Sleeping Bag
Extend the life of your pack, sleeping bag, and tent with these tips.
From a bomber ultralight tent to the best GPS watch we've seen, here are the 15 products that passed the ultimate field test.
This bag's revolutionary shape delivers maximum roll-around comfort with minimum weight.
A good sleeping pad completes your sleeping bag - here are five great ones.
Our team spent 516 field nights picking the best bags for all seasons -- so you'll never risk a sleepless night.
Year-round, well almost, sleeping bag comfort.
Find your perfect backcountry bed for when the temps are balmy.
Find the bag that fits you best with this plethora of reviews.
Keep warm and dry at a bargain with the Kelty Ignite DriDown 0.
Water-repellent down keeps this ultralight Sierra Designs bag drier and loftier than the competition.
Sorry men, this lofty and warm Marmot Xenon 15 is only available for women.
Perfect for car camping and shorter hikes, the NEMO Strato Loft 25 provides the best in roomy backcountry comfort.
Sleeping bag and pad are combined in this ultralight model from Therm-a-Rest.
Whatever tough adventures you dream up, the Exped UltaLite 500 is up to the challenge.
Pack small without sacrificing warmth with the GoLite Z10.
Waterproof and warm, this hybrid Millet is an excellent bargain.
This all-around bag from Eastern Mountain Sports boasts an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio.
This synthetic bag from Big Agnes is as breathable and lofty as down.
The North Face Hightail 2S offers unparalleled loft in a roomy, waterproof bag.
This hybrid bag from REI provides the best in comfort and waterproofing.
Save money without sacrificing quality with the LaFuma Lightway 45.
Think outside the bag with this minimalist blanket from Brooks-Range.
412 trail-tested products
Hundreds of pieces of outdoor gear from all the major outdoor retailers - now in an easy-to-print digital format.
Will water-repellent down bags make synthetic insulation obsolete?
An ultralight bag that breathes
A water-resistant down bag made with Sierra Designs' DriDown.
A packable synthetic sleeping bag with an extremely durable DWR shell
A budget-friendly shoulder-season bag
Cross a super-warm bag and a weatherproof bivy and you get the Wraith.
This ultralight sleeping bag packs small but lofts quickly for a warm night.
A sleeping pad that's light enough for summer yet warm enough for winter.
A $90 starter sleeping bag.
A lofty, hoodless, semi-rectangular down bag.
A synthetic sleeping bag with warm, generous cut.
A synthetic bag with a Omni-Heat liner.
A pricey, but super light, sleeping bag
Upgrade your bed: No matter what your budget or performance preferences, our testers found the perfect bag for all your spring-through-fall trips
Skip the new wrench sets and the flowery ties. Give the man on your list something that he’ll really be stoked about. We’ve got a slew of great dad-tested gift ideas starting at $20
Sleep comfortably on your next adventure with one of these great sleeping pads.
These bags are ideal for summer backpacking trips, each offering lightweight comfort for warmer temps.
7 new bags perfect for your spring-time adventures.
Ready to endure all the elements, these bags offering warmth and protection for winter camping.
Don't go shopping until you've read these comprehensive guides to buying and fitting the right pack, boots, bag, and tent.
Mummy or semi-rectangular? Sleeves vs. clips? Choose the right sleeping bag and keep it in top shape with these tips.
From a smart-and-light pack to a groundbreaking backcountry communicator, here are the 12 products that passed the ultimate gear challenge.
Find the perfect sack for any budget or adventure.
Our littlest testers give a thumbs-up to these field-proven products.
If you're 5'5" and under (or sleep curled up) this sleeping pad is a welcome, warm addition to the Therm-a-Rest line
Even cold female testers found this bag a warm 20°s
Couples camping just got a whole lot better–and lighter–with this down bag built for two.
All the great gear specs you're used to seeing in the Gear Guide - now in an easy-to-print digital format.
Ready to endure all the elements, these bags offering warmth and protection for winter camping.
These 3-season sleeping bags offer packability, reliability and durability for wherever your adventure takes you.
These bags are ideal for summer backpacking trips, each offering lightweight comfort for warmer temps.
Get the comfort you deserve with horizontal and vertical tubes that add both support and cushion.
For big-and-tall types, this pad will offer you a comfortable and good night of sleep.
This pad offers a thermal reflective barrier for extra warmth at an affordable price.
High-performance and ultralight, this pad offers comfort and great packability.
This down mat offers comfort and cushion in some of the roughest camp grounds.
Stay warm in this down-filled bag that offers a relaxed cut for extra room and insulation at a bargain price.
This roomy bag allows you to lock in your body heat with its cocoon-like structure.
Sleep comfortably and warm in negative temps with this packable bag.
A big-guy favorite that packs small despite the extra internal dimensions.
A synthetic-fill bag with ample loft that offers warmth and comfort.
Feel the heat instantly with this bag as tiny dots in the liner reflect your body heat.
An affordable, high-performance sleeping bag that keeps you warm and dry in the harshest of elements.
Packability is what you will get with this bag. Durable, yet lightweight, Sierra Designs has created a insulated sleeping bag that is made for comfort.
This eco-friendly, synthetic sack offers comfort and sustainability.
Wearable warmth allows you to stay warm in and outside your tent. The union-suit design gives you the capability to move around camp easily as well as sleep comfortably at night.
Lightweight and warm, this sleeping bag has a roomy cut and core insulation.
Affordable and ultralight synthetic, the Lafuma Extreme 600 performs to keep you comfortable in warm and cool temperatures.
Featherweight comfort and superior design allows for all-around warmth in the coldest of places.
A minimalist sleeping bag that weighs under sixteen ounces.
By replacing just five key items from this reader's Army surplus kit we helped him save over 10 pounds of unnecessary weight.
BACKPACKER's Editor-in-Chief weighs in on his favorite products of 2011.
This no-nonsense editor needs gear that can go the distance.
Sleep comfortably from -20° to 15°
We didn't have room to print these readers in our January 2012 Readers Choice Issue--but they still tested some great gear.
A sleeping bag with arms and legs – because onesies shouldn't just be for '80s-themed slumber parties.
This mummy is stuffed with 850+ fill down and protected by Sea to Summit’s 3D NanoShell.
If you’re built more like a linebacker than a cyclist, consider the El Diente.
It packs down as small as a summer bag and weighs just two pounds
A synthetic mummy that's virtually waterproof
A -20°F bag that's both light and roomy.
A legit 20°F down bag that costs less than 200 bucks.
Three synthetic sleepers for less than $110.
This hoodless, semi-rectangular bag was the roomiest in our test.
This bag packs down to the size of a volleyball.
This mummy costs only $89 and weighs just over three pounds!
Do you toss and turn endlessly in your tent at night? Keep reading.
The best new sacks are tough on cold and packed with technology.
Camp through the coldest months with these hearty sleeping bags.
This year's roundup of three-season bags features three killer deals and an Editors' Choice Award winner.
Six summer bags that cover summer's mood swings.
Enjoy sweet dreams in nasty conditions with these sacks and pads.
Outfit your mama with the perfect overnight gear.
Whether you're shopping for your wife, mom, girlfriend, or BFF we've done the heavy lifting for you with 40 picks that are sure to make her Mother's Day.
A tough, warm, bargain down sleeping bag
A sleeping bag that grows with your child.
From a bargain ultralight tent to perfect-fit boots, here are 14 products that passed the ultimate field test.
A compact pillow that inflates to 12x15".
Set up camp anywhere with this easy-to-use hammock.
A budget-conscious convertible bag that changes to match its environment.
5 near-perfect pieces of gear in our 2011 Editors' Choice testing
In the quest for maximum warmth at minimum weight, we have a new standard setter.
Packed with 850-plus-fill down, this bag lofts up a full nine inches, yet remains remarkably packable.
The Altitude's 800-fill down is protected from the elements by a waterproof/breathable ShelterTX shell and full-length, rubberized, splashproof zipper.
Three inches of extra space in the shoulder area make this a primo bag for the broad shouldered.
Winter camping becomes budget friendly with this 0° bag.
The Pyro is the economical solution if you need a 15°F bag in 30°F temps.
The Traverse Xt1's secret weapon? Sea To Summit's 3D NanoShell which keeps down dry without inhibiting breathability.
Knock-around durability, easy-care synthetic insulation, and a no-brainer price.
The space-heater warmth and long-term durability of a down bag without the lofty price.
An ultralight summer sleeping bag that sleeps warm.
No more zipping bags together, a two-person bag designed for couples.
Carry about a pound extra,and save more than $100.
A quilt-style bag that integrates perfectly with a sleeping pad.
The 850-fill Dreamwalker converts to a full-length poncho–like a puffy jacket, only warmer.
The Laser weighs a scant 12 ounces and packs down to the size of a grapefruit, yet it's warm right down to its temp rating.
This year's Editors' Choice testing trip took place in Utah's Capitol Reef National Park -- a perfect testing ground for our favorite gear of the year.
Your boots will last longer, fit better, and hike farther if you give them a little TLC.
Keep your favorite shelter in tip-top shape with this advice.
Your sleeping bag is critical to backcountry enjoyment - keep it happy.
Proper fit and care will keep your backpack comfortable and functioning.
Read all the full-text reviews of the gear we didn't have room to dish about in the 2011 Gear Guide charts.
In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right sleeping bag for any outing.
Comfort for a cozy backcountry couple
Gear and skills to keep you and your outdoor-loving honey happy in the backcountry.
Our official test team logged more than 2,337 miles and 263 nights in the backcountry to find the best gear for every type of hiker.
Cut weight, not comfort, in three core categories.
Get comfort and convenience with these four well-priced picks.
An ultralight sleeping bag with 3.5 inches of loft and an extra-wide torso area
Light, roomy, compressible, and perfect for weekends
A minimalist-style bivy that separates you from the nasty outside.
Shopping for a tent is like shopping for a home: there are dozens of styles, designs, sizes, and features to consider. In this guide, gear editor Kristin Hostetter shows you how to pick the right one for any outing.
Stay connected, warm and well fed, with these staple gift ideas.
Over the years we've tested a lot of gear, and learned a lot of lessons.
Just because you're sleeping on the dirt doesn't mean you have to be uncomfortable.
Many starry nights–and a handful of miserable ones–revealed the best bags and pads over the years.
A-frames, domes, party tents–we've tested them all.
Want to fly business class on a coach fare? Gift the Cosmic.
Want to find the ideal gift for every hiker on your list? No matter what your budget, we've got you covered.
Klymit creates revolutionary sleeping pad filled with argon gas.
Got the gear but still can't get any rest? These 10 tips will improve your snooze.
For five months, we tested 50 bags, pads, and other snooze-related gear
to find perfect sleep systems for every season.
For warm summer nights, this two-pound system delivers sweet dreams for just $138.
Get all the comforts of home with this four-star setup.
Stay toasty in the deepest freeze with an overstuffed bag and cold-weather pad.
Get big comfort, low weight from a premium down bag and a super-cush pad.
A shortie summer pad that offers surprising comfort for its size and weight.
A 40° mummy that disappears inside a pack.
An inflatable pillow that feels like the real thing.
A sleeping pad made for luxurious car camping.
An affordable mummy bag that's super soft inside.
A winter warm sleeping pad that's also easily packable.
An Arctic-worthy 800-fill down mummy.
An extra wide and extra long sleeping pad with three inches of cushion.
A premium down bag that masters three seasons.
Sleep better all year long with these warm sleeping bags & pads.
A closed cell/open cell foam system that provides maximum comfort.
An indestructible sleeping pad with an aluminized surface layer that reflects body heat.
A roomy and comfortable bag built for big guys (or gals).
An 850-fill bag that packs down to the size of a basketball.
A warm and weatherproof bag at a sweet price.
A women's bag that stays warm even when wet.
A sleeping bag you won't want to get out of.
Pair this bag with a puffy jacket for an ultralight, ultratoasty setup.
255 gear reviews and cold-weather tips!
A sleeping bag that doesn't require a tent.
Backcountry hammocks–the easiest way to bring tropical comfort to your wilderness paradise.
See what summer essentials Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter recently recommended on the Today Show.
A three-season sleeping bag that's warm, efficient, and tough.
This "Bivy" is actually a bomber two-pole solo tent.
MontBell's lightest sleeping bag at 13.8 ounces.
Our testers put a ton of summer bags through the ringer to bring you these five favorites.
Want a bag that you can use most of the year? Take a look at these picks from our intense testing sessions.
From the best all-around bag to the one that's easiest on your wallet, these sleeping bags will help you battle cold winter weather.
After 15-hour trail days with 50 pound packs on 100-miles of Switzerland's Via Alpina, we're proud to present the best gear of the year.
Fix a zipper on the fly with this repair kit.
The Sexy Hotness has more than just a catchy name. This 20°F mate-able sleeper has features that leave other bags blushing.
Sleep tight in any season with these summer, three-season, and winter sleeping bags.
High-lofting warmth–without fail.
Thirty indestructible gear picks from two decades of hardcore field-testing.
These five finalists were close to the tops for our editors–for you they may be perfect.
An entire line of packs and bags goes eco-friendly.
Get some real sleep on your next trip with this packable pillow.
A super-comfy hang-able camp "chair"
Boost the performance of your down gear
Buy the right bag for your sleeping style and destinations, and it will keep you warm for years.
A puffy, waterproof sleeping bag that really seals in heat
A seriously warm women's sleeping bag
A bargain cold-weather bag with plenty of roll-around room
A toasty, big and tall bag with a recycled nylon shell
This rugged down bag won't break the bank.
An innovative down bag with no cold spots
A trim-fitting bag that packs light and small
A super warm down bag at a super good price
The lightest 15-degree bag on the market
A summertime quilt for steamy nights
An affordable synthetic bag with down-like performance
Crank up your bag's temperature rating by 10 degrees with this liner.
A slim-fitting, summer bag for under 100 bucks
A down bag that packs tiny and heats up fast
Stay toasty with the right fill for your bag and puffy jacket.
Every week we go into our gear closet and pull out a sweet prize.
Sleep-anywhere evidence that luxury and lightweight can go hand in hand.
4 featherweight sleepers for all types of ounce-counters, spring through fall.
With just 700-fill-down, a warmth-trapping hood, a radical, weight-saving design and no zipper-- or pad straps--that's innovation.
Stuffed with 800-plus-fill down, the Arc Specialist is a hoodless, mummy-shaped bag that's warm right down to its 32 F degree rating.
When you lose loft, you lose warmth. Ergo, the most durable bag is the one that bounces back best from 3,989 pounds of compression.
We took durability testing to the extremes, so you would know which gear lasts–and why.
Five sleeping bags, two sleeping pads, and the cushiest pillow anywhere.
Coming soon: sleeping bags that are as warm as their hangtags claim.
Great for summer or winter trips, this bag is good for all seasons.
Keeps drips, frost and condensation out, not to mention the 800-fill down keeps you warm and cozy even in super cold conditions.
The 800-fill down of this versatile bag keeps you warm in the coldest of conditions.
This bargain of a bag will not snag, packs down tight, and stays warm down to 20°F.
This roomy bag is great for XL frames and restless sleepers; stay warm down to 15°F.
Want to enjoy more time on the trail? It's simple: Bring the whole family, but make sure the kids stay comfortable with gear built for them.
Affordable starter mummy bag for kids 2-10 compresses down to soccer ball size.
Lighten your load with a warm-weather bag that packs small bug goes big on comfort.
This quilt/sheet combo covered a range of temperatures.
Even during a damp, tentless night our tester stayed dry.
This affordable bag is great for above-40s temps.
800-fill down keeps this bag toasty, while breathable nylon shell fabric and a two-way zipper prevents stuffiness in warmer temps.
Whether you're looking to go ultralight or stay cool on a hot summer night, here's the gear that will help you sleep comfortably.
Our restless guinea pig snooze-tested the latest science and gear to bring you a simple plan that's guaranteed to improve your backcountry ZZZ's.
thanks to a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon ground layer and more, this balanced bivy has all the right elements.
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
How do you replace a legend? Cut its footprint without cutting warmth.
No bag in this challenge incorporated more recycled components.
Recycled materials and fewer trucking miles trim carbon weight.
A winning combo: Make it light and local.
Less bag where many hikers don't need it makes a big difference.
5 manufacturers answer our call for eco-friendly sacks.
Tent leak like a sieve? Boots stink like a compost pile? Don't worry. Class is now in session. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this in your one-stop, do-it-all user's guide.
Your sleep is important to us. That's why we logged 250 nights under the stars, from Alaska to Wales, to bring you the 30 best bags of the year.
The best new gear. That's what earns our seal of approval, and only after months of hardcore testing. This year, we subjected dozens of products to heinous trail conditions from Alaska to Wales. In the end, 18 survived to take our top honor.
Save your down, seal up tears, and get ready for wet weather with the all-inclusive guide.
If you want super breathability and an awesome warmth-to-weight ratio this Feathered Friends bag is for you.
Great bag all around that also costs less than most competitors.
Add this sleeve for added comfort.
This lightweight summer bag is great for big guys or active sleepers.
This pad features Aspen Aero Gel for warmth and recycled PET nylon for green-ness.
We like almost everything about this winter bag.
A high-performance winter bag for the thrifty shopper.
This storm-proof bag will keep you warm, dry and cozy.
This synthetic bag is a killer deal and offers a "tucked in" fit.
Last year's Editors' Choice Gold Award winner stands out again with its minimalist design and excellent fit.
This fitted bag packs small and weighs just over a pound.
Attention cold sleepers: This bag is so warm we almost put it in the winter section.
Want a great bag at a great price? Look no further than the Chrysalis.
Staying warm well below its rating, this bag is perfect for when the clouds roll in.
A warm bag at a great price, simple as that.
This ultralight bag will stuff-to-fit anywhere you've got room.
Grabbing our best fit award, this three-season bag is perfect for any cold sleeper.
This pricey three-season bag has a waterproof shell and can function as a wet bivy.
Last year's Editors' Choice bag features the same functional zipper design and low weight.
This 10°F bag is ruthlessly pared down for low weight and high performance–and it works.
A super-light, three-season bag that stuffs smaller than you'd think.
A three-season bag that is roomy and light, but not for side sleepers.
This high-end fitted bag may just be worth the extra bucks.
This retro-inspired bag is tough and simple.
This full-featured bag is light, warm and comfy. It gets our best all-around summer bag tag.
Warm below its rating, and made of eco-products, this bag should have even the biggest green-thumbs sticking straight up.
This summer bag had one tester wondering if it really was a summer bag– it was just that warm.
This down bag is super warm and great for saving weight.
This full-featured bag has it all, except a high price tag.
This easy-packing summer bag is lightweight and perfect for the budget-shopper.
Ultralight meets ultra-comfortable in this roomy sleeping bag.
Tired of that foamy sleeping pad? Upgrade to this customized comfort system
Want a personal shopping assistant? Gear editor Kristin Hostetter has you covered. In these video guides, she'll show you how to pick the backpack and sleeping bag that's right for you.
Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.
Our tester spent 18 days climbing, camping, and evaluating gear on America's highest, coldest peak. If his picks made it there, they can make it anywhere.
At right around two pounds per person, these three-season, double-occupancy shelters do everything but weigh you down.
I'm organizing my first group trip. Can I rent gear for newbies who may not be ready to buy?
Patch a tent hole, layer for extreme conditions, clean your stove, make an old bag warmer, and more.
From ultra-warm to ultralight, here are the year's best-performing bags in every category.
We go above and beyond the regular gear testing rigamarole. We'll simulate a thunderstorm, go for full submersion, and then, a cold–weather test...in a beer fridge.
Save weight, your feet, and money with these three pieces of ultralight gear
The latest word from our testers
The year's best packs, boots, tents, jackets, and sleeping bags. Period. Plus, a never-die headlamp, a life-saving beacon, a back-saving ultralight chair, and more innovative, trail-tested gear.
The best gear in the world can be worthless in the wrong conditions. That's where Backpacker's Perfect System comes in.
Not quite sure how to fit a pack, measure your torso, calculate your V02 max, patch a sleeping pad, or clean a funkified hydration unit? Watch and learn.
The secret to a great day outdoors? Start with a great night. Sleep well in all conditions with one of these snooze-tested bags.
Clothing is gear that's just as important as a tent or sleeping bag. We'll help you choose wisely.
8 easy ways to fortify your sleeping bag
Learn what you can and can't fix yourself on a sleeping bag.
On your next camping trip, be sure to heed these 10 tips for sleeping like a log
Keep your sleeping bag up to fluff with proper care and handling, including storing, washing/drying, and special considertations.
Impress your friends–and understand any salesperson–by learning all sorts of sleeping bag lingo.
Five questions to ask yourself before you buy a sleeping bag
Make sure you don't forget a thing with our comprehensive gear checklists for pretty much any trip occasion. Plus, learn how to pick the perfect piece of gear.
Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide
8 easy ways to fortify your sleeping bag
Salvage a few more years out of your favorite jacket with these zipper fixes.
By keeping your gear (relatively) free of dirt and grime and storing it properly you can make your gear last forever.
These lightweight tents can house three campers in comfort or two in splendor.
How the warm-weather down mummy bags Marmot Atom, Montbell Super Stretch Down Hugger #3, Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32, and Feathered Friends Osprey stack up.
A sleeping bag that's ideal for small women.
An overstuffed down sleeping bag that will keep you warm on frigid nights.
An economically-priced sleeping bag that's one sweet deal.
Rated a best buy, this cozy bag will keep your little camper warm and comfy all night long.
A sleeping bag with all the fixings.
How to make your cold months warmer: boots, bags, jackets, backpacks, and booties for frosty weather
Pinch me: Our favorite bag is also the least expensive.
This furnace comes in a small package, but substitute your own stuff sack.
Sleep warm, carry less with these 20-degree sacks.
This sack earns high marks as an affordable, versatile summer bag.
Three field-tested bags and how they'll save money, space, and your feet
Way warm for the weight
You'll find this bag to be the most comfortable for mild weather.
Great fit, but lacking loft
Call this sack a rebel--a synthetic bag that weighs less and stuffs small.
Easy to pack and easy to vent
Don't tell us money can't buy happiness.
This is one of the lightest three-season sleep systems we've seen
This bargain bag could turn car campers into ultralight zealots.
The comfortably roomy cut pleased all testers.
This compact bag might leave you dodging cold spots during cold nights.
Make your sleeping bag smell laundry fresh.
Here's the best way to make a lightweight and inexpensive camping mattress.
On your next outing, be sure to heed these 10 tips for sleeping like a log.
Trouble sleeping in camp? Try our tips for a good night's rest.
Getting a good night's sleep on the trail is easier said than done. Our experts show you how to get your 20 winks.
Add some ribbons to your sleeper to speed drying.
Half of your "good sleep" equation is a comfy pad (the other half is your bag). Look for these 10 essentials when you buy.
Keep your sleeping bag up to fluff with proper care and handling.
Has your sleeping bag lost its loft? Zipper off its track? Check to see if your bag is worth repairing or if it's time to buy a new one.
A few simple precautions will prevent punctures and preserve the foam in your self-inflating pad.
Thickness, length, width, and weight options make choosing the right pad more involved than you might think.
