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 Endless Promise 15 reduces both. In the end, the temperature rating does have value and you should use it as a basic guideline.
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 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.
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. I tested the Coleman Big Bay 20° against 12 other sleeping bags for an in-depth sleeping bag roundup and awarded it the best value sleeping bag at $120. This mummy-style bag will keep you toasty warm without feeling restrictive, like some sleeping bags that taper in drastically at the feet.
2-way zipper design, right or left zipper allows 2 flannel sleeping bags for camping to be connected together. The weatherproof design with 3 pounds of padding keeps you warm, making it your best choice for staying warm outdoors. 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.
The reason we feel the Brazos is award-worthy is because it perfectly balances cost with basic necessities. If you want a basic bag that can hold its own against bags that are much more expensive, the Brazos is certainly a good option. In particular, it’s great for kids and teens and for any camper who just wants the basics. As mentioned, it’s on the small side, so if you’re taller than 5 feet 11 inches, or you have a larger build, there are better options. In the end, the Brazos scored the lowest for comfort out of all the bags we tested, mostly due to its smaller size and fabrics.
The Kompact 20 here is no exception, combining the affordability that Coleman is known for with many of the features we look for in a quality three-season bag. These include soft yet durable fabrics, an insulated draft tube to seal in warmth, coleman sleeping bag and a roomy rectangular shape that’s comfortable and not restrictive. Turn your next adventure into a luxury trip with the Coleman® Silverton™ 25 Sleeping Bag, a mummy-style bag that can help keep you warm in temperatures as low as 25°F.
In choosing the proper approximate rating, try to get an idea of the very coldest temperature you’ll be experiencing overnight. 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.
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.
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. Create room for two to stay warm on an outdoor trip with this . The Coleman Sacks jacket is made from a Vintage Coleman sleeping bag or similar vintage bag. This jacket has an oversized bomber jacket fit with meticulous craftsmanship.
Along with a healthy dose of 550-fill down, the bag offers cozy warmth and good compressibility. And considering the typical price of a down bag, the Cosmic Down’s $165 MSRP really stands out. Coleman doesn’t provide the bag’s weight, but I weighed it in its compression sack at 4.2 pounds using my kitchen scale. Even though that’s only an extra few ounces, when you’re hiking over challenging terrain, you start feeling that added weight very quickly. If you want to use the Big Bay to test out backpacking on a one- or two-night trip, it’s manageable. A good night’s sleep is the foundation of an awesome outdoor adventure.