An ultralight sleeping bag can be a godsend when adventuring in the great outdoors. Typically categorized as bags that weigh between 1 and 2 pounds, these accessories are built to save weight without sacrificing any of the comfort, support, and warmth of their standard-sized counterparts. And lucky for you, there are a plethora of ultralight sleeping bags available online. But the question then becomes: Which ones are actually worth the money? Well, I’m so glad you asked!
In this guide, I’m going to introduce you to the best ultralight sleeping bags on the market. Though they differ in terms of style, construction, and price, they’re all designed to keep you snoozing all night long without adding too much heft to your pack. After we go over my picks, I’ll also share the methodology I used to select them. That way, you’ll know exactly what to look for when shopping on your own. Then, I’ll provide you with a few expert tips you can use to improve your buying experience.
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How We Picked
Now that we’ve gone over my picks, let’s chat for a minute about the methodology I used to select them. You can think of this section as a round-up of all the major factors you’ll want to consider when shopping for an ultralight sleeping bag of your own.
Use
First and foremost, you’ll want to think about how you’re going to use your sleeping bag. If you’re a novice camper using it solely for easy weekend getaways, a simple sleeping bag without all the bells and whistles should more than suffice. However, if you’re toting the accessory into the wilderness for long stretches of time, you may want something with a little more heft. Considering all the ways in which you plan to use your sleeping bag will inform your search and help you narrow down your options immensely.
Cost
And how you use your sleeping bag is going to inform how much money you should spend on it. When you start researching sleeping bags, you’ll notice that they range in price from around $20 to well over $500. On one hand, this is great news because it means there are options for each and every budget. But on the other hand, it means that there’s a lot of variability in the quality of sleeping bags you’re likely to see online.
When it comes to sleeping bags, the old mantra holds true: You definitely get what you pay for. Cheaper bags are more likely to be both less durable and less comfortable than their more expensive counterparts. Plus, pricier bags almost always come with extra technical features that help optimize the camping experience.
That said, there’s no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on a bag that you’re going to use for short car camping trips or backyard camping. Your intended use for the bag will help you determine just how much quality and durability actually matter.
Materials
The materials in a sleeping bag can have a big impact on its functionality and durability. For instance, real down is very insulating, but gets heavy when wet. Synthetic down options have come a long way and can perform well in a variety of conditions. Some bags come with water-resistant linings, and others don’t. So, it’s important to really read up on the material description in the “details” section of the product listening. If there’s a material that you’ve never heard of before, do a little research to see if it’s right for you and your unique sleeping needs. And, of course, always check out the user comments to see what other folks think about the material construction.
Weight
Another important factor to consider when buying an ultralight sleeping bag is its weight. As avid backpackers know, the weight of one’s pack can make the difference between a great backpacking experience and a downright painful one. So, you need to be careful and precise with each and every item that you stow away, and this includes your sleeping bag.
For that reason, I think it’s best to choose a sleeping bag that weighs between 1 and 2 pounds. Though an extra ounce or two might seem like chump change while you’re getting your pack ready at home, it’s crucial to remember that ounces add up. Extra ounces from a bag plus a few extra ounces from socks, cooking gear, water bottles, and shirts can result in a lot of unnecessary weight.
The way most brands reduce the weight of their sleeping bags is by cutting back on the internal fill. So, if you see a sleeping bag advertised as being amply stuffed with down, for example, you can assume that it’s probably too heavy for your needs. To make sure, navigate to the “details” section of the product listing where the exact weight and dimensions should be listed.
Weather-Proofing
Some bags are optimized for cold temps while others are only suitable for warmer climes. Some bags feature waterproofing or water-resistance, and others don’t. You’ll want to look for weather-proofing that’s appropriate to where you’re planning to camp. This can be especially crucial with ultralight sleeping bags, as they tend not to be as warm as their more traditional counterparts. So, if warmth is a big issue for you, you’ll want to make sure that the brand has built the sleeping bag with insulation in mind.
And speaking of temperature: Note that the rating for a bag doesn’t guarantee you’ll be comfortable at the number in question. Typically, it just means the bag will help you keep you alive in those temps. So, if a bag is rated to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, you probably won’t be warm at that temp unless you add a liner, a ground pad, some layers, and so on.
Sleepopolis Tips
Still not sure how to find the ultralight sleeping bag of your dreams? No worries! I’m going to wrap up this guide with a few tips you can use to improve your search.
- I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: How you plan to camp will inform the kind of sleeping bag you need. If you’re camping in the desert, you won’t need an insulated pack. If you’re camping in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll want to prioritize water-resistance. Thinking about these details will help narrow your search.
- You’ll also want to think about how you’re going to transport your sleeping bag. If you’re planning to backpack, then it’s essential to look for a lightweight bag (or pay the price while backpacking). If you’re car camping, then weight won’t matter so much — but it could dictate a size constraint if you’re short on car space.
- It’s also crucial to consider who you’re camping with. If you want to share your sleeping bag with a partner or child, you may need to buy a larger bag. If you’re attempting to squeeze into a backpacking tent, you may want to go with a narrow mummy bag.
FAQs
What is the lightest sleeping bag?
The lightest sleeping bags you can find on the market usually fall within the 1-2 pound range. These bags are especially good for backpacking as they don’t add too much weight to the overall pack.
What is the best ultralight sleeping bag?
The best ultralight sleeping bag is one that is compact, cozy, and under 2 lbs. In weight. Ideally, this bag will also be water- and puncture-resistant to increase its overall durability.
What is the lightest, warmest sleeping bag?
The lightest and warmest sleeping bag is one that features a down or synthetic down fill. Though down is ultra-insulating, it’s not very heavy, which can be a big plus for backpackers who need a sleeping bag that’s both lightweight and warm.
Wrapping Up
Well, that about does it for this guide to the best ultralight sleeping bags on the market! When looking for one of your own, make sure to think about how you’re going to use the bag, how much you want to spend, and what kinds of technical features you’ll need. Then, you’ll be well on your way to finding the sleeping bag that’s 100% right for you.