Our testers are always on the hunt for the best sleeping bags that can make their outdoor overnights more comfortable, more fun, and hopefully more affordable. Sleeping bag designs, however, can be as complicated and varied as the people who snuggle up inside them. To better make sense of it all, we highlight some of our favorite bags that span different materials, weights, warmth ratings, and applications. We tested these bags on family camping trips, fast and light backpacking adventures, and remote winter expeditions. We present them here in the hope that you can find the best sleeping bag for you, no matter your needs or budget. Depending on your preferred camping style, we’ve also outlined some of our favorite tents to help you set up your perfect home away from home.
When it comes to classic sleeping bags, the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood is a step above the rest. This well-made bag features a sturdy cotton canvas shell with a cozy flannel liner. Its generous dimensions and rectangular shape only enhance its comfort, ensuring a pleasant and spacious sleeping experience. Combine these dimensions with a wrap-around zipper, and you also get a bag that doubles as an excellent picnic blanket.
The Brazos isn’t as comfortable or as high-quality as the premium sleeping bags. It’s also got a smaller fit, so it won’t be the right choice for those who are tall or broad-shouldered. If that sounds like you, consider checking out The North Face Wawona Bed 20, which is larger and ozark trail backpack overall of higher quality — but also more expensive. Weight and packed size generally correspond closely to one another, so you don’t need to spend too much time trying to consider them separately. However, it’s important to recognize that warmer bags are generally bulkier and heavier than colder bags.
Backpacking sleeping bags are generally designed with a hood and a tapered sarcophagus shape that minimizes materials while maximizing thermal efficiency. Keep in mind, however, that the tapered shape of a mummy bag reduces the space for your legs, so some folks may find them uncomfortable. More careful research is also a good idea when you’re shopping for a backpacking sleeping bag because these models can be fairly expensive. Don’t fret, though; with a little effort, it’s possible to select a suitable and affordable option.
Larger packed size can also be an issue because it increases the size of your backpack, which can end up placing the weight you’re carrying farther from your center of gravity. Keep these realities in mind when searching for the right sleeping bag. Our top choice for the ounce counters out there is the Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL. This innovative model incorporates a truly full-length zipper that allows it to function as a hoodless mummy bag or an open quilt. When opened as a quilt, it offered plenty of ventilation for a warm summer night.
It is easy to get in and out of, since the zipper runs down to your feet. It is water resistant, but not waterproof, and it stores extremely well. When it’s in the compression sack it comes with, it’s about 12 inches tall and 5 inches wide. The bag is machine-washable and the lightweight design fits easily in both the washer and dryer. What bothers me the most, (and the main reason I gave it 2 stars) is that the fabric is hidden and not obvious until you get it out of the package and unzip it all of the way. If they wanted to skimp on fabric, it should have been used on the outside and bottom of the bag!
It performed best in the Ozark Trail 2 person tent as we popped a Trespass sleeping bag liner in to give an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Trailspace’s community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top warm weather sleeping bags. Once you know the broad type of sleeping bag you’re interested in, there are several other factors to consider. These include insulation type, temperature, weight, packed size, and comfort.
If you’re looking for a bag with exceptional comfort we love the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 20. It’s a bit pricier, but you’re guaranteed a super cozy night’s sleep. At this price point, we weren’t expecting greatness from the Coleman Brazos. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the warmth of this bag when we used it on a few chilly nights in Bryce Canyon National Park.
It has ClimaTech fiber for added warmth, comfort, and durability. The zipper broke on my warm weather bag on the second night out. Too bad too because overall I’ve had good luck with Ozark Trail stuff. Too bad the buyer at Walmart has gone to sleep on quality control on this product.
The warmth-to-weight ratio is impressive for an affordable option, and it packs smaller than other models that provide similar warmth. Its comfort and versatility may not be otherworldly, but they should be high enough to satisfy most shoppers. We recommend most shoppers select a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of around 30° F because these models are suitable for a range of conditions. However, feel free to tailor your selection for your unique situation. Folks that live in colder climates, for example, will probably want a warmer model.