Looking for the best sleeping bag, pad or liner for your hiking needs? These recommendations will have you covered for your next trip.
Backpacking is one of the most wonderful experiences that you can have, especially for outdoor enthusiasts that are looking to get closer to nature. There are a few important things that you need to carry with you, including a good lightweight sleeping bag and a sleeping bag liner.
Keep in mind that there aren’t really sleeping bags that will give you everything you want. Some will be lightweight but won’t offer you much warmth in cold conditions.
Others are comfortable but heavy. So it is always good to first consider your usual backpacking weather conditions and your personal needs before making a choice.
The same can be said for sleeping pads and liners. Choosing one that best suits your needs doesn’t have to be complicated though.
I’ve been hiking and backpacking for over 20 years and quickly learned that a $20 sleeping bag won’t keep you warm when camping in the Canadian Rockies – even in summer. Not to mention that a cheap sleeping bag will be very bulky.
I’ve now had my 3-season sleeping bag for over 10 years, and it still works great, so I think it’s worth investing in, especially if you tend to get cold as I do.
If you plan on doing any winter camping, I highly recommend investing in a winter sleeping bag. When I did Everest Base Camp in March, there were some nights the temperature dropped below -20C (-4 F). My sleeping bag was designed for -20C and it was still chilly.
Other people on our tour only had a three-season sleeping bag, and they froze and had miserable sleepless nights – not great when you’re hiking at altitude the next day.
Check out my curated lists here.
You’ll find the best sleeping bags, pads and liners that I recommend based on my experience.
Related Reading: The Best Hiking Footwear for Every Hiker
Backpacking Three-Season Sleeping Bags
The name is self-explanatory with this one. The three-season sleeping bag is one of the most popular categories out there as it is the most versatile when it comes to weather conditions. This is the one that I’d recommend to most backpackers, especially if you’re new to backpacking.
Most three-season sleeping bags will allow you to comfortably get through the night in early spring to late autumn and milder winter nights. They are not usually recommended for very cold weather conditions though unless you know how to layer appropriately.
- Western Mountaineering Ultralite Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down One Color, 6ft 6in/Right Zip
- Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32F/0C Ultralight Down Mummy Sleeping Bag Black Forest
- Kelty Tuck Synthetic Mummy Sleeping Bag (2020 Update) – 40 Degree Regular
See more of our recommended best three-season sleeping bags here.
Related Reading: The Best Hiking Tents for every Backpacker
Winter Sleeping Bags
If you are an avid winter hiker that loves backpacking in the harshest winter weather, the winter sleeping bag is what you must have. This is the choice for most mountaineering adventures like alpine expeditions and Mount Everest base camp. These sleeping bags are not always lightweight or compact, but they are a must to keep you warm during those harsh nights.
- Western Mountaineering Kodiak LZ Microfiber Sleeping Bag – 6’0
- Therm-a-Rest Questar 0F/-18C Lightweight Down Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Rab Ascent 300 Down Insulated Mummy Sleeping Bag for Camping and Backpacking
See more of our recommended best winter sleeping bags here.
Related Reading: The Best Hiking Jackets for Every Season
Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bags
This is the perfect choice for long and strenuous hikes where you want to make your pack as light as possible. These ultra lightweight sleeping bags are exactly what you need if you will be hiking hard and fast. These brands each have a very different function paired with excellent weight. But again you will have to consider what personal needs you have when backpacking.
- Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner, Extreme (83 x 35)
- Sierra Designs Cloud 35 Degree DriDown Sleeping Bag Ultralight Zipperless Down Sleeping Bag for Backpacking
- Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32F/0C Backpacking Quilt, Regular
See more of our recommended best ultra-light sleeping bags here.
Related Reading: The Best Women’s Clothes for Hiking
Sleeping Pads
I would highly recommend always having a sleeping liner when backpacking. Besides being great against the elements as it adds warmth to your sleeping bag, it is also really important for general hygiene. You can think of the liner as a bed sheet for your sleeping bag.
Especially if you have a down sleeping bag, washing it can be difficult. And when you are on a long hike, you’ll be sleeping each night in the same sleeping bag. A sleeping bag liner is usually easier to wash, even during your hike and dries quickly. They are quite lightweight and easy to pack and should always have a place in your backpack.
- KLYMIT Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad | Portable, Ultralight, Easy to Inflate, Foldable Air Bed for Camping, Backpacking
- Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner, Extreme (83 x 35)
- Sierra Designs Cloud 35 Degree DriDown Sleeping Bag Ultralight Zipperless Down Sleeping Bag for Backpacking
See more of our recommended best sleeping pads here.
Related Reading: 18 Best Hiking Leggings to Keep you Comfortable on Your Hike
Sleeping Bag Liners
I would highly recommend always having a sleeping liner when backpacking. Besides being great against the elements as it adds warmth to your sleeping bag, it is also really important for general hygiene. You can think of the liner as a bed sheet for your sleeping bag.
- TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag Perfect for Backpacking, Hiking, and Camping
- Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner, Fleece
- Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner, Women’s
See more of our recommended best sleeping bags liners here.
Related Reading: Best Hiking Underwear: Top Picks for Wool, Moisture-Wicking and Antichafing
5 Tips for Choosing a Lightweight Sleeping Bag
1. Know Your Season
Sleeping bags are designed for specific seasons. A bag that’s perfect for winter might be too hot for summer. Look for a 3-season bag for spring, summer, and fall adventures, If you plan on doing winter camping, you’ll want a separate sleeping bag.
2. Check the Temperature Rating
The temperature rating on a sleeping bag shows you the minimum temperature that the bag is designed to handle Ensure it matches with your destination’s climate!
3. Consider the Bag’s Weight
Look for a sleeping bag that use high-quality, lightweight materials.
4. Check the Insulation Type
Sleeping bags come with either synthetic insulation or down insulation. Down is lighter and more compressible but not as good when wet. Synthetic insulation performs better when wet but is slightly heavier.
5. Fit Matters!
A sleeping bag should fit you comfortably. Mummy-shaped bags offer higher thermal efficiency, while rectangular ones offer more room.
Related Reading: Winter Hiking Gear: What You Need for Winter Day Hikes
Now that you know what you should be looking for in a lightweight sleeping bag, pad and liner, you can go out there and have the best backpacking experience.
