Head-to-head · Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 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

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about ultralight backpackers seeking warmth — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30

4.4

$579.99as of Jul 1

The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 sleeping bag is praised for its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, thanks to its 850-fill down and 10 ounces of fill providing four inches of loft. Reviewers noted its performance in temperatures around freezing and slightly below, with good packability and comfort features like an adjustable hood and draft collar. However, it's not recommended for users who sleep very cold or for extreme conditions. The bag is ideal for ultralight backpackers seeking a balance between weight and warmth.

Strengths

— Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio due to 850-fill down
— Four inches of loft from 10 ounces of down fill
— Adjustable hood with even face gasket closure

Watch-outs

— Limited space for larger or wider users
— Not suitable for extreme cold conditions

$579.99 · 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

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30

Unlike the REI Co-op Trailmade 25, which prioritizes value and sizing inclusivity, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 focuses on exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio with its 850-fill down, making it superior for ultralight backpackers. While the Western Mountaineering MegaLite offers more spaciousness and lighter weight, the Phantom 30 provides a better balance of warmth and packability for moderate conditions.

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	Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30	REI Co-op Trailmade 25
Temperature Rating	30°F/-1°C	25°F
Fill Power	850	—
Weight	1 lb 6 oz/624 g	3 lbs., 4.6 oz.
Shape	Performance Mummy	Mummy
Insulation	—	Recycled polyester
Shell Fabric	—	Recycled polyester
Packed Volume	—	9.4 L

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