Cold Weather Sleeping Bags

Cold Weather Camping - Sleeping Bag Guide

Guide for choosing the best cold weather sleeping bags and helping with decision making when planning cold weather camping, backpacking and hiking trips including our choice of Mountain Hardware sleeping bags and the Marmot sleeping bag.

Winter sleeping bags temperature rating will start from 0 degrees F/-40 F degrees. However, temperature rating's are to be used as a guide. A good quality sleeping bag will be much more accurate than cheap sleeping bags.

We would also consider cold weather camping for temperatures below 50 F; It's not exactly winter but watch the temperature drop overnight!

We provide information about ratings and sleeping bag designs within our camping sleeping bags page if you would like more understanding.

Below we offer points to consider for cold weather sleeping bags.

Points to Consider

Down sleeping bags are the best for warmth, design and quality. However, when camping, condensation can make your bag wet which is a problem with down material compared to synthetic materials. This is the only area a down sleeping bag fails in comparison to synthetic bags, apart from costs.

Draft tube and draft collars are useful if you want a quality bag for winter camping. This is a section of the sleeping bag filled with insulating/fill material. This significantly reduces any outside cold air from entering the bag and keeps body heat inside your sleeping bag, where you need it.

You will want the down fill to be around 600 for a quality bag. However, the bag will not weigh more, but unfortunately will cost more; The higher the goose fill, the better the loft providing more insulation and heat your body keeps. Higher fill will also compress more, helping backpackers minimizing room used inside the backpack.

Zippers can be a major place a bag loses heat. Good quality cold weather sleeping bags should provide flaps that cover the zipper that prevent heat loss.

Various Winter Sleeping Bags

Below is our choice of sleeping bags that you may find very useful. This, by no means cover's the amount of cold weather sleeping bags available.

Marmot Never Summer 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

For those of us who always sleep cold, the Marmot Never Summer is the ideal 3 season sleeping bag. Insulated with 600 goose down, you can cinch the collar down and stay cozy warm as the temperatures drop or unzip the full side zipper for more air flow if the temperature stays warm. Stretch tricot baffles allow for more movement and Freely draw cords let you make adjustments without exposing your hands to the cold. For those of you who always sleep warm, the Never Summer makes an excellent 4season choice for mild climates.

What's cool?: Price(definitely), many quality reviews stating bag worked well in various temperatures. Down filled collar. Adjustable hood. Claims for being waterproof. Suitable for?:Those that go cold weather camping above 0 F, 10 F for cold sleepers or unable to spend the extra $150 on other better models.

Mountain Hardwear Lyell -15 Degree Sleeping Bag (Spring 2010)

Men's Lyell -15 Degree Cold Weather Sleeping Bags by Mountain Hardwear Features: Ergonomic face gasket and insulated draft tubes seal in warmth Comfort mummy cut efficiently maximizes warmth without constriction 5 baffle spacing keeps down carefully controlled for even - predictable loft Ergonomic draft collar blocks the escape of heated air from inside the bag The two-piece collar drapes naturally over neck and shoulders creating a soft comfortable seal Two draw cords can snug down as needed to secure the collar Comfort Footbox follows natural foot position for maximum warmth and comfort Down-filled face gasket comfortably blocks drafts at the hood opening Insulated draft tube with anti-snag panel prevents cold spots along zipper Single-handed draw cords simplify adjustments Eight-chamber hood design maintains even loft around head for consistent warmth Nylon mesh storage bag and stuff sack included

Mountain Hardwear Lamina -15 Degree Sleeping Bag (Fall 2009)

Mountain Hardwear Lamina -15 Degree Winter Sleeping Bags (Fall 2009)+l

Sizes: Reg.; LongMin Temp: -15°F (-26°C)Shell: 40D Micro Ripstop Nylon Insulation: Thermic Micro Lining: 40D Polyester Taffeta Loft: 8.5 in.; 22 cm.Stuffed Size: 9 in. x 18 in.; 23 x 46 cm. Weight: Regular: 4 lbs. 3 oz.; 1.9 kg. Long: 4 lbs. 8 oz.; 2.04 kg. Features: Slightly wider winter mummy cut Patented - welded Lamina construction enhances loft and eliminates cold spots Thermic Micro fill is soft - lofty - compressible - and durable Durable - lightweight nylon shell with DWR treatment repels water Soft polyester lining wicks away moisture Full length #5 zipper with double sliders for efficient ventilation Comfort Footbox follows natural foot position Face gasket and tailored hood seal in warmth Shoulder level internal zippered pocket Nylon mesh storage sack and stuff sack included

You may also want to check availability with these other retailers for cold weather sleeping bags, Mountain Hardware sleeping bags, the Marmot sleeping bag and many other popular brands: