You can buy an expensive bag if you think it will make you more hardcore, but I will gladly tell everyone how hardcore you are if you pay me to do so. I was on a budget so I figured I would go with a less expensive bag. I got in the bag, tried to zip it and the zipper tore immediately.
Our testing confirmed that shelling out three figures will generally get you a higher-performing bag. Most of the top bags we reviewed all fit in this price profile. In general, more warmth (i.e., more insulation), more features, and more comfort (i.e., higher quality materials and typically more spacious dimensions).
We inspected everything from the zipper function to how well they rolled up. Generally, bags with the coolest additions received the best scores. However, even basic bags have features that are often missed, like recycled materials, cool colors, or unique insulation. I bought the zero degree bag and nearly froze to death. Day one, night one…the zipper tore and cord in hood broke.
Many double bags are simply extra fabric, resulting in little more than a super large sleeping bag. However, the Tru.Comfort offers cuddlers an array of features aimed at providing more of a well-designed sleeping system. Individual, built-in blankets allow sleepers the ability to customize personal warmth preferences. A U-shaped, top-side zipper bypasses ozark trail canopy the foot box, keeping toes warmer, while a massive hood keeps pillows in place and helps trap heat escaping from the top of the head. These features and other add-ons create one of the best systems we have seen to allow two sleepers independent customization of their temperature. We have stayed nicely warm while sleeping in the cold in this bag.
It’s lightweight, packs up nicely, and can be compressed even further in a compression sack. Whether you’re a car camper or a weekend backpacker, the Galactic is worth a look if you prefer down fill but aren’t a fan of constrictive mummy-style bags. Over the last 11 years, we’ve purchased dozens of the best camping sleeping bags, with 14 top models in this review.
It’s also the only bag on our list with a 100% cotton flannel liner, providing a soft next-to-skin feel and by far the coziest experience. Cotton generally offers a more even temperature, resulting in fewer cold spots. The Redwood’s heavier cotton canvas external fabric also provides a tucked-in feeling that most of our testers loved. Snoozing in the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is like sleeping in a giant-sized version of your favorite hooded parka.
Day 2 …it was closer to 6 degree and I froze…I had to hike into town, replace the bag. I could have gotten better quality from a teenager’s home ec project and lighter weight. Both the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 and the Coleman All-Weather Multi-Layer are within striking distance of top scores. The Coleman All-Weather shares a similar layering system to the Polara, which makes it very versatile. One of our favorite features is this bag’s massively roomy footbox.
He avidly gets after it at every opportunity, whether hiking, backpacking, or canyoneering. He also enjoys the open road and takes car-camping road trips whenever possible. Jason has hiked or backpacked throughout the Western U.S., including Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, California, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. He more recently has turned his interest to exploring backwoods areas of the Deep South. In total, he has 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge of camping and backcountry gear, including sleeping bags and sleeping systems.
With the return of the colder weather, it is time to pull out our winter sleeping bags. Mummy bags are very effective for keeping warm, but I am not comfortable in a confining bag. Trailspace’s community ozark trail sleeping bag of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top warm weather synthetic sleeping bags. However, our two personal favorites of the single bags on our list are the Redwood and Deer Hunter.