Ultralight Sleeping Bag Reviews

An ultralight sleeping bag is one of the best methods of reducing pack weight and becoming an ultralight backpacker.

But so many lightweight sleeping bag models exist--picking the best ultralight bag to meet your needs is a tough process.

Plus, some have astronomical costs. Are the costs justified? Let's find out.

In reviewing lightweight sleeping bags, it's clear that three ultralight sleeping bags rise above the rest:

• Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Sleeping Bag
  
  
• GoLite Adrenaline 20F Sleeping Bag
  
  
• Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina +32 Sleeping Bag

Below you will find reviews of each, the benefits, drawbacks and recommended environments. If you are trying to transition into ultralight backpacking, these ultralight sleeping bag reviews are your go-to resource.

Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina
+32 Sleeping Bag

Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags combine frugality with quality. While down sleeping bags are usually the best lightweight bags, the Ultralamina +32 is synthetic and ultralight. This means that it won't become useless when wet. BIG advantage if you backpack through wet environments.

The Ultralamina +32 Synthetic Sleeping Bag is superior to other lightweight sleeping bags in many ways:

• Cost - At less than $200, this Mountain Hardwear ultralight sleeping bag won't break the bank
  
  
• Lightweight - Less than 2 pounds. And yes, it's still synthetic
  
  
• Enhanced Loft - No more cold pockets

All these allowed the Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina +32 Sleeping Bag to be awarded the 2007 Gear of the Year award from Outdoor Magazine.

Still, this lightweight sleeping bag has its drawbacks.

Disadvantages include:

• Comfort - Synthetic fill simply isn't as comfortable as down filled sleeping bags
  
  
• Compactness - While this Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag is more compact than its predecessor, synthetic does not pack as tightly as down. No way around it.

Recommended Personality: Someone getting into ultralight backpacking that doesn't have an endless bank account OR an ultralight backpacker that hikes through wet regions, such as the US Southeast

Learn more about the Mountain Hardwear Ultralamina +32 Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Western Mountaineering Ultralite
20F Sleeping Bag

If there was a backpacker's dictionary, the definition of quality would be Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags. For ultralight backpacking equipment, few lightweight sleeping bags have all the benefits as the Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F sleeping bag, which include:

• Super lightweight - This ultralight sleeping bag weighs a mere 1 pound, 10 ounces
  
  
• European Goose Down - Down sleeping bags equate to comfort and with 850+ goose down fill, this Western Mountaineering sleeping bag is like sleeping on a cloud
  
  
• Cold Weather Sleeping Bag - The Western Mountaineering Ultralite sleeping bag is designed for 20F weather, meaning it can be used for three seasons and is ideal for Glacier National Park

On the other hand, there is a distinct disadvantage: Western Mountaineering sleeping bags are expensive.

While any lightweight sleeping bag will dent your bank account, the Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F equates out to a month's rent in some cities.

But, you get what you pay for and when it comes to ultralight backpacking, this ultralight sleeping bag will last years and is light as a feather.

Recommended Personality: A deep pocketed backpacker looking to go ultralight

Learn more about theWestern Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Sleeping Bag.

Golite Adrenaline Sleeping Bag

Down sleeping bags by GoLite, such as the Go Lite Adrenaline +20 Sleeping Bag, combine the best of all worlds.

The GoLite Adrenaline sleeping bag is not as expensive as the Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Sleeping Bag, but is down filled and more comfortable than the Mountain Hardwear lightweight sleeping bags.

Often, people debate GoLite Adrenaline vs Marmot Helium. Both are ultralight sleeping bags. But the GoLite Adrenaline is far superior and the Marmot Helium should not even be considered when debating between lightweight sleeping bags. It's more expensive, heavier, and has less down fill. Not what I want in a lightweight sleeping bag.

Advantages of GoLite Adrenaline Lightweight Bag include:

• Weight - Less than 2 pounds. That's ultralight.
  
  
• Down Fill - 800 Down Fill. While not as comfortable as the Western Mountaineering lightweight sleeping bags, 800 down still equates to extreme comfort
  
  
• Cost - While not inexpensive, you won't be evicted for buying this sleeping bag instead of paying rent

Another endorsement: The GoLite Adrenaline +20F Ultralight Sleeping Bag won 2009 Outside Gear of the Year Award AND the 2008 Backpacker Magazine Editors' Choice Award.

If you have the funds and are interested in an ultralight sleeping bag, nothing beats the down sleeping bags by GoLite.

Learn more about the Go Lite Adrenaline +20F Sleeping Bag.

More Ultralight Backpacking Gear Information

Ultralight Backpacking Gear - General information on Ultralight Backpacking Gear. Start here if you don't know where to begin.

Ultralight Backpacks - The first step in reducing pack weight is by purchasing an ultralight backpacks

Cookware - Your camping utensils are probably too heavy. Learn about titanium cookware, the best material for lightweight camping.

Solo Tent - If it's just you and nature, a solo tent is the way to go.

Ultralight Backpacking Tents - For the rest of us, lightweight backpacking tents for 2-3 people is necessary to become ultralight.

Alcohol Stoves - Find out if alcohol stoves are appropriate for your backpacking style.

Ultralight Fishing - Do you like fishing in the backcountry? No reason to abandon your love. Discover ultralight fishing rods and tackle.

Clothing - Lightweight outdoor clothing keeps you safe and reduces the need for extra clothing in your pack

Lightweight Tripod - A lightweight tripod can allow you long exposure and perfect composition in the backcountry.

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Ultralight Sleeping Bag Reviews to Glacier National Park Travel Guide