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.

The short answer

Kelty Cosmic Down 20 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.9 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about casual campers on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Kelty Cosmic Down 20

3.9

$157.39as of Jul 1

The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 offers budget-friendly down insulation with a mummy shape that provides spacious shoulders but tight hips and feet. Reviewers noted its 550-fill down is less thermally efficient than pricier alternatives, making it better suited for summer camping and mild conditions. While it's more durable than ultralight options due to its thicker shell fabric, the bag's weight and bulk are drawbacks. It's recommended for casual backpackers seeking real down without breaking the bank, but those expecting sub-freezing temperatures should look elsewhere.

Strengths

— More packable than most budget options with synthetic fill
— Spacious dimensions despite tapered mummy shape
— Relatively thick polyester fabric is more resilient than thin ultralight material

Watch-outs

— Cut-rate 550-fill down places it at the low end for warmth-to-weight
— Runs colder than its temp rating in real-world testing

$157.39 · 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

Kelty Cosmic Down 20

The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 provides more packability and durability than the budget-friendly Exped Terra 15, but it's less warm than the Argali Alpine 20. Unlike the REI Trailmade 25, which offers better value and sizing, the Kelty bag is more suitable for casual campers who want real down without premium pricing.

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	Kelty Cosmic Down 20	REI Co-op Trailmade 25
Temperature Rating	31/21°F (ISO Comfort/Limit)	25°F
Fill Power	1 lb. 0.4 oz. of 550-fill down	—
Weight	2 lb. 7 oz.	3 lbs., 4.6 oz.
Shape	Semi-Rectangular	Mummy
Insulation	550-fill-power down	Recycled polyester
Shell Fabric	20D nylon	Recycled polyester
Packed Volume	10.7L	9.4 L

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