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Head-to-head · Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Kelty Cosmic Down 20 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.

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The short answer

Kelty Cosmic Down 20 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 3.4). Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is best for: casual campers on a budget. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Kelty Cosmic Down 20
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Kelty Cosmic Down 20
2 sources$209.95as of Oct 29

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.

Strengths
  • — More packable than most budget options with synthetic fill
  • — Relatively thick polyester fabric is more resilient than thin ultralight material
  • — Includes full-length draft tube and insulated collar for heat retention
Watch-outs
  • — Cut-rate 550-fill down places it at the low end for warmth-to-weight
  • — Runs colder than its temp rating
$209.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
REI Co-op Trailmade 25
Ranked #4 in Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
REI Co-op Trailmade 25
2 sources

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.

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
  • — Bulky design with significant packed volume
Buy at rei.comFull review →

How they stack up

Kelty Cosmic Down 20

At 2 lb 7 oz it weighs over a pound more than the 1 lb 6 oz Phantom 30, and it costs far less. It is a down bag where the REI Co-op Trailmade 25 uses synthetic insulation, and it is lighter than the Trailmade's 3 lbs 4.6 oz.

REI Co-op Trailmade 25

At 3 lbs 4.6 oz it is heavier than each of them, more than double the Phantom 30's 1 lb 6 oz.

Specs side-by-side

SpecKelty Cosmic Down 20REI Co-op Trailmade 25
Temperature Rating31/21°F (ISO Comfort/Limit)25°F
Fill Power1 lb. 0.4 oz. of 550-fill down—
Weight2 lb. 7 oz.3 lbs., 4.6 oz.
Insulation550-fill-power downRecycled polyester
Shell Fabric20D nylonRecycled polyester
Packed Volume10.7L9.4 L
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