We Put Walmart’s Low-Cost Backpacking Gear to the Test

Serious backpackers, however, should really consider spending extra for the MegaLite, or another bag from Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Bags from these specialty manufacturers usually cost more than high-end models from other companies, but in our opinion, they greatly outperform premium models from their competitors. Bought this for backpacking because it is lightweight and packs small, but it is a complete waste of $45. Even with clothes, a thin liner and a fleece liner inside it, the bag could not dispel the cold.

This provides a more consistent measure of warmth, but numerous other factors can play a role in your actual warmth beyond ambient air temperature. These factors include the type of shelter you’re in, the ozark trail chair sleeping surface beneath you, the type and quality of your sleeping pad, and even your own metabolism. Western Mountaineering is a company known for making some of the best sleeping bags, and the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF certainly lives up to that reputation. We were blown away by how this bag supplied comfort and warmth in a packable, lightweight package. Our testers believe it truly lived up to its 0° F temperature rating.

Day 2 …it was closer to 6 degree and I froze…I had to hike into town, replace the bag. I could have gotten better quality from a teenager’s home ec project and lighter weight. This is a great summer sleeping bag that is lightweight and easy to carry. The biggest issue most shoppers will have with the MegaLite is the expensive price tag. Beginners or occasional backpackers will likely be happier with a budget model for half the price, like the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15.

For the folks seeking the absolute best sleeping bag, we recommend the Western Mountaineering MegaLite. This ultra-premium model utilizes 12 ounces of 850+ fill power down to create a cozy cocoon of outstanding comfort. Our testers appreciated the more generous dimensions of the MegaLite compared to other products at its price point. We’re also fans of its impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, which should make this bag especially appealing for diehard backpackers or long backcountry trips. Keep children comfortable during nights in the tent inside the Ozark Trail Kids 2-lb Sleeping Bag.

We also appreciate the full-length zipper for added venting possibilities on warmer nights. To top it off, it packs small to leave more room for luxuries in your overnight bag. The warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised as its temperature rating. It’s a metric that’s supposed to mean the temperature down to which a bag should be able to keep you warm enough for sleeping. Many companies choose their own temperature ratings, so there can be limited comparison between companies. Among backpacking bags, most models are rated according to an industry-standard EN test.

In order to give this sleeping bag a thorough testing, we trialled it in 2 different tents and also solo on a night under the stars to see how well it would hold up. These bags are perfect for a family camping trip or if your kiddo is heading to a sleepover. I would not recommend this product to anyone unless I wanted them to freeze and get a terrible night’s sleep. I nearly froze to death on the trail, and craftsmanship is garbage (to put it mildly).

They were also delighted with the wider dimensions of this bag compared to many other winter bags. Its high-quality 850 fill power goose down was some of the best at maintaining excellent loft despite numerous compression cycles. The Sierra Designs Get Down 20 is an extremely well-priced product for a down sleeping bag. It is warm enough for most 3-season excursions, ozark trail canopy decently lightweight, and packs down pretty small. Yes, there are fancier and higher-performing bags, but at this price, the Get Down represents a spectacular value. We just wouldn’t stretch using this bag too far into the shoulder season.