Choose a sleeping bag by comfort temperature rating (with a margin), fill (down for light and packable, synthetic for wet and budget), and shape (mummy for warmth, rectangular for room). Then pair it with a warm pad — the pad, not the bag, is usually why people sleep cold.
What to look for
- Temperature rating — go by the comfort figure, not the survival limit.
- Fill: down vs synthetic — weight and packability vs price and wet-weather warmth.
- Shape — mummy for warmth and weight, rectangular for comfort.
- Weight & packed size — critical for backpacking, irrelevant for the car.
- Details — draft collar, hood, and a snag-free zipper for cold nights.
Our picks by use
A roomy, warm, inexpensive rectangular bag — the no-fuss car-camping default.
A genuine 3-season down bag that packs small without a premium price.
A hooded mummy with a draft collar that traps heat on cold nights, at a friendly price.
A huge, warm, double-able synthetic bag for very little money.
FAQ
What temperature rating sleeping bag do I need?
Match the bag's comfort rating to the coldest night you expect, then add a margin. Ratings often quote a 'limit' (survival) figure that's colder than 'comfort' — go by the comfort number, and remember a warm sleeping pad is what makes any bag hit its rating.
Down or synthetic sleeping bag?
Down is lighter, packs smaller, and lasts longer, but costs more and loses warmth when wet (unless treated). Synthetic is cheaper, insulates even when damp, and dries faster, but is heavier and bulkier. Backpackers usually choose down; car campers and wet climates often prefer synthetic.
Mummy or rectangular sleeping bag?
Mummy bags are warmer and lighter because they hug your body, ideal for backpacking and cold weather. Rectangular bags are roomier and more comfortable for car camping where weight doesn't matter. Semi-rectangular splits the difference.
Why am I cold even in a warm sleeping bag?
Almost always the pad, not the bag. Cold ground pulls heat straight out of you; a pad with an adequate R-value is what keeps a bag at its rating. See our sleeping pad guide.
Don't forget the other half of warmth: our best sleeping pads, and the full camping gear checklist.