The compromises in choosing the cheaper fill type are relatively minimal for camping. With a car or camper to transport all of your gear, the larger stuffed size and extra weight are much less of a concern than when your sleeping bag has to be crammed into a pack and carried on your back. And should the insulation get wet, synthetics continue to keep you warm, unlike down feathers. For a full explanation of the two insulation types, see our article on down vs. synthetics. Mummy sleeping bags trim away material in the shoulders, hips, and feet for a shape that mimics your body.
Additionally, integrated blankets, interior pockets for stowing small items like a headlamp, and draft tubes at the collar for trapping warmth are becoming more common. My daughter had a big sleepover party and one of her guests borrowed it for the party. She told me the next day that it was the most comfortable sleeping bag she had ever used. She said lots of the girls were sitting on it with her during the movie because it was so comfy. 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.
For those who plan to get out a lot, opting for an upgraded design may be worth it. A final shape worth mentioning is the semi-rectangular bag, which—as the name implies—shares commonalities with both rectangular and mummy designs. In terms of dimensions, they’re typically roomier than standard mummy bags (particularly at the shoulders and hips) but not overly generous like some rectangular models. All in all, semi-rectangular bags typically offer a good mix of comfort and weight, shaving away excess material while still providing enough space to roll around during the night. For instance, Nemo’s Disco 15 and Forte Endless Promise 20 have roomier fits than most traditional mummy bags, with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows.
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, and a roomy rectangular shape that’s comfortable and not restrictive. And as its name suggests, the Kompact packs down pretty well for a 20-degree synthetic bag, measuring 9.8 x 15.7 inches when compressed into its stuff sack (for comparison, The North Wawona Bed 20 above is larger at 11 x 20 in.). We covered Nemo’s Disco above, which is a nice crossover option for those who like to get out into the backcountry on occasion.
I also laundered each bag at home using my front-loading washing machine and dryer. As I was testing, I considered qualities like comfort, warmth, design features, ease of use, durability, packability and versatility. Most of the picks on our list are geared toward three-season use, but for campers who like to get out year-round, a cold-weather bag is essential. In this category, REI Co-op’s Frostbreak 5 stands out for its excellent warmth at a very reasonable price.
Keep the kids comfortable as they sleep under the stars with the Coleman® Plum Fun™ 45 Youth Sleeping Bag, even when it’s 45 °F outside. The Comfort Cuff™ design makes sure they only have soft fabric around their face while they sleep. Thanks to the ZipPlow™ coleman canopy zipper, they’ll get snag-free opening and closing every time. My husband is a tall man (6 foot, 4 inches) so thought I better find him a sleeping bag made for tall people so that he would actually stay covered instead of sticking out at the top!
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. The shipping costs are based on the volume and weight of the shipment. If you would like to have an indication of the shipping charges, please feel free to ask for a quote. In the end, it all comes down to what you need and what you’re willing to spend.
Look through mummy sleeping bags, semi-rectangular sleeping bags and rectangle sleeping bags. Browse through lightweight sleeping bags that are designed with a warm outer shell and a soft inner liner for comfort. The superior box stitching keeps the insulation from shifting to help eliminate cold spots. Look through sleeping coleman lantern bags that will keep you warm throughout the night thanks to the Thermolock™ draft tube that prevents 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.
We feel the Coleman Brazos is a great bang for your buck that allows infrequent campers to enjoy the pleasure of spending a night under the stars. For retail purchases returned without a receipt, the refund will be issued as a store merchandise
credit at the lowest price within the last 90 days. Proper ID will be required in the form of a valid, state-
issued driver’s license or state ID card. We reserve the right to limit, or refuse returns without a receipt. For retail purchases returned with a receipt, please return the unused and unopened item, with the
original sales receipt, for a full refund or exchange.