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Sleeping Bags

Gear Lab: Sleeping Bags

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.

Gear Lab

We took durability testing to the extremes, so you would know which gear lasts–and why.

Fall Gear Guide 09: Sleeping Bags, Pads, & Pillows

Five sleeping bags, two sleeping pads, and the cushiest pillow anywhere.

The Ratings Game: Standardizing Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings

Coming soon: sleeping bags that are as warm as their hangtags claim.

Gear Review: Valandre Bloody Mary Sleeping Bag

Great for summer or winter trips, this bag is good for all seasons.

Gear Review: The North Face Nebula 15 Sleeping Bag

Keeps drips, frost and condensation out, not to mention the 800-fill down keeps you warm and cozy even in super cold conditions.

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Ghost SL-40 Sleeping Bag

The 800-fill down of this versatile bag keeps you warm in the coldest of conditions.

Gear Review: Kelty Light Year XP 20 Sleeping Bag

This bargain of a bag will not snag, packs down tight, and stays warm down to 20°F.

Gear Review: Big Agnes Lost Ranger/Roxy Ann Sleeping Bag

This roomy bag is great for XL frames and restless sleepers; stay warm down to 15°F.

Fall Gear Guide 2009 Table of Contents



Outfit Your Kids: Fall '09 Kids' Gear Reviews

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.

Gear Review: The North Face Blue Ridge BX Kids' Sleeping Bag

Affordable starter mummy bag for kids 2-10 compresses down to soccer ball size.

Warm Weather Sleeping Bags

Lighten your load with a warm-weather bag that packs small bug goes big on comfort.

Gear Review: REI Aura Sleeping Bag

Even during a damp, tentless night our tester stayed dry.

Sleep Better Now: Improve Your Backcountry ZZZ's

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.

Gear Review: MSR E-Bivy

thanks to a durable, polyurethane-coated nylon ground layer and more, this balanced bivy has all the right elements.

Gear Guide 2009: Sleeping Pads

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.

Gear Guide 2009: Winter Sleeping Bags

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.

Gear Guide 2009: Three-Season Sleeping Bags

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.

Gear Guide 2009: Summer Sleeping Bags

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.

Zero Impact Challenge: The North Face Green Kazoo 15

How do you replace a legend? Cut its footprint without cutting warmth.

Zero Impact Challenge: Sierra Designs Verde 20

No bag in this challenge incorporated more recycled components.

Zero Impact Challenge: GoLite Starlite 20

Recycled materials and fewer trucking miles trim carbon weight.

Zero Impact Challenge: Big Agnes Tumble Down 20

Less bag where many hikers don't need it makes a big difference.

Sleeping Bags: Zero Impact Challenge

5 manufacturers answer our call for eco-friendly sacks.

Gear School 2009

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.

Gear Guide 2009: Sleeping Bags

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.

Gear School 2009: Sleeping Bags

Save your down, seal up tears, and get ready for wet weather with the all-inclusive guide.

Gear Guide 2009: REI Halo 25 Sleeping Bag Review

Great bag all around that also costs less than most competitors.

Gear Guide 2009: Cocoon by Design Salt MummyLiner Silk Review

Add this sleeve for added comfort.

Gear Guide 2009: Big Agnes Pitchpine SL 40 Sleeping Bag Review

This lightweight summer bag is great for big guys or active sleepers.

Gear Guide 2009: Pacific Outdoor Peak Oyl Aero Mtn Sleeping Pad Review

This pad features Aspen Aero Gel for warmth and recycled PET nylon for green-ness.

Gear Guide 2009: The North Face Nova Sleeping Bag Review

A high-performance winter bag for the thrifty shopper.

Gear Guide 2009: Mountain Hardwear Banshee SL 0 Sleeping Bag Review

This storm-proof bag will keep you warm, dry and cozy.

Gear Guide 2009: MontBell Super Stretch Burrow #0 Sleeping Bag Review

This synthetic bag is a killer deal and offers a "tucked in" fit.

Gear Guide 2009: Marmot Lithium Sleeping Bag Review

Last year's Editors' Choice Gold Award winner stands out again with its minimalist design and excellent fit.

Gear Guide 2009: Western Mountaineering Ultralite Sleeping Bag Review

This fitted bag packs small and weighs just over a pound.

Gear Guide 2009: Wenger Rhone Sleeping Bag Review

Attention cold sleepers: This bag is so warm we almost put it in the winter section.

Gear Guide 2009: The North Face Chrysalis Sleeping Bag Review

Want a great bag at a great price? Look no further than the Chrysalis.

Gear Guide 2009: Sierra Designs Trade Wind 15 Sleeping Bag Review

Staying warm well below its rating, this bag is perfect for when the clouds roll in.

Gear Guide 2009: Sierra Designs Cochise 15 Sleeping Bag Review

A warm bag at a great price, simple as that.

Gear Guide 2009: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15 Sleeping Bag Review

This ultralight bag will stuff-to-fit anywhere you've got room.

Gear Guide 2009: Marmot Pinnacle Sleeping Bag Review

Grabbing our best fit award, this three-season bag is perfect for any cold sleeper.

Gear Guide 2009: Mammut Shield 3-Season Sleeping Bag Review

This pricey three-season bag has a waterproof shell and can function as a wet bivy.

Gear Guide 2009: GoLite Adrenaline 20 Sleeping Bag Review

Last year's Editors' Choice bag features the same functional zipper design and low weight.

Gear Guide 2009: Feathered Friends Lark Sleeping Bag Review

This 10°F bag is ruthlessly pared down for low weight and high performance–and it works.

Gear Guide 2009: Eastern Mountain Sports Boreal 20 Sleeping Bag Review

A super-light, three-season bag that stuffs smaller than you'd think.

Gear Guide 2009: Big Agnes Mystic SL 15 Sleeping Bag Review

A three-season bag that is roomy and light, but not for side sleepers.

Gear Guide 2009: Valandre Mirage 3/4 Sleeping Bag Review

This high-end fitted bag may just be worth the extra bucks.

Gear Guide 2009: The North Face Elephant's Foot Review

This retro-inspired bag is tough and simple.

Gear Guide 2009: Sierra Designs Nitro 30 Sleeping Bag Review

This full-featured bag is light, warm and comfy. It gets our best all-around summer bag tag.

Gear Guide 2009: Marmot EcoPro 30 Sleeping Bag Review

Warm below its rating, and made of eco-products, this bag should have even the biggest green-thumbs sticking straight up.

Gear Guide 2009: Kelty Coromell Sleeping Bag Review

This summer bag had one tester wondering if it really was a summer bag– it was just that warm.

Gear Guide 2009: GoLite Ultra 20 Sleeping Bag Review

This down bag is super warm and great for saving weight.

Gear Guide 2009: Lafuma Warm 'n Light 1000g DN Sleeping Bag Review

This full-featured bag has it all, except a high price tag.

Gear Guide 2009: Exped Swift 250g Sleeping Bag Review

This easy-packing summer bag is lightweight and perfect for the budget-shopper.

Editors' Choice 2009: MontBell UL Spiral Down Hugger #1 Sleeping Bag

Ultralight meets ultra-comfortable in this roomy sleeping bag.

April 2009 Table of Contents - GEAR GUIDE



Video Tutorials: Gear Shopping Secrets

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.

Women's Fall Gear 2008

Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.

The Denali Test: Gear for America's Highest, Coldest Peak

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.

Little Big Houses: Three-Season, Double-Occupancy Shelters

At right around two pounds per person, these three-season, double-occupancy shelters do everything but weigh you down.

Trip Doctor: Rent Gear for Newbies?

I'm organizing my first group trip. Can I rent gear for newbies who may not be ready to buy?

6 Sweet Sleeping Bags

From ultra-warm to ultralight, here are the year's best-performing bags in every category.

The BACKPACKER Sleeping Bag Water Torture Test

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.

3 Ways To Save: Ultralight Dayhiking

Save weight, your feet, and money with these three pieces of ultralight gear

Field Notes: North Face Propel Sleeping Bag, Asolo Power Matic Boot, Lanterns, and Vargo Titanium Sierra Pot

The latest word from our testers

March 2008 Table of Contents



Backpacker Editors' Choice 2008

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.

March 2008 Perfect System: East



March 2008 Perfect System: Southwest



March 2008 Perfect System: Rocky Mountains



March 2008 Perfect System: Northwest



Backpacker 2008 Gear Guide: Perfect System

The best gear in the world can be worthless in the wrong conditions. That's where Backpacker's Perfect System comes in.

March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Start Smart Sleeping Bag Tips



March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Winter Sleeping Bags



March 2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Three-Season Sleeping Bags



2008 Sleeping Bag Review: Summer Sleeping Bags



Backpacker Skills Videos

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.

Backpacker Gear Guide: Sleeping Bags

The secret to a great day outdoors? Start with a great night. Sleep well in all conditions with one of these snooze-tested bags.

Boot Shopping Guide



Backpack Shopping Guide



Gear: Clothing

Clothing is gear that's just as important as a tent or sleeping bag. We'll help you choose wisely.

Make Your Sleeping Bag Warmer

8 easy ways to fortify your sleeping bag

How to Store and Clean a Sleeping Bag

Keep your sleeping bag up to fluff with proper care and handling, including storing, washing/drying, and special considertations.

Become a Savvy Sleeping Bag Shopper

Five questions to ask yourself before you buy a sleeping bag

Gear Checklists and Shopping Guides

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.

Make Your Gear Last Forever

Backpacker's Ultimate Fix-It Guide

Make Your Sleeping Bag Warmer

8 easy ways to fortify your sleeping bag

How to Repair a Jacket Zipper

Salvage a few more years out of your favorite jacket with these zipper fixes.

Backpacker Tests 3-Person Tents

These lightweight tents can house three campers in comfort or two in splendor.

How to Clean and Store Your Gear

By keeping your gear (relatively) free of dirt and grime and storing it properly you can make your gear last forever.

Summer Sleeping Bags Review

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.

Sleeping Bag Review: Sierra Designs Cool Cat 20-degree

Rated a best buy, this cozy bag will keep your little camper warm and comfy all night long.

Sleeping Bag Review: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15

A sleeping bag that's ideal for small women.

Sleeping Bag Review: Feathered Friends Swallow

A sleeping bag with all the fixings.

Sleeping Bag Review: Moonstone Lucid

An overstuffed down sleeping bag that will keep you warm on frigid nights.

Sleeping Bag Review: EMS Mountain Light 0

An economically-priced sleeping bag that's one sweet deal.

Cold-Weather Gear Review: 5 Winter Fixes

How to make your cold months warmer: boots, bags, jackets, backpacks, and booties for frosty weather

Sleeping Bag Review: Sierra Designs Wild Bill/Rosa

Pinch me: Our favorite bag is also the least expensive.

Sleeping Bag Review: Mountain Hardwear Trekker

This furnace comes in a small package, but substitute your own stuff sack.

Sleeping Bag Review: 4 Down Bags

Sleep warm, carry less with these 20-degree sacks.

Sleeping Bag Review: Mountain Hardwear Lamina 32

This sack earns high marks as an affordable, versatile summer bag.

Three Ways To Save: Budget 3-Season Bags

Three field-tested bags and how they'll save money, space, and your feet

Sleeping Bag Review: The North Face Momentum 900

Way warm for the weight

Sleeping Bag Review: Lafuma Warm n' Lite One Kilo

You'll find this bag to be the most comfortable for mild weather.

Sleeping Bag Review: The North Face Squall 3D

Great fit, but lacking loft

Sleeping Bag Review: Montbell Ultralight Super Stretch Alpine Downhugger #2

Don't tell us money can't buy happiness.

Sleeping Bag Review: GoLite Feather

Easy to pack and easy to vent

Sleeping Bag Review: Moonstone 3D Minima

Call this sack a rebel--a synthetic bag that weighs less and stuffs small.

Jacket Review: MontBell Thermawrap

This is one of the lightest three-season sleep systems we've seen

Sleeping Bag Review: EMS Mt. Light 20

This bargain bag could turn car campers into ultralight zealots.

Sleeping Bag Review: Kelty Light Year 25

The comfortably roomy cut pleased all testers.

Sleeping Bag Review: REI Sub Kilo +20

This compact bag might leave you dodging cold spots during cold nights.

Stinky Bag No More

Make your sleeping bag smell laundry fresh.

Ultralighter's Pad

Here's the best way to make a lightweight and inexpensive camping mattress.

Sleep Comfort In Camp

Trouble sleeping in camp? Try our tips for a good night's rest.

Guide To Sound Sleeping

On your next outing, be sure to heed these 10 tips for sleeping like a log.

10 Simple Ways To Get To Sleep In Camp

Getting a good night's sleep on the trail is easier said than done. Our experts show you how to get your 20 winks.

How To Dry Your Sleeping Bag

Add some ribbons to your sleeper to speed drying.

Buying A Better Sleeping Pad

Half of your "good sleep" equation is a comfy pad (the other half is your bag). Look for these 10 essentials when you buy.

Sleeping Bag Care: A Lofty Goal

Keep your sleeping bag up to fluff with proper care and handling.

Gear Rx: Sleeping Bags

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.

Fixing An Inflatable Sleeping Pad

A few simple precautions will prevent punctures and preserve the foam in your self-inflating pad.

Sizing A Sleeping Pad

Thickness, length, width, and weight options make choosing the right pad more involved than you might think.