Find the best sleeping bags for camping doesn’t have to be confusing anymore. At the end of a long day in the outdoors, it’s essential to have a decent place to sleep. If you’re a camping rookie and not sure if you’re ready to invest in gear, sheets and blankets from home will make a decent bed. But for versatility and warmth, you can’t beat a sleeping bag. Despite the dizzying number of options, it’s not all that difficult to find the best affordable sleeping bag for your needs. (And there’s a surprising number of budget-friendly sleeping bags on the market too.)
Here are the main factors you should consider to help you find your best sleeping bags for camping:
Shape
Sleeping bags come in four main shapes:
- Rectangular (This is the classic shape. Plenty of room but not as warm.)
- Semi-rectangular (This shape is roomy like the rectangular shape yet offers some mummy bag features for extra warmth.)
- Mummy (This shape is more popular among backpackers or campers whose top concerns are warmth and weight. There’s not much space to move around, but this design is noticeably warmer than the others.)
- Double bag (This is a rectangle-shaped bag that can be zipped together with another one.)
Temperature Rating
All sleeping bags are labeled with a temperature rating. This rating is based on the average sleeper, and means that the bag should keep you warm until a particular temperature. Summer bags are typically rated to 30° F and higher while winter bags are commonly rated to 15° F and lower. Keep in mind that other factors play into how warm a sleeping bag will be. For instance, using a sleeping pad rather than sleeping directly on the ground will help you stay warmer.
Insulation
In most cases, sleeping bags are filled with either down or synthetic insulation. Down tends to be more lightweight, yet more expensive. While synthetic insulation is more affordable yet can’t pack down as well. (This matters only if you’re backpacking or short on space.)
Packability
Many of today’s sleeping bags come with easy-to-use stuff sacks with drawstring closures. Others roll up and are held together with straps. Consider the type of camping you’ll do to figure out if this is a priority for you. If you’re backpacking or don’t have a lot of room for gear, you’ll want a lightweight sleeping bag that packs down into a small size.
Here are some of the best camping sleeping bags grouped by shape. For each category we’ve listed the sleeping bags from most budget-friendly to most expensive. (We’ve also included some great options for kids at the end.)
Rectangular Sleeping Bags
Teton Sports Sleeping Bag
- SLEEP COMFORTABLY: You'll forget you're camping with these comfortable sleeping bags! With a soft poly-flannel lining and plenty of room to spread out. The half-circle mummy-style hood keeps you warm and your pillow clean
- STAY WARM: Rain or shine, you'll be warm and rested in this sleeping bag. Innovative fiber fill; double-layer construction and draft tubes work together to keep the cold out and the warmth in. 5 Star comfort on all your outdoor adventures
- EASY TO PACK: TETON provides a durable compression sack for stuffing your sleeping bag into. Starting at the bottom, stuff the bag in, then tighten the heavy-duty straps for ultimate compressibility. Say no to rolling up your sleeping bag ever again
- TIPS TO STAY WARM Fluff your sleeping bag and use an insulated camp pad to sleep warmer; also wear a stocking cap to avoid heat loss, stay hydrated, and wear socks
- TETON SPORTS PROMISE: Reach out to our AMAZING product support team if you have any questions or concerns; YOU CAN COUNT ON US to get you taken care of and back OUTDOORS
Kelty Callisto Sleeping Bag
- This comfy rectangle bag is updated with improved materials and new colors
- Roomy rectangle sleeping bag
- Cloud loft insulation
- Storage sack included
- Sleeping bag comfort Rating: 30 F/-1 C, dimensions: fits to 6 ft, weight 4 lbs 3 oz, stuff size 11 x 21 in
Semi-Rectangular Sleeping Bags
Fundango Compact Sleeping Bag
- COMFORTABLE & SKIN-FRIENDLY - The dimensions of the sleeping bag is (87in x 30in/220cm x 75cm)and ensure suitable comfort. Bottom for extra ventilation and the wide roomy is convenient to move your legs cool off in the summer. High quality 100% polyester filling and precisely done stitches ensure durability and non-allergenic. Comes with 100% polyester lining quickly can dry. The sleeping bags are ideal for warmer weather as spring summer and autumn. GET FANTASTIC FREEDOM AT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES!
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT PACK - The Compression sack with straps compresses the sleeping bag to just (7.4 x 12.9) inches, Oxford compression sack with drawstring closure making convenient to pack, carry and store. The ultralight sleeping bag is only 2.6lbs. Our camping sleeping bags are also extremely easy to clean and safe for even machine wash in cold water and let it air hang dry with the two straps at the bottom or dry the sleeping bag with compression sack. EASY TO CARRY AND CLEAN BAG!
- S-SHAPED QUILTED DOUBLE-FILLED DESIGN - The high-quality precisely done stitches enhance the durability even further. Double-layer construction entire width and length of bag increases warmth. Attaches to the second bag via left and right side zippers. The right and left rectangular single sleeping bags can be zipped together as a double sleeping bag to help keep cozy couples warmer at night. BEST WISH TO YOU HAVE A SWEET OUTDOOR NIGHT!
- ENJOY A WARM SLEEPING BAG - The mummy hood drawstring at the headrest is great in colder weather to help bring the bag closer to your head and body to keep you warmer like mummy sleeping bags. The comfort temperature is 17℃/62.6℉ and the extreme temperature is 4℃/39.2℉. The velcro securing strap ensures you will be snug in your bag and will help prevent any unwanted zipper opening as you sleep. Internal storage pocket for keys, wallet, and other valuables. EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE SLEEPING BAG!
- 100% RISK-FREE SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: We are looking forward to your user experience and value your response. If you have some suggestions or problem for the season sleeping bag, you could feel free to contact our Amazon Customer Support Team who will be happy to help. If you don't like the adults sleeping bag, we'll instantly refund your money and you can keep the envelope sleeping bag, no questions asked. IT’S OUR PROMISE AND WE DON’T LIE!
Sea to Summit Trek Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping bag filled with ultra-dry down that's gone through a water-repellent treatment to protect from external moisture and internal condensation
- A static draft tube runs around the hood to maximize warmth around your face while camping or backpacking
- Improved 3D hood that encases your head in colder weather and fresh color palette
- Outside shell made with 30 denier shell fabric with a 20 denier soft touch lining
- All Sea to Summit sleeping bags come with a quality compression sack sized to suit your sleeping bag
Nemo Disco Sleeping Bag
- Spoon shape adds room at elbows and knees. Insulated with premium fluorocarbon-free, water-resistant Nikwax Hydrophobic Down.
- 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified down is traceable and ensures humane treatment throughout the supply chain. Waterproof/breathable footbox protects from tent condensation, keeping feet warm and dry.
- Blanket Fold external draft collar provides tucked-in comfort and temperature regulation. Thermo Gills allow you to vent body heat without letting cold drafts in.
- Integrated pillow pocket allows a jacket, extra clothes, or a Fillo to be stuffed into the sleeve opening for a handy pillow-on-the-go. Patent # D804,780. Patents pending.
- Zip together with women's Rave.
Mummy Sleeping Bags
Kelty Tuck Mummy Sleeping Bag
- The perfect blend of warmth and compressibility. Thermatron is a fiber blend engineered to retain warmth & provide superior pack ability. A synthetic backpacking bag with enough comfort features, it will quickly become your go-to camping necessity
- Comfort Tuck: Easily pull one or both feet out on warmer nights, or keep it zipped tight for toasty toes when the temperature drops
- Thermal-comfort hood and natural fit footboy, Zipper draft tube with antismog design
- 75D Polyester Taffeta Shell + 75D Polyester Taffeta Liner + Thermatron Insulation + Comfort-Tuck Zipper System
- Media-integrated storage pocket + Offset quilt construction + Zipper draft tube with anti-snag design
Marmot Trestles Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Mummy style 15 degree sleeping bag for backpacking, camping, and other outdoor activities
- Maximum warmth/durable SpiraFil high loft insulation; EN rated as comfortable for men at a lower limit of 15 degrees Fahrenheit
- Anatomically shaped footbox for more wiggle room and less heat buildup
- Weight: 3 pounds. 6.1 ounce; Pack Volume: 854.3 curie (14 liters); interior length: 85"
- 70D 100 Percent polyester, 2.2 ounce/yard; 70D 100 Percent embossed polyester, 2.2 ounce/yard.Compression Stuff Sack
Double Sleeping Bags
Big Agnes Dream Island Double Sleeping Bag
- Our roomiest doublewide bag, requiring two 25" pads or one 50" pad; Nylon rip-stop shell fabric with a water repellent finish
- Nylon taffeta lining; Hotstream by Insotect - 100% recycled polyester insulation
- Pillow Barn keeps your pillow tucked in tight all night; No-draft collar, No-draft wedge, No-draft zipper, No-draft center flap
- Double zippers allow entry from either side of bag and when unzipped allows top of bag to be used like a comforter
- Interior fabric loops for sleeping bag liners; Exterior loops for hang drying or storage; Mesh storage sack & nylon stuff sack
Kids’ Sleeping Bags
Coleman Kids Sleeping Bag
- COOL-WEATHER CAMPING: Keeps kids warm in temperatures as low as 30°F
- MUMMY-STYLE HOOD: Contoured shape surrounds the head for added warmth
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Hollow polyester insulation for better heat retention with less weight
- DIMENSIONS: 66 x 26 in.; for kids 6 and older up to 5 ft.
- 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Kelty Woobie Sleeping Bag
- KIDS SLEEPING BAG, STAY COMFY & WARM: This cozy bag is sized just right for a toddler and has zippers on both sides
- COMPACT: Sized specifically for children. Finally, a kids sleeping bag that allows them to fill the space and stay warm
- INSULTATED: Rated for 30 Degrees, the bag uses Kelty Cloud loft insulation - offering soft, high-loft warmth with durable compressibility
- PORTABLE: Packs down to 9” x 15” in its own stuff sack (included)
- FEATURES: Age Range: Up to 5, Fits child up to 4ft in height, Soft, Top draft collar, Brushed polyester Pongee liner
Making sure you are warm and comfortable at night is a major key to getting good sleep while camping, and being prepared to wake up and take on the next day’s adventure. If you follow the 4 simple guidelines above, you are guaranteed to find the best sleeping bag that will be perfect for your next camping trip, and you won’t have to break the bank to do it.
If sleeping on the ground isn’t your cup of tea, please be sure to check out our reviews of the best inflatable outdoor loungers. You may also want to consider a camping pad if you’ll be sleeping in areas where flat, relatively soft surfaces are difficult to come by.
Thank you for visiting, and we’ll see you around the campfire.
