Now is the time to get yourself one of the best sleeping bags for the camping adventures to come. Whether you're poring over the maps and dreaming of warm weather wild camping trips, or plotting car camping vacations with friends and family, summer is here and it's a good time to up-level your kit.
A sleeping bag is your warm cocoon in the backcountry. Filled with an insulating material, such as down or polyester, it retains your radiated heat, keeping you warm even when the mercury is plummeting. The best sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes, with a mummy-style the most common thanks to its ability to hold onto your warmth.
The best sleeping bag for you will depend on the style of your camping trips. If you're a mountain marathon runner, a light and packable bag, to go alongside an ultralight camping tent, will be higher on your desirables than for a car camping family. For the latter, weight and portability won't be such a concern, you'll be quite happy with whatever is the most comfortable.
As the warmer months are upon us, we kick out our roundup with the finest lightweight options, followed by the best sleeping bags for winter. We also feature some great multi-purpose options and bags we think provide peerless levels of comfort. For more on what to look for when buying a sleeping bag, see our 'how to choose' guide at the bottom of the page.
Best lightweight sleeping bags
Rab’s most recent marketing tagline trumpets the brand as ‘masters of insulation’. That’s a pretty bold claim, but the Neutrino Pro 400 backs it up, seamlessly blending functionality and performance. The high-quality 800 fill power goose down offers impressive warmth for weight as well as packability, reflecting its intended use as a specialist mountaineering piece, where every gram and cubic inch counts. However, it’s too good a bag to be reserved solely for elite climbers, particularly since so many of the features that enable the Pro to excel in high alpine environments mean it is also brilliant for backpackers and wild campers too.
Firstly, the hydrophobic fill and water-resistant shell makes it far more resistant to moisture than most down bags. Generous length and extra room for the upper torso tapering to a contoured footbox means this is a comfortable bag to lie in, whether you’re perched on a rock ledge or not. And even the little details are great, like the handy internal stash pocket or the ‘noctilucent’ zip puller – which means it glows in the dark to you and me. So, we’ll forgive the verbiage and marketing spiel, because this is one of the best sleeping bags around, and delivers on all counts.
Read our full Rab Neutrino Pro 400 review
Boasting an excellent warmth to weight ratio, Alpkit’s Pipedream 400 is a very impressive 3-season down sleeping bag – especially considering it’s reasonable price tag. On test, in the exceptionally inclement Scottish Highlands during a fastpacking foray in late October, we found this bag to be incredibly warm, extremely lightweight and easy to carry. At the end of each day on the trail, climbing into this cosy cocoon and pulling the hood in tight was a real treat. It was impossible to keep the Scottish sogginess out of the tent altogether in the conditions we experienced, but the hydrophobic down and DWR treated outer did its job admirably, and we didn’t experience any discomfort due to dampness, and thanks to the horizontal box-wall baffle construction of the bag, there was no clumping in the down either. If you’re over 6ft / 185cm, we recommend going for the long version (the regular is a tad on the short side). Left handers can also choose a zip to suit them too.
Read our full Alpkit Pipedream 400 review
Built to provide high-performance warmth with a low pack weight, the Therm-A-Rest Hyperion 20F/-6C is one of the lightest bags in its category. Using high-end materials, hydrophobic treated down and ergonomic design, this sleeping bag can keep you comfortable in conditions down to 0°C/32°F. There are three different unisex sizing options, to accommodate all users. With a tiny pack size, it really doesn’t take much room up, making it a sought-after sleeping bag for backpackers on thru-hikes to alpinists in search of a warm sleeping bag for fast and light mountain missions.
The 900 Fill Goose Hydrophobic Down (RDS) used in the Hyperion has been Nikwax-treated to prevent moisture absorption, so the bag maintains loft 60 times longer than similar products that use untreated down. The sleeping bag boasts high performance credentials thanks to its box baffle construction and ergonomic design, although levels of comfort are somewhat dependent on whether you’re a side or back sleeper.
The Hyperion is compatible with SynergyLink Connectors, so we were able to twin it with a Thermarest mattress for optimal efficiency and comfort, and to stop the sleeping bag from sliding around.
From a sustainability perspective, the Hyperion sleeping bag has Responsible Down Standard Certification, showing that the waterfowl in the down supply chain are treated humanely, and providing a clear link to the source. The PFC free chemicals used in the DWR process also shows a move towards a more sustainable manufacturing process.
Made for backpacking and bike packing, Therm-A-Rest’s thermally efficient quilt uses box-baffled construction, so it’s like a sleeping bag without a full enclosure, so we were able to stick our feet out the bottom whenever they got too warm. We found the resulting product provides almost as much warmth as a normal bag, for less weight.
The quilt’s snap neck closure, perimeter side baffles, and insulated footbox (where you can tuck your feet away) keep the warmth-to-weight ratio high for backcountry adventures. So does the 900-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down (humanely harvested), which stays drier and maintains loft 60 times longer than untreated down. Mesh walls in the bag maximize loft and minimize cold spots. And, to keep drafts out, the bag connects to a Therm-A-Rest mattress with the brand’s Synergy Link connectors. It's probably the best sleeping bag for traveling light and sleeping cool.
Read our full Therm-A-Rest Vesper 32 Quilt review
Best winter sleeping bags
Rab’s Solar collection is its first line of synthetic sleeping bags and the Solar Eco 3 is less than half the price of many of its down sleeping bags. The company known as one of the best in the sleeping bag business doesn’t disappoint with this luxurious-feeling bag, and best of all, it’s environmentally-friendly too.
We found that the Solar Eco 3 is a plush, warm bag packed with synthetic down that continues to insulate when wet, dries quickly and is designed to withstand temperatures as cold as -8F/-20C. This mummy-shaped bag with adjustable hood packs in more down on top, where you need it, with a dual-layer concertina blanket construction that traps loft and warmth. The outer is treated with DWR to repel morning dew, rain-soaked tent walls, and accidental spills in your backpack.
Made entirely using recycled materials, this sleeping bag has a lower impact on the planet, but still manages to be high performing on freezing camping expeditions.
Read our full Rab Solar Eco 3 sleeping bag review
The Exped Waterbloc Pro is a four-season winter sleeping bag designed with bivying in mind. The medium size bag has 800 fill down, which we found made it very soft and warm, with a Pertex outer shell that effectively repels the weather.
Although it's sold as 'waterproof', in some marketing material there is also a disclaimer that you obviously can’t lie out in a downpour and expect to stay dry. The outer shell is Pertex after all, not a crunchy waterproof jacket fabric. Not that you’d want a completely waterproof sleeping bag anyway – that’s what bivy sacks are for and a zero breathability sleeping bag sounds like a sticky night’s sleep.
That said, Exped have gone out of their way to make this sleeping bag as water resistant as possible: the entire outer shell has barely any seams, the zip has a Pertex storm flap and the 20D Pertex Quantum Pro has a 1,000mm water column. It’s designed for sleeping in open air or under a tarp – or perhaps in a hooped bivy that gets a bit damp overnight.
Overall, a lightweight and very warm sleeping bag, ideal for nights bivying out in winter, which is as waterproof as possible without turning it into an actual bivy sack.
Read our full Exped Waterbloc Pro -15o sleeping bag review
Snugpak’s polyester Softie insulation has been a mainstay in the British brand’s products for over thirty years. It utilizes superfine yarns bound together with special resins to mimic the properties of natural insulation such as down. The result is a really plush feeling bag that is easily warm enough for winter camping trips.
We found this bag to be a gloriously cozy cocoon to nestle within and, with a comfort limit of -15°C (5°F), it is wonderfully toasty in all but the most Baltic conditions. However, it's not limited to sub-zero use, as its elasticated expander panel allowed us to open things up, thus regulating the temperature inside.
As its fill is synthetic, it's not as light or packable as many of its down-filled counterparts, so isn't ideal for long backpacking missions. However, it’s a mere fraction of the cost of some of the leading down bags. Great value then, especially considering its luxurious feel and the amount of warmth it retains.
Read our full Snugpak Softie Expansion 5 review
This down sleeping bag from Patagonia is named after the region's most famous mountain: Mount Fitz Roy (properly known as Cerro Chaltén), an astonishing peak on the border between Argentina and Chile. It's a high-end option designed for use in cold weather conditions. The Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Sleeping Bag comes in two temperature rating options: the 20°F / -7°C version, which we tested, and a 30°F / -1°C version. There are also three length options to choose from: short, regular, and long. The bag is filled with 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down, which is ethically sourced and provides excellent insulation.
One of the key features of this sleeping bag is its vertical baffles – this design helps to keep the down evenly distributed throughout the bag and prevents cold spots from forming. The bag also has a full-length zipper and a lid that works like a jacket hood for optimal fit and warmth retention.
The Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Sleeping Bag is packable and we found it works well for trekking in the backcountry, but it is not the lightest and most compressible option. The stuff sack does help to reduce the overall size of the bag, but a more helpful compression sack with side straps would be nice. Overall, we reckon the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Sleeping Bag is a high-quality option for camping in cold weather conditions. While it is more expensive than some other sleeping bags on the market, its advanced materials and features make it a worthwhile investment to ensure you’ll be camping comfortably.
Read our full Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Sleeping Bag review
Four-season sleeping bags don’t have to cost a fortune, as this excellent offering from Mountain Warehouse proves. The Microlight 1400 might not be as featherlight, packable or quite as sumptuous feeling as down-filled sleeping bag, but it is certainly light enough to be taken on backpacking adventures, and is more that capable of keeping you warm in most conditions likely to be encountered during the vast majority of the year in non-alpine terrain. It’s perfectly suited to those early spring camping escapades, when days are getting warmer but nights can still be super shivery if you don’t have the right gear. And it is very reasonably priced.
Available in versions to suit left or right handed people, the two-way zip can be opened from the bottom or top (to give you ventilation options) and is backed by a storm flap to keep breezes out. It boasts a good, shaped hood, which can be pulled tight around your face, and has inner pockets for keeping valuables safe, or phones warm and handy. It comes in two lengths, regular and long, and the ripstop outer fabric is robust and should last for many chilly seasons.
Read our full Mountain Warehouse Microlite 1400 Winter Sleeping Bag review
If you’re a serious winter camper, this tried-and-tested four-season bag could be the best sleeping bag for your next adventure. The flagship sleeping bag in the Mountain Hardwear line, this performance-orientated bag can really only be bettered by niche manufacturers specialising in ultra-premium down kit, which typically come with long lead times and even more eye-watering price tags to match. Given the warmth it offers (down to a bone-chilling -18°c), this bag is lightweight and compact, with an impressively small pack size that ranks among the best in this class. It's filled with a hefty 850g of 850 fill power down, housed in either a Pertex Quantum or Gore-Tex Windstopper fabric shell.
Given its performance-driven design, the fit is highly tapered, maximizing thermal efficiency. As such some might find it a little restrictive, though they would never find it too cold. We found it has a great neck baffle to lock in warmth along and vertical chest baffles to counter down migration, which could otherwise cause cold spots. The footbox and panelled hood are similarly well-designed. The one rather surprising omission is that the down fill has no hydrophobic treatment, though arguably the highly water-resistant outer would render this unnecessary.
Read our full Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0/-18 review
A great value synthetic bag that's well equipped for winter camping. Wonderfully insulated and capable even when wet, it kept our warm even when it was just beyond freezing outside. Its size and weight make it less appealing than a premium down bag for sustained backpacking, but for single night wild camping or year-round car camping, we found it to be a solid option.
Despite its weight, the Serenity does have the advantage of being only a fraction of the price of a premium down bag, so it’s perhaps more prudent to put it in the ring with other synthetic winter bags. In such a bout, the Serenity holds its own in terms of weight and pack size.
The full length two-way zip is accompanied by an insulated side baffle to keep the warmth in. There are draw cords on both the hood and the shoulder baffle, so things can be tightened up if things get truly Baltic. Also on the inside by your chest is an internal security pocket, which is fastened by a Velcro tab. This is useful for items like a phone or headlamp.
Read our full Highlander Serenity 450 Mummy Sleeping Bag review
Best multi-purpose sleeping bag
Like a three-in-one jacket, North Face’s One Bag sleeping system has interchangeable layers to configure it for 4°C/40°F, -6°C/20°F or -15°C/5°F temps. When you’re road-tripping, camping, or backpacking, whatever the season, the One Bag’s multiple layers combine to keep you warm.
Use the lightweight synthetic outer layer solo on warm summer nights. Add the 800-fill down mid-layer when temps dip. Want to take this bag winter camping? No problem. Use all the layers and the bag will keep you toasty even when it’s down to -15°C/5°F outside. The zippers are color-coded and therefore user-friendly, so it was easy for us to add a layer without getting in a tangle. Plus, when we didn’t need full insulation, the rolled-up bottom layer makes a great pillow, and the midlayer converts to a shawl for hanging out before it’s time to tuck in. The best sleeping bag for sheer versatility, and one that'll suit almost any camping trip.
Read our full North Face One Bag review
Sleeping bags for comfort
Zippers are the chink in every bag’s armour. They add weight and bulk to a bag’s design, have a nasty habit of letting in draughts, and often jam at the worst possible moment. Zips can also be uncomfortable, especially if you get your bag twisted around you. Those drawbacks partly account for the increasing popularity of backpacking quilts, especially in the states. US brand Sierra Designs’ unusual Cloud 800 offers the best of both worlds – the enveloping warmth of a proper footbox and a mummy-style hood in a zipperless design that utilises a quilted flap. We found it was a bit like the corner of a duvet but with a shaped shoulder pocket.
The result is a luxurious bag with high thermal efficiency, thanks to box-wall baffles filled with 800 fill power duck down. The half-pad sleeve is also a great innovation and allowed us to secure our sleeping mat in place. The Cloud offers warmth down to -3°C/26°F, but if you do start to overheat, you can kick your feet through a bottom vent to cool down. The bag’s fill is positioned on the top and sides, with a rear sleeve for a sleeping mat. This improves overall warmth for weight and creates a bed-like structure, making this a great two-season bag. If you sleep on your back, you’ll love it, though it’s maybe not such a good option for side sleepers.
Read our full Sierra Designs Cloud 800 35F review
Therm-A-Rest tout this sleeping bag as providing worry-free warmth, and at least for summer camping when rain or morning dew are an issue, that’s true. With a comfort rating of 52F/11C and a limit rating of 45F/7C, it does provide ample warmth for summer camping and it’s made from the same soft fabric we’ve come to expect from Therm-A-Rest. Because this bag is made using synthetic down, it has two major advantages: first, it’s quick drying and continues to insulate when wet, so there’s no need to worry about damp mornings, and second, it’s considerably cheaper than down alternatives in the same range.
Now, synthetic bags don’t pack down as much as down, but this one comes in a storage sack that doubles as a stuff sack, and it’s certainly possible to take this backpacking, but the lack of compression straps mean it’s a little bulky, while the packed size is certainly no issue for car camping. The dual-purpose sack also means less materials are used in the production of this bag, which combined with the use of recycled materials makes for a kinder carbon footprint. A nice touch is the addition of two straps that connect to your sleeping pad to keep you from rolling off in the night, improving warmth and comfort. Anti-snag zippers help to improve the durability of this robust bag, and while we wondered if the foot box couldn’t be a little roomier, we think it’s great value for money if you’re seeking a good quality summer bag.
Read our full Therm-A-Rest Space Cowboy 45F/7C review
Do you sleep on your back or your side? Do you move around, or sleep soundly? No matter what sort of sleeping style you have, the Torchlight 20 offers a warm and highly customizable mummy bag that we found was light enough for taking backpacking yet cozy enough for 3 to 4 season use.
Offered in a regular and a long size (a women's option is also available), the Torchlight boasts two expanded panels running from shoulder to footbed, which can increase the sleeping space available for your body by 10 inches. When the panels are open, folks with wide hips, wide shoulders and preference for side sleeping will find a warm comfortable sleep system. The bag uses DownTek water repellent down with a baffle construction style to deliver more efficient heat distribution. When temperatures drop, the insulated hood contours to the shape of your face. A stuff sack and off-season storage bag are included.
As far as we’re concerned, Aussie brand Sea to Summit don’t make a bad sleeping bag – but the Traverse Tv III is one of their best. It’s the ideal choice for campers who are equally happy to venture out in early spring, late autumn or high summer, as you can zip everything up tight for maximum warmth, but also open all the vents – or even spread the bag out as a full quilt – in milder weather. That versatility makes this an eminently practical bag for varied conditions as well as a good value pick, since, on test, we were genuinely able to use it comfortably throughout spring, summer and autumn.
The Traverse Tv III’s supreme adaptability is down to a well-thought-out design that incorporates dual side zips and a foot vent, so you can easily stick out an arm or a foot if you start to overheat. It is cut fairly generously too, with a relaxed rectangular mummy shape that will be appreciated by restless sleepers or by those who don’t like the confined feel of a more tapered mummy-style bag. Inevitably, that accommodating fit adds a little weight and bulk when packed, but it is still a practical size, and one of the best sleeping bags for camping and backpacking.
Read our full Sea to Summit Traverse Tv III review
Sleeping bag comparison table
| Sleeping bag | Price | Weight | Best use |
| Rab Neutrino Pro 400 | £355 (UK) | 819g/1lb 13oz | Backpacking, bikepacking, wild camping, mountaineering expeditions in the warmer months |
| Alpkit Pipedream 400 3-season down sleeping bag | £219.99 (UK) | 865g / 1lb 14.5oz | Backpacking, bikepacking, wild camping, mountaineering expeditions in the warmer months |
| Therm-A-Rest Hyperion 20F/-6C sleeping bag | $469.95 (US) / £399 (UK) | Small: 550g/19.4oz; Medium: 580g/20.45oz; Large 630g/22.2oz | Mountaineering, Camping, Thru-hiking |
| Therm-A-Rest Vesper 32 Quilt | $329 (US) / £285 (UK); Long: $349 (US) / £305 (UK) | Regular 425g / 15 oz; Long: 490g / 1lb 1oz | Fastpacking, bikepacking and ultralight expeditions in warmer months |
| Rab Solar Eco 3 | $195 (US) / £155 (UK) | 44 oz / 1235 g | Winter camping, car camping |
| Exped Waterbloc Pro -15° | $749.95 (US) / £640 (UK) | Small: 1,225g / 43oz ; Medium: 1,280g / 45oz; Long: 1,340g / 47oz | Winter expeditions, mountaineering, backpacking, wild camping |
| Snugpak Softie Expansion 5 | £150 (UK) | 2.3kg / 81oz | Winter camping, car camping |
| Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Sleeping Bag | $559 (US) / £500 (UK) / €560 (EU) | 1,021g / 36oz | Winter camping, car camping |
| Mountain Warehouse Microlite 1400 Winter Sleeping Bag | £80 (UK) | 1,900g / 67oz | Cold weather camping, backpacking or car camping |
| Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0/-18 | $760 (US)/£570 (UK) | 1kg 208g/2lb 10.6 oz | Winter expeditions, mountaineering, backpacking, wild camping |
| Highlander Serenity 450 Mummy Sleeping Bag | £80 (UK) | 2kg / 70.5oz | Winter camping and wild camping all year round |
| North Face One Bag | $300 (US) / £315 (UK) | 1kg 700g / 3 lbs, 12oz | Multiple configurations make it perfect for the full range of scenarios |
| Sierra Designs Cloud 800 35F | $300-320 (US)/£260 (UK) | 660g/1lb 7oz (regular), 710kg/1lb 9oz (long) | Backpacking, bikepacking and ultralight expeditions in warmer months |
| Therm-A-Rest Space Cowboy 45F/7C | $150 (US) / £125 (UK) | 1lbs 10oz / 0.72kg | Summer camping, car camping |
| Big Agnes Torchlight 20 | $300 (US) / £375 (UK) | Regular 2lb 11oz / 1.22kg Long 3lb / 1.36kg | Backpacking, bikepacking, wild camping |
| Sea to Summit Traverse Tv III | $200 (US)/£200 (UK) | 1kg 440g/oz (regular), 1kg 670g (large) | Backpacking, bikepacking, car camping |
How we test the best sleeping bags
At Advnture we endeavor to test every product we feature extensively in the field. That means one of our team of reviewers and writers – all experienced outdoor specialists active across the US, UK, Europe and Australasia – taking it out into the terrain and climatic conditions that it’s designed for. If, for any reason, this isn’t possible, we’ll say so in our buying guides and reviews.
Our reviewers test sleeping bags overnight in outdoor conditions and temperatures appropriate to the rating assigned to the product by the manufacturers/ brand. Specific features (weight, warmth, loft, zip quality, hood, footroom, packability and so on) are tested against claims made by the brand. They will also carry the sleeping bag in a backpacking scenario to test its performance during multiday hikes.
For more details, see how Advnture tests products.
Choosing the best sleeping bag for you
When considering the purchase of a sleeping bag, there are many factors that will dictate which is the best option for you. Your budget, you intended use and the environment you'll be exploring all have to be taken into account.
If you're going to be spending part of the summer in a family tent with the little ones, you may not need to dive too deep into the wallet. However, if you're spending a week on expedition across wild country, you'll need something both warm and lightweight.
Everyone's ambitions are different, so there's a different best sleeping bag for everyone. In general, however, it’s worth considering the following:
1. Performance
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Most bags are given a season rating: a three-season bag is suitable for spring, summer and autumn use, for example. They also have a temperature range typically including an upper limit, a comfort limit, a lower limit and an extreme limit. The comfort and lower limits are the best indicators of a bag’s realistic temperature range, but they should only be used as a guide. If you have wild camping ambitions, or are planning to sleep in a hammock, it is best to go for a sleeping bag with a low comfort limit.
As with the best down jackets, the major factor affecting warmth is the fill, which will be either synthetic insulation or natural down. Generally, down sleeping bags offer superior warmth-to-weight, but down’s performance declines markedly if it gets wet. Synthetic bags continue to insulate even when damp, and they’re more hard-wearing, easier to care for, and cheaper.
2. Features and fabrics
Most premium bags use a box wall construction, which traps the fill inside brick-shaped baffles. Larger baffles give more space for insulation to loft but can be prone to down migration (when the fill shifts around, causing cold spots). Smaller baffles stop this. Simpler bags generally use a stitch-through construction, which isn’t as thermally efficient, but does save weight. Some synthetic bags use a baffle-free construction that instead employs a single sheet of insulation, which minimises stitching for improved durability and helps to reduce cold spots.
A well-insulated, close-fitting and adjustable hood really helps lock in heat. Hood drawcords enable you to cinch in and customise the fit around your face, but ensure they’re comfortably placed and easy to use. A chunky neck or shoulder baffle helps to prevent warm air from escaping too.
Shells and linings are usually made from ripstop nylon, though cheaper bags use polyester. Both are soft on the skin, but nylon is generally more durable as it is a stronger fibre for its weight.
3. Zips and vents
A long zipper makes for easier entry and exit, and also provides ventilation in warmer weather, especially if it has two-way zip pullers. However, a shorter zipper saves weight and reduces bulk, so is often a feature of ultralight bags. Many of the best sleeping bags are available with either left- or right-hand zips. If you’re a side sleeper, think about which side you usually sleep on, as having a zip underneath you can be uncomfortable and impractical. Zippers are notorious for letting in chills, so ensure they’re backed with padded baffles.
In some situations you can overheat, which is almost as unpleasant as being cold. To mitigate this, many bags have vents or gills – usually at the foot end, but occasionally at the sides too.
4. Size and comfort
The best sleeping bag should be available in different lengths or even widths, as well as women-specific fits. Check the specs of a bag to find out which is right for your height and body shape. Technical or ‘performance mummy’ bags are slim fitting and highly tapered for maximum thermal efficiency. Some people find them restrictive and may prefer a more relaxed shape, which gives extra wriggle room. Some bags are also elasticated to give you more room to move around, without reducing their effective warmth.
It should go without saying, but no matter how comfy or warm your bag is, it will all be for naught if you don't have a sleeping pad or mat underneath. A sleeping pad insulates you from the ground below, leading to greater warmth and comfort. A camping pillow will also make for a much easier night's sleep, without taking up to much room in your pack.
5. Weight and pack size
Depending on your intended use, weight and pack size may be absolutely critical or less important. But a lightweight bag with a small pack size is obviously easier to carry, which you'll thank yourself for if thru-hiking for any considerable distance. Most bags are supplied with a stuff sack, but these vary in quality. A stuff sack that is fitted with compression straps will really help to cinch down the pack size. Remember – you can always buy a compression sack for your bag if necessary, or you may want to store it in a dry bag.
In addition to a stuff sack, many of the finest bags now come with a larger cotton storage sack that allows the bag to loft and breathe when not in use. This prevents musty odours and damage to the fill caused by long-term compression.
As a rule of thumb, a good two-season sleeping bag should weigh under a kilo (2.2lbs). You can find lightweight down three-season sleeping bags that deliver additional warmth for similar weight, but others may tip the scales at up to 2kg (4.4lbs).
6. Value
Considered in terms of lifetime use, a high-quality down bag can offer very good value, provided you look after it. Down tends to suffer less from long-term compression compared to synthetic fills. Synthetic bags are generally cheaper and can still offer good overall performance, and in some cases come with only a minor increase in weight and bulk.
Sleeping bag prices vary widely. The cheapest bags start at around $35/£25, the most expensive might be $500/£500+. You can expect to pay more for better insulation, but you’ll also pay more for bags that offer exceptional warmth to weight. Invariably, these will use down with an extremely high fill power (800FP or more). Lower grade down bags are cheaper, but usually still more expensive than a synthetic alternative. As always, shop around – you can almost always pick up sleeping bags for far less than the RRP.
