Updated September 2, 2024
When you load up your backpack to go camping, you want to make sure your load is a burden you can physically handle by weeding out unneeded weighty items. Your sleeping bag is often a significant percentage of not only the weight but also the area occupied in the pack. This makes finding a lightweight, compact bag a major concern. Then when you arrive at the campsite you want your bag to provide the best level of comfort and the weather protection necessary for the environment at hand.
The sheer number of models available can be a little overwhelming to research when selecting the best backpacking sleeping bag to suit your hiking and camping needs. To aid in that process some of the best ultralight sleeping bags have been chosen as an introduction. They are presented in a basic comparison table, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom.
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
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Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag Review
- Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20 Degree Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Teton Sports LEEF Lightweight Mummy Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- NEMO Disco Insulated Down Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Big Agnes Torchlight Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Kelty Tuck 20 Degree Thermapro Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Marmot Trestles 30 Mummy Backpacking Sleeping Bag
- Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 Degree Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags Comparison Table
| Photo | Sleeping Bag | Weight Warmth Fill | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Kelty Cosmic 20 | Wt: 2 lbs 3.9 oz Warmth: 20F Fill: 600 DriDown | $$ |
  | Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20 | Wt: 1 lb 15 oz Warmth: 20F Fill: 850 Down | $$$ |
  | Teton Sports LEEF | Wt: 4 lbs 3.2 oz Warmth: 0F Fill: PolarLite Micro | $ |
  | NEMO Disco | Wt: 2 lbs 3 oz Warmth: 30F Fill: 650 Fill Down | $$$ |
  | Big Agnes Torchlight | Wt: 2 lbs 3 oz Warmth: 20F Fill: 850 Fill Down Tek | $$$ |
  | Kelty Tuck 20 | W: 3 lbs Warmth: 20F Fill: Thermapro | $ |
  | Marmot Trestles 30 | Wt: 3 lbs 1 oz Warmth: 30F Fill: SpiraFill | $ |
  | Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 | Wt: 3 lbs 3.7 oz Warmth: 0F Fill: 650 Duck Down | $$ |
| Photo | Sleeping Bag | Weight Warmth Fill | Price |
Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bag
It has a comfortable draft collar and hood and is available in several sizes to suit a range of campers.
A nice feature is an interior pocket suitable for stowing your flashlight or cell phone.
Currently available in blue or vapor (colors), the Kelty Cosmic also comes in 0F and 40F versions.
- Weight: 2 lbs 3.9 oz
- Warmth Rating: 20F
- Fill: 600 DriDown with DWR (durable water repellent)
- Shell: soft, durable 20D nylon taffeta
- Lining: soft 50D polyester taffeta lining
- Colors: blue, vapor
- Sizes: long, regular, short, women’s regular
- Other Features: dual-sliding anti-snag zipper, draft collar, comfortable hood, stuff sack, interior stash pocket for electronics
- Available in 0F and 40F versions
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$
Western Mountaineering Alpinlite 20 Degree Backpacking Sleeping Bag
It is correctly described as ultralight at 1 pound 15 ounces for the regular-sized model and is well-designed with numerous features to keep the heat inside including an insulated draft tube, full down collar, and continuous down baffles along the zipper.
The price tag is pretty high but with proper care, it should last for many years.
- Weight: 1 lb 15 oz
- Warmth Rating: 20F
- Fill: 850-fill goose down
- Shell: water-resistant, breathable 12D
- Color: cranberry
- Sizes: long, regular, short (with right or left zip)
- Other Features: insulated draft tube, continuous down baffles along the #5 YKK no-snag zipper, a 360° full down collar and a hood prevent cold drafts, well-shaped foot box, wider shoulder girth that allows for layering in cold conditions and is comfortable for side sleepers, stuff sack
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $$$
View More From Western Mountaineering
Teton Sports LEEF Lightweight Mummy Backpacking Sleeping Bag
It has a water-resistant ripstop shell and poly-flannel lining in combination with PolyLite Micro synthetic fill with “body mapping” to adjust your form for a warm comfortable night’s sleep.
The foot box is enlarged and has extra fill for added warmth for that sensitive area.
You have a choice of 20 F or 0 F temperature ratings to match the conditions and 2 sizes, regular and scout.
It also has an interior pocket for your personal items and 2 sewn-in hanging loops for airing out or storage.
- Weight: 4 lbs 3.2 oz
- Warmth Rating: 0 F (also available in 20 F)
- Fill: PolarLite Micro synthetic
- Shell: water-resistant 40D ripstop
- Lining: brushed P5 poly-flannel
- Color: green
- Sizes: regular, scout
- Other Features: 3-piece hood for a snug fit around the face, anti-snag zippers, double-layer offset stitching for no cold spots, 2 sewn-in hanging loops, drawstring compression sack, roomy foot box with extra fill for warmth, interior pocket for cell phone, keys, or personal items
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $
NEMO Disco Insulated Down Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Quality nylon ripstop fabric in the shell, with a breathable type in the foot box, and comfortable nylon taffeta in the lining are only the start.
Highlighted innovative features adding to comfort include Thermo Gills for ventilation, a Blanket Fold draft collar and pillow pocket for added head support, and a full-length down draft tube behind the zipper to prohibit cold air entry.
Available in regular and long sizes for men and women, it comes in 30F and 15F versions.
All these features and comfort come at a fairly high price, though, but are backed by the NEMO lifetime warranty.
- Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz
- Warmth Rating: 30F (also available in 15F)
- Fill: 650 down
- Shell: 30D nylon ripstop with DWR
- Lining: 30D nylon taffeta with DWR
- Foot Box Fabric: breathable 40D nylon ripstop OSMO with DWR
- Colors: celestial/moonglade, electra/starlit ridge, spark/fortress, torch/stormy night
- Sizes: regular and long for both men and women
- Other Features: #5 YKK 2-way zipper, classic spoon shape for more elbow and knee room good for side sleeping, zippered internal pocket to stash phones, wallets, etc., zippered Thermo Gills allow body heat ventilation without letting in cold air, compression stuff sack, mesh storage bag, integrated pillow pocket for head support, Blanket Fold external draft collar, a full-length draft tube of down folding behind the zipper
- Warranty: NEMO lifetime warranty
- Price: $$$
Big Agnes Torchlight Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bag
The materials used are first-rate with a durable polyester ripstop shell and water-repellent finish, comfortable polyester taffeta lining with a quick-drying wick finish, and water-repelling Down Tek fill.
It also has a contoured hood with a cord lock to cinch it sealing out drafts.
For couples, left-hand and right-hand zip models can be combined to create a double bag.
Available in regular and long sizes and 20 F and 30 F versions, this one, too, is fairly high priced and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Weight: 2 lbs 3 oz
- Warmth Rating: 20F (also available in 30F)
- Fill: 850 water-repelling Down Tek
- Shell: polyester ripstop with a water-repellent finish
- Lining: polyester taffeta with a wicking finish for quick drying
- Colors: grey/orange
- Sizes: regular and long
- Other Features: expandable panels with dual zippers for fit adjustment, comfortably fitting contoured hood with cord-lock operable with one hand, zippered collar to seal out drafts, interior loops for attachment to a sleeping bag liner (not included), external loops for drying or storage, stuff sack, left-zip, and right-zip models can be combined to create a double bag
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $$$
Kelty Tuck 20 Degree Thermapro Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Available in regular and long sizes and in 20F, 0F, and 34F temperature ratings, the shell and lining are both made of soft durable 75D polyester taffeta.
The offset quilt construction uses synthetic Thermapro fill with an insulated hood and natural-fit foot box for effective full-body insulation.
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Warmth Rating: 20F (also available in 0F and 34F)
- Fill: Thermapro synthetic
- Shell: 75D polyester taffeta
- Lining: 75D polyester taffeta
- Colors: spinach/castle rock
- Sizes: regular and long
- Other Features: zipper design allows you to put your feet outside if too warm inside, anti-snag zipper, insulated hood, natural-fit foot box, integrated storage pocket, media port, stuff sack included
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $
Marmot Trestles 30 Mummy Backpacking Sleeping Bag
This mummy-style sleeping bag has a baffled hood with the standard full-length zipper on one side and a half-length one on the other offering added access and ventilation.
The tapered shape ends in a 3D foot box with substantial room to wiggle your toes and arrange your feet into a comfortable sleeping position.
The polyester taffeta fabric is water-resistant on the shell and snuggly soft in the lining.
A compression stuff sack is included to minimize the dimensions for convenient packing.
- Weight: 3 lbs 1 oz
- Warmth Rating: 30F
- Fill: SpiraFil polyester fiber
- Shell: 70D polyester taffeta with a water-repellent surface
- Lining: 70D polyester taffeta
- Colors: green
- Sizes: regular and long
- Other Features: full-length double anti-snag zipper on one side and fold-down half-length zipper on the other, roomy, 3D footbox, draft tubes along the zippers for good closure, baffled 3D hood, “feely” drawcords, zippered stash pocket, compression stuff sack
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $
Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 Degree Backpacking Sleeping Bag
The fill with a formulation of duck down with the ClusterLoft base is warm and the 400T 20D nylon ripstop fabric is durable with both being water-resistant.
Roomy with wide shoulders and a large foot box, zipper, and shoulder baffles retain heat.
It also comes with a compression stuff sack to minimize the space used in your backpack.
There are 3 sizes to suit campers from 5’6” to 6’6”.
The price is moderate and it is backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Weight: 3 lbs 3.7 oz
- Warmth Rating: 0F
- Fill: hydrophobic 650 FP duck down with ClusterLoft base
- Shell & Lining: water-repellent 400T 20D nylon ripstop
- Colors: black, blue, light blue, maroon, red
- Sizes: short, regular, and long
- Other Features: double large YKK anti-snag zippers, wide shoulders, large foot box, snag-free Velcro, drawstring, compression stuff sack, shoulder and zipper baffles
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $$
Backpacking Sleeping Bags Buying Guide
Weight and Packability
As mentioned in the introduction, a lightweight sleeping bag that packs into a minimum space is a priority. Along with the backpack, itself, and your tent, it is the third essential component of the gear you carry to the campsite. If you can strive to keep it under 3-4 pounds and it still provides the warmth you need for the environment, it is ideal. Regarding the size and space occupied, most down and synthetic-filled bags can be compressed to a much more manageable size using a stuff sack with compression straps.
Temperature Rating
There are rating systems in use from European and international agencies and from manufacturers. All the ratings in the reviews here come from the manufacturers. The aim is to provide a meaningful guideline to help you make the appropriate selection for the conditions you will face. While there may be a tendency to consider that a sleeping bag rated for the coldest temperature will be suitable for warmer conditions as well, many find sleeping in a heavily insulated bag in summer temperatures can be pretty uncomfortable. Keep in mind that if your bag is not quite as warm as you need, you can add a lining or garments to reach the best temperature.
Generally speaking, for winter-season camping, a tent rated 15 F or lower is the best choice. For 3-season conditions, look for a rating from 15 F to 30 F. For a sleeping bag chosen for warm weather summer use only, a rating of 30 F or higher is recommended.
Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
Insulation
The two main options are down and synthetic versions, with a hybrid of synthetics and down a third option.
- Down is seen by most as the best form of insulation especially for a lightweight sleeping bag because it provides a high level of insulation in proportion to its mass. It often has a water-resistant treatment to protect from moist conditions, offsetting one of its weaknesses. Other qualities are that it is lightweight, compresses well for packing, and is durable enough to last for years. It is considered comfortable but is the most expensive option. Allergies can be a problem for some.
- Synthetic insulation materials (usually polyester) don’t trigger allergic reactions and are cheaper. Durable and able to insulate well even when damp, synthetics also dry quickly. They have been configured to perform much as down does with good compressibility for packing.
- Hybrid – Blends of synthetics and down are increasingly appearing on the market. They offer some of the best features of both like durability and feel. Check carefully the descriptions from manufacturers for the specifics.
Fit and Shape
Classic rectangular and semi-rectangular sleeping bags offer some benefits but unfortunately tend to be bulky and heavy. With packability and low weight priorities for backpackers, mummy-style is the best choice. In addition, there is less internal space for a snugger fit so warming up is fast. Quality zipper systems, drawstrings, and hoods are features that secure the bag from cold air entry.
Features
There are some features to look for that can add to the comfort, warmth, and performance of your mummy sleeping bag. Draft tubes along the zipper prevent the entry of cold outer air. Expandable panels can add some volume for a less snug fit. An integrated pillow pocket allows for the addition of a pillow or more likely articles of clothing to serve as head support. A hood with a system of drawcords or zippers can create a secure airtight fit. Baffles keep the insulation fill distributed around the bag to resist bunching up. A zippered stash pocket is handy for cell phones, keys, or other personal items. All the manufacturers have special features like these and more to consider.
Taking Care of Your Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Bag Care & Maintenance
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpack Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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