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. Coleman doesn’t provide the bag’s weight, but I weighed it in its compression sack at 4.2 pounds using my kitchen scale. Even though that’s only an extra few ounces, when you’re hiking over challenging terrain, you start feeling that added weight very quickly. If you want to use the Big Bay to test out backpacking on a one- or two-night trip, it’s manageable. If you plan to camp a lot and see backpacking in your future, the Nemo Forte is a worthy upgrade for a synthetic sleeping bag. If you plan to camp a few times a year, and mostly at campsites, the Big Bay will save you money and keep you as warm.
Hybrid-shaped bag, with a mummy-shaped head and a rectangular bottom for extra foot space. We don’t suggest the Brazos for really cold weather; however, for normal late spring, summer, and early fall camping, this bag will work overtime to keep you warm — as long as you can fit in it. During our controlled warmth tests, we used a laser thermometer to measure this bag’s ability to retain heat. When not using the Big Bay sleeping bag, store it in a large, breathable bag.
Look through sleeping bags that will keep you warm throughout the night thanks to the Thermolock™ draft tube that prevents heat from escaping through the zipper. These sleeping bags also come with a convenient interior tuck pocket that lets you securely store small coleman sleeping bag essentials, so you don’t have to sleep with them in your pockets. Browse through a wide collection of sleeping bags and find the perfect pick. Our annual family camping trip does not involve hiking and then camping so we weren’t looking for tiny sleeping bags.
Here is a selection of four-star and five-star reviews from customers who were delighted with the products they found in this category. We’ve tested several versions of the Brazos over the years, and we were impressed with this latest model’s ability to resist water. In the past, the Brazos performed very poorly in our water tests.
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. As mentioned, it’s on the small side, so if you’re taller than 5 feet 11 inches, or you have a larger build, there are better options. Gear designed for the outdoors will get dirty, but there are ways to prevent dirt and oil on your body and clothes from breaking down a bag. That’s not always feasible when camping, but sleeping in a clean base layer or pajamas increases your bag’s longevity.
Anytime a company adds features or upgraded components to a sleeping bag, it adds to the cost. When you’re new to camping, the goal is to find a sleeping bag that has the features you need and none of the ones you don’t, which is what the Big Bay offers. The hood is the nicest add-on coleman air mattress because it helps retain heat and adds comfort. It’s cinchable, with a simple nylon cord and plastic toggle that aren’t that fancy but get the job done. The nicest comfort touch is the added fleece in the footbox; it adds a touch of coziness to an already plush and comfortable bag.