12 Best Sleeping Bags for Cold Weather 2022 | Don’t FREEZE 

Oh, the joys of cold weather–ice skating, sledding, snowy hikes, camping.

Wait… camping?!? In the cold?!

I understand that if you’ve only ever camped in warm summer temps, cold weather camping may seem a bit intimidating.

But trust me–it’s super fun (as long as you have the right gear!!)

Staying warm during cold weather, whether you’re backpacking, car camping, or tent camping, all starts with a good sleeping bag. So, I’ve compiled this list of 12 of the best cold-weather sleeping bags on the market so you don’t freeze your butt off!!

If you’re a first-time cold weather camper, please check out my pro tips: Camping in Cold Weather: Expert Tips for Tent Camping, Backpacking, and RV Camping

Top 3 Best-of-the-Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags

In case you’re short on time, have a look at my top three best cold weather sleeping bags — based on features, warmth, price, etc. If you want to learn more or shop for other bags, keep reading for full reviews of all the bags!

Kelty Cosmic Synthetic Fill 20 Degree Sleeping Bag

Best overall cold weather sleeping bag

Coolzon Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Best sleeping bag on a budget

Marmot Ironwood 20 Degree Down Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Best sleeping bag for backpacking

How to Choose a Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather

There are a lot of technical terms when searching for sleeping bags. Cold weather sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and prices and are filled with different materials.

But how do you know which to choose? 

Here’s a quick guide so you can shop for a sleeping bag on your own:

• For coldest weather: Look for down-filled sleeping bags in a mummy shape. For extreme cold, shop for bags with a temperature rating of 15℉ or lower. These bags will be pricier but will keep you warm even in extreme cold.

• For cool weather: Look for down or synthetic bags in a mummy or semi-rectangular shape. Find sleeping bags with a temperature rating of around 20℉ to 30℉. For variable weather, bring a camping blanket to add some warmth.

• For warmer weather: For those less-frigid camping trips, you can save some money by purchasing synthetic bags. A rectangular-shaped bag will be plenty warm. Any temperature rating from 30℉ to 50℉ will keep you comfy.

If you want to learn more about sleeping bag shapes, fill materials, and temperature ratings, stay tuned for my Buyer’s Guide later on.

Looking for warm weather sleeping bags? 11 Best Warm Weather Sleeping Bags of 2022

12 Best Sleeping Bags for Cold Weather

Okay, let’s jump in!

Here are my picks for the best cold weather sleeping bags. I’ve included a wide price range, sleeping bags for wet weather, car camping, and backpacking sleeping bags.

So whatever you’re looking for, I have your best sleeping bag for cold weather on this list.

REI Co-Op Hunker Down 20 Double Sleeping Bag

Great for couples

The Hunker Down 20 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a two-person sleeping bag. It’ll keep you warm with the 600-fill power down, plus, having two people in one sleeping bag means extra warmth.

The zipper fully encircles the bag, and it can be fully unzipped so the sleeping bag can function as a quilt. This is technically a rectangular-shaped sleeping bag, but it has a “hood” to keep out cold air. The hood is individually adjustable on each side.

This is a bit more on the pricier side, but keep in mind, it’s really like two sleeping bags in one. It’s also pretty heavy (over 6 pounds!!), so it’s probably not great for backpacking trips.

Check REI’s current price here.

Go camping a lot as a couple? See also: Top 50+ Amazing Camping Gifts for Couples |

Marmot Ironwood 20 Degree Down Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Great for short backpacking trips

The Marmot Ironwood 20 is a great sleeping bag for any cold weather camping trip, or weekend backpacking trip. It packs super small into the included stuff sack, and will keep you warm with its 650-fill power down.

Marmot installs some awesome no-snag zippers into these sleeping bags so you’ll never have to worry about your zipper getting stuck while you’re trying to go to sleep. They also include an internal pocket where you can store your phone or other small items. This durable sleeping bag is rated to 20℉ so it’s appropriate for most cool weather. 

Keep in mind, this is not the lightest of lightweight bags (coming in at 2.4 pounds), so it may not be great for longer-term backpacking where you’ll need to really conserve weight.

Check Amazon’s current price.

ECOOPRO Down Sleeping Bag 32 Degree F

Good for three seasons camping and backpacking

This ECOOPRO down sleeping bag is rated to 32 degrees and is a perfect three seasons bag.

It’s a hybrid between a rectangular and mummy shape, so it has lots of legroom inside, but a nice hood to keep your body heat in. This sleeping bag is lightweight and packs down really small. It’s filled with 800 fill power cold down that’ll keep you warm on cool nights.

They offer six different personalized colors, and the design of the sleeping bag itself is pretty aesthetically pleasing, if that’s important to you. The best thing about this bag, though, is the price. It’s going to be hard to find a real down sleeping bag for any cheaper than this one is.

Keep in mind, however, that while this sleeping bag claims to be waterproof, it is not great at keeping water out, so I’d suggest not bringing this bag into damp weather.

Check the price here.

Does your toddler need a sleeping bag too? The Best Toddler Sleeping Bags For Camping of 2022

Big Agnes Sidewinder Camp Sleeping Bag

Great for side sleepers

The Big Agnes Sidewinder is perfect for side sleepers who don’t want to sacrifice the warmth of a mummy bag or their comfort. Typical mummy bags are made for people who sleep on their backs. Side-sleepers often end up feeling constricted and unable to get fully comfortable.

A rectangle-shaped sleeping bag is a good solution, but rectangle bags tend to be significantly less warm. This sleeping bag has a classic mummy shape to keep you warm, but the zipper is located in a position where you can sleep on your side in full comfort.

Check the price on this sleeping bag here.

Sea to Summit Ascent 0-Degree Down Sleeping Bag

Great for super cold nights

The Sea to Summit Ascent sleeping bag is perfect for all super cold weather backpacking and camping trips. If you’re going anywhere that will have temps well below freezing, this is the bag for you.

This technically is a mummy-shaped sleeping bag, but it’s a “relaxed” mummy. So, if you tend to feel a bit claustrophobic in those super tight-fitting mummy bags, this will be far more comfortable. This down bag has a fully adjustable hood and a collar that goes under your neck for extra wind protection.

The Ascent sleeping bag can also be used in varying conditions as it has three different ventilation options. There are zippers on the left, and right sides, and also in the foot box if you ever get warm. This is a pricey sleeping bag, but it’s also really high quality, and you can assure you’re getting good bang for your buck with Sea to Summit products.

Check the current price here.

Kelty Kush 30 Degree Synthetic Fill Car Camping Sleeping Bag

Great for cold weather car camping

The Kelty Kush sleeping bag is one of my favorites on this list because of its style and versatility.I mean, just look at this bag–it’s so cute!!

The Kelty Kush is a 3-in-1 bag. It can be used as a regular sleeping bag or as a comforter if it’s fully unzipped. The bag also stuffs into its pillow-shaped stuff stack and instantly becomes a pillow. The 3-in-1 design makes this sleeping bag perfect for car or van camping. When it’s not in use, it becomes a perfect decorative item for your cozy car camping setup.

This bag is really comfy inside, and the wide rectangular shape means you’ll have lots of legroom–which is great for us side sleepers. Overall, if you need a sleeping bag for car camping or tent camping, and you don’t wanna spend a ton of money, the Kelty Kush is an awesome go-to.

Check out the price of this bag here.

Coleman Big Basin 15 Big and Tall Adult Sleeping Bag

Great for big and tall campers on a budget

The Coleman Big Basin is the perfect sleeping bag for any weekend tent camping trip in the fall or winter.  This is a down-alternative filled sleeping bag, so it’s not lightweight, but it’s plenty warm and rated for 15℉.

The Big Basin is made to be extra large. Whether you’re big and tall, or you just like an extra roomy sleeping bag, it’ll be super comfy. There’s a tube of extra insulation along the zipper to prevent drafts from getting in, and to prevent the zipper from getting snagged on the bag’s material.

This bag is also fleece-lined in the lower foot and a half to keep your feet extra cozy and warm. Plus, this bag is a great deal money-wise!! Just don’t expect to do any lightweight camping or backpacking with the Big Basin–it’s pretty large and heavy.

Check the current price of this bag here.

See also: 61+ Camping Hacks – GENIUS Visual Examples To Get You Inspired!

Kelty Cosmic Synthetic Fill 20 Degree Sleeping Bag

Great all-around cool weather bag

The Kelty Cosmic Synthetic bag is filled with Kelty’s Cirroloft synthetic down that’s lightweight and packable. The bag is rated for 20℉, so it’s perfect for any cold weather camping or backpacking trip.

This mummy sleeping bag has a narrow footbox. The fit will be close to your body and will keep you extra warm.  There’s a little stash pocket outside the bag so you can keep any small items you have with you organized. 

This bag comes in “regular”, “long”, and “women’s” sizes, so no matter your height there’s a fit option for you. This bag is really inexpensive for what you’re getting, and I consider it an excellent deal for a cold weather bag.

Check the current price.

Coolzon Lightweight Backpacking Sleeping Bag

Great for casual three seasons camping on a budget

This Coolzon bag is a great bargain for the more casual camper. If you need a bag for a quick weekend getaway, or you go on a couple of camping trips per year, this will do the trick.

This bag doesn’t technically have a temperature rating, but it works well for cool summer nights, and warmer fall and winter temperatures. It has a nice adjustable hood to keep in your body heat, and comes with a stuff sack that gets pretty small when it’s all packed up.

It comes in several different color options, so you can get one for the whole family. For the price, this sleeping bag is an unbeatable deal. Just keep in mind that if you’re an avid camper who needs a durable bag, this one might not be for you.

Check the current price.

Camping with babies?? The Best Baby Sleeping Bag for Camping of 2022 +Baby Sleep Tips for Camp!

Mountain Hardwear Phantom Alpine 15F

Great as a splurge for backpacking in snowy conditions

Source: amazon.com

What’s great about this bag: 

• Glow in the dark zipper pulls
• Ultra-light and compressible
• Draft-blocking hood opening
• Made of 100% recycled nylon
• Water resistant shell

What’s not so great: 

• Super expensive!!

If you need a mummy sleeping bag that can survive the snowiest, iciest of conditions, and you’re willing to splurge, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom Alpine is a crazy good sleeping bag. It has 850-fill down insulation and is rated to 0℉. The exterior is water-resistant, and the hood has a special draft-blocking design.

The mummy shape is super narrow compared to other bags and will cling close to you to keep you warm. Plus, the zipper pulls are both glow-in-the-dark and reflective so you’ll always be able to find them. 

This down bag isn’t in everyone’s price range. But, if you want to splurge on a really nice sleeping bag that is guaranteed to keep you warm no matter the conditions, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom Alpine is sure to do the trick.

Check Amazon’s price.

Coleman 30F Palmetto Sleeping Bag

Great for fall and spring camping on a budget

The Coleman 30F Palmetto sleeping bag is perfect for the more casual car or tent camper.  This bag is rated to keep you warm in temps as low as 30 degrees, so it’s optimal for fall and spring temperatures.

This is a rectangular-shaped bag, which tends to be less warm. However, some campers find rectangular sleeping bags to be less constrictive compared to a mummy sleeping bag. The Coleman Palmetto is machine washable, and has an anti-snag zipper.

Keep in mind, this isn’t made for backpacking, as it’s pretty heavy and bulky. Save this bag for occasional camping trips in cool weather.

Check the current price here.

Hyke & Byke Katahdin 0F Water Resistant Hiking & Backpacking Sleeping Bag

Great for wet weather

The Hyke & Byke Katahdin bag is designed for cool and wet weather. It’s rated to 0 degrees, but would be comfortable in slightly warmer temps as well.

There’s nothing worse than rain getting in your tent during a thunderstorm. This bag has a water-resistant exterior that will prevent any water from getting in and making you cold and uncomfortable. It also has an anti-snag zipper, and a cinching hood to keep your head extra warm.

This is a lightweight bag that could be used for backpacking or tent camping, and it’s a great bang for your buck.

Check the current price on Amazon.

Cold Weather Sleeping Bag Buyer’s Guide

When shopping, you’ll see a variety of shapes, fill materials, and temperature ratings. But what does it all mean? And what’s best for cool weather?

I’ll go over all of that now in this buyer’s guide filled with pro-tips.

Sleeping Bag Shape Options

There are three main shapes you’ll see when shopping for sleeping bags. Each have their benefits and disadvantages, and each are useful for different weather situations:

• Rectangular
• Semi-rectangular
• Mummy

Rectangular (least warm) 

Semi-rectangular

Mummy (warmest)

A rectangular bag, like the Kelty Kush, is going to be the least warm option. They will be more comfortable, however, and you can stretch your limbs out way more in a rectangular bag.  Rectangular sleeping bags are still useful for cold weather, especially in cases where it’s not going to be freezing–like if you’re in your car.

A semi-rectangular bag works to trap heat thanks to a full hood around your head. This also helps keep your pillow in place. These sleeping bags still allow you to stretch out, but they’re slightly warmer than rectangular bags because of the hood.

Mummy sleeping bags are by far the warmest. Their goal is to fit the shape of your body to keep in as much heat as possible. If you’re camping in really cold weather, I’d go for a mummy shape.

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings

Temperature ratings aren’t the end-all-be-all of sleeping bags, so they aren’t the only thing you should look for when shopping.

Instead, they should be more of a loose guide for what type of weather the bag is made for.

Here’s how to decipher sleeping bag temperature ratings:

• <20℉: extreme cold weather camping
• 20℉-30℉: cool weather three seasons camping
• >30℉: warm weather camping

Of course, there are ways to add warmth to a warm weather bag (which we’ll discuss later), as well as ways to make a bag that is too warm a little less sweaty (like opening zipper vents).

Fill Materials

There are two general types of fill materials you’ll see when shopping for a sleeping bag.

Down

• Lightweight
• Very Packable
• Very warm

• Expensive!!!
• Doesn’t work very well when wet

Synthetic Down

• Affordable
• Durable
• Hypo-allergenic
• Quick-drying

• Not as warm
• Not as lightweight

Generally, if you are a casual camper on a budget, synthetic sleeping bags perform great for any weather.

If you want to splurge, down bags are better for backpacking, or other situations where you need to keep weight to a minimum.

How to Add Some Extra Warmth for Cooler Nights

Sleeping bags aren’t the only component that helps keep you warm on cool nights. There are a few other vital components that you can add on, especially if you find you get easily cold.

If you find yourself camping and realize your sleeping bag might not be warm enough, there are easy ways to add some extra warmth that don’t require purchasing a brand new fancy bag.

If you want to stay cozier, it’s good to have these things along just in case, especially if you’re unsure how cold it’s going to get:

• Sleeping pad
• Camping blankets
• Sleeping bag liners

I’ll go into each of these items more in-depth and give you a couple good options.

Sleeping Pads

If you’re going to add just one thing for extra warmth, I’d highly recommend investing in a nice sleeping pad. Sleeping pads significantly increase your warmth because they provide a barrier between you and the cold ground, and help insulate the warmth your body produces.

They also just help to keep you more comfortable and cozy. Generally, the thicker the pad, the warmer. 

This Coleman Self-Inflating pad is a great option if you’re on a budget.

Source: amazon.com

It is 2.5 inches thick to provide a substantial barrier and extra insulation. Plus, it comes with a pillow so you don’t have to worry about packing one.Whether you end up purchasing this Coleman pad, or a slightly more expensive one, it will be sure to help boost warmth, especially if you’re using a warm weather bag.

Camping Blankets

Another way to get extra cozy is to pack along some camping blankets.  Camping blankets are awesome because they’re so versatile, and allow you to easily add some extra insulation that you can always remove in the night if you get too warm.

My number one recommendation would be the Rumpl Nanoloft Puffy Blanket.

It’s filled with down, made of 100% recycled material, and super cozy warm. Of course, there are tons of other great camping blankets on the market right now. Check out some more here: The 15 Best Camping Blankets for Staying Toasty Cozy Warm.

Sleeping Bag Liners

If you find a sleeping bag you really like, but the inside material isn’t super cozy, or you just want to add a bit of warmth, sleeping bag liners are a great way to do that.

They aren’t a must-have for cool weather camping, but they can easily bring the temperature rating of your bag down by 10 to 20 degrees if needed. Plus, sleeping bag liners are usually machine washable, so you can pop them in the wash before your camping trip and always have a clean sleeping bag.

This fleece sleeping bag liner from REDCAMP is a great affordable option. 

It adds some cozy warmth and has a hood to help keep your body warmth insulated in the bag.

FAQs

What type of sleeping bag is best for cold weather?

For extreme cold weather, look for a down-insulated, mummy shaped bag with a temperature rating at or below 20 degrees.

Do I need a down insulated sleeping bag for cold weather?

No! Down alternative sleeping bags can be just as warm as down bags, and much cheaper. But, if you’re looking for something lighter weight and more packable, a down sleeping bag is preferred.

Are mummy bags uncomfortable?

Mummy shaped sleeping bags can be uncomfortable for some people, especially if you like to sprawl out while you’re sleeping. However, if you like to be all tucked in and cozy warm, a mummy sleeping bag will be really comfortable.

Which Sleeping Bag Will You Bring on Your Next Cold Weather Trip?

If you’ve decided by now to be brave enough to venture into cold weather camping, good for you!!

Whether you go for the budget option and purchase the Coleman 30F Palmetto bag, or splurge for the Mountain Hardwear Phantom Alpine 15F, a good sleeping bag will be the foundation of comfort for cold weather camping.

And don’t forget, you can always add some extra warmth with sleeping pads, camping blankets, and fleece liners.

Thanks for reading!! Stick around for more info on all things camping:

• 11 Best Tips for Winter Camping With Kids that Everyone Enjoys!
• 9 Tips for an AMAZING Snowy Winter Vacation (and how to actually stay warm to enjoy it!)
• 27 Awesomely Fun Kids Winter Activity Ideas!

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Stacy Bressler

Stacy Bressler is an avid outdoorswoman, wife, and mother of three who lives in Jackson, Wyoming. She loves all things camping and enjoys sharing helpful tips, fun activities and laughable learning experiences she finds along the way! Navigating the outdoor life through the lens of humor and positivity, she chronicles it all on her website "The Crazy Outdoor Mama"

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