It’s a little slippery on the inside, which makes getting in and out easy, but the outside isn’t slick, so it doesn’t slide around on a cot, sleeping pad or air mattress. The Big Bay also has a cinchable hood, no-snag zipper and plush collar, plus it allows for foot ventilation, just like the Forte. The compromises in choosing the cheaper fill type are relatively minimal for camping. With a car or camper to transport all of your gear, the larger stuffed size and extra weight are much less of a concern than when your sleeping bag has to be crammed into a pack and carried on your back. And should the insulation get wet, synthetics continue to keep you warm, unlike down feathers. For a full explanation of the two insulation types, see our article on down vs. synthetics.
That’s not always feasible when camping, but sleeping in a clean base layer or pajamas increases your bag’s longevity. During a warmth test we conducted during a very chilly evening in Bryce Canyon National Park, we were shocked to find that the Brazos held its own when it came to insulating. For the extensive sleeping bag review, I also interviewed experts who could speak to what makes a great sleeping bag and how coleman sleeping bag to choose the right one for your needs. I talked to an assistant professor at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Preeti Arya, who’s an expert in technical fabrics and sustainability. I also spoke with Jeremy Cronon, the expedition equipment lead and outfitting manager at NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) Rocky Mountain, and Austin Robbs, director of equipment and accessories at Patagonia.
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 coleman sleeping bag mattresses and camping tents. Our annual family camping trip does not involve hiking and then camping so we weren’t looking for tiny sleeping bags. We take day hikes and do outdoor activities from our drive up camping spot in the Smoky Mountains.
When not using the Big Bay sleeping bag, store it in a large, breathable bag. Keeping it compressed in the stuff sack for long periods can reduce the loft of synthetic insulation and cause the bag to develop cold spots. I’m a journalist who writes about outdoor and fitness gear for several publications, including Outside, Forbes and the REI Co-op Journal.
Synthetic sleeping bags are a dime a dozen in 2023, but Coleman continues to stand out for their strong focus on value. The Kompact 20 here is no exception, combining the affordability that Coleman is known for with many of the features we look for in a quality three-season bag. These include soft yet durable fabrics, an insulated draft tube to seal in warmth, and a roomy rectangular shape that’s comfortable and not restrictive. And as its name suggests, the Kompact packs down pretty well for a 20-degree synthetic bag, measuring 9.8 x 15.7 inches when compressed into its stuff sack (for comparison, The North Wawona Bed 20 above is larger at 11 x 20 in.).
It works well for camping trips, offering cozy warmth without adding a lot of weight. This sleeping bag has a memory foam bottom, which adds an extra layer of comfort between you and the cold ground. Mummy bags are popular for both camping and backpacking, but rectangular bags are roomier and can offer an even better sleeping experience.