They serve as a solid foundation in determining which bag is right for you. However, these metrics become the most helpful when you have a clear idea of the type of camping you plan to do. For example, the warmest bag may not be as important to you if you only camp in the summer or lower elevations where the air is warmer. In the end, the best camping sleeping bag for you is the bag that gives you the most value by matching your specific needs. Whether you’re living the van life full-time or stocking up for your first camping trip, there’s a lot of essential gear to consider.
It’s also small and confining, especially if you’re taller or have broad shoulders. Likewise, the Coleman Kompact 20, shares the same dimensions and grabby interior as the Brazos. The shape coleman cabin tent is simple but the bag is pleasant and comfortable all-synthetic, and it is also machine washable. This Coleman Big Basin 15 Big and Tall Adult Sleeping Bag is hooded and very large.
When it comes to packed size, the Brazos lands right in the middle out of all of the bags we tested. We also scored each bag on how easy it rolled up and fit into its storage bag. It rolls up easily and fits into its stuff sack with a little bit of effort. It’s also quite a stretch, but it could double as a backpacking bag if you’re in a pinch. When not using the Big Bay sleeping bag, store it in a large, breathable bag.
They come with a water-repellent finish to keep them moisture-resistant for all backpacking and hiking trips. You don’t need to wash your sleeping bag after every camping trip, but you should clean it once or twice a year, depending on how much you use it. Coleman recommends using a fabric softener, but do not use bleach. Tumble dry on low heat in as large a dryer as possible (high heat can burn the fabric or insulation).
Most will find it more comfortable than a mummy-style sleeping bag and easily worth it when your camping goal is a few miles from the car. It does the job in a pinch or for a beginner who doesn’t want to invest a lot of money on a quiver of multiple sleeping bags. We were also stunned by the packed size of the Exped MegaSleep Duo 25 Double. This two-person bag has a smaller packed size than all of the double and single bags we’ve ever tested — that’s a lot of bags.
Just as importantly, it’s supremely comfortable for camping thanks to its unique “spoon” shape, which resembles a mummy bag but with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows. This makes it less restrictive inside, particularly for side sleepers and those prone to tossing and turning. You do pay a premium compared with our top picks at $200, but we think the Forte hits a great middle ground for mixed car camping and backpacking use. For a fun take on warmth regulation and year-round comfort, The North Face’s One Bag features a unique layering system that allows you to swap between three different temperature ratings. During summer months or warm nights, you can use the basic synthetic-insulated bag with its 40-degree limit. Then, as the temperature drops, zip on the 800-fill goose down midlayer (to 20°F) or add the third section on top for winter camping (5°F rating).