The Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags For Adults

What to Look For

When you’re searching for the right sleeping bag for frigid temperatures, there are a few key factors to investigate: Is this bag’s “temperature rating” appropriate for your climate? Is the bag durable? And does it fit with your style of camping? We’re all pretty protective of our sleep, so paying close attention to these factors can help you not only endure a chilly night in the great outdoors but even enjoy it. A bag like the Kelty Tuck certainly makes that possible thanks to its premium fill and its cozy mummy shape. Not everybody needs such a rip-roaringly warm bag, though. If you’re okay with a bag that’s well-suited for chilly climes, not frigid ones, we recommend Coleman’s affordable Palmetto bag. There are more where these came from, so keep on reading.

Kelty Tuck Synthetic Mummy Sleeping Bag

The sweet spot

This bag has a sterling reputation for good reason — it's equal parts comfortable, economical, and functional.

Best Overall

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For one of the most value-packed cold-weather sleeping bags that money can buy, turn to the lauded Tuck bag by Kelty. This mummy-style sleeping bag has won loyal fans thanks to the fact that it offers high-quality performance at an accessible price point. And what we appreciate most with this option is that you can pick the temperature rating that best suits your camping needs — options range from 0°F to 40°F.

Pros:

• The unique mummy design makes it versatile enough to accommodate different sleep styles. Some bags are only comfortable for those of us who sleep on our backs, but this one is good for side-sleepers, too.
• Another unique feature is the zipper around the footbox. You can unzip this when you’re feeling too toasty to let your feet breathe a bit while you sleep.

Cons:

• The Tuck is a little heavy, so if you’re an ultralight-style backpacker, this bag might not be suitable.

Coleman Palmetto Cool Weather Sleeping Bag

Weekend warrior

Ultra-affordable, this American-made bag is a great choice for casual campers.

Runner Up

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Not everybody needs a super high-tech bag to enjoy camping in cold weather. If you’re a casual camper looking for an affordable bag to cozy into, Coleman’s Palmetto is a fine choice. Its temperature rating is 30°F, so it’s a good fit for chilly nights (though less so for frosty ones). The price here is hard to beat, and for an idea of the bag’s quality, simply look to the well-respected name of the company.

Pros:

• One of the most annoying things about sleeping bags is that their fabric often gets snagged while zipping the bag. This one features a nifty “ZipPlow” system to prevent those snags.
• We appreciate how easy the bag is to roll up and pack, even for inexperienced campers.

Cons:

• If you’re taller than 5’11”, this bag might not work for you.

Kelty Tru.Comfort Doublewide

Best when shared

Share the warmth with a loved one in this cozy dual-person sleeper.

Best Two-Person

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Whether you and your partner want to snuggle up or you’re shopping for an option for you and your kid, Kelty’s Tru.Comfort bag is a fantastic choice. Nearly the size of a king bed, this marvel allows two people to share warmth inside one big bag. What’s really impressive here is the slew of features that improve the experience. For example, it has zip vents near the feet, a hood in which you can each stuff your pillows, and built-in blankets for extra warmth.

Pros:

• We love the vibrant colorways that are on offer here.
• While the shape of some double-wide bags limits movement, this one offers enough room for two to snuggle and cuddle happily.

Cons:

• Even though it is compressible, it’s still fairly bulky when packed. But if you’re car camping, this shouldn’t matter much.

Kelty Cosmic Duck Down 0° Sleeping Bag

Chill out and relax

When you're tucked into this bag, you might even forget you're sleeping in icy climes.

Best For Frigid Temperatures

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When the bitter cold sets in, most folks turn their home into a sanctuary from the frigid temperatures. But if you’re keen on defying the elements and camping out in the icy chill, the Kelty Cosmic can help you enjoy it. Unlike cheaper bags made with synthetic materials, this one features an authentic down fill. Paired with its thermally efficient shape that keeps in the heat in the bag, the high-quality down fill can keep you warm in sub-freezing temperatures.

Pros:

• Most bags that are rated for temperatures this cold are pretty heavy. But weighing less than five pounds, this one is pretty light.
• We like knowing that Kelty sustainably sources the down used in the bag’s fill.

Cons:

• It does cost a pretty penny, but if you’re serious about camping in cold weather, trust us: you get what you pay for.

Nemo Disco Down Sleeping Bag

Toss and turn as you wish

If you've never felt fully comfortable sleeping in a traditional sleeping bag, this one might change your camping experience forever.

Best For Side Sleepers

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Often, we assume that camping requires us to sacrifice our domestic creature comforts. It’s true, and actually, that’s part of the richness of the experience. But one thing we don’t necessarily have to sacrifice is the quality of sleep, and this bag from Nemo proves it. Designed to accommodate side sleepers just as well as back- and front-sleepers, this bag is as comfortable as it gets.

Pros:

• We were shocked when we learned how light this bag is. Weighing just over two pounds, this is not a sleeping bag that will weigh down your pack.
• The integrated pillow sleeve is a standout feature that isn’t talked about enough. Thanks to this, you can bring your pillow from home and tuck it into the sleeve without worrying about it sliding out during the night.

Cons:

• The zipper can be prone to snags, so we suggest exercising caution while you open or close the bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a temperature rating?

Each sleeping bag features a temperature rating, which is meant to identify the coldest temperature in which the bag can keep a person warm. For example, if a big is rated for 30°F, you should be comfortable sleeping through the night as long as the temperature doesn’t drop below 30°F. That being said, these ratings aren’t precise, so it’s always best to add 5 to 10 degrees to your estimation to be safe. If you plan on camping in temperatures around 30°F, for example, consider getting a bag that’s rated for 20°F.

What type of filling is best for a cold-weather sleeping bag?

This depends. Usually, sleeping bags are filled with down sourced from animals or synthetic fillings. Down is a fantastic insulator, and it’s probably the right pick for cold-weather camping. However, synthetic fills often handle moisture better than down. If you think you might get wet during your excursion, keep this in mind.

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