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. That’s why for camping, we prefer a bag that fully unzips. 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.
Further, when you lay on a sleeping bag, you compress the insulation, which impacts its ability to warm you (this is particularly true for down fill, but does impact synthetic as well). As a result, it’s important to choose a sleeping mattress or pad that will protect you from the ground if you’ll be camping in cooler temperatures (typically under degrees). 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. 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.
Mummy bags are popular for both camping and backpacking, but rectangular bags are roomier and can offer an even better sleeping experience. Our top pick in this category is REI Co-op’s Siesta Hooded 20, which Ozark Trail Sleeping Bags replaces the Siesta 25 for 2023. For a reasonable $139, you get a high-quality bag with a useful 20-degree temperature rating, which is great for three-season car camping in a variety of conditions.
Notable extras worth calling out are built-in pillows or pillow sleeves (the NEMO Forte boasts the former), which are a nice luxury for those annoyed by camp pillows that tend to move in the night. 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. This is only a 30-degree sleeping bag and may get cold on late fall or winter camping trips. This sleeping bag does not unzip all the way around and cannot be connected to other sleeping bags. For convenience and ease of storage, the sleeping bags feature a stuff sack and elastic straps so you can bundle them into a manageable compact size.
This well-constructed sleeping bag is rated 40F, making it perfect for cooler weather. The 7-pound weighted top layer is filled with glass beads, which will keep you feeling cozy and secure. A wider and longer sleeping bag with the hood of a mummy bag and the roominess of a square-bottom bag. The bag uses Climatech fill, a down alternative, making it very light. The roomy bag, 33 inches wide by 75 inches long, rolls up to a compact 14 by 8 inches.
This is a great summer sleeping bag that is lightweight and easy to carry. I used this bag from February of 2002 to June of 2002 on the Appalachian Trail, and I still have it. The first night out it was less than 14 degrees F, and I had at least 50 nights under 40 degrees F. I can’t say I was warm, but I wasn’t shivering, freezing, or cold either, although I did wear 2 layers of clothing. I won’t ever buy an expensive sleeping bag after carrying this cheapo, unless I can find a cheap bag that weighs a lot less. Sleeping bags inherently are barebones, but we’ve seen an uptick in available features on many mid-range and high-end models of late.
You do pay a premium compared with our top picks at $200, but we think the Forte hits a great middle ground for mixed car camping and backpacking use. In the end, the temperature rating does have value and you should use it as a basic guideline. In choosing the proper approximate rating, try to get an idea of the very coldest temperature you’ll be experiencing overnight.
Made with lightweight mini ripstop fabric, the down-filled Ozark Sleeping Bag is soft to the touch. 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). For those who plan to get out a lot, opting for an upgraded design may be worth it. It introduced its sleeping bags in the 1960s and has since been a camper’s favorite. Their sleeping bags are available in a wide range of temperature ratings, designs, and colors.