All these things usually add up to costing more overall. The individual metrics we used to assess each sleeping bag are important to a good night’s sleep. They serve as a solid foundation in determining which bag is right for you. However, these metrics become the most helpful when you have a clear idea of the type of camping you plan to do.
If you need more room than the Polara offers, the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 is much more spacious. If not, stick with the Polara’s versatility of offering three bags in one. Traditional camping sleeping bags are known to be a little big-boned, so packed size was not a complete deal-breaker for us. However, space is rarely unlimited, so we rated each bag according to its stowed size. We also factored each bag’s packed weight and the overall ease of stuffing it into its stuff sack.
It did not even get down to 40, more like upper 40s at the most and probably low 50s when I used it. This sleeping bag I always sleep in @ night @ home because I like it better than a regular blanket. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
You can find two single bags to zip together for a wider two-person system at a lower overall cost, but then you’ll be sacrificing the excellent features this bag offers. The taffeta fabrics are very silky and ultra-soft but also seem prone to snags and small tears. Additionally, we feel the built-in individual quilts could be a bit wider. However, this double bag is better than other two-person models we’ve tested in the past and currently. The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is a great hooded option if you’re sleeping single.
Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. Our proprietary tech ensures that recalled items are never listed. I think the expensive bags are just marketing and overengineering, unless you are going to the arctic.
The one that came closest is the Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide. This bag employs a hooded design that traps heat ozark trail canopy around the head. The Nemo Jazz 30 Double is very similar in design to the Kelty and performed about the same.
It’s also the only bag on our list with a 100% cotton flannel liner, providing a soft next-to-skin feel and by far the coziest experience. Cotton generally offers a more even temperature, resulting in fewer cold spots. The Redwood’s ozark trail canopy heavier cotton canvas external fabric also provides a tucked-in feeling that most of our testers loved. Snoozing in the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is like sleeping in a giant-sized version of your favorite hooded parka.
It’s lightweight, packs up nicely, and can be compressed even further in a compression sack. Whether you’re a car camper or a weekend backpacker, the Galactic is worth a look if you prefer down fill but aren’t a fan of constrictive mummy-style bags. Over the last 11 years, we’ve purchased dozens of the best camping sleeping bags, with 14 top models in this review.
I had to add a fleece sleeping bag for more insulation. I used this bag from February of 2002 to June of 2002 on the Appalachian Trail, and I still have it. The first night out it was less than 14 degrees F, and I had at least 50 nights under 40 degrees F. I can’t say I was warm, but I wasn’t shivering, freezing, or cold either, although I did wear 2 layers of clothing.