This bag is perfect for the campground and can also be brought into the backcountry. However, its down insulation and increased capability come at a higher price. It doesn’t pack down as small as many modern, mummy-shaped backpacking sleeping bags, and it also lacks some of the extra features often provided by car-camping bags.
The Teton Polara and REI Siesta shared the spotlight in this metric. Each has its own unique features that earned it a top score. The Polara stands out for its unsurpassed layering system that allows the bag to be customized for warmth. The Siesta’s main draw is its plush hood and several smaller design considerations that help it effectively retain heat.
The Alps Redwood is by far the most comfortable out of the single bags, followed by the Polara 3-in-1, Big Agnes Echo Park, Teton Deer Hunter, and Teton Celsius XXL. Other top performers include the The North Face Wawona Bed, REI Siesta Hooded, and the Coleman Multi-Layer. The Multi-Layer has removable layers of padding and soft fabrics, as does the Polara 3-in-1. When you’re already far from the comforts of home, it’s appreciated when your sleeping bag can increase your comfort level, not compromise it. That’s why we put all these sleeping bags through multiple comfort tests. Despite having twice the amount of body heat, we were surprised to see none of the double bags we studied could match our warmest single bag’s warmth.
Too bad the buyer at Walmart has gone to sleep on quality control on this product. Of the two-person bags we tested, the Nemo Jazz 30 Double was our favorite for its plush comfort, followed closely by the Kelty Tru.Comfort. Both bags are similar in design, but in the end, we simply preferred the Nemo’s interior and exterior fabrics over the Kelty. Nice Ozark Trail Warmfoot 75” by 33” Polyester fiber batting insulation.
If you need more room than the Polara offers, the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 is much more spacious. If not, stick with the Polara’s versatility of offering three bags in one. Traditional camping sleeping bags are known to be a little big-boned, so packed size was not a complete deal-breaker for us. However, space is rarely unlimited, so we rated each bag according to its stowed size. We also factored each bag’s packed weight and the overall ease of stuffing it into its stuff sack.
In particular, the Echo Park packs down smaller and lighter than the Siesta or Wawona because its entire back side lacks insulation, which saves on weight and volume. The sleeping bag sources all of its bottom insulation from whatever sleeping pad you ozark trail chair put beneath you. However, I used this bag two nights last weekend and found it was too cold on its own—lowest temp was 51 degrees each of those nights. I was in a large tent (admittedly, a smaller tent would have been better) with one other person.
It’s lightweight, packs up nicely, and can be compressed even further in a compression sack. Whether you’re a car camper or a weekend backpacker, the Galactic is worth a look if you prefer ozark trail canopy down fill but aren’t a fan of constrictive mummy-style bags. Over the last 11 years, we’ve purchased dozens of the best camping sleeping bags, with 14 top models in this review.
I had to add a fleece sleeping bag for more insulation. I used this bag from February of 2002 to June of 2002 on the Appalachian Trail, and I still have it. The first night out it was less than 14 degrees F, and I had at least 50 nights under 40 degrees F. I can’t say I was warm, but I wasn’t shivering, freezing, or cold either, although I did wear 2 layers of clothing.
All these things usually add up to costing more overall. The individual metrics we used to assess each sleeping bag are important to a good night’s sleep. They serve as a solid foundation in determining which bag is right for you. However, these metrics become the most helpful when you have a clear idea of the type of camping you plan to do.
This high-quality bag offers a lot of perks at a very reasonable price point. The value of the Polara and Siestra is more rooted in their features and construction. In the case of the Coleman Brazos, its value stems from an amazing price with rock-solid construction and excellent warmth. Likewise, the Kelty Galactic 30 shows value for offering down insulation at a very reasonable price.