Colorado-based Kelty has been in the camping business for a long time, and we like what they’ve come up with in the Galactic 30. What makes this bag unique is its combination of quality 550-fill-power down with a rectangular shape. Most traditional camping bags stick to synthetic fill for cost savings, but lofty down clusters offer a premium feel and warmth that polyester just can’t match. And as we’ve come to expect from Kelty, the Galactic is solidly built and priced pretty affordably at $170, which is around $30 less than REI’s similarly intentioned Hunkerdown above. The Big Bay is also available in a Big and Tall Contour version for $130, which is a few inches taller and broader in the shoulders, hips and feet, so it’s not quite a mummy bag and not quite a rectangle. I didn’t test the big and tall version, but the hood design, insulation, draft tube, neck collar and zipper are all the same.
Based on our most recent testing, it appears the latest version of the Brazos is significantly more watertight. We poured a cup of water directly onto our bag’s shell, and it stayed pooled on top without permeating the interior during the entire 5-minute test. If this bag were ice cream, it would be a single scoop of vanilla, topped solely with a respectable dusting of sprinkles.
The bag is also machine washable and comes with a 5-year warranty that covers wear and tear. This sleeping bag has a quick cord for convenient one-person packing. It has a roll control tab, which keeps the sleeping bag straight while packing it up. Featuring a pillow, it adds comfortable support to the head and neck while not adding too much bulkiness. It has a pillow pocket, which offers you a convenient and safe spot to stash your valuable and small possessions, such as your watch. In this metric, we also noted each bag’s packed weight and then scored each on how easily it rolled up and fit into its storage bag.
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 coleman canopy 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. 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 Coleman Brazos has also been designed using stain-resistant polyester that reduces the need for constant cleaning, which is known to reduce sleeping bag durability. 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.
The Coleman Kids sleeping bag also has a comfort cuff design that provides a soft fabric around the face when sleeping. Other comfort features include a ZipPlow zipper that offers snag-free opening/closing. For my 6 foot 4 inches husband, I found a big and tall sleeping bag. However, they would not be great for backpacking camping because they are a bit bulky. Coleman is one of the most popular brands for camping and they are known for good quality products at affordable prices. Our annual family camping trip does not involve hiking and then camping so we weren’t looking for tiny sleeping bags.
We even carry youth sleeping bags that are perfect for slumber parties or backyard camping. Stay warm and comfortable throughout the night with a quality camping sleeping bag from SCHEELS. For campers looking for a sleeping bag that can pull double duty on the occasional backpacking trip, we like Nemo’s Disco. With a 14-degree temperature rating, sub-3-pound weight, and decently packable build (it even includes a compression stuff sack), the Disco is fully serviceable for short forays into the backcountry. Just as importantly, it’s supremely comfortable for camping thanks to its unique “spoon” shape, which resembles a mummy bag but with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows.