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. Both bags weigh less than 3 pounds, compress reasonably small for coleman lantern stuffing into a pack, and offer enough warmth for most three-season adventures. Sleeping bags inherently are barebones, but we’ve seen an uptick in available features on many mid-range and high-end models of late. Notable extras worth calling out are built-in pillows or pillow sleeves (the Nemo Disco and Forte Endless Promise boast the latter), which are a nice luxury for those annoyed by camp pillows that tend to move in the night.
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. Put simply, the in-and-out convenience and ability to use the bag as a blanket with a full-zip sleeping bag is the better answer for most campers.
Mummy bags typically have a ¾-length side zip that requires some wriggling to get in and out of and can’t be opened up completely should you want to zip the sleeping bag together with another compatible bag. Not only is it easy to create a large and comfortable space for two if you zip it to another bag, but unzipping the bag on its own opens it up for use as a blanket. And if the bag has a tough exterior shell, you can use it as an outdoor picnic blanket in a pinch.
This bag will stand up to their spills, mistakes, and overall mistreatment. 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.
And keep in mind the temperature rating is closer to a survivability rating rather than being comfortable and warm. Other factors to consider are your age—people typically don’t sleep as warm the older they get—and whether you are a cold or warm sleeper. Most campers stick to the warmer months for their outdoor adventuring, and as a result, most of the sleeping bags on this list are rated in the degree range.
A final shape worth mentioning is the semi-rectangular bag, which—as the name implies—shares commonalities with both rectangular and mummy designs. In terms of dimensions, they’re typically roomier than standard mummy bags (particularly at the shoulders and hips) but not overly generous like some rectangular models. All in all, semi-rectangular bags typically offer a good mix of comfort and weight, shaving away excess material while still providing enough space to roll around during the night.
For instance, Nemo’s Disco 15 and Forte Endless Promise 20 have roomier fits than most traditional mummy bags, with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows. The Coleman Kids sleeping bag is arguably the best sleeping bag for kids out there today. While kids can use adult sleeping bags, they aren’t as comfortable and fun.
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 coleman lantern for foot ventilation, just like the Forte. Mummy sleeping bags trim away material in the shoulders, hips, and feet for a shape that mimics your body. The advantage of having a tapered cut is there is little extra space for cold spots to creep in.