Sleeping Bags – Top 9 Picks for the Best Ultralight

Backpacking and camping are amazing ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But to have a truly comfortable experience, you need the right sleeping bag. An ultralight sleeping bag can make all the difference when you’re hiking long distances or trying to pack light. In this article, we’ll look at the top 9 ultralight sleeping bags to help you find the perfect one for your next adventure.

What to Look for in an Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Before we dive into the top picks, let’s go over some key things to consider when choosing an ultralight sleeping bag:

Weight: The main advantage of ultralight sleeping bags is their low weight. Look for bags under 2 pounds for backpacking.

Temperature Rating: Choose a bag rated for the lowest temps you’ll encounter. For 3-season use, a 20°F bag is a good option.

Insulation: Down insulation is lighter and more compressible than synthetic, but doesn’t insulate as well when wet.

Shape: Mummy bags are warmest but most confining. Rectangular bags are roomier but less thermally efficient.

Features: Look for features like draft collars, hoods, zipper drafts, and pad attachment systems.

The Top 9 Ultralight Sleeping Bags

1. Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag

• Weight: 1 lb 3 oz
• Temp Rating: 20°F
• Fill: 900 fill-power down
• Unique hybrid mummy/quilt design
• Water-resistant down

The Zpacks Classic hits a sweet spot of low weight, warmth, and versatility. It combines the heat-trapping abilities of a mummy bag with the flexibility of a quilt.

2. Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20

• Weight: 1 lb 11 oz
• Temp Rating: 20°F
• Fill: 950 fill-power down
• Durable water-resistant shell

The premium Swallow UL 20 from Feathered Friends is an ultralight backpacking icon known for exceptional warmth, loft, and craftsmanship.

3. Western Mountaineering UltraLite

• Weight: 1 lb 13 oz
• Temp Rating: 20°F
• Fill: 850+ fill-power down
• Continuous horizontal baffles

This bag from Western Mountaineering is a little heavier than some, but the quality 850+ fill down provides outstanding warmth for the weight.

4. Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F

• Weight: 1 lb 4 oz
• Temp Rating: 20°F
• Fill: 900 fill-power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down
• Zoned insulation pattern

The Hyperion’s innovative insulation pattern puts more down where you need it most. It’s also treated to stay drier longer.

5. REI Co-op Magma 15

• Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
• Temp Rating: 15°F
• Fill: 850 fill-power down
• Affordable for the warmth

A quality down bag at a great price, the Magma 15 is a versatile 3-season ultralight option from a trusted brand.

6. Nemo Riff 15

• Weight: 1 lb 6 oz
• Temp Rating: 15°F
• Fill: 850 fill-power DownTek water-repellent down
• Spoon shape for side sleepers

The Riff’s unique spoon shape gives side sleepers more room to move comfortably. Its DownTek down also stays drier.

7. Enlightened Equipment Revelation

• Weight: 1 lb 8 oz
• Temp Rating: 20°F
• Fill: 850 fill-power down
• Affordable custom options

This affordable quilt from Enlightened Equipment lets you fully customize temperature rating, width, length and more.

8. Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy 800F

• Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz
• Temp Rating: 0°F
• Fill: 800 fill-power PrimaLoft Silver insulation
• Synthetic insulation

For cold weather use, this synthetic bag from Sierra Designs provides outstanding warmth for the weight.

9. Nemo Disco 15

• Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz
• Temp Rating: 15°F
• Fill: 650 fill-power DownTek water-repellent down
• Roomy semi-rectangular shape

The affordable Disco 15 is one of the roomiest bags around, making it great for restless sleepers and car campers.

Warmth vs Weight: Finding the Right Balance

One of the biggest trade-offs with ultralight sleeping bags is balancing low weight with enough warmth. Down insulation provides the best warmth-for-weight, which is why most of the top picks use premium down fills like 850, 900 or even 950 fill power down.

However, down is more expensive and loses insulating ability when wet. Synthetic bags like the Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy are heavier but stay warm when wet and are more affordable.

Other Considerations

Beyond weight, warmth and insulation type, here are some other key factors to think about:

Bag Shape: Mummy bags are the warmest and most thermally efficient, but some people feel constricted. Rectangular bags allow more room to move.

Waterproofing: Look for down bags with water-resistant treatments like DownTek or Nikwax Hydrophobic Down.

Zipper: Full-length zippers let you vent excess heat but add weight. 1/2 or 3/4 zippers save weight.

Hood: A hood helps prevent heat loss from your head. Essential for cold weather use.

Pad Attachments: Sleeping pad attachment systems reduce drafts for warmth.

The Right Bag for Your Adventures

With so many quality ultralight sleeping bag options, it’s easier than ever to get a warm, low-weight bag suited to your needs. Think about your typical camping conditions, sleeping preferences, and budget to zero in on the perfect sleeping bag.

Whether you’re a gram-counting thru-hiker or a weekend warrior who appreciates camping comfort, there’s an ultralight bag out there for you. Sweet dreams on the trail!

FAQs:

What should I consider when choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking?

When choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking, key considerations include the bag’s weight, temperature rating, fill power for insulation (down or synthetic), and packability. You’ll want a lightweight, compressible bag that offers sufficient warmth for your intended use, without adding unnecessary bulk to your backpacking setup.

How do I choose between a down and a synthetic backpacking sleeping bag?

Down sleeping bags are generally lighter, more compressible, and offer better warmth-to-weight ratio than synthetic bags. However, they lose much of their insulating properties when wet and are more expensive. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, retain warmth when damp and are more budget-friendly but are heavier and bulkier than down bags. Your choice should depend on your budget, the conditions you expect to encounter, and your weight and space considerations.

Are there specific sleeping bags recommended for women?

Yes, some sleeping bags are specifically designed for women, with unique features like additional insulation at critical areas such as the feet and torso. Women’s sleeping bags often have a narrower shoulder width and a wider hip area to match women’s body shapes and provide better warmth and comfort during camping or backpacking trips.

Can you recommend a lightweight sleeping bag that’s good for both backpacking and camping?

The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is highly recommended for its versatility. It is lightweight enough for backpacking, with a decent warmth-to-weight ratio, and comfortable for casual camping. Its synthetic fill performs well in damp conditions, making it a great all-rounder.

What is the advantage of a double sleeping bag for camping trips?

A double sleeping bag is an excellent choice for couples or families seeking to save space and weight. They allow two people to sleep closely, maximizing warmth. Many double bags can be zipped apart to create two single bags, offering flexibility for different camping situations.

How important is a sleeping pad in conjunction with a sleeping bag?

A sleeping pad is crucial as it provides insulation from the ground and adds comfort. Even the warmest sleeping bag won’t protect you from the cold ground, as insulation is compressed under body weight. A pad helps to maintain the sleeping bag’s warmth and increases overall sleeping comfort, making it a vital part of camping gear.

What is meant by a sleeping bag’s “fill power”?

Fill power refers to the quality of down insulation in a sleeping bag, measuring the loft or fluffiness of the down, which correlates with its insulating effectiveness. Higher fill power down is lighter, more compressible, and provides better warmth for its weight compared to lower fill power down. This makes high fill power sleeping bags a preferred choice for backpacking where weight and volume are key concerns.

Is a rectangular or mummy-style backpacking sleeping bag better?

Mummy-style sleeping bags are more efficient at retaining heat due to their snug fit, making them preferable for colder backpacking trips. Rectangular sleeping bags offer more room to move around and can be fully unzipped to use as a quilt in warmer conditions. Your choice should depend on personal comfort preferences, the conditions you’ll be camping in, and your warmth needs.

How does the zipper affect the choice of a camping sleeping bag?

The type of zipper on a sleeping bag can impact its versatility and comfort. Some sleeping bags offer zipperless designs to reduce weight and eliminate cold spots, while others feature double-sided zippers for easy temperature regulation. Consider a sleeping bag with a durable, snag-free zipper that offers the flexibility you need for your camping or backpacking trips.