Backpacking can get expensive. With all the supplies you need, it’s important to cut back on costs where you can. That’s why the Survival Tech Shop Team has put together this list of the best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100. Now you can stay warm on a budget.
Here’s a quick list of our top picks:
What to Look For
When buying a new sleeping bag it’s important to consider where you’re going to be camping and what the weather is going to be like. You’ll also want to consider whether you want a mummy pack or a standard rectangular pack. Then, you’ll want to think about the weight of your sleeping bag, this is especially important if you’re going to be backpacking. While this is important, you don’t want to sacrifice warmth for a lower cost if you’re going to be in freezing conditions.
And as always, you’ll want to consider your personal preferences. What fabric do you like and not like? Do you sleep on your side or back? Will you be using your sleeping bag as a blanket? If so, you’ll want a pack that unzips completely.
To keep it simple I’ve divided this list into “Sleeping Bags for Freezing or Close-To Freezing Temperatures” and “Sleeping Bags for Warmer Temperatures”. Now, it’s time to learn about what sleeping bag is best for you.
If you’re looking for sleeping bags to use in 35-68 degree weather, keep scrolling.
For Freezing or Close-To Freezing Temperatures
In this section, we’re going to be talking about sleeping bags that can be used for 0-degree temperatures and 20-degree temperatures.
1. Abco Tech Sleeping Bag
The Abco Tech sleeping bag is great for four-season camping. This sleeping bag is made to roll into its own carrying case that is 16 x 9 inches. The temperature rating is 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the fabric is 86.6 inches long. It’s also pretty lightweight at only 3 lbs. The outer fabric is, unfortunately, a little thin in our opinion but is great because it is waterproof (something you should look for in any sleeping bag). We also like this sleeping bag because it is machine washable, but you’ll want to hang dry it to make sure the seams stay strong. If you’re looking to purchase this sleeping bag to use in any weather that is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to make sure you get a sleeping mat and, of course, bundle up. Another perk of this sleeping bag is that it comes with a little hoodie to be used in colder temperatures or to be omitted during warmer months. This sleeping bag should comfortably fit a normal-sized person up to 6 feet tall.
Pros
- Hoodie for cold weather
- Carrying bag included
- Works as expected
Cons
- Thin outer fabric
- Large when packed
2. Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping
Coleman is one of the most trusted budget companies on the market for outdoors supplies. This sleeping bag is one of the warmest you will get for such a low cost. This sleeping bag has a 0 degrees Fahrenheit rating and can fit an average-sized person up to 6 feet 2 inches in height. One of our favorite things about this sleeping bag is its hood with drawstring straps. This is great for warm weather when you’re looking to keep even more warmth in. Although this is a mummy bag, it gives you the ability to unzip at the bottom to let in more airflow on those warmer nights. Because this sleeping bag is extremely fluffy and warm, it comes in at 5.2 lbs. This is one of the biggest drawbars for us. If you’re looking to use this on your next backpacking trip it is going to add a significant amount of weight to your pack. Because it is heavier, I would only recommend this pack if you’re going backpacking in freezing temperatures. Although on the heavier side, this sleeping bag is extremely sturdy and will hold up in both your washing and drying machines. Also, it can shrink to 16 x 10 inches when inside its carrying case.
Pros
- Great bang for your buck
- Hoodie with drawstrings
- Unzips at feet for airflow during warmer months
Cons
- Heavy
3. TETON Sports Regular Sleeping Bag
TETON is also a trusted brand by customers. This sleeping bag is extremely comfortable and will definitely keep you warm in freezing temperatures. It has a 0-degree temperature rating and is fluffier than the other sleeping bags. Unfortunately, that means it is also heavier at 5.5 lbs. If you’re going to be backpacking in extreme temperatures this sleeping bag will keep you nice and warm. But, it does put on some extra weight so I wouldn’t recommend going any heavier than this bag. What makes this sleeping bag so great is it’s carrying bag. The case comes with nice heavy-duty straps that you can clip right to your backpack. This is the sturdiest and warmest sleeping bag at its price. It has a waterproof shell and poly-flannel interior so it checks the waterproof box off of our list while also being super cozy. Other than how comfortable and warm this sleeping bag is, we love that it has a drawstring mummy hood and interior pocket for important things you’ll need to keep close by. Another drawback about this bag is that it isn’t ideal for people over 5 foot 8 inches tall.
Pros
- Comfortable flannel interior
- Extremely warm
- Stuff and seal carrying case
Cons
- Heavy
- Not great for taller people
For Warmer Temperatures
The following sleeping bags are not suited for extreme temperatures. They’re great if you’re going to be camping on nights 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Since these sleeping bags aren’t to be used in freezing temperatures, they tend to weigh less than the ones listed above. So, unless you’re thinking about going out in cold weather, save your money and get yourself one of these.
1. Active Era Mummy Sleeping Bag
This Active Era sleeping bag is great for a mild cold or warmer sleeping conditions. Although it is advertised as having the ability to go down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, we believe the ideal temperature to use this sleeping bag in is 30-50 degree Fahrenheit weather. Additionally, it does have an awesome drawstring mummy hood that would allow you to use this sleeping bag in cooler temperatures if you needed to. This sleeping bag also comes with an internal pocket, added insulation around the zipper and two-way zipper technology so you have more flexibility in the warmer months. Overall this is a very versatile sleeping bad. It is both waterproof and machine washable and weighs only 3.2 pounds. Also, the bag comes with its own carrying case. Good for a regular-sized person up to 6 feet tall.
Pros:
- Versatile temperature range
- Drawstring mummy hood
- Lightweight and packs nicely into a hiking backpack
Cons:
- Stubborn zipper gets stuck
2. NORSENS Ultralight Hiking Sleeping Bag
This rectangular-style sleeping bag is great in 32-68 degrees Fahrenheit weather. It’s also pretty light at 3.6 pounds. The best part of this sleeping bag is how small it gets in its compression sack. All you need to do is roll the sleeping bag into the bag and use the four compression straps to make the bag even smaller. Also, this is a very roomie sleeping bag and is great for people up to 6 foot 5 inches tall. Also, because this is a rectangular sleeping bag it can be unzipped and used as a blanket or mat. It also comes with a velcro sticker that goes over the zipper in order to keep the zipper in place while you’re sleeping. Additionally, this sleeping bag is waterproof, machine washable and comes with a 12-month warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Larger than other sleeping bags
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Compression straps aren’t as durable as they should be
3. TETON Sports TrailHead Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag
Another TETON product that made the list. This final sleeping bag is super lightweight at only 2.9 lbs and is great for warmer weather hiking and backpacking. The ideal temperatures to use this bag in are from 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it is an adult size, it seems to be great for people of average size around 5 foot 8 inches tall or shorter. But, it will fit someone up to 6 foot 1 inch. Like the other options, this sleeping bag is also water-resistant. When rolled into the compression bag it shrinks to 11 x 6 inches in size. Additionally, the fabric on this bag is quite comfortable. This product also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Drawstring mummy hood
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not great for larger people
Conclusion
Well, now you know! You don’t need to spend a fortune on your sleeping bag in order to get the results you’re looking for. And if you’re looking for cooler weather options, there are definitely heavy-duty sleeping bags on the market for under $100.
Think about where you’re going and what you need your sleeping bag for and you will find a sleeping bag you like within your budget. Don’t lose out on sleep and enjoy your next backpacking trip!