Best sleeping bag 2020: Get a good night’s sleep wherever you are with these sleeping bags
Stay warm, dry and well-rested with these lightweight sleeping bags
Having the best sleeping bag is important whether you’re out in the wilderness of your back garden, or somewhere a little more treacherous. That doesn’t mean a good sleeping bag is easy to find - especially if you’re shopping within a budget.
UPDATE: We've added the Kathmandu Comet Sleeping Bag to our list. As we head into the warmer months, this mummy-shaped sleeping bag is especially designed for use in warmer climates. Weighing as little as 0.61kg, it's a great trekking companion and comes with a water-repellent, natural down fill so that it maintains its insulation even when wet. A fantastic option if you can afford the higher price point.
- Planning a trip? Take a look at our best tents review to find out which survived our rigorous testing
Best sleeping bags
The Comet Mummy Bag from Kathmandu is a great option if you’re planning to camp in warmer climates. Available in two sizes - regular and large - this mummy-shaped sleeping bag comes with a water repellent DownTek fill so that it maintains its insulation even when wet. And, at a weight of 0.72kg or less (depending on the size), it’s also pretty light so makes a great hiking companion.
This double sleeping bag has a cotton flannel lining and integrated pillow for extra comfort, and an inner pocket to keep all your small valuables close by. It has two zippers (one on each side) so you don’t have to climb over your partner to get out, and it also opens fully so it can be turned into a blanket if needed.
This sleeping bag is one of the cheapest on the list but it still has a lot to offer. Firstly, it’s machine washable, which is super handy when it’s going to be out in all weathers. It’s also water-resistant, has a small internal pouch to fit your phone and any small valuables, and has a two-way anti-snag zip.
If you just plan to do the odd family camping weekend, this might be the one for you. The wide-shaped bag has an integrated duvet for extra warmth and comfort. It also has a in-built pillow and tapered shape to improve insulation.
This sleeping bag is ultra-lightweight and ideal for the warmer seasons. The envelope-style typically feels roomier than the mummy-style, and it can be fully opened to create a blanket. Ideal for weekend or festival use.
This Vango sleeping bag is recommended by the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Scout Association. It has an elasticated thread sewn into the inner fabric to keep the sleeping bag close to your body, and an aluminised layer, both designed to keep heat in the bag. The polyester shell is also water-resistant and has a auto-lock zip so the bag doesn’t come undone when you move during the night.
If you’re worried about the environmental impact of your sleeping bag, the Salewa Eco may be a good option. Made using recycled down from old sleeping bags, which is then silverised to make it odour-resistant (an added bonus when you’re out in the wilderness without a shower for any period of time).
It can also be opened up fully to create a blanket if you don’t like the restricted feeling some sleeping bags cause. The Salewa Eco is ideal for those going hiking, trekking or mountaineering.
This bag’s eraLoft insulation is water-resistant and made from hollow fibres to reduce without compromising warmth. The hood is also cinchable and comes in to ‘outdoor-inspired’ colours (Ether and Galactic).
Added bonus; it has connectors that allow you to attach the bag to a mattress if you’re looking for a more comfortable experience. Three sizes are available; small, regular and long.
The Softie 9 is ideal for someone who wants one sleeping bag for all their adventures. This three-season bag will keep you warm in temperatures up to -10C, but there’s an additional liner you can buy to fit into the bag if you’re heading out into even colder climates.
This Snugpak even has a reinforced foot so you can even sleep in your boots if you have to and you also have the option for a right or left-handed zip model, which is not a choice available with lots of the cheaper brands.
This Smoozip bag is fleece-lined for warmth and comfort, along with having ‘additional filling in places which are sensitive to the cold’.
The ergonomic s-shaped zip is designed to make it smoother to zip up, while the wide ovoid shape is ideal for those who sleep on their stomach or are a restless sleeper. Plus, there’s an internal pocket to keep any valuables safe and close by.
The central zip of this bag makes unzipping super easy, and also means you can zip it up close around you while sitting, too. The zip also goes two-ways so you can unzip it at the bottom if your feet are getting too hot.
The Couloir 750 also has what’s called a contoured thermocollar, which fits snugly around your neck to prevent heat loss. This award-winning sleeping bag is ideal for use in most climates, keeping you warm and comfortable in temperatures as low as -15C.