Since space and weight are not at a premium when you can drive to your destination, the comfort dial can get turned way up. There’s no need to suffer through the night in a constricting mummy bag, so options in this category tend to lean more towards a traditional rectangular shape or a roomier mummy. Below we rank our top picks for 2023, and if you need some background information, our comparison table and buying advice dive into topics like fill type and temperature rating.
And if the bag has a tough exterior shell, you can use it as an outdoor picnic blanket in a pinch. In the long run, it all comes down to which sleeping bag is right for you. Coleman is the go-to for casual campers who are on a budget and wish to enjoy comfort.
Both Ozark Trail and Coleman offer a variety of sleeping bag options depending on your need. However, Coleman is notably best suited for casual car campers. Ozark trail has more options in terms of insulation and is thus suitable for camping in cold weather. The Ozark Trail 40 Sleeping bag is not only a great looking bag, but offers warmth and comfort on a cool summer’s night.
Put simply, the in-and-out convenience and ability to use the bag as a blanket with a full-zip sleeping bag is the better answer for most campers. Kelty’s popular Cosmic Down 20 has been a mainstay in their lineup for years and remains a popular choice among campers and backpackers alike. For starters, you get a respectable weight of 2 pounds 10 ounces, which is the lightest three-season option on our list (Kelty’s own Galactic 30 below weighs around the same but is far less versatile).
Once you have that number, it’s a good idea to build in a little buffer (we like an extra degrees) to avoid getting cold. And keep in mind the temperature rating is closer to a survivability rating rather than being comfortable and warm. Other factors to consider are your age—people typically don’t sleep as warm the older they get—and whether you are a cold or warm sleeper. Most campers stick to the warmer months for their outdoor adventuring, and as a result, most of the sleeping bags on this list are rated in the degree range. 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. During summer months or warm nights, you can use the basic synthetic-insulated bag with its 40-degree limit.
A good double-sized sleeping bag that will match the frame of your queen-sized air mattress. This sleeping bag I always sleep in @ night @ home because I like it better than a regular blanket. The bag is machine-washable and the lightweight design fits easily in both the washer and dryer. Synthetic Ozark Trail Canopies bags are much bulkier and so not recommended for backpacking. Find the best sleeping bag/pad for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking.
In this case, you get two down-filled bags (the One Bag has a synthetic outer bag and down midlayer) that can be paired together on cold nights or separated in warmer temps. At 2 pounds 13 ounces all in, it adds up to a highly versatile system that crosses over nicely for backpacking, too. That said, the all-in-one answer comes with some compromises. Mummy sleeping bags trim away material in the shoulders, hips, and feet for a shape that mimics your body.
For those who run cold or simply want to bring their bag into lower temperatures, adding a sleeping bag liner can help keep you cozy without breaking the bank. Liners are made of soft materials like fleece, wool, polyester, or silk and typically add around 5 to 15 degrees to the warmth rating of your bag. They also serve as a barrier between you and your bag’s interior, which can help boost lifespan (you can wash the liner after use rather than getting your bag dirty). Liners typically cost between $30 and $60, and a couple of our favorite options are Sea to Summit’s Thermolite Reactor for mummy bags and their Silk-Cotton Blend Liner for rectangular models. To be clear, liners are totally optional and not everyone needs one, but they do offer added warmth and comfort and help keep your bag in good shape.
Step up your camping gear with the Ozark Trail 6-Piece Camping Combo. This camping combo includes two sleeping bags, two chairs, a portable travel table, and a 4-person instant tent. With instant frame technology, this tent can be set up in just a couple of minutes. The tent also features a removable rainfly and mesh windows for ventilation. The hanging gear loft and organizational pockets make storing small items easy.