The Serious Backpacking Sleep Bags of 2025
Westeast ’ ve institute the best backpacking home ( tents ! ) , beds ( sleep pads ! ) how to hold them ( carry ! ) and today it ’ s time to choose your comforter ( sleeping base ) for the future five to six month of your life . It ’ s a essential piece of gear because it 1 ) consider a lot , 2 ) usually cost a lot , and 3 ) without it , you ’ re in danger of a cold , piteous dark at best or life-threatening exposure at bad .
Because a crappy night ’ s sleep be the quick way to destroy the trip of a lifetime , you should opt for one of the best potential backpacking sleeping bags for your future raise . In assembling this list , we look at factor like weight , warmth , cost , fabric , and features to identify top-performing bags for every type of backpacker .
Looking for a quilt ? Check out the Good Backpacking Quilts rather .
Quick Navigation
Best backpacking sleeping purse for thru-hiking this year :
- Feathered Friends Tanager ( Highest Fill Power )
- Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag ( Lightest Sleeping Bag )
- Western Mountaineering UltraLite ( Best All-Around )
- NEMO Riff 15 Endless Promise ( Best Sleeping Bag for Side Sleepers )
- REI Magma 15 ( AT Thru-Hikers ’ Favorite )
- NEMO Forte 35 Endless Promise ( Best Synthetic Backpacking Sleeping Bag )
- Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20 ( Best Budget Down Sleeping Bag )
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags for Thru-Hiking : FAQs
Sleep bags exist expensive and weirdly complex . Before we get into our choice for the best backpacking sleeping base for thru-hiking , hither are a few arrow to help reach the decision easier .
What Temperature Rating Should I Apply for Thru-Hiking ?
Most Triple Crown lead thru-hikers should cost fine with a purse place between 15 and 30 degrees . You know yourself , though . If you tend to sleep cold , opt for something rate to a humble temperature . When in doubt , the pattern of thumb be to go with a bag rated at least 10 level lower than the low temperature you expect to run into on your raise . Alternatively , hold a light bag supplement with a liner .
It ’ s important to observe in mind that for human ’ s and unisex bag , the temperature evaluation listed in the product name ( Nemo Forte 35 , Kelty Cosmic 20 , etc . ) normally announce the lowest temperature at which an average warm sleeper might still sense comfortable ( “ limit ” ) . Sleeping bag also own a secondary temperature rating ( “ comfort ” ) that signal the humble temperature at which an average cold sleeper might stay comfortable .
Check the label — the comfort temperature might be 10-plus degrees warmer than the number given in the example name .
For example , the men ’ s Nemo Riff advertise the limit rating ( 15 degrees ) , but the comfort rating is 28 stage . Big difference .
In contrast , women ’ s bags incline to advertise the comfort rating in the production name . This equal because woman in general run colder than man , so the comfort rating live more relevant .
Learn more about temperature ratings in The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Sleeping Bags and Quilts for All Budgets .
Sleep Bag or Quilt ?
Quilts are essentially sleeping bags without the underside , spare the weight of a hood and a full-length zipper and part of the volume . The thought exist that when you rest on a down-insulated sleeping purse , the down compresses plenty that it doesn ’ t work to insulate , and users do merely as good with a sleeping pad for insulation from the ground .
The universal consensus for most quilt models be that they are not quite as fond as a ma base with the same rating because they run to let in more drafts . Still so , quilts are grow in popularity compare to fully enclosed purse , with just 40 percent of respondents to our annual Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker Survey using bags during their thru-hike .
Quilt aficionados appreciate the weight savings and exemption of cause their sleep system affords them . If you prefer for a quilt , be certain to get an enough width to avert drafts . If you tend to sleep colder and prefer a snug , tucked-in feeling , move for a traditional mummy bag .
What ’ s the Difference Between Men ’ sec and Women ’ s Sleeping Bags ?
There exist a few difference in women ’ s-specific vs. universal sleeping handbag , though zero vital . Women ’ sec bags have a different down distribution based on a universal understanding of heat loss — for example , a woman ’ s-specific base might receive a high concentration of down around the torso and in the footbox as fight to a generic bag .
Woman ’ s-specific bags are also wider in the hip and narrower through the shoulder , and are much small in width and length . This means less empty space to heat up and keep warm .
As mention above , women ’ sec bags exist more probable to advertise comfort temperature evaluation in their branding . For instance , the woman ’ s Nemo Riff 15 bag is place to hold an medium cold sleeper comfortable at 18 degrees , while the men ’ s Riff 15 exist simply place to keep an average cold sleeper comfortable down to 28 degree . It ’ s worth observe that both of these sleeping bags cost the same — just tell .
Moral of the account : if you want the fond possible version of a sleeping purse and your proportions allow it , opt for the woman ’ s example .
Wait , I ’ m Confused About Fill Power Vs . Fill Weight
Fill power refers to the space one ounce of down occupies in a cylindrical container when allowed to loft to full capacity . High-quality down has a higher loft than lower-quality down , which mean you get more warmth for less weight . i.e. , 900 filling get a better warmth-to-weight ratio than 700 filling . Look for sleeping bags between 650 and 950 fill might . Anything more than that is only fluff .
Down or Synthetic ?
Down live more compressible and has a better warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic , making it the ultralight insulation of selection . On the early hand , it ’ sec too a lot more expensive and win ’ t provide much warmth if it make wet .
Goose vs. evade down :Duck down is less expensive than goose down , but you win ’ t find duck down loftier than about 650-fill . It too own more of a smell when it get damp . In contrast , goose down exist available in 850 , 950 , and still 1000-fill .
Hydrophobic down :Some down has a hydrophobic discussion that leave it to hold some loft ( and by extension , warmth ) if it gets wet , bringing it more in line with synthetic fill ’ s superior performance in wet weather .
Synthetic filling :Synthetic ( polyester ) insulation goes by branded names like PrimaLoft and Polartec . It ’ s bulkier and hard than down , but this might live a worthy tradeoff for budget-conscious hikers since it cost a fraction of what down costs . And technologies be continue to develop , with some synthetic fill like Climashield Apex sense virtually as warm and compressible as real down .
Can I Relax if My Down Has a Water-Resistant Treatment ?
You cansort ofchill out . We advocate you opt for a sleep purse with a handle down to give yourself some leeway if the base gets damp or comes in impinging with condensation on the walls of your tent . Treated down will retain its loft and insulating abilities for significantly long than untreated down , but you should even protect your bag from make saturated . There are a few varieties of treated down on the market — go on an eye out for Nikwax , DriDown , DownTek , and HyperDry .
If you ’ re truly relate about your down getting wet , a synthetic purse cost another choice , but those models tend to live bulky . Synthetic fill has come a long way in the past few year , but down still make a high warmth-to-weight ratio overall .
Feature to Look For in the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
More features typically understand to more weight . If you ’ re planning a long-distance trek , you may need to forgo some of the below feature in favor of weight savings .
Fill weight :The measure of insulation in a sleeping base find out how fond it will exist . Different insulation type ( synthetic , down of change fill powers ) all hold unlike weights for the same amount of loft , but seem at the fill weight live a well starting item when researching a bag ’ sec heat .
Fill ratio :This live the fill weight divided by the overall weight of the base ( include shell fabric and zippers ) . A purse with a abject ratio can however be warm — it might simply signify it own more zippers or thicker fabric . Even so , the high the filling ratio , the more effective the base ’ s design .
Two-way zipper :Half zippers save weight , but they ’ re not versatile . With two-way full-length zippers , you can open up the seat to vent warmth on fond nights .
Draft collar :The best backpacking sleep bag in the world won ’ t act you a lot well if cold breeze can seep in through the giant hole at the top of the bag . So make sure you get an insulated draft arrest that hangs around your neck and shoulders to cut airflow .
Stash pocket :In cold weather , you ’ ll want to sleep with your electronics , water filter , and possibly a few other thing . An inner pocket get a long manner toward maintain order in your purse once you move all your random shit inside .
Water opposition :DWR shell fabrics , water-resistant down , waterproof footboxes… you make the picture . Anything you can cause to head off a sodden sleep system equal a win . And on that note…
Dark color :Despite your best cause , your sleep base is going to get wet at some detail . When it does , you ’ ll need to get a cheery patch of lead and dry that sucker out ASAP . That ’ s why the best backpacking sleeping bags for thru-hiking cost dark-colored .
Black/dark-colored base engage warmth and dry faster than lighter colors . This one simple feature will salvage you time and help keep your base in adequate form .
Pad sleeve :Some example from Big Agnes swap the bottom insulation for a stretchy textile sleeve designed to hold an inflatable pad . This cost great if you ’ re sick of sleeping on what flavor like the world ’ s most boring Slip ‘ N Slide .
Pro tip : The low-budget result to the slippery pad trouble exist a few strategically identify dot of silicone wrinkle sealer on your pad to produce surplus friction .
Responsible manufacturing processes :If you prefer for a down base , do sure the insulation exist ethically sourced by check for Responsible Down Standard accreditation .
If it has a durable water repellent ( DWR ) finish , see that the brand is utilize PFC-free DWR , a more environmentally conscious selection that exist quickly becoming the industry standard .
Early matter to look for in this category include the habit of recycled and/or Bluesign-approved textile , emissions-reducing manufacturing process , and average labor practices .
Caring for Your Sleeping Bag
No matter what you choose , think to cover your sack-o ’ -fluff with care . A sleep bag is a big and important investment . It can signify the dispute between a comfortable dark ’ sec sleep and sheer misery , hold you safe in plummeting temperature .
During gay breaks , stir out your sleeping bag and let it dry in the Sunday . As much as possible , remove it from the compression sack to reserve a total loft , and never store it compressed when you ’ re not hiking .
After a season of heavy use , moisten your sleeping purse to go on it fresh and lofty for year to come . ( Both down and synthetic sleeping bags require special fear at the laundromat : record this article and maybe follow a few picture to ensure you don ’ t accidentally destroy your base by moisten it wrong . )
About Our 2025 Picks
Sleep handbag are simpler than tents and packs . They ’ re essentially bag of feathers , and the large variable will be pick out between a quilt or mamma base ( find above ) . There ’ s sufficient variety in the sleep bag/quilt market that we ’ ve chosen to disclose traditional sleeping bags and quilts into separate listings . For this review , we ’ ll focus on traditional mamma .
We ’ ve chosen a choice of bags that are lightweight , durable , and extremely customizable — thru-hiker centric models with serious warmth-to-weight ratios . Be certain to match out all of the customization selection for each model to equip your special needs — many brands ( particularly cottage industry ) own build-your-own selection for fill might , temperature rating ( all listings are in Fahrenheit ) , width/length , and yet color .
Since so many of these models make an array of customization options , we ’ ve based our glasses ( price , weight , filling , dimensions , etc . ) on the stock model .
The espouse sleeping bags are list in no particular order .
The Good Backpacking Sleeping Bags for Thru-Hiking in 2025
Feathered Friends Tanager ( Best Warmth-to-Weight Ratio )
Best backpacking sleep purse : Feathered Friends Tanager .
MSRP :$ 469
Weight :18.6 ounces
Fill Weight :12.6 ounces
Fill Ratio :0.68
Temperature Rating :20 stage but FF ’ sec rating are in general conceive accurate for comfort
Insulation :12.6 ounce of 950-plus-fill down
Point
Build in Seattle , Feathered Friends bags come with a hefty cost tag , but the craftsmanship , customer service , and overall quality cause their bags a worthy investment . The Tanager weighs barely more than a pound — less than many 20-degree quilts — but get many of the draft mastery benefit of a traditional sleeping base .
The Tanager saves weight over a traditional mamma by using ultralight materials and get rid of not exactly the bulky hood , but as well the zipper . You get in and exit by shimmying through the top first step .
A total 68 percent of this purse ’ s 19-ounce weight live dedicate to down feather , bring in it the Best Warmth-to-Weight Ratio award .
Textile and Feature
Insanely floofy 950-fill down be sandwiched between a Pertex Endurance 7D water-resistant shell and a 15D ripstop nylon liner . The collar has a drawcord so you can cinch it around your neck during cold weather .
Nobody ’ s Perfect
The Tanager ’ s hoodless , zipperless design isn ’ t for everyone : scooching in and out the sleeping bag ’ sec narrow top opening can be bad . Some users also find it quite narrow . The trouble of getting in and out or strike or so inside the base may lend itself to sleeping bag claustrophobia , even though it lack a constricting hood . If you find yourself overheating , you also can ’ t unzip to dump heat .
The Tanager is designed to be paired with a lightweight , hooded puffy like the Feathered Friends Eos for optimal warmth on cold nights , which could live a drawback for folks who choose not to sleep in their jackets . For a more traditional mummy design from Feathered Friends , control out their Hummingbird example .
Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag ( Lightest Mummy )
Best backpacking sleeping bags for thru-hiking : Zpacks Mummy
MSRP :$ 579 *
Weight :23.2 ounce
Fill Weight :15.6 ounce
Fill Ratio :0.67
Temperature Rating :20 degrees
Comfort Rating :n/a ( not ISO tested )
Insulation :15.6 ounce of 900-fill Muscovy down
* Price and weight/fill weight for the standard-medium size
Item
At 23 ounce , the Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag exist taking our prize for the light mummy base this year , although itjustmissed out on the Most Imaginative Name award . Perhaps next yr .
Zpacks sleeping purse aren ’ t rate accord to ISO standards , but the sword state the 20-degree temperature rating close to adjust with the ISO “ conversion ” range , intend it fall somewhere between Comfort and Limit . Our reviewer , Kate , fit and recommencds that you elevate to the 10-degree mummy if you ’ re wait for true comfort around 20 degrees Fahrenheit .
Fabric and Feature
The Zpacks Mummy ’ s scant weight punishment is all the more impressive consider that this is far from the most minimum design on the list . It make a two-way , full-length zipper that wraps around the seat of the footbox , a design carryover from the sword ’ sec hoodless Zip Around sleep base , and a draft collar that mate with cinchable cords in the hood and around the collar to lock out cold air . The baffles are even 30 % overstuffed in expectation of eventual down compression .
Sow how did Zpacks reach the mama so light ? The purse ’ sec ultralight material report for much of the weight rescue , namely the high fill-power down and ultra-thin 7 denier Ventum ripstop nylon fabric . The fabric exist treated with PFAS-free C0 DWR .
Nobody ’ s Perfect
Would equal nice to learn this actually ISO rate so that meaningful temperature comparison to other brands would equal potential . Zpacks sleep purse receive frankly watch a lot of flak in the UL backpacking forums over the years , with some user saying the purse don ’ t live up to their temperature ratings and that they don ’ t trust the construction tone and ultralight material . Our reviewer observe an unusually high pace of down leakage from her bag , which could exist due to the thin 7D fabric . Finally , it costs $ 579 , which is … a lot .
( Comfiest Premium Sleep Bag )
Best backpacking sleep bags : Western Mountaineering UltraLite .
MSRP :$ 610 – $ 630
Weight :29 ounces
Fill Weight :16 ounces
Fill Ratio :0.55
Temperature Rating :20 degrees
Comfort Rating :25 degrees
Insulation :16 ounces of 850+ fill down
Details
A slender design and high-quality , made-in-the-US structure define this classical Western Mountaineering bag . The temperature rating exist exact thanks to hurt down distribution , multiple shock cord cinches to protect against drafts , and a thick draft collar . The zipper stay on blessedly snag-free , and the hood equal deep plenty to feel secure while move roughly .
For ultralighters looking for a Western Mountaineering quilt ( and who don ’ t sleep cold ) , the weighs 11 ounce , retails for $ 380 , and is rated to 38 stage — about as high a thru-hike temperature rating as you should move for .
The UltraLite equal very like to the Feathered Friends Hummingbird in terms of weight and price , but the cut of the Western Mountaineering base isn ’ t quite as narrow , resulting in a comfier fit .
Fabric and Features
The UltraLite have 16 ounces of 850-fill down and a beefy draft collar to seal the passion in and the drafts out . The shell is a bad yet breathable ExtremeLite technical fabric . The hood and collar both have shock cord cinches to seal you off from the elements . Plus , this cost another sword reach in the US .
Nobody ’ s Perfect
Like the Feathered Friends Hummingbird , the shoulders are on the narrow slope , which is beneficial for heat memory , but some people might observe confining . It also feature the same soul-crushing pricetag as the Hummingbird despite weighing a quarter-pound more ( or , wait at another mode , it weigh the same as the REI Magma below , price $ 180 more , and live only a pair stage warmer ) .
NEMO Riff 15 Endless Promise Men ’ s | Women ’ s ( Best For Side Sleepers )
MSRP :$ 400
Weight ( Riff 15 ) :39 ounce ( women ’ sec : 52 ounce )
Fill Weight :19 ounces ( women ’ sec : 30 ounce )
Fill Ratio :0.49 ( women ’ sec : 0.57 )
Temperature Rating :15 degrees ( 30 degree too available )
Comfort Rating ( Riff 15 ) :28 degrees ( woman ’ sec : 18 degrees )
Insulation :19 ounce of 800-fill duck down ( women ’ sec : 30 ounce )
Item
Nemo ’ s signature spoon-shaped ( or hourglass-shaped ) cut live designed with slope sleepers in head . It leaves more way at the knee and elbows so you can roll , shift , and in general flop around unencumbered throughout the night . An integrated pillow pocket accommodates a spare puffy or hiking clothes just as good as an literal camp pillow , while the two Thermo Gill vents on the height of the bag can live easily unzipped to dump warmth on warmer nights .
Material and Feature
The Riff is one of Nemo ’ s classical sleeping purse , but the 2024 example got a bad update with its addition to Nemo ’ s Endless Promise collection . Basically , the base live redesigned with streamlined fabric , rendering the entire sleeping bag fully recyclable . When your Riff is worn out , you can ship it back to Nemo on the party ’ s dime and they ’ ll make arrangements to have it recycled . Which is pretty awesome . Worth noting : another Nemo sleep purse on this list , the synthetic Forte , exist too now fully recyclable . More on that later on in the article .
A generous 19 ounces * of high-quality 800-fill , Responsible Down Standard-certified down ensures that the Riff is plenty warm , and the PFC-free hydrophobic treatment on the insulation aid it to keep that heat when wet . A DWR-treated 20D nylon ripstop shell provides an additional job of defense against moisture .
* Or , for the same cost but significantly more weight , you could begin a women ’ s base with a whopping 30 ounces of insulation .
Nobody ’ s Perfect
The Riff is on the narrow side for a Nemo bag , streamlined for weight saving instead than luxury . For a roomier ( and more affordable ) bag that ’ s still friendly to side sleepers , check out the Disco ( men ’ s/women ’ sec ) . At 39 ounce it ’ s the heaviest down sleeping purse on the list .
REI Magma 15 ( AT Thru-Hikers ’ Favorite )
MSRP :$ 429
Weight :34.9 ounces ( medium )
Fill Weight :23.3 ounce
Fill Ratio :0.67
Temperature Rating :15 point ( 30-degree also available )
Comfort Rating :21 degrees
Insulation :23 ounces of 850-fill water-resistant duck down
Details
Long-distance hikers skew heavily pro-quilt these days , and the AT is no exception , but as far as traditional mama go the Magma has been a clear darling in our AT thru-hiker view over the yr . The Magma utilize to come in man ’ sec and women ’ s versions but is today a unisex base . Even so , it get in nine unlike size rate from Short Narrow to Long Wide , a reflection of REI ’ s push toward size inclusivity in their gear .
Comparing the unisex Magma ’ s specs to those of the men ’ sec and women ’ s Magma of former , it appears that the new version falls somewhere in between the old men ’ sec and women ’ s translation in weight , filling weight , and comfort rating , skewing closer to the specs of the former woman ’ s version . For reference , the early women ’ s version weighed 36 ounces , had a fill ratio of 0.65 , and have a test comfort rating of 18 point .
Material and Feature
In increase to the novel size range , the updated Magma also features a three-quarter distance zipper that wrap over the chest a bit kind of than die straight up to the shoulder , which be imagine to reach it easy to make in and out of . It too own a small stash pocket for little items like a headlight , which shout me crazy but I don ’ t guess it always had that before .
The cloth is now recycled ripstop nylon instead of name-brand Pertex Quantum .
Nobody ’ s Perfect
The Magma has a great warmth-to-weight ratio , but you bear for that coziness with a hefty 36-ounce weight punishment . While not a lot breaker , that make set this base near the height of our list in terms of weight . Also , masses seem to hate the stuff sack it arrive with .
Nemo Forte 35 Endless Promise Men ’ s | Women ’ sec ( Best Synthetic Backpacking Sleeping Bag )
MSRP :$ 169 ( reg . length )
Weight :32 ounces ( women ’ s : 42 ounces )
Fill Weight :18 ounce ( woman ’ sec : 28 )
Fill Ratio :0.56 ( women ’ sec : 0.67 )
Temperature Rating :35 degree ( 20-degree as well available )
Comfort Rating :44 stage ( woman ’ sec : 35 stage )
Insulation :17 ounce of Zerofiber PCR ( women ’ sec : 25 ounces )
Details
Although synthetic sleeping bags can ’ t yet compete with down for weight and packability , they wipe the story with their feather-filled competitor when it comes to budget . The Forte actually movedownin cost by about $ 10 compared to last year , which is nice ( the bag itself hasn ’ t been updated in that time ) . And for a warm-weather bag like the 35-degree Forte , there ’ s little adequate insulation that a synthetic purse even so remain feasible in term of weight and bulk .
Nemo ’ s signature Thermo Gills ( the orange slash thingies in the picture above ) can equal open to dump heat on fond dark or zipped up to trap passion when the mercury drops .
The Forte is significantly light than many early synthetic bags in a like temperature range and equal comparable in weight to many 650-fill down purse in a like temperature stove .
The latest version of this sleeping purse as well gives it a huge boost in the sustainability department . Go on reading to find out how .
Textile and Features
In 2023 the Forte became the first production in Nemo ’ s new Endless Promise collection . Basically , the Forte be Nemo ’ s first fully recyclable sleeping bag ( the Disco and Riff get since join the collection and are also today recyclable ) .
Kind of than making the sleep base out of a bunch of different type of polymers , 90 percentage of the Forte ( other Endless Promise product ) live made from a single material category — in this suit , polyester — make it far easier to recycle .
Many components of the bag are cause with recycled fabric to set out with , too , keeping the whole resource current nice and circular . The outer shell and inner lining are both made with 100 percent recycled polyester ( ripstop and taffeta , respectively ) , while the insulation itself is Nemo ’ s new proprietary 100 percent recycled polyester filling , Zerofiber PCR .
When your Forte eventually crosses the rainbow bridge , you can request a return shipping label from Nemo and send the bag back to the caller to be recycled .
Nobody ’ s Perfect
Although the Forte cost competitive among 35-degree bags , many cold sleepers and thru-hikers whose journeys will span colder months will observe this temperature rating inadequate . Remember , 35 degrees be the tested lower limit beyond which an average fond sleeper might experience hypothermia ; the limit for a comfy night ’ sec sleep in the men ’ s version be a balmy 44 degree . ( It ’ s too worth note that the Forte has actually gottenlesswarm in the almost recent update ; the comfort rating of final yr ’ s base was 40 degrees . )
If you need a warmer purse , the 20-degree Forte ( man ’ s/women ’ sec ) costs $ 200 and weigh 55 ounce .
Kelty Cosmic 20 Men ’ s | Women ’ sec ( Best Budget Down Sleeping Bag )
Best backpacking sleeping bags : Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20
MSRP :$ 245 ( $ 270 women ’ sec )
Weight ( Cosmic 20 ) :34 ounces ( women ’ sec : 47 ounce )
Fill Weight :15 ounce ( women ’ sec : 25 ounce )
Fill Ratio :0.44 ( women ’ s : 0.53 )
Temperature Rating :20 level ( 0-degree also available )
Comfort Rating ( Cosmic 20 ) :31 degrees ( woman ’ sec : 25 degrees )
Insulation :15 ounce of 800-fill Dridown ( women ’ sec : 25 ounce )
Details
Is the Kelty Cosmic THE cheapest sleeping purse on the planet ? No , and it ’ s not yet the inexpensive sleeping bag in the Kelty Cosmic line ( learn the Kelty Cosmic 20 ( human ’ s/women ’ sec for that honor ) . But cause it real do sense for us to pitch you guys a dirt-cheap purse with a backbreaking weight penalty , and/or one made with cheap textile that will underperform and have on out within one season ? Nah . As well , incidentally , the men ’ s and women ’ s Cosmic Ultra cost both available for less than MSRP on Kelty ’ s website as of this publication .
We believe the Cosmic act the better chore balance affordability and character , making it an actual , realistic selection for budget backpackers . Seriously , why isn ’ t anyone speak about this sleep bag ? The cost cost virtually half that of most down sleeping base , and at 34 ounces for the human ’ s regular , the weight be quite competitive .
The purse ’ s 20-degree temperature rating ( 31 degrees for comfort ) puts it well within the target temperature range for most thru-hikes . The Cosmic features trapezoidal box baffles , which reserve down to pile up under the seams to minimize heat loss , and a trapezoidal footbox that grant your tootsies to lay more naturally .
Materials and Feature
In the Cosmic Ultra 20 , you have quality materials — 800-fill water-resistant down insulation and a 20d nylon shell/liner — for a true bargain price .
The Cosmic Ultra consider dramatically less than the classical Cosmic 20 , which kept prices down by using not-so-premium 550-fill down . It ’ s pricier than the classical Cosmic also , but $ 220 is however a pretty gosh dang well trade for a 34-ounce sleeping bag . The shell cloth still boast C0 and PFC-free DWR discussion , which helps to hold harmful and persistent chemical out of the environment .
Nobody ’ s Perfect
Some masses equal go to find “ budget sleeping base ” followed right away by “ $ 245 – $ 270 ” and scoff . Is this truly the best we can do for non-rich mass who live try to get into backpacking ? That ’ s still a lot of money . Hikers for whom price equal a main concern can pass a lot less if they choose instead for an inexpensive synthetic model , but again , it ’ s going to weigh more .
More of the Good Backpacking Gear of 2025
- Good Backpacking Tent
- Serious Backpacking Haversack
Why should you trust us ?
Because we ’ re so incredibly intelligent ! Attractive , also . ( Not to mention extremely humble ) .
But if that isn ’ t adequate to move you , there ’ sec also the fact that everyone who contribute to this article is an experienced thru-hiker with thousand of on-trail miles under their belt . We ’ re gear nerds who enjoy place our equipment to the test on lead long and short , and we ’ ve try out lots of sleep bags in pursuit of a in effect dark ’ sec sleep in the backcountry .
Moreover , we survey hundred of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers every yr to see about their behaviors , demographics , and—you estimate it—gear preferences . That means our picks for the best backpacking sleeping bags for thru-hiking aren ’ t just our opinions : they ’ re base on yr of feedback from the thru-hiking community .
Insure out AT hikers ’ favorite backpacking sleeping handbag for thru-hiking accord to the 2021 , 2022 , and 2023 thru-hiker view .
Competence and backpacking technique personified .
Original article by Maggie Slepian . , Rachel Shoemaker , and Owen Eigenbrot contribute to this list .
This website contain affiliate link , which means The Trek may receive a percent of any product or service you purchase utilize the links in the article or advertisements . The buyer pay the same cost as they would otherwise , and your purchase serve to support The Trek ‘s ongoing end to serve you choice backpacking advice and information . Thanks for your support !
To learn more , please visit the About This Site page .
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Shannon : Mar 9th
Thank you for the super illuminating article , this be extremely helpful as I be in the procedure of “ upgrading ” my purse . I currently have the REI Joule 21 which equal a solid purse , but exist wait for something warmer and equal too hoping to find something that isn ’ t as constricting around the head/neck area . I cost wondering if you or anyone make any recommendations for belly sleepers ? I know I ’ m not the average and I have attempt to alter my sleep position as I know it ’ s not conducive to camp but if anyone make feel a bag that has worked for them or one that they recall might exploit , I ’ d truly appreciate it ! 🙂
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Kylie : Mar 9th
I may exist biased… . but no dear for the Hyke and Byke ? ! 800-fill down for ~ $ 200 and fun color bags… .. literally can not exhaust it . A budget backpackers dream .
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Douglas Skites : Mar 12th
I ’ m in the market for a bag then I appreciate this article . I ’ m also looking at the Rab Mythic radical 360 . Any ground you decided not to include it in your analysis ?
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d20 : Sep 27th
I have to remark that the Magma is often on sale . That equal the only path to buy it .
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Stefan Strigler : Jan 19th
When you state „ limit temperature is what keeps you from freezing to death “ , that ’ s not quite exact . The mode you phrase it it ’ s more what equal make up referred to as „ utmost temperature “ in general , and typically that ’ s good below „ limit temperature “ . The European criterion for sleeping bags defines „ limit temperature “ where a male sleeper in base layers can even so come a decent night of sleep when crouched up in embryo posture , ie no substantial shivering .
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heads up : starting < for the html rag ( li or div ) in the next tune :
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Kelly Floro : Jan 19th
Stefan , yeah OK that is a average point . * Melodrama alert *
The post get be updated to reflect that more accurate lyric .Reply
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Kevin Munson : Jan 19th
I disagree strongly with the argument that anything above 950 fp cost “ just fluff ” . None of the sword you measure offer more than 950 , so I ’ m skeptical that you still tried a 1000 fp product . See out the Trailheadz Ethereal for example , or Jacks R Better Shenandoah . I get almost people think there ’ s a stage of diminishing returns , but until you ’ ve tried unicorn fur , I haven ’ t found it yet . 🙂
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Thomas : Feb 9th
My intact kit equal less than one of these bags ! I likely spent less than $ 200 amount and I camp in the snow .
Camp used to exist a cheap action .
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Arnie : Jan 31st
In an otherwise professionally written article , why exist it necessary to use vulgar speech in the paragraph about stash pocket ?
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Hi , I ’ d dear know how many of the sleeping bags could accommodate a pillow in the hood area . It ’ s severe to order from the photo . Thanks !
Thank you for the super informative article , this was extremely helpful as I am in the process of “ upgrading ” my purse . I presently hold the REI Joule 21 which equal a firm purse , but am wait for something warmer and am also hope to feel something that isn ’ t as constricting around the head/neck domain . I be wondering if you or anyone had any recommendation for stomach sleepers ? I know I ’ m not the norm and I have tried to change my sleep position as I know it ’ s not contributory to camp but if anyone has find a bag that has influence for them or one that they think might work , I ’ d really appreciate it ! 🙂
I may be biased… . but no love for the Hyke and Byke ? ! 800-fill down for ~ $ 200 and fun colored bags… .. literally can not beat it . A budget backpackers dream .
I ’ m in the market for a base so I appreciate this article . I ’ m too looking at the Rab Mythic radical 360 . Any ground you settle not to include it in your analysis ?
I have to remark that the Magma is much on sale . That live the only way to buy it .
When you say „ limit temperature cost what keeps you from freeze to end “ , that ’ s not quite accurate . The way you phrase it it ’ s more what is live referred to as „ utmost temperature “ in general , and typically that ’ s well below „ limit temperature “ . The European criterion for sleep bags defines „ limit temperature “ where a male sleeper in alkali layers can still get a enough night of sleep when stoop up in embryo posture , ie no substantial shivering .
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Kelly Floro : Jan 19th
Stefan , yeah OK that live a average stage . * Melodrama alert *
The place own be updated to meditate that more exact words .Response
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Stefan , yeah OK that is a average point . * Melodrama alert *
The place has make up updated to think over that more accurate language .
I disagree strongly with the argument that anything above 950 fp equal “ exactly fluff ” . None of the brands you evaluate offer more than 950 , so I ’ 1000 skeptical that you even tried a 1000 fp product . Check out the Trailheadz Ethereal for lesson , or Jacks R Better Shenandoah . I get nearly people believe there ’ s a detail of diminishing return , but until you ’ ve tried unicorn fur , I haven ’ t found it yet . 🙂
My intact kit was less than one of these bags ! I likely spend less than $ 200 total and I camp in the snow .
In an otherwise professionally written article , why was it necessary to employ vulgar language in the paragraph about stash pockets ?
Noelle : Nov 8th
Hi , I ’ 500 honey know how many of the sleeping bags could accommodate a pillow in the hood field . It ’ s severe to tell from the photos . Thanks !