above, which is quite impressive given the Hyperion's hood and zipper. 7 oz.Fill: 16.6 oz. could be well worth it for some. We also like the gills, which allow you to release heat without unzipping the entire bag, and the included compression sack. Its hard to argue with the extra space, but the Sidewinder does clock in at 7 ounces less (with identical 650-fill down and 30D shell). Down does vary in quality, which is measured in fill power (covered below), but even a mid-grade down fill is the superior insulator. There is a lot going on with this bag: its decently spacious, has a unique zipper designed to stay out of your way when you turn over, a large hood with excellent coverage no matter your sleeping position, and extra padding (via synthetic insulation) at the hip and foot, which are major ground contact points for those who sleep on their side. Most notable is shape: the Big Agnes is slimmer in terms of dimensions at 61 inches in the shoulders and 55 inches at the hip (the Nemo is 64 and 59 inches, respectively). Specializing in down sleeping bags, this San Jose-based company has a complete collection for every sort of adventurer, ranging from durable and waterproof expedition bags to featherweight quilts. The goal of this combination is to bead up moisture and roll it off rather than allowing it to soak through to the down feathers beneath. In general, weight is saved by using premium fill-power down (800+), thin shell fabrics and zippers (often half-length), and trimmer profiles. 30 oz. Temperature rating: 20FWeight: 1 lb. 
In lieu of baffles, the Down Hugger utilizes a web of polyester threads (dubbed the Spider Baffle System) to keep the insulation in place, translating to more warmth with less down (read: less weight) compared to traditional designs. Below are the Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags and Quilts of 2022, Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF 20 ($479), Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt 30($310), See the Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt, See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15, Montbell Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3 ($309), See the Montbell Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3, See the Women's Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3, See the Men'sMarmot Trestles Elite Eco 20, Back to Our Sleeping Bag Comparison Table. For backpacking, we almost always favor down sleeping bags over syntheticsthey pack down smaller and provide more warmth for the weight. Summer bags can get away with using less insulation and will be highly compressible as a result. And with a direct-to-consumer model, Feathered Friends sleeping bags and other down products are exceptionally well-made and competitively priced for what you get. And for about the same price, the Sawtooth adds a few ounces of down and extra features for comfort, including an expandable footbox and dual-side zips at the collar. of down fill this bag with 7" of loft and the continuous baffles keep the bag versatile as the weather changes. And did we mention the incredibly small packed size? This 0 mummy bag has a full 66" of shoulder girth and 41" of foot girth to fit any bear sized person. Tack on an impressively soft interior, and you get a cozy setup for side sleepers and those who like a little extra room. of 950-fill downWhat we like: Hoodless design hits the sweet spot of weight and performance.What we dont: No zipper and very thin fabrics. In the case of hydrophobic down, the feathers are coated with a polymer that protects them from moisture and keeps them from clumping. The shoulder and hip measurements are the most significant in terms of comfort, which is why weve included them in the comparison table above. Keep up to date with Goings On Around the Mountain, Sierra Designs Nitro 800 - 20 Degree Bag. of synthetic (HL-ElixR Eco Micro)What we like: Good build quality and comfort.What we dont: At this price point, we prefer the down Kelty Cosmic above. For more on the differences, see our buying advice below. For those who run cold or want a little extra warmth for shoulder seasons (without breaking the bank), the Marmot Sawtooth is cozy, warm, and high on comfort. Down Quality: Fill Power And while $479 is a significant investment, the Hummingbird is built to last: after almost a decade of use, our bag shows little sign of wear and is as warm as the day we bought it. 30 oz. The Magma isnt cheap by any meansdown is the most expensive insulator and for good reasonbut its a solid value nevertheless, and especially with a member coupon. In general, higher-end down bags like the Feathered Friends Tanager will be the most compressible due to the loft of the down and use of thinner shell fabrics. Keep in mind that the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass manages to keep weight low by tailoring the cut of the bag. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The single most important decision youll make when choosing a sleeping bag is the temperature rating. Both the draft tube and full down collar are 3-dimensionally sewn and amply filled with down. For new backpackers and those on a budget, Kelty makes inexpensive gear that may pleasantly surprise you with its quality. What's more, the Hyperion features a half-length zipper, which is great for saving weight but offers little option for venting on warm nights (that said, it's a step up from the zipperless Tanager). All this with a total weight of only 2 lbs 12 oz. On top of that, the Spark has a short, 1/3-length zipper, which gives you a lot less wiggle room and limits ventilation (the 40F version of the Enigma checks in at 14.7 oz. R-values range from 1.0 (almost no insulation) to about 9.5 (winter-ready warmth), and the average 3-season backpacker should look for something in the 3 to 4 range or more. There are a few major reasons for that, including the best warmth-to-weight ratio, far better packability (i.e., a smaller compressed size), and a more premium warmth. of 850-fill downWhat we like: Lightweight, super comfortable, and well-built.What we dont: Pricier and heavier than the Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF 20 above. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage. In this category, we like the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass, which does a nice job putting it all together at a reasonable price. For example, the Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF 20 is a very warm bag that has kept our tester (an average male) comfortable into the 20s, whereas the Kelty Cosmic 20with a 21F ISO Lower Limitwill be cold if temperatures dip below freezing. Comfort is better than ever with advanced baffling and cell designs, weight and packed size continue to drop, and you For thru-hikers, bikepackers, or anyone looking to travel light and fast, an ultralight sleeping bag or quilt is a no-brainer purchase that can shave noticeable weight and bulk from an overnight kit. That said, if the roomy fit and unique feature set appeal to you, the Disco 15 is a great option. 
Made with 600-fill-power down and a relatively hardwearing 30-denier shell, its a great option for weekend backpacking trips and those who dont require the absolute lightest and most packable gear. of 650-fill downWhat we like: A bit warmer and lighter than the Marmot Sawtooth below.What we dont: Tapered cut is not ideal for those who toss and turn. At under 3 pounds for the regular version, its our favorite budget down bag for 2022. The highest down fill power is 1,000, and youll see cheaper sleeping bags closer to 500. If you are a side sleeper who tosses and turns throughout the night, we recommend choosing one of the aforementioned options (or Nemo makes the roomiest bags out there). Cut does matter here: a bag with a slender cut may have less insulation than a bag with a roomy cut despite providing similar or even more warmth. So why consider synthetic? The down vs. synthetic debate is not unique to backpacking sleeping bags. All told, youd be hard pressed to find a lighter, more functional design without bumping up to the 50-degree category. For ventilation, you get two zippered gills running lengthwise at the top of the bag, and unzipping them creates intentional cold spots to release hot air in warm conditions. And this bag is both well built and comfortable, with premium touches like a generous draft collar to seal out cold and noticeably soft liner that feels supple and cozy against the skin. The Kodiak is also available in a 7 foot length! The most common reason for most is price. 11 oz.Fill: 22 oz. But the choice between the two styles can be tricky Seattle-based Feathered Friends is well-known for their premium down products, and the Tanager CFL 20 sleeping bag clearly showcases that expertise. If the bag doesnt have a womens-specific version, youll often see a short 66-inch option. Marmot has been a mainstay in the world of synthetic sleeping bags for years with its varied Trestles line. Some manufacturerstypically smaller companies like Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, and Enlightened Equipmentdo not submit their bags for EN/ISO testing. Perhaps the most important consideration is your sleeping pads R-value, which offers a measurement of how well the pad insulates you from the ground. Given that a sleeping bag is one item where we arent particularly worried about denier (its only used on the inside of your tent), we give the slight nod to the cheaper Kelty. of 850-fill downWhat we like: Crazy light; wet-weather assurance of hydrophobic down.What we dont: The -length zipper limits ventilation; only warm enough for mid-summer use. of 650-fill downWhat we like: A roomy and comfortable sleeping bag for those who toss and turn.What we dont: Heavier and bulkier than slimmer-cut bags with similar temperature ratings. The stone facade of the Walasi-yi Interpretive Center has been standing at Neel Gap on the Appalachian Trail since both trail and building were completed in 1937. From our experiences, these brands actually are on the conservative side and take pride in offering very realistic temperature ratings. 
For the best combination of comfort, quality, and warmth-to-weight, its hard to beat a Feathered Friends sleeping bag. The good news is that many manufacturers make the same bag in varying widths. And for a cozy synthetic bag from Nemo for $100 less, see the Forte 20 below. Compared to the 20-degree version of the Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF above, the UltraLite has a thinner shell at 12 denier (the Hummingbird's is 20D), comes with slightly lower-quality down, and weighs around 3 ounces more.
In lieu of baffles, the Down Hugger utilizes a web of polyester threads (dubbed the Spider Baffle System) to keep the insulation in place, translating to more warmth with less down (read: less weight) compared to traditional designs. Below are the Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags and Quilts of 2022, Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF 20 ($479), Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt 30($310), See the Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt, See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15, Montbell Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3 ($309), See the Montbell Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3, See the Women's Seamless Down Hugger 800 #3, See the Men'sMarmot Trestles Elite Eco 20, Back to Our Sleeping Bag Comparison Table. For backpacking, we almost always favor down sleeping bags over syntheticsthey pack down smaller and provide more warmth for the weight. Summer bags can get away with using less insulation and will be highly compressible as a result. And with a direct-to-consumer model, Feathered Friends sleeping bags and other down products are exceptionally well-made and competitively priced for what you get. And for about the same price, the Sawtooth adds a few ounces of down and extra features for comfort, including an expandable footbox and dual-side zips at the collar. of down fill this bag with 7" of loft and the continuous baffles keep the bag versatile as the weather changes. And did we mention the incredibly small packed size? This 0 mummy bag has a full 66" of shoulder girth and 41" of foot girth to fit any bear sized person. Tack on an impressively soft interior, and you get a cozy setup for side sleepers and those who like a little extra room. of 950-fill downWhat we like: Hoodless design hits the sweet spot of weight and performance.What we dont: No zipper and very thin fabrics. In the case of hydrophobic down, the feathers are coated with a polymer that protects them from moisture and keeps them from clumping. The shoulder and hip measurements are the most significant in terms of comfort, which is why weve included them in the comparison table above. Keep up to date with Goings On Around the Mountain, Sierra Designs Nitro 800 - 20 Degree Bag. of synthetic (HL-ElixR Eco Micro)What we like: Good build quality and comfort.What we dont: At this price point, we prefer the down Kelty Cosmic above. For more on the differences, see our buying advice below. For those who run cold or want a little extra warmth for shoulder seasons (without breaking the bank), the Marmot Sawtooth is cozy, warm, and high on comfort. Down Quality: Fill Power And while $479 is a significant investment, the Hummingbird is built to last: after almost a decade of use, our bag shows little sign of wear and is as warm as the day we bought it. 30 oz. The Magma isnt cheap by any meansdown is the most expensive insulator and for good reasonbut its a solid value nevertheless, and especially with a member coupon. In general, higher-end down bags like the Feathered Friends Tanager will be the most compressible due to the loft of the down and use of thinner shell fabrics. Keep in mind that the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass manages to keep weight low by tailoring the cut of the bag. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The single most important decision youll make when choosing a sleeping bag is the temperature rating. Both the draft tube and full down collar are 3-dimensionally sewn and amply filled with down. For new backpackers and those on a budget, Kelty makes inexpensive gear that may pleasantly surprise you with its quality. What's more, the Hyperion features a half-length zipper, which is great for saving weight but offers little option for venting on warm nights (that said, it's a step up from the zipperless Tanager). All this with a total weight of only 2 lbs 12 oz. On top of that, the Spark has a short, 1/3-length zipper, which gives you a lot less wiggle room and limits ventilation (the 40F version of the Enigma checks in at 14.7 oz. R-values range from 1.0 (almost no insulation) to about 9.5 (winter-ready warmth), and the average 3-season backpacker should look for something in the 3 to 4 range or more. There are a few major reasons for that, including the best warmth-to-weight ratio, far better packability (i.e., a smaller compressed size), and a more premium warmth. of 850-fill downWhat we like: Lightweight, super comfortable, and well-built.What we dont: Pricier and heavier than the Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF 20 above. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage. In this category, we like the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass, which does a nice job putting it all together at a reasonable price. For example, the Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF 20 is a very warm bag that has kept our tester (an average male) comfortable into the 20s, whereas the Kelty Cosmic 20with a 21F ISO Lower Limitwill be cold if temperatures dip below freezing. Comfort is better than ever with advanced baffling and cell designs, weight and packed size continue to drop, and you For thru-hikers, bikepackers, or anyone looking to travel light and fast, an ultralight sleeping bag or quilt is a no-brainer purchase that can shave noticeable weight and bulk from an overnight kit. That said, if the roomy fit and unique feature set appeal to you, the Disco 15 is a great option. Made with 600-fill-power down and a relatively hardwearing 30-denier shell, its a great option for weekend backpacking trips and those who dont require the absolute lightest and most packable gear. of 650-fill downWhat we like: A bit warmer and lighter than the Marmot Sawtooth below.What we dont: Tapered cut is not ideal for those who toss and turn. At under 3 pounds for the regular version, its our favorite budget down bag for 2022. The highest down fill power is 1,000, and youll see cheaper sleeping bags closer to 500. If you are a side sleeper who tosses and turns throughout the night, we recommend choosing one of the aforementioned options (or Nemo makes the roomiest bags out there). Cut does matter here: a bag with a slender cut may have less insulation than a bag with a roomy cut despite providing similar or even more warmth. So why consider synthetic? The down vs. synthetic debate is not unique to backpacking sleeping bags. All told, youd be hard pressed to find a lighter, more functional design without bumping up to the 50-degree category. For ventilation, you get two zippered gills running lengthwise at the top of the bag, and unzipping them creates intentional cold spots to release hot air in warm conditions. And this bag is both well built and comfortable, with premium touches like a generous draft collar to seal out cold and noticeably soft liner that feels supple and cozy against the skin. The Kodiak is also available in a 7 foot length! The most common reason for most is price. 11 oz.Fill: 22 oz. But the choice between the two styles can be tricky Seattle-based Feathered Friends is well-known for their premium down products, and the Tanager CFL 20 sleeping bag clearly showcases that expertise. If the bag doesnt have a womens-specific version, youll often see a short 66-inch option. Marmot has been a mainstay in the world of synthetic sleeping bags for years with its varied Trestles line. Some manufacturerstypically smaller companies like Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, and Enlightened Equipmentdo not submit their bags for EN/ISO testing. Perhaps the most important consideration is your sleeping pads R-value, which offers a measurement of how well the pad insulates you from the ground. Given that a sleeping bag is one item where we arent particularly worried about denier (its only used on the inside of your tent), we give the slight nod to the cheaper Kelty. of 850-fill downWhat we like: Crazy light; wet-weather assurance of hydrophobic down.What we dont: The -length zipper limits ventilation; only warm enough for mid-summer use. of 650-fill downWhat we like: A roomy and comfortable sleeping bag for those who toss and turn.What we dont: Heavier and bulkier than slimmer-cut bags with similar temperature ratings. The stone facade of the Walasi-yi Interpretive Center has been standing at Neel Gap on the Appalachian Trail since both trail and building were completed in 1937. From our experiences, these brands actually are on the conservative side and take pride in offering very realistic temperature ratings. For the best combination of comfort, quality, and warmth-to-weight, its hard to beat a Feathered Friends sleeping bag. The good news is that many manufacturers make the same bag in varying widths. And for a cozy synthetic bag from Nemo for $100 less, see the Forte 20 below. Compared to the 20-degree version of the Feathered Friends Hummingbird YF above, the UltraLite has a thinner shell at 12 denier (the Hummingbird's is 20D), comes with slightly lower-quality down, and weighs around 3 ounces more.