The 7 Best Camping Sleeping Bags of 2025

For a long time, sleeping bag sizing was relegated to “Regular” and “Long” cuts, but recent years have introduced a number more options that better represent the bodies that sleep outdoors. 

For instance, our testing team adored the four different sizes available on the REI Siesta, which mixed regular and long lengths with wide widths to offer up a spectrum of fits. Often, sleeping bag manufacturers will let you know the height ranges for its bags.

Women’s Specific Bags

While some manufacturers are moving away from gendered sleeping bag sizing, it’s important to know what you’re getting when you’re looking at a women’s-specific sleeping bag. These bags are very often wider at the hips and narrower at the shoulders, aiming to increase thermal comfort and eliminate dead space.

Women’s specific bags might also use a different insulation design, where more insulation is added to the core or feet to accommodate different needs. The Sea to Summit Women’s Ascent is one such bag, and our female testers lauded the changes compared to the men’s cut.

Warmth

Sleeping bags come with a temperature rating, but depending on the person, a 20-degree bag might keep you cozy down to 20 degrees, or it might be more of a survival number. Because of this factor, we weighed warmth heavily in our testing, and we looked closely at ratings and how they panned out in real-world situations. 

Bags often get rated for comfort — the lowest temperature a bag will keep an average cold sleeper comfortable — and lower limit — the lowest temperature for an average warm sleeper. The ratings are calculated using a person wearing long underwear and a pair of socks, and sleeping on an insulated pad. 

In our own testing, the ALPS OutdoorZ Redwood -10 surprisingly came out on top in terms of warmth, owing to the massive amount of synthetic insulation it packs in. Following closely behind were the NEMO Disco and Feathered Friends Penguin YF bags, both down-filled but decidedly different shapes.

We find that bags rated between 20 and 30 degrees are ideal for most summer-season testing, and this is where the NEMO Jazz, Sea to Summit Women’s Ascent, Mountain Hardwear Yawn Patrol, and many others file in. Bags that are cut more generously, like the NEMO Disco, will work better in warm temps, while more mummy cuts are better to lower.

Insulation Options

Down Insulation

As the best insulator nature has come up with yet, down is able to insulate by trapping air in between the fibers and holding it there. It also has the ability to release moisture from within, meaning sleeping bags made with it are more breathable than those made with synthetic fill. 

All down lands on a sort of continuum of efficiency that measures how much loft the fibers have. A higher fill power down will do the same insulating power of a higher amount of lesser down, meaning that a sleeping bag will need less of it to sport the same temperature rating. For example, a 32-degree sleeping bag made with 650 fill down will have more bulk and weight than that of a 32-degree bag made with 850 fill down.

The final metric to pay attention to in a down sleeping bag is the total fill amount. Knowing both numbers will give you an idea of how warm the sleeping bag is bound to be. Down does have its problems, and once damp it loses insulating power and is tough to dry. It also can be on the pricier side when compared to synthetic insulations, and shouldn’t be left compressed for long periods of time.

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic fills are man-made polyester fibers that are designed to mimic the warmth-retention properties of down, but still provide some warmth once wet. These fibers are woven in different patterns to provide differing levels of warmth, breathability, and compressibility. 

Synthetic fills are measured by the grams per meter squared (GSM) metric. This gives users an idea of how warm the sleeping bag will end up being. For example, a synthetic fill with a 2.5-ounce GSM can expect to provide a temperature rating of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

While there has been considerable improvement in synthetic fills over the years, we still haven’t been able to brew up a material that can match down in terms of weight-to-warmth ratio. Because of that, sleeping bags made with synthetic materials will need more insulation to provide the same amount of warmth. This will also mean that they often will be bulkier when packed. While our best overall bag, the NEMO Jazz 30, was cozy as all get-out, it also packs up to a substantial size.

It’s important to note that synthetic fibers are quite durable, but over time will compress down and lose the loft that they once had. Compared to down bags, however, they need a good bit less care in order to keep the sleeping bag rolling for a long time. 

Packed Size

Packed size is of particular importance when backpacking, but isn’t as much of a concern for casual camping trips. But still, keeping things compact means more space in the back of the rig for snacks, and when choosing a sleeping bag that’ll be used for a bit of front and backcountry, packed size is much more important to pay attention to.

Anyone looking to minimize pack weight should consider a crossover backpacking/camping sleeping bag like the NEMO Disco or the Mountain Hardwear Yawn Patrol. These bags are often not quite as trim cut as a full-on backpacking bag, and make space at the feet and shoulders to accommodate more active sleepers.

More comfort-oriented bags with wider cuts won’t compress as well, and may even opt to forego the compression stuff sack entirely. The NEMO Jazz 30 travels in a spacious duffel-bag-like sack, and bags like the Kelty Wayback will roll up into themselves and secure with attached compression straps.

At the far end of the compressibility scale, the ALPS OutdoorZ Redwood has little use for a small packed size, and even less for your sympathies — this bag is large and in charge, and takes up the entire backseat of some sedans. But the comfort provided is well worth it, and the same can be said of the Kelty Tru.Comfort 20 Doublewide, which takes up an impressive 65 L of space in its laundry-bag-sized stuff sack.

Sleeping Bag Construction

Shell and Liner Fabric

Most bags will use a ripstop material for the outer shell. Ripstop is a nylon or polyester fabric woven with heavier threads to resist abrasion and tearing. The unique construction of ripstop also allows it to remain fairly breathable.

As for bag liners, taffeta is among the most common choices. This is also a nylon or polyester material, but unlike the coarse feel of ripstop, taffeta has a pleasant, silky feel. And it is more breathable. This makes it an ideal choice for next-to-skin pieces. Some of the bags we reviewed, like the NEMO Jazz, have a removable insert sheet that’s washable and soft. 

Zippers

Sleeping bag zippers may be seemingly simple, but can actually contribute heavily to a bag’s functionality and convenience. From LH and RH zippers to closeable vents, here are some different zipper aspects with camping sleeping bags: 

• Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed Zippers: You’ll often see sleeping bags labeled as having left-handed (LH) or right-handed (RH) zippers when perusing options. Depending on your dominant hand, these configurations help with the ease of opening and closing the bag while lying down on your back.
• Full vs. ¾ Zippers: Another design aspect of sleeping bags is how much the zippers open. This often takes the form of being fully openable and closeable or at the ¾ length. A fully zippered sleeping bag is fantastic for doubling as a blanket at camp or if it is a relatively hot night and you need maximum ventilation. These bags tend to allow for more temperature customization since you can open them up all the way. The North Face Wawona and REI Siesta Hooded Bag can both fully unzip, allowing users to use them as a quilt or stick their feet out when the temps rise. 
• Ventilation Zippers: As sleeping bag designers use more ingenuity, they are creating bags that allow for temperature customizations. Sometimes these venting options are footbox zippers for airflow to the lower extremities, while others, like the Mountain Hardwear Yawn Patrol, have multiple zippers for ventilation options. Another sleeping bag with added ventilation zippers is the Sea to Summit Women’s Ascent which has a side zip and footbox zip for added airflow. Even better, you can wear this sleeping bag like a snowsuit around camp, since it frees the arms and legs.

Pad Straps/Sleeves

To prevent slippage, many sleeping bags come with included sleeves or straps for attaching to a sleeping pad. While this is not a necessary feature to have on a sleeping bag, it can definitely be helpful if you tend to toss and turn throughout the night. Waking up on the ground next to your sleeping pad is never a fun feeling. 

The NEMO Jazz 30 has two wide straps at the top and bottom of the sleeping bag for attaching it to a pad. These features will help keep you warm, as you can retain maximum insulation between yourself and the sleeping pad. 

Furthermore, some of the sleeping bags listed also include a sleeve to keep your pillow stationary. If you’re car camping and have the space, a comfortable pillow is definitely a plus. The REI Co-op Siesta can fit a full-size pillow from home, so definitely consider that one if you seek this sort of feature. 

Similar to liners, pad straps or sleeves are not required when it comes to a well-made sleeping bag. Some folks have success with just placing their pads inside the sleeping bag itself, but the shape and silhouette of your bag will need to be almost identical to your bag for this to work well. 

Sleeping Bag Liners and Blankets

While they aren’t necessary, sleeping bag liners can help increase the warmth, cleanliness, and longevity of your sleeping bag, whether you’re backpacking remotely in the woods or heading out for a weekend of car camping with friends. 

Sleeping bag liners can take the shape and form of being sewn into the actual sleeping bag or coming as a separate, thin sleeping sack. Because they are lightweight and less cumbersome than a sleeping bag, they are much easier to wash, thus making it easier to keep your sleeping bag in better shape without much maintenance or upkeep. The NEMO Jazz has a removable insert sheet that’s washable and soft. Not only is it breathable, but the taffeta fabric also provides a super comfortable surface when in use. 

Some camping sleeping bags listed in this guide have sewn-in blankets that help retain heat and insulation within the bag itself. Similar to standalone liners, they can also make the sleeping experience much more comfortable due to that nice next-to-skin feel. We particularly enjoyed the flannel blanket on the Kelty Wayback, and the dual blankets on the Kelty Tru.Comfort Doublewide means we don’t have to fight over the covers.

Extra Features

Camping sleeping bags have the luxury of retaining some of the niceties that backpacking sleeping bags have to leave behind, and we made sure to roll these considerations into our general impression as well. The top of the heap has to go to the NEMO Jazz, which piles on smart features such as an integrated and removable sheet, a pad sleeve, and a pillow pocket for wrangling your camp pillow in place.

Adjustable cinch cords on hoods are nearly universal on more comfort-mummy-shaped bags, and the better-designed versions will use two separate cords (often with different cord locks for midnight recognition) to adjust the upper and lower aperture openings. More modern functions like an internal phone pocket can be handy for keeping your phone warm all night, and we’re pleased that many bags are now jumping on this trend and incorporating them.

Price & Value

With a range of prices from $100 and all the way up to $550+ there’s plenty of variety in terms of what you get for your money when it comes to camping sleeping bags, but it generally comes down to a few important differences.

The first is going to be materials. Down versus synthetic will be the first big schism, with down-filled bags always asking for a more handsome sum compared to more affordable synthetic options. Sizing and design, too, will play a big part, with more mummy-style bags being cheaper and luxuriously wide bags going for more. Finally, smaller details, such as additional zippers for ventilation, integrated phone pockets, and pillow-sized hoods can nudge the price up as they are added on.

Budget

If this camping thing is all new to you, or you just don’t find yourself getting out all that much, it may not make sense to really splurge on a luxe sleeping bag (there’s plenty of other kit to get, after all). Budget camping sleeping bags will almost always be synthetic-filled, as it’s far cheaper to source, but don’t think that these bags are less for it. Synthetic bags fare far better with occasional moisture, and won’t lose loft as fast as down bags.

The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 ($149) is an excellent option for those just getting into camping, as its a robust construction and available in a number of different sizes to accommodate any body type. Those looking for a more typical rectangular cut might also consider the Kelty Wayback ($149), which sports a classic shape and even tucks in a little luxury with the flannel interior.

Mid-Tier

If camping is one of your weekend go-tos, we’d suggest spending a bit more to get into a bag that will be ready to take on a wider variety of trips and conditions. Spending a bit more will also often mean you get a warmer-rated sleeping bag.

It will also open up the possibilities of getting into a down-filled sleeping bag, which compresses much more than synthetic bags and can be used for some backpacking as well. Down fills are most often around the 650 FP mark in this price range, where you’ll expect to spend between $200 and $350, depending on the temp rating.

The NEMO Jazz 30 ($300) is still our top pick for an excellent all-arounder, and its synthetic build is turbocharged with a number of different features that make it more versatile: a fully removable top cover, integrated sheet, sleeping pad sleeves, and a hood that’ll fit your pillow from home. The NEMO Disco ($320) is more of a hybrid design for backpacking, but it makes a killer camp bag as well.

Premium

For van lifers or those who find themselves bedding down in frontcountry camps more than they do at home, spending the extra cash to get a seriously nice sleeping bag can be a great investment into your sleep. Expect to pay north of $400 for the privilege, but for the money, you’ll be getting bags that use higher fill power downs and nicer shell fabrics such as Pertex materials.

The Sea to Summit Women’s Ascent 30 ($429) is a very nice bag, and is dialed in to be perfect for female bodies to nestle down into. Equally nice is the Feathered Friends Penguin YF 20 ($560), a camp bag from the boutique Seattle manufacturer that borrows from their knowledge in backpacking bags to trim out a seriously cozy camp bag that’ll even convert into a space for two.

Frequently Asked Questions