Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

The NEMO Disco 15 trades low weight for room to move. Its hourglass, spoon-shaped cut, zippered Thermo Gill vents and oversized draft collar won it an Editors' Pick from Better Trail, which called it one of the most luxe-feeling backpacking bags it has used. Better Trail and CleverHiker both stayed warm in it in freezing conditions, and both flag the same cost: it weighs about 2 lb 14 oz and packs bulky because of its 650-fill down.

The Exped Terra 15 Sleeping Bag balances warmth, weight, and price for 3-season backpacking. REI's Emily Pennington singled out the 650-fill down insulation, the soft fabric, and practical touches like the draft collar and 3D footbox. It's cut for middle-of-the-road sleepers and comes in five sizes. Summer and early fall camping suit it best, and ultralight backpackers will notice the extra ounces. Weekend warriors who want comfort on a budget are the right buyer.

The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 puts real down in a budget bag, cut in a tapered mummy shape. Its 550-fill down isn't as thermally efficient as pricier insulation, so reviewers steer it toward summer camping and mild nights. The thicker shell fabric makes it tougher than ultralight bags, at the cost of weight and bulk. Casual backpackers who want down without the premium price will do fine; anyone expecting sub-freezing temperatures should look elsewhere.

Value and size range are the REI Co-op Trailmade 25's calling cards, which makes it a good first bag or a good answer if standard cuts never fit you. Reviewer Ian Graber-Stiehl found the moisture-resistant synthetic insulation holds up to its 25°F comfort rating and rated the regular size well for average builds, but flagged the bulk and a zipper that snags. Six options cover short, short wide, regular, regular wide, long, and long wide. Casual campers and backpacking newcomers who value fit and price over ultralight weight should look here.