Taking a regular sleeping bag on a backpacking trip can mean carrying around a heavy bag that takes up a lot of space. The solution is to get backpacking sleeping bags which are much easier to travel with.
The problem a lot of people face it just how expensive some of them are. That’s why we are here to find the best sleeping bag under $100.
We’ve found the 10 best budget backpacking sleeping bags and reviewed them while also developing a buying guide to answer any question that you may have.
Once you’ve finished reading, you’ll have no doubt about which sleeping bag is perfect for your needs.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag Under $100
WINNER OUTFITTERS Mummy Sleeping Bag
The ‘mummy’ shape is seen as a perfect option for backpacking as not only does it help to keep you insulated; there is less material than with a regular bag.
The result here is a bag that weighs just 2.8lbs and can pack away into a sack that is just 14″ tall and 8″ wide. That portability gives it a huge appeal as you’ll barely notice the bag, even when hiking for a full day.
There are draft tubes and collars to keep out the cold air and a double-zipper for you to get the adjustments that you need.
There are a few color options available and this model has a temperature rating of 35F.
It’s a brilliant sleeping bag for all conditions and is incredible value for money at well under $100.
ECOOPRO Warm Weather Sleeping Bag
Only ever going to be camping in warmer conditions? If so, this will be a perfect companion.
It weighs just 1.7lbs and compressed down to fit into the palm of your hand. It offers the highest level of portability while not having the most padding.
It still has a compact layer of cotton that gives you a decent level of comfort. It’s breathable with durable zippers to give you the ventilation required.
For its low weight, the sleeping bag still gives you a high level of build-quality with durability that comes from its nylon shell.
You get no protection from the cold which is important to bear in mind and it’s not been made to stand up to the elements. It’s an easy to use sleeping bag which is ideal for those warm-weather backpackers.
CANWAY Sleeping Bag with Compression Sack
Here we see the regular box-style of sleeping bag that still manages to remain lightweight and portable.
It only weighs 4.2lbs and can easily be attached to your backpack. There are eight different colors available to you and they all look great.
It will be able to keep you warm and can withstand temperatures of up to 32F due to the brilliant cotton liner interior it has.
The shell is going to remain breathable with plenty of room and a bottom zipper that gives it a sufficient level of ventilation.
Those features help to make it suitable in a wide range of different conditions.
TETON Sports LEEF Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Bag
If you want to stay warm in all seasons then the 0F rating here will be able to keep you cozy in all conditions. That is an immense rating but on the flip side, it does mean that it may get a little too sweaty in the summer.
The ripstop shell also gives it an immense level of durability and is tear-resistant. Despite all that insulation and durability, the weight only adds up to just 4.2lb.
It has that tight mummy design with a puff hood, draft tubes and a comfortable liner.
As well as the immense insulation it has, there are also great features such as an interior storage pocket and also a high-quality zip.
It all adds up to an exceptional backpacking sleeping bag.
WhiteFang Sleeping Bag with Compression Sack
The warm silk cotton that fills this bag helps to make it highly comfortable. The liner is soft silk with the outer being made from polyester.
It’s not just immense comfort you get as it also has brilliant durability which is backed by a lifetime warranty. That’ll give you the peace of mind you need that you’re getting a high-quality sleeping bag.
An innovative part of this sleeping bag is the armholes it has which are great for using your phone while getting cozy.
It’s a great feature for those worried about feeling a little constructed in a mummy bag. The bag weighs 3.3lbs and has an impressive level of waterproofing.
Coleman North Rim 0 Degree Sleeping Bag
Here we see another sleeping bag that has a brilliant temperature rating of just 0F.
It’s not very stylish but when you’re warm, cozy and comfortable, you’re not going to care. It’s great for taller users too due to its long length.
The hood can be tightened to seal in the heat when it’s cold but if you get too hot, it can be loosened and the bottom opened up.
It’s around 5lbs weight which is on the heavier side in this list but that’s not surprising give then high installation it has. The stuff sack included can get it down to a nice compact size.
MalloMe Camping Sleeping Bag
This brilliant standard sleeping bag from MalloMe is highly versatile and can be used in many types of conditions.
The single bag weighs 4.2lbs but the bag also comes in double sizes for those who want to share their backpacking comfort.
There is great temperature control and the shell has a great level of waterproofing. Comfort is also high with a high level of build quality.
Usability is also very high here with it being easy to carry and also machine washable.
FARLAND Sleeping Bag
While style may not be the most important aspect of a backpacking sleeping bag, there is no denying that this sleeping bag looks great.
It has a temperature rating of 20F to allow you to sleep comfortably in a wide range of different environments.
It weighs 4lbs and comes with a high-quality compression sack. The comfort is immense with a 400GSM filling and double-fill technology.
It also feels great on your skin and you’ll remain cozy in all temperatures with the great waterproofing.
HiHiker Camping Sleeping Bag
HiHiker is another company that has been able to make a high-quality sleeping bag for all conditions.
It comes in three colors that look great and it’s comfortable enough for those that want to sleep on the floor.
It’s ideal for those backpackers that want to be able to travel without a tent. It’s lightweight, easy to carry and even comes with a headrest.
It’s a brilliant sleeping bag that has all the features you’re going to need for a comfortable night in the great outdoors.
Outdoorsman Lab Camping Sleeping Pad & Bag
Like the idea of sleeping comfortably on a sleeping pad? This pad and bag combo would be perfect for your needs.
The pad is inflatable, weighs just 1lb and can fold down to a tiny size. Inflating the pad only takes up to 15 breaths.
The sleeping bag itself only weighs 3lbs and will be able to keep you cozy and warm all night long. It’s waterproof with a good temperature rating and high-quality materials.
When you’re on the go it’s very easy to carry and would be a great addition to any backpacking adventure.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag Under $100 – Buying Guide
Size and shape
You want to get a shape that suits you as you can choose to have either a traditional rectangular design or you’d be able to opt for a mummy shape. Mummy bags have less fabric which can make them lighter and easier to carry.
A lot of people, however, don’t like sleeping in mummy bags as they find them too restrictive and closed in. As their advantages of weight and size are only slight, many people opt for a regular sleeping bag.
In fiercely cold conditions, a mummy sleeping bag would be a better choice.
Weight and portability
If you’re backpacking then you never want to have to carry too much weight.
A regular sleeping back can add considerable weight and bulk. All the options that we looked at here are much lighter and able to compact down to a great size.
That being said, they all do have slightly different weights and you may want to opt for the lightest solution. It’s worth noting that the more insulation that you have, the heavier it will be.
Due to this, if you plan on camping in the cold then you may need a slightly heavier sleeping bag.
Warmth
You’ll see the warmth rating of a backpack given in Fahrenheit and it can sometimes be confusing to know what it means. The comfort rating will be determined by how old the outside temperature can be while you remain comfortable inside.
If you want to use the same bag all year round then it needs plenty of insulation and a great warmth rating.
If you will only be backpacking in the summer then instead you’d want a bag that has minimal insulation and is breathable and well ventilated.
Material
The quality of the materials in your bag is going to be important for long-term durability.
The shell will be often be made from either polyester or nylon. They will have a good level of rip resistance and can also be made quite waterproof.
The inside of the sleeping bag should be nice and soft on the skin. The liner needs to be able to trap in your body heat and is often made from high-density cotton.
Build quality
When you’re backpacking your bag will undergo a lot of punishment and it needs to be able to cope with that. All of the sleeping bags that we have looked at here are made from reputable manufacturers with reviews that you can trust.
The seams and zips aren’t seen as the most important of features but if they break then your bag will be ruined.
It’s a good idea to check all areas of the bag to make sure that they stand up to the rigors of backpacking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good backpacking sleeping bag?
Any sleeping bag needs to offer the right amount of comfort, be of high enough quality and have all the features that you need.
A backpacking bag should have the durability to cope with the challenging environment you’ll be in.
Two key aspects of a backpacking sleeping bag are weight and portability. It needs to be easy enough to take anywhere without weighing you down but still providing you with the right insulation.
If you have all these qualities then it’ll be a brilliant backpack.
How should I store my bag?
It would make sense for you to store your bag in the stuff sack but it would be a better idea to store it outside of the sack if you can.
The reason for this is because the compressed filling can become too compact under constant pressure which can ruin the fill.
Are these sleeping bags waterproof?
Some companies like to be vague about the term waterproof and make it sound as though the sleeping bag could be submerged in water and the insides remain dry.
If a sleeping bag proclaims itself as waterproof then it will mean that the material on the outer shell will be highly resistant to water.
What weight should I be looking for?
When backpacking, even small amounts of weight can make a big difference. If you’re covering plenty of distance then you’d want a backpack at 5lbs or under.
Anything lighter that would be a bonus and enable you to comfortably walk all day with it on your back.
How important is a stuff sack?
Stuff sacks are vital if you want to travel with your sleeping bag as it keeps them compact and easy to attach.
To get the maximum effect you can get sacks with buckles on which will compress them down even further.
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