We observed substantial differences between these two categories in terms of weight and packed size. This is particularly important for people who run cold, or struggle with circulation. At least one Western Mountaineering bag appears on review roundups like Outdoor Gear Lab, Clever Hiker, Switchback Travel, and Section Hiker. To further investigate the bags, we looked at consumer reviews on REI, Backcountry, and manufacturer websites. Baker, Washington. There’s nothing worse than waking up with loose feathers flying all around you. ESSENTIALS. Want to learn more about how sleeping bag temperature ratings are determined? Sustainable Down Source hangtags will take you to the Down Tracker information for your specific bag or garment. Yes, when it comes to the women’s bag, REI named a 17-degree bag “15 degrees.” Treeline Review team members think this is REI’s attempt to capture more of the sleeping bag market since people are more likely to Google “Best 15-degree bag” rather than a 17-degree bag. It's also small and constrictive. Sleeping Bags . BEST AFFORDABLE BACKPACKING SLEEPING BAG: REI MAGMA 15 . If you're looking to go ultralight, we think a backpacking quilt is a better option. Try to pick the bag closest to your height without going under. We suggest ordering online because many of the sleeping bag models we recommend aren’t available in conventional outdoor stores to “try on” before purchase. One way is by using a groundsheet (aka, footprint) under your sleeping bag and sleeping pad whenever you’re sleeping without a tent (aka, cowboy camping). If dropping $500+ on a sleeping bag is just not going to happen, the REI Magma 15 (women’s and men’s) is a solid choice. Like you, I am less concerned about weight and more focused on sleeping comfort. The Magma 30 utilizes 15D Pertex Quantum fabrics, 850 fill power water-resistant down, an anti-snag zipper, an insulated yoke, and a trapezoidal footbox. The REI Igneo is a lightweight model, yet one that is well-insulated. Your sleeping bag is one of your most important pieces of gear for staying warm, both at night and during the day. It's also great to have a liner if unexpected cold weather pops up on an extended backpacking trip. Backpacking; Down sleeping bags - advice on losing feathers; Topic options. If dropping $500+ on a sleeping bag is just not going to happen, the REI Magma 15 (women’s and men’s) is a solid choice. $359.00. Second, lots of women's specific sleeping bags intentionally add extra insulation in key parts of the sleeping bag to help trap body heat in. Our pick for a Value Sleeping Bag: At under $400, the REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag is the lowest priced backpacking sleeping bag in this guide. I had previously thought a women’s sleeping bag was utter nonsense (what could be that different? Treeline Review co-founder Liz Thomas snapped this photo of her hiking partner Moni on the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado. Photo by Dan Slattery. Zpacks Offers Lightweight Backpacking Gear: Ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric / Cuben Fiber Tents Tarps Backpacks Down Sleeping Bags Rain Gear. Our reviewer explains why he is so attached to his REI Co-op Sub Kilo sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is simply an insulating layer and, as such, if you are cold when you climb inside, it will keep you cold. You may want to check out the REI Magma 15. If you’re in conditions that drop a bit below the temperature limit for the bag, the extra shoulder room gives you enough space to wear a down jacket for additional warmth. Temperature rating: 10°F Weight: 2 lbs. Down comes from ducks and geese, most of which are raised for food and not their feathers. When it comes to gear, it’s easy to go crazy shopping, so budget items come in handy, particularly if you’re a first-timer loading up on all the basics. $178.95. Sleeping Bags . Our hands-on test also confirmed that it achieves this low weight and respectable warmth without compromising comfort or versatility. The International Down and Feather Bureau test, inspect and evaluate down and feathers, grading the product based on the quality. We also recommend wearing a hat and socks on chillier nights. The simplified baffle pattern and draft collar are made with high quality nylon fabric and come stuffed with premium goose down (none of that subpar moose down, thank you very much). A sleeping bag like the REI Co-op Trailbreak 30 or REI Co-op Zephyr 20 sleeping bags could be a good option. Nemo sleeping bags provide a great won’t-break-the-bank place to lay your head at night, ideal if you’re new to camping. However, we recognize vegans may prefer a synthetic sleeping bag and are working on a best synthetic bag story. This is a good storage option. Shop Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag. For a brand to claim they use RDS down, they need to follow guidelines and a process described by Responsible Down. Sleeping Bags . Sleeping bags are a significant investment and when cared for, can and should last many years, even with heavy use. Despite its wallet-friendly price, the Kelty Tuck sleeping bag boasts lots of great features, like a zipper draft tube to keep outside air from making its way into your bed-away-from-bed. Additionally, this is a 3-season model that is limited to summer, spring, and fall. When it comes to backpacking sleeping bags, is it best to go for something expensive or something cheap? At the time of writing, the Magma 15 was the bestselling sleeping bag at REI.com. The two things we would note are the possibly cramped leg space and its use in winter. If you’re looking for tips on other backpacking gear, check out our: Best Backpacking Backpack guide, our Best Backpacking Tents guide, or our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads story. With a contoured and slightly angular hood, the headspace is nice and warm - like a less constricting mummy … It's also a bargain at $260. With such a huge investment as a sleeping bag, it’s important to know the manufacturer stands behind its product and provides excellent customer service. The amount of this down that would be necessary to fill a sleeping bag is cost prohibitive (did you see that mummy suit? Mummy bags are popular for both camping and backpacking, but rectangular bags are roomier and can offer an even better sleeping experience. Sleeping Bags . In this post, we'll go over all the things you need to know when choosing a backpacking sleeping bag, including: sleeping bag temperature ratings. Sleeping bags or quilts are just one part of a system to keep you warm at night. However, it's over 2 pounds but it only has 11 ounces of fill weight. Buy Now: $299. BEST OVERALL … hiking to the perfect location to pitch a tent and marvel at your surroundings, carrying everything you need with you, is the perfect way to really commune with the great outdoors. Treeline Review writer Amanda Jameson documents watching the sunrise on Mt. The synthetic down is completed recycled. It’s not down-filled, hence the budget price, but it features a synthetic alternative that Nemo claims is just as effective at trapping heat. Despite having a lower fill weight than other bags in this category, the Magma 30 still performed well at the lower limits of its temperature rating. Sleeping Bags . Cost was not a primary consideration in this roundup, because, as mentioned above, this is the one item in your kit you don’t want to skimp on. However, this is one area where there is near universal agreement among experienced outdoors people: of any piece of gear you want to invest in, it’s a sleeping bag. While there are 1000 fill power down options, such as in Rab’s Zero G Down Jacket, the Montbell Plasma jacket line, or Mountain Hardwear’s $1300 mountaineering mummy suit. Bonus — the liner will help keep your bag cleaner. The best budget backpacking sleeping bags are affordable while offering all the features essential for frugal adventurers. The Feathered Friends Swallow is the men’s version of the Egret. We think that if you take the proper precautions like using a waterproof pack liner, a waterproof compression sack, and even some waterproof backpacks, that an untreated down sleeping bag will serve you well even in wet conditions. We may earn a commission through links on our site. The Patagonia 850 Down 19F bag has a top zipper — a unique feature in our review. Men's Health participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Whitney from the warmth of a sleeping bag. Another sleeping bag under the label of REI Co-op is the Igneo 17 mummy sleeping bag with water-repellent down plus breathable fabric panels to create a sleeping bag perfect for wet conditions. I’ve put this engineer’s mindset to work when refining my backpacking gear choices over the years, honing in on details, learning about the nuances of material and design choices. Look no further than this ultra-cheap quilt style, one of the best backpacking sleeping bags under $100. Photo by Liz Thomas. The REI Co-op Down Time 0 ups the ante among the lower-priced down sleeping bags. However, blowing several hundred dollars on a sleeping bag probably doesn't make sense if you only go backpacking occasionally or are just getting introduced to the sport. It’s water-resistant but breathable, and available in 20 degree and 30 degree versions. This is a detailed step-by-step description of how to wash a sleeping bag. The REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag compares favorably to other sleeping bags in the 30 F (-1 C) category and is the most competitively priced. Ashley Davis is a New-York based writer that reports on fashion, shopping, art, wellness, weddings, and travel to media sources including New York Observer, Wallpaper, Artsy, The Adventurine, PureWow, and Fashion Unfiltered. Last season’s Magma bags made our top picks list, and these new bags are also at the very top of our 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags and Quilts list. We looked for bags with quality construction and durable materials that will stand the test of time. Premium Pick … More expensive models incorporate … The best uses for the Magma would be 3 season alpine backpacking and mild … These bags last decades and have a lot of happy customer reviews over the years. Two of the major high-end sleeping bag companies, Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends don't use waterproof down, citing they aren't adopting it because limited benefit and no data about performance over the long term yet. Running these events also keeps me on top of the newest available options for all kinds of backpacking gear. REI sleeping bags are fan favorites, and this one hits just the right balance between weight and warmth, ranking as one of the lightest, warmest sleeping bags. Just keep in mind that usually, the lighter the sleeping bag, the more it’s going to cost. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but the process is generally this: Wash bag in a front load washing machine (no agitators) on the gentle cycle and only use soap specifically formulated for down (Nikwax Down Wash). Another commonality of the bags recommended here is their down fill. 6:50. I've got my eyes … Almost all users were very satisfied with its warmth, perhaps because those who have wider shoulders and torsos often sleep warmer. Also look for features such as extra down in the footbox if you are prone to cold feet. It won the Outdoor Gear Lab’s Editor’s Choice Award. And it's expensive. The bag retails at about 3/4ths the price of the other sleeping bags we recommend, and you can save more if you time your … Unlike other ultra-premium down bags we tried, it also features spacious interior dimensions that provide superior comfort no matter your sleeping style. The Western Mountaineering UltraLite is a beloved bag for many, with an impressive 17 ounces of fill weight. Backpacking sleeping bags prioritize warmth, weight, and packability (small size when compressed). A sleeping bag is an essential piece of gear for backpacking. But as of writing, it’s under $300 on sale. However you choose to store your bag, be sure to keep it safely out of reach of pets - kitty claws are very attracted to down bags! Sleeping Bags . The Best Budget Sleeping Bag is the REI Magma. For that reason, we did not use waterproof down as a criteria to determine whether a sleeping bag made our list. You can expand the temperature range of your bag by using a sleeping bag liner. With a backpacking focus in mind, keeping the weight minimal is ideal. A mummy or fitted sleeping bag, this one was especially designed to provide enough room for side sleepers to rest comfortably. The 700 fill duck down bag is water repellent, and features nylon taffetta lining, and weights just 1 pound 13 ounces. the difference between synthetic vs down In this story, we’ll guide you through the differences and point you towards the most versatile sleeping bags designed to meet your many needs. We only want the same thing as you—the best gear at the best price. The bag retails at about 3/4ths the price of the other sleeping bags we recommend, and you can save more if you time your purchase with an REI sale or coupon promotion. All rights reserved. It also has a solid zipper and a nicely shaped footbox. As is the case with virtually all categories of … The day of departure … However, the Down Hugger #3 still makes a solid summer sleeping bag in most areas and is reasonably priced. There’s nothing like the memories you make getting away from daily life and embracing the beauty of nature on a camping trip.Take it from any camping aficionado—the further you delve into nature the more magical the experience. Feathered Friends is among the only bags we considered offered in 5’9” length, allowing outdoor enthusiasts at that height access to a better warmth-to-weight ratio than found in other bags. We hiked the 500-mile Colorado Trail with the Montbell 800 #3 and found the fabric incredibly soft. Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag ; $188.95. There’s an offset quilt construction to stabilize the insulation and prevent cold spots, and a two-sided muffler around the top with an adjustable cinch to block out the cold. Sleep warmly no matter what patch of ground you end up on. Shop for Backpacking Sleeping Bags at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Can you squeeze into the 6’0” bag? Any bags with similar characteristics that cost more than $200, we called a premium backpacking sleeping bag. $359.00. The REI Igneo is one of the most versatile sleeping bags on the market, so it doesn’t come with very many limitations. It’s much loved by outdoor enthusiasts. It has "thermo gills" on the top so you can vent heat during warm weather. It’s hard to believe you’ll ever get the bag back in that tiny stuff sack. The Cabin Creek 15 is a little heavier than the King Solomon, but it actually packs down to the same size — making this one of the few synthetic double sleeping bags you can take backpacking. But side-sleeping testers found that exposing the bottom of the bag resulted in cool spots. See our Best Sleeping Pads guide for more on how to choose an insulating pad. We observed substantial differences between these two categories in terms of weight and packed size. Many years and many bags later, wilderness camping has become an essential part of my life. Whichever sleeping bag model you choose, you should consider these criteria to a long-lasting bag that will serve you for years. Overall, … Leftover quill shafts and quill points can pop through the fabric. Of the sleeping bags we considered that made our finalist list, only the REI Magma has waterproof down. We also appreciate the opportunity to buy made in the USA products when feasible. The global poultry industry is highly regulated. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! That's something I'm arguing about with my SO. A high price tag doesn't necessarily mean premium quality and with hundreds of different products … See our section on How are Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Measured? It packs down to 2.6 liters. Several factors impact how likely feathers will escape through micro-holes in your sleeping bag’s fabric. However, upon first inspection, the REI Trail Pod 29 was much more plush, a desired trait for my casual (read: lazy) camping voyage. Pairing a sleeping bag with sleeping pad is key to comfort so you can get the rest you deserve, even when sleeping on the ground. They have many offerings to choose from. The backpacking sleeping bags mentioned here would also serve well for summer mountaineering and alpine climbing trips. Subscribe to RSS Feed; Mark Topic as New; Mark Topic as Read; Float this Topic for Current User; Bookmark; Subscribe; Mute; Printer Friendly Page; Highlighted. In general, weight is saved by using premium fill-power down (800+), thin shell fabrics and zippers, and trimmer profiles. Time it with a sale and a coupon code, and this bag is one heckuva deal. We liked that the Down Hugger is among the lightest weight bags we considered at 24 oz. The quality of the how the down is processed can also impact how likely you’ll wake up to escaped puff. EDITORS' CHOICE. Tight around your body, traps in warmth, and isn’t the best for sleepers that roll around a bunch. The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking of 2020 . Keep the tags on and you’ll still be able to return it if it doesn’t work out. REI Co-Op Magma 10 Sleeping Bag . According to the International Down Feather Bureau, from 2009 to 2013, 2.7 billion ducks and 653 million geese were raised for meat. I’ve been on the executive board of ALDHA-West (American Long Distance Hiking Association - West) for the past 4 years. A must-have for the best shut-eye under the stars. The Montbell Down Hugger 800 #3 is the least expensive bag of our picks at $319, and has some unique features that will appeal to side sleepers, tossers-and-turners, and people who sleep in a ball. The author in the Feathered Friends Egret on Mt. If further warmth is a must, the Magma bag adds additional down to push the comfort rating to 7°F. Let’s be clear, I already have a sleeping bag for backpacking (Big Agnes Roxy Ann), one that I am wildly happy with after researching and judging many bags. The Egret and the men’s version, the Swallow, don’t have any fancy features like lipbalm pockets or zippered vents. The Regular length bag weighs just under 20 ounces. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas. The final winners were all bags with overwhelmingly positive user experiences, with almost no complaints. They call both 15F bags, but the men’s bag is rated 28F/16F comfort/lower limit, and the women's is rated 17F/3F comfort/lower limit. The two things we would note are the possibly cramped leg space and its use in winter. You'll find the vast majority of bags are either a mummy sleeping bag or rectangular sleeping bag. 20 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags. REI teamed up with the auto makers at Toyota to build a waterproof coating for their lightweight, mummy style sleeping bag that was designed to tackle 19 degree temperatures. The items that will generally be the heaviest to carry in your pack are your tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag, so the rule of thumb is to select the lightest sleeping bag you can get away with. The REI Trail Hut 2 is a two-person tent double-wall tent with two doors and two vestibules. This minimizes size and therefore weight of the bag and also provides maximum warmth by not requiring you to heat up extra “dead air” space inside your bag. Reviewers at Switchback Travel, Outdoor Gear Lab, Clever Hiker have found the Magma to be not as warm as other bags marketed at the same temperature rating. OUTDOOR … The Egret also has more down in the footbox and torso, adding extra warmth to those areas which are more commonly colder for women. These bags are ultralight, ultra comfy, and much easier on your wallet than most bags with similar specs. But we think that even though both bags use Pertex fabrics, it’s a little like comparing a Ford Fiesta to a Ford Expedition and calling both Fords. 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