5 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag Under 100

It's a long and tiring day, and all you want to do is get some rest and sleep for another adventure. But imagine if you bring a sleeping bag that’s not comfortable, warm, or cool enough. Sounds bad, right?

A sleeping bag is essential for comfortable backpacking. If you’re frequently outdoors and on a backpacking trip, you’d surely understand why it’s essential to pack a quality sleeping bag with you.

How To Choose The Best Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are designed to be carried on your back, so typically, they are lightweight and easy to pack. When choosing the best sleeping bag, you should consider a product’s weight, size, shape, temperature capacity, insulation, accessories, and additional features.

You need the proper gear for a good sleep on the trails or outdoors. But first, you need to pick the best sleeping bag. Here’s a guide on how to choose the sleeping bag that’s right for you.

Consider The Temperature During Your Trip.

Sleeping bags have different temperature ratings. So you need to anticipate the climate condition during your trip. Sleeping bags are designed for summer, winter, and three seasons (from early spring to late fall).

Choose a summer sleeping bag for temperatures higher than 30 °F. If you’re anticipating temperatures from 15 °F to 30 °F, the three-season sleeping bag is ideal. For temperatures lower than 15 °F, choose a winter sleeping bag.

In some cases where you may need to travel to places that have -0 °F, four-season sleeping bags exist to keep you fully insulated. Lastly, there’s five-season sleeping bags. They’re specifically used for harsh climate conditions, like when you go to mountain peaks that have high altitudes.

But remember, these ratings are based on the average sleeper, so consider adjusting your choices if you easily get warm or cold. Your clothing, sleeping pad, wind, and humidity are some of the other factors you must consider.

Choose A Lightweight Sleeping Bag.

Your sleeping bag will add weight to your overall load, so it’s necessary to keep things as light as possible. Buy a backpacking sleeping bag that weighs less than 4lbs or one that only takes up 10% to 20% of your total pack weight.

Consider The Size And Shape Of The Sleeping Bag.

You’d want to be comfortable or warm in your sleeping bag. This is why you should consider a bag that has enough room for movement. You don’t want to feel too cramped.

See if your preferred bag is enough for your height. Check the dimensions to make sure that there’s enough room for you to stretch, so you can sleep more comfortably.

As for the shape, sleeping bags come in rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy.

You’d have a lot of room for your legs in a rectangular-shaped sleeping bag. Ideally, you can stretch out a bit, and you can unzip the bag and use it as a comforter.

The semi-rectangular sleeping bag has the look of a cocoon. This type offers roominess and warmth.

Mummy-type sleeping bags are ideal for colder temperatures because they keep in heat more effectively, and they’re snugger than other types.

Check The Type Of Insulation Material.

Sleeping bags may have insulation materials made of down (comes from geese or ducks) or synthetic materials.

Down is a natural and breathable material, and it costs more than synthetic-lined sleeping bags. A synthetic insulating material is made from polyester. Synthetic insulating materials are cheaper and non-allergenic although they’re a bit heavier than down.

Choose A Sleeping Bag With A Waterproof Shell.

Choose a sleeping bag with a durable water-repellent finish to prevent spills and rain from destroying the inner insulating material. This will come in handy in rainforests and other wet environments.

Check For Additional Features.

A snug-fitting hood can add extra heat, so it’s mostly found in sleeping bags for cold temperatures. The zipper is also worth checking. A quality zipper makes it easy for you to get into the sleeping bag. Other sleeping bags may be built to last, but heat is not effectively trapped if the zipper is broken or if it snags.

Not all sleeping bags have a stash pocket. But it’s great if it’s available, especially if you’re used to keeping your phone and other essentials near where you sleep.

Consider The Accessories.

Sleeping bags vary in terms of accessories. Some are stored in compression sacks, which take up less space and are easier to store in your backpack or car.

Others have a storage sack, so you have the option not to smoosh your bag inside the stuff sack. Check if the sleeping bag has a mesh or cotton storage sack.

A sleeping bag liner is another useful addition. It helps keep your sleeping bag clean. It also adds extra warmth during cold temperatures. There are many affordable sleeping bags that have good quality, and will keep you warm and comfortable on your outdoor trips. You can find some of them in our list of top picks below.