Head-to-head · Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Exped Terra 15 vs REI Co-op Trailmade 25

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Exped Terra 15 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about weekend warriors seeking comfort — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Exped Terra 15

4.2

$109.95as of Jul 1

The Exped Terra 15 Sleeping Bag offers a compelling balance of warmth, weight, and affordability for 3-season backpacking use. REI's Emily Pennington praised its 650-fill down insulation, soft fabric, and practical features like the draft collar and 3D footbox. The bag is designed for middle-of-the-road sleepers and comes in five sizes to accommodate different body types. While it's well-suited for summer and early fall camping, ultralight enthusiasts may find it slightly heavier than their ideal setup. It's best for weekend warriors and backpackers seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing comfort.

Strengths

— Soft recycled 20-denier ripstop polyester shell and liner with OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification
— Adjustable draft collar and hood help retain warmth and prevent heat loss
— 3D footbox design allows better blood flow and keeps toes warm during sleep

Watch-outs

— Stuff sack is described as bulky despite compression
— Unisex sizing may not fit those who run cold well

$109.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

REI Co-op Trailmade 25

3.8

$119

The REI Co-op Trailmade 25 Sleeping Bag delivers strong value and sizing inclusivity, making it ideal for beginners and those seeking a perfect fit. Reviewer Ian Graber-Stiehl noted its moisture-resistant synthetic insulation performs well to its 25°F comfort rating, though the bag's bulk and zipper snags are drawbacks. The six-size range (short, short wide, regular, regular wide, long, long wide) caters to diverse body types, with the regular size tested performing well for average users. This bag is best suited for casual campers and newcomers to backpacking who prioritize fit and value over ultralight performance.

Strengths

— Excellent value for budget-conscious backpackers
— Insulation handles moisture well and performs to comfort temp rating
— Long upper/lower zips offer easy ventilation

Watch-outs

— Lower zippers prone to snagging
— Bulky design with significant packed volume

$119 · Buy at rei.com Full review →

How they stack up

Exped Terra 15

The Exped Terra 15 offers a good balance of affordability and comfort, outperforming the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 in warmth and fabric quality, though it's heavier than the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30. Compared to the Western Mountaineering MegaLite, it's less expensive but lacks the ultralight design and spaciousness.

REI Co-op Trailmade 25

The REI Co-op Trailmade 25 stands out for its budget-friendly pricing and excellent sizing inclusivity, unlike the more expensive Western Mountaineering MegaLite. While the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 offers better warmth-to-weight, the REI bag provides superior value and fit for beginners and casual campers who don't prioritize ultralight performance.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Exped Terra 15	REI Co-op Trailmade 25
Temperature Rating	15°F comfort	25°F
Fill Power	650-fill-power	—
Weight	2 lbs 10.5 oz (S)	3 lbs., 4.6 oz.
Shape	Mummy	Mummy
Insulation	650+ cuin/oz European Grey Duck Down	Recycled polyester
Shell Fabric	Recycled 20 D ripstop polyester	Recycled polyester
Packed Volume	—	9.4 L

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