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Are you an avid backpacker or a thrill-seeker who wants to embark on your next winter trip? If so, the first thing that you should know about is investing in top-quality gear. Besides the usual equipment for hiking, one thing that you will definitely need is some cold-weather sleeping bags to help you sleep comfortably at night.
In this article, we have picked out a few of the best sleeping bags to save you the trouble of endless searching on the internet. If you’re ready, let’s dive right into this list!
Our Top Picks
Best Budget: Teton Sports Celsius XL Sleeping Bag
Best Lightweight Option: Nordisk Voyage 500 Sleeping Bag
Best for Cold Weather Camping: Coleman PEAK1 0°F Mummy Down Sleeping Bag
Best for Extreme Cold: Nemo Sonic Down Mummy Sleeping Bag
Best Luxury: Western Mountaineering Apache AF Sleeping Bag
Types of Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
For a sleeping bag to be compatible with harsh weather, some insulation material must be used. Insulation helps you to stay warm and not suffer from hypothermia.
Typically, two types of cold-weather sleeping bags are commonly used. Down-insulated sleeping bags and synthetic-insulated sleeping bags [1].
Down-insulated sleeping bag
Down-insulated sleeping bags are typically made with goose or duck feathers and are classified by the amount of fill contained. The higher the fill amount, the more tightly packed the feathers are. This means that it would also be warmer for use.
Down-insulated sleeping bags tend to have a high warmth-to-weight ratio in comparison to synthetic ones. Also, they are much lighter in weight.
Synthetic-insulated sleeping bag
Synthetic-insulated sleeping bags are bags that are made and filled with polyester fibers rather than down feathers.
Compared to down-insulated bags, synthetic ones tend to retain their insulating properties much more in humid and wet environments. Down-insulated bags lose their insulation when it is filled with water.
Key Features To Look Out For
When picking out a sleeping bag for the cold weather, it is important to ensure that it can keep the cold air out so that you can sleep comfortably.
This is why you have to consider the features of the sleeping bag. Some of the key features to look out for are:
- Type of insulation and fill power: Whether it is down-insulated or synthetic-insulated. If it is down-insulated, what is the fill power like? (e.g. 600 fill, 800 fill, etc.)
- Shell material and construction: This is to assess its durability and breathability [2].
- Weight and pack size: If you are using it for mountain climbing or backpacking, it is best to go for a bag of lower weight so that it will not slow you down [3].
- Weather resistance and durability: Consider if the sleeping bag is water-resistant or waterproof to protect against wet conditions. It should also be durable to withstand wear and tear.
- Other comfort features: You can also look for added elements like draft tubes to prevent heat loss around the neck or snag-free zippers so that you can get in and out of the bag easily without getting stuck. Adjustable hoods or pillow pockets can also enhance overall comfort during sleep.
Finding a great sleeping bag not only allows you to get a good night’s sleep but it could also help you to fall asleep faster if you are in an environment that is disruptive for sleep.
You may also like this: 8 Best Weighted Blankets of 2024
5 Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
1. Best Budget: Teton Sports Celsius XL -25ºF Sleeping Bag
Price: $129.99
Star ratings: 4.7/5 Stars
Specifications:
| Bag shape: | Rectangular shape with mummy-style hood |
| Material: | 70D Polyester Ripstop, Polyester Flannel |
| Zipper Type: | Standard two-way one-sided zipper |
| Fill: | SuperLoft Elite Single Channel Hollow Fiber |
| Dimensions (in-use): | 90″ x 36″ |
| Dimensions (stored or packed): | 19″ x 14″ x 14″ |
| Weight: | 9.5 lbs. |
| Temperature Rating: | -25F / -32C |
The Celsius XL -25ºF Sleeping Bag by Teton Sports is a bag that is said to be built for a lifetime. This extra spacious bag is filled with an innovative fiber fill that is suitable for freezing temperatures as it keeps you warm at night.
What I found to be the most impressive about this bag is its spacious design and fill. For those who may have a slightly larger build, the classic mummy-style shaped bag is a rather tight fit from the hips down. With it being rectangular shape, it provides extra space and a larger hip girth for any user to stretch their legs or shift positions without feeling too cramped.
The choice of fiber fill along with a hood and shoulder draft tubes also does a great job of sealing in warmth to withstand colder temperatures.
However, the biggest downside about this bag (and others in the same range) is that it is very bulky and heavy. At over 9 lbs, it is a less-than-ideal option if you are planning to go on a backpacking trip. It is more suitable for car camping or if you are at a base camp and need to stay warm.
Overall, at a price of $129.99 for these features, I would say that it is a very reasonable price and one of the best budget options out there in the market. If you’re not concerned about the weight and just want a warm, spacious bag, this makes a solid investment for your winter activities.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very spacious | Very heavy |
| Affordable | It does not compress well |
| Designed for colder weather | Not for backpacking |
2. Best Lightweight Option: Nordisk Voyage 500 Sleeping Bag
Price: €399.95 or $443
Star ratings: Unknown
Specifications:
| Bag shape: | Mummy shape |
| Material: | Lightweight Rip-stop Nylon, Lightweight Nylon |
| Zipper Type: | Standard two-way one-sided zipper |
| Fill: | 90/10 600+ European down |
| Dimensions (in-use): | 82″ to 88″ |
| Dimensions (stored or packed): | 8″ x 11″ |
| Weight: | 0.9- 1 lbs. |
| Temperature Rating: | 34ºF / -5ºC |
The Nordisk Voyage 500 Sleeping Bag offers a remarkable outdoor sleeping experience with the way it is constructed.
Weighing at only around 0.9 to 1 lbs, it allows you to enjoy incredible weight savings for your backpacking adventures. It is compact enough that it is able to fit nicely in your backpack without compromising warmth.
However, it is not suited for extreme cold weather with the temperature limit being -5ºC. Other downsides include a lack of hood and a low-fill power, which means that there is less heat trapped, making it suitable only for milder temperatures.
As a whole, it is great in terms of versatility and its lightweightedness but if you are going to camp in harsher conditions, you may need a bag with more insulation and weather resistance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Not suited for extreme cold |
| Breathable | No hood |
| Versatile | Lowest down-fill power |
See also: 10 Best Sleep Products to Help You Fall Asleep Faster
3. Best for Cold Weather Camping: Coleman PEAK1 0°F Mummy Down Sleeping Bag
Price: $389.99
Star ratings: 4.9/5 Stars
Specifications:
| Bag shape: | Mummy shape |
| Material: | 20D nylon ripstop shell and 40D nylon liner |
| Zipper Type: | ZipPlow zipper |
| Fill: | 650 RDS Certified Duck Down |
| Dimensions (in-use): | 80″ x 31″ |
| Dimensions (stored or packed): | 9.1″ x 16.5″ |
| Weight: | 3.75 lbs |
| Temperature Rating: | 8°F to 21°F / -6 to -13ºC |
The Coleman PEAK1 0°F Mummy Down Sleeping Bag is yet another option that is built to well-equip you for your next backpacking or cold-weather camping trip.
I found that the shape of the bag, complete with a draft collar and hood helped to trap warmth around your head and shoulders, to help you stay warm on colder nights. The zipper system also helps to minimize snagging so that it is easy to get in and out without hassle.
Own downside is that weighing at 3.75 lbs, it is considered heavier compared to other high-fill power bags. However, it does compress down pretty well such that you can bring it around easily in a stuff sack. All in all, it might just be better to get a lighter bag with higher fill power for your next trip.
In conclusion, the Coleman PEAK1 0°F Mummy Down Sleeping Bag strikes a good balance between affordability and performance, offering reliable warmth and comfort when the weather changes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable range | Lower down fill power compared to others |
| Great for winter camping | Heavier weight than bags with a higher fill power |
| Draft collar and hood | Limited features |
4. Best for Extreme Cold: Nemo Sonic Down Mummy Sleeping Bag
Price: $599.95
Star ratings:
Specifications:
| Bag shape: | Mummy shape |
| Material: | 20D 100% Recycled Nylon, Bluesign Certified Ripstop w/ DWR, 20D 100% Recycled Polyester, Bluesign Approved Taffeta w/ DWR |
| Zipper Type: | Offset zipper |
| Fill: | 800 Fill Power Down |
| Dimensions (in-use): | 63″ x 58″ x 53″ |
| Dimensions (stored or packed): | 13.5″ x 9.5″ |
| Weight: | 3 lbs |
| Temperature Rating: | 0°F / -17ºC |
The Nemo Sonic Down Mummy Sleeping Bag is an exceptional choice for extreme cold weather. The bag offers an exceptional amount of warmth while with a reduced environmental impact.
A feature that stands out the most is its fill power. Standing at 800 fill power, it has a high warmth-to-weight ratio for insulation and compressibility. Despite it being able to withstand temperatures up to 0ºF or -17ºC, it still remains relatively light at 3 lbs. This is a good choice for any backpackers or mountaineers.
Another feature that stands out is the thermo gills, a unique mechanism that helps you regulate and fine-tune the temperature without having to open your main zipper.
One downside is its price. At $599.95, it’s considered to be a higher-end sleeping bag. Also, if you happen to get the bag wet, it may lose its insulating performance.
Overall, I would rate it as the best for extreme cold. It is a perfect option for adventurers who need a reliable, high-performance bag for cold weather conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Able to withstand extreme weather temperatures | Expensive |
| High fill power | Heavier than other lightweight options |
| Stretch construction at knees | May lose insulation if wet |
| Wider than typical mummy-shaped bags |
5. Best Luxury: Western Mountaineering Apache AF Sleeping Bag
Price: $645.00 – $685.00
Star ratings: 5/5 Stars
Specifications:
| Bag shape: | Mummy shape with full collar |
| Material: | MicroLite XP, 20D Microfiber |
| Zipper Type: | Full-Length Baffled YKK Zipper |
| Fill: | 850+ Power Goose Down |
| Dimensions (in-use): | 59″ x 51″x 38″ |
| Dimensions (stored or packed): | 8″ x 15″ |
| Weight: | 2 lbs |
| Temperature Rating: | 15°F / -9ºC |
The Western Mountaineering Apache AF Sleeping Bag is a premium choice for those who are looking for a luxurious option that performs well.
What is great about this bag is that it has an extremely high fill power at 850+ using goose-down feathers. The higher the fill count, the higher the warmth. Thus, this is a good choice if you are looking to sleep in a sub-freezing temperature.
The MicroLite XP shell also offers additional protection against weather elements, enhancing the bag’s durability and performance.
That being said, it is the highest priced amongst all the other options in this list. It is a costly investment, which may not be suitable for every budget. The mummy shape also makes this bag tight and narrow, making it a not-so-ideal option for those of larger build or height.
In short, if you have a higher budget, you can consider this luxurious option. With its high-quality materials and lightweight design, it’s ideal for serious adventurers looking for a top-tier bag.
| Pros | Cons |
| High fill power | Most expensive |
| Light-weight | Narrow shaped |
| Weather-resistant shell material | May lose insulation if wet |
You may also like: How To Create the Best Sleep Environment: 9 Tips
Understanding Sleeping Bag Ratings
These days, most brands would send their bags to be tested at an independent test lab. From there, the brands would receive a temperature rating for each bag.
There are two standards adopted by the sleeping bag industry which are EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Standards Organization) ratings. Both measure a sleeping bag’s warmth and performance, usually through a comfort rating and lower limit rating [4].
Comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable sleeping.
A lower limit rating indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might feel comfortable.
How I Chose These Products
When selecting the top cold-weather sleeping bags for this list, I had to focus on a few key factors to ensure that it would be a fair and well-rounded assessment.
Here are some factors that I took into consideration during the evaluation process:
- Temperature rating: The main criteria that I looked out for was whether the bag has the ability to handle different temperatures effectively. Some bags may be more suited for milder weather or seasons while others may only be good for harsh weather conditions.
- Type of insulation and fill power: I also looked at the type of insulation that a bag has and whether it is down-insulated or synthetic-insulated. If they were down-insulated, a higher fill power indicates a better warmth-to-weight ratio.
- Weight: For those who are backpacking or mountaineering, weight is a crucial factor. Too heavy of a bag would make the trip tricky and exhausting so there had to be a selection of bags of lighter weight.
- Comfort: Besides the technical features, I also wanted to ensure that the bags were lined with comfortable materials or came with comfort features such as draft collars, hoods, and zippers.
- Price and value: Price was also another feature I looked at. The features had to be worth the price paid for. If it was on a higher end, it has to be of high-quality materials with great performance.
- User ratings: I also included user ratings to gauge how well each brand performs and how many users are truly satisfied. This way, I can provide future users with the right information.
Conclusion
So, when it comes to choosing a cold-weather sleeping bag, always consider whether it suits your needs and preferences. If you are going to be in extreme cold weather, it is important to look for a bag that has a high fill power and fill weight such that you will be kept warm throughout. Additionally, consider other product features such as draft tubes for added warmth and comfort.
To help you sleep comfortably at night, why not check out ShutEye®. ShutEye® does not only help to track your sleep patterns but also provides sleep tips and aids to ensure that you fall asleep faster at night.
