In recent years, sleeping-bag manufacturers have started using down feathers treated with a water-resistant coating, sometimes referred to as DownTek, but there are several different names. The Achilles heel of down feathers has always been moisture-when down gets wet, the pockets of air disappear, eliminating virtually all of its insulating properties. In sleeping bags, using down with high fill power can result in significant weight savings. For instance, one ounce of 550fp down will fill about 9 liters, while one ounce of 900fp will fill almost 15 liters. Down-feather quality is measured by fill power (fp), or how much down it takes to fill one cubic inch of space. The lack of structure to these feathers creates small air pockets, which trap heat from your body and insulate it from the cold outside air. If you look at a down feather (they tend to poke their way through sleeping bag fabric every so often), you’ll see that it’s made up of innumerable wisps connected to a short shaft. Down-fill sleeping bags are often more expensive, lighter, and warmer. Most high-end bags, however, are filled with soft, fluffy feathers, found under the tough exterior feathers of ducks or geese. Synthetic-fill sleeping bags tend to be heavier, lower cost, and better able to retain heat when wet. Most budget sleeping bags get their warmth from synthetic (typically polyester) fill-think of the bag you used for sleepovers as a kid. The most important distinction between sleeping bags is whether they use synthetic or down fill. ![]() So, figure out what trips you’re looking to take, and use this list to help you buy your first sleeping bag, or get a much-needed upgrade. Best for Deer Camp: Coleman All-Weather Multi-Layer Sleeping BagĪll of these picks have stood the test of time.Best for Summer Camping: Big Agnes V Notch UL 40.Best Budget: REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 Sleeping Bag.Best for Cold Weather: Wiggy’s Antarctic.Best Eco-Friendly: Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Sleeping Bag.Best for Kids: Morrison Outdoors Big Mo 20° Down Kids Sleeping Bag.Best Quilt for Backpacking: Enlightened Equipment Revelation.Best for Backpacking: REI Co-op Magma Sleeping Bag.Best for Backcountry Hunting: Kifaru Slickbag.Best for Car Camping: Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag.So, four Outdoor Life team members-from Minnesota, Colorado, Washington, and Alaska-compiled our top picks to keep you safe during (and help you enjoy) your next hunting, backpacking, or camping trip. A comfortable, quality sleep is ideal, and staying warm through the night is necessary. What makes or breaks moments like these is a warm, dry core-in other words, the best sleeping bag for the situation. Think about your first camping trip, your coldest or rainiest backpacking trip, or a hunt where you didn’t expect to have to stay an extra night.
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