The Coleman Big Game is also durable thanks to its fiberlock construction that reduces cold spots and stops insulation from shifting. This sleeping bag is highly portable due to its easy-to-roll and pack design. It’s not cheap outfitting an entire camping setup, and for those who plan to add backpacking into the mix, the cost can get out of hand quickly. If this sounds like you, choosing a crossover camping/backpacking bag is a viable way to save. A few models above can pull double duty for both activities with few compromises, including the Nemo Disco 15 and Kelty Cosmic Down 20.
And with a quality hood cinched around the top of your head, you can really maximize the temperature rating potential. If you find yourself at higher elevations or in colder temperatures, a mummy bag is a great option. To crown the Big Bay the best value sleeping bag, I tested it against 12 other models, including mummy bags, rectangular bags, odd-shaped bags and synthetic and down bags (and a combination of the two). In a controlled environment, I ran a heat-retention test using a wire probe thermometer and hot water bottles.
This makes it less restrictive inside, particularly for side sleepers and those prone to tossing and turning. You pay a steep premium at $320, but the versatility does help justify the cost—no need to purchase (or store) a separate bag for backpacking. We did not have high expectations for the warmth of this $35 sleeping bag, but as it turns out, it’s sort of better than it has any right to be. It’s often listed as the Brazos 30; however, its 30°F (-1°C) temperature rating is in fact the comfort rating, while the tested lower limit is 20°F (-6.7°C). This is accomplished using Coletherm synthetic polyester insulation that utilizes what Coleman calls Fiberlock construction to keep the insulation from shifting and creating cold spots. There’s also a Thermolock draft tube along the zipper to hold in body heat.
Each year we add a few new pieces of camping gear to make our trip more comfy. This year, I focused on finding the perfect sleeping bags for camping. We just used bedding from home but I don’t like lugging that around and it doesn’t pack up as conveniently as sleeping bags. When I found my perfect picks, Coleman provided samples in order to facilitate review. Sleep comfortably under the stars in the Coleman® Autumn Trails 20 Big & Tall Sleeping Bag, even when the temperature drops to 20°F outside. Lightweight for Coletherm® hollow polyester insulation helps keep you comfortable all night long.
The large oval opening requires some modest flexibility and patience to get out of, but going zipper-less can be nice. There’s no fumbling in the night for the zipper pull, and you don’t have to worry about snags or heat loss (if the bag lacks a good draft tube). But in the end, we don’t see the zipper-less concept completely taking over the market.
It has a built-in pillowcase, so have a designated pocket to hold a pillow, supporting your head and neck while you sleep. This sleeping bag has a 30°F temperature rating, which is recommended for cold summer nights coleman lantern or springtime use, keeping you warm in temperatures above freezing. It features Thermolock technology, which includes an extra layer of insulation along the zipper, reducing heat loss through the opening.
I’ve laundered the Big Bay once, and the insulation has stayed in place. This bag should last you for many years, and to ensure it does, it comes with a 5-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects and workmanship. The sleeping bag stands out for camping in cooler months or at high altitudes, given you can sleep in comfort at low temperatures (up to 20F). The reason we feel the Brazos is award-worthy is because it perfectly balances cost with basic necessities. If you want a basic bag that can hold its own against bags that are much more expensive, the Brazos is certainly a good option. In particular, it’s great for kids and teens and for any camper who just wants the basics.
You don’t need to tie the bag up to pack, transport, and store it perfectly. The sleeping bag also has a comfort cuff (a lining that surrounds your face offering comfortable softness). There is no concern about rolling in this sleeping coleman sleeping bag bag thanks to the roll control feature and ZipPlow that prevents zipper snagging. A third type is the no-zip style, which is limited to a couple designs (none of which made our list), including a handful from Sierra Designs.
We like this bag’s interior pocket, especially because it has a Velcro closure, but it is a little too small. We also like the density of the bag and found that the manufacturer’s Fiberlock Construction really does prevent insulation from shifting and moving after the bag has been extensively used. We feel it would be great for young kids or teens, both of which tend to be hard on shoes, clothes, cars, and just about everything else. This bag will stand up to their spills, mistakes, and overall mistreatment.
You can read my in-depth review of the best sleeping bags, including the Coleman Big Bay 20° as the best value for car camping and general use. The Coleman Big Bay 20° is rated for a lower temperature limit of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which seems about right based on my experience. Wearing long johns and wool socks, I crawled into the Big Bay, napped on a cot in 32-degree weather and found it comfortably warm. 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. The Coleman Kids sleeping bag also stands out for a kid-friendly design.