Our 9 Highest Rated Sleeping Bags – Rated and Reviewed for 2024

Why Use A Sleeping Bag?

There are a variety of reasons why you would want to purchase a new sleeping bag. For starters, having practically a portable bed you can take anywhere with you on the go has many benefits, and expands your choices for travel and lessens restrictions, as you can basically sleep anywhere stable and safe.

They’re also great for camping in general, as most people tend to purchase sleeping bags when trekking outdoors overnight. The best sleeping bags will also pair well with other camping equipment, like tents, and can keep the cold at bay while you enjoy a nice, relaxing rest wherever you need.

Buying Considerations for Sleeping Bags

Temperature Rating

Choosing A Temperature Rating

Sleeping bag temperature ratings are important because they tell you what weather and temperature your sleeping bag is best suited for. With that being said, many temperature ratings can be outright misleading, so a handy rule of thumb is to go off of the “EN comfort rating,” which usually runs a bit warmer compared to “lower temperature limit” ratings, by about 10-15 degrees.

Increasing Temperature Rating

This is easily done by just adding more layers to your sleeping bag. You can wear a jacket while tucked inside, add a blanket, gloves, etc., to increase warmth. Any kind of fabric that can be layered evenly can help stave off the cold. For extra insulation, consider adding a sleeping pad to keep your sleeping bag off the cold ground.

If you know you tend to be a cold sleeper, you may consider looking for a sleeping bag with 800 fill insulation or higher to start. If you plan to carry in your gear, you’ll want a fill with a high warmth to weight ratio as well.

EN Ratings

In simple terms, an EN rating or European Norm is used as a consistent measurement of temperature that can be used industry-wide for sleeping bags and other outdoor equipment. The EN rating tends to run lower in comparison to the EN Comfort Rating by about 10-15 degrees. If you’re going for 3-season camping, you’ll typically want the EN rating for your sleeping bags to be somewhere between 10 and 30°F.

Weight

Weight is important to keep note of because heavier sleeping bags can be more exhausting to carry on longer trips. A heavier one can be warmer than lighter sleeping bags, so it’s a trade-off you’ll have to consider or bring a few with varying weights so you can be prepared for every scenario.

For weight savings and minimized heat loss, look for a sleeping bag with a high warmth to weight ratio. Materials like down fiber tend to have a higher warmth to weight ratio than their synthetic counterparts. These sleeping bags may be made of more expensive materials, but after a few camping trips with less packing and more warmth, you might find the extra money is worth it.

Size

Keep size in mind, too, before you purchase. You might want to camp with multiple people who may share a bed with you, which a smaller sleeping bag can’t do as well as a larger one. Of course, larger sometimes means heavier, so consider that as well.

Sleeping Bag Length

Taller people might need more length to accommodate them. While a full length sleeping bag is made to fit most adults, you don’t want too much room in the bottom of your bag or your feet may get cold. Most brands don’t offer men’s and women’s sleeping bags, but some run shorter or longer than others, which you should be able to find out about on product description pages. Find one that fits your size for a comfortable experience. For adults, we recommend full length, and child size for children and some smaller adults.

Find Out More: Best Kids Sleeping Bags

Sleeping Bag Width

Like length, width is also important. If there isn’t enough of it for your shoulder girth, you may experience discomfort and stretching. Likewise, if a sleeping bag is too spacious, it might not be snug enough to keep warmth in, so pay attention to dimensions when purchasing. Consider your preferred sleeping position before making a choice, if you’re a side sleeper you may need a wider bag to spread out.

Type

There are different types of insulation: down and synthetic fill. Each has strengths and weaknesses, which we’ll go over a bit further down this article, but for now, just know what they’re called. Knowing which one suits your needs better is key to making more informed purchases. Even sleeping positions matter as you consider your ideal bag.

Additionally, you may want to consider the differences between mummy bags and regular rectangular shape sleeping bags. While mummy bags often include a draft collar and are great for harsh weather, when side sleeping, they may cause some campers to feel claustrophobic.

Side sleepers usually prefer bags with a little more room, as a mummy shape bag only opens at the front, and too much rotation may make it difficult to breathe.

Down Fill Power

Down Fill Power is simply the measurement of down insulation quality. Higher fill power means less weight and more compression, while also costing a lot more than lower fill power down.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

If you’re interested in waterproofing, you should consider durable water repellent (DWR). The way this works is that it blocks water from soaking into your sleeping bag, instead, forcing it to bead and slip away. The added protection isn’t 100% waterproof, but it does help a lot against wet weather.

Keep in mind that DWR has to be reapplied to your sleeping bags every now and then for it to stay effective.

Warmth

While there are some things you can do to increase the warmth of a sleeping bag, such as bringing sleeping pads, extra layers, and a hot water bottle, generally the temperature ratings are pretty accurate. Before buying, consider the seasons and conditions you’ll be camping in, and look for a product that will work for your needs.

If you’re planning on hiking into your campsite, you’ll want to choose a bag with a high warmth to weight ratio, meaning it retains more heat without weighing too much. Some bags even have additional measures like draft collars to help retain heat.

Warmer When Wet

This basically means that some materials like synthetics and dry down tend to stay warm when wet. This might not necessarily be a positive, as you should always avoid a wet sleeping bag, but it might be a positive feature if it fits your needs.

Price

Budget-minded consumers should be aware of the price of their potential purchase, as sleeping bags tend to be a bit more expensive than other equipment. It’s important to note, however, that sometimes you get more high quality options when you pay more, and vice versa, so consider what you’re getting before you buy.

While one bag might have better insulation properties, another might have more room to spread out. By evaluating the features vs the cost, you’re likely to find the best budget option for your needs.

Zipper Type

Different brands have different zipper lengths and types. You can open your sleeping bag all the way with a full length zipper, which might be suitable for you if you prefer more ventilation. Short-length zippers don’t have as much utility but can be beneficial by having less weight. Some bags even feature a center zipper that allows you to zip down the front.

Water Proofing

Waterproofing means that water will tend to bead off sleeping bags, instead of soaking in. This is great if you plan on camping in wet weather areas, as being soaked is generally bad for sleep and comfort. Some brands are better at repelling water than others, so compare and contrast a few on the market.

Some products will work best with waterproof sleeping pads underneath to protect the sleeping bag from morning dew.

Compressibility

Are you concerned with storage space? If so, you might be interested in something with a lot of compressibility, meaning that it can be compacted into a smaller size and stored safely without taking up much space. Brands and materials will vary on this, so be sure to do your research.

Down vs. Synthetic Insulation

In general, down fiber fares much better than synthetics, due to more compressibility and warmth-to-weight. Down also has much more longevity than synthetic fill, but also tends to be much more expensive. Consider the trade-off between price and performance before making your decision. Keep in mind that high quality insulation is less likely to create cold spots in your sleeping bag.

Quilt vs. Mummy Bags

Down quilts work very well with warmth-to-weight ratio, outperforming mummy bags for conditions above 32 F degrees, by not having as much material and insulation beneath you, instead, allowing you to rest on the sleeping pad itself. Mummy bags fare well for anything closer to freezing temperatures and also tend to not be as drafty as rectangular shape bags or quilts.

Compatibility to Owner

As always, any purchase that you’re going to consider is going to depend mostly on your own needs. If you’re an avid camper year round in moderate climates, you may be looking for a three season bag. Conversely, if you prefer to only camp in the warm summer, a lightweight sleeping bag may work best for you. In some cases, you may need to purchase more than one bag for your needs. That is why research is important for informed buying.

Storage

Typically, you’ll want to store your sleeping bag either hung up or spread out somewhere dry, ironically not in its storage sack. Compressing it can wear away at the insulation, reducing its longevity and warming capabilities.

Have this in mind to maintain the high quality and keep your purchase in good condition for a long time.

Return Policy

Sometimes a brand just might not be right for you, and that’s okay. Usually, you can return your sleeping bags within a specific time frame. However, this varies from store to store and is even more varied when buying from online places like Amazon, so check the return policy before you buy.

Understanding How EN Rating System Works

The EN Rating system seems daunting, but it’s actually pretty easy to understand once you know the terms and what they mean.

In practice, the EN Rating system is basically a standardized system for temperature ratings, which establishes a metric for the industry to use and attempts to keep confusion at a minimum in order for the consumer to easily understand how much warmth they can expect from their sleeping bags.

There are two terms you ought to know: EN Comfort Rating and EN Lower Temperature Limit. Some cool weather bags even have an upper limit so you don’t over heat. These ratings are made to make knowing what temperatures you can comfortably sleep at much easier. It’s important to know these because you could potentially fix all of your sleep problems by adjusting properly to your appropriate EN rating.

While a comfort rating signifies that a camper should be able to sleep comfortably at a specified temperature, a lower temperature limit rating means the designated temperature is the lowest possible temperature where a camper can sleep safely. Another thing about EN is that it uses trends and patterns in gender, meaning the comfort rating may not apply to everyone, as a rule. Therefore, it’s best used as a guideline for determining how to get better sleep while outdoors.

If you tend to be a warmer sleeper, you may be able to subtract a few degrees from the comfort rating and still sleep well. If you’re a cold sleeper, you may consider adding layers or sleeping pads to increase the warmth.

EN Comfort Rating

While you’re not likely to find specific women’s sleeping bags, generally, the EN Comfort Rating is designed to measure temperatures that women can expect to feel comfortable during sleep. Typically, women can sleep in temperatures colder than what men can.

EN Lower Temperature Limit

The EN Lower Limit is similar, but it measures temperatures that men can rest at without waking up. Like EN Comfort Rating, this is also important to know.

How To Choose The Right EN Rating

EN Ratings can be very beneficial when used properly, but there are a few things to know. For starters, keep in mind that the EN ratings are not at all 100% perfect, and there tends to be a slight exaggeration in the temperatures a brand is suitable for. For this, you’ll want to expect a difference of 10-15 degrees from the EN Rating to get a reasonable estimate of how it’ll perform.

Weather forecasts are also helpful, as they can give you a number to work with and compare to any EN rating. Preparing ahead of time and knowing what temperatures to expect can help you be ready. Be sure to bring extra clothes/layers too.

Tips On How To Make It Last

While generally, many sleeping bags tend to last a very long time, there are a few things you can do to extend the lifespan of yours. Poor maintenance of yours can result in significantly reduced quality over time, leading to potential replacements.

Generally, you’ll want to wear clothes that are clean when inside, as dirt, body oils, and other particles can do some damage to the fabric of your bag. Using a sleeping bag liner could also help add more protection, and keep wear and tear to a minimum. Additionally, adding a sleeping pad could reduce tears to the bottom of your bag and help you stay warmer.

When you’re storing it away, take care not to compress it, as compression makes the materials break down even faster, reducing quality. Washing it in a washing machine frequently can also lead to some damage, so be sure to only do it when necessary, ideally only once a year.

Some bags shouldn’t be washed in a washing machine at all, so be sure to also heed all instructions for cleaning, so that you don’t accidentally damage the fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sleeping Bags

What’s the best sleeping bag for camping in cold weather?

The best overall sleeping bag for your needs will typically depend on what you’re looking for. Temperature and EN ratings can give you a somewhat good estimate of how much warmth to expect, as well as what temperatures you’re limited to. Your gender also has a role in determining how warm you’ll stay during sleep, so take that into consideration as well.

Be sure to check if the material used traps body heat efficiently.

Are there ultralight sleeping bags for hiking or backpacks?

That all depends on both the brand and material. Some materials, like down insulation and quilt, offer better weight-to-warmth and tend to be lighter, but also more expensive. Take into consideration also how much warmth you’d get from something heavier, compared to something lighter.

How to know if I need to change it?

As always, this will largely depend on the individual, as well as certain circumstances. This is a major reason why proper sleeping bag care is important, as good maintenance can extend the life a fair amount. Poor care can lead to less time in-between replacements, meaning more potential costs to you.

If you ever experience any general wear and tear problems, such as holes, broken zippers, rips, etc., you can always send yours to the manufacturer or a specialist to get it fixed up as good as new. The most important factor in longevity is you, the owner.