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. And if the bag has a tough exterior shell, you can use it as an outdoor picnic blanket in a pinch. 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).
I’ve laundered the Big Bay once, and the insulation has stayed in place. This bag should last you for many years, and to ensure it does, it comes with a 5-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects and workmanship. The reason we picked the Brazos for our Best Buy on a Tight Budget is because it perfectly balances cost with basic necessities. For the price, it really holds its own against bags that are much more expensive, especially in the areas of warmth and durability.
Anytime a company adds features or upgraded components to a sleeping bag, it adds to the cost. 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. The nicest comfort touch is the added fleece in the footbox; it adds a touch of coziness to an already plush and comfortable bag. The Coleman Big Bay 20° mummy bag emerged as the best value pick in my sleeping bag review, and the Nemo Forte Synthetic Sleeping Bag (available in men’s and women’s) was given the top overall spot.
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. The interior of a sleeping bag varies quite a bit between designs, but one general rule of thumb is that comfort correlates closely with price. Comparing two of our top picks, Coleman’s cheap Brazos 20 uses a tricot lining that’s reasonably cozy but less soft than The North Wawona Bed (especially the smooth fleece-like panel along the top of the Wawona’s interior). Some campers won’t mind missing out on the plush feel for the substantial cost savings (about $75 separates The North Face and Coleman options), but a well-made bag is undoubtedly a nice place to slip into at the end of the day.
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It’s much smaller than a traditional rectangular bag—especially one that’s fleece-lined—so it stows better in a trunk, and you don’t lose out on comfort. Hybrid-shaped bag, with a mummy-shaped head and a rectangular bottom for extra foot space. A backpacking sleeping bag is typically in the 2- to 3-pound range. For those looking to travel fast and far, or for those traveling into alpine terrain, a lighter-weight bag makes that possible. A bag in the 3- to 4-pound range can be used for backpacking, and these models are often more comfortable to sleep in, but they also take up more space and add weight to an already heavy pack. Anything above 4 pounds is generally best for car camping and recreational use.
The Coleman Sacks jacket is made from a Vintage coleman canopy or similar vintage bag. This jacket has an oversized bomber jacket fit with meticulous craftsmanship. 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 don’t suggest the Brazos for colder weather, however, for normal late Spring and Summer camping, this bag will hold its own when it comes to keeping you warm… as long as you can fit in it.
A third type is the no-zip style, which is limited to a couple designs (none of which made our list), including a handful 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). But in the end, we don’t see the zipper-less concept completely taking over the market.