Looking at the modest price tag, we expected to be quite underwhelmed by its performance. However, its warmth ratings outperformed several of the more expensive bags. It performed very well in all of our warmth tests, as did the Coleman All-Weather Multi-Layer and The North Face Wawona Bed 20. These three bags were slightly bested by the Kelty Catena 30, a somewhat basic, inexpensive bag that somehow performed slightly better during our controlled body-heat tests. It’s easy to use, and has an inside zipper pocket, anti-snag zipper, full neck baffle, and ClimaTech fiber for warmth. The bag is machine-washable and the lightweight design fits easily in both the washer and dryer.
It’s lightweight, packs up nicely, and can be compressed even further in a compression sack. Whether you’re a car camper or a weekend backpacker, the Galactic is worth a look if you prefer ozark trail sleeping bag down fill but aren’t a fan of constrictive mummy-style bags. Over the last 11 years, we’ve purchased dozens of the best camping sleeping bags, with 14 top models in this review.
If you need more room than the Polara offers, the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 is much more spacious. If not, stick with the Polara’s versatility of offering three bags in one. Traditional camping sleeping bags are known to be a little big-boned, so packed size was not a complete deal-breaker for us. However, space is rarely unlimited, so we rated each bag according to its stowed size. We also factored each bag’s packed weight and the overall ease of stuffing it into its stuff sack.
I had to add a fleece sleeping bag for more insulation. I used this bag from February of 2002 to June of 2002 on the Appalachian Trail, and I still have it. The first night out it was less than 14 degrees F, and I had at least 50 nights under 40 degrees F. I can’t say I was warm, but I wasn’t shivering, freezing, or cold either, although I did wear 2 layers of clothing.
The Alps Redwood is by far the most comfortable out of the single bags, followed by the Polara 3-in-1, Big Agnes Echo Park, Teton Deer Hunter, and Teton Celsius XXL. Other top performers include the The North Face Wawona Bed, REI Siesta Hooded, and the Coleman Multi-Layer. The Multi-Layer has removable layers of padding and soft fabrics, as does the Polara 3-in-1. When ozark trail canopy you’re already far from the comforts of home, it’s appreciated when your sleeping bag can increase your comfort level, not compromise it. That’s why we put all these sleeping bags through multiple comfort tests. Despite having twice the amount of body heat, we were surprised to see none of the double bags we studied could match our warmest single bag’s warmth.
That said, this down-filled sleeping bag packs up small and is lightweight enough for short hike-in trips with ample warmth per ounce. The Kelty Catena 30 is just as warm as the Galactic, but it uses synthetic insulation instead of down. The Polara 3-in-1 is made from synthetic materials that we didn’t find as cozy or comfortable as the top-of-the-line canvas designs. It won’t provide the same cushy degree of luxury as many high-dollar bags. The interior liner and fleece blanket are soft and warm, but they’re grabby compared to the smooth, flannel interior of some camping sleeping bags.