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Best Winter Sleeping Bag

Last Updated: December 26, 2020

Sleep is a necessity – a sleepless night can result in fatigue and a low mood the next day. If you’re hiking, mountain climbing, or doing any other activity that requires focus and energy, then you’ll need to make sure you sleep well.

Temperature greatly affects the way we sleep – if we are too cold, we may not get any sleep at all. This is why we must have a warm sleeping bag when sleeping outdoors.

The best winter sleeping bag will keep you both warm and dry in cold conditions, and ensure you have a cozy night’s sleep.

We are going to review 5 of the best winter sleeping bags, and include a guide that will help you decide which sleeping bag is best for you.

Our Reviews
1

High Peak Outdoors Cascade Sleeping Bag

This super durable sleeping bag will keep you warm and toasty in temperatures as low at -40 degrees.

Although not completely waterproof, the materials use water repellent technology.

Whether you’re hunting or hiking, this High Peak sleeping bag will protect you against the elements while your body prepares for the day ahead.

The bag itself is made from a Nylon Taffeta shell and uses Invista Tactel fibers for insulation, and these synthetic materials will certainly keep you nice and cozy at a toasty temperature.

If you get lonely in your sleep, then you may want to connect your sleeping bag to your friends or your partners. Simply zip the two bags together.

The overall size is 86 inches long, 34 inches wide at the top and 33 at the bottom section where your feet go.

This is an excellent tent for all the seasons but is particularly a great investment for the colder months, and can be purchased for under $200.

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Pros

  • Thermal collar/hood design for warmth
  • 2 Bags can be zipped together
  • 4-Season sleeping bag
  • Compression stuff sack is included

Cons

  • Weighs up to 8 pounds
2

OmniCore Designs Mummy Sleeping Bag

You’ll be ready for any extreme weather with this mummy-style sleeping bag.

The mummy-style is great for keeping warm air inside and close to your body, but if you’re a wriggler in your sleep, this may not be too suited to you. This bag has been tested in an independent third party lab to ensure the -23.3 °C to 0 °C temperature range conforms to the European Standard.

You’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug in this bag with its 650-fill-power-duck-down strategically layered with the StratusLoft synthetic down. The combination of the natural insulating power and the technologically advanced insulation will ensure you’re warm and dry.

This product comes equipped with a multi-point compression stuff sack which keeps the bag small and portable when transporting it. Perfect for hikers or climbers, this is easy to carry around with you.

The 3-D foot box is great if you sleep on your back, as it reduces tension on your feet while in the bag. When it’s not in use, just keep it stored in the 110L mesh storage sack. It will retain its insulating properties while being breathable.

At 33” by 83”, this design will fit most body types for people up to 6’2”. If you’re of a larger build, maybe go for the XL size, which can accommodate people up to 6’8”.

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Pros

  • Mummy design creates extra comfort
  • Affordable, budget-friendly price
  • Different colors to suit different temperatures

Cons

  • Can be quite narrow, causing restriction
3

Western Mountaineering Bison Sleeping Bag

If you’re serious about survival, you can justify spending around $1000 on this brilliantly-made sleeping bag.

This bag will keep you well insulated when camping in extremely cold environments. Whether you’re camping in the mountains or wanting to settle down for the night after a crisp winter hike, this sleeping bag will ensure you have a great night’s sleep.

Weighing under 5lb and packing down very small, this portable sleeping bag has a great warmth-to-weight ratio.

The mummy shape is great for keeping your feet warm while giving your shoulders and upper body enough room to move around in your sleep. The hood area is large enough to accommodate a pillow for added comfort.

The Gore Windstopper shell breathes extremely well while at the same time keeping the heat inside the bag. Whilst you’ll be warm, it’s unlikely you’ll wake up in a pool of sweat due to this bag’s breathability.

Whilst being soft and comfortable, the exterior of this sleeping bag is also extremely durable.

Whether you’re dragging it along the Icelandic tundra or down the Everest slopes, this bag should remain in-tact.

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Pros

  • Emits impressive warmth
  • Tiny interior pocket
  • Outstanding crafsmanship

Cons

  • Not budget-friendly, the premium price might turn off some potential customers
4

TETON Sports Deer Hunter Sleeping Bag

The thick exterior of this sleeping bag is tough and durable against the elements, while the inside is super soft.

With a double-layer and a fiber-fill design, this bag will be sure to give you a warm and comfortable night’s sleep.

This bag also features shoulder draft tubes, which keep the cold out while locking the nice warm air inside with you.

The draw-string hood, shoulder baffle, and full-length no-snag zipper work together to ensure that the warm air stays in there with you.

At 90” long and 39” wide, there will be enough room for a sprawled out sleep.

For that extra bit of security, this bag features a sewn-in pocket on the inside of the bag where you can keep your keys, wallet, watch and any other valuables.

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Pros

  • Super soft lining
  • Double layer construction to trap warmth
  • Durable and water-resistant canvas shell

Cons

  • More suited to milder temperatures
5

Big Agnes Elk Park Sleeping Bag

This is another one of the high-quality Big Agnes’ Park range. All Park sleeping bags are made with unique quilt-like material, and you’ll sleep as well in the Elk sleeping bag than you would in a standard bed.

Made of Nylon taffeta shell fabric with a water repellent finish, you’ll remain cozy, warm and dry in this sleeping bag. The lining of the inside of the bag is made of a cotton/polyester mix, along with Thermolite Extra.

Thermolite extra is a simulated down material that gives you plush warmth and softness – perfect for colder nights.

The free-range hood design gives you the freedom to move your head around comfortably while being snug in the hood.

If you love mummy-style bags but aren’t a fan of the lack of leg-room, then this bag might just be the one for you. You’ll have plenty of space to move around, curl up, spread out and anything else you might get up to in your slumber.

The company Big Agnes recommends that you slip a comfortable pad under the sleeping bag before settling down for the night, but even if you don’t have one, you should still sleep like a baby.

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Pros

  • Free range hood design
  • Reputable company
  • Big enough for wiggle room

Cons

  • Can take up a lot of packing space

How to Choose the Best Winter Sleeping Bag

It can be hard to know what to look out for when choosing a sleeping bag that’s right for you, so we’ve created a guide that will help you come to your decision.

Insulation

A down-insulated sleeping bag is great for keeping you warm while weighing less.
It compresses well, making it portable and easy to carry around with you on your adventure.

The most common types are duck down and goose down, and both are as good as each other when it comes to insulation.

The loft of down creates lots of little air pockets, meaning that the warm air will be trapped and retained.

Down-insulated sleeping bags are best for cold and dry environments, as any moisture can make the feathers lose their insulating properties.
Synthetic bags can be cheaper, but tend to be heavier and have a larger pack-up size.

Season

1 Season – These sleeping bags are super lightweight and it’s best to use them in warmer summer months, or when camping in hot climates.

2 Season – It’s best to use 2-season sleeping bags in early autumn or mild spring months – most sleeping bags you’ll find in supermarkets tend to be 2-season.

3 Season – These sleeping bags can be used in spring or late autumn – maybe even milder winter days. These are recommended for kids going on school trips or short-term stays.

4 Season – These sleeping bags are thick and usually super insulated. They are made for use in winter when temperatures can be sub-zero.

5 Season – These, as you can imagine, are super thick and known as expedition bags. Most mountain climbers use this type of sleeping bag, as they’re perfect for extreme cold temperatures.

Shape and Size

Square

Square sleeping bags are just standard, basic sleeping bags. There’s wiggle room, and can come in double size.

They don’t do much to protect you from the cold, so bare this in mind when choosing the best winter sleeping bag for you.

Mummy

Mummy sleeping bags are shaped how you’d picture a mummy being mummified.

Wider at the top and tapered at the bottom, this design of sleeping bag will keep warm air inside the bag and close to your body, without circulating around the bag and cooling down.

They’re perfect for use in sub-zero temperatures, and are usually super comfortable.

Features

Inner Pockets

A lot of sleeping bags have pockets in the interior. This is great for storing valuables such as phones, watches or wallets.

Draft Collar

A draft collar is just a tube of insulation that drapes over your chest and neck, sealing in the bags warmth. This is a cold-weather essential when choosing the best winter sleeping bag for you.

Insulating the collar of the sleeping bag will ensure that your body heat doesn’t escape via the top of the sleeping bag. Most draft collars will have an adjustable pull cord to tighten when needed.

Hood

A lot of your body heat is lost through your head, so when sleeping in colder climates, you’re best off keeping your face and head nice and toasty.

A shaped hood will help keep in the heat, and those with a drawcord closure allow you to tighten the hood to trap in the warmth.

Water Resistance

In sleeping bags, perspiration can get trapped in the down or on the outside of the tent, which reduces the sleeping bags ability to insulate heat.
The last thing you need when trying to sleep in a sleeping bag in the winter is for the inside of your bag to be frozen. This is why it’s best to choose a waterproof sleeping bag made with water resistant fabric.

Zipper

You may opt for a partial length zipper. This is great for saving weight, but can limit the ventilation inside the bag.

A snag free zipper prevents the side zipper’s teeth from tearing the fabric. If the fabric gets torn, it will spill all the insulation. The zipper is usually bordered by a stiffer fabric, which won’t tear easily. The best winter sleeping bag will have a snag free zipper.

Recap

Sleeping bags are essential for survival outside. Winter sleeping bags should be equipped with insulation, and waterproof features to help you brace the cold weather.

We decided that the best winter sleeping bag is the OmniCore Designs Multi Down Mummy Sleeping Bag.

This bag will keep you toasty in the coldest of conditions, and is thoroughly testing using a third party lab.
The 3-D foot box reduces tension in your feet, which is perfect if you’re a hiker or if you’ve been on your feet for a while.

The foot box will also keep your feet warm. Our feet play a big part in regulating our overall body temperature, so if your feet are warm, the rest of your body will warm up.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully now you’ll be able to choose the best winter sleeping bag for you!

Be sure to give us a share, and leave a comment if you have a favorite sleeping bag!

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