Unbiased Cold Weather Backpacking Sleeping Bags Review


Our review process

Our team has gathered, researched, and analyzed information on plenty of various kinds of sleeping bags in order to show you our highest scoring sleeping bags today. We then further sub-categorized them and looked more specifically at 43 different cold weather backpacking sleeping bags. In our research, we took into consideration a range of different main features among the 28,000 different data points and combined it with customer reviews to inform you of the leading cold weather backpacking sleeping bags available on the market. But don't just take our word for it, check out some of the benefits and disadvantages of some of the main specs.

We've reviewed cold weather backpacking sleeping bags and wanted to let you know about both the pros and cons. Backpacking sleeping bags feature a lightweight design, which makes them ideal for carrying around on your back no matter the trail. They pack down smaller, so they are excellent for portability. These sleeping bags are designed to withstand a variety of climates and terrains, so even if you get stuck in a storm or forget to pack some extra layers, you'll still have a certain level of warmth and protection. Engineered for maximum warmth, they will keep you cozy on your next outdoor adventure.

Preventing any heat loss, cold weather sleeping bags are critical when you're out in the cold for extended periods of time. They feature draft tubes, which run the length of the bag behind the zipper to help prevent warm air from escaping. Cold weather sleeping bags are commonly designed with a draft collar, keeping the warm air around your torso in and cold air out. Typically made with feather down, they will compress down easily, while still being providing excellent thermal insulation.

Our Top Ranking Sleeping Bags:
Product NameBrandShapeTemperature RatingSize
Best Overall Score
1
An image of Marmot Ironwood 30 900925-4938 Men's 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
Marmot Ironwood 30 900925-4938 Men's 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
Marmot
mummy
30 degree
Runner Up
2
An image of Western Mountaineering HighLite 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
Western Mountaineering HighLite 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
Western Mountaineering
mummy
30 degree
single
Best Affordable Option
3
An image of Abco Tech 20 Degree Polyester Sleeping Bag
Abco Tech 20 Degree Polyester Sleeping Bag
Abco Tech
rectangle
20 degree
single
For Sleeping Two
4
An image of Big Agnes Cabin Creek 15 Men's 10 Degree Sleeping Bag
Big Agnes Cabin Creek 15 Men's 10 Degree Sleeping Bag
Big Agnes
mummy
10 degree
double
5
An image of Slumberjack Country Squire 51731612LR 20 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag
Slumberjack Country Squire 51731612LR 20 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag
Slumberjack
rectangle
20 degree
single
Our Top Ranking Sleeping Bags
Customer Rating
Brand
Marmot
Shape
mummy
Temperature Rating
30 degree
Size
Customer Rating
Brand
Western Mountaineering
Shape
mummy
Temperature Rating
30 degree
Size
single
Customer Rating
Brand
Abco Tech
Shape
rectangle
Temperature Rating
20 degree
Size
single
Customer Rating
Brand
Big Agnes
Shape
mummy
Temperature Rating
10 degree
Size
double
Customer Rating
Brand
Slumberjack
Shape
rectangle
Temperature Rating
20 degree
Size
single
Best Overall Score
An image of Marmot Ironwood 30 900925-4938 Men's 30 Degree Sleeping Bag

If you're looking for a sleeping bag, you might want to consider the Marmot Ironwood 30 Men's 30 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag. This Marmot sleeping bag is lightweight and is made for backpacking, so if weight is your priority this could be a great option. With a mummy shape, it is made with excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, since it is cut closely so there isn't excess fabric, cutting down on the weight and making it easier to carry on your back. It is ideal for temperatures around 30°F and is waterproof, keeping out moisture, so you won't end up soaked if bad weather hits. This Marmot sleeping bag features an interior pocket, which can conveniently store small items like a watch or other important possessions. It has a two-way zipper, features a stuff sack, and is easy to pack, so it will neatly roll up and fit into your bag. This sleeping bag has Down Defender, protecting down from clumping when exposed to wet elements.

    Pros
    • Easy to pack sleeping bags roll up compactly
    • Two-way zipper provides airflow at the bottom of the sleeping bag
    • Lightweight construction
    Cons
    • Mummy shape doesn't have extra space to move around
Runner Up
An image of Western Mountaineering HighLite 30 Degree Sleeping Bag

Looking for your next backpacking sleeping bag? You'll want to know about the Western Mountaineering HighLite 30 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag. Featuring a mummy shape, this Western Mountaineering sleeping bag is fitted to prevent cold air pockets. It features an ExtremeLite shell, which provides a high level of insulation by using very lightweight yarn. This sleeping bag has a 30°F temperature rating, which is designed for retaining warmth, keeping you well-insulated in chilly weather. It is perfect for backpacking and is lightweight, making long days out on the trail easier to tackle. With a compressible design, it will fold up very small, giving you a lot of room for all your other essentials.

    Pros
    • Compresses easily
    • Lightweight build
    • Mummy shape has great insulation
    Cons
    • Mummy shape is close fitting with no extra room to move around
Best Affordable Option
An image of Abco Tech 20 Degree Polyester Sleeping Bag

Choose the Abco Tech 20 Degree Polyester Rectangular Sleeping Bag to stay warm and cozy in the outdoors. This Abco Tech sleeping bag has a rectangular shape, so you will have room to move around. Suitable for 4 seasons, it is built with strong materials that provide high levels of insulation and shield against extremely cold weather conditions. It features a polyester exterior, which will resist UV light, shielding you from damaging sunlight, and a polyester lining, which is light and soft on your skin and doesn't get as hot as other fabrics during the night. This Abco Tech sleeping bag can withstand 20°F temperatures and is waterproof, keeping out moisture, so you won't end up soaked if bad weather hits.

This Abco Tech sleeping bag is designed for hiking and is lightweight, making long days out on the trail easier to tackle. It is made to be compact and has a compressible design, leaving you enough extra space to bring along your other essentials. It is easy to carry, can be machine washed, and is easy to clean, so you won't have to send it to a professional to maintain its quality and warmth. This Abco Tech sleeping bag features a compression bag, which will make packing up your bag very easy.

    Pros
    • Can be machine washed
    • Designed to be compact, getting rid of the bulk
    • Compresses easily
    Cons
    • Polyester absorbs grease
    • Rectangular shape is bulkier than other shapes
    • Polyester exterior is not so durable
For Sleeping Two
An image of Big Agnes Cabin Creek 15 Men's 10 Degree Sleeping Bag

With a high user rating, the Big Agnes Cabin Creek 15 Men's 10 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag might be just what you need for your next trip. This sleeping bag has a mummy shape, which is larger on top and more tapered on the bottom, keeping warm air closer to you. Suitable for summer, it will increase breathability and ventilation for your time spent in warmer weather. It has Insotect Hotstream, which runs along the length of the sleeping bag, distributing heat vertically and keeping your entire body warm. This sleeping bag features a 10°F temperature rating, providing a dense layer of insulation between you and the cold outside. It is intended for two sleepers. It is lightweight and works well for backpacking trips, so it is compact and easy to fit in your pack, making it comfortable to carry no matter the distance. This sleeping bag features a free-range hood, which gives you the freedom to lift and comfortably move your head. It has zippers on each side for easy access.

    Pros
    • Free-range hood gives extra comfort by the head
    • Lightweight build
    • Suitable for summer weather
    Cons
    • Mummy shape limits different sleeping positions
    • Double size is not great for backpacking
Additional Picks
An image of Slumberjack Country Squire 51731612LR 20 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag

With the Slumberjack Country Squire 20 Degree Flannel Rectangular Sleeping Bag, you can experience an incredible night's sleep while on your outdoor adventure. This sleeping bag has a flannel lining and a polyester shell, which is light and comfortable. It has a rectangular shape, which is non-tapered, allowing you freedom of movement in your sleep. Perfect for hiking, it won't add noticeable weight to your bag while you're taking on the outdoors. This sleeping bag has Slumberloft™ synthetic insulation, which utilizes polyester fibers to create a high level of insulation. It features a 20°F temperature rating, providing you with the warmth you need for temperatures above freezing. It detaches via zippers, so you can split it into two separate sleeping bags.

    Pros
    • Flannel lining locks in warmth
    • Polyester exterior deflects UV rays
    • Rectangular shape is easy to roll up and store
    Cons
    • Flannel can shrink
    • Rectangular shape is not very insulated
    • Polyester shell is not so durable
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 easy to roll up and fit in your bag. It has a laundry bag and features 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
An image of Marmot Ironwood 900927-3873 Men's 20 Degree Sleeping Bag

Use the Marmot Ironwood Men's 20 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag to stay warm and cozy in the outdoors. Featuring a mummy shape, this Marmot sleeping bag is tight fitting to prevent cold air pockets. It is perfect for backpacking and is lightweight, making long days out on the trail easier to tackle. With an interior pocket, it has a convenient spot to store small objects. This sleeping bag is ideal for temperatures around 20°F and is waterproof, making it a good choice for wet environments. It uses Down Defender, protecting down from clumping when exposed to wet weather. This Marmot sleeping bag comes with a two-way zipper and a stuff sack, which will keep you organized.

    Pros
    • Two-way zipper provides airflow at the bottom of the sleeping bag
    • Lightweight build
    • Mummy shape is great for hiking
    Cons
    • Mummy shape is very fitted with no extra space to move around
An image of Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 10 Degree Sleeping Bag

If you're looking for a new sleeping bag, you might want to consider the Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 10 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag. With a mummy shape, this Big Agnes sleeping bag is fitted to prevent cold air pockets. It has Insotect Flow™ insulation, which runs the insulation down the length of the sleeping bag, distributing heat vertically and keeping your kid's whole body warm. This sleeping bag can withstand 10°F temperatures and is waterproof, resisting moisture and keeping you dry in rainy conditions. It features a free-range hood, which gives you the freedom to lift and comfortably move your head. Perfect for backpacking, it won't weigh you down while you're taking on the outdoors.

    Pros
    • Free-range hood gives added cushion by the head
    • Mummy shape has excellent insulation
    • Single size sleeping bags are well insulated
    Cons
    • Mummy shape does not have extra space to move around
An image of Kelty Sine Women's 20 Degree Nylon Ripstop Sleeping Bag

Use the Kelty Sine Women's 20 Degree Nylon Ripstop Mummy Sleeping Bag to stay warm in the outdoors. This women's sleeping bag provides more insulation at the feet and torso as women usually have naturally lower body temperatures than men. With a mummy shape, this Kelty sleeping bag is made with excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, since it is cut closely so there is no extra fabric, reducing the weight and making it more comfortable to carry. It features Dridown technology, so the air-trapping down clusters will remain protected from moisture. This Kelty sleeping bag can withstand 20°F temperatures, providing you with the warmth you need for temperatures above freezing. It has a nylon ripstop lining, which resists tearing due to strong reinforcement fibers that are woven through the fabric, and a nylon ripstop shell, which is hypoallergenic, repelling allergens to keep you allergy free.

This Kelty sleeping bag is lightweight and is designed for backpacking, so if weight is your priority this could be a great option. With a compressible design, it will fold up very small, giving you enough room for all your other gear. It has a pillow pocket and a built-in pillowcase, which is a space at the top of your sleeping bag that holds a camping pillow. This Kelty sleeping bag features a stuff sack, which is the perfect size to store any small items, and a mesh storage bag, which will store your bag or other small items.

    Pros
    • Features a built-in pillowcase
    • Compresses easily
    • Stuff sack will keep you organized
    Cons
    • Mummy shape is only suitable for back sleepers
    • Stuff sack can ruin the sleeping bag's insulation after prolonged use
    • Women's sleeping bags do not always fit taller women
An image of Alps Mountaineering Aura 20 Degree Polyester Sleeping Bag

You'll want to learn all about the Alps Mountaineering Aura 20 Degree Polyester Mummy Sleeping Bag to discover what sets it apart from all the other sleeping bags on the market. Featuring a mummy shape, this Alps Mountaineering sleeping bag is tight fitting to prevent cold air pockets. It is designed with a polyester lining and it is built with a nylon ripstop exterior, resisting typical wear and tear. This sleeping bag can withstand 20°F temperatures and is thermal, so you can stay warm every night. It is made to be compact and features a compressible design, giving you enough extra space to bring along your other essentials. This sleeping bag is perfect for backpacking and is lightweight, making long days out on the trail easier to handle.

    Pros
    • Made to be compact
    • Features a compressible design
    • Lightweight build
    Cons
    • Polyester can stain easily
    • Mummy shape limits different sleeping positions
Understand More About Cold Weather Backpacking Sleeping Bags:
Figure Out Which Temperature Rating to Pick for Backpacking Sleeping Bags
20 Degree Sleeping Bags

If you're looking for a 20 degree rating backpacking sleeping bag, then we are happy to show you this highly rated sleeping bag. These 20 degree sleeping bags should keep you comfortable down to 20°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, so you can buy these without feeling the stress of going outside of your budget. 20 degree sleeping bags are tight fitting, reducing the amount of space your body needs to work to heat up. They feature a tight fitted hood design, which works well to seal in heat but doesn't allow for a lot of free movement of the head and neck.

30 Degree Sleeping Bags

If you're looking for a 30 degree rating backpacking sleeping bag, then you should take a look at this great sleeping bag. These sleeping bags should keep you comfortable down to 30°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, so you can buy these without feeling the stress of going outside of your budget. These sleeping bags are perfect for almost every season, so they are one of the most versatile options out there. They have lighter weight than lower temperature rating bags, which will contribute to less overall weight you have to carry although they don't protect against the most extreme weather.

40 Degree Sleeping Bags

If you're looking for a 40 degree rating backpacking sleeping bag, then we are happy to recommend to you this highly rated sleeping bag. These 40 degree sleeping bags should keep you comfortable down to 40°F. They are more affordable than sub-zero degree bags, so you can buy these without feeling the stress of going outside of your budget. They are great for warm weather trips, providing comfortable ventilation and breathability for hotter nights. They feature lighter weight than lower temperature rating bags, which will contribute to less overall weight you have to carry although they don't protect against the most extreme weather.

Seasonality for Backpacking Sleeping Bags
3 Season Sleeping Bags

With only one backpacking sleeping bag out there, you'll want to act quick and take a look at it. These sleeping bags have enough insulation for colder weather camping trips in spring through to autumn, which provides you with the comfort and warmth you need for taking on almost every season of the year. Keeping you warm in most conditions except for snow, they are extremely versatile and will provide you with the insulation you need, unless you're planning on going on an alpine winter expedition. If you think that you want to get a backpacking sleeping bag for 3 season use, check out this great one.

4 Season Sleeping Bags

Do you have a passion for camping outdoors even during the winter months? There are five backpacking sleeping bags available providing weather protection for every season. 4 season sleeping bags are designed with an insulated hood that can be cinched in, ensuring you'll retain heat and remain cozy in even the most extreme environments. They are suitable for use in all four seasons, so you won't have the weather as an excuse for keeping you back from adventuring into the wilderness. Something to consider is that they are more expensive than 2 or 3 season sleeping bags, so they are more of a long-term investment. Now that you are better informed regarding 4 season sleeping bags, check out this great backpacking sleeping bag.

2 Season Sleeping Bags

Are 2 season sleeping bags the best choice for you? Learn more about 2 season backpacking sleeping bags in this guide. These 2 season sleeping bags are good for warmer weather, keeping you comfortably warm, while still allowing for ventilation on your camping trips during the hotter months. They have a lightweight design, so you can avoid straining your back. They have good ventilation features, so even if it's hot and humid outside, you'll feel cool and comfortable inside. Something to keep in mind is that they feature the least amount of weather protection, which won't offer the necessary weather protection for extreme cold. Now that you are better informed about 2 season sleeping bags, check out this great backpacking sleeping bag.

Pros and Cons of Different Liner Materials for Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Polyester Sleeping Bags

We found two great backpacking sleeping bags that have a polyester liner to help you decide if this is the right material you want. These polyester sleeping bags are naturally hypoallergenic, so they are ideal for allergy sufferers. They are extremely durable, so they can tolerate extended use without fraying or falling part. They are breathable, promoting good airflow so you don't end up overheating. They are easy to clean, so they can last a long time before needing a complete wash. They dry quickly, so even in the wettest conditions, they hardly absorb any moisture. Now that you know more about polyester, take a look here.

Flannel Sleeping Bags

Looking for a long-lasting sleeping bag? A sleeping bag with a flannel liner may be the best solution. To help you in your decision, we recommend one of the great backpacking sleeping bags that come with a flannel liner. Flannel sleeping bags are designed for warmth, sealing out the cold so you'll stay cozy. They are easy to clean, so you can keep them in great shape with just soap and water. They are very comfy, ensuring your child receives a good night's sleep after a long day in the outdoors. They are moisture wicking, allowing you a better night's sleep in more humid conditions. We hope choosing the right backpacking sleeping bag will be easier now that you know more about flannel. You can begin by checking out this great backpacking sleeping bag that we found.

Down Sleeping Bags

Looking for a warm sleeping bag? A sleeping bag with a down liner may be the solution you need. To help you in your decision, we recommend one of the great backpacking sleeping bags that come with a down liner. These sleeping bags are designed to be insulated, preventing any icy drafts from keeping you awake at night. They have an easily compressible design, making it ideal for people who like to pack light. They are designed with durable materials, so they can tolerate extended use without fraying or falling part. They are breathable, providing you a way to stay comfortable on warmer nights. They are designed for warmth, providing you with a cozy space to take on the outdoors. They are very comfortable, ensuring your child sleeps properly after a long day in the outdoors. We hope deciding on the right backpacking sleeping bag will be easier now that you know more about down. You can begin by checking out this great backpacking sleeping bag that we looked at.