This is a gear overview in regards to the Best Winter Sleeping Bags for Backpacking 2023.
All one of the best 4 Season Sleeping baggage for trekking within the mountains, backcountry snowboarding, arctic expeditions, high-altitude mountaineering, and extra.
When the temperature drops properly under freezing discovering one of the best cold-weather sleeping bag could be a balancing act looking for the winter sleeping bag most fitted for you and your wants.
With a lot to contemplate, let’s check out the Best Sleeping Bags for Winter 2023.
Best 4-Season Sleeping Bags for Backpacking 2023
The 4-Season Sleeping Bags for Backpacking in 2023 are:
Best Sleeping Bag for Winter 2023 – Overall
Feathered Friends Snowbunting EX 0
Pros:
> 900 FP Down
> 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
> Pertex Shield EX Outer Fabric is water-proof, breathable, and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) handled
> Draft tube, hood, and draft collar with steady baffles
Cons:
> No stash pockets or further room, a good match for some
The Feathered Friends Snowbunting EX 0 sleeping bag is a particularly weather-resistant winter sleeping bag and is appropriate for probably the most arduous of treks into the chilly mountains. The Pertex Shield EX gives a breathable, waterproof shell that’s coated with DWR (Durable Water-Resistant) for added safety towards the weather.
The highest high quality 900 Fill energy will maintain you heat in harsh, freezing environments, while the draft collar, hood, and collar will present further warmth retention.
The 3D contoured hood provides further insulation across the person’s head, while the continual baffles permit for the adjustment and shifting of the goose down when wanted. The two-way zipper permits for simpler entry and motion.
It may very well be a good match for larger folks, and the comfortable match doesn’t permit for a stash pocket like many different baggage in the marketplace.
Overall, the Feathered Friends Snowbunting EX 0 ticks a variety of containers in the case of light-weight winter sleeping baggage for winter tenting. Very spectacular.
Best 4-Season Sleeping Bag 2023
Sea to Summit Alpine Apii
Pros:
> 850 FP of RDS Loft Goose Ultra-Dry down
> It is available in two sizes of 183cm and 198cm
> ‘Expedition Sized’ to permit the sporting of additional clothes
> 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
> Contoured Mummy Shape
Cons:
> Zipper susceptible to snagging
The Sea to Summit Alpine Apii mummy bag has been designed to be used in probably the most excessive environments one may face, problem your self in excessive altitude and arctic circumstances while nonetheless staying heat. The 850 Fill energy of RDS-certified Ultra-dry goose down gives heat at lows of –4F.
The ‘Expedition Sizing’ is a good function, because it permits the person to put on added layers of clothes while inside. The anatomically formed foot field is outsized to permit for consolation, motion, and even the sporting of trainers in these harshest of areas.
The Sea to Summit Alpine Series of Sleeping Bag additionally has an expedition sleeping bag with a temperature score right down to -40F / -40C so in the event you want an excessive chilly climate sleeping bag that offers you extra heat than all the luggage on this overview, they have you ever lined.
It has a big inside safety pocket for preserving your valuables secure and safe.
Overall, the Sea to Summit Alpine Series baggage is a number of the greatest 4-season sleeping baggage for expeditions in the marketplace.
Best Winter Sleeping Bag for Australia and New Zealand 2023
Macpac Serac 1000
Pros:
> 800 FP of HyperDRY RDS goose down
> Pertex Quantum Shell
> 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
> Cool zips to permit solely your arms to return out of the bag, nice for contained in the tent
Cons:
> Only Available in Australia and New Zealand
Stay heat in excessive temperatures due to the 800 Fill Power HyperDRY RDS goose down. The 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification exhibits the producer is environmentally acutely aware.
The Macpac Serac 1000 is made with Pertex Quantum material, it’s light-weight, sturdy, windproof, and climate resistant. A Twin Chamber Directional draft tube will increase insulation and protects towards air seeping in through the zipper. The draw-cord collar ensures added consolation and warmth retention at your head.
If you’ll Mount Everest Base Camp, Mt Kilimanjaro or winter ski touring then it is best to know that is the best winter sleeping bag for you.
My private cold-weather sleeping bag is the older model of this bag, the Macpac Epic 1000 which is a good bag. This upgraded Macpac Serac 1000 is way lighter and higher.
The Macpac Serac 1000 has been examined in accordance with worldwide ISO 23537-1 commonplace and temperature score of Comfort Rating -10°C / Limit -17°C / Extreme -40°C.
Overall, the Macpac Serac 1000 is one of the best winter sleeping bag for winter tenting in Australia and New Zealand.
Other nice Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
Nemo Sonic 800-Fill Down
Pros:
> 800 FP down
> 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
> Waterproof resistant, spacious, and breathable
Cons:
> Exterior Pocket not sufficiently big for many bigger cellphone fashions
Guaranteed to maintain you heat within the harshest of environments. The Nemo Sonic 0 F 800 is an award-winning cold-weather sleeping bag filled with 800 FP (Down Fill Power) hydrophobic down that may maintain you cozy. There are two expedition chilly climate sleeping baggage with a Comfort temperature score of 0F and -20F.
It is 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified, making certain that all through the provision chain there’s humane remedy prolonged to any animals concerned. To permit maneuverability and luxury, the knee space is constructed with stretch development.
The waterproof Toester foot field gives breathability and luxury. The inside draft collar and draft tubes maintain the warmth in and the chilly out. The Adjustable Thermo Gills vent physique warmth at your core with out letting the chilly air sneak into your bag.
The Nemo Sonic 800 has a water-resistant contoured hood with a drawstring that helps to guard your face from the weather and retains you as comfortable as a bug in a rug. Lightweight and simply compresses down small for storage and simple carry.
The North Face Inferno 0 Sleeping Bag
Pros:
> Lightweight
> 100% recycled shell
> Water resistant 800 loft down
Cons:
> Zipper snags a bit bit greater than a number of the different baggage on this overview
The North Face Inferno 0 is a formidable sleeping bag for winter circumstances from the well-known model, The North Face.
This cold-weather sleeping bag makes use of high-quality 800-fill energy weather-resistant down. Combined with 100% recycled 15D nylon materials. It has a consolation score of 15F and a Temperature Rating of 0F.
It is an effective high quality possibility that can also be light-weight, weighing 1 lb. 13 oz / 822 grams. If you’re searching for a light-weight 4-season sleeping bag then it is a good possibility.
Overall, The North Face Inferno 0 is an effective high quality light-weight 4-season sleeping bag from The North Face.
Marmot Lithium 0F
Pros:
> 850 FP goose down
> Pertex Microlight shell and lining
> Down Defender – Improved water resistance, loft, and drying time
Cons:
> Stuff Sack is small contemplating the scale and loft of the sleeping bag
With a Fill Power of 850, the Marmot Lithium 0F 4-season sleeping bag is designed with probably the most excessive climates in thoughts. The Pertex Microlight is an ultra-light material used for the shell which can also be handled with a Durable Water-resistant (DWR) coating, making certain sturdiness and safety from the weather.
The lining is sturdy but gentle on the pores and skin for elevated consolation. The Down Defender provides improved water resistance in moist circumstances, that means improved loft and quicker drying time.
Stuffed with high-quality goose down to make sure a heat evening’s sleep and diminished chilly spots while nonetheless being extremely light-weight. The snag-less draft tube and two-way anti-snag zipper defend towards injury.
Nautilus Multi-baffle draw-cord hood and smooth-curved baffles scale back downshifting and support warmth retention.
Overall, the Marmot Lithium 0F is an effective possibility as a cold-weather sleeping bag.
Therm-a-Rest Oberon 0 Degree
Pros:
> 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
> 850 FP and Nikwax Hydrophobic down
> Zoned Insulation – Ensures optimum distribution of the fill to stop chilly spots and supply balanced heat
Cons:
> Zipper can catch on the internal lining
The Therm-a-Rest Oberon 0F is licensed RDS (Responsible Down Standard) 800 Fill Power Nikwax Hydrophobic down, is designed to retain loft as much as sixty occasions longer than common untreated down. With diminished water absorption and vastly improved drying time even in damp circumstances.
The zoned insulation allocates sixty p.c of the fill on high and fourth p.c on the underside for an improved stability of warmth-to-weight ratio. ThermaCapture lining on the high of the bag captures radiant physique warmth and retains heat.
The Toe-asis Foot Warmer Pocket quickly warms your ft, which aids with circulation. This is suitable with Therm-a-Rest’s different merchandise comparable to sleeping mats, that means you’ll be able to connect the sleeping bag on to them for improved consolation and heat.
The Therm-a-Rest Oberon 0F sleeping bag is available in three sizes, with the big being appropriate for customers as tall as 6’6”. This is an extended bag than many different producers present.
Overall, the Therm-a-Rest Oberon 0F is an effective winter sleeping bag possibility.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F
Pros:
> 850 Fill Power goose down
> Durable, water-repellent, and light-weight
> Ease of entry and use of fingers outdoors the bag
> 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
Cons:
> Incredibly comfortable match may really feel fairly restrictive for some customers
The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F combines sturdiness and luxury with light-weight and high quality supplies. Insulated with Responsible Down Standard 850 Fill Power goose right down to maintain the heat in and the person snug.
Durable Nylon Ghost Ripstop shell is water-repellent, light-weight, and simple to compress for storage and motion. Designed to observe the contours of the physique to enhance warmth retention and reduce warmth loss.
Dual-sided anti-snag zippers with glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls are handy and enhance air flow and ease of entry. The anatomically contoured footbox accounts for a pure foot place for optimum consolation and heat.
Overall, the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F is one more good possibility for winter mountaineering.
RAB Ascent 900
Pros:
> Budget worth winter sleeping bag possibility
> Pertex Quantum Fabric which is waterproof and sturdy
> Semi-rectangular foot space for improved motion and luxury
> 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
Cons:
> Not appropriate for taller people
> 650FP down
The Rab Ascent 900 makes use of Pertex Quantum material and has a Durable Water-Resistant coating to make sure moisture isn’t absorbed into the bag while defending you from the wind. The 650 Fill Power Nikwax hydrophobic duck down will maintain you heat while bettering resistance to damp circumstances.
Although a mummy-style bag, it is a wider match that features a semi-rectangular foot space, supplying you with extra wiggle room and fewer restriction of motion than the traditional mummy model.
The three-quarter size anti-snag zipper permits for ease of entry while preserving the warmth in at your ft. The inside stash pocket permits you to maintain private possessions heat, secure, and dry.
Overall, the Rab Ascent 900 is an effective funds cold-weather sleeping bag.
RAB Neutrino 800
Pros:
> 800 FP of hydrophobic goose down
> 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified
> Pertex Quantum – High-quality, light-weight, and weather-resistant material
Cons:
> It’s solely obtainable in a single dimension, so for the taller adventurer it may very well be limiting
The Rab Neutrino 800 is the highest-specification mannequin within the Rab Neutrino vary. It’s full of 800 FP of ethically sourced, hydrophobic goose down that’s traceable underneath the European Down & Feather Codex. It will maintain you heat to lows of –7.6F.
The chevron-shaped baffles make sure the fill stays over the chest while eliminating chilly spots. The Perspex Quantum material is sturdy, light-weight, and weather-resistant, while the insulated draft tube will maintain the chilly at bay.
Overall, the Rab Neutrino 800 packs down small, and its light-weight ensures it’s simple to hold, in addition to offering a excessive warmth-to-weight ratio.
Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bag 2023
Western Mountaineering Kodiak
Pros:
> 850 FP down
> A large 66 inches of shoulder width and 41 inches of foot girth
> 4-season bag with draft collar, full down collar, safe hood, and steady baffles
Cons:
> Not Hydrophobic Down
A mighty spectacular down-filled mummy sleeping bag, with 850 Fill Power, will maintain you heat with a consolation temperature score right down to 0F. The Western Mountaineering Kodiak is a 4-season sleeping bag appropriate to be used year-round, with glorious warmth retention through the draft collar, safe hood, full-down collar, and steady baffles.
These baffles permit the person to maneuver the high-quality down fill across the bag when wanted. The Gore Windstopper materials is sturdy, light-weight, and gives unbelievable climate resistance.
It’s appropriate for even bigger folks, because it has an ultra-large shoulder width, while offering loads of room in your ft.
Overall, the Western Mountaineering Kodiak is among the greatest cold-weather sleeping baggage for winter tenting and is very rated.
More Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
Here are a pair extra 4-season sleeping bag choices:
- Kelty Cosmic 0: The Kelty Cosmic 0 is among the higher cold-weather sleeping baggage that include a funds worth. They have but to be examined and shall be added to the listing quickly.
Buyers Guide
Environment
When buying a winter sleeping bag for chilly temperatures, it’s necessary to rigorously think about when and the place do you plan to make use of it. Taking under consideration the climate circumstances and the atmosphere by which you’ll take your journey is crucial to discovering the best one for you.
Winter Camping could be fairly a problem, with cool or freezing temperatures, sturdy winds, perhaps heavy rain, or an enormous dump of snow doable. Ensure that you just select a sleeping bag that may maintain you heat it doesn’t matter what the circumstances you’re in.
Shape
The two most typical that may be discovered are the mother sleeping bag and rectangular. Mummy sleeping baggage are designed with warmth retention in thoughts, while being smaller and extra handy to hold in your bag as you take pleasure in your journey.
They observe the contours of the physique to maintain you wrapped up warmly, which, while being the optimum form for warmth retention, does imply that there’s much less room for maneuver.
The hood on these guarantee that you may keep heat within the harshest of climates, while these with a drawstring assist to guard your face from the weather.
Rectangular baggage are a lot wider from head to toes, permitting a extra relaxed match, with extra wiggle room for the person. Incredibly snug and appropriate for individuals who are larger or taller. But not suited to chilly climate tenting and not likely featured within the winter sleeping baggage overview.
They can usually be bulkier to account for the extra materials, as such, they will weigh extra, which could be a problem in the event you’re participating in an extended or difficult journey.
The hood on these can differ, although usually they embrace a half-circle mummy-style hood, which will increase the consolation and safety from the weather.
Temperature Rating
Most producers will explicitly state the temperature vary and suitability of their merchandise. This makes it simpler to pick probably the most acceptable sleeping bag in your wants. Often they’re labeled one, two, three, or 4 seasons, however what does this imply?
When shopping for a winter sleeping bag, it is best to intention for a four-season product. The Winter sleeping baggage on this overview have a consolation temperature score of round 0F / -18C or decrease. And they’re all mummy-style sleeping baggage. Some folks have already got a heat sleeping bag and will get through the use of an insulated sleeping bag liner so as to add simply sufficient heat to their present sleeping bag.
Most of the sleeping baggage for winter tenting on this overview have choices for a lot colder fashions if wanted. If you endure from chilly ft, you could possibly think about a pair of Down Booties to maintain your ft heat.
The winter bag is designed with excessive temperatures in thoughts, with sturdy, waterproof outer shells and a down or artificial insulation-down filler.
A high-quality sleeping pad is required when winter tenting as a part of your general sleep system. If you go winter tenting with one of many high-quality down baggage and fail to take a well-insulated sleeping pad, you is probably not heat. make sure you test the r score of all of the best-insulated sleeping pads to make sure they may maintain you heat in winter. Many folks nonetheless use a foam pad beneath the winter bag fairly than an inflatable pad. The foam pads supply good insulation with minimal weight.
Lining Fabrics
The lining material performs a giant half in each the retention of warmth and the consolation of the person. Often they’re lined with nylon, polyester, or taffeta, that are gentle to the contact, breathable and {smooth}, making certain consolation when nestling down for the evening.
Sleeping baggage to be used in additional excessive climates all use a light-weight, sturdy lining material.
Shell Fabrics
Nylon, polyester, and taffeta are additionally used for the outer shell of the sleeping bag. Although these are snug and breathable although they may battle in moist circumstances.
Many firms have developed their very own textiles, comparable to DryLoft, that are designed to be hydrophobic and breathable while nonetheless preserving you heat and dry.
Ripstop is a bolstered material that’s extensively used, it’s nonetheless gentle sufficient to stay breathable while rising the sturdiness and due to this fact lifespan of the sleeping bag.
Pertex appears to be one of the best commonplace for outer face materials on most chilly climate sleeping baggage.
Filling
Synthetic – Synthetic sleeping baggage usually are not as widespread on most high-end light-weight sleeping baggage. Often a provider will use a mix of materials and manufacturing strategies to intention to supply appropriate insulation even in tougher environments.
Some of those supplies could be on the heavier aspect, which can have an effect on your alternative in the event you’re embarking on an even bigger journey. Overall, artificial baggage could be cheaper and supply the identical heat however they don’t seem to be higher.
Down – This is the plumage beneath the outer layer of feathers on birds, often in sleeping baggage goose or duck down is used. These maintain the birds heat in chilly climate, due to this fact they’re good for making certain a heat evening’s sleep.
This insulation strikes a stability between being extremely heat in addition to light-weight, with a greater warmth-to-weight ratio than artificial insulation filling.
More costly sleeping baggage use down or a synthetic-down mixture to make sure the best stage of heat and warmth retention. These baggage usually are not as simply compressed however nice for base camp model tenting.
All one of the best Winter Sleeping Bags use excessive fill energy down. A down bag is greatest for its heat to weight ratio.
Zips
Winter Sleeping baggage have both one or two-sided zips, while some may unzip on the backside close to the ft. Zips could be a supply of chilly air sneaking into the sleeping bag, nonetheless, most high quality producers be certain that they embrace draft tubes to stop this from taking place.
Look out for merchandise that comprise anti-snag zips, as these be certain that you gained’t by chance injury the internal lining or outer shell of the sleeping bag. Even the highest quality winter bag will typically snag the zips when opening and shutting.
One-sided zips could properly retain warmth extra effectively, although two-sided zips permit for higher air flow and quicker drying when hanging up. Zips on the backside or ft permit air flow and breathability if you’re overheating at evening.
Water Resistance
When winter tenting, it’s important to consider the potential of excessive chilly. A high-quality winter sleeping bag will usually have a DWR, or, sturdy water-repellent. This can prevent, your belongings, and your sleeping bag from changing into damp in moist climate and troublesome to dry.
After intensive use, the DWR coating could properly put on out, and also you may discover that water is seeping into the bag, or maybe it’s taking longer to dry. You can purchase a particularly designed spray to strengthen the water resistance of the bag.
Some down fill can also be handled to be hydrophobic, to extend water resistance and permit quicker drying, which could be important while you’re outdoors braving the weather.
The artificial insulation on an artificial bag provides higher climate resistance to water and might maintain you heat even when it will get moist.
Draft Tube
This is an insulated tube that retains heat air in and prevents chilly air from coming into the sleeping bag alongside the size of the zipper. These are important when tenting in colder or extra excessive chilly climates and environments.
Baffles
Either horizontal or vertical, baffles maintain the down-fill insulation distributed evenly all through the sleeping bag. They drastically support within the retention of warmth and cease any chilly spots from forming.
Shoulder baffles are designed to seal the bag round your shoulders and neck, making certain that there’s most warmth retention.
Pockets
Many winter sleeping baggage embrace pockets, exterior, inside, or a mix of the 2. These are extremely handy as a secure area to retailer any valuables or important facilities. The sizes can differ drastically, so it’s necessary to make sure that they are going to be an appropriate dimension in your wants.
External pockets will embrace a zipper for added safety, whereas inside pockets will often be sealed with Velcro for simple entry.
Sleeping baggage with a foot field are designed to supply extra room and maneuverability in your ft. Instead of adjusting your sleeping place, you’re in a position to sleep along with your ft in a extra pure place, offering consolation, a great evening’s sleep, and limiting any doable circulation points.
Compression Sack
These are designed for handy storage and journey, eradicating the necessity to meticulously roll up the sleeping bag and try to suit it into the bag.
With these, the winter sleeping bag could be stuffed inside and held in place with a drawstring. Often they’ve straps to permit simple attachment to your backpack or tenting bag.
Conclusion
The Best Winter Sleeping Bags for Backpacking in 2023 are:
Frequently Asked Questions
Most producers will explicitly state the temperature score of their product. They will usually present a large temperature vary by which the person will nonetheless keep consolation and heat.
A down or down/artificial sleeping bag mixture will offer you the warmest sleeping bag. Using the birds’ plumage and pure defence towards the chilly to retain warmth and supply consolation even in harsh environments.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process
The writer, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small impartial adventurer and outside gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari isn’t half of a giant weblog community and is proudly impartial. All opinions on this website are impartial and sincere gear opinions of outside merchandise by the writer.
The writer, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read extra). He was a supervisor of an outside retail retailer and may be very skilled in what’s necessary when utilizing and testing gear for opinions like this.
BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for opinions and they don’t settle for sponsored opinions on this web site. All the feedback in regards to the gear opinions are from the writer primarily based on his years of expertise. Hope this impartial overview was useful for you.