Best Lightweight Barrel Sleeping Bags


Our review process

Our team has gathered, researched, and analyzed information on more than 800 various kinds of sleeping bags in order to show you our top scoring sleeping bags. We then further sub-categorized them and looked more specifically at 9 different lightweight barrel sleeping bags. In our research, we considered a range of different main features among the 28,000 different data entries and combined it with customer reviews to inform you of the leading lightweight barrel sleeping bags available. But don't just take our word for it, check out some of the benefits and disadvantages of some of the main specs.

When trying to choose your next lightweight barrel sleeping bag, there are important things you'll want to know. Lightweight sleeping bags pack down into a small size, so they are less bulky when rolled up. Since extra weight can make a hike or trek more physically demanding, they are designed for people who haven't been backpacking or camping before and want to start with a lightweight bag before advancing. They are easy to carry, helping you move on the trail faster, farther and more comfortably. However, they are typically not as warm, so they aren't designed for sleeping out in very low temperatures. Barrel sleeping bags have a spacious design, so they are ideal for people who feel too confined by the tight mummy shape. They are a great in-between from the more fitted mummy shape and the roomier rectangular sleeping bags, providing better thermal efficiency than more spacious designs. They accommodate varying sleeping positions, allowing you to sleep in any position without compressing the insulation.

Our Top Ranking Sleeping Bags:
Product NameBrandColorSize
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Sea to Summit Ember I 073R-Parent Men's 40 Degree Nylon Sleeping Bag
Sea to Summit Ember I 073R-Parent Men's 40 Degree Nylon Sleeping Bag
Sea to Summit
gray and yellow
single
Runner Up
2
An image of Kelty Rambler 50 Men's 50 Degree Polyester Pongee Sleeping Bag
Kelty Rambler 50 Men's 50 Degree Polyester Pongee Sleeping Bag
Kelty
blue
single
For Backpacking
3
An image of Marmot Micron 50 Sleeping Bag
Marmot Micron 50 Sleeping Bag
Marmot
single
For Cold Weather
4
An image of Kelty Coromell 40 Degree Sleeping Bag
Kelty Coromell 40 Degree Sleeping Bag
Kelty
blue
single
5
An image of Western Mountaineering MityLite Men's 40 Degree Down Sleeping Bag
Western Mountaineering MityLite Men's 40 Degree Down Sleeping Bag
Western Mountaineering
moss green
single
Our Top Ranking Sleeping Bags
Customer Rating
Brand
Sea to Summit
Color
gray and yellow
Size
single
Customer Rating
Brand
Kelty
Color
blue
Size
single
Customer Rating
Brand
Marmot
Color
Size
single
Customer Rating
Brand
Kelty
Color
blue
Size
single
Customer Rating
Brand
Western Mountaineering
Color
moss green
Size
single
Best Overall Score
An image of Sea to Summit Ember I 073R-Parent Men's 40 Degree Nylon Sleeping Bag

With the Sea to Summit Ember I Men's 40 Degree Nylon Barrel Sleeping Bag, you can experience a great night's sleep while on your weekend away. This sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is tapered from top to bottom to increase heat efficiency and save weight. It has a nylon ripstop exterior, so it resists wear and tear, and a nylon lining, which is light and soft on your skin and will remain at a comfortable temperature. This sleeping bag has a 40°F temperature rating, which is ideal for warm weather nights.

This sleeping bag features a compressible design, giving you enough extra space to take along your other essentials. It is lightweight and is suitable for hiking, so it is compact and easy to fit in your pack, making it comfortable to carry no matter the distance. This sleeping bag is easy to pack, making it an excellent option if mobility and space are a key factor for you. It features a laundry bag and has a compression bag, which will make storing your sleeping bag super easy.

    Pros
    • Features a compressible design
    • Easy to pack sleeping bags roll up compactly
    • Lightweight build
    Cons
    • Nylon can fade easily
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be hard to fit into a backpack
Runner Up
An image of Kelty Rambler 50 Men's 50 Degree Polyester Pongee Sleeping Bag

With the Kelty Rambler 50 Men's 50 Degree Polyester Pongee Barrel Sleeping Bag, you can experience a great night's sleep while on your weekend away. This sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is tapered from top to bottom, increasing warmth while still giving you a comfortable amount of room to move around. It has Cloudloft™ insulation, which will retain body heat by combining hollow core and solid core fibers to create a unique insulation type. Good for summer, it is extremely thin and airy since it doesn't need as much insulation as winter or 3 season versions. This sleeping bag has a 50°F temperature rating, which is ideal for warm weather nights. It has a polyester pongee lining, which will increase air circulation as it's a thin, soft, breathable material.

This sleeping bag is ideal for camping and is lightweight, making it great for hiking or traveling long distances on foot. With a compressible design, it will fold up compactly, giving you a lot of room for the rest of your gear. It has a zipper guard, preventing the material from getting caught in the zipper. This Kelty sleeping bag includes a mesh storage sack, so you can stash your important possessions, such as your watch. It is easy to carry, making it a wonderful option if mobility and packing space are a key factor for you. It features a stuff sack, which will keep your backpack organized.

    Pros
    • Designed to compress easily
    • Zipper guard prevents the material from snagging
    • Stuff sack will keep you organized
    Cons
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be hard to carry
    • Camping sleeping bags are not suitable for hiking
    • Stuff sack can ruin the sleeping bag's filling after prolonged use
For Backpacking
An image of Marmot Micron 50 Sleeping Bag

With an excellent user rating, the Marmot Micron 50 Barrel Sleeping Bag might be exactly what you need for your next outdoor adventure. This sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is tapered from top to bottom to increase heat efficiency and save weight. It is perfect for backpacking and is lightweight, so you can take it on all your adventures without feeling weighed down. It has Down Defender, protecting down from clumping when exposed to moisture. This sleeping bag is built for summer for increasing ventilation to keep you comfortable during warm weather. It is waterproof, making it a good fit for damp environments. It is easy to pack, so it can be folded down into a practical size to save space in your bag. Featuring an interior pocket, it has a convenient spot to store small objects.

    Pros
    • Easy to pack sleeping bags roll up compactly
    • Lightweight build
    • Ventilated properly for summer weather
    Cons
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be difficult to carry on your back
For Cold Weather
An image of Kelty Coromell 40 Degree Sleeping Bag

With the Kelty Coromell 40 Degree Barrel Sleeping Bag, you can experience a great night's sleep while on your weekend getaway. This sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is fitted by your feet, while still loosely cut around the body so you can comfortably move from your back to your side at night. It features a polyester shell, which is light and comfortable. It is suitable for camping and is lightweight, making it great if your number one priority is low volume and weight. This sleeping bag detaches via zippers, so you can easily transform your double bag into two individual ones. It features a stuff sack for easily fitting your sleeping bag into your backpack along with the rest of your gear. It can withstand 40°F temperatures, keeping you warm on colder summer nights.

    Pros
    • Stuff sack will keep you organized
    • Lightweight build
    • Polyester shell resists UV rays
    Cons
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be bulky
    • Camping sleeping bags are not suitable for hiking
    • Polyester shell is not great for extreme weather conditions
Additional Picks
An image of Western Mountaineering MityLite Men's 40 Degree Down Sleeping Bag

Use the Western Mountaineering MityLite Men's 40 Degree Down Barrel Sleeping Bag to stay warm and cozy in the outdoors. This Western Mountaineering sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is fitted by your feet, while still loosely cut around the body so you can comfortably move from your back to your side at night. It is designed with a nylon ripstop exterior and has a down lining, so you can stay warm since it keeps your body heat in the sleeping bag, but remains breathable so you won't overheat. Suitable for summer, it is built with a light design that increases airflow and ventilation, which is perfect for warmer weather. It has a 40°F temperature rating, keeping you warm on colder summer nights.

This sleeping bag detaches via zippers, so you can easily transform your double bag into two individual ones. Featuring a lightweight build, it is great if you want to save space and move fast,. It is made to be compact and features a compressible design, so your sleeping bag will not take up a lot of room, leaving you with sufficient space to bring along your other equipment. This sleeping bag is easy to carry, making it a wonderful option if mobility and packing space are a key factor for you.

    Pros
    • Made to be compact, getting rid of the bulk
    • Compresses easily
    • Lightweight build
    Cons
    • Down loses loft when wet
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be hard to pack into a backpack
An image of Big Agnes Sandhoffer Men's Sleeping Bag

Before purchasing the Big Agnes Sandhoffer Men's Barrel Sleeping Bag, it's important to learn more. This sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is tapered, increasing thermal efficiency while still giving you a comfortable amount of room to move around. Featuring a lightweight build, it won't be difficult to carry long distances. It has Downtek, which is the leading hydrophobic technology engineered to repel water even in the wettest conditions. With a compressible design, it does not take up all the space in your bag so you will have sufficient room to bring along other gear. This sleeping bag is waterproof, resisting moisture and keeping you dry in rainy conditions. It features a free-range hood, which gives you the space to lift and comfortably move your head.

    Pros
    • Features a compressible design
    • Free-range hood provides added comfort by the head
    • Lightweight construction
    Cons
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be hard to fit into a backpack
An image of Big Agnes Farrington Sleeping Bag

Looking for your next backpacking sleeping bag? We can tell you about the Big Agnes Farrington Barrel Sleeping Bag. This sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is tapered, increasing thermal efficiency while still giving you a comfortable amount of room to move around. Good for summer, it is very thin and breathable since it doesn't need as much insulation as winter or 3 season versions. It is perfect for backpacking and is lightweight, making it great for hiking or traveling long distances on foot. This sleeping bag has PrimaLoft Silver insulation, which keeps you comfortable at low temperatures without adding weight. It is thermal, so you can stay warm every night.

    Pros
    • Lightweight build
    • Designed especially for warm weather
    • Barrel shape increases warmth
    Cons
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be hard to pack into a hiking backpack
An image of Sea to Summit Ember-EBIII 075L Nylon Sleeping Bag

Let's review the Sea to Summit Ember-EBIII Nylon Barrel Sleeping Bag, a popular choice among consumers. This sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is tapered from top to bottom, increasing thermal efficiency while still giving you a comfortable amount of room to move around. This 4 season sleeping bag is built with strong materials that are highly insulated and protect against extremely cold weather conditions. It features a nylon lining and is built with a nylon ripstop exterior, resisting wear and tear. Featuring a compressible design, it will fold up very small, leaving you a lot of room for the rest of your gear. This sleeping bag is perfect for camping and is lightweight, making it great if your number one priority is low volume and weight. It comes with a laundry bag and has a compression bag, which will make storing your sleeping bag super easy.

    Pros
    • Designed to compress easily
    • Lightweight build
    • Nylon lining will remain at a comfortable temperature
    Cons
    • Nylon pills with extended use
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be hard to fit into a backpack
    • Camping sleeping bags are not suitable for backpacking
An image of Snugpak Softie Elite 5 Sleeping Bag

Use the Snugpak Softie Elite 5 Barrel Sleeping Bag to stay warm in the outdoors. This sleeping bag has a barrel shape, which is tapered, increasing warmth while still giving you a comfortable amount of room to move around. It is perfect for camping and is lightweight, making long days out on the trail easier to tackle. This sleeping bag is made to be compact and features a compressible design, leaving you enough extra room to bring along your other gear. With a chest pocket, it has a convenient place to stash small objects. It is waterproof, making it a good fit for rainy environments.

    Pros
    • Made to be compact
    • Compresses easily
    • Lightweight construction
    Cons
    • Barrel shaped sleeping bags can be hard to pack into a backpack
    • Camping sleeping bags are not suitable for hiking
What Else to Look For When Buying Your Next Lightweight Barrel Sleeping Bag:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Liner Materials for Lightweight Barrel Sleeping Bags
Down Sleeping Bags

There is only one lightweight barrel sleeping bag that has a down liner. These sleeping bags feature an easily compressible design, so they don't require a significant amount of storage space when you are finished using it. They are designed to be insulated, preventing any icy drafts from getting in the way of a good night's sleep. They are very comfortable, ensuring your child receives a good night's sleep after a long day adventuring in the outdoors. Down sleeping bags are breathable, so heat is distributed evenly, making them suitable for unpredictable weather. They are extremely durable, so they will remain in great shape over time. These sleeping bags are designed for warmth, so cold temperatures won't keep you from an epic outdoor adventure. Now that you know more about down, choose the perfect one for you here.

Nylon Sleeping Bags

There are two lightweight barrel sleeping bags available that come with a nylon liner. Nylon sleeping bags are easy to clean, so you can keep them in great shape with just soap and water. They are designed with durable materials, so you can go years before needing to replace them. They are very soft, so you don't have to suffer sleeping in the outdoors. Nylon sleeping bags dry quickly, reducing the overall amount of moisture trapped and absorbed by the material. They are designed to be lightweight, so they are ideal for tough terrain backpacking trips or other adventures where weight and volume are a priority.

Polyester Pongee Sleeping Bags

Looking for a long-lasting sleeping bag? A sleeping bag with a polyester pongee liner may be the solution you need. To help you in your decision, we recommend one of the great lightweight barrel sleeping bags that come with a polyester pongee liner. Polyester pongee sleeping bags are naturally hypoallergenic, so they don't contain harmful substances that can cause discomfort for people with asthma or certain chemical sensitivities. They can be easily compressed, so they don't require a substantial amount of storage space if you're only taking a small bag. Made with breathable material, they won't stick to your skin or leave you feeling overheated on warmer nights. Ready to decide on the right lightweight barrel sleeping bag for you? Get started here.

Which Temperature Rating Is Best for Your Lightweight Barrel Sleeping Bags?
40 Degree Sleeping Bags

It can be hard to decide on the right temperature rating for your lightweight barrel sleeping bag. We're here to help you think about the perfect choice for your next outdoor excursion. These 40 degree sleeping bags should keep you comfortable down to 40°F. They are ideal for warm weather trips, so you won't feel stuffy and uncomfortable if a hot front comes through. They are more affordable than sub-zero degree bags, so you can purchase one without feeling worried about going outside of your budget. These sleeping bags are typically lighter, so they'll keep you warm on those chilly summer or fall nights, without weighing you down. If you are considering getting a 40 degree rating lightweight barrel sleeping bag, check out this awesome one.

50 Degree Sleeping Bags

If you're looking for a 50 degree rating lightweight barrel sleeping bag, then you should take a look at this great sleeping bag. These 50 degree sleeping bags should keep you comfortable down to 50°F, although do keep in mind that this doesn't account for variables such as layering, what you're wearing, and various other factors. They are more affordable than sub-zero degree bags, making them perfect if you're shopping on a budget. 50 degree sleeping bags are great for warm weather trips, providing comfortable ventilation and breathability for hotter nights. They are typically lighter, so although they don't protect against the most extreme weather they are easier to pack and will contribute to less overall weight you have to carry.