Sleeping Bag Reviews

Searching the internet for the best sleeping bag is exhausting. So, I've compiled sleeping bag reviews of the top five sleeping bag models in important categories.

With so many companies producing sleeping bags, it is impossible to find a clear consensus on what bag is best for you.

You need to take your considerations into account by thinking about the environments you will be using it in and why you need it.

While I personally have not experimented with every below model, I've scoured the internet, read reviews, am familiar with models and understand when a sleeping bag is designed with extraneous bells and whistles.

If you have a model suggestion, you can contribute to the discussion at the bottom of the page with a sleeping bag review of your favorite bag. Or, read the suggestions of others.

Below you will find sleeping bag reviews for the top model in the following categories:

• Cold weather sleeping bag
  
  
• Ultralight sleeping bag, or backpacking sleeping bag
  
  
• Kid sleeping bags
  
  
• Compact sleeping bags for either wilderness backpacking or touring the world
  
  
• Car camping sleeping bag
  
  
• ... And what Top 5 list is complete without a bonus? Also a sleeping bag review for the best cheap sleeping bag

Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bag

A cold weather sleeping bag is defined as a winter sleeping bag. For this reason, it requires a temperature rating of at least 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cold weather sleeping bags are designed to maximize heat retention. All features on a sleeping bag of this nature should revolve around the central theme of maintaining heat.

For a winter or cold weather sleeping bag, there is no question about it. All sleeping bag reviews point to the Sherpa Adventure +0 Sleeping Bag as your best option.

The reason I have selected the Sherpa Adventure as the best cold weather sleeping bag for review is its flawless, intelligent design:

• Zipper Location - Placed in the center of the sleeping bag, allowing you to use your hands without losing heat
  
  
• Utility Pocket - Located near your head and permitting you to access your headlamp in the middle of the night--again, without losing heat
  
  
• Trapezoidal Construction - Eliminates the possibility of cold pockets developing and keeps insulation properly distributed
  
  
• Weight - All this for only 3lbs, 12 ounces

The only place you can get the Sherpa is at REI. In addition to the Sherpa, you can find all your family camping gear at REI.com, too

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Ultralight sleeping bags are designed for overnight backpacking into the wilderness.

For Glacier National Park, you need a sleeping bag with around a 20 degree temperature rating. This applies for other mountainous parks, such as Yellowstone, Tetons, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite and anywhere in the Northeast.

Sleeping bag reviews for the best ultralight sleeping bag model are unanimous in selecting the Go Lite Adrenaline +20 Sleeping Bag as the best ultralight sleeping bag.

Even Outside '09 Spring Buyer's Guide states that the "Go Lite Adrenaline 20 packs down to the size of a loaf of bread. At less than 2 lbs... (it's) about a half-pound lighter than average 20 degree sleeping bags".

In fact, that sleeping bag review does not do the Go Lite Adrenaline justice. Not only does it weigh less than 2 pounds, it weights 1 pound, 4 ounces. For ounce counting backpackers and through-hikers, this is HUGE.

What makes this ultralight sleeping bag even better is that it employs a goose down fill while simultaneously using a waterproof shell. This means that even if it gets wet, it will not become useless, like other down sleeping bags would

Learn more about the Go Lite Adrenaline +20 Sleeping Bag

Best Compact Sleeping Bags

Compact sleeping bags are designed to be lightweight and to crunch down into a pancake. While the Go Lite Adrenaline is a good option, for a few extra ounces you can shave many dollars.

In this instance, sleeping bar reviews point to the Marmot Arroyo as one of the best compact sleeping bags.

The Arroyo has all the benefits you need in a compact sleeping bag, including:

• Lightweight - Weighs a mere 1 pound, 9 ounces
  
  
• Comfort - 800 Goose down fill makes it so you are sleeping on feathers
  
  
• Compactability - Includes a tiny stuff sack you can squeeze it into
  
  
• Mummy Design - Excellent heat retention

Learn more about the Marmot Arroyo

Best Kid Sleeping Bags

When purchasing a youth sleeping bag, you don't want to spend big bucks for a bag they will quickly grow out of. However, you can't shop at Wal-Mart for it, or the bag will not meet your demands.

This is where REI comes in. REI delivers award-winning outdoor camping equipment at a discounted price, when compared to big name brands. For your kid's sleeping bag, this is the route you should take.

In particular, I suggest the REI Kindercone. While you cannot take this for an overnight backpacking trip because of its weight, for car camping with your kid, there is no better bang for your buck.

Learn more about the REI Kindercone Sleeping Bag.

Car Camping Sleeping Bag

If you are planning to only camp in the front country and from your car, your demands are different than everyone else.

When you are determining a car camping sleeping bag, you want the best priced sleeping bag that offers you the following benefits:

• Appropriate temperature rating, which is about +32 -- if you are cold, just toss some extra blankest in there
  
  
• Synthetic material - Cheaper than goose fill while also heavier -- but who cares about weight when car camping?
  
  
• Bells & Whistles - Car camping is all about comfort, so why not have a bag that provides you with everything you need?

For car camping, sleeping bag reviews for the best priced sleeping bag that should meet all your demands is the Kelty Lightyear XP.

It is synthetic, mummy designed to maintain heat, has a +20 degree temperature rating so you can use it for 3 seasons and zippers by the feet for added ventilation (bells & whistles).

Learn more about the Kelty Lightyear XP

Best Cheap Sleeping Bag

When I say cheap, I do not mean in design. A cheap sleeping bag is a well-priced sleeping bag that should meet almost all your needs and demands.

For a cheap sleeping bag, all sleeping bag reviews point to the North Face Cat's Meow.

Costing less than $160, this cheap sleeping bag has a +20 degree temperature rating, is light enough to be used while backpacking, employs a mummy design for heat retention, has a pocket at chest level for your headlamp, and compacts into a stuff sack.

Quite frankly, of all the sleeping bag reviews I've done, it does not get better than this. You will not find as cheap of a sleeping bag that provides you with everything you could need for all Fall, Spring and Summer outdoor camping.

Learn more about the North Face Cat's Meow

YOUR Sleeping Bag Reviews

Do you have a favorite sleeping bag that you would like to share?

Go ahead and contribute to the discussion. We'd love to hear from you.

Be sure to include:

• What model sleeping bag you are reviewing
  
  
• What type of sleeping bag it is (for example, a cold weather sleeping bag, cheap sleeping bag etc.
  
  
• Where you have used it and for what type of activities
  
  
• Why you love (or hate) your sleeping bag

What Sleeping Bag Do You Use?

I've only listed 6 sleeping bags, but hundreds exist.

I know you have an opinion, and we'd love to read YOUR sleeping bag review.

It's so easy and will help many outdoor enthusiasts and US National Park visitors out.

Go ahead and review your sleeping bag.

Click on the links below for sleeping bag reviews, all written by those who've been on this page.

More Sleeping Bag Information

Best Sleeping Bag: Don't let cold weather or wet nights ruin your vacation -- learn how to pick the Best Sleeping Bag for you

Store it right: Proper sleeping bag storage is vital to ensuring the longevity of your newly purchased sleeping bag.

Backpacking Sleeping Bags: For overnight wilderness adventures, you need an Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Kid Sleeping Bags: Don't have your child get sick in a hand-me-down sleeping bag. Reviews of the best youth sleeping bags and why your boy or girl needs one.

Stay healthy: Even with the best sleeping bag separating you from the ground, you still need additional protection to guarantee your health. Get it with a sleeping bag pad

Marmot Sleeping Bags Marmot makes some of the best sleeping bags on the market. Read reviews of Marmot Sleeping Bags

Discount Sleeping Bags: Learn tips and secrets for finding a cheap sleeping bag on the internet.

Sleep next to a warm body: If you plan to only car camp, consider purchasing double sleeping bags.

Compress Your Sleeping Bag: The best way to save room and cut down on weight in your backpack is with compact sleeping bags

Taking Your Dog: Interested in taking your dog camping? Read my advice on hiking with your dog and find a dog sleeping bag to keep your canine warm.

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Sleeping Bag Reviews to the Glacier National Park Travel Guide