sleeping bag wet while hiking in rainy conditions.
Best Wide & Tall Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Megalite
Temperature Rating (F), EN Comfort/EN Lower Limit: 30, 32/22
Total weight (oz): 24
Fill Weight (oz): 12
Fill Power: 850+
Hydrophobic Down? No
Fabric: 12D Extremelite
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 64 / 56
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
What we liked: Size-inclusive, comfortable, accurate temperature rating
What we didn't like: Expensive
The Western Mountaineering MegaLite is a highly lauded bag among reviewers from one of the most trusted sleeping bag brands. Western Mountaineering is a trusted brand with decades of experience making high-quality down sleeping bags. Of all their many high quality bags, we appreciate the MegaLite for its size-inclusivity, particularly for its increased spaciousness at the shoulders.
Compare Prices Of The Western Mountaineering Megalite
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We chose the MegaLite as our top down bag for larger users who want a roomier cut around the shoulders. Sleeping bags are notoriously constrictive for those with broad or muscular shoulders.
At 64” shoulder girth, the MegaLite remains very lightweight at just 24 oz for the 6’0” length.
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Its 30F temperature rating is on the upper end of our target range, but testers consistently found this bag’s rating is conservative. In almost all situations, testers were satisfied with its warmth, perhaps because those who have wider shoulders and torsos often sleep warmer.
If you want a little more warmth, Western Mountaineering makes a similar bag The Western Mountaineering Alpinlite, which is a wider version of their popular 20F bag, the Ultralite (review below).
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Testers liked the soft feel of the fabric, smooth zipper, and how small the bag compresses when packed.
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As with our overall picks, the biggest downside of the MegaLite is the price. But again, with sleeping bags in particular, you get what you pay for. We think a high-quality sleeping bag like the MegaLite is worth the price because it can provide up to decades of service. The cost per year compared to a less expensive bag works out to be less than needing to replace your bag every few years.
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Western Mountaineering is also noted for its customer service and ability to repair and re-fill down in their bags for an almost non-existent charge. We had a rip and re-stuffing done for practically the cost of shipping.
These bags last decades and have a lot of happy customer reviews over the years.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag For Side Sleepers: Nemo Disco 30 Endless Promise
Temperature Rating (F), ISO Comfort/ISO Lower Limit: 30, 40/30 (men’s); 30, 31/21 (women’s)
Total weight (oz): 31-36
Fill Weight (oz): 11-16
Fill Power: 650
Hydrophobic Down? Yes
Fabric: 30D nylon ripstop
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 62” / 57” (men’s) and 60” / 56” (women’s)
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes, RDS certified
What we liked: Affordable, lots of features
What we didn't like: Heavy
The NEMO Disco Endless Promise is one of the most beloved sleeping bags out there. It is one of the heaviest bags in our review, but has some clever features that we think are worth your attention. The NEMO Disco uses a Thermo gill design on the top so you can vent heat during warm weather.
This is a popular choice for the comfort for backpackers of all shapes and sizes. If you’ve ever felt cramped and restricted in traditional sleeping bags, this is the bag for you. The Disco Endless Promise bag is spacious and suited for stomach or side sleepers. It's also significantly less expensive than other backpacking sleeping bags at $280.
We also think it makes an excellent option for folks who want one bag for camping and backpacking that can do it all. Based on Treeline writer Gabi Reyes-Acosta’s experience, it was the overall winner of our Best Sleeping Bag in our Best Plus Size Outdoor Gear guide, where you can learn more about other gear options that work for bigger bodies.
Check out our in-depth review of the NEMO Disco Endless Promise to learn more.
Compare prices of the Nemo Disco 30 Endless Promise
Men's
Women's
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The NEMO Disco is unlike other sleeping bags in that it features a SpoonShape. It is comfortable for bigger bodies with a hip and shoulder width of 62” / 57” for men’s and 60” / 56” for the women’s version.
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The Nemo Disco Endless Promise comes with other thoughtful features, including Thermo Gills that help release warm air from the sleeping bag on warmer nights without letting cold air in. A Blanket Fold and full-length draft tube add comfort and allow for some additional temperature regulation. The bag also features a pillow pocket in which you can stuff clothing or a backpacking pillow for support while you sleep.
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It also has one of the most sustainable designs we’ve seen in a sleeping bag as part of Nemo’s Endless Promise collection. The shell is made of 100% post-consumer recycled material. It comes with a stellar repair program. And at the end of its life, Nemo has a Take Back program where they can resell it or fully recycle it—down and all! That’s why the Disco (along with synthetic Nemo’s Forte sleeping bag) were winners in our Best Sustainable Gear Ideas.
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The downside to the Disco 30 is about 2 pounds but it only has 11 ounces of fill weight. Additionally, it doesn’t pack down as small as other bags we tested, making it less than ideal for long thru-hikes.
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While any backpacking sleeping bag can work for camping, most campers want a little more comfort than a backpacking bag offers. That’s where the Disco Endless Promise really shines. With its SpoonShape and BlanketFold, you can stretch out like you’re at home.
Still, at a little more than 2 pounds, it’s lightweight enough that you can take it backpacking, too. That’s versatility is why it is an upcoming winner in our Best Camping Sleeping Bags guide.
other sleeping bags we tested
Temperature Rating (F), EN Comfort/EN Lower Limit: 20, 25/14
Total weight (oz): 28-30
Fill Weight (oz): 15-17
Fill Power: 850+
Hydrophobic Down? No
Fabric: 12D Extremelite
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 59 / 51
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
What we liked: Continuous baffles allows down to move where needed, high quality construction
What we didn't like: Narrow cut, doesn’t pack down well
The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is a beloved bag for many, with an impressive 17 ounces of fill weight in the 6’ 6” bag and great warmth-to-weight ratio. Like the Feathered Friends bag, it has a draft collar and zipper tube. However, for our testers the cons outweigh the pros. The cut is narrow, but yet it doesn't pack down well. And it's expensive. For us, the Feathered Friends is a better choice, as it’s warmer and weighs a little less.
Plus, as Treeline Review Editor-in-Chief notes, “the women’s design Feathered Friends is roomier in the hips but narrower in the shoulders.” You can find a more detailed comparison of the two sleeping bags in our Favorite Gear for a PCT Thru-hike piece. The Western Mountaineering Ultralite is also available in a similar wide model called the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite. The Ultralite is featured in our Outdoor Gear that will Last for Life guide for its extraordinary quality and craftsmanship.
Compare Prices Of The Western Mountaineering Ultralite
Temperature Rating (F), EN Comfort/EN Lower Limit: 34/20F
Total Weight: 4 lbs 0.4 oz
Fill Weight/ Fill Power: N/A Synthetic insulation
Hydrophobic Down? N/A synthetic insulation
Fabric: 100% recycled polyester (monomaterial construction)
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 64” / 55”
Traceable/Responsible Down: N/A, but fill is recycled
The Exped DeepSleep sleeping bag is a premium-feeling synthetic sleeping bag at a budget price. It is less expensive than the REI Magma, which is made of more expensive down. It is also less expensive than the NEMO Forte, which is a synthetic bag. The DeepSleep has a LowerLimit temperature rating of 20 whereas those other bags are more comfortable at 20F.
The Exped DeepSleep straddles the line of camping sleeping bag and backpacking sleeping bag. It comes with a compression sack—which usually costs $40 extra—and is compact enough for backpacking and camping. It's a good option for first backpacking bag and we'd recommend it as a best backpacking sleeping bag for beginners who don't want to invest in a high end bag (that being said, we think a backpacking sleeping bag is one piece of gear where you should invest to get the best you can). That being said, we think you'd be hard-pressed to find a sleeping bag that offers a better value.
Read more in our in-depth review of the Exped Deep Sleep Sleeping Bag.
Exped DeepSleep 20
Temperature Rating (F), ISO Comfort/ISO Lower Limit: 25, 28/17
Total weight (oz): 48
Fill Weight (oz): N/A
Fill Power: N/A
Hydrophobic Down? N/A
Fabric: Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign® approved)
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 66.5” / 57”
Traceable/Responsible Down: N/A, but fill is recycled
What we liked: Recyclable synthetic insulation (vegan), comfortable, affordable
What we didn't like: Heavy
If you’re looking for a solid synthetic sleeping bag, the REI Zephyr 25 is another good choice. Made from 100% recyclable synthetic fill polyester insulation, the Zephyr 25 is comfy and compressible.
Like the NEMO Forte, this sleeping bag is on the heavier end of those we tested at 3 lbs for the medium size. This weight may not be ideal for ultralight backpackers, but it’s still a nice synthetic and more affordable option if the weight isn’t a dealbreaker.
View The Rei Zephyr 25
Temperature Rating (F), EN Comfort/EN Lower Limit: 10, 21/9
Total weight (oz): 32
Fill Weight (oz): 20
Fill Power: 850+
Hydrophobic Down? No
Fabric: 12-denier ripstop nylon
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 62” / 53”
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
We're big fans of the Western Mountaineering VersaLite. With high-quality materials, this made in the USA bag is one of the best on the market. Ultimately, we found the fit not as good as good on other bags, especially a more size-appropriate women's bag. This is still an excellent option, especially if you are interested in a 10F bag.
View the Western Mountaineering Versalite
Temperature Rating (F), EN Comfort/EN Lower Limit: 20, 25/ 14
Total weight (oz): 31
Fill Weight (oz): 19
Fill Power: 850+
Hydrophobic Down? No
Fabric: 12-denier ripstop nylon
Shoulder (in) / Hips (in): 64” / 55”
Traceable/Responsible Down: Yes
The Western Mountaineering AlpinLite bag is very similar to the Western Mountaineering MegaLite that was chose as best Big and Tall sleeping bag. It's made of the same high quality materials, Made in the USA construction, and conservative warmth rating.
The difference is that the AlpinLite is designed to be a wider version of Western Mountaineering's popular 20F UltraLite (review above). The MegaLite, on the other hand, is a wider cut of a 30F bag. In our experience, most folks who want a wider cut say they run warm. Thus, we think if you're looking for a big and tall bag, you can save carrying some weight and money by going with the MegaLite instead. But, if you run cold or are headed to colder climates or high alpine conditions, consider the Alpinlite instead.
View the Western Mountaineering Alpinlite
Treeline Review writer and photojournalist Dean Krakel captured this photo of his Colorado Trail hiking partner mid-yawn as he cowboy camped (slept in his sleeping bag without a tent). Photo by Dean Krakel.
What’s The Difference Between a Backpacking and a Camping Sleeping Bag?
This article focuses on the best sleeping bags for backpacking, as opposed to car camping or sleeping on a friend’s couch. The backpacking sleeping bags mentioned here would also serve well for summer mountaineering and alpine climbing trips. If you're primarily camping, you may be able to save money by checking out our Best Camping Sleeping Bags guide, or opting for our winners for best camping-backpacking synthetic bag, the NEMO Disco Endless Promise (review above).
The lightweight fabrics and high fill power down of a backpacking sleeping bag equate to a high price tag. When presented with all the options, it may seem silly to buy a bag that costs 2-3 times more than other options.
However, this is one area where there is near universal agreement among experienced outdoors people: of any piece of gear you want to invest in, it’s a sleeping bag. A quality bag that is taken good care of will last for decades (yes, decades!).
“There is near universal agreement among experienced outdoors people: of any piece of gear you want to invest in, it’s a sleeping bag. A quality bag that is taken good care of will last for decades (yes, decades!).”
Down insulation is graded by how much it expands, creating pockets to trap air and, therefore, insulate. Called "loft" in the industry, think of it as “floofiness.”
The “fill power” number is how many cubic inches of space one ounce of the down takes up. So, one ounce of 800 fill down takes up 800 cubic inches of space (think 3.5-gallon jugs of milk).
800-950 fill power is on the higher end of what geese can produce. While there are 1000 fill power down options, such as in the NEMO Pulse Ultralight Quilt or Mountain Hardwear’s $1700 mountaineering mummy suit, this is the extreme upper end and very expensive due to its limited supply. The amount of this down that would be necessary to fill a sleeping bag is cost-prohibitive (did you see that mummy suit?), so it’s not used in this application.
All bags for this review use down that is not live-plucked from the birds. Some brands have also committed to higher standards of animal welfare, certifying their down sources through the Responsible Down Standard, or their own program.
When traveling in snow or colder conditions, pay attention not just to the temperature rating on your sleeping bag, but also on your sleeping pad. Treeline Review co-founder Liz Thomas snapped this photo of her hiking partner Moni on the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado. Photo by Liz Thomas.
FAQ
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The terms "EN” (European Norm) and “ISO” (International Organization for Standardization) refer to two organizations whose ratings are used to standardize temperatures in which sleeping bags are comfortable or capable. Both metrics are so similar they are rarely differentiated.
EN uses Comfort, Lower Limit, and Extreme ratings.
EN Comfort is the lowest temperature at which a typical female can sleep comfortably, and EN Lower Limit is the lowest temperature at which a typical male can sleep comfortably.
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Looking into the specifics of the EN ratings, the European Standard EN 13537 was created in 2005 to provide a framework for sleeping bag apples-to-apples comparison. Outside of Europe, sellers are not required to use this standard, though some do (especially companies that also sell their sleeping bags in Europe).
The EN 13537 standard includes four temperature specifications. Of these specifications, we examined the more useful two: EN Comfort is the lowest temperature at which a typical female can sleep comfortably, and EN Lower Limit is the lowest temperature at which a typical male can sleep comfortably.
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Some brands, like Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends, do not use EN/ISO ratings for their sleeping bags. However, these brands in particular are considered pretty accurate by our testers and testers of other major gear review sites (if anything, they may be even warmer than advertised).
Some retailers are requiring sleeping bag companies to use EN/ISO ratings to maintain a standard. However, EN/ISO ratings often require expensive lab testing processes that may be out of the budget for smaller brands. So often if brands do not sell to retailers that are requiring temperature ratings, they will use their own measurements roughly based on, among other things, fill weight, quality of down, and height of loft of the down.
EN/ISO ratings aren't available for bags designed for extreme cold (beyond the 10F covered in our guide) and aren't available for kids' bags.
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As mentioned previously, I used to think women’s-specific sleeping bags were unnecessary. However, women’s bags are designed not just for the different body shape many female bodies have from male bodies, but also for the tendency for a female body to run colder. Women’s cut bags accommodate for a wider hip area for comfort and a narrower shoulder area for warmth.
Of course, we recognize that there are more genders than just women and men but understand that brands in the outdoor industry categorize sleeping bags this way. Regardless of how you identify, we recommend choosing the bag that fits your body and needs. For example, our 5'4" men's tester prefers the 5'9" length Feathered Friends Egret to the men's Swallow (available in 6' length).
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A backpacking quilt looks like a sleeping bag but often does not have a hood or any down in for the back half of the bag. Many look like a sleeping bag footbox with an attached puffy blanket. The theory is that since down gets its insulation from lofting, it doesn't do much to keep you warm when crushed under your body during sleep. By eliminating the part of the sleeping bag that would otherwise be under your body weight, a quilt is a lightweight and more streamlined piece of gear than a sleeping bag.
Backpackers who prefer quilts tend to value lightweight and compact gear, and are often willing to pay a premium for it. Some of our testers have tried and loved quilts after notching a few thru-hikes using traditional sleeping bags first. If this is your first sleeping bag, we'd recommend going with a traditional bag instead of a quilt. Using a quilt often has a learning curve and many first-time quilt users find they require extra skills to avoid sleeping cold.
Our Editor-in-Chief Liz “Snorkel” Thomas enjoys the Katabatic Gear Palisade, for example, as referenced in our Favorite Gear for a PCT Thru-hike guide. Yet she backpacked for nearly a decade with the Western Mountaineering Ultralite sleeping bag, but likes the weight savings and warmth-to-weight ratio for the Palisade.
If you aren’t sure about a backpacking quilt or a sleeping bag, a hybrid system like the we show in our review how the Zenbivy Ultralight Bed works like a hybrid system.
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When you see temperature ratings on bags, it’s not always an apples-to-apples comparison. Different manufacturers rate the warmth of their bags in different ways. For example, how warm a bag feels also depends on the insulation in your sleeping pad. Different sleeping pads, just like sleeping bags, have different temperature ratings. To read more about sleeping pad insulation, check out our Best Sleeping Pads guide.
As described in the How to Choose the Sleeping Bag for You section, there are many factors that affect warmth when sleeping. Regardless of the testing protocol used to rate a bag, your experience may vary. That’s one reason why we have a few suggestions of ways you can extend the warmth of your sleeping bag and what to do when you feel cold. We said it above and we’ll say it again: if you want to sleep warm in your sleeping bag, get not only a warm sleeping bag, but also a warm sleeping pad. See our Best Sleeping Pads guide for more on how to choose an insulating pad.
Drying out a sleeping bag on the Pacific Crest Trail. Photo by Amanda Jameson.
What to look for in a sleeping bag
To narrow down the very wide field of sleeping bags into our finalists list, all 12 sleeping bags that made our contender list had to meet the following criteria:
Temperature Rating Between ~20-30F
This range is appropriate for typical 3-season use (late spring to early fall in most places), covering most trips backpackers would tackle. Temperature ratings can vary from one manufacturer to another because they may use different testing methods. There is also significant person-to-person variation in comfort levels.
In general, women tend to sleep “colder” than men, and require a bag with a lower temperature rating to be warm. Of course, this is also variable from person-to-person, but our experience has been (and most professionals agree) that the 20-30F rating is a good temperature rating for most people.
Lightweight
We aimed for a target of under 2 lb. With a backpacking focus in mind, keeping the weight minimal is ideal. With today’s lightweight fabrics and high lofting down sleeping bags, many bags meet this minimum requirement.
There are plenty of quality camping and backpacking sleeping bags that weigh more than 2 lbs by brands like Kelty, The North Face, Sierra Designs, and Big Agnes. These tend to be less expensive than the ones we recommend. They also may be less compact.
Down comes from ducks and geese, often grown for meat production. The Responsible Down Standard is a voluntary certification process that ensures certain humane standards are met in producing the down, such as no live plucking or force feeding. All of the manufacturer's included in this round up either use RDS certified down or have their own standard in place for humanelfy-raised down. If you prefer a 100% vegan option, we named the NEMO Forte 20 Endless Promise the Best Synthetic Backpacking Sleeping Bag, and included the REI Zephyr 25 Recycled Sleeping Bag to our Honorable Mentions list. Another excellent synthetic bag the ExPed DeepSleep, is light enough to double as both a camping sleeping bag or backpacking sleeping bag and is quite affordable.
Quality And Durability
Sleeping bags are a significant investment and when cared for, can and should last many years, even with heavy use. We looked for bags with quality construction and durable materials that will stand the test of time.
Shell Denier
Shell denier (D) refers to the thickness of the outer material of a sleeping bag. Higher numbers refer to thicker shells. The biggest impact this has is in durability, so if your sleeping bag will be exposed to the elements a lot, be crawled on by a furry friend (hopefully a pet), or otherwise take a beating, a higher shell denier may be a good option. Otherwise, smaller shell deniers are a good way to shave weight.
Sleeping Bag Dimensions
Not all sleeping bags are tailored to a person’s height. While most brands offer “regular” and “tall” options, those lengths are not necessarily consistent from brand to brand. Additionally, different sleeping bags offer different measurements for shoulders and hips. Depending on your height and shape, some bags will work better than others, so you’ll want to consider that when deciding.
Limited Down Leakage
Several factors impact how likely feathers will escape through micro-holes in your sleeping bag’s fabric. Some shell fabrics are more puncture-resistant than others. This is impacted by 1) how tightly the fabric is woven together; 2) any coatings on the fabric.
Down quality can also impact how likely micro-feathers may escape. Quality of down is related to the down-to-feather ratio. Down is less common than feathers, so a mix that has more feathers is less expensive.
The quality of the how the down is processed can also impact how likely you’ll wake up to escaped puff. Leftover quill shafts and quill points can pop through the fabric. Higher quality down has fewer of these pointy down-parts that can sneak through the fabric.
Down leakage is most noticeable in lower quality bags. All of the bags that we recommend have minimal down leakage.
Cost
Cost was not a primary consideration in this roundup, because, as mentioned above, this is the one item in your kit you don’t want to skimp on.
Customer Service And Manufacturing
With such a huge investment as a sleeping bag, it’s important to know the manufacturer stands behind its product and provides excellent customer service. We also appreciate the opportunity to buy made in the USA products when feasible. In the case of sleeping bags, we are lucky that several great brands make their bags here.
Ethical Down
Down comes from ducks and geese, often grown for meat production. The Responsible Down Standard is a voluntary certification process that ensures certain humane standards are met in producing the down, such as no live plucking or force feeding. All of the manufacturer's included in this round up either use RDS certified down or have their own standard in place for humanely-raised down. If you prefer a 100% vegan option, we named the NEMO Forte 30 the Best Synthetic Backpacking Sleeping Bag, and included the REI Zephyr 25 Recycled Sleeping Bag to our Honorable Mentions list.
Packability
Packability refers to how small the sleeping bag will pack down when compressed. For backpacking adventures, it’s nice to have a sleeping bag that packs down small to help save room.
Types Of Insulation
Treeline Review writer Kate Hoch airing out her Feathered Friends Egret sleeping bag on a winter trip to climb Mt. Baker.
Down vs. synthetic. Down is the warmest insulation available for its weight. Synthetic materials have improved significantly but still don't match down in warmth, weight, or compressibility. Down costs more, but a quality bag taken care of properly will last decades. If you prefer a vegan option, we named the NEMO Forte 20 Endless Promise our best synthetic pick. You can read more about down insulation in our Best Down Jackets guide.
Fill power. Fill power measures down quality: one ounce of 950-fill down takes up 950 cubic inches of space. Higher fill power means less down is needed to achieve the same warmth, resulting in a lighter bag. Fill power alone doesn't determine warmth though — fill weight matters too. A bag can be warm using lower fill power down if it simply uses more of it, at the cost of extra weight.
Fill weight. Fill weight is the total weight of the down in the bag. Combined with fill power, it determines how warm the bag will be.
Hydrophobic Down And Water-Resistant Fabrics
Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson documents watching the sunset on Mt. Whitney from the warmth of a sleeping bag. Photo by Amanda Jameson.
There's genuine debate in the industry over whether water-resistant down treatments are worth it. Both Western Mountaineering, one of the most respected sleeping bag makers, doesn't use hydrophobic down, citing limited long-term performance data and concerns about coating causing down to clump over time. You can read their reasoning directly: Western Mountaineering's statement.
As time goes on, water-resistant down has improved and we’re increasingly seeing the data that it works.
Most of the bags we recommend don't use water-resistant down, but many brands offer water-resistant options if you want them. With a good dry bag and proper care, an untreated down bag will perform well even in wet conditions.
What Does The Down Industry Do To Ensure Sustainable And Humane Practices?
The global poultry industry is highly regulated. Although the Responsible Down Standard is the best way to ensure that your feathers, according to the International Down and Feather Bureau, less than one percent of their own industry uses practices that are not supported by the industry. Producers of down and feathers must sign animal welfare laws in their country to join industry organizations, even if they aren’t signed onto the voluntary Responsible Down Standard.
Responsible down
All of the bags in this guide use down from manufacturers that either hold Responsible Down Standard certification or have equivalent animal welfare programs in place. RDS is the highest level of certification for down sourcing, ensuring no live-plucking or force-feeding. Many bags come with a QR code or hangtag that lets you trace the supply chain of your specific bag back to the source.
How To Choose A Sleeping Bag For Backpacking
Treeline Review founder Liz Thomas is using the men’s Feathered Friends Swallow 20F on a backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail.
When considering a bag, finding one that is sized to fit you and matches your warmth needs are the most important considerations. Whichever sleeping bag model you choose, you should consider these criteria to a long-lasting bag that will serve you for years.
How Tall Are You?
Unless you’re exactly 5’6” or 6’0” or 6’6”, picking the proper length sleeping bag requires most users to make a decision based on their priorities.
A bag listed as 6’0” will accommodate a user up to 6’0”. But what if you’re 6’1”? Can you squeeze into the 6’0” bag? Maybe, but your feet may bottom out in the bag, compressing the down there and thereby losing some warmth capacity. On the other hand, if you size up to the 6’6” bag, you’ve got 5” of dead space at your feet that you need to warm up, which is also inefficient (plus, it’s extra weight to carry and a bigger price tag for a bigger bag).
Sizing a bag is a balancing act. Try to pick the bag closest to your height without going under. If you have too much room, you can always stuff some extra clothing into the bottom of your bag to take up the extra space on the nights where you find you’re cold.
How Much Width Do You Want?
There is significant variation in shoulder, hip and feet girth among sleeping bags. Like length, it’s important to find a bag that fits you well. You definitely don’t want the bag too tight. Not only will it feel uncomfortable, but if your body is pushing the dimensions of the bag, the down won’t be able to fully loft and you’ll lose much of its insulation potential, leaving you cold.
If you order online, spend a night in your bag at home. We recommend trying sleeping bags at home before taking them outdoors. Keep the tags on and you’ll still be able to return it if it doesn’t work out. We suggest ordering online because many of the sleeping bag models we recommend aren’t available in conventional outdoor stores to “try on” before purchase. But if possible, get to a store and try out other companies’ sleeping bags to get a comparative sense of what length, shoulder and hip girth fits you best.
What Will The Temperature Conditions Be?
Are you a warm sleeper or a cold sleeper? Typically, men tend to sleep warmer than women, but there is wide person-to-person variation. If you know you’re a warmer sleeper, you might be able to get away with a higher temperature rated bag than someone who sleeps colder. Also look for features such as extra down in the footbox if you are prone to cold feet.
Other factors affect your warmth when sleeping, such as water and food intake. Stay well hydrated and eat a calorie dense meal before bed and you’ll stay warmer sleeping. We also recommend wearing a hat and socks on chillier nights. Also, be sure to use a good insulating sleeping pad (see our Best Sleeping Pads guide for recommendations), or you’ll be cold no matter what bag you choose.
Want to learn more about how sleeping bag temperature ratings are determined? See our section on How are Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Measured?
Do You Want A Mummy Bag Or A Rectangular Bag
You'll find the vast majority of bags are either a mummy sleeping bag or rectangular sleeping bag. Backpacking sleeping bags are mummy bags for three reasons: they are lighter, compress smaller, and are more heat efficient. A rectangular bag is best for car camping.
Do You Need A Sleeping Bag Liner?
You can expand the temperature range of your bag by using a sleeping bag liner. For example, Sea to Summit claims that their Thermolite Reactor will add up to 25F to the temperature rating of your bag and potentially turn your 3-season bag into a winter sleeping bag (it can also be used as a standalone summer sleeping bag). It's also great to have a liner if unexpected cold weather pops up on an extended backpacking trip. But at 14 ounces, it will also add significant weight to your backpacking kit. Bonus — the liner will help keep your bag cleaner.
How Will You Store Your Sleeping Bag?
One of the great things about all the sleeping bags we considered is their compressibility and how small they pack down in your backpack. However, when you’re not using the bag, it’s important to store it uncompressed for the down to retain its ability to loft. Most manufacturers include a large cotton storage sack to keep the bag in when not in use. This is a good storage option.
If you have the space, store the bag hanging in a closet, which allows full loft. However you choose to store your bag, be sure to keep it safely out of reach of pets - kitty claws are very attracted to down bags!
How To Wash A Down Sleeping Bag
When using your bag outdoors, take care to minimize dirt buildup. One way is by using a groundsheet (aka, footprint) under your sleeping bag and sleeping pad whenever you’re sleeping without a tent (aka, cowboy camping).
Many folks prefer to wear clean(ish) clothing while in their sleeping bag to minimize the dirt and smell transfer. We often wear a lightweight base layer as sleep clothes.
Even with great care, at some point, you probably will want to wash your sleeping bag. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but the process is generally this: wash your bag in a front load washing machine (no agitators) on the gentle cycle and only use soap specifically formulated for down (Nikwax Down Wash). Regular laundry detergent will strip the down of its natural oils and reduce its ability to loft. Use at least one extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is washed out. Dry in a large commercial dryer on low heat with some tennis balls thrown in to help break up the clumps of down as they dry.
This is a detailed step-by-step article on how to wash a down sleeping bag. See our similar article on How to Clean and Repair Down Jackets—the steps are very similar.
Tips For Staying Warm
Some nights are simply colder than you plan for. We polled our testers and gathered some advice for staying warm on those abnormally or un-planned for cold nights. For more tips, see our entire article dedicated on How to Stay Warm While Backpacking.
“Eat a big hot meal with a lot of fat in it right before going to sleep. Food is fuel and fuel is warmth!” -Liz “Snorkel” Thomas
“Carry an inflatable pillow so you can wear all the rest of your clothes while you sleep.” -Sam Schild
"Layer your clothing just like you would if you were active. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then add increasingly heavier layers if you're cold. Add them one at a time so you don't overheat and sweat. Don't forget your hands, feet, and head, where you lose much of your heat." -Naomi Hudetz
“Boil water in a Nalgene and put it into your bag. Do sit-ups before bed in your bag, or add a dog to your bag for warmth.” -Sara “Socks” Kruglinski
Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson captures in a photo the importance of having a warm sleeping bag when watching sunrise on Mt. Whitney. Photo by Amanda Jameson.
How We Tested
To test backpacking sleeping bags, we took dozens of bags on thousands of miles of backpacking trips and thru-hikes over the past 4 years including:
In addition, we took them on countless shorter and weekend trips including mountaineering summits in the Cascades, including Mt. Baker.
To further investigate the bags, we looked at consumer reviews on REI, Backcountry, and manufacturer websites. We also considered our own personal experiences.
From the list of contenders, we narrowed down the list by considering the positives and negatives reviewers found. If a complaint came up frequently, such as the troublesome zipper of the promising-looking but now-unavailable Marmot Phase 20, the bag was knocked out of the running. We also chose to leave out bags that were very new, since we don’t have data on their performance and durability over the long term. We think a sleeping bag is a huge investment to make without years of supporting data. The bags we recommend are proven to last.
The final winners were all bags with overwhelmingly positive user experiences, with almost no complaints. The top award winners, the Feathered Friends Egret and Feathered Friends Swallow were an easy pick — they fit our criteria for warmth, weight and quality with virtually no negatives aside from price.
The other bags that won our recommendations stood out as great options for folks who need something just slightly different in terms of size (MegaLite), price (Magma), and comfort (Montbell), but still met all our primary criteria without significant negatives.
- Multi-night backpacking in the Sierra Nevada
- Rocky Mountains & Pacific Northwest
- Cold, shoulder-season & warm weather trips
- Tested by warm & cold sleepers
- Side-by-side comparisons on same trips
- Temperature rating accuracy
- Warmth-to-weight ratio
- Packability & loft retention
- Hood fit & draft collar design
- Comfort for different sleep styles & body types
Kate Hoch is a thru-hiker, mountaineer, and huckleberry enthusiast. Photo by Dan Slattery.
About the Author / Why You Should Trust Us
By trade, I’m a mechanical engineer designing and building machines to test the reliability and safety of fitness equipment. I’ve put this engineer’s mindset to work when refining my backpacking gear choices over the years, honing in on details, learning about the nuances of material and design choices.
When I’ve been unable to find what I want in gear, I’ve embraced MYOG (Make Your Own Gear), either modifying existing gear to include features I want, or in the case of my current long distance backpack, taking my favorite elements of several different packs, and combining them into my dream pack built from scratch.
When asked about what I’m good at, one of my go-to answers is sleeping. I’m someone who’s always needed a good solid 8+ hour block of sleep to be able to function, so when I started backpacking ~2007, it was imperative that I find a comfortable way to sleep in the backcountry. In my 8,000+ miles of backpacking, including the entire Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Hayduke Trail, and Sierra High Route, and multiple ascents of Cascade Volcanoes including Mt. Hood and Rainier, I’ve had the time and variety of conditions to refine my sleep system to perfection.
I’ve been on the executive board of ALDHA-West (American Long Distance Hiking Association - West) for the past 4 years. As part of our five annual pre-backpacking season educational events (called “Rucks”), I’ve conducted many pack shakedowns and been a panelist on lightweight gear forums. I’ve shared my knowledge and expertise with hundreds of new backpackers. Running these events also keeps me on top of the newest available options for all kinds of backpacking gear.
See all articles by Kate on her author page.
