Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024

Cozying into your sleeping bag at the end of a long day on the trail is one of the great pleasures of backpacking. And today’s bags offer exceptional warmth for the weight along with a range of technologies that help them stay dry and perform in a variety of conditions. The majority of the bags on this list are filled with down, which is warmer, lighter, and more compressible than synthetic insulation. We've tested countless sleeping bags all over the world—from snow-laden peaks in southern Patagonia to the dusty East African savanna—to narrow in on our 17 picks below. Below are the top backpacking sleeping bags of 2024. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks, along with details about our testing process. Finally, if weight is at the top of your priority list, we've also compiled a list of the best ultralight sleeping bags and quilts.

Editor's note: We updated this guide on November 19, 2024, to remove the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 and incorporate recent feedback and photos from testing. As always, we also swept the guide to ensure all other information was current at the time of publishing.
 

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Our Team's Backpacking Sleeping Bag Picks

• Best Overall Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20
• Best Budget Down Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic Down 20
• Most Comfortable and Feature-Rich Sleeping Bag: Nemo Disco 15
• Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Warm Weather: Sea to Summit Spark 45
• Best Winter/High-Altitude Sleeping Bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F
• Best Sleeping Quilt for Backpacking: Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt 30

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Best Overall Sleeping Bag

1. Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 ($629)

Temperature rating: 20°F
Other option: 30°F
Weight: 1 lb. 11.3 oz.
Fill: 16.8 oz. of 950-fill down
What we like: Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and build quality for serious backpackers.
What we don’t: Pricey and lacks some modern features; difficult to pack down into its stuff sack.

For the best combination of premium down, high-quality construction, and warmth-to-weight ratio, it’s hard to beat a Feathered Friends sleeping bag. This boutique Seattle-based brand specializes in down products and hand-makes just about all their products in the Pacific Northwest. Climbers stop in religiously before heading to Mt. Rainier, Alaska, and far-off places like the Himalayas, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re in Seattle (their store is right across from the REI flagship). And with a direct-to-consumer model, Feathered Friends sleeping bags and other down products are exceptionally well made and competitively priced for what you get.

We've been using their Swallow UL for years and recently brought it on a backpacking trip in Wyoming's Wind River Range, where it kept us cozy in driving winds and plummeting temps. The bag is stuffed with over a pound of 950-fill goose down, has a durable and water-resistant Pertex shell, and comes in at a reasonable 1 pound 11 ounces for the 20-degree model. It’s also built to last: After almost a decade of use, our bag shows little sign of wear and is as warm as the day we bought it. But the Swallow is indeed pricey at $629 (for the regular size) and lacks some of the modern touches you get with other bags, including a draft collar (the passive collar is a bit less effective at trapping heat), pillow pocket, and toe box vent. For a slightly more affordable and lighter option with trimmer dimensions, check out the Hummingbird UL 20. Note: The Swallow UL 20 is low on stock at the time of publishing, but we expect improved availability soon. In the meantime, the 30-degree version and aforementioned Hummingbird are also worth considering.
See the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20
 

Best Budget Down Sleeping Bag

2. Kelty Cosmic Down 20 ($160)

Temperature rating: 31°F ISO Comfort, 21°F Lower Limit
Other options: 0, 40°F
Weight: 2 lb. 7.0 oz.
Fill: 16.4 oz. of 550-fill down
What we like: Inexpensive for a warm and well-made down sleeping bag.
What we don’t: Decently heavy and not nearly as packable as more premium models.

For new backpackers and those on a budget, Kelty makes inexpensive gear that may pleasantly surprise you with its quality. The Cosmic Down 20 is one of the cheaper down sleeping bags on the market—certainly from a major manufacturer—but the ISO Comfort rating of 31 degrees Fahrenheit should keep you cozy in most 3-season conditions. You also get a zippered internal pocket for stashing a headlamp or phone, a relatively supple—and recycled—nylon shell, a draft tube and collar to minimize heat loss, and multiple zippers for venting. Finally, we should note that Kelty latest update of this bag came with a 3-ounce drop in weight and $5-cheaper price tag (fill power and weight stayed the same). At well under 3 pounds for the regular version, it’s handily our favorite budget down bag for 2024.

Keep in mind that due to the lower fill-power down, the Kelty Cosmic Down is not nearly as light or packable as the more premium options on this list. By spending up, the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 above offers significantly more warmth for almost a full pound less, although it also happens to be almost four times the price (and a bit more fragile). Alternatively, Marmot’s synthetic Trestles Elite Eco below costs around the same and provides comparable warmth in a more weather-ready package—unlike down, synthetic fill will continue to insulate when wet. But for space-conscious backpackers keeping an eye on their wallet, it’s hard to beat the down-filled Cosmic, which packs down noticeably smaller than the Trestles. 
See the Men's Kelty Cosmic Down 20  See the Women's Kelty Cosmic Down 20

 

Most Comfortable and Feature-Rich Sleeping Bag

3. Nemo Disco 15 Endless Promise ($300)

Temperature rating: 25°F ISO Comfort, 14°F Lower Limit
Other option: 30°F
Weight: 2 lb. 11.0 oz.
Fill: 23 oz. of 650-fill down
What we like: A roomy and comfortable sleeping bag for those who toss and turn.
What we don’t: Heavier and bulkier than slimmer-cut bags with similar temperature ratings.

Nemo does things a little differently with their sleeping bags, and they’re a big hit among comfort seekers and side sleepers. Unlike slender mummy designs that trim dimensions to shave weight, Nemo utilizes a "spoon”-shaped concept on the Disco. The focus is on comfort: The bag is wider than a typical mummy, particularly in the elbows and knees, so sleepers can roll from side to side without feeling constrained. You also get features like two “Thermo Gill” vents running lengthwise at the top of the bag—unzipping them creates intentional cold spots to release hot air in warm conditions—an oversized draft collar at the neck, and a built-in pillow sleeve. Finally, the Disco 15 uses 650-fill, PFAS-free hydrophobic down, and a waterproof panel around the toe box for added protection.

The Disco was updated for the spring of 2024, and the newest version joins Nemo’s Endless Promise collection with a recycled, repairable, resellable, and recyclable design. It also boasts a redesigned draft collar and updated vents, which now feature zippers on both the inside and the outside of the bag for convenient access. As with previous versions, the biggest downsides are weight and bulk: The spacious design means more fabric and down fill are required, and the Disco 15 checks in at 2 pounds 11 ounces for the regular size. It also doesn’t help that the bag uses 650-fill down, which is decidedly mid-range (check out the 800-fill Nemo Riff 15 for a lighter but pricier alternative). But if the roomy fit and comfort-focused feature set appeal to you, the Disco 15 is a great option.
See the Men's Nemo Disco 15  See the Women's Nemo Disco 15

 

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Warm Weather

4. Sea to Summit Spark 45 ($349)

Temperature rating: 51°F ISO Comfort, 45°F Lower Limit
Other options: 0, 15, 30°F
Weight: 12.8 oz.
Fill: 5.3 oz. of 850-fill down
What we like: Crazy light and highly packable; wet-weather assurance of hydrophobic down.
What we don’t: Only warm enough for mid-summer use, partial-length zipper limits ventilation, and thin shell fabric will require extra care.

Most of the sleeping bags here check in between 1 and 2 pounds and have temperature ratings that extend as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. While these are great all-around designs for a range of conditions and backpacking trips, they verge on overkill—both in terms of weight and warmth—for minimalist missions in warm summer weather. For these conditions, we love the Sea to Summit Spark, a 12.8-ounce, 45-degree bag that packs down to the size of a 1-liter Nalgene bottle. The Spark is surprisingly well-rounded for its weight: Unlike the Feathered Friends Tanager and Enlightened Equipment Enigma below, it comes complete with a hood and zipper, and its hydrophobic down offers great wet-weather assurance. All told, you’d be hard-pressed to find a lighter, more functional design without bumping up to the 50-degree category.

But versatility is limited with such a minimalist bag. To put it in perspective, our top-ranked Swallow UL 20 contains over three times as much down as the Spark, which is a welcome addition on cool summer nights spent up high. Further, while its 10-denier shell isn’t the thinnest here (the Tanager’s is 7 x 5D), it will still require considerable care when packing or sleeping outside on rough ground. To be fair, we've cowboy camped in the Spark without issue, but don't expect any miracles in terms of abrasion resistance. Additionally, the streamlined build translates to somewhat tight quarters, and our 5'8" tester wishes she had gone with a long instead of the regular length. But these shortcomings aside, the ultralight and ultra-compressible Spark will disappear into your pack or bike pannier better than just about any other sleeping bag, making it a solid choice for mid-summer outings at low elevations.
See the Men's Sea to Summit Spark 45  See the Women's Sea to Summit Spark 45

 

Best Winter/High-Altitude Sleeping Bag 

5. Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F ($680)

Temperature rating: 12°F EN Comfort, 0°F Lower Limit
Other options: 0, 15°F
Weight: 2 lb. 10.4 oz.
Fill: 30.5 oz. of 800-fill down
What we like: Cozy loft and warmth-trapping features for cold-weather missions.
What we don’t: Shell offers little in the way of wet-weather protection.

Cold environments call for a warm sleeping bag, and Mountain Hardwear’s Phantom 0F has long been a go-to choice for winter camping and high-altitude expeditions. Filled with almost 2 pounds of 800-fill down and featuring a lofty draft collar, cinchable hood, and protective face gasket, the Phantom is a warm haven from sub-freezing temperatures. Its 2-pound-10.4-ounce build is undeniably heavy compared to the 3-season competition, but is impressive considering the bag’s warmth: Mountain Hardwear keeps weight and bulk low with a thin 10-denier shell, lightweight zipper, and streamlined (yet still comfortable) profile. It all adds up to our favorite down sleeping bag for human-powered endeavors in the cold, including backcountry hut trips, snow camping, and expeditions up the world’s tallest peaks.

We’d be remiss not to also mention Feathered Friends’ Snowbunting ES 0 here, which replaced the Snowbunting EX 0. Designed for serious adventures, the Snowbunting offers more protection from drips and condensation with a water-resistant Pertex Shield EX fabric. The shell is also slightly thicker at 15-denier, and 40-denier ripstop reinforcements offer peace of mind when you’re sleeping beside your climbing gear. The Snowbunting’s water-resistant shell does slightly compromise breathability—and adds a few ounces to the total weight—but the trade-offs will be worth the added assurance for some. All told, the Snowbunting ($789 for the regular length) is the better bag if you anticipate needing to fend off moisture, but for dry conditions and shorter trips, the Phantom offers a more competitive combination of price and warmth for the weight.
See the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F

 

Best Sleeping Quilt for Backpacking

6. Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt 30 ($330)

Temperature rating: 30°F
Other options: 0, 10, 20, 40, 50°F
Weight: 1 lb. 1.9 oz.
Fill: 12.4 oz. of 850-fill down
What we like: Super customizable, versatile, and great warmth for the weight.
What we don’t: Not everyone will love the hoodless, backless design.

Sleeping quilts are popular among ultralight enthusiasts: With an open-back design that wraps around a pad, they’re able to provide sleeping-bag-like warmth for noticeably less weight and bulk. Quilts are the bread and butter of Minnesota-based Enlightened Equipment, so it’s no surprise to see their Enigma at the top of our list for 2024. The Enigma 30 packs a serious punch with a whopping 12.4 ounces of 850-fill down. Priced at just $330 (for the regular size with a 10D/10D fabric), it’s a great value, too. And because ULers love customization, Enlightened Equipment quilts are available in a wide variety of sizes, along with the option of 850- or 950-fill down, various nylon shells (7D or 10D), and a generous range of temperature ratings (0 to 50 degrees F). 

We’re big fans of sleeping quilts for their versatility and warmth-to-weight ratio, and despite their backless design, we’ve taken them into fairly inclement conditions. In fact, the Enigma was one editor's quilt of choice for all three of the Triple Crown trails (AT, PCT, and CDT), keeping him cozy in everything from freezing whiteouts in Colorado's San Juans to weeks of chilly drizzle in the Pacific Northwest. You do give up a bit of security, and with no hood, you’ll want to be sure to pack additional coverage for your head (a beanie or hooded down jacket will do), but we’ve learned to trust quilts no matter the conditions. If you’re willing to try something different, they offer truly impressive warmth (remember that all their insulation is concentrated along the front and sides of the body) alongside great ventilation for hot sleepers.
See the Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt

 

Best of the Rest

 

7. Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 ($285)

Temperature rating: 26°F ISO Comfort, 15°F Lower Limit
Other option: 0°F
Weight: 2 lb. 5.4 oz.
Fill: 21 oz. of 650-fill down
What we like: A bit warmer and lighter than the Marmot Sawtooth below.
What we don’t: Tapered cut is not ideal for those who toss and turn.

There are a lot of very expensive sleeping bags on the market that use 800-fill-power down or even higher, and there are a number of budget-oriented synthetic options, but the mid-range down offerings are surprisingly limited. In this category, we like the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass, which does a nice job of putting it all together at a reasonable price. You get a cozy 26-degree Fahrenheit ISO Comfort rating at 2 pounds 5.4 ounces total—a half-pound lighter than the similarly priced Marmot Sawtooth below. This bag is both well built and comfortable, with premium touches like a generous draft collar to seal out cold and a noticeably soft liner that feels supple and cozy against the skin. At a fraction of the cost of a high-end model like the Feathered Friends Swallow UL, we like the value of the Bishop Pass.

Keep in mind that the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass manages to keep weight low by tailoring the cut of the bag. The regular size is 53 inches at the hip, whereas the Marmot Sawtooth and Kelty Cosmic are roomier at 59 and 58 inches, respectively. If you are a side sleeper who tosses and turns throughout the night, we recommend choosing one of the aforementioned options (alternatively, Nemo makes the roomiest bags out there). And for about the same price, the Sawtooth adds a few ounces of down and extra features for comfort, including an expandable footbox and dual-side zips at the collar. But for those who don’t mind a trimmer mummy cut, the Bishop Pass is a quality mid-range bag that will save you some weight.
See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15  See the Women's MH Bishop Pass 15

 

8. Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20 ($470)

Temperature rating: 32°F EN Comfort, 20°F Lower Limit
Other options: 0, 32°F
Weight: 1 lb. 12.0 oz.
Fill: 16 oz. of 800-fill down
What we like: Fully featured and warm at a relatively low weight.
What we don’t: Falls short of premium bags like the Swallow above and UltraLite below.

Therm-a-Rest offers a wide selection of sleeping bags for everything from ultralight backpacking to car camping, and the Parsec builds on their well-rounded expertise. Delivering frontcountry comfort in a lightweight (1 lb. 12 oz.) and packable design, the Parsec 20 features 16 ounces of 800-fill down along with a host of noteworthy features. You get a smooth no-snag zipper (it wasn’t 100% foolproof in our testing but definitely cut down on hang-ups) with a draft tube, a down-stuffed foot pocket for added warmth, a draft collar, and a handy external pocket for essentials. We’ve used the Parsec all winter in both backpacking and van-camping scenarios and have been impressed with how plush and warm it feels for such a streamlined design.

The Parsec 20 goes head-to-head with the premium Western Mountaineering UltraLite below with a similar weight, temperature rating, and fill weight. One of the largest differences between the two bags comes in terms of dimensions: The Parsec is significantly roomier, with 62 inches at the collar and 57 at the hips (the UltraLite is 59 and 51 in., respectively). It’s also more modern-feeling compared to the Western Mountaineering’s rather barebones design, including softer fabrics and the aforementioned features. The Parsec can’t quite match the warmth of the UltraLite, and its shell felt significantly less durable in our testing, but these are minor shortcomings considering the $150 savings. All told, it's a high-quality and well-equipped bag for a little less than the competition, which is a winning recipe for many.
See the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20

 

9. Western Mountaineering UltraLite ($620)

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 1 lb. 13.0 oz.
Fill: 16 oz. of 850-fill down
What we like: Lightweight, super comfortable, and well built.
What we don’t: Lower-quality down and trimmer dimensions than the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20.

Feathered Friends sets the gold standard for premium down products, but Western Mountaineering is hot on their heels. Specializing in down sleeping bags, this San Jose-based company has a complete collection for every sort of adventurer, ranging from durable and waterproof expedition bags to featherweight quilts. The UltraLite here is their fully featured 20-degree offering, with a very healthy 16 ounces of 850-fill down (5 in. of down loft), a wraparound draft collar, and a full-length #5 YKK zipper. All in all, it's for good reason that the longstanding UltraLite is Western Mountaineering’s most popular 3-season backpacking bag for shoulder-season adventures and alpine conditions in the Lower 48.

Compared to the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 above, the UltraLite has trimmer dimensions (a noticeable 5 in. less at the hip), uses lower-quality down (850- vs. 950-fill), and weighs 2 ounces more. The bag does feature a slightly thicker shell fabric (12 vs. 10D) and a lower price tag (by $9), but these strengths aren’t enough to justify the Western Mountaineering over the Feathered Friends. Comparisons aside, the UltraLite is a premium bag that’s high on comfort and attention to detail. For more room, check out the AlpinLite ($695), which gives you an extra 5 inches of girth in the shoulders and 4 inches more in the hips while only adding 2 ounces of total weight.
See the Western Mountaineering UltraLite

 

10. REI Co-op Magma 15 ($429)

Temperature rating: 21°F ISO Comfort, 9°F Lower Limit
Other option: 30°F
Weight: 2 lb. 3.6 oz.
Fill: 23.3 oz. of 850-fill down
What we like: A lightweight sleeping bag for less than the competition; nice selection of sizes.
What we don’t: Pricier and heavier than the past version, although warmth increased considerably.

REI Co-op’s in-house offerings have been impressive of late, with a strong lineup of quality backpacking gear at competitive price points. The latest Magma 15 is a case in point: For $429, you get a premium and warm backpacking bag that’s loaded with 23.3 ounces of 850-fill down (REI also makes a 30-degree version for $379). On paper, it’s right in line with top-tier brands but with less damage to your wallet (competing models from Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering above cost $629 and $620, respectively). The Magma isn’t cheap by any means—down is the most expensive insulator—but it’s a solid value nevertheless, especially during sale periods when you can utilize a member coupon (alternatively, if you purchase at full MSRP and are an REI member, you’ll get 10% back at the end of the year).

REI's overhaul of the Magma line brought several tweaks, with the biggest change being the swap from separate men’s and women’s versions to more cohesive unisex sizing. Both the Magma 15 here and the cheaper Magma 30 are now offered in nine sizes with three length and width options to choose from. The latest Magma 15 is also noticeably warmer than the past-generation version with an additional 7.3 ounces of down for the medium size (accordingly, both the Comfort and Lower Limit ratings are 16 degrees higher). Unfortunately, weight and price also went up (by 7.4 and $30, respectively), but we’re overall happy with the changes—which also included a new recycled shell and PFAS-free DWR coating. The Magma still can’t match the ultra-high-end feel of bags from Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value for the weight and warmth. 
See the REI Co-op Magma 15

 

11. Patagonia Fitz Roy 30°F ($429)

Temperature rating: 30°F
Other option: 20°F
Weight: 1 lb. 13.0 oz.
Fill: 800-fill down
What we like: Premium, sustainable materials, and a unique front zipper.
What we don’t: Not competitively lightweight and packable.

The Fitz Roy Hoody is one of our all-time favorite heavyweight down jackets from Patagonia, which we love for its sleeping bag-like warmth and loft. So when the Ventura-based company released their sleeping bag lineup under the same name, we had an idea of what to expect: plush, lofty down plumage, a soft and supple fabric, and excellent build quality. The Fitz Roy takes further design hints from Patagonia’s jacket collection, with a center front zip, internal pocket at the chest, and deep hood that’s modeled after their warmest winter parkas. And as we’ve come to expect, it’s sustainably designed through and through, including Advanced Global Traceable down, a PFAS-free DWR finish, and recycled, solution-dyed nylon (solution dying conserves both energy and water). 

But despite Patagonia’s penchant for fast-and-light alpinism, the Fitz Roy is not particularly lightweight or packable, especially compared to bags like the Feathered Friends Swallow UL and Sea to Summit Spark above. As a result, it’s not our first choice for ultralight backpacking trips or multi-day climbs. But the Fitz Roy nevertheless lands in a competitive field of solid all-rounders, joining similarly spec’d bags like the REI Co-op Magma 15 and Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20 (Patagonia doesn’t specify a fill weight, but in our experience, the Fitz Roy’s 30-degree designation feels like its lower limit), and the front zip (complete with three zipper heads for venting at the top, bottom, and middle) offers a nice change of pace from more standard designs. Added up, the Fitz Roy is a solid offering from a brand we trust—and it also comes in a 20-degree version (2 lb. 4 oz.) for $529.
See the Patagonia Fitz Roy 30°F

 

12. Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 ($169)

Temperature rating: 32.2°F EN Comfort, 21.6°F Lower Limit
Other options: 0, 30°F
Weight: 2 lb. 6.0 oz.
Fill: 25 oz. of synthetic (HL-ElixR Eco Micro)
What we like: Practical warmth and better wet-weather assurance than down bags.
What we don’t: At this price point, we prefer the down-filled Kelty Cosmic above.

For backpacking, we almost always favor down sleeping bags over synthetics—they pack down smaller and provide more warmth for the weight. But there’s still a time and place for synthetic fill, especially if you’re looking to save cash or planning to spend a lot of time in wet weather. Marmot has been a mainstay in the world of synthetic sleeping bags for years with its varied Trestles line. For an affordable $169, the Elite Eco 20 offers a very practical 32.2-degree Fahrenheit EN Comfort rating, which should work well for most 3-season conditions, along with a respectable weight of 2 pounds 6 ounces. And the Trestles Elite Eco 20 is surprisingly well featured for the price, including recycled materials, multiple zippers for venting, an internal stash pocket, and a draft tube.

In the end, we have the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco ranked here because we think there are far better options for backpacking. For those who don't need the added warmth, Marmot's standard Trestles (rated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit) is significantly cheaper at $109, and the Nemo Forte Endless Promise 20 is a far more comfortable option for a very reasonable $200—although many will find it to be prohibitively heavy at 3 pounds 7 ounces. Alternatively, the similarly priced, down-filled Kelty Cosmic above checks in just an ounce heavier, stuffs down smaller, and will last significantly longer (synthetic fill has a tendency to pack out over time). Unless water resistance is particularly important to you, we recommend going with the Kelty.
See the Men's Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20  See the Women's Trestles Elite Eco 20

 

13. Feathered Friends Tanager 20 CFL ($469)

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 1 lb. 2.6 oz.
Fill: 12.6 oz. of 950-fill down
What we like: Hoodless design hits the sweet spot of weight and performance.
What we don’t: No zipper and very thin fabrics.

The ultralight sleeping bag world is chock full of models that trim weight with premium down, ultra-thin shell materials, streamlined feature sets, and narrow dimensions. The Sea to Summit Spark gets our top pick for its fairly uncompromised design, but the hoodless Feathered Friends Tanager is an intriguing alternative. With no zipper or hood, this dedicated ultralight build saves weight on features but doesn't sacrifice on insulation with premium 950-fill down. The result is impressive, to say the least: The 20-degree Tanager weighs just 1 pound 2.6 ounces total but contains a whopping 12.6 ounces of insulation. Do the math—you get 7.3 ounces more down (of a higher quality) in a 5.8-ounce heavier build—and it’s even warmer for the weight than the Spark above.

There are a few reasons the Tanager doesn’t get our top UL pick, including the zipperless design, lack of hood, and ultra-thin fabric (you can literally see through the 7 x 5D Pertex Quantum shell). What’s more, the majority of thru-hikers and fastpackers won’t be venturing into sub-freezing temperatures, making the Tanager’s warmth a bit overkill for most conditions (it doesn’t help that you can’t zip open the bag for ventilation). But 3-season alpine climbers will find a lot to like with this purpose-built bag, and we think these compromises are well worth it for the weight savings. And for a full mummy design from Feathered Friends with a zipper, check out the Hummingbird UL ($609), which features 14 ounces of down in a 1-pound-8-ounce build... Read in-depth Tanager 20 review
See the Feathered Friends Tanager 20 CFL

 

14. Sea to Summit Ascent 15 ($469)

Temperature rating: 28°F ISO Comfort, 15°F Lower Limit
Other option: 30°F 
Weight: 2 lb. 4.0 oz.
Fill: 19 oz. of 750-fill down
What we like: Very warm and cozy with lots of ways to vent in mild temperatures.
What we don’t: Less of a value than the REI Magma above; fairly bulky when packed.

We covered Sea to Summit’s ultralight Spark 45 above, which is a great option for those who exclusively backpack in warm weather. For most of us, however, a warmer design like the Ascent 15 makes more sense. In addition to boasting around three times the amount of down (albeit of a lower quality), the Ascent features a thicker 20-denier shell (the Spark’s is 10D), along with a box baffle construction that allows the down to loft fully (the Spark’s sewn-through baffles compress the insulation at the seams). But arguably the biggest selling point is Ascent’s Free-Flow Zip System, which offers several different venting options: One side unzips down to the hips, while the other wraps all the way around the footbox, with snaps at the neck for keeping the bag in place. Fully unzipped, this allows you to stick out your arms and feet while still keeping your torso (and head, if you keep the hood on) fully covered. For reference, we tested the Ascent 15 in Patagonia during a very warm stretch—warm enough that we should have opted for the cheaper 30-degree version—and the myriad venting options saved us from sweating out of the bag in the middle of the night.

Why the lower ranking for the Sea to Summit Ascent 15? While not excessively heavy at 2 pounds 4 ounces, we were surprised at how bulky the bag is when stuffed down. To be fair, the included stuff sack is a quality design that goes a long way toward reducing packed size, but the 750-fill down simply doesn’t compress as well as higher-fill-power varieties (like what you get with the Spark above). Speaking of premium down, REI’s Magma above uses loftier and more compressible 850-fill down, resulting in added warmth for around the same weight—at a $40 cheaper price point to boot. In other words, the Ascent doesn’t strike us as a particularly strong value for what you get. But the ventilation design is well executed, and the bag has a very premium feel for cozying up on cold nights.
See the Men's Sea to Summit Ascent 15  See the Women's Sea to Summit Ascent 15

 

15. Marmot Sawtooth 15 ($299)

Temperature rating: 27°F EN Comfort, 15°F Lower Limit
Weight: 2 lb. 14.2 oz.
Fill: 24.7 oz. of 650-fill down
What we like: Dual side-zips and footbox zipper add comfort and ventilation.
What we don’t: Heavy and bulky for a backpacking bag.

Falling on the spectrum between business and casual, Marmot’s Sawtooth is a high-value and uniquely featured sleeping bag for the recreational backpacker. The first thing that stands out about the Sawtooth is its extra zippers: At the collar, you get dual side zips for ventilation and easy in and out; at the foot, a zipper opens for extra space and shuts to seal in warmth. To top it off, the Sawtooth features a generous 24.7 ounces of 650-fill hydrophobic down, which is considerably more than most bags here. For those who run cold or want a little extra warmth for shoulder seasons, the Marmot Sawtooth is cozy, warm, and high on comfort—all without breaking the bank.

Keep in mind that the Sawtooth’s 27-degree Fahrenheit EN Comfort rating is ample for most backpacking jaunts into the mountains and won’t have you checking the forecast incessantly before the trip, but it may be overkill for warm summer conditions. And while the ventilating zippers can help broaden the bag’s temperature range, they do add a considerable amount of weight: Compared to the similarly priced Bishop Pass above, the Sawtooth is over a half-pound heavier, considerably bulkier, and contains just a few ounces more down. But the added features and space (the Marmot is 59 in. at the hip vs. the Mountain Hardwear’s 53 in.) could be well worth it for some.
See the Men's Marmot Sawtooth 15  See the Women's Marmot Teton 15

 

16. Montbell Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3 ($359)

Temperature rating: 39°F ISO Comfort, 30°F Lower Limit
Other options: 15, 25, 40°F 
Weight: 1 lb. 2.7 oz.
Fill: 800-fill down
What we like: Baffle-free exterior and internal diagonal baffles nicely balance weight and comfort.
What we don’t: Shell is thin and fragile.

Like Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends, Japan-based Montbell is a leading down specialist, and their Seamless Down Hugger collection is among the most unique on the market. In lieu of baffles, the Down Hugger utilizes a web of polyester threads (dubbed the “Spider Baffle System”) to keep the insulation in place, translating to more warmth with less down (read: less weight) compared to traditional designs. On the inside, the liner features a spiraled elastic thread that expands with your movements and constricts to hug your body, effectively trapping warmth. Added up, the Seamless Down Hugger is an incredibly efficient sleeping bag that works with a range of body sizes and will make side sleepers happy, too.

The biggest downside to cutting weight is a lack of durability: The Down Hugger’s shell is made with Montbell’s Ballistic Airtight nylon, which is tightly woven to increase tear resistance, but it’s undeniably thin (10D) and requires added care to avoid snags and punctures. But as a result, the 800 #3 is among the lighter bags on this list at 1 pound 2.7 ounces. That said, while Montbell specifies the Down Hugger 800 #3 as a 30-degree bag, keep in mind that this is its Lower Limit rating. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Montbell offers the Seamless Down Hugger in a variety of temperature ratings (from 15 to 40 degrees F) with either 800- or 900-fill down, including “WR” models with windproof Gore-Tex Infinium shell fabrics and water-resistant zippers for added assurance in inclement weather.
See the Montbell Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3  See the Women's Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3

 

17. Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 ($250)

Temperature rating: 20°F
Other option: 35°F 
Weight: 2 lb. 4.0 oz.
Fill: 19 oz. of 650-fill down / Fireline Eco synthetic
What we like: Another option for side sleepers that is lighter than the Nemo Disco above.
What we don’t: Not as roomy as the Nemo.

For years, Nemo has dominated the market in sleeping bags built for side sleepers, but Big Agnes stepped up to the plate with the Sidewinder. There is a lot going on with this bag: It’s decently spacious, has a unique fit designed to move with you when you turn over, a large hood with excellent coverage no matter your sleeping position, and extra padding (via synthetic insulation) at the hip and foot, which are major ground contact points for those who sleep on their side. If you toss and turn at night, the design is much more functional than a traditional mummy bag and a viable competitor to the Nemo Disco above.

How does the Sidewinder differ from the Nemo Disco? Most notable is shape: The Big Agnes is slimmer in terms of dimensions at 61 inches in the shoulders and 55 inches at the hips (the Nemo is 62 and 57 in., respectively, and broadens at the knees to 61 in.). It’s hard to argue with the extra space, but the Sidewinder does clock in at 7 ounces less (with identical 650-fill down and 30D shell). And like the Nemo, it also features a built-in pillow pocket, which keeps your camp pillow (or stuffed down jacket) in place throughout the night. With a good number of comfort-related differences, finicky sleepers may prefer to try both bags out before buying, but the Sidewinder is undeniably a great addition to the side-sleeper market and priced right at just $250.
See the Men's Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20  See the Women's Sidewinder SL 20

 

Backpacking Sleeping Bag Comparison Table

Sleeping Bag	Price	Temp*	Weight	Fill	Shoulder/ Hip	Shell
Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20	$629	20°F	1 lb. 11.3 oz.	16.8 oz. of 950-fill	60/56 in.	10D
Kelty Cosmic Down 20	$160	31°F (ISO)	2 lb. 7.0 oz.	16.4 oz. of 550-fill	62/58 in.	20D
Nemo Disco 15 Endless Promise	$300	25°F (ISO)	2 lb. 11.0 oz.	23 oz. of 650-fill	62/57 in.	30D
Sea to Summit Spark 45	$349	51°F (ISO)	12.8 oz.	5.3 oz. of 850-fill	61/53 in.	10D
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F	$680	12°F (EN)	2 lb. 10.4 oz.	30.5 oz. of 800-fill	58/52 in.	10D
Enlightened Equipment Enigma 30	$330	30°F	1 lb. 1.9 oz.	12.4 oz. of 850-fill	Various	10D
Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15	$285	26°F (ISO)	2 lb. 5.4 oz.	21 oz. of 650-fill	62/53 in.	20D
Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20	$470	32°F (EN)	1 lb. 12.0 oz.	16 oz. of 800-fill	62/57 in	20D
Western Mountaineering UltraLite	$620	20°F	1 lb. 13.0 oz.	16 oz. of 850-fill	59/51 in.	12D
REI Co-op Magma 15	$429	21°F (ISO)	2 lb. 3.6 oz.	23.3 oz. of 850-fill	62.5/54 in.	15D
Patagonia Fitz Roy 30°F	$429	30°F	1 lb. 13.0 oz.	800-fill down	Unavail.	20D
Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20	$169	32°F (EN)	2 lb. 6.0 oz.	25 oz. of synthetic	62/57 in.	20D
Feathered Friends Tanager 20	$469	20°F	1 lb. 2.6 oz.	12.6 oz. of 950-fill	62/52 in.	7 x 5D
Sea to Summit Ascent 15	$469	28°F (ISO)	2 lb. 4.0 oz.	19 oz. of 750-fill	62/57 in.	20D
Marmot Sawtooth 15	$299	27°F (EN)	2 lb. 14.2 oz.	24.7 oz. of 650-fill	64/59 in.	20D
Montbell Seamless Down Hugger	$359	39°F (ISO)	1 lb. 2.7 oz.	800-fill down	Unavail.	10D
Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20	$250	20°F	2 lb. 4.0 oz.	19 oz. of 650-fill	61/55 in.	30D

*Editor's note: For the purposes of this table, we have included the EN or ISO Comfort rating, which we feel is the most accurate point of comparison. When available, we've listed both the Comfort and Lower Limit in the product specs above. For more on the differences, see our buying advice below.

About Our Testing Process

While hauling gear miles into the backcountry is rarely easy, the reward—accessing wild places off the beaten path—is almost always worth the effort. Founder and fan of long slogs David Wilkinson put together our initial lineup of 11 picks in early 2016, drawing from his extensive experience on trails across the U.S. and as far abroad as southern Patagonia and Norway. Former editor-in-chief John Ellings and former senior editor Jenny Abegg began contributing soon after, joining forces to modernize the list with more specialized ultralight options, including hoodless designs for ounce-counters who don’t mind making some sacrifices to shave weight. Senior editor Chris Carter took over the guide in 2024. A lifelong backpacker and alumnus of each of the Triple Crown trails (AT, PCT, and CDT), Chris has shivered himself to sleep more times than he’d like to admit in search of the ideal warmth-to-weight ratio.

Our current lineup of 17 picks runs the gamut from budget-friendly designs for casual backpackers to premium bags stuffed with ultra-high-quality down to maximize warmth while minimizing weight and bulk. Priorities will vary depending on your objectives, but all of the bags above stand out in one way or another. In general, we look for accurate temperature designations (and call out when bags fall short of their EN/ISO ratings), high-quality materials and components that hold up well over time, and enough room to sleep comfortably without feeling restricted. Beyond that, characteristics like weight, down quality, and down fill will come down to your budget and personal preferences. Finally, it’s important to note that the list above isn’t static, and we will continue putting new and noteworthy designs to the test to highlight our favorites above.
 

Backpacking Sleeping Bag Buying Advice

• Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
  • The EN/ISO Rating System Explained
  • Sleeping Bags Without an EN/ISO Rating
  • Choosing the Right Temperature Rating
• Sleeping Bag Insulation
  • Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
  • Down Quality: Fill Power
  • Down and Synthetic Fill Weight
• Hydrophobic Down and Water-Resistant Fabrics
• Weight and Packability
• Durability and Shell Denier (D)
• Sleeping Bag Dimensions
• Maximizing Your Bag's Warmth
• Sustainability
• Backpacking Sleeping Quilts
   

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings

The single most important decision you’ll make when choosing a sleeping bag is the temperature rating. Simply put, few things are worse than a long, sleepless night shivering inside your tent, and we always believe that it’s best to err on the side of caution when choosing your bag. Below, we break down what you need to know about temperature ratings, including the EN/ISO standard, non-standardized models from cottage brands, and how to choose the right rating.
 

The EN/ISO Rating System Explained
Instead of depending on the manufacturer and their marketing whims for a temperature rating, the sleeping bag industry has attempted to standardize the system with the help of the EN (European Norm) and, more recently, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). This criterion (formerly known as EN 13537 and now known as ISO 23537) lays out guidelines for how to test the warmth of a bag and enables consumers to make accurate comparisons between products. Both standards give us four numbers—upper limit, comfort, lower limit, and extreme—with the middle two ratings having the most significance for the majority of backpackers.
 

Comfort Rating: The temperature at which an average woman can sleep comfortably. Generally, women sleep colder than men, hence the importance of the comfort rating.

Lower Limit: The temperature at which an average man can sleep for eight hours without waking. We rarely sleep for eight hours without waking on a backpacking trip, but you get the idea.

Of course, all of the EN/ISO ratings are based on averages and in general we've found them to be rather optimistic. As such, we've found that the higher EN/ISO Comfort rating is a better basis for across-the-board comparison than the EN/ISO Lower Limit, and therefore have listed it in the comparison table above (both ratings are included in the product specs when applicable).
 

Sleeping Bags Without an EN/ISO Rating
Some manufacturers—typically smaller companies like Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, and Enlightened Equipment—do not submit their bags for EN/ISO testing. From our experiences, these brands actually are on the conservative side and take pride in offering very realistic temperature ratings. For example, the Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 is a very warm bag that has kept our tester (an average male) comfortable into the 20s, whereas the Kelty Cosmic Down 20—with a 21-degree Fahrenheit ISO Lower Limit—will be cold if temperatures dip below freezing. As a result, we've found that in most cases the EN/ISO Comfort rating (the Cosmic's is 31 degrees F) offers the best point of comparison to unrated designs.
 

Choosing the Right Temperature Rating
In choosing your bag’s temperature rating, you'll want to look specifically at the EN/ISO numbers (when applicable), not just the temperature included in the name of the bag. As we touched on above, we recommend using the Comfort rating as the more realistic of the two numbers. And for non-EN/ISO-rated bags from high-end manufacturers like Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering, you can just utilize their listed rating. In both cases, it's also a good idea to leave a reasonable buffer (10 degrees F or more) to be safe. For example, if you anticipate nighttime lows around freezing (32 degrees F), you’ll want to aim for a bag that's rated at 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Other factors to consider are your age (people typically don’t sleep as warm the older they get), whether you are a cold or warm sleeper (gender can factor in here too), and whether you’ll be sleeping in a tent or open-air.
 

The majority of backpacking sleeping bags (including most of the models on the list above) are of the 3-season variety, with ratings from around 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. We love the versatility of these designs: In the summer, you can unzip the bag and stay reasonably cool, but they also allow for spring, fall, and alpine backpacking when the temperature drops to freezing or below. Summer bags have lower limits around 40 degrees and offer the least room for error, but keep weight low for warm-weather use at low elevations. Finally, winter or expedition bags are the warmest of all and overkill for most recreational backpackers. Within this category, a model like the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F is a good choice, and there are a number of options from climbing-centric companies like Western Mountaineering and Montbell that are rated down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and lower.
 

Sleeping Bag Insulation

Down vs. Synthetic Insulation
The down vs. synthetic debate is not unique to backpacking sleeping bags. Midlayers, camping bags, and even sleeping pads are all insulated with these fill types. For a certain piece of gear or apparel, one has the leg up on the other, and for backpacking sleeping bags, we still give the clear edge to down fill. There are a few major reasons for that, including the best warmth-to-weight ratio, far better packability (i.e., a smaller compressed size), and a more premium warmth. The last one is a bit subjective, but it’s a clear consensus from us that down’s lofty warmth feels more luxurious. Down does vary in quality, which is measured in fill power (covered below), but even a mid-grade down fill is the superior insulator.
 

So why consider synthetic? The most common reason for most is price. Even a premium synthetic bag like the Nemo Forte 20 Endless Promise (not listed above due to its weight) slides in around $200, while a nice down bag doubles that (and more). In addition, synthetic performs far better than down in wet weather. While there have been improvements in down’s performance in the wet thanks to the application of hydrophobic coatings on the feathers, synthetic will insulate far better if moisture enters the bag. So, for starting out, if you’re looking for a budget option, or you backpack in really wet conditions, synthetic bags remain a great choice. For an even more in-depth explanation of this topic, see our article on down vs. synthetic insulation.
 

 Down Quality: Fill Power
If you decide down is going to be your insulation of choice, one of the first specs to look at is the quality of a specific down, known as its fill power. Specifically, it’s a measure of how much loft or fluffiness the down clusters have, and this correlates with warmth (note: Both duck and goose down are measured in the same way). The highest down fill power is 1,000, and you’ll see cheaper sleeping bags closer to 500. Generally, the higher the fill power, the more expensive the sleeping bag. The lower the fill power, the more it must weigh to provide similar levels of warmth. High fill powers in the 800 and 900s are great, but don’t necessarily be turned off by 550- or 600-fill—it’s a great way to save money on an otherwise excellent bag.
 

Down and Synthetic Fill Weight
Fill weight is the actual amount of insulation stuffed into a sleeping bag. If it’s a close call between two bags with the same types of insulation (down or synthetic) and one or both don’t have EN or ISO ratings, you can compare fill weight to get a better idea of which one will be warmer. Cut does matter here: A bag with a slender cut may have less insulation than a bag with a roomy cut despite providing similar or even more warmth. Fill weight is more helpful for a category like down jackets, which don’t have EN/ISO ratings, but it’s good to know here, too. And it's a good visual for how much more insulation is required for a synthetic bag to compete with down. For comparison, the aforementioned Nemo Forte 20 requires 9 additional ounces of synthetic fill to achieve approximately the same temperature rating as the down-filled Disco 15.
 

Hydrophobic Down and Water-Resistant Fabrics

Down feathers lose much of their ability to insulate when wet, so manufacturers have taken strides to provide built-in protection in the form of hydrophobic down and water-resistant shell fabrics. In the case of hydrophobic down, the feathers are coated with a polymer that protects them from moisture and keeps them from clumping. In use, this means you don’t have to worry as much about brushes with water inside or outside of your backpacking tent—although you still don’t want to fully soak your bag. Hydrophobic down adds a little weight but we’re big fans overall, especially for those headed out in wet areas like the Pacific Northwest or New Zealand.
 

Some sleeping bags also employ water-resistant shell fabrics in order to keep moisture at bay. We see this in bags like the Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF, which features a Pertex Quantum shell with YFuse technology and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The goal of this combination is to bead up moisture and roll it off rather than allowing it to soak through to the down feathers beneath. Whether you’re opting for a bag with hydrophobic feathers, water-resistant fabrics, or both, it’s important to remember that these technologies protect against light—think condensation in a tent or dew during an open-air bivy—and will do little to keep you dry and warm in sustained or heavy rain.
 

Weight and Packability

Along with your backpacking tent, your sleeping bag is one the heaviest and bulkiest items in your pack. The models here run the gamut from just 12.8 ounces for the ultralight Sea to Summit Spark 45 to 2 pounds 14.2 ounces for the roomy and warm Marmot Sawtooth 15. In general, weight is saved by using premium fill-power down (800+), thin shell fabrics and zippers (often half-length), and trimmer profiles. As is the case with virtually all categories of outdoor gear, ultralight products tend to be among the priciest on the market. To better evaluate and compare weights, we’ve included this key spec in each product write-up and our sleeping bag comparison table above. If you want to take an even deeper dive, check out our sleeping bag weight comparison article which includes comprehensive comparative charts. 
 

In terms of packability, it’s another big selling point of premium down. Natural goose and duck down compresses in a way unmatched by any synthetic, and it’s not even close. In general, higher-end down bags like the Feathered Friends Tanager will be the most compressible due to the loft of the down and use of thinner shell fabrics. Lower fill-power down and synthetic bags will be the least compressible options. Other indicators include the cut of the bag—a tapered cut will trim fabric and stuffed size—as well as the temperature rating (warmer bags have more insulation). Summer bags can get away with using less insulation and will be highly compressible as a result. 
 

To take full advantage of the small stuffed size potential of your sleeping bag, consider picking up a compression sack (one of our favorites due to its waterproof construction is the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack). Most sleeping bags only include a non-compressible stuff sack, but this won’t do your sleeping bag justice in terms of how small it can get. Do take care when using a compression sack—try to lightly compress the bag so that it fits easily into your pack without overdoing it, and don’t store your sleeping bag in a compression sack for extended periods as that can permanently damage the down.
 

Durability and Shell Denier (D)

For sleeping bags, durability is commonly measured by the denier (D) of the shell fabric, which represents its thickness, and the higher the number, the thicker the thread. At the ultralight end of the spectrum, the Feathered Friends Tanager 20 uses an incredibly thin 7D x 5D fabric, which you literally can see the feathers through. On the other hand, most 3-season sleeping bags fall somewhere in the 10D to 30D range. In general, sleeping bags are one type of outdoor gear that we don’t worry much about in terms of denier. Your bag goes from storage, to the bottom of your pack, directly into your tent. Unless you bring your dog inside your tent or haul the bag out by the campfire for extra warmth, we’ve seldom punctured our sleeping bag. That said, given their high cost, it’s unfortunate if you do (we always pack repair tape in case), so take care with the surrounding gear inside your pack and tent.
 

Sleeping Bag Dimensions: Profile and Length

In addition to considerations like warmth and down fill, the cut of a sleeping bag is a very important piece to analyze. The three most common points of measurement for sleeping bags are the girth (i.e., circumference) at the shoulders, hips, and feet (59"/51"/38", for example), which give you an idea as to how roomy or tapered the bag is. The shoulder and hip measurements are the most significant in terms of comfort, which is why we’ve included them in the comparison table above.

Many ultralight sleeping bags save weight by tapering the cut for less fabric and down. If you toss and turn at night or just prefer more space, make sure to consider a roomier bag (the spoon-shaped Nemo Disco 15 is a great example). The downsides are that these bags can feel draftier and may not retain heat quite as well, and often weigh more because more fabric and insulation are required to fill the larger surface area. The good news is that many manufacturers make the same bag in varying widths. The Western Mountaineering AlpinLite is the wider version of the UltraLite, for example, and the Feathered Friends Hummingbird and Swift are largely similar to our top-ranked Swallow but with trimmer and roomier dimensions, respectively.
 

In terms of length, most sleeping bags come in two or three lengths that are meant to fit men and women of varying heights. For men’s bags, the regular size often is 72 inches long and the tall is 78 inches long. If the bag doesn’t have a women’s-specific version, you’ll often see a short 66-inch option. If you are on the border and want the hood to extend over your head, it’s a good idea to size up. Keep in mind that larger sizes do cost and weigh more and have a larger packed size.
 

Women’s-Specific Sleeping Bags

Many sleeping bags are made in a women’s version, which is typically narrower at the shoulders, roomier around the hips, and available in shorter lengths. However, the biggest differentiating factor is that women’s bags are advertised by their Comfort rating, while men’s bags are marketed with their Lower Limit. For example, the men's Nemo Disco 15 has a Lower Limit of 16 degrees Fahrenheit (which corresponds to the 15 in its name), while the women's Disco 15 has a Comfort rating of 17 degrees (and a Lower Limit of 4 degrees). In other words, the women's Nemo Disco 15 is a lot warmer than the men’s, which is important to keep in mind when purchasing. And in 2024, we’re seeing many brands returning to unisex (rather than men’s and women’s) designs, which, in our opinion, is a healthy switch that mitigates a lot of confusion. For instance, REI’s latest Magma 15 is offered in nine sizes (when in stock), including various lengths (short, regular, or long) and widths (narrow, standard, or wide ) to choose from depending on your build and sleeping preferences.
 

Maximizing Your Bag’s Warmth

Once you purchase your bag, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to maximize warmth. Perhaps the most important consideration is your sleeping pad’s R-value, which offers a measurement of how well the pad insulates you from the ground. R-values range from 1.0 (almost no insulation) to about 9.5 (winter-ready warmth), and the average 3-season backpacker should look for something in the 3 to 4 range or more. Next up, eliminating drafts can go a long way—on a cold night, make sure your zipper is closed all the way and cinch the draft collar and hood close to your neck and face. It’s also a good idea to have some extra clothing in case you need it: A warm hat can help keep a lot of heat in, and some wool baselayers will help add some warmth as well (we advise against cotton). Finally, you’ll want to be sure to get the right sized bag, which we address in the "Dimensions" section above.
 

Sustainability

Our impact on the environment has never been of greater concern, and it’s nice to see gear companies step it up with more sustainable practices. In the world of sleeping bags, common features include responsibly sourced down, recycled materials, and PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) finishes. When shopping for sleeping bags with responsibly sourced down, look for an RDS certification or (in the case of Patagonia) Advanced Global Traceable Down. All of these buzzwords translate to greater transparency in down sourcing and ensure the birds were treated humanely and not subjected to unnecessary harm, such as force-feeding or live-plucking.

Many companies now also make their sleeping bags with recycled fabrics, including Patagonia, REI Co-op, and Mountain Hardwear. Nemo threw their hat into the ring with the Endless Promise collection, which includes fully recyclable gear (the Disco above is just one example) that can be repurposed at the end of its lifespan. Finally, we’ve started to see PFAS-free DWR finishes from almost all companies, which eliminate the use of perfluorinated compounds—"forever chemicals" that have been linked to a range of environmental and health issues. 
 

Backpacking Sleeping Quilts

Sleeping quilts fall into a different category than sleeping bags, but they’re worth mentioning for those who run particularly warm or want a lighter option. A sleeping quilt (we include the Enlightened Equipment Enigma above, but you can find all of our recommendations in our buyer’s guide to the best ultralight sleeping bags and quilts) is a minimalist backcountry sleep system popular among ultralighters and thru-hikers, characterized by an open back (read: no zipper) and emphasis on weight savings. Quilts feature enclosed or cinchable footboxes, connect to your sleeping pad via included straps, and cinch around the neck to provide wraparound and (hopefully) draft-free protection.
 

The biggest concern backpackers have with quilts is the lack of insulation at the back. Realistically, though, you compress the down on the underside of a traditional sleeping bag so much while sleeping that its insulating properties are greatly reduced. As a result, if you have a warm and reliable sleeping pad underneath, you'll stay almost just as cozy with an open-backed quilt as you might with a fully enclosed sleeping bag—as long as you take measures to seal the sides to reduce drafts. This can be done by tucking the sides of the quilt under your body or by using sleeping pad straps that attach the quilt to your pad. 
 

Ultimately, the sleeping bag versus quilt debate comes down to personal preference. Some backpackers (including several of our editors) swear by quilts and love that they’re lightweight, focus the insulation on top of the body (your sleeping pad should take care of the underside), and ventilate well on warm nights. But not everyone is keen on the compromises: You have to bring proper head coverage (a beanie will do), the quilt/sleeping pad system isn’t always perfect and can let in drafts, and you might feel particularly vulnerable on cold nights. All in all, most recreational backpackers will prefer the coziness and simplicity of a lightweight mummy bag, but quilts are a viable option and especially great for warm nights.
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