A backpacking sleeping bag is typically in the 2- to 3-pound range. For those looking to travel fast and far, or for those traveling into alpine terrain, a lighter-weight bag makes that possible. A bag in the 3- to 4-pound range can be used for backpacking, and these models are often more comfortable to sleep in, but they also take up more space and add weight to an already heavy pack. Anything above 4 pounds is generally best for car camping and recreational use. I’m a journalist who writes about outdoor and fitness gear for several publications, including Outside, Forbes and the REI Co-op Journal. 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 Big Bay also has a cinchable hood, no-snag zipper and plush collar, plus it allows for foot ventilation, just like the Forte. I tested the Coleman Big Bay 20° against 12 other sleeping bags for an in-depth sleeping bag roundup and awarded it the best value sleeping bag at $120. This mummy-style bag will keep you toasty warm without feeling restrictive, like some sleeping bags that taper in drastically at the feet. It’s also got a handful of features like a no-snag zipper and plush draft collar that add to its appeal.
Refunds are issued to the original form of payment, unless returned in store where some exclusions may apply. Sleeping bags are versatile and can be used in different ways both at home and while camping. Around the home, slumber bags are commonly used for sleepovers with friends. Consider using one or more to create a cozy spot for reading or watching movies.
The full-cover construction locks in the heat by eliminating quilting cold spots, making it perfect for extreme weather sleeping. You’ll stay comfy with lightweight Coletherm® hollow polyester insulation and the Thermolock™ draft tube helping to keep your body heat in the bag. The soft flannel lining and pillow gives you extra warmth and comfort from head to toe, while the Comfort Cuff™ design makes sure you only have soft fabric around your face while you sleep.
And when you’re camping, nothing’s more important than a good night’s sleep. 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 coleman air mattress your bag’s longevity. In this metric, we also noted each bag’s packed weight and then scored each on how easily it rolled up and fit into its storage bag. At 5.5 pounds, the Brazos is one of the lighter bags on our list. However, fitting it into its stuff sack is a different story — think round hole, square peg.
Based on our most recent testing, it appears the latest version of the Brazos is significantly more watertight. We poured a cup of water directly onto our bag’s shell, and it stayed pooled on top without permeating the interior during the entire 5-minute test. We gave the Brazos a moderate score for its features.
Browse through lightweight sleeping bags that are designed with a warm outer shell and a soft inner liner for comfort. The superior box stitching keeps the insulation from shifting to help eliminate cold spots. 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.
For retail purchases returned without a receipt, the refund will be issued as a store merchandise
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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.
People Companies That Care Logo is used under license, © 2022, TI Gotham, Inc. When it comes to packed size, the Brazos landed close to the middle out of all of the bags we tested. It isn’t the largest bag in our lineup, but it certainly isn’t the smallest. Durable zippers and a draft tube allow for easy entry and exit. When it comes down to it, you’re going to have to sacrifice something for a price point this low. After our testing, the thing we found missing from the Brazos compared to other bags was comfort.