Not using the right sleeping bag can quickly ruin your night (or even your trip). For a well-rested day, invest in a sleeping bag made with high-quality materials.
If you have the right sleeping bag, you can still get a good night’s rest no matter what the weather conditions are outside.
The overall best choice for a cold weather sleeping bag is the Marmot CWM -40, which is rated for use in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.
Top 10 Comfortable and Worthwhile Sleeping Bags for 2022
Click to read more about each of our top picks:
| Ranking | Products | Pros | Cons | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | Marmot CWM -40 | Rated for use in extreme weather Weather Resistant Material Insulated with 800+ fill |
Very expensive, but often goes on sale | Buy at Marmot |
| First Runner-Up | Sea To Summit Spark 40 | Top Rated 850+ Ultra Dry Down Lightweight at only 12 oz |
Pricey- costs above $300 | Buy at REI |
|
Second Runner-Up |
Nemo Disco 15 | Nylon water-repellent liner Large enough for thick clothes and layers Thermal vents for warmth |
Left Zipper | Buy at REI |
| Best for Warmth | Feathered Friends Swallow YF 30 Sleeping Bag | Available in 20 and 30 degree options 100% nylon Pertex Great for backpacking and winter camping. |
Expensive compared to competition | Buy at Feathered Friends |
| Budget Friendly | REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 25 | Stash pocket inside of the hooded sleeping bag Water-resistant fabric Hood can fit a pillow |
Large size lets heat out | Buy at REI |
| Most Compact | Montbell Seamless Down Hugger WR 900 | Unique design Easy to fold with detailed instructions Compact Comes with storage bag and stuff pack Ultralight Weatherproof |
Expensive price | Buy at MontBell |
| Best for Backpacking | Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20 | Great for backpacking Inexpensive option against other competitors Lightweight |
Large size even when compressed | Buy at Kelty |
| Most Versatile | Poler Napsack | Can be worn as a poncho Available in multiple sizes |
Only rated to 50 degrees | Buy at Backcountry |
| Best for Wet Camping | Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 | Highly compressible Innovative material for heat insulation Water-resistant Integrated sleeping pad sleeve Footwarmer pocket |
Material can rip easily | Buy at BackCountry |
|
Most Long-Lasting |
KUIU Super Down 15 | Baffle design Warmth Weather-resistant technology Full zipper with double sliders |
Expensive Too short for people over 6 feet tall |
Buy at KUIU |
How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag
Sizing
Price
Material
Additional Features
FAQ
Tips and Tricks for Elongating the Life of Your Sleeping Bag
How To Clean a Sleeping Bag
Conclusion
The Top 10 Most Comfortable Sleeping Bags for 2022
If comfort is your main criteria for a sleeping bag, look no further than these snug and comfortable picks.
1. Overall Winner: Marmot CWM -40
The overall winner by a landslide is the Marmot CWM -40 sleeping bag. It is a favorite for us because of how comfortable, warm, and compact it is. This sleeping bag is one of the warmest on our list, and is suitable for use in temperatures as low as -40 degrees.
The insulation is top quality and perfect for cool winter and fall months. It is considered our overall winner because of its warmth, compactness, and features like a wraparound footbox.
A unique additional feature that this overall winner brings is a down-filled draft tube that blocks out cold air.
- Pertex Shield waterproof/breathable shell
- Stuff sack included
- Cross-baffle construction eliminates cold spots
- Ultra-warm hood
2. Best for Spring/Summer Camping: Sea to Summit Spark 40
Although the Sea to Summit Spark 40 is only rated to 40 degrees, it is top rated as a favorite amongst hikers and campers worldwide. With excellent and unique features like a long length and light fill weight, the sleeping bag is very versatile.
The Sea to Summit Spark is easy to fold away. It weighs less than one pound and can be quickly packed into a backpack.
The Sea to Summit Spark 40 sleeping bag receives high marks for warmth and comfort. The lightweight yet plush material provides plenty of cushioning, while the contoured mummy shape offers excellent insulation.
Although this sleeping bag is not a good choice for extremely cold weather, it’s a good pick for warmer weather adventures, keeping you warm without overheating.
- Mainly made of nylon material
- Comes in bright colors
- Perfect for spring and summer camping
- Compact and easy to pack
3. Best for Side Sleepers: Nemo Disco 15
Side sleepers, the Nemo Disco 15 is the sleeping bag for you. The Nemo Disco 15 has a trademarked “Classic Spoon” shape that allows you to sleep on your side, unlike traditional mummy bags. Your head won’t be left out in the cold either, as the hood of this sleeping bag provides extra warmth and protection.
Overheating isn’t a problem in the Nemo Disco 15 thanks to the built-in thermal vent. An extra-long size makes this sleeping bag comfortable for campers as tall as 6’5. Unfortunately, this extra length can sometimes mean the bottom of the sleeping bag (and your feet) can get cold. (Cold feet? Check out our list of heated socks that can keep you toasty while camping.)
- Small and compressible
- Warm with water-repelling materials
- Overall weight is less than 2lbs
- Great for tall people
4. Best for 20 or 30 Degree Weather: Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20/30 Sleeping Bag
The Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20/30 Sleeping Bag is available in two options, one that is rated for 20 degrees and one rated for 30 degrees.
Both models feature a hood with a collar that helps trap heat around your neck. Need extra warmth around the campfire? Check out our list of the 9 best outdoor blankets.
This sleeping bag also comes in two different sizes, regular (183 cm) and long (198 cm).
- Available in different temperature ratings
- Water-repelling technology
- Storage bag and stuff sack included
- Easy to clean
5. Budget Friendly: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 25
A sleeping bag is a big investment, but the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 25 is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to sleep well at the campsite. This sleeping bag costs less than $200, which is a steal compared to other bags on this list.
The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 25 features a large hood that’s roomy enough to fit a pillow. Made from a recycled polyester shell and synthetic fill, this bag will keep you warm through temperatures as low as 25 degrees.
Use the two-way zippers to open this versatile sleeping bag fully and use it as a quilt.
At 4 lbs. 11 oz., this bag is one of the heavier models on our list.
- Affordable option amongst competition
- Regular and long sizes are available
- Overall temperature rating of 25 degrees Fahrenheit
6. Most Compact: Montbell Seamless Down Hugger WR 900
Every ounce of weight counts on a backpacking trip, so if you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight sleeping bag, check out the Montbell Seamless Down Hugger WR 900. Weighing just 557 grams, this sleeping bag is easy to carry and packs down small.
The Montbell is so sleek thanks to a trademarked baffle-less construction. An insulated flap over the zipper keeps cold air out, and a seam-sealed GORE-TEX INFINIUM exterior makes the bag weather-proof.
- One-way right hand zipper
- Drawcord hood adjuster
- Tapered, bias stretch sack makes packing easy
- Made for campers 6 feet tall and shorter
7. Best for Backpacking: Kelty Cosmic 20
When you’re carrying everything you need in your backpack, a compact sleeping bag is crucial. The Kelty Cosmic 20 sleeping bag is built for backpackers with a focus on affordability, material, and size.
At just over $150, this is one of the cheapest sleeping bags on our list. (The price varies by size, and the Cosmic is available in short, regular in long.)
Featuring a lightweight yet warm 550 fill down, the Cosmic weighs just 2 lb. 7 oz. A zippered internal stash pocket gives you a place to store your phone, headlamp, and other essentials during the night.
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and fold
- Clean design
- Nylon material
8. Most Versatile: Poler Napsack
The Poler Napsack is perfect for car camping, when weight and space isn’t a big concern. This unique sleeping bag can be unzipped, cinched up and worn as a jacket or poncho.
This sleeping bag is a great choice for summer trips, as the bottom can be unzipped to cool off your feet.
- Easy to use design
- Works as a jacket and poncho
- Reversible design
- 9 color options
9. Best for Wet Weather Camping: Therm-a-Rest Questar 20
Don’t let rain or snow keep you from your camping trip. Instead, pack the Therm-a-rest Questar 20 which will keep you dry in rough conditions.
Although it is expensive, it is worth the cost as the sleeping bag is super water-resistant and the Nikwax hydrophobic treatment will help the down retain warm even if it gets wet. (Pair the Therm-a-Rest with a choose a water-resistant backpack from our comprehensive list for the ultimate wet weather camping combo.)
- Full-length zipper with vents and draft
- Hood is adjustable, foldable
- Foot warming pocket
10. Longest-Lasting: KUIU Super Down 15
A good sleeping bag can be a lifelong investment, and the KUIU Super Down 15 is one of the most durable on the market. The sleeping bag is insulated with a water-resistant 850+ fill-power Quixdown (a Polish goose down treated with DWR) to retain warmth in all weather conditions.
- Worth the price
- Insulation- 850+ fill-power Quixdown
- Minimizing heat loss
How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag
The right sleeping bag varies from person to person. There are a number of factors to take into account when deciding which sleeping bag to buy, including what temperature you’ll be using it, size, price, and more.
Sizing
Sizing is really important for sleeping bags. Picking one that’s too big for you can let in cold air, whereas you’ll be uncomfortable if you choose one that’s too small.
Sizing goes beyond the overall length of a sleeping bag—the depth of a sleeping bag also matters. It is important to find the sweet spot where the inside of the sleeping bag is not too tight and not too loose.
Surprisingly, the size and the ‘tightness’ of sleeping bags also varies depending on the use. For example, the tighter a sleeping bag is, the more heat will be trapped inside. However, if it is hot outside, a cooler and lighter sleeping bag with more space can be more comfortable.
Price
Sleeping bags vary widely in price. You can find a sleeping bag for under $100 or over $1,000. Carefully consider what features are most important to you (weight, warmth, size, etc.) and decide what you must have and what you can sacrifice to save money.
More expensive sleeping bags tend to be lighter weight, whereas cheaper bags tend to be heavier and bulkier.
Material
Look for a water-repellent material for your sleeping bag, which will protect you from wet ground at your campsite or unexpected rainstorms. The material can also have a big influence on the weight of the sleeping bag.
Additional Features
There are a number of other features you might want to consider in your search for the perfect sleeping bag. Here are a few things to look for:
- Left or right side zipper
- Compression ability
- Weight
- Hood
- Stash pocket
- Insulated footbox
How to Prolong the Life of Your Sleeping Bag
A well-made sleeping bag can last you for many years if you take care of it. However, if you don’t treat it correctly, it can lose its compressibility and fluffiness.
- Don’t store your sleeping bag compressed in the stuff sack. This can cause the fill of the sleeping bag to flatten out, and after awhile, it won’t bounce back when unrolled.
- Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before putting it away, otherwise mold can grow on it.
- Occasionally re-treat your sleeping bag with water-repellent, as sleeping bags can lose their water-resistance over time.
How To Clean a Sleeping Bag
While there are some brands and styles of sleeping bags that can be machine washed, the best way to clean a sleeping bag is generally to hand-wash it.
Use a bathtub, lukewarm water, and a small amount of detergent. Soak the sleeping bag in lukewarm water for about five minutes before adding the detergent.
With your hands, scrub the water and detergent mixture into the sleeping bag, focusing on any areas with stains. Then drain the water and rinse out the detergent, squeezing the sleeping bag until the water runs clear.
If you have a drying rack, hang your sleeping bag to dry. While drying machines can dry your sleeping bag in no time, the heat will damage the material.
The Best All-Around Sleeping Bag
Out of the ten amazing sleeping bags on this list, we chose the Marmot CWM -40 because of its incredible warmth rating, useful features, and durability.
The Sea to Summit Spark 40 came a close second as the runner-up on our list of the best sleeping bags for 2022. With its light liner and comfortable material, this is a solid choice for trips that won’t dip into super low temperatures.
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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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