I could have gotten better quality from a teenager’s home ec project and lighter weight. The biggest issue most shoppers will have with the MegaLite is the expensive price tag. Beginners or occasional backpackers will likely be happier with a budget model for half the price, like the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15. Serious backpackers, however, should really consider spending extra for the MegaLite, or another bag from Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. The Polara has synthetic insulation that simply isn’t as lush or comfy as many of the premium options on the market.
They incorporated this impressive insulation into our favorite women’s sleeping bag, the Egret UL 20. As you might expect, this bag offers an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio. And at just 1.72 pounds, we believe it truly lives up to its 20°F temperature rating. We also appreciate the full-length zipper for added venting possibilities on warmer nights.
For many years now, the Coleman Brazos has been a notable contender for those on a budget. Time and again, it has impressed us with its rugged durability and warmth, especially when considering how stiff the competition is in the world of sleeping bags. This review is the culmination of a decade of hands-on testing by ten separate GearLab expert reviewers. These reviewers included backpacking guides, mountaineers, backcountry ozark trail sleeping bag skiers, wilderness rangers, guidebook authors, and thru-hikers. The lead author, Jack Cramer, is a former member of Yosemite Search and Rescue and an accomplished climber who has now personally tested more than 70 different sleeping bags. Jack is assisted by Ian McEleney and Jessica Haist, both professional guides with decades of experience and Jason Wanlass, a world-traveler and seasoned backpacker and hiker.
To top it off, it packs small to leave more room for luxuries in your overnight bag. For the folks seeking the absolute best sleeping bag, we recommend the ozark trail chair Western Mountaineering MegaLite. This ultra-premium model utilizes 12 ounces of 850+ fill power down to create a cozy cocoon of outstanding comfort.
Among backpacking bags, most models are rated according to an industry-standard EN test. This provides a more consistent measure of warmth, but numerous other factors can play a role in your actual warmth beyond ambient air temperature. These factors include the type of shelter you’re in, the sleeping surface beneath you, the type and quality of your sleeping pad, and even your own metabolism. When adventure takes you further from the trailhead, you’ll probably want to opt for a backpacking sleeping bag. These bags utilize more expensive materials and streamlined designs to provide a sleeping system that offers greater warmth in a smaller and lighter package. These characteristics are most improved for human-powered activities, such as backpacking, sea kayaking, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, or bikepacking.
And while the inner liner is warm and soft, the material is grabby compared to smoother, more well-considered materials. Lastly, this bag runs a bit small for the big and tall folks, so have a gander at the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 if you know you need more space to spread out. Otherwise, the Polara is an excellent and versatile choice that we know most campers will really enjoy.
Nevertheless, this is our favorite women’s sleeping bag and an excellent choice for any serious backpacker. We have stayed nicely warm while sleeping in the cold in this bag. We layer a blanket between the sleeping pads and the sleeping bags for some ozark trail sleeping bag extra insulation. When it is very cold I also use a comforter over the sleeping bags. Hand warmers in our socks and body warmers in our shirts are helpful as well. Our sleeping bags zip together, allowing us to take advantage of the shared body heat.
If you would like to make snuggling part of your next camping trip, check out the Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide. This two-person sleeping bag offers nearly 37 square feet of cozy sleeping space. It also includes two built-in blankets to allow either sleeper to adjust their warmth during the night. We think this is an ideal choice for couples or families looking for a comfortable sleeping system for their next car or RV camping trip.