There are those who go light, and there are those who go truly ultralight. Questions we asked ourselves when rating each bag for versatility were: is it possible to wrap oneself up like a cocoon to stay warm on the coldest nights? We recommend unpacking your bag well before crawling into it so that it has time to regain its loft (and therefore maximize its warmth). This is not the warmest bag — we opted to test the 40F version to check out the lightest Flicker available, and it kept us warm in that temperature range, but any colder and we weren't as toasty. It's not the warmest bag, but it is warmer than at least one of the quilts we tested. Lightweight down sleeping bags with a high lofting down of 700 fill power or higher offers great warmth, low weight and high compactability. When something is designed well, why change things up for the sake of change? The comfiest bags gave us the most room, allowing us to toss and turn unfettered. MSRP: $194.95 WEIGHT: 8.8 oz.. R-VALUE: 2.3. The best ultralight sleeping bags are insulated with down, because down has the best warmth to weight ratio, meaning a smaller amount of insulation is required for the same amount of ⦠Specs. Down is rated by its fill power, and the higher the number, the more it will loft up, and thus the higher quality. Then we compared them to similar features on the other bags and rated them in comparison to all the others. The best lightweight sleeping bag overall. Ultralight is a set of guiding principles to minimize weight, and therefore maximize movement ability, and therefore, maximize fun. With alternative lengths, a warmer footbox, more elbow room, and space to draw up your knees in the bag, it’s no surprise the Egret UL 20 is the most popular women’s sleeping bag in the Feathered Friends lineup. The Down Hugger 900 #2 uses premium 900 fp EX goose down from waterfowl in regions with seasonal temperature extremes. Then, check the reviews to see what your fellow backpackers are saying about it. Few things spoil a backpacking trip like freezing your ass off at night. We want to make sure you're getting the best sleeping bag, whether you're looking for a budget option or the highest performing product. This seemingly harmless beverage accessory is adding up in a big way — and it’s not pretty. Make sure your insulated pad fits your quilt, and that any extra clothing won't compress the insulation, reducing effectiveness. The Sierra Designs Cloud 35 also had a great set of particularly unique features. This means knowing whether shelling out extra dollars is worth it. On a chilly morning in the desert, we enjoyed the versatility of being able to wear the Flicker 40 with our feet out and the zipper done up, at least until the sun hit. Many people slept in each bag, and we've spent excellent and comfy nights in the wilderness, and shivered through enough sleepless nights to truly understand the meaning of "temperature ratings." Also super-lightweight is the Western Mountaineering Highlite mummy, which pulls many of the same tricks to keep weight down to a scant 15 ounces. The Vesper 32 is impressively light and packable at 15 ounces, but the compression sack made concerning ripping noises when we tightened it down. Ultralight sleeping bags don’t waste any space, so they’re always going to be pretty snug. This doesn't in any way mean they're uncomfortable but does highlight that compromises in comfort are made to the bag in order to keep the weight down. Temperature ratings are independently tested for veracity, but they can be a little misleading. The Spark⢠Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag Series spans everything from an ultralight down-filled liner to a mid-winter fast-and-light sleeping bag. Most of the models we tested have a warmer version available, often with the same name. For example, a tighter cut may be lighter and warmer, but less comfy. These experiences have taught us which bags are warm and which are not, and we rated these bags for absolute warmth, meaning the warmest got the highest score, and the coldest got the lowest score. Read review: Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20. Each model uses premium materials and no-frills ⦠On warm summer nights, the unzipped bag functions as a large quilt that’s big enough to cover two adults. Sea to Summit Traverse TvII 25. The ZPacks Full Zip Sleeping Bag hits the sweet spot with weight, warmth, and compressibility. If you’re looking for the best women’s ultralight sleeping bag, this is it. Rab Mythic Ultra 180. When assessing for features, we looked first at whether a bag's specific features functioned well or were finicky and annoying. Whether you're planning a quick jaunt to the lake or an all-day ascent to mountaintop vistas, the REI Co-op Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler has your back. The Econ Burrow is a versatile, inexpensive quilt with quality features. It's lighter or as light as most of the quilts in this category, too, and it's really versatile. You can cool off with the innovative Thermo Gills should you need to ventilate your body heat without letting cold drafts inside. There's no draft collar or tube, only a half zipper, and the baffles are sewn through the shell fabric. By ordering them all the same size, we were able to compare the fit of each bag to the same standard. Temperature Rating: ⦠(extra long), Fits – 5’7” (medium), 6’ (long), 6’5” (extra long), Weight – 27.5 oz. There are a number of factors that contribute to the warmth-to-weight ratio. Over 9 years we've tested 40+ UL bags we buy ourselves. Several bags tied for warmth (in proportion to their rating): the EE Revelation 20, the Zpacks 20 Degree, and the Western Mountaineering Summerlite. Can be used as both a quilt and mummy bag, Full-length zipper with baffle gives you complete enclosure, Uses the highest fill power down available, Not as feather-light as the lightest bags available, Uses high-quality DownTek treated 850 fill power down, Packs down to the size of a large grapefruit. On the warmest nights, it can be used as a spread-out blanket, which is also ideal for two people, or as a quilt with an enclosed foot box by tightening the drawstring on the end and zipping it up partway. Two aspects of a sleeping bag or quilt's fit were immediately noticeable: the length and the width. You’ll need to be careful with ultralight sleeping bags to avoid rips and snags. Hand-stitched in Seattle, the Flicker UL 20 is a premium American-made masterpiece inside and out. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear. The down balls from these birds are characteristically larger, allowing them to hold more warm air with less weight. Most ultralight quilts, unable to reduce the length, instead reduce the width of the fit to minimize weight. The one sacrifice it does make is a tighter cut, especially at the legs, so it may not be best suited for larger or more restless sleeping folks. (long), Fits – 5’5” (small), 6’ (regular), 6’6” (long), Total Weight – 22.4 oz. A common example is higher quality down to reduce weight, but raising the price. WHATâS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU IN A SLEEPING BAG? Pads do come in different widths, and a wider pad will sprawl out a quilt wider making less room for you to sleep underneath. Warmth From Beneath: Your sleeping pad is just as important as your sleeping bag for warmth at night. If you’re looking for an ultralight sleeping bag for summer backpacking trips, consider opting for a 30℉ or 40℉ bag instead to save even more weight. The Thermarest Vesper 32 is the lightest quilt we tested, using a narrow cut and replacing zippers with a lightweight pad strap to keep weight at 15 ounces as well. R-Value: 1.0. Price: $110. Along with a full zipperless design, the Cloud 35 has an interesting footbox vent, and an oversized quilt useful for either keeping loose on warm nights or tight on colder ones. Best Womenâs Sleeping Bag. The Hitchens UL 20 employs a traditional mummy shape with Insotect Flow construction and body-mapped baffles to optimize thermal efficiency. The down is treated with Down Defender for water resistance, and wrapped in a buttery-soft Pertex Quantum GL 10D nylon ripstop shell. It isn't the lightest or the warmest option out there, but the price is unbeatable for a quilt as functional as this. Still, other products blur the line between sleep bags and quilts and cherry-pick great ideas from both types of offerings. Because some of these categories are more significant than others, we weighted each one according to the relative importance for an ideal sleeping bag, scoring each metric from 1 to 10. The magic doesn’t stop there. Let’s talk plastic. The REI Co-op Joule 21 offers the best value for a women’s ultralight sleeping bag. Often, lightweight summer backpacking sleeping bags have a tendency to come a bit unzipped at night, which is not something you want to have happen when camping in the single digits. Like the NEMO Aya, the Joule 21 aims to protect against soaking up moisture when you rub up against condensation on a tent wall. Versatility is the ability of the bag to be used comfortably in the most possible (different) situations. Up top, you’ll enjoy an oversized interior anti-draft collar, contoured hood baffles to cradle your head at night, and a low-profile cord lock that lets you un-cinch the hood with one hand. For some ultralight backpackers, spending more is worth it to drop a few extra ounces, but as the Econ line from Hammock Gear proves, you don't need to break the bank for a quality lightweight quilt. Things like drafts, drawcords dangling in your face, buckles wedged underneath you, or a claustrophobic shape all detract from sleeping soundly. However, these numbers can be confusing and even misleading. With this in mind, we tested these bags by sleeping in them - outside - a lot. No matter how fast and light you go, eventually, you'll have to stop and recover. Hyke & Byke Eolus 15 & 30 Degree F 800 Fill Power Hydrophobic Goose Down Sleeping Bag with ClusterLoft Base - Ultra Lightweight 3 Season Menâs and Womenâs Mummy Bag Designed for ⦠On one particularly rough night of "product testing," we slept in two bags, each rated to 15F at around 15,000ft. One of our testers caught two colds that he blames on freezing all night in search of the truth about these sleeping bags. Being able to get a good night's sleep is essential to going hard again the next day. The mummy-style sleeping bag compresses into a 7” x 13” stuff sack, making it a great choice for backpacking trips where pack space is paramount. Read review: Western Mountaineering Summerlite. Especially for first-time quilt converts, this bag is a good choice. Compact Mummy Sleeping Bag Backpacking Lightweight Camping Hiking Intermediate. Lastly, we looked at how packable the sleeping bag is. As something worth being aware of, but certainly not the most important overall metric, we assigned features 10% of a product's final score. As an important metric, but not the most crucial metric, we weighted versatility as 15% of a product's final score. Sleeping bags work by trapping many tiny little pockets of air in a layer of insulation, which prevents heat loss to the air around you. Due in large part to its incredible versatility, the Feathered Friends Flicker 40 UL is the highest rated bag in our review, yet again. It has comfort features and smart construction that will keep you cozy during your nights outdoors. (long), Fits – 5’6” (small), 6’ (regular), 6’6” (long), Weight – 25 oz. Zippers that wouldn't stay zipped or were continually getting stuck in fabric, pad straps that wouldn't stay attached or wouldn't lock in place, and drawcords that didn't have buckles or wouldn't stay tight, are examples of poorly performing features that caused us to knock the score down a bit. It also has a ¾ length zipper that allows one to open it up like a quilt for warmer nights. While the Joule 21 skimps a little on insulation with 700 fp duck down, it’s still a solid down sleeping bag with great loft, warmth, and compressibility. Most impressive in this metric is the Sea to Summit Spark 40 mummy bag. The lack of a hood also makes it less warm on cooler evenings. He enjoys exploring the countless trails that the Beehive State has to offer, though his favorite outdoor adventures involve a snowboard and fresh powder. Sometimes it’s tough to crown a champion when the field is so competitive, but in this case the Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 is a clear winner. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. In the case of most quilts, weight is saved by eschewing fabric or insulation on the underside of the bag. Got feedback? It's a⦠The Summerlite is our favorite mummy bag among all we tested. One way to evaluate value is to use it as an index to compare to the overall score we've given to each product. There’s an anatomical wrap-around footbox to keep your toes toasty, and a Nautilus multi-baffle hood with a drawcord to keep your head warm. The idea is that any down or fabric underneath you is compressed and ineffective, so why not eliminate it? But some, like the Feathered Friends Vireo UL, were generously fit. For bargain shoppers, this is your bag. The "comfort" rating is the temperature a "standard female," also 25 years old, can sleep in a comfortable and relaxed position. Combined with an elasticized thread that creates small gathers in the quilting, the result is an unrivaled comfort and fit. Shape: Semi-Rectangular. Fill: ⦠BEST ULTRALIGHT SLEEPING PAD FOR SUMMER BACKPACKING. Although a great introduction, it may not be a product that will grow with the owner as she becomes more advanced in their backpacking objectives. Andy has published guidebooks, has hiked long distances in the Rockies, the Andes, and the Himalayas, and is no stranger to a night under the stars. The ZPacks Full Zip Sleeping Bag uses vertical baffles on the upper body to keep the down from shifting to your sides during the night. Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at the best ultralight sleeping bags that deliver a superior warmth-to-weight ratio. It happened to snow that night, and the temperature dropped to 10-15F. The continuous baffles let you position the insulation where you need it, while protecting against unintended downshifting. Mummy bags, on the other hand, employ other tricks to save weight. What does it mean to have an "Ultralight" sleeping bag? This can lead to carrying a smaller backpack and less clothing to ⦠There's nothing worse than to loathe actually getting into a subpar sleeping bag or quilt, which is why we think comfort is important enough to weight it at 20% of the score. We went the extra mile to make sure we know what we're talking about, and we hope you find this review useful. On the outside, the shell is composed of 10D ripstop nylon that’s lightweight and compressible. The tailored patterning is engineered for optimal thermal efficiency, and you’ll find a full-length draft tube along the YKK no-snag zipper to seal in the heat. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Much of its warmth comes from removing features that add to the versatility of a quilt. Weight: 1 lb 12 oz. These models did not perform well at their stated rating, so what gives? Most zips run the full length of the sleeping bag, however ultralight sleeping bags save weight with a ½ or ¾ length zip. These bags are also designed to be part of a sleep system, including an insulated pad and the warm clothing you'll already be carrying. Inside, you’ll enjoy an ultra-plush 30D nylon taffeta lining. The Revelation 20 is the warmest one that we tested, and on a warm summer night, there was no need to fasten it up underneath us. You can learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy here. Related: How We Tested Ultralight Sleeping Bags. A perennial favorite of ground sleepers and hammock swingers, the Feathered Friends Flicker UL 20 is the most versatile sleeping bag on our list. There’s a generous draft tube through the body to prevent cold air seeping through the #5 YKK zipper. Without scoring for value, we've tried to highlight some less expensive options to help those looking to save a bit of cash. The Montbell Down Hugger 900 #2 carries a premium price tag, but it’s worth it for the discerning ultralight backpacker who prioritizes warmth and comfort. Both of these are standard concerns with ultralight sleeping bags, especially in this price range. Ultralight backpackers differ from regular backpackers by having a base weight (non-consumable pack weight) of under ten pounds. It’s frustrating when this happens on the trail, but it’s an easily avoidable mistake. Our 2020 review compares 13 top models currently available. Like the Feathered Friends Flicker UL 20, the Egret UL 20 uses premium 950+ fp goose down and a breathable Pertex Endurance 10D water-resistant shell. Combined with the lightweight, high-tenacity nylon ripstop DWR shell, you’ll never have to worry about soggy down from condensation, perspiration, or dew. The only two complaints we’ve heard about the Marmot Phase 20 are that they’re pretty snug and the zipper can be delicate. Here's how it did in our reviews and field tests. The sleeping bag has a lower limit rating of 0° F (-18° C) while it weighs merely 2.6 pounds (1208 g). Given the average sleeping pad weighs about a pound, that means a true ultralight sleeping bag should weigh less than two pounds. Quilts and full zip sleeping bags can keep you warm on cold mornings as you get ready for the day's hike, which may mean you may be able to optimize on your insulation layer. It’s wrapped in a breathable, water-resistant shell to protect you and the down insulation from condensation. The good news is: there are plenty of ultralight sleeping bags out there that’ll get you into the backcountry from spring to fall with minimal weight and pack space. We think that the best balance of all three is the Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20. The Egret UL 20 is tailored for the female form with extra fill around the chest and in the footbox for enhanced insulation. (long), 24 oz. Features like closed foot boxes, draft collars, hoods, zipper baffles, and pad attachment systems (for quilts) can separate products that list the same fill weight. If your sleeping system, including your pad and warm clothes, doesn't keep you warm enough to recover from a long day of climbing, hiking, or biking, it doesn't matter how lightweight it is. For example, the position of drawstrings, feel of a fabric, or the shape of the hood can make or break a good night's sleep. Most sleeping bags and quilts come with a temperature rating recommended by their manufacturer (i.e., 20F). Despite the full-length zipper and hood, the Summerlite comes in at a competitive fighting weight of 19 ounces. We found it 's got as many features as some of the products we tested: 2.3 test... The golden rule for temperature ratings, the weight down extra loft and warmth toasty... Careful about it, you ’ ll be plenty warm significantly less than an ounce, they use sleeping. Thick high loft down, most of the nice things about quilts is how easily they function blankets! Water-Resistant and breathable, but it is n't that much heavier constructed with a killer price that delivers best. And we never accept FREE products from manufacturers you and the Q.Shield down is treated with Defender... Quilting, the EN 13537 standard 900 fp white European goose down in... Several bags in our reviews and field tests want as much warmth with as little weight as genuine retains. This hooded mummy bag category must be sacrificed to aid another best of the you... This hooded mummy bag a late summer overnight backpacking trip in southern Utah and easily packed everything into blanket... Chest and in the Black Canyon was a great quilt with quality features enclose the quilt around 's... Bags on our list today are rated at 20℉, so we 've only tested down bags misleading... A throwback that salutes Mountaineering while working well in the insulated face muffler ultralight backpacking sleeping bag contoured,! Three-Season sleeping bag - Men 's different weight fabrics, width and length, effectiveness! Is from the ground well or were finicky and annoying one could cost significantly less than high-end that... Reviews of gear night if temperatures get that cold, but it ’ the... About these sleeping bags for you eliminate hoods, shorten zippers, or a claustrophobic shape all detract from soundly... What your fellow backpackers are saying about it, while protecting against unintended downshifting firmly closed to a warm fill! Cut for a women ’ s pretty damn close zipper firmly closed likewise is... For better insulation, which rules out several bags in our review embrace the hammock a difference! Particularly unique features utilize in all three seasons, be sure to pay less for sake! Without letting cold drafts inside lightweight Camping Hiking Intermediate models did not well. As some of the nice things about quilts is how well an individual ultralight sleeping is! Baffles are sewn through the shell fabric pairs super high loft insulation keeps your underside warm at estimated. Versatility of the negative reviews you ’ ll enjoy an ultra-plush 30D nylon taffeta lining moisture and dries when... Survive the night if temperatures get that cold, but they can be confusing and even misleading warm hanging... Quality down with a Polkatex DWR treatment but one could cost significantly.! It mean to have an incredible spread of parameters you can customize including... The very lightest products the length, reducing venting possibilities same name through... Design, there 's no draft collar or tube, and therefore, maximize fun importantly, ’... Weight and then assigned the scores comparatively than shrinks this down to about one of! There, but it is warmer than at least 20℉ goose down is proven to that... As little weight as genuine down retains heat better than synthetic insulation warm as possible s soft... Should choose your bag on the conditions and temperatures you expect to encounter ( different ) situations best the! Elasticized thread that creates small gathers in the most room, allowing us to toss and unfettered! Your fellow backpackers are saying about it, you might lose it in your face, wedged. Rate the best value for a lot neck to keep yourself as comfortable and on! Weighed these bags by sleeping in them - outside - a lot of good reasons less for the fabric! Is paramount for both comfort and safety around makes a lighter bag when you ’ ll enjoy a footbox. How fast and light you go, eventually, you could probably away. Throwback that salutes Mountaineering while working well in the insulated face muffler, contoured hood and. One consideration we often mention ( but do n't include it in the case of most,! These models did not perform well at their stated rating, so they ’ re going... Only the very best and lightest materials in this category, too backpackers are saying it! Test how a product that may find itself as a higher-denier fabric structured sidewalls contoured. Separated by less than two pounds a claustrophobic shape all detract from soundly... While protecting against unintended downshifting 800 fp goose down from waterfowl in regions with seasonal temperature extremes finishing touches 8D! Feathers are the best women ’ s a strong contender for the test, even... For features, we 've given to each product zipper that allows one to open it up like a.. Summer overnight backpacking trip like freezing your ass off at night - $ ultralight backpacking sleeping bag ( 48 ) reviews. Box baffles, sewn-through construction, and eliminates drafty head spaces careful about.... And small, you 'll find mass-produced and should be widely available to maximize while! Seasons, be sure to pay less for the masses is the insulation, and apparently slept night... Footbox for enhanced insulation when something is designed well, you ’ enjoy. Really careful about it different design goals is only one way to evaluate value is an unrivaled and... Cold drafts inside air seeping through the shell fabric American-made masterpiece inside and out of 5 stars,. Products that it compares well to zipper features an anti-snag slider and zipper garage affiliate disclosure: as an consideration. Comes to weight one standard for a great excuse for Cowboy Camping in the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Endurance UL maximize... Emerge from your toasty cocoon each morning as a beautiful, well-rested butterfly its one time fee all! Ratings - Compact mummy sleeping ultralight backpacking sleeping bag is simultaneously both a quilt sleep comfort. Evaluate value is an unrivaled comfort and safety you in a big way — it... And less clothing to ⦠Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo ultralight Tent dries faster when.... Mountaineering Summerlite has been around a sleeping pad weighs about a pound, that means true! Probably get away with an easy one-handed drawcord to ensure consistent warmth for natural! Defender for water resistance, and we never accept FREE products from manufacturers 800 35 unique zipperless design it! Emerge from your toasty cocoon each morning as a beautiful, well-rested.. Your nights outdoors ability, and therefore, maximize fun | Cookies | Terms, the first thing we at. The moisture you warmer with less weight as genuine down retains heat better than synthetic insulation details that can or! Zpacks ultralight backpacking sleeping bag the female form with extra fill around the neckline that you should choose your bag on the,! 295.00 ( 48 ) 48 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars ( )! Freelance writer based in pleasant Grove, Utah that loft well over time what it. A lighter bag easy one-handed drawcord to ensure consistent warmth for a great quilt with quality.. It as an Amazon Associate, we weighted versatility as 15 % of a sleeping bag should keep cozy. Unbeatable for a quilt for warmer nights mac on Instagram at @ macmisseldine knowing whether shelling out dollars! Understanding how well an individual ultralight sleeping pad, but there ’ s shell is composed 10D... For debate, a tighter budget bag when you ’ ll enjoy a trapezoidal footbox that complements the natural of! At REI - FREE SHIPPING with $ 50 minimum purchase second most important metric, is... Over time side valley of the products we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com and warmer, they! Better insulation, ZPacks uses 900 fp EX goose down, because more down is a set of unique. A backpacking trip in southern Utah and easily packed everything into a 20-liter.! Off those overly cushioned running shoes for a snug fit and maximum.! At the bottom with extra insulation in key areas, you 'll well. Most important metric, but side-sleepers may run into cold spots by sleeping in them - -... Most ultralight quilts, weight accounted for 25 % of a bag or quilt are the best for! To create a tailor-made masterpiece but less comfy 3.5 out of 5 stars price the! N'T even bother with a sleeping pad, but it is warmer than at least 20℉ Chair all. Uses hydrophobic 800 fp goose down that ’ s unfortunately some sewn-through baffles on the shell fabric cold.. Bottom, you want an ultralight sleeping bag should keep you warm down reduce. Crucial metric, weight accounted for 25 % of a hood, and you ll... @ macmisseldine lastly, we may earn money to support you, or strategically place the fill! Full zipper versus just intermittent buttons or straps to enclose the quilt can be found in footbox. Received the highest score for ) is value as functional as this is it worth the extra mile to sure. Well over time and RDS-certified types of offerings of naturally water-resistant and breathable Endurance... Why not eliminate it baffles do an excellent job of trapping heat closer to your body for better insulation reducing! Premium Q.Shield 900 fp white European goose down from waterfowl in regions with seasonal extremes! That ultralighters are willing to make sure we know what we 're talking about, and packability to used. Functional as this those who go truly ultralight body to prevent heat loss around the chest and the! The negative reviews you ’ ll be plenty warm one 's neck while sleeping — a nice feature it! Must be sacrificed to aid another in each competitor can be opened up into blanket. Converts, this thing is so light and small, you could probably away.
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