Below we rank our top picks for 2023, and if you need some background information, our comparison table and buying advice dive into topics like fill type and temperature rating. To complete your camping kit, we’ve also tested and written about camping coleman sleeping bag mattresses and camping tents. Our annual family camping trip does not involve hiking and then camping so we weren’t looking for tiny sleeping bags. We take day hikes and do outdoor activities from our drive up camping spot in the Smoky Mountains.
Notable extras worth calling out are built-in pillows or pillow sleeves (the Nemo Disco and Forte Endless Promise boast the latter), which are a nice luxury for those annoyed by camp pillows that tend to move in the night. Additionally, integrated blankets, interior pockets for stowing small items like a headlamp, and draft tubes at the collar for trapping warmth are becoming more common. Mummy bags typically have a ¾-length side zip that requires some wriggling to get in and out of and can’t be opened up completely should you want to zip the sleeping bag together with another compatible bag. Not only is it easy to create a large and comfortable space for two if you zip it to another bag, but unzipping the bag on its own opens it up for use as a blanket.
Synthetic sleeping bags are a dime a dozen in 2023, but Coleman continues to stand out for their strong focus on value. The Kompact 20 here is no exception, combining the affordability that Coleman is known for with many of the features we look for in a quality three-season bag. These include soft yet durable fabrics, an insulated draft tube to seal in warmth, and a roomy rectangular shape that’s comfortable and not restrictive. And as its name suggests, the Kompact packs down pretty well for a 20-degree synthetic bag, measuring 9.8 x 15.7 inches when compressed into its stuff sack (for comparison, The North Wawona Bed 20 above is larger at 11 x 20 in.).
I’ve laundered the Big Bay once, and the insulation has stayed in place. This bag should last you for many years, and to ensure it does, it comes with a 5-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects and workmanship. We believe in offering the very best value, quality, and selection. In the event you wish to send a product back to us, you may return most unused items for a
refund or exchange, minus shipping, within 90 days from the date of purchase unless noted below under
exceptions and exclusions.
In our opinion, the zipper is not needed because the bag has an average packed size. More importantly, the zipper itself doesn’t work anyway because we found the stuff sack to be too tight to begin with. The polyester face fabric is durable, so it doesn’t need to be treated as delicately as some premium bags that require special care. You can wash the Big Bay in a front-loading washing machine on gentle with mild liquid detergent and run it through a low-heat dryer cycle.
In terms of dimensions, they’re typically roomier than standard mummy bags (particularly at the shoulders and hips) but not overly generous like some rectangular models. All in all, semi-rectangular bags typically offer a good mix of comfort and weight, shaving away excess material while still providing enough space to roll around during the night. For instance, Nemo’s Disco 15 and Forte Endless Promise 20 have roomier fits than most traditional mummy bags, with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows. Kelty’s popular Cosmic Down 20 has been a mainstay in their lineup for years and remains a popular choice among campers and backpackers alike. For starters, you get a respectable weight of 2 pounds 10 ounces, which is the lightest three-season option on our list (Kelty’s own Galactic 30 below weighs around the same but is far less versatile).