Coleman’s ZipPlow is a specialized zipper mechanism that pushes away fabric from the zipper’s teeth to allow for a smooth opening and closing motion. Any sleeping bag you find today will come with a carrying case that is meant to house your bag when it’s not in use. Of course, experienced campers know that this is sometimes easier said than done. Most sleeping bags aren’t that easy to compress into a bag that’s barely large enough to hold it.
I didn’t test the big and tall version, but the hood design, insulation, draft tube, neck collar and zipper are all the same. 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 coleman sleeping bags duty for both activities with few compromises, including the NEMO Forte 20 and Kelty Cosmic Down 20. Both bags weigh less than 3 pounds, compress reasonably small for stuffing into a pack, and offer enough warmth for most three-season adventures. 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.
Camping always brings some unique challenges, but the last thing you want to deal with is a snagging zipper on your sleeping bag. If you’re camping in colder temperatures, you’ll certainly be sleeping in several layers of clothing in a tightly fitting sleeping bag. This can lead to snagging your zipper on your clothes — not to mention the bag fabric itself.
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. 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. Colorado-based Kelty has been in the camping business for a long time, and we like what they’ve come up with in the Galactic 30. What makes this bag unique is its combination of quality 550-fill-power down with a rectangular shape.
Instead of raising internal temperatures, the sleeping bag maintains temperatures (between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit). This sleeping bag also offers snag-free unzipping and zipping. The Coleman Sun Ridge also features ComfortCuff Fabric trim specifically meant to surround a camper’s face with comfortable softness. It offers a great compromise between the warmth of a mummy bag and the spaciousness of a rectangular bag. The hood, draft tubes, and hollow polyester insulation will keep you warm in cool to cold temperatures. This can often expose your body too much, leaving plenty of open space for cold air to get in.
At $76.00, this sleeping bag is costly to many, but it’s clear what you are paying for. The Coleman Sun Ridge sleeping bag reviews are overwhelmingly positive, although there are some people who feel the sleeping bag is small. We believe in offering the very best value, quality, and selection.