With options for every season, our top picks for the best sleeping bags for camping are comfortable, portable and affordable
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6 Best Sleeping Bags for Comfortable Camping
Updated Aug. 12, 2024
Sleeping in nature is fun but can be uncomfortable unless you have a good sleeping bag. The best sleeping bags are an essential piece of camping gear. They keep you cozy lying under the stars and provide extra warmth on colder nights.
Thanks to modern technology, newer sleeping bags are much more compact and portable than the bulky ones we grew up with. Our shopping and camping experts have rounded up our top picks for the best sleeping bags for camping in both warm weather and cold conditions.
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Best overall
Kelty Pack Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag
Many longtime campers have suggested this Kelty sleeping bag as one of the best sleeping bags because it offers great features at an affordable price, especially for a down-filled option. It withstands temperatures as low as 20 degrees, has a no-snag zipper design, internal stash pockets, dual sliders for ventilation and an included stuff sack.
It’s not as portable as the more expensive options, but we only foresee that being an issue for backpackers. If you’re just looking for a trusty three-season camping sleeping bag, this is the one for you.
Pros
- Versatile for most camping trips
- Great warmth-to-weight ratio
- Internal stash pockets
- Included stuff sack
Cons
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On the heavier end
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Best budget
Oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag
It’s easy to see why this affordable sleeping bag has more than 14,000 5-star Amazon ratings. Campers love the sleeping buckle that prevents accidental unzipping and bug bites at night. Moreover, the waterproof material and the anti-tearing polyester fabric help you stretch your dollar even further. Too warm for a sleeping bag? Unzip the Oaskys and turn it into a quilt or sleep on top of it as a ground-softening pad.
Pros
- Affordable
- Keeps wind and cold air out
- Waterproof
- Multiple color options
Cons
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Bulky
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Best for cold weather
Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF Sleeping Bag
Campers anticipating below-freezing temperatures should bring the Kodiak MF sleeping bag to stay warm. The down-filled bag retains body heat and the three-dimensional sewn draft tube and full down collar prevent any from escaping. Plus, the polyester microfiber shell stops condensation from forming at night.
The baffles allow for quick packing even while wearing gloves. Size options are based on height, with the largest coming in at 7 feet long. Although it’s expensive, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Locks in body heat
- Full-body zipper
- Easy to pack
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
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Very expensive
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Best for summer
Sea to Summit Traveller Sleeping Bag and Blanket
This sleeping bag and blanket is our go-to choice for those who prefer to camp during warmer weather. Choose from a 50- or 30-degree rated option, depending on how hot your campsite is, and regular or long length—anyone taller than 6 feet might want to go with long. The full-length zipper and drawcord footbox open the sleeping bag if more ventilation is required.
Backpackers will also appreciate the lightweight design. The sleeping bag fits into a compression sack smaller than most Nalgene water bottles making it quite portable.
Pros
- Great for warmer temperatures
- Plenty of ventilation with a full-length zipper and foot box
- Unzips into a blanket
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
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Footbox is narrow
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Best for side sleepers
Big Agnes Sidewinder Sleeping Bag
The Big Agnes Sidewinder is one of the best sleeping bags designed to keep side sleepers comfortable as they roll from side to side on their air mattress at night. The pillow and jacket-style hood stays in place no matter where they turn their head. This down-filled bag is suitable for all seasons except winter but will keep you dry if there’s rain in the forecast.
Pros
- Designed with features specifically built for side sleepers
- Jacket-style hood
- Waterproof
- Offers a smaller version specifically designed for women
Cons
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Bulky
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Best ultralight
Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag
The ultralight sleeping bag changes in size based on your temperature rating, but even the largest option weighs under 2 pounds—much less than any of our other picks. What’s more, the stuff sack takes up less space than most water bottles. This makes it the perfect pick for backpackers or anyone trying to reduce weight.
Don’t worry, you’re not sacrificing functionality for portability. The Spark Ultralight has temperature ratings as low as 5 degrees, is down-filled to keep you warm and comfortable and is designed to keep body heat locked in at night.
Pros
- Weighs less than 2 pounds
- Trimmed length zipper
- Various height and temperature rating options
- Contoured footbox
Cons
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May not be waterproof
What to consider when buying the best sleeping bag
When looking for the best sleeping bags for your next camping trip consider temperature rating, pack size and design. Temperature ratings tell you what temperatures a sleeping bag was tested in—so a 30-degree rated sleeping bag is good for temperatures 30 degrees and up. Find a sweet spot for your area.
Pack size is how big the sleeping bag is when it’s packed up. Backpackers or those who anticipate being on the trail awhile will want to find a smaller pack size. When it comes to design, mummy-shaped is the best way to go as it keeps body heat locked in and conforms better than other designs.
Other features such as waterproofness and internal storage aren’t necessary for most campers, but they’re nice. Also, most sleeping bags require a pad or mattress underneath them, and first-time campers will learn fast that the added cushioning goes a long way.
How we found the best sleeping bag
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Which sleeping bag is best for cold weather?
The Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF Sleeping Bag is our choice for cold-weather sleeping bags because it withstands below-freezing temperatures and is designed to lock in body heat. It’s expensive but well worth it for those who want to remain warm during cold-weather camping trips.
Should I get a 0- or 15-degree sleeping bag?
For cold weather camping, most people will be OK with a 15-degree sleeping bag, but if temperatures in your area reach the single digits then you should choose the 0-degree option.
How often should you wash a sleeping bag?
We recommend washing your sleeping bag after every use or trip, even if you just used it in your backyard or RV. Washing your sleeping bag eliminates any bacteria or bugs that may have hitched a ride and keeps it in good working condition.
Originally Published: June 22, 2023
