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. Other functional additions include a well-insulated hood, draft tube, and differentiated drawcords (one round and one flat) that make it easy to adjust the aperture in the dark.
We are consistently impressed by this bag’s ability to perform adequately against a long list of competitors, despite its simple design and cheaper price tag. When it comes to warmth, this bag can hold its own against bags that cost far more. It’s ideal for families looking for first-time bags, price-conscious buyers, or just about anyone looking to save a buck. This sleeping bag has a unique zipper system that allows for various ways of ventilation, and you also have an integrated sheet. Here you have a unique construction which is indicated in the name.
Both the Galactic and the MegaSleep can be placed in a compression stuff sack and reduced even smaller. The North Face Dolomite One comes in several packed sizes, depending on the layering system you choose. Compared to others we tested, the entire 3-in-1 system packs up relatively small. If only the top 50-degree quilt is attached, this bag’s packed size is dramatically reduced. Synthetic sleeping bags are a dime a dozen in 2023, but Coleman continues to stand out for their strong focus on value.
We liked the interior pocket, especially the fact that it had a Velcro closure.
The sleeping pads in the list are ordered by weight from heavier to lighter. 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. We feel it would be great for kids or teens, both of which tend to be hard on shoes, clothes, cars, and just about everything else.
No matter where your travels take you, from national parks to backwoods to back porches, a camping sleeping bag remains a trusty companion. Since space and weight are not at a premium when you can drive to your destination, the comfort dial can get turned way up. There’s no need to suffer through the night in a constricting mummy bag, so options in this category tend to lean more towards a traditional rectangular shape or a roomier mummy. Below we rank our top picks for 2023, and if you need some background information, our comparison table and buying advice dive into topics like fill type and temperature rating. To complete your camping kit, we’ve also tested and written about camping mattresses and camping tents. Coleman makes car camping sleeping bags, so all the models here in the list belong to this group.
Not only are these sleeping bags smaller, but many have kid-friendly designs that make overnights even more fun. These youth sleeping bags are typically suitable for kids ages 6 and up. You can find two single bags to zip together for a wider two-person system at a lower overall coleman sleeping bags cost, but then you’ll be sacrificing the excellent features this bag offers. The Kelty Tru.Comfort’s taffeta fabrics are very silky and ultra-soft but also seem prone to snags and small tears. Additionally, we feel the built-in individual quilts could be a bit wider.
For anything colder than that, you’ll need extra layers as well as a beanie, or you’ll want to consider another bag altogether. Most recreational campers won’t be sleeping in temperatures that low (it’s already transitioning into winter for me at that temperature), so this bag is practical for most people’s needs. There are advantages and disadvantages to both synthetic and down insulated sleeping bags. Down is more expensive, but can offer more insulation with less weight.