When opened as a quilt, it offered plenty of ventilation for a warm summer night. Meanwhile, its 8.4 ounces of 950+ fill power goose down proved to be capable all the way down to its 40° F temperature rating. That makes this bag an ideal choice for thru-hikers or serious backpackers looking for a lightweight model that can handle a range of conditions.
However, feel free to tailor your selection for your unique situation. Folks that live in colder climates, for example, will probably want a warmer model. On the other hand, people planning a summer camping trip in the south might be happier in a bag that has a higher temperature rating. Overall, try not to stress too much about the purchase of a car camping sleeping bag. Simply find a bag that matches your plans and budget, and it should be up to the job. We believe the astronomical prices of some high-end sleeping bags won’t make sense to the average backpacker.
However, I used this bag two nights last weekend and found it was too cold on its own—lowest temp was 51 degrees each of those nights. I was in a large tent (admittedly, a smaller tent would have been better) with one other person. I used this bag from February of 2002 to June of 2002 on the Appalachian Trail, and I still have it.
Despite this advantage of synthetic insulation, most serious backcountry travelers still prefer down over synthetic bags for most applications. The weight savings and differences in packed size are just that significant. But synthetic sleeping bags continue to be popular due to their lower cost. Broadly speaking, we recommend beginners and occasional backpackers choose a synthetic sleeping bag, while more devoted outdoor people splurge for a down model. You can find a more thorough discussion of our favorite down models in our best backpacking sleeping bag review.
Trailspace’s community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top warm weather synthetic sleeping bags. A sleeping bag’s weight and packed size should be major considerations for any type of human-powered ozark trail sleeping bag overnight trip. An extra pound or two might not seem like a lot, but that weight can become significant on an extended backcountry sojourn. Larger packed size can also be an issue because it increases the size of your backpack, which can end up placing the weight you’re carrying farther from your center of gravity. Keep these realities in mind when searching for the right sleeping bag. Although synthetic fibers are cheaper to produce than down, they have not yet been able to achieve the same warmth for an equal weight of material.
We also appreciate the full-length zipper for added venting possibilities on warmer nights. To top it off, it packs small to leave more room for luxuries in your overnight bag. The warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised as its temperature rating. It’s a metric that’s supposed to mean the temperature down to which a bag should be able to keep you warm enough for sleeping. Many companies choose their own temperature ratings, so there can be limited comparison between companies. Among backpacking bags, most models are rated according to an industry-standard EN test.
This is definitely a budget bag, but sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. If you are outfitting an entire household for your first family camp trip and just want something to get everyone out the door, then the Brazos is a great option to consider. We think it would also be a good choice for backyard campers or for use in an RV or camper where you don’t need as much protection. When it comes to classic sleeping bags, the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood is a step above the rest.
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. This is a great summer sleeping bag that is lightweight and easy to carry. 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.
The primary consideration should be finding a bag that matches your warmth, size, and budget requirements. Backpacking sleeping bags are generally designed with a hood and a tapered sarcophagus shape that minimizes materials while maximizing thermal efficiency. Keep in mind, however, that the tapered shape of a mummy bag reduces the space for your legs, so some folks may find them uncomfortable. More careful research is also a good idea when you’re shopping for a backpacking sleeping bag because these models can be fairly expensive.