I also spoke with Jeremy Cronon, the expedition equipment lead and outfitting manager at NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) Rocky Mountain, and Austin Robbs, director of equipment and accessories at Patagonia. It was in the comfort category that the Coleman Brazos started to show a few weaknesses. The tricot knit liner isn’t particularly elegant and in fact is a bit of a debris magnet. In the end, the Brazos scored the lowest for comfort out of all the bags we tested. That being said, we feel they are still a great choice for young kids (who sleep through most anything) or teens (who don’t sleep and will most likely be around the campfire all night). We feel it would be great for kids or teens, both of which tend to be hard on shoes, clothes, cars, and just about everything else.
As a result, it’s important to choose a sleeping mattress or pad that will protect you from the ground if you’ll be camping in cooler temperatures (typically under degrees). A third type is the no-zip style, which is limited to a couple designs (none of which made our list), including a handful coleman chair from Sierra Designs. The large oval opening requires some modest flexibility and patience to get out of, but going zipper-less can be nice. There’s no fumbling in the night for the zipper pull, and you don’t have to worry about snags or heat loss (if the bag lacks a good draft tube).
The superior box stitching keeps the insulation from shifting to help eliminate cold spots. Look through sleeping bags that will keep you warm throughout the night thanks to the Thermolock™ draft tube that prevents coleman chair heat from escaping through the zipper. These sleeping bags also come with a convenient interior tuck pocket that lets you securely store small essentials, so you don’t have to sleep with them in your pockets.
If you plan to camp a lot and see backpacking in your future, the Nemo Forte is a worthy upgrade for a synthetic sleeping bag. If you plan to camp a few times a year, and mostly at campsites, the Big Bay will save you money and keep you as warm. The Coleman Big Bay 20° is rated for a lower temperature limit of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which seems about right based on my experience. Wearing long johns and wool socks, coleman canopy I crawled into the Big Bay, napped on a cot in 32-degree weather and found it comfortably warm. For anything colder than that, you’ll need extra layers as well as a beanie, or you’ll want to consider another bag altogether. Most recreational campers won’t be sleeping in temperatures that low (it’s already transitioning into winter for me at that temperature), so this bag is practical for most people’s needs.
The hood is the nicest add-on because it helps retain heat and adds comfort. It’s cinchable, with a simple nylon cord and plastic toggle that aren’t that fancy but get the job done. The nicest comfort touch is the added fleece in the footbox; it adds a touch of coziness to an already plush and comfortable bag.
That said, we still recommend checking the weight and stuffed size that will be listed in the product specifications to get an idea of just how large and heavy the bags are. Synthetic bags are typically made with thicker fabrics and require more insulation to provide sufficient warmth, which can add up to a surprising amount of bulk. And if you’re considering a double bag (covered in more detail below), you’re talking about packed dimensions listed in feet rather than inches. If weight and packed size become important, a crossover backpacking/sleeping bag like the still-roomy Nemo Disco 15 reduces both. For a fun take on warmth regulation and year-round comfort, The North Face’s One Bag features a unique layering system that allows you to swap between three different temperature ratings.
Mummy bags are popular for both camping and backpacking, but rectangular bags are roomier and can offer an even better sleeping experience. Our top pick in this category is REI Co-op’s Siesta Hooded 20, which replaces the Siesta 25 for 2023. For a reasonable $139, you get a high-quality bag with a useful 20-degree temperature rating, which is great for three-season car camping in a variety of conditions. Added up, the Siesta is comfy, well appointed, and a fantastic value.
We also found the No-Snag patented zipper plow does an excellent job at preventing snags. We found that the manufacturer’s Fiberlock Construction really did prevent insulation from shifting and moving after the bag had been extensively used. From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, you’ll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. Positive Promotions would like to support your event by providing FREE SAMPLES.