I didn’t test the big and tall version, but the hood design, insulation, draft tube, neck collar and zipper are all the same. Sleeping bags inherently are barebones, but we’ve seen an uptick in available features on many mid-range and high-end models of late. Notable extras worth calling out are built-in pillows or pillow sleeves (the Nemo Disco and Forte Endless Promise boast the latter), which are a nice luxury for those annoyed by camp pillows that tend to move in the night. Additionally, integrated blankets, interior pockets for stowing small items like a headlamp, and draft tubes at the collar for trapping warmth are becoming more common.
It is designed to be lightweight and compact when deflated, making it easy to pack and carry in your backpack. The included storage bag allows you to compress the pad for convenient coleman sleeping bag storage and transportation. In this metric, we also noted each bag’s packed weight and then scored each on how easily it rolled up and fit into its storage bag.
From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. It’s also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, you’ll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. This keeps the zipper head perfectly aligned and allows it to smoothly glide the full length of the bag without snagging. We feel it would be great for young kids or teens, both of which tend to be hard on shoes, clothes, cars, and just about everything else.
If you find yourself at higher elevations or in colder temperatures, a mummy bag is a great option. Similar to The North Face’s One Bag above, Big Agnes’ Lost Ranger 3N1 uses an innovative layering system for adapting to shifting conditions. In this case, you get two coleman canopy down-filled bags (the One Bag has a synthetic outer bag and down midlayer) that can be paired together on cold nights or separated in warmer temps. At 2 pounds 13 ounces all in, it adds up to a highly versatile system that crosses over nicely for backpacking, too.
Most models even use recycled insulation material, which helps make your purchase more eco-friendly. A third type is the no-zip style, which is limited to a couple designs (none of which made our list), including a handful from Sierra Designs. The large oval opening requires some modest flexibility and patience to get out of, but going zipper-less can be nice.
There’s no fumbling in the night for the zipper pull, and you don’t have to worry about snags or heat loss (if the bag lacks a good draft tube). But in the end, we don’t see the zipper-less concept completely taking over the market. Put simply, the in-and-out convenience and ability to use the bag as a blanket with a full-zip sleeping bag is the better answer for most campers. A final shape worth mentioning is the semi-rectangular bag, which—as the name implies—shares commonalities with both rectangular and mummy designs. In terms of dimensions, they’re typically roomier than standard mummy bags (particularly at the shoulders and hips) but not overly generous like some rectangular models.
Coleman had an idea for manufacturing better lanterns in Wichita, Kansas. A century later, Coleman’s current catalog features a wide-ranging array of products that make spending time outside a pleasure. The reason we feel the Brazos is award-worthy is because it perfectly balances cost with basic necessities. If you want a basic bag that can hold its own against bags that are much more expensive, the Brazos is certainly a good option. In particular, it’s great for kids and teens and for any camper who just wants the basics.
The rest of the design is equally premium, including a water-resistant YKK main zipper, roomier-than-average hood, and fleece-lined compression sack that can pull double duty as a pillow. In the end, the temperature rating does have value and you should use it as a basic guideline. In choosing the proper approximate rating, try to get an idea of the very coldest temperature you’ll be experiencing overnight.
Synthetic sleeping bags are a dime a dozen in 2023, but Coleman continues to stand out for their strong focus on value. The Kompact 20 here is no exception, combining the affordability that Coleman is known for with many of the features we look for in a quality three-season bag. These include soft yet durable fabrics, an insulated draft tube to seal in warmth, and a roomy rectangular shape that’s comfortable and not restrictive. For campers looking for a sleeping bag that can pull double duty on the occasional backpacking trip, we like Nemo’s Disco.
That said, we still recommend checking the weight and stuffed size that will be listed in the product specifications to get an idea of just how large and heavy the bags are. Synthetic bags are typically made with thicker fabrics and require more insulation to provide sufficient warmth, which can add up to a surprising amount of bulk. And if you’re considering a double bag (covered in more detail below), you’re talking about packed dimensions listed in feet rather than inches. If weight and packed size become important, a crossover backpacking/sleeping bag like the still-roomy Nemo Disco 15 reduces both. We covered Nemo’s Disco above, which is a nice crossover option for those who like to get out into the backcountry on occasion.