Sleeping Bags
A good sleeping bag is what separates a miserably cold night from sound slumber. That said, our opinion is that sleeping bags are largely commodity goods (they are after all just bags stuffed with down) that can largely be compared based on their warmth and weight. So while we very highly recommend the sleeping bags below, if you find a great price for a similar bag, we will not be offended if you ignore our recommendations.
In terms of what warmth rating to look for, the general rule of thumb is to get either a 15 degree or 30 degree bag based on how warm you sleep. Females typically sleep colder than males and will often opt for 15 degree bags while males will go with 30 degree bags.
In terms of what warmth rating to look for, the general rule of thumb is to get either a 15 degree or 30 degree bag based on how warm you sleep. Females typically sleep colder than males and will often opt for 15 degree bags while males will go with 30 degree bags.
Recommended Sleeping Bags
Enlightened Equipment Revelation (30F / $255 / 17 oz)
Enlightened Equipment makes hybrid quilt / sleeping bags. The theory behind their sleeping bags is that insulation between you and your sleeping pad will get compressed and does little to keep you warm. By creating a closed footbox and quilt top, you are able to save the weight of the insulation that would normally go under your body. While quilts are by definition draftier than normal sleeping bags, the Revelation includes straps to cinch the sleeping bag to your sleeping pad which cuts back on most if not all of the draftiness.
There are cheaper sleeping bags out there, but for a high quality bag nothing beats the Revelation. Join the bandwagon and get one of the most popular (if not the most popular) sleeping bag among thru-hikers.
There are cheaper sleeping bags out there, but for a high quality bag nothing beats the Revelation. Join the bandwagon and get one of the most popular (if not the most popular) sleeping bag among thru-hikers.
Sea to Summit Spark SPII (35F / $379 / 16 oz)
Despite the overall trend towards quilt-style sleeping bags, there are many experienced hikers that prefer mummy-style sleeping bags. If this is you, then we cannot recommend any sleeping bag more highly than the Sea to Summit Spark II. While Sea to Summit is a relative newcomer in the sleeping bag space, they hit it out of the park by creating the smallest and lightest 35F sleeping bag on the market.
In the end, deciding between the Spark SPII and the Revelation comes down to personal choice (and $$$). The Spark is a traditional mummy-style sleeping bag while the Revelation is a hybrid mummy / quilt-style sleeping bag. If you want a quilt, go with the Revelation; if you want a mummy, go with the Spark.
In the end, deciding between the Spark SPII and the Revelation comes down to personal choice (and $$$). The Spark is a traditional mummy-style sleeping bag while the Revelation is a hybrid mummy / quilt-style sleeping bag. If you want a quilt, go with the Revelation; if you want a mummy, go with the Spark.
Kelty Cosmic 20 (20F / $150 / 45oz)
Whenever we recommend a sleeping bag to novice backpackers, we recommend the Kelty Cosmic 20. While the Revelation and Spark are better sleeping bags, there is nothing that competes with the Keltic Cosmic 20 in the <$200 category. The bag is warm enough for the coldest sleeper, extremely durable, and readily available at both Amazon and REI.