It does the job in a pinch or for a beginner who doesn’t want to invest a lot of money on a quiver of multiple sleeping bags. We were also stunned by the packed size of the Exped MegaSleep Duo 25 Double. This two-person bag has a smaller packed size than all of the double and single bags we’ve ever tested — that’s a lot of bags. Both the Galactic and the MegaSleep can be placed in a compression stuff sack and reduced even smaller. The North Face Dolomite One comes in several packed sizes, depending on the layering system you choose. Compared to others we tested, the entire 3-in-1 system packs up relatively small.
A bag can have lots of style and tons of different bells and whistles, but if it doesn’t keep you toasty or swallow you up like your favorite down comforter, what’s the point? For this very reason, we consider warmth the most important factor, followed closely by comfort. Mummy bags typically have a ¾-length side zip that requires some wriggling to get in and out of and can’t be opened up completely should you want to zip the sleeping bag together with another compatible bag. Not only is it easy to create a large and comfortable space for two if you zip it to another bag, but unzipping the bag on its own opens it up for use as a blanket.
The Big Bay is a mummy-style sleeping bag, starting wide at the shoulders and tapering around the feet. Mummy bags are becoming more popular because they’re lightweight and packable, and they’re easier for your body to heat up and keep warm (a sleeping bag is not inherently warm—your body heat gets trapped inside). However, close-fitting mummy bags, like those designed coleman tents exclusively for backpacking and alpine pursuits, can feel claustrophobic for most people because there’s not a lot of room to toss and turn. The open footbox design adds space, and the bag has enough room for me to side sleep and bend my knees. Traditional camping sleeping bags are known to be a little big-boned, so packed size was not a complete deal-breaker for us.
We left a block of ice in each bag for one hour then measured the internal and external temperatures of each bag to see how well they held the cold air in. With an optional Instacart+ membership, you can get $0 delivery fee on every order over $35 and lower service fees too. Using the Instacart app or website, select a store of your choice near you that offers pickup, select Pickup, and then select your preferred pickup location from which you’d like to place your order. You help support OutdoorGearLab’s product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Unlike its name professes, the Kompact packs down to about the same size as any other basic camping bag. Regardless of scores and metrics, the qualities of the bag you buy should match how you like to enjoy the outdoors.
However, upon closer review, we did find a few impressive design add-ons that give this bag greater warmth and functionality than other bags we’ve tested. The most notable drawback of the bag is its lack of real estate when it comes to width and length. When not using the Big Bay sleeping bag, store it in a large, breathable bag. Keeping it compressed in the stuff sack for long periods can reduce the loft of synthetic insulation and cause the bag to develop cold spots.
The result is a not-so-compact packed size that measures at about the same dimensions as most of the other common camping bags we’ve looked at through the years. Once rolled into place, we found Coleman’s Quick Cord tying system to perform adequately, but less effective than we anticipated. That said, the most notable accessory on Kompact is the patented ZipPlow zipper that is designed to help eliminate zipper snags.
When you’re new to camping, the goal is to find a sleeping bag that has the features you need and none of the ones you don’t, which is what the Big Bay offers. 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. It also has a thick neck collar, which you can pull over your face like your blanket at home, and a draft tube that runs the length of the zipper, preventing heat from escaping through the gaps in the zipper teeth.
Its heavier canvas external fabric also provides a tucked-in feeling that most of our testers love. Our testing confirmed that shelling out three figures will generally get you a higher-performing bag. In general, more warmth (i.e., more insulation), more features, and more comfort (i.e., higher quality materials and typically more spacious dimensions). Cozying into your sleeping bag at the end of a long day on the trail is one of the simple pleasures of backpacking. Today’s backpacking sleeping bags offer not only exceptional warmth for their weight…
We left the bags outside until the outer temperature of the bags was below freezing. Then, when you arrive at the store of your choice, use the Instacart app to notify us. Depending on the store, a shopper or store employee will bring the groceries to your car, or you can pick them up at the designated area. If you’ve ever gone camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, trail running, or nearly anything else in the outdoors, chances are you’ve used a headlamp. Spacious, user-friendly, and feature-rich, camping tents are made for a relatively luxurious experience in the outdoors. Many of these behemoths offer enough room to set up cots or even chairs and a table for card games on a rainy day.