16 Best Hiking Sleeping Bags In Australia + How To Choose
Imagine snuggling into the best hiking sleeping bag at the edge of your tent as you watch the sky turn a million shades of pinks and purples, the final light of the sun casting glowing beams across the mountainous valley beyond.
There is no better feeling than making it to camp after a long day on your feet and jumping into your sleeping bag, ready to watch nature’s best show. Perhaps the only thing that could possibly be better is your unwavering trust that your hiking sleeping bag will keep you warm and cosy even when the overnight temperatures plummet.
Finding the best sleeping bag for hiking can be a real pain, not to mention a super uncomfortable trial and error process – trust me, I’ve been there many times! But once you find a sleeping bag that doesn’t weigh a ton and can keep you warm in the coldest conditions, all that searching proves its worth.
I have tested many hiking sleeping bags in my time and unfortunately, spent many nights convinced the shivers would never stop. So to avoid others having to go through this frustration, we have put together the ultimate guide to choosing the best hiking sleeping bag in Australia!
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- Azure 700 Hiking Sleeping Bag
- Serac 1000 Alpine Sleeping Bag
- Macpac Duolight Hiking Tent
In this post, you’ll find detailed descriptions of all the sleeping bag components, common mistakes to avoid, as well as a list of the best hiking sleeping bags you can buy right now. So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase of a product we recommend through one of our links, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you! This helps to support our blog and enables us to continue providing you with helpful tips and exciting adventures, so thank you 🙂
Table of Contents
ToggleHow To Choose The Best Hiking Sleeping Bag
Understand The Climate You Predominately Hike In
The first thing to consider when buying a new hiking sleeping bag is where you predominantly plan to camp. More specifically, how cold does it typically get and what is the average rainfall for your intended destinations?
While temperature is an obvious factor, rainfall might surprise you. However, hiking sleeping bags aren’t waterproof (more on that below) and if you know the insides of your tent are often going to be damp, you may want to look for a sleeping bag with some water-resisting properties.
If you’re new to camping in the mountains, you may not know the answers to these questions. However, you can get a good understanding using the resources below:
- Research the climate history of your desired destinations on BOM or equivalent
- Use Mountain Forecast to look up your bucket list hikes and check the temperatures at the summit (don’t forget to look at the wind-chill temp)
- Ask a friend or post your questions in a Facebook group related to hiking in your chosen destination
Pro tip: Think hard about where you expect your hiking adventures will take you. Sleeping bags for hiking aren’t cheap and if you know you want to progress to bigger hikes in wilder terrain, get a sleeping bag that will suit those expeditions. After all, you can always unzip the bag when you get too hot!
Quick Buyers Guide For Hiking Sleeping Bags
- Use the comfort rating on the sleeping bag as your limit, even if you’re male
- Choose a sleeping bag with a comfort rating at least 5℃ colder than you expect to camp in
- If you regularly camp in wet climates, look for a synthetic option or a down sleeping bag that uses hydrophobic down
- The higher the denier count, the more durable the sleeping bag will be
- A higher loft count for a down sleeping bag will result in a lighter and more compressible option
- If you’re a woman and feel the cold, purchase a women’s specific sleeping bag. They often have a little extra insulation around targeted areas
Sleeping Bag Warmth
As you may have guessed, the most important aspect of a sleeping bag is its warmth. And luckily, there are standards in place to test sleeping bags equally so that you can compare brands with confidence.
These standards are called the EN-13537 and ISO-23537 and are both so similar (ISO being the newest organisation) that we can regard them as one and the same. The most recent standard I can find is ISO-23537-1:2022.
The majority of sleeping bag brands will test their sleeping bags through one of these organisations, but it’s not mandatory. However, each sleeping bag on our list below uses these standards.
Temperature ratings
The EN and ISO tests both involve a heat-monitored manikin dressed in base layers and a beanie, lying inside the sleeping bag in question on top of an insulated sleeping mat. The room is climate controlled to produce the desired temperatures.
The tests produce three outcomes that are included in the temperature rating, these are:
- Comfort Rating: The temperature at which a woman or cold sleeper can comfortably sleep through the night
- Lower Limit Rating: The temperature at which a male or warmer sleeper can comfortably sleep through the night
- Extreme Limit: The temperature at which a woman or cold sleeper can withstand for 6 hours without risk of death
It’s important to note that these ratings are done in a regulated room and therefore cannot account for uncontrolled factors such as the quality of your sleeping mat and base layers or the fit of your sleeping bag for your body size.
To give yourself a buffer and accommodate for any uncontrolled factors that may arise, we suggest choosing a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of at least 5℃ colder than you expect to camp in.
We also suggest basing your decision on the comfort rating no matter if you’re a warm or cold sleeper – after all, if you get too hot you can just unzip your sleeping bag but there’s nothing worse than shivering your way through a frosty night!
Pro Tip: A great way to add extra warmth to your hiking setup is to pair your sleeping bag with the best sleeping mat and a sleeping bag liner.
Sleeping Bag Shape
I briefly touched on the subject of a sleeping bag’s fit above which is ultimately a result of the shape you choose to buy. A sleeping bag’s shape is an important factor because it affects the overall warmth as well as the weight.
Your sleeping bag works by maintaining the warmth of your body. But if there is a lot of excess space inside your sleeping bag, it has to work harder to warm up that extra space as well. This is why most people who want the warmest sleeping bag for hiking will choose one that fits snug.
However, if you choose a snug-fitting sleeping bag then you will sacrifice the ability to move around freely. Some will find this severely uncomfortable and therefore may want to sacrifice the extra warmth and lowered weight for comfort.
There are three main sleeping bag shapes that you can choose from which are:
- Mummy-shaped sleeping bag: The warmest and lightest option, this sleeping bag will snuggly fit the contours of your body and taper off around the feet. This allows for the elimination of excess space and shaves off unnecessary weight
- Relaxed tapered/tapered rectangle sleeping bag: This sleeping bag will taper at the feet to eliminate some weight and space but not quite as much as the mummy, allowing for more movement
- Rectangular sleeping bag: This is the coolest and heaviest shape but, as a result, offers extra room to move
Women’s Specific Sleeping Bags
Statistically, women sleep colder than men and are generally a different shape. This is why you’ll often be faced with a women’s option or equivalent for most backpacking sleeping bags. These styles generally offer more insulation and warmth compared to the men’s equivalent, plus a slightly altered shape to suit that of the average female.
While this won’t benefit all women, for those that do sleep cold, I highly recommend purchasing a women’s specific sleeping bag.
Key Differences in a women’s and men’s sleeping bag:
- Shorter length: Women’s sleeping bags are generally designed to fit heights up to 5”6 while men’s are designed for heights up to 6”
- Altered shape: A women’s sleeping bag will have more room in the hips and narrower shoulders, while a men’s sleeping bag will have wider shoulders and a straighter cut
- Extra insulation: In a woman’s sleeping bag, you’ll find more insulation (and as a result, a heavier weight) compared to the men’s equivalent
Hiking Sleeping Quilts / Blankets
Along with a traditional sleeping bag, you also have the option to purchase a quilt. A sleeping quilt saves weight with the elimination of a zipper and the use of less material and allows unrestricted movement.
A sleeping quilt often comes with straps to secure the quilt around your sleeping mat and a cinch cord at the footbox to keep your feet warm. While a quilt won’t offer nearly as much warmth as a sleeping bag, it is a popular choice for ultralight hikers during summer.
Sleeping Bag Insulation
Sleeping bag Insulation refers to the stuffing that’s inside the bag and is generally constructed with down (duck or goose feathers) or synthetic fibres. Much the same as with Down Jackets, both insulators have their positives and negatives.
Down Sleeping Bags
Down sleeping bags, like down jackets, have an exceptional weight-to-warmth ratio that synthetic sleeping bags just can’t compete with, yet. But even within the range of down sleeping bags, you will come across varied quality and weight. So before we move on, let’s get a little background knowledge on down.
Firstly, what is down?
Down comes from birds and is the layer of fine feather or plumage found under the tougher feathers at the underbelly. The down we collect for jackets, pillows, sleeping bags and such are generally from ducks or geese.
The plumage of ducks and geese provides incredible insulation due to the high-loft (fluffy) clusters creating thousands of air pockets that trap body heat and air. Down not only retains heat, but it’s also super breathable which allows it to wick moisture away from your body.
The warmth of a down sleeping bag comes down to three factors:
- Duck or goose down: Because geese are larger animals, their down clusters are bigger and stronger. This makes for a warmer sleeping bag if all other aspects are the same. However, duck down shouldn’t be completely disregarded. It is cheaper due to more availability and fares better when wet.
- Down fill power: The fill power for a down sleeping bag measures how much loft the down clusters have. For example, for a fill power rating of 850, one ounce of down can cover 850 cubic inches. Basically, the higher the fill power, the better quality the down and the better the warmth-to-weight ratio.
- Down fill weight: Fill weight is all to do with quantity. If a sleeping bag has a fill weight of 400g, then 400g of down material was used to insulate the sleeping bag (more on this below).
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
Synthetic sleeping bags lack in the warmth-to-weight ratio in comparison to down sleeping bags, however, they do excel in other important areas.
Firstly, synthetic sleeping bags outrank down sleeping bags in their performance when wet. While down loses most of its insulating properties when wet, synthetic sleeping bags will continue to keep you warm.
Secondly, you’ll often find a cheaper price tag on a synthetic sleeping bag as opposed to a down. So if weight isn’t the driving factor in your decision, a synthetic option might be best for you.
The material used for synthetic insulation in a hiking sleeping bag is usually polyester or Primaloft. This is often a great sustainable option as you can easily find a brand that uses recycled fabrics.
Sleeping Bag Fill Weight
I touched on fill weight in regards to down, however, it also relates to synthetic sleeping bags and there is a little more to it.
As I stated above, the fill weight relates to how much insulation is packed into a sleeping bag and a higher fill weight will loosely relate to a warmer sleeping bag. However, to have a good warmth-to-weight ratio, this has to be matched with a high loft count or premium synthetic material.
For example, a sleeping bag with a fill power of 800 and a fill weight of 690g is warmer than one with a fill power of 850 and a fill weight of 485g. However, the latter sleeping bag will be much lighter and pack down smaller.
Weight Of A Hiking Sleeping Bag
When you’re carrying everything you need for a few days on your back, every gram counts! But the lightest sleeping bag will often come at a sacrifice of warmth, durability, or your life savings.
If weight is your second biggest priority (warmth should always be the first) then there are a few components you can familiarise yourself with to find the best lightweight sleeping bag.
- Down is lighter than synthetic: For synthetic to reach the same warmth rating as down, it tends to be considerably heavier
- Down fill power: The higher the loft count, the lighter the sleeping bag
- Half-zips or no zips: To eliminate some weight, you can find lightweight sleeping bags with either no zips or only a half zip, but this does affect temperature regulation
- Mummy-shaped sleeping bags: This shape cuts away excess material for a snug fit, saving weight in the process
- Lower denier for the outer shell: The lower the denier, the lighter the bag will be – although this does impede durability
Pro tip: Choose the warmth rating you need for you and your intended destination before considering the weight. Once that’s decided, you can search for the lightest option in that warmth range.
Packability
The packability of a sleeping bag refers to the size it can compress to. You can find this measurement listed as the compressed volume and it will coincide closely with the fill weight of a sleeping bag.
The higher the fill weight needed, the less the sleeping bag will be able to compress. There are a few other factors that also contribute to the overall compression size of the sleeping bag such as the zipper, waterproofing, denier count and extra features.
The compressed size of a sleeping bag is important if you only have a small backpack or little room to spare. This is where choosing a higher loft will benefit as less fill weight is needed to provide the same warmth.
Water Resistance
A sleeping bag is not waterproof by any means, but some elements can aid in keeping the bag a little more resistant to the dampness that often lingers inside your tent.
- Synthetic sleeping bags: This is an area where synthetic sleeping bags outshine down sleeping bags. When down gets wet it clumps which affects its insulating capabilities considerably. However, when synthetic fibres get wet, they perform better than down.
- Hydrophobic down: In recent years, a technology has been created called hydrophobic down. This is a polymer coating on the feathers that protects them from moisture and avoids clumping. As with everything, you’ll find both good and bad reviews on hydrophobic down. Some say that all it does is add false fill weight to the bag (it makes the feathers heavier but doesn’t actually increase warmth), while others swear by it and don’t mind the extra weight in exchange.
- Water resistant outer fabrics: Most sleeping bags will have a DWR coating or similar, or an outer fabric called Pertex Quantum which is a type of nylon ripstop with water resisting properties.
- Durable and water-resistant footbox: Some sleeping bags have a tougher nylon material for the footbox of the sleeping bag, which also adds extra water resistance as it’s a tougher barrier for the water to seep through. This helps to stop your feet from getting wet when they inevitably brush up against the side of the tent.
If you live in a wet climate and find yourself staring at a drip inside your tent on a regular basis, then the water resistance of your sleeping bag is an important aspect to factor in.
Durability Of A Backpacking Sleeping Bag
A hiking sleeping bag’s durability is measured by the outer shell fabric. The fabric is made of nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. Common words you’ll come across in regards to the shell fabric are:
- Ripstop: A fabric (usually nylon) that is woven in such a way that reinforces it, making it more resistant to tearing and ripping
- Pertex: Similar to GoreTex, this is a brand of lightweight, synthetic fabrics that have been designed to protect against the weather while still offering superior breathability and comfort
- Taffeta: A plain-woven fabric that offers a little more quality and comfort than ripstop, usually used in the lining of a sleeping bag
- Denier (D): Refers to the sleeping bag outer shell’s density. Basically, the higher the number, the thicker the fabric and subsequently, the stronger the sleeping bag will be
The durability of a sleeping bag is not often the highest priority because its primary purpose is for sleeping inside a tent. However, I find myself wrapping my sleeping bag around me (or jumping into it) while outside or walking around an alpine hut more often than I expected.
Had I known this before purchasing my hiking sleeping bag, I would have taken more consideration of the denier count (thickness of the nylon outer) and looked for one with an extra durable footbox.
Denier is the most important component when you’re searching for a durable hiking sleeping bag. Lightweight sleeping bags often sacrifice durability for weight and are therefore the least durable. The denier count is often between 10D and 30D, sometimes with 50-70D on the footbox. If durability is more important than shedding a few grams then look for a sleeping bag with at least a 30D outer shell.
Features
You may not think there could be much difference between hiking sleeping bags when it comes to features but you’d be surprised! While they’re all made relatively similar, some stand-out features allow for an extra comfortable or warm sleep.
Draft Collars And Tubes
A draft collar is an extra line of insulation around your neck to prevent warmth from slipping past. Similarly, a draft tube runs along the inside of the zipper to prevent any warmth from escaping.
Sleeping Bag Hoods
Most hiking sleeping bags will come with a hood to add extra warmth and the ability to cinch it snugly around your entire body using drawcords. This is a feature I would not sacrifice.
Stash Pockets
This handy little feature is often just a small zippered pocket inside your sleeping bag where you can stash things like your lip balm or some earplugs. It is often large enough for your phone but I find that to be rather uncomfortable as the pocket is usually located on your chest and something heavy will weigh it down.
Water-resistant Footbox
Some hiking sleeping bags will have a thicker denier material covering the footbox. This can help prevent ripping if used outside and aids in avoiding the moisture from your tent walls to seep through.
Sleeping Bag Zippers
Most zippers that you will find on sleeping bags for hiking will have an anti-snag feature. An anti-snag zip can either be created using a guard along its length or a cover for the zip. This is highly important because most of the rips will occur here, resulting in a loss of insulation.
Not all zippers will run all the way to the footbox. To save weight and add extra warmth, some will be either half zips or maybe there will be no zip at all. The only downside is that this lowers your temperature regulation abilities.
Some brands also provide zips on different sides to allow for their bags to be zipped together to create a double sleeping bag for you and your partner.
Sustainability
Finding a sustainable option for a hiking sleeping bag is becoming easier as the technology for synthetic insulation is improving. While I still recommend responsibly sourced down if superior warmth and weight are your highest priority, many alternative options will suffice for most.
Below are some points to consider if you’re looking to find the most sustainable option for your hiking sleeping bag.
What Materials Are Being Used
While it’s not always easy to determine whether the materials used to make our beloved products are sustainable, there are a few words we can look out for.
Obviously, anything that states it’s recycled is a big win, as is a product with a Bluesign Approved label.
Is The Down Ethically Sourced?
When you’re shopping for a down-filled sleeping bag, the brands will state whether they source ethical down. Look out for the words Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and Traceable Down Standard (TDS).
These standards state that the sourced down has not come from ducks or geese that have been subjected to any unnecessary harm or distress. As in, no live-plucking or force-feeding. This down comes as a by-product of the meat industry.
Note: The hiking sleeping bags suggested in this post will only be from brands that have an RDS or TDS label.
Fair Trade
Fairtrade refers to the promise that traders in developed countries are ensuring the producers in developing countries are being paid and treated fairly. This is an extremely difficult metric to figure out as in many cases, even the brands trying to do the right thing in supporting fair wages and conditions have no idea what the factories are actually doing.
However, if a brand has the Fairtrade logo then this is a great start.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is another massively important factor in sustainability. Even if a sleeping bag is made with sustainable materials in an environmentally conscious way, if the quality of the sleeping bag is poor then this results in a short life span which adds to waste and overconsumption.
Don’t forget the age-old saying – you get what you pay for!
Company Policies
Company policies, such as repairing faulty or damaged products, can make a huge impact on sustainability. Many of the companies at the forefront of sustainability will offer a lifetime repair warranty and when the sleeping bag becomes unrepairable, they will take it off you to recycle it and provide you with a discount for a new purchase.
16 Best Hiking Sleeping Bags In Australia
Hiking Sleeping Bag Comparison Table
Sleeping Bag | Price | Comfort Temp | Fill | Weight | Material Durability | Sustainable |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Macpac Azure 700 | -4℃ | 730g of 700-Fill HyperDry Duck Down | 1332g | 15D 100% Recycled Nylon | RDS down, Recycled Fabric, Bluesign-certified | |
North Face Green Kazoo | $800 | -8℃ | 700 fill repurposed down | 1355g | 20D 100% Recycled Nylon | Recycled Fabric, PCF free Re-purposed down |
Macpac Serac 1000 | -10℃ | 1000g of 800-Fill HyperDry Goose Down | 1437g | 15D 100% Recycled Nylon | RDS down, Recycled Fabric, Bluesign-certified | |
Sea To Summit Spark III | -2℃ | 430g of 850-Fill Goose Down | 665g | 10D Shell 7D Lining | RDS approved down | |
Macpac Dragonfly 400 | 1℃ | 440g of 800-Fill HyperDry Goose Down | 781g | 15D 100% Recycled Nylon | Recycled fabric, RDS down, Bluesign-certified | |
Nemo Forte 20 | $360 | -7℃ | 1080g of Synthetic Primaloft | 1600g | 30D Shell 20D Lining | 80% recycled insulation |
Marmot Nanowave 25 | $190 | 4℃ | High Loft synthetic | 1300g | 50D Sell 50D Lining | No |
Mammut Perform Down | -3℃ | 540g of 700-Fill Down | 1100g | Polyamide Shell | RDS down, 100% recycled polyester lining | |
Nemo Kayu 15 | $520 | -8℃ | 690g of 800-Fill Down | 1150g | 20D Shell 30D Lining 40D Footbox | RDS approved down, PFC-free down |
Macpac Escapade 500 | $ | -1℃ | 500g of 600-Fill Duck Down | 1100g | Pertex Quantum 100% Nylon Shell | RDS down |
Sea To Summit Traverse III | -4℃ | Unknown Fill Synthetic | 1440g | 30D Shell 20D Lining | No | |
Sea To Summit Ember II Quilt | $ | 2℃ | 350g of 850-FIll Goose Down | 560g | 10D Shell 7D Lining | RDS approved down |
Marmot Sawtooth | -3℃ | 700g of 650-Fill Duck Down | 1160g | 30D Shell 20D Lining | RDS down, recycled lining and shell fabric | |
Kathmandu Icarus Hybrid | $450 | -5℃ | 650-Fill Duck Down Upper, Recycled Polyester Lower | 1200g | 100% Nylon Upper, 100% Polyester Lower | RDS down, recycled synthetic insulation |
The North Face Gold Kazoo | $450 | 1℃ | 340g of 700-Fill Goose Down | 790g | 20D Shell 20D Lining | RDS goose down |
Patagonia Fitz Roy | $650 | -1℃ | 500g of 800-Fill Goose Down | 794g | 20D Nylon | Recycled fabric, Advanced Global Traceable Down |
1. Macpac Azure 700 Hiking Sleeping Bag
Best Overall Sleeping Bag For Australia
The Macpac Azure 700 is a feature-rich hiking sleeping bag that will keep you cosy all year round in Australia and almost all year in New Zealand! You’ll find plenty of reasons to love this bag but a few, in particular, include its wear-and-walk footbox, the sustainable design and the handy straps that allow you to attach the bag to your hiking sleeping mat.
What it’s good for:
You’ll get loads of use with the Macpac Azure 700 sleeping bag which provides enough warmth for year-round camping trips in mild climates, plus it’s the perfect bag for hopping about in the many alpine huts in New Zealand. While the Azure is a little on the expensive side for its comfort rating, the additional features make it worthwhile if you plan to heavily use your sleeping bag.
Price: $750 $450 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort -4℃
Insulation: 700 loft HyperDRY RDS duck down
Fill Weight: 730g
Compressed Volume: Unknown
Outer Material: 20D 100% Recycled Nylon Ripstop
DWR: Yes, C9 main and C0 lining
Overall Weight: 1.3kg
Sustainable: Recycled fabric, RDS Down, Bluesign certified
Features
- Made with 100% recycled main fabric and bluesign certified inner
- Relaxed mummy shape provides great balance between warmth and freedom of movement
- Box baffle design prevents cold spots
- Wear-and-walk footbox – a separate zip allows you to free your feet and stow away the footbox so you walk around inside your sleeping bag
- Internal zippered stash pocket for your valuables
- Concealed drawcords tension the hood close for increased warmth
- Dual side zips provide ventilation for increased temperature regulation
- Elastic cords to attach your sleeping bag to your sleeping mat
- Comes with a compression-style stuff sack
- Macpac offer a limited lifetime warranty and will repair any major manufacturing faults free of charge
- Comes in women’s and men’s versions (women’s is slightly smaller and lighter) as well as long and regular sizes for the men’s
Positives
- Lots of additional features like the wear-and-walk
- Sustainable material
- Warm and cosy
Negatives
- On the heavier side for its warmth
- Not as durable as some other comparable bags
2. The North Face Green Kazoo Sleeping Bag
Most Sustainable Sleeping Bag
The North Face Green Kazoo sleeping bag takes the cake for sustainability with a 100% recycled nylon outer AND repurposed 700 fill down! In addition to feeling good about your purchase, you’ll also receive a bag that will keep you toasty warm when the mercury dips to -8℃.
While the overall weight is slightly on the higher side, it could be worth it for a fully sustainable, water-repellant and highly compressible 4-season hiking sleeping bag.
What it’s good for:
The North Face Green Kazoo is the best choice for sustainably conscious hikers who need a reliable and warm sleeping bag for their winter and alpine adventures. The Green Kazoo is quite competitively priced and consists of a respectable 20D nylon outer that will withstand a little more abuse compared to the Macpac Serac 1000.
Price: $800 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort -8℃
Insulation: 700 fill repurposed down
Fill Weight: Unknown
Compressed Volume: Unknown
Outer Material: 20D recycled nylon
DWR: Yes, PFC-free
Overall Weight: 1.3kg
Sustainable: Recycled fabric, repurposed down
Features
- Made with 100% recycled water-repellent nylon outer and repurposed down
- Mummy-shaped for better warmth without added weight
- Trapezoidal side-chamber baffles retain loft and decreases potential cold spots
- A 2/3 zipper reduces weight while still making it easy to get in and out
- Internal zippered stash pocket for your valuables
- A fully insulated hood with a cinch collar provides exceptional warmth and prevents cold air from seeping in
- Shockcords can attach to your hiking sleeping mat to keep you in place throughout the night
- Includes a compression stuff sack
- The North Face offers a free 30-day return policy and a Limited Lifetime Warranty
Positives
- Very sustainable
- A good warmth-to-weight ratio
- Water-resistant
- Higher durability in comparison to bags with comparable weights and warmth ratings
Negatives
- Getting expensive
- Slightly on the bulkier side
- No long option
3. Macpac Serac 1000 Down Sleeping Bag
Warmest And Best Sleeping Bag For Winter
The Macpac Serac 1000 Down sleeping bag excels in providing incredible warmth in a lightweight and sustainable design. There is very little you’ll be missing from the Serac, which has all the fancy features including elastic loops to attach your sleeping mat to your bag and double-sided zips so you can use your hands without exposing your shoulders!
The only downside to the Serac 1000 is the thin 15D nylon outer and the absence of extra durable material at the footbox. While this enables weight saving, it will hinder the overall durability of this sleeping bag. However, this is a small price to pay for a comfortable and warm night’s sleep – just don’t wear this sleeping bag outside!
What it’s good for:
The Macpac Serac 1000 Down Sleeping Bag is the ultimate choice for alpine adventurers and fellow Frozen Freddies! If you find yourself freezing on winter backpacking trips or you’re planning to hike through Nepal or New Zealand, this is the ultimate bag for you. Not only is it the warmest on this list, but it comes in a super lightweight and compressible package compared to its warmth.
Price: $1,100 $900 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort -10℃
Insulation: 800 loft HyperDRY RDS Goose Down
Fill Weight: 1000g
Compressed Volume: Unknown (43 x 25 x 23cm packed dimensions)
Outer Material: Pertex Quantum 15D 100% Recycled Nylon
DWR: Yes
Overall Weight: 1.4kg
Sustainable: Recycled fabric, RDS Down
Features
- 100% recycled Pertex Quantum outer with Y fuse technology for extra durability
- Mummy shape provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio
- Vertical and horizontal baffle design distributes down evenly and avoids cold spots
- Internal zippered stash pocket for valuables
- Fitted hood and collar with soft drawcords that are concealed for increased comfort
- Two-way Half length zipper for increased warmth and additional short zipper on the opposite side for the ability to use your hands while the bag is still over your shoulders
- Comes with a compression style stuff sack
- Macpac offer a limited lifetime warranty and will repair any major manufacturing faults free of charge
- Comes in a size regular or long
Positives
- Sustainably made
- Extremely warm, especially for its weight
- Feature-rich and relatively affordable compared to other sleeping bags with the same comfort rating
Negatives
- Overkill for most Australians
- Expensive
- Not as durable as others on this list
4. Sea To Summit Spark III Sleeping Bag
Best Ultralight Hiking Sleeping Bag
The Sea To Summit Spark III sleeping bag excels in weight, being the lightest sleeping bag option on this list by a long shot. They succeed in the low weight by adding nothing that’s not strictly needed and using premium RDS approved 850+ loft.
However, you will sacrifice a few things with a weight that low and the most noticeable ones are the 10D nylon outer shell – you can literally see the feathers inside – and the 1/3 zipper that makes it quite annoying to get in and out of.
The women’s equivalent to the Spark III is the Flame III.
What it’s good for:
The Sea To Summit Spark and Flame III sleeping bags are great companions for ultralight hikers, however, you’ll want to ensure you don’t take it outside the tent with such a low denier count!
Price: $798 $639 AUD
Temperature Rating: Flame: comfort -4℃ | Spark: comfort -2℃
Insulation: Ultra-dry down 850+ loft premium goose
Fill Weight: Flame: 440g | Spark: 430g
Compressed Volume: Flame: 5.3lt | Spark: 4.6lt
Outer Material: 10D nylon shell, 7D nylon lining
DWR: No
Overall Weight: 665g
Sustainable: RDS approved down
Features
- Comes with an Ultra-Sil compression bag and storage cell
- #3 YKK zipper – found on opposite sides for the flame and spark to allow them to zip together
- Contoured mummy-shaped sleeping bag
- Hood draft tube and draft collar allow heat to stay trapped inside the sleeping bag
- Ultra-Dry water repellent treatment on the down resists moisture in wet conditions
- Verticle baffles in the torso provide extra warmth for the core
- The lightweight and compressible design is ideal for ultralight hikers
- The Spark and Flame both come in regular (w-170cm, m-183cm) and long (w-179cm, m-192cm) sizes
- Sea To Summit offers a limited lifetime warranty for the intended life of their products against workmanship or material defects to the original owner with proof of purchase
Positives
- Extremely lightweight
- Compresses down to the size of a 1lt water bottle
- Great warmth-to-weight ratio
Negatives
- The thin material can make you feel colder
- Very expensive
- Not durable
- Many complaints about the zipper catching
Note: There are 5 options to choose from in the Spark/Flame range that vary in temperature ratings, from a comfort of 10℃ to -15℃. All offer superior warmth-to-weight ratios.
5. Macpac Dragonfly 400 Hiking Sleeping Bag
Best Summer Sleeping Bag
The Macpac Dragonfly 400 hiking sleeping bag gives the popular Sea To Summit Spark III a run for its money with comparable weight and warmth ratings at a slightly lower price. On top of a lower price tag, the Dragonfly 400 is sustainably constructed with a Pertex Quantum 100% recycled nylon outer that is made using their tough Y Fuse technology for increased durability.
What it’s good for:
The Macpac Dragonfly 400 sleeping bag is the ultimate choice for sustainably conscious ultralight hikers. The comfort rating of 1℃ will provide enough warmth for 3-season use in mild climates and all year round in the warmer regions of Australia.
Price: $700 $524 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort 1℃
Insulation: 800 Loft HyperDRY RDS Goose Down
Fill Weight: 400g
Compressed Volume: Unknown
Outer Material: 15D Pertex Quantum 100% Recycled Nylon
DWR: Yes
Overall Weight: 731g
Sustainable: Recycled fabric, RDS down, Bluesign-certified
Features
- Constructed with 100% recycled Pertex Quantum outer and Y fuse technology for increased durability
- Mummy-shaped design for the best warmth-to-weight ratio
- Box baffle designs decrease cold spots
- Adjustable hood with concealed drawcords and increased fill in the draft collar for more comfort and warmth
- 3 coil 1/3 zip allows extra warmth in the footbox and decreases overall weight
- Comes with a compression-style stuff sack
- Macpac offer a limited lifetime warranty and will repair any major manufacturing faults free of charge
- Comes in long and regular sizes as well as a warmer 600g and a cooler 200g sleeping bag
Positives
- Ultralightweight
- Sustainably made
- Relatively priced compared to the competition
Negatives
- Some durability will be sacrificed for the low weight
- No inside zipper
- 1/3 zip won’t be everyone’s cup of tea
6. Nemo Forte 20 Synthetic Sleeping Bag
Best Synthetic Sleeping Bag
The Nemo Forte 20 Synthetic sleeping bag is made from 80% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and will keep you feeling snug as the temperature nears zero. You’ll find Nemo’s signature ‘Classic Spoon’ shape for the Forte, which allows more room around the elbows and knees for side sleepers.
The only downside to the Forte 20 Synthetic sleeping bag is its bulky nature. Being such a warm sleeping bag with synthetic insulation, it doesn’t pack down nearly as small as a down sleeping bag of the same comfort rating. However, the price difference could be worth the extra bulk!
What it’s good for:
The Nemo Forte 20 is an affordable synthetic option for cool nights in the mountains. The women’s will keep you warm well below zero while the men’s will reach 0 comfortably. It’s a great sleeping bag for sustainability and comfort, however, ultralight hikers may have an issue with its weight and compressed volume.
Price: $370 AUD
Temperature Rating: Women’s: Comfort -7℃ | Men’s: Comfort -0℃
Insulation: Synthetic Primaloft RISE 80% PCR
Fill Weight: Women’s 1.08kg | Men’s 900g
Compressed Volume: Women’s: 11.7lt | Men’s: 9lt
Outer Material: 30D polyester ripstop shell, 20D nylon taffeta lining
DWR: Yes
Overall Weight: Women’s: 1.5kg | Men’s: 1.3kg
Sustainable: Synthetic insulation made from 80% post-consumer recycled content
Features
- Blanket Fold external draft collar and full-length draft tube provide extra comfort with a ‘tucked-in’ feel
- Thermo Gills are located at the chest to allow you to regulate your temperature without unzipping the sleeping bag
- Recycled Primaloft RISE synthetic insulation increases water resistance and warmth performance when wet
- Classic Spoon shaped sleeping bag adds room at the elbows and knees for extra comfort, especially for side sleepers
- Nemo offers a lifetime warranty against workmanship or material defects to the original owner with proof of purchase
- Full-length double slider #5 YKK Zippers are located on opposite sides for the men’s and women’s bags to allow them to zip together
- An integrated pillow pocket allows a jacket or other piece of clothing to be stuffed inside for a pillow
- Closely articulated hood and internal draft collar and tube for extra warmth
- Comes with a compression sack
- Comes in two sizes, regular and long
Positives
- Thermo Gills allow for heat regulation
- Sustainable material
- Durable and water-resistant
- Very affordable
Negatives
- Heavy compared to a down-filled equivalent
- The extra roomy design adds weight and cold spots
- Quite bulky for backpacking
- Men’s sleeping bag isn’t as warm as suggested, go with the comfort rating instead
7. Marmot Nanowave 25 Sleeping Bag
Best Budget Hiking Sleeping Bag
The Marmot Nanowave 25 sleeping bag is the ultimate budget-friendly option for summer adventures. While it won’t win any points on weight, it’s a durable and water-resistant option that won’t break the bank.
If you’re just starting out, this is a great entry-level hiking sleeping bag that will keep you cosy through cool summer nights in the mountains.
What it’s good for:
The Marmot Nanowave sleeping bag is an ideal purchase if you predominantly hike in warm climates. It’s also a great option for summer nights under the stars due to its 50D outer shell fabric.
Price: $190 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort 4℃
Insulation: Spirafil High Loft synthetic
Fill Weight: Unknown
Compressed Volume: 10.3lt
Outer Material: 50D 100% polyester outer shell and lining
DWR: No
Overall Weight: 1.3kg
Sustainable: No
Features
- Spirafil High Loft synthetic insulation offers maximised warmth and durability
- Full-length locking YKK two-way zippers for extra temperature control
- A snagless draft tube that prevents cold air from entering
- Drawcords on the hood for a snug fit
- Has the option to open out and use as a blanket
- Comes with a compression stuff sack
- The tapered rectangle shape offers extra room to move freely
- Marmot offers a limited lifetime warranty against workmanship or material defects to the original owner with proof of purchase
- Comes in two sizes, regular and long
Positives
- Very affordable
- Relatively lightweight for a synthetic option
- Durable
Negatives
- No use of sustainable or recycled fabrics
- A little heavy for the warmth rating
- Reviews have complained about this bag not being as warm as it’s rated for
8. Mammut Perform Down Hiking Sleeping Bag
Mammut concentrates on luxury and comfort when producing their sleeping bags and leaves nothing out! You’ll find the Mammut Perform Down sleeping bag has all the bells and whistles while managing to stay lightweight.
The sleeping bag hood is made with a comfortable and soft material that reduces noise, an easy-to-use magnetic clip attaches to the middle zipper to avoid cold drafts and the zipper location allows for ease of movement and temperature regulation.
Not only that, but they also provide a gift package with the sleeping bag that includes earplugs and an eye mask.
Note: The Mammut sleeping bag temperature rating is all over the place and varies from website to website. Even though the bags have ratings in their names, I have found that all seem to use the limit rating, even the women’s bags. To really discover the comfort rating for these sleeping bags, you need to do a little digging. Below is the comfort rating for the Perform Down -7 sleeping bag and the Women’s Perform Down -10 sleeping bag.
What it’s good for:
The Mammut Perform Down sleeping bag is the ideal choice for summer and shoulder season adventures when the temperature might dip towards zero. This sleeping bag is a winner if comfort and luxury are of the highest importance to you, without having to lug around extra weight!
Price: $650 $570 AUD
Temperature Rating: Women’s: Comfort -3℃ | Men’s: Comfort -1℃
Insulation: 700 + loft RDS duck down
Fill Weight: Women’s 540g | Men’s 450g
Compressed Volume: Women’s: Unknown | Men’s: 11.8lt
Outer Material: 100% recycled polyester lining, polyamide outer shell
DWR: Yes
Overall Weight: Women’s: 1.1kg | Men’s: 1kg
Sustainable: RDS down, 100% recycled polyester lining
Features
- PFC-free DWR treatment offers extra water resistance
- Easy-to-use magnetic closure and zipper garage provides a snug fit and avoids cold drafts
- Comfortable, soft material in the hood reduces noise
- Drawstring for easy adjustment on the hood and insulation collar
- Inner pocket to stash valuables
- Insulation chamber around the hood for extra warmth
- Improved YKK two-way zipper with a plastic covering to avoid catching
- Anatomical footbox for extra comfort and weight saving
- Mummy shape for extra warmth and reduced material
- Includes an eye mask and ear plugs for a sound sleep
- Comes with a compression sack and a storage sack
- Mammut offers a 2-year quality guarantee for their products with proof of purchase
Positives
- Extra comforts for a sound sleep
- Sustainable material
- Good heat regulation with centre zip
Negatives
- Expensive for its warmth rating
- Temperature ratings aren’t for comfort, only limit
- The compressed size is large for its warmth rating
9. Nemo Kayu 15 Hiking Sleeping Bag
The Nemo Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag is another lightweight option with a few added features to increase versatility. The stand-out feature is the ‘Thermo Gills’ that are located on the front and can open to let heat out without letting a cold draft in.
It is important to note that with the Nemo sleeping bags, the number in their name refers to the temperature rating in Fahrenheit. However, the women’s number is the comfort rating and the men’s is the limit rating. You’ll find a big difference in warmth between the men’s and women’s and we recommend going off the comfort rating for both rather than the limit rating for the men’s.
What it’s good for:
The Nemo Kayu 15 is a slightly more affordable lightweight option for backpackers looking to save a little weight without sacrificing warmth or durability.
Price: $520 $480 AUD
Temperature Rating: Women’s: Comfort -8℃ | Men’s: Comfort -3℃
Insulation: Hydrophobic 800 + loft premium down
Fill Weight: Women’s: 690g | Men’s: 480g
Compressed Volume: Women’s 6.8lt | Men’s 5.9lt
Outer Material: 20D nylon ripstop shell, 30D nylon taffeta lining, 40D nylon ripstop footbox
DWR: Yes
Overall Weight: Women’s: 1.1kg | Men’s: 985g
Sustainable: RDS approved down, PFC-free down
Features
- Comes with a compression sack and the men’s bag comes with a mesh sack as well
- Thermo Gills are located at the chest to allow you to regulate your temperature without unzipping the sleeping bag
- Extra durable, breathable and waterproof footbox
- Hydrophobic down for added water-resistance
- Mummy-shaped sleeping bag for extra warmth and less weight
- Nemo offers a lifetime warranty against workmanship or material defects to the original owner with proof of purchase
- Zippers are located on opposite sides for the men’s and women’s bags to allow them to zip together
- Closely articulated hood and internal draft collar and tube for extra warmth
- Comes in two sizes, regular and long
Positives
- Thermo Gills allow for heat regulation
- Great warmth-to-weight ratio
- Durable and water-resistant
- Affordable
Negatives
- Reviews have complained that it’s not as warm as suggested
- Zipper track catches a little
10. Macpac Escapade 500 Hiking Sleeping Bag
The Macpac Escapade 500 is a budget-friendly option that will keep you warm in mild conditions. This 3-season hiking sleeping bag has a relaxed rectangular shape that is ideal for those that rather have a little extra room to move.
I currently own the Macpac Overland 400 (now discontinued) which has the same temperature rating as the Escapade 500. I now use it solely for summer adventures because I find it’s not warm enough if the temperature dips near 0. However, I can vouch for the durability of these sleeping bags as I have taken mine with me on a few sunrise summit missions and haven’t ripped it yet!
What it’s good for:
The Escapade 500 doesn’t stand out in any specific component, but with its minimalistic design and lower price tag, it’s the perfect entry-level sleeping bag for warmer climates.
Price: $480 $319 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort -1℃
Insulation: 600 + loft RDS duck down
Fill Weight: 500g
Compressed Volume: Unknown
Outer Material: 100% nylon lining, Pertex Quantum 100% nylon shell
DWR: No (Pertex Quantum is water resistant)
Overall Weight: 1.1kg
Sustainable: RDS down
Features
- Pertex Quantum provides water and wind resistance while staying lightweight and soft
- Trapezoid baffles with interlocking compartments increase warmth
- Full-length side and footbox zip for temperature control
- Draft tube and collar avoid cold drafts entering
- Adjustable bungee cord brings hood close around your head for extra warmth
- Tapered rectangular shape for extra movement and comfort
- Capable of converting to a duvet or zipping to another Escapade sleeping bag with the opposite zip
- Internal stash pocket
- Stuff sack and mesh storage bag included
- Comes in two sizes, large and standard
Positives
- Affordable for the warmth-to-weight ratio
- Durable material
Negatives
- Not as warm as suggested
- A little bulky compared to higher-end options
- Rectangle style adds extra weight and cold spots
11. Sea To Summit Traverse III Sleeping Bag
The Sea To Summit Traverse III is a versatile and durable synthetic sleeping bag with multiple ventilation options for ease of temperature regulation. Due to its technical construction and synthetic insulation, it performs exceptionally in the wet.
However, with a durable and water-resistant design comes a hefty weight. This is one of the heaviest bags on this list, but also one of the most affordable for its warmth rating.
The women’s equivalent to the Traverse is the Venture, however, the Venture II is closer to the Traverse III when comparing warmth so those are the two listed here.
What it’s good for:
The Sea To Summit Traverse and Venture sleeping bags will benefit you if you’re often finding yourself hiking in wet and cold conditions, such as the Kosciuszko National Park. If weight isn’t an issue, this bag will keep you warm when the temperature dips and the moisture rises.
Price: $398 $320 AUD
Temperature Rating: Traverse III: comfort -4℃ | Venture II: comfort -5℃
Insulation: Thermolite
Fill Weight: Unknown
Compressed Volume: Traverse III: 9.8lt | Venture II: 8.9lt
Outer Material: 30D nylon shell, 20D nylon lining
DWR: Yes
Overall Weight: Traverse III: 1.4kg | Venture II: 1.3kg
Sustainable: No
Features
- Thermolite synthetic insulation creates lightweight warmth and comfort with high loft and superior compressibility
- WaveLoft insulation construction loops thick layers of Thermolite together to trap pockets of warm air and gain extra loft for increased warmth
- Comes with an Ultra-Sil compression bag and storage cell
- The tapered rectangular shape offers extra movement and comfort
- Anatomically shaped footbox for extra space
- A two-way full-length YKK #5 zipper on one side and half zipper on the other allows you to fold back to reduce heat
- A separate foot zipper adds increased temperature control
- Draft tube and collar prevent cold air from entering
- The bag can open completely to act as a duvet
- Zippers are located on opposite sides for the men’s and women’s bags to allow them to zip together
- There are two length options for this sleeping quilt, regular and long
- Sea To Summit offers a limited lifetime warranty for the intended life of their products against workmanship or material defects to the original owner with proof of purchase
Positives
- Great compressibility for a synthetic option
- Affordable
- Exceptional temperature control
Negatives
- No use of sustainable or recycled materials
- Warmth-to-weight ratio lacks compared to down options
12. Sea To Summit Ember II Sleeping Quilt
For those that hate feeling trapped inside a sleeping bag, the Sea To Summit Ember II Sleeping Quilt is a great option to take with you on your next summer hiking trip. The quilt comes with a drawcord around the feet to increase warmth and snap-on attachment straps to secure it around your sleeping mat.
The Sea To Summit Ember II sleeping quilt is also multi-functional, with a QuiltLock system that allows you to attach it to any hooded Sea To Summit sleeping bag for extra warmth in cold temperatures.
What it’s good for:
Even lighter than the Sea To Summit Spark and Flame sleeping bags, the Ember II sleeping quilt is the ideal option for ultralight hikers that stick to warm climates.
You can also purchase the Double Ember I sleeping quilt for you and your partner to share, which will drastically save space and shave off weight!
Price: $698 $545 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort 2℃
Insulation: Ultra-dry down 850+ loft premium goose
Fill Weight: 350g
Compressed Volume: 3.7lt
Outer Material: 10D nylon shell, 7D nylon lining
DWR: No
Overall Weight: 560g
Sustainable: RDS approved down
Features
- Comes with an Ultra-Sil compression bag and storage cell
- Includes 4 adjustable straps to secure the quilt onto your sleeping mat
- Drawcord located at the footbox that slips over your sleeping mat for extra warmth
- Ultra-Dry water repellent treatment on the down resists moisture in wet conditions
- Box baffles throughout provide great warmth for the weight
- The lightweight and compressible design is ideal for ultralight hikers
- QuiltLock system compatible – the quilt can attach to any hooded Sea to Summit sleeping bag to offer extra warmth in colder conditions
- There are two length options for this sleeping quilt, regular and long
- Sea To Summit offers a limited lifetime warranty for the intended life of their products against workmanship or material defects to the original owner with proof of purchase
Positives
- Extremely lightweight
- Compresses down to the size of a 1lt water bottle
- Offers unrestrictive movements
Negatives
- The thin material is not durable
- Very expensive
- Not ideal for cooler climates
13. Marmot Sawtooth Sleeping Bag
The Marmot Sawtooth sleeping bag might be one of the bulkiest on this list, but you’ll feel as if you’re snuggled under your thick winter duvet at home when you jump into it. Its high fill weight and 650+ loft allow for a cosy night’s sleep, as long as you can fit it in your bag!
The Sawtooth is a men’s specific bag and the women’s equivalent is called the Angel Fire, which affords the same comfort rating. These bags are stylish and fun while offering a few extras to increase comfort and temperature control.
What it’s good for:
The Marmot Sawtooth sleeping bag is designed with extra comfort in mind. It’s an ideal bag for overnight trips into the mountains where you don’t have to carry too much else. With dual side zips and an extending footbox, you’re able to regulate heat and use this bag throughout an alpine summer and into the shoulder seasons.
Price: $700 $560 AUD
Temperature Rating: Women’s Angel Fire: Comfort -3℃ | Men’s Sawtooth: Comfort -3℃
Insulation: 650 + loft Down Defender RDS duck down
Fill Weight: Women’s Angel Fire: Unknown | Men’s Sawtooth: 700g
Compressed Volume: Unknown
Outer Material: 20D 100% nylon mini ripstop lining, 30D 100% nylon shell
DWR: Yes
Overall Weight: Women’s Angel Fire: 1.2kg | Men’s Sawtooth: 1.3kg
Sustainable: RDS down, recycled lining and shell fabric
Features
- 650+ loft down with Down Defender to improve water resistance
- Dual side zippers for easy access and temperature control
- The Footbox zipper opens for extra room and temperature control
- Internal stash pocket for valuables
- Extended zipper flaps provide extra blanket-like coverage when unzipped
- Drawstring stuff sack and storage sack included
- Draft tube and hood, and strategic down baffling increases warmth
- Mummy-shaped sleeping bag for extra warmth
- Side loops to attach the sleeping bag to the sleeping pad
- Marmot offers a limited lifetime warranty against workmanship or material defects to the original owner with proof of purchase
- Come in two sizes, regular and long
Positives
- High fill weight provides a cosy sleeping bag with loads of comfort
- Recycled outer materials
- Extra zips for versatility and ease of use
Negatives
- The stuff sack isn’t compressible
- Bulky design isn’t ideal for more than one night of backpacking
- Expensive in Australia
14. The North Face Gold Kazoo Eco Sleeping Bag
The North Face Gold Kazoo sleeping bag is designed for hardcore adventures where weight is of big concern and wet weather is almost a given. This lightweight sleeping bag is very affordable in comparison to others of similar quality, without compromising on durability.
The outer shell is constructed of recycled 20D nylon ripstop with repurposed 700-fill down insulation. The mummy-shaped design is where they save a good chunk of weight, which could be a downfall for those that like a little extra room to move.
What it’s good for:
The North Face Gold Kazoo Eco sleeping bag is lightweight yet affordable and will keep you dry and toasty when hiking in the warmer, wetter climates of mainland Australia and beyond. It’s an ideal companion to take with you for overseas travels where weight is of utmost importance.
Price: $550 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort 2℃
Insulation: Repurposed 700-fill goose down
Fill Weight: 340g
Compressed Volume: 6lt
Outer Material: Recycled 20D nylon ripstop shell, 20D nylon taffeta lining
DWR: Yes – PFC-free
Overall Weight: 602g
Sustainable: 100% recycled materials
Features
- Made from 100% recycled materials
- Anti-compression pads located in high-pressure areas where your body makes contact with the ground to create an insulation buffer
- Repurposed 700 fill down insulation
- Compression optimised fill schedule allows for smaller packed size
- Mummy shaped design retains heat
- Fitted hood for increased warmth
- Zipper baffle to prevent heat loss
- Loops are located on the sides of the sleeping bag to allow attachment to your sleeping pad
- Vaulted footbox for added durability
- Compression and storage sack included
- The North Face offers a limited lifetime warranty against workmanship or material defects to the original owner with proof of purchase
Positives
- Made with 100% recycled materials
- Affordable for the warmth-to-weight ratio
- Very lightweight
- Pack down size is very small
Negatives
- Quite a tight design won’t appeal to everyone
- No zip to open up footbox, causing less temperature regulation options
15. Kathmandu Icarus Hybrid Sleeping Bag
Kathmandu has created a sleeping bag that allows for the best of both worlds. The Kathmandu Icarus Hybrid sleeping bag is made with recycled synthetic insulation at your feet for extra water resistance and RDS certified duck down at your core for increased warmth.
While the Icarus Hybrid sleeping bag isn’t the lightest or smallest option, it’s a great choice if you want to save money without sacrificing warmth.
What it’s good for:
The Kathmandu Icarus Hybrid sleeping bag is the ideal companion on trips into the wilderness where wet weather is common. With a comfort rating of -5 and extra zips for temperature control, it’s a very affordable 3-season sleeping bag.
Price: $450 AUD
Temperature Rating: Comfort -5℃
Insulation: 650 + RDS duck down upper, recycled polyester lower
Fill Weight: Unknown
Compressed Volume: Unknown
Outer Material: 100% nylon upper, 100% polyester lower
DWR: Kathmandu’s water repellent equivalent
Overall Weight: 1.2kg
Sustainable: RDS down, recycled synthetic insulation
Features
- 650+ loft down upper for extra core warmth and synthetic insulation for the lower half of the sleeping bag for extra water resistance
- Water repellent finish
- Drawcord adjustable hood for added warmth
- Insulated draft tube and hood to increase warmth
- Tapered rectangular shape for extra comfort
- Two-way zippers for ease of use
- Included drawstring stuff sack and storage sack
- Comes in sizes regular and large
Positives
- Affordable for its warmth
- Extra water resistant lower to stay dry
- Recycled fabrics
Negatives
- The stuff sack isn’t compressible
- Bulky design isn’t ideal for more than one night of backpacking
- No fill weight specified
16. Patagonia Fitz Roy Sleeping Bag
As we’ve come to know and love, when you buy Patagonia you know it’s going to be as sustainable as possible and ethically made. That’s no different for the Fitz Roy sleeping bag which has 100% recycled fabrics as well as being Fair Trade certified sewn.
The Fitz Roy sleeping bag is built without any unnecessary add-ons to save weight where it can and has done quite nicely. With an overall weight of 795g, it’s one of the lightest options on this list.
The only downside we have noticed through our research is the lack of temperature ratings that we can compare to other bags. Through reviews, it seems that the rating must be the limit and therefore not ideal for temperatures near zero. This does make it quite an expensive summer option.
What it’s good for:
The Patagonia Fitz Roy sleeping bag has a low weight that will be warmly welcomed on extended summer multi-day hikes. With a wider shape and a baffled design to keep the down evenly spaced, it’s a great option for those that don’t want to find cold spots but need a little extra room to move.
Price: $650 AUD
Temperature Rating: Limit -1℃
Insulation: 800 + loft Advanced Global Traceable goose down
Fill Weight: approx 500g
Compressed Volume: Unknown
Outer Material: 20D 100% recycled nylon ripstop (solution-dyed)
DWR: Yes, PFC-free
Overall Weight: 794g
Sustainable: Recycled fabric, Advanced Global Traceable Down
Features
- Made with 100% recycled and solution-dyed fabrics
- A larger mummy shape allows for extra movement
- The baffled design distributes down evenly to avoid cold spots
- The sculpted footbox prevents down from shifting
- Internal stash pocket for valuables
- 3D engineered hood is based on the design of their down jacket hoods, allowing for exceptional warmth and comfort
- Fair Trade Certified sewn
- Half-length front zipper for less weight and easier access
- Two-way zipper to allow for temperature control
- Comes with a compression sack
- Patagonia offer an Ironclad Guarantee where they will repair, replace or refund your item when returned to the place you purchased from
- Comes in three sizes – short, regular and long
Positives
- Lightweight
- Sustainably made
- Extra room in the shoulders for added comfort
Negatives
- Warmth is quite low in comparison to the price
- Getting expensive
- No ISO comfort temperature rating could be found for this sleeping bag
Final Thoughts On The Best Hiking Sleeping Bags
Well, congratulations if you made it this far and I hope this has cleared up any confusion you may have had regarding sleeping bags and their components. Luckily, choosing the right sleeping bag is easier than gear such as hiking boots and you shouldn’t need to engage in much (if any) trial and error.
Remember to figure out the warmth you need before considering any other factors and as long as you choose one that has a warmer comfort rating than you ever plan to sleep in, you’ll be cosy!
If you have a favourite sleeping bag that you believe should be on this list, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below! On the contrary, if you’ve got any feedback for a sleeping bag that is on this list, that information would be greatly appreciated as well.
Happy Camping!
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