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Nov 06, 2024

The 10 Best Sleeping Bags of 2024 | Tested & Rated

Our testers are always on the hunt for the best sleeping bags for making outdoor overnights more comfortable, more fun, and hopefully more affordable. Sleeping bag designs, however, can be as

Our testers are always on the hunt for the best sleeping bags for making 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.

If you're mostly car camping, check out our camping sleeping bag review, and we can also help you select a great tent for your camping style.

Editor's Note: Our sleeping bag review was updated on October 30, 2024, to ensure our lineup is available for purchase and to share more specs in our award section.

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. Our testers found its spacious dimensions and rectangular shape to be super comfortable and had pleasant sleeping experiences in this bag. Combine these dimensions with a wrap-around zipper, and you also get a bag that doubles as an excellent picnic blanket or a quilt for two people to snuggle up under. The rugged materials make this bag heavy-duty enough to do it all without worries of rips, tears, or snagged zippers.

The standout feature of the Redwood is its warmth, and it earned one of the highest scores in what is arguably the most important metric for a sleeping bag. It has a -10° F rating provided by loads of TechLoft insulation encased in canvas shell and cotton flannel lining. Although we wouldn't recommend it down to quite that frigid of temps, it proved capable down to the single digits. On our first overnighter with the OutdoorZ Redwood, temps dropped to a chilly 25 degrees, but we stayed toasty warm. Details like double draft tubes and off-set stitching pattern reduce heat loss from even the tiniest of cracks.

If you often camp at higher elevations, in cooler climates, or like to extend your camping trips as far into the fall season as temperatures will allow, then the Redwood is a great option. In addition to warmth, this is also one of the most comfortable bags in our lineup. This is a great bag to bring to camp, set up, and feel right at home. The cozy, weighted feeling of the heavy cotton and canvas material is unmatched by synthetic fabrics, and according to our testers, the flannel interior is “soft enough to fool you into thinking you are in your own bed”.

This is our overall favorite sleeping bag for camping near civilization, but it's not suited for backpacking or any sort of human-powered excursions. With an enormous packed size and at 11.7 pounds on the scale, it's far too bulky and heavy to carry any significant distance. Instead, the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is another option that is lightweight, packs up into a stuff sack, and is a bit easier to transport. Of course, if you constantly carry your gear on your back to venture deep into the backcountry, you'll probably want to select a dedicated backpacking sleeping bag that weighs even less. At full list price, the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood is also not the best value compared to many other camping bags. Still, if you want the best and warmest classic sleeping bag, this is our suggestion. And if you're a patient shopper, you may be able to find it on sale.

Read more: ALPS OutdoorZ Redwood review

For many years now, the Coleman Brazos has been a notable contender for those on a budget. Time and again, it has impressed us with its rugged durability and warmth, especially when considering how stiff the competition is in the world of sleeping bags. This is an ideal choice for anyone who needs a budget bag for that first camping trip or for families who want to load up on sleeping bags for the kids, their friends, and extended family.

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 earned an above-average rating in our warmth testing, outscoring a few other bags in this metric. While we don't recommend it for the truly frigid camp nights, it's got you covered through the normal camping season of late spring, summer, and early fall.

This is definitely a budget bag, but sometimes, that's exactly what you need. If you are outfitting an entire household for your first family camp trip and just want something to get everyone out the door, then the Brazos is a great option to consider. When you are purchasing 3+ sleeping bags all at once, the cost can add up quickly, and while this bag is missing some of the comfort found in higher-end sleepers, we were pleasantly surprised at how well it retains warmth. We think it would also be a good choice for backyard campers or for use in an RV or camper where you don't need as much protection.

As is common, there are some tradeoffs with budget products. 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 you need more room, consider checking out The North Face Wawona Bed 20 — we tested the long version, which is 84" long vs. the Brazos' 75". The Wawona is also higher quality and, in turn, more expensive. However, for anyone on a tight budget and who just wants to get out under the stars from time to time, there really isn't a good reason not to have the Brazos in your camping gear arsenal.

Read more: Coleman Brazos review

For the folks seeking the absolute best sleeping bag, we heartily recommend the Western Mountaineering MegaLite. This ultra-premium model utilizes 12 ounces of 850+ fill power down to create a cozy cocoon of outstanding comfort. Our testers appreciated the more generous dimensions of the MegaLite compared to other products at its price point. Western Mountaineering bags are made in the USA and the materials and construction are quality throughout. The MegaLite weighs 1.5 pounds and is quite warm; this warmth-to-weight ratio is impressive and made this bag especially appealing to the diehard backpackers on our test team. It's great for backcountry trips.

The biggest issue most shoppers will have with the MegaLite is the expensive price tag. Beginners or occasional backpackers will likely be happier with a budget model for half the price, like the 2.3 pound Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15. Serious backpackers, however, should really consider spending extra for the MegaLite, or another bag from Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Bags from these specialty manufacturers usually cost more than high-end models from other companies, but in our opinion, they greatly outperform premium models from competing brands.

Read more: Western Mountaineering MegaLite review

Among the premium sleeping bag companies, Feathered Friends stands out for offering some of the absolute loftiest goose down. They incorporated this impressive insulation into our favorite women's bag, the Egret UL 20. As you might expect, this bag offers an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio. Despite weighing just 1.72 pounds, we truly believe it lives up to its 20°F temperature rating. We also appreciate the full-length zipper for added venting possibilities on warmer nights. To top it off, it packs small to leave more room for luxuries in your overnight bag.

The primary drawback to the outstanding performance of the Egret is its staggering price tag. However, every bag is handmade in Seattle, and the high price is somewhat offset by the longevity of the insulation, which we've seen outlast the lesser goose down used by many companies. The slimmer dimensions also do not offer the same generous sleeping space as some other models, like the Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 20, which is a non-mummy-shaped bag. Nevertheless, this is our favorite women's sleeping bag and an excellent choice for any serious backpacker.

Read more: Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 - Women's review

We believe the astronomical prices of some high-end sleeping bags won't make sense to the average backpacker. For these folks, we suggest selecting a better value, such as the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15. This is our favorite budget bag because it combines 650-fill power down in a simple mummy design that offers a solid balance of performance characteristics. 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.

The Bishop Pass simply can't match the performance of an ultra-premium sleeping bag. Its goose down isn't as lofty, and the nylon lining isn't as supple. There is also a roughly 30% weight disadvantage compared to the lightest high-end models. However, we think most backpackers will hardly notice these drawbacks. Instead, they will probably be happiest settling for the Bishop Pass and using the substantial money they save to upgrade other components of their overnight kit. Likewise, the REI Co-op Trailmade 20 is budget-friendly and comfortable, though it doesn't pack down as small as the Bishop.

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 review

The Sierra Designs Get Down 20 is an extremely well-priced product for a down sleeping bag. It is warm enough for most 3-season excursions, decently lightweight, and packs down pretty small. Yes, there are fancier and higher-performing bags, but at this price, the Get Down represents a spectacular value. We just wouldn't stretch using this bag too far into the shoulder season. It's rated to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, but we would not be comfortable bringing it along if the temperatures were below freezing. It's just a tube with few bells and whistles, but that means it's also pretty light to carry.

We like that Sierra Designs is trying to save weight by using a half-length zipper, but that makes the Get Down slightly less comfortable because you can't stick your feet out or drape the bag over you. We also wish the down was slightly higher quality; it's a hefty 550 fill power, which means it's not as lofty as other higher fill power products — it takes more down to achieve the same amount of warmth, so it's heavier. 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.

Read more: Sierra Designs Get Down - Women's review

For the ounce counters out there looking for a quilt is the 19.2-ounce 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, a design that greatly extends its usable temperature range. When opened as a quilt, it offered plenty of ventilation for a warm summer night. Meanwhile, its 8.4 ounces of 950+ fill power goose down proved to be capable all the way down to its 40°F temperature rating. That makes this bag an ideal choice for thru-hikers or serious backpackers looking for a lightweight model that can handle a range of conditions. It's also available in 20 and 30 degree versions.

One obvious drawback to the Flicker 40 UL is its expensive price tag. We think its quality matches its price, but that price may not be justifiable for all but the most serious ultralight aficionados. The hoodless design of this bag is also a compromise. It's not quite as warm as some other bags we tested like the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20, which is a 20-degree hooded mummy bag that only weighs around 2 ounces more. Still, we believe the added versatility of the Flicker is worth this compromise for those who don't need the warmest bag.

Read more: Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL review

Western Mountaineering is a company known for making some of the best sleeping bags, and the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF certainly lives up to that reputation. We were blown away by how this bag supplied comfort and warmth in a packable, lightweight package — only 2.85 pounds, which is quite light for such a warm bag (some of its rivals in our cold weather sleeping bag review weighed up to 4.5 pounds). Our testers believe it truly lived up to its 0° F temperature rating. They were also delighted with the wider dimensions of this bag compared to many other winter bags. Its high-quality 850 fill power goose down was some of the best at maintaining excellent loft despite numerous compression cycles.

If this bag is so great, why isn't it wildly popular? One word: price. The high-end down insulation used throughout this bag is an expensive material, and it results in a price tag that many will balk at. We should emphasize, however, that Western Mountaineering's down does seem to maintain its loft better than down from many other companies. That means this bag offers a value advantage over the very long term. It's also made in the USA. If you know you'll be doing some winter camping frequently over the next decade and you've got the money to throw down on a quality bag, give the Kodiak MF some serious consideration. Otherwise, the Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass 0 is worth taking a peek at. It's a mummy bag is warm, weather-resistant, and budget-friendly.

Read more: Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF review

The Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1 is a highly versatile 3-in-1 sleeping bag with a warm fleece interior and a durable outer shell. Each part of this customizable bag is uniquely separate and can be changed out, removed, or added back in. This system provides a lot of options for all kinds of sleepers and environments. The Polara also stows away into a much smaller size than many other bags we've tested. We love the thoughtful features, such as useful pockets, snaps, loops, and zippers, AND the excellent price point.

The Polara has synthetic insulation that simply isn't as lush or comfy as many of the premium options on the market. And while the inner liner is warm and soft, the material is grabby compared to smoother, more well-considered materials. Lastly, this bag runs a bit small for the big and tall folks, so have a gander at the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 if you know you need more space to spread out. Otherwise, the Polara is an excellent and versatile choice that we know most campers will really enjoy.

Read more: Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1 review

If you would like to make snuggling part of your next camping trip, check out the Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide. This two-person sleeping bag offers nearly 37 square feet of cozy sleeping space. It also includes two built-in blankets to allow either sleeper to adjust their warmth during the night. We think this is an ideal choice for couples or families looking for a comfortable sleeping system for their next car or RV camping trip.

Although we enjoyed the smooth feel of the Taffeta lining fabric, we did not like the slipperiness of this material. This isn't an issue when you're zipped inside the main bag, but it did cause the built-in blankets to slip off our bodies occasionally. We should also point out that at 8.8 pounds, this bag is too heavy for backpacking or other human-powered adventures. Nevertheless, it's a great choice for any pair seeking a nice two-person sleeping bag for camping close to the trailhead. The Nemo Jazz 30 Double is another option built for two. The Jazz stays put on the sleeping pad thanks to its pad sleeve, and the removable bedsheet provides extra warmth and comfort.

Read more: Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide review

This review is the culmination of a decade of hands-on testing by ten separate GearLab expert reviewers. These reviewers included backpacking guides, mountaineers, backcountry skiers, wilderness rangers, guidebook authors, and thru-hikers. The lead author, Jack Cramer, is a former member of Yosemite Search and Rescue and an accomplished climber who has now personally tested more than 70 different sleeping bags. Jack is assisted by Ian McEleney, an AMGA-certified alpine guide who has lent his expertise in sleeping bags and other backpacking gear to over 1,000 clients over the years. Jessica Haist is also a professional guide with decades of experience and heads our women's sleeping bag review. Rounding out the team is Jason Wanlass, a world traveler and seasoned backpacker and hiker. Whether it's car camping or canyoneering, Jason will take any excuse he gets to sleep outside.

In this review, we highlight our favorite sleeping bags from a range of sleeping bag categories. In total, GearLab has now purchased and tested more than 300 different bags in conditions ranging from convenient backyard slumber parties to miserable frigid nights on remote Alaskan glaciers. We sent bags on trips to Nepal, Bolivia, Argentina, and Tajikistan, as well as plenty of less exotic locales closer to home. All in all, our team of reviewers spent more than a thousand nights testing different sleeping bags so you can be sure the knowledge shared here is thorough, informed, and unbiased.

Sleeping bags come in a wide array of shapes and sizes. Different bags can be made of different materials with different features, all depending on the particular application their designed for. To top it off, the prices of different bags range from dirt cheap to exorbitant. If you're struggling to make sense of it all, we suggest you begin by asking yourself a simple question: where are you planning to camp?

The biggest differentiating factor for sleeping bag selection is the location you plan to camp and, more specifically, how far you will be from motorized transportation. If your camping plans will keep you close to your car, we recommend shopping for a heavier and cozier camping sleeping bag. This type of bag usually prioritizes comfort and cost savings. For human-powered adventures further afield, weight and packed size become paramount. Models that exhibit these characteristics we label as 'backpacking' sleeping bags. Just be aware that lighter and more compressible bags and usually more expensive.

If your plans include both convenient camping and overnight backcountry adventures, we suggest choosing a backpacking sleeping bag. That's because you won't have any issues using a backpacking model near your car but carrying a hefty camping sleeping bag any significant distance can quickly become a real pain.

Many of our favorite camping sleeping bags are great for family weekends at a developed campground, but they don't have to be used exclusively for camping. Rather the name signifies a category of sleeping bags designed and built without weight or packed size constraints. This type of bag could serve equally for RVing, boating, fly-in trips, or even the simple pleasure of camping out in your own backyard. Weight and bulk are usually not big concerns for these activities, so camping sleeping bags can optimize comfort, convenience, and price. This category of bag is often made in a rectangular shape, offering a roomier sleeping space and lower manufacturing costs. Performance among camping sleeping bags should be far less of a concern than it is for backpacking sleeping bags. The primary consideration should be finding a bag that matches your warmth, size, and budget requirements.

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. On the other hand, people planning a summer camping trip in the south might be happier in a bag that has a higher temperature rating. Overall, try not to stress too much about the purchase of a car camping sleeping bag. Simply find a bag that matches your plans and budget, and it should be up to the job.

When adventure takes you further from the trailhead, you'll probably want to opt for a backpacking sleeping bag. These bags utilize more expensive materials and streamlined designs to provide a sleeping system that offers greater warmth in a smaller and lighter package. These characteristics are most improved for human-powered activities, such as backpacking, sea kayaking, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, or bikepacking.

Backpacking sleeping bags are generally designed with a hood and a tapered sarcophagus shape that minimizes materials while maximizing thermal efficiency. This design is commonly referred to as a mummy bag. 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. Backpacking sleeping bags are often more expensive because they are frequently made with lightweight down insulation that provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, which is important when you are carrying your gear on human-powered adventures.

Ultralight sleeping bags are, well, very lightweight. These bags are ideal for those following “ultralight” guidelines to keep their packs as light as possible, typically under 10 pounds. Because they are so lightweight, they are great for multi-day backcountry trips and thru-hikes. To cut back on weight, they often use a narrower cut and thinner materials. Some even skip the zippers, cords, and buckles, as every ounce counts. To keep you warm, these bags are designed to be used in unison with a sleeping pad and weather-appropriate clothing.

Ultralight bags primarily come in two styles: mummy and quilt. Over the last few years, quilts have gained a lot of popularity. The reason behind this is the cutdown on materials used and, therefore, the weight. Instead of sleeping on top of the compressed down, the quilt lays over the top with straps that hold it in place on the sleeping pad. Mummy bags, as already mentioned above, are contoured around the body and are better for trapping in heat. The difference between the ultralight and backpacking models comes down to the materials used. Some ultralight bags ditch the hood and employ a full-length zipper so they can be used as either a mummy bag or quilt. Those interested in cutting back on weight, can learn more in our best ultralight sleeping bag review.

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. We'll break down these factors below to ensure you can be confident in your selection.

Sleeping bags provide warmth by insulating your body and its heat from outside temperatures. They achieve this warmth by utilizing two primary types of insulation: down feathers or synthetic fibers. Down feathers are the specialized puffy feathers that many birds, such as ducks and geese, use to stay warm. These feathers are excellent at trapping air in tiny spaces between the filaments of the feather to create an effective temperature barrier. Synthetic fibers are mankind's best attempt at mimicking this insulation strategy. They contain a matrix of fibers that are usually petroleum-based, such as polyester or nylon, to fill a sleeping bag and supply insulation.

Although synthetic fibers are cheaper to produce than down, they have not yet been able to achieve the same warmth for an equal weight of material. Synthetic sleeping bags, however, do have one performance advantage, a greater ability to insulate when wet. If down feathers get wet, they clump together and lose nearly all of their loft and insulative power. Synthetic fibers, in contrast, do not clump, so they can continue to provide considerable insulation when wet.

Despite this advantage of synthetic insulation, most serious backcountry travelers still prefer down over synthetic bags for most applications. The weight savings and differences in packed size are just that significant. But synthetic sleeping bags continue to be popular due to their lower cost. Broadly speaking, we recommend beginners and occasional backpackers choose a synthetic sleeping bag, while more devoted outdoor people splurge for a down model. You can find a more thorough discussion of our favorite down models in our best backpacking sleeping bag review.

The warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised as its temperature rating. It's a metric that's supposed to mean the temperature down to which a bag should be able to keep you warm enough for sleeping. In practice, however, it's not that simple. Many companies choose their own temperature ratings, so there can be limited comparison between companies. Among backpacking bags, most models are rated according to an industry-standard EN test. This provides a more consistent measure of warmth, but numerous other factors can play a role in your actual warmth beyond ambient air temperature. These factors include the type of shelter you're in, the sleeping surface beneath you, the type and quality of your sleeping pad, and even your own metabolism.

We think the most useful temperature rating for a sleeping bag is around 30° F. At this rating, a sleeping bag should be warm enough for most spring and fall conditions while also not being too stifling in the summer months. Your own preferences and uses may push you towards another rating. For winter camping, 0° F seems to be a better starting point. Summer campers, however, will probably be happier in a 40° F model. If you find that your sleeping bag doesn't seem to be living up to its temperature rating, the issue is most likely your sleeping pad. Check out our sleeping pad review for more info about why your overnight warmth can be dependent on how well you're insulated from the ground.

A sleeping bag's weight and packed size should be major considerations for any type of human-powered overnight trip. An extra pound or two might not seem like a lot, but that weight can become significant on an extended backcountry sojourn. 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.

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. Therefore, try only to analyze weight and packed size between bags with similar warmth. Don't be afraid to spend a little more for a lighter or more compressible sleeping bag if you plan to venture deep into the backcountry. After all, your knees and back are more valuable than even the priciest sleeping bag.

A bag's comfort is largely dependent on its dimensions and the type of materials used. More expensive insulation like goose down is often perceived as more comfortable because it's lighter and weighs down on your body less. Among budget models, the lining material can also influence comfort. Our testers generally found flannel feel cozier than the other linings commonly used in budget car camping sleeping bags.

Transitioning from an ordinary blanket to an enclosed sleeping bag can be a claustrophobic experience for some folks. If this sounds like you, we recommend a sleeping bag with roomier dimensions. Be especially careful about the length of a hooded mummy bag — stuffing your head inside the hood of a too-short bag can be a literal pain in the neck. Most manufacturers categorize the length of men's sleeping bags as follows: short equates to 5'6" in length, regular is 6'0", and long is 6'6".

The length of a sleeping bag is unquestionably important, but the horizontal measurements should also be considered. Women's sleeping bags incorporate design features to meet women's unique anatomy. Often, women's bags are designed with wider hip dimensions and narrower shoulder dimensions. Women typically sleep colder than men, so sleeping bags marketed toward women usually have more conservative temperature ratings. This can also translate into a bargain when women's bags incorporate extra insulation but are sold at the same price. See our Sleeping Bags for Women review to read more about our top sleeping bags in this category.