Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2020

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SLEEPING BAG FOR BACKPACKING

You want your sleeping bag to be light, compact, comfortable, and warm. Check the weight, and look at the stuff sack size to see how much space the bag will take up in your pack. Most backpackers prefer the narrow mummy or semi-mummy shape, which is snug but keeps bags lighter and more compact. Down is the insulation of choice, though backpackers on lower budgets or those who are often in wet conditions may prefer a synthetic fill. Beyond that, our choices are narrowed down by our budgets and by the conditions in which we intend to use our equipment.

TEMPERATURE RATINGS

An “ISO” or “EN” temperature rating is based on a standardized test that assigns two numbers: a “comfort” rating and a “lower limit” rating. If you see two figures, the bag has probably been ISO or EN tested. The testing is expensive, so many manufacturers just assign their own rating based on design and experience.

Temperature ratings are a general guideline, and actual performance will depend on the conditions, the pad you use, the clothes you wear, and how much warmth you need. People who are considered “warm sleepers” will want a warmer bag, those who are “cold sleepers” can push the rating more. Remember that it may get colder than you expect!

SEASONAL CLASSIFICATIONS

Most manufacturers classify bags in three brackets:

• SUMMER BAGS are rated at 30 degrees (F) and above
• THREE SEASON bags are rated from 15 to 39 degrees (F)
• WINTER BAGS are rated below 15 degrees (F)

INSULATION TYPE

DOWN

Goose and duck down are durable, light, and can be repeatedly compressed and still expand to full volume after. Those qualities make them the preferred insulators for sleeping bags. There are several types of down typically listed in sleeping bag specs.

WATER REPELLENT DOWN

AKA water resistant down – this is down that is treated so that it absorbs less moisture. These treatments have made down more competitive with synthetics for wet weather camping.

SYNTHETIC INSULATION

Synthetic insulation in sleeping bags typically involves mats of polyester fibers, though most manufacturers use their own proprietary types. Synthetic insulation is heavier and less compact than down, but it is also less expensive, dries faster, and continues to insulate even when wet.

RESPONSIBLE DOWN STANDARD (RDS)

This is down has been sourced from suppliers who comply with animal treatment standards.

SLEEPING PADS

Your insulating pad is an integral part of your sleeping system. Most bags have limited insulating ability on the bottom, because your weight compresses the insulation. A good pad is essential, and many bag manufacturers use straps, pockets, or other arrangements to attach the bag to the pad and keep you from sliding off it. If you’re looking for a pad to go with your new bag, check out our review of the 10 Best Sleeping Pads of 2020.

ZIPPERS

Most sleeping bags close with a full-length zipper on one side, and some offer a partial off-side zipper to assist ventilation. Most bags can be ordered with a left-side or right-side zipper, depending on your preference, and many bags with opposing zippers can be zipped together to form a double bag. This feature is not available on all bags, so check if you plan to use it.

Anti-snag zippers are designed to prevent the fabric of the bag from getting stuck in the zipper, which is inconvenient and can damage the zipper or the fabric.

LEARN MORE

REI has an excellent guide to buying a backpacking sleeping bag, which explains many features in great detail. For a deeper discussion of temperature ratings, see this comprehensive guide from Therm-a-Rest.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

SHELL FABRICS

The shell is the fabric that holds the insulation in place. Many outer shells are now given water repellent treatments, while inner shells are given a soft texture for comfort. All shell fabrics are a compromise between weight and strength: you want it to be light, but you don’t want to rip or puncture it!

FILL WEIGHT

Fill weight refers to the expansive quality of the down. 500 fill weight is the lowest typically used in sleeping bags, while high-end bags use the very expensive 800 to 900 fill weight down. Higher fill weight indicates higher quality down.

BAFFLES

Insulation is sewn into compartments called baffles, which keep the insulation in place and prevent cold spots. Manufacturers devote a great deal of design ingenuity to arranging baffles for the best performance.

SIZES

Most men’s sleeping bags come in a 78 inch long and a 72 inch regular size. Most women’s bags offer a 70 inch long and a 67 inch regular size. Some manufacturers use different sizes, and some may have additional lengths or extra wide sizes. Weight and bulk may vary with size.

DRAFT TUBE

Draft tubes are insulated pockets that close off the space behind the zipper to keep cold air from seeping in.

INSULATED COLLARS OR YOKES

These are insulation arrangements that close off the neck area to avoid heat loss.

STUFF SACK

Most manufacturers supply two bags: a compression sack that reduces the bag to its smallest possible volume for stowing in a backpack, and a storage sack that allows the bag to loft up and breathe. Storing the bag in the provided storage sack when not in use will extend its lifespan.

Some manufacturers quote stuff sack size in external dimensions (in inches), others in volume (usually in liters).