We spend a long day hiking to get to the campsite. As much as possible, we want to keep the weight of what we are carrying down. Thus, we opt for an compact survival sleeping bag that doesn’t weigh more than ten pounds. The last thing we need is something that will break our backs while backpacking.
After a long day hiking our fave trail, we also look forward to crashing into our cozy outdoor quilts. Of course, we do not want to rest our sore back muscles into a wet, damp sleeping bag. How could we possibly sleep like that after backpacking; a good nights sleep is essential for brain function and body repair, so you can wake up feeling focused.
Now have access to a variety of the best survival sleeping bag on the market, with a broad range of features that does not just keep the bags light but keeps the bags warm, lets them stay dry, and helps them perform in even the worst of conditions.
Contents
- 1. Hyke and Byke Quandary 15 Degrees Down
- 2. Active Era Mummy Sleeping Bag
- 3. Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag
- 4. Paria Outdoor Thermodown 15 Degree
- 5. Aegis Max UL Goose Down
- 6. Western Mountaineering Ultralite: 20F Down
- 7. Marmot Phase 30 Degrees Down
- 8. Sea to Summit Spark 40 Degrees Down
- 9. Western Mountaineering Summerlite: 32F Down
- 10. Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Degree Ultralight
- Buying Guide For Survival Sleeping Bags
- Frequently Asked Questions About Survival Bags
- Bottom Line
Top Outdoor Quilts For Backpacking in 2021
Product Name | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
Hyke and Byke Quandary | $ | ||
Active Era Mummy Bag | $ | ||
Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag | $$ | ||
Paria Outdoor Thermodown 15 Degree | $$ | ||
Aegis Max UL Goosedown | $$ | ||
Western Mountaineering Ultralite | $$$$ | ||
Marmot Phase 30 | $$$ | ||
Sea to Summit Spark 40 | $$$ | ||
Western Mountaineering Summerlite | $$$ | ||
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 | $$$ |
1. Hyke and Byke Quandary 15 Degrees Down
Overall Rating:
This Hyke and Byke Quandary comes in three sizes: short at 2.56 pounds, regular at 2.71 pounds, and long at 2.89 pounds. Over all, each version should be less than 38 ounces ounces. It is not as light weight as the other sleeping bags, but it still won’t break your back, nor will it break the bank unlike the other brands.
With this survival sleeping bag, you can easily stay warm with a rating of 15F with this 650 FP Duck Down that’s been treated with a revolutionary ClusterLoft, known for compression and moisture resistance. It is also crafted to be waterproof, so you won’t be staying warm but dry. Perfect for long term backpacking adventures.
You can expect long lasting durability from its 400T 20D ripstop nylon fabric liner that won’t easily rip. It comes with zippers and an anti-snag slider for the best fit. It also has a large foot box, drawstrings, horizontal baffles, and snag-free velcro, so you can adjust it to suit your size.
Pros
Cons
2. Active Era Mummy Sleeping Bag
Overall Rating:
If you’re looking for an affordable lightweight sleeping bag, this Active Era Mummy Bag is another great contender. It is not as light as the others in the market because it weighs 3 pounds or 48 ounces. That being said, it still won’t break your back; and more importantly, it won’t break your wallet either because it is less than 30 dollars.
It comes with a durable 190T polyester shell. On top of that, it has a very warm 300GSM double filling that can handle up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, which will keep you cozy in cold weather.
This comes with a compression bag that is also water resistant and compact. This ensures that you can keep this pack small to fit while backpacking far distances. It has an insulated draft shield, two anti-snag zippers, and an internal pocket for your valuables.
Pros
Cons
3. Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag
Overall Rating:
This Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag is less than fifty dollars, but it is one of the heaviest ones in this review clocking in at 4.1 pounds or 65.6 ounces. It is still dubbed as lightweight because it is still lighter compared to ordinary sleeping bags. This can easily fit in your survival backpack with a bunch of space to spare.
Compared to the other ultralights, it is very affordable, but you sacrifice weight for the price. If you’re not going to be doing much backpacking, this may be a good brand for you. However, if there will be a lot of trekking involved, you may want to skip this one and opt for a more expensive but lighter brand.
It is rated to handle 14 degrees Fahrenheit with its 400GSM spray bonded cotton filling. It also has an insulated footbox and a drawstring hood to keep the cold draft out. It is made of a 220T polyester shell, that is water repellent to keep you from getting damp and warm in cold weather.
Pros
Cons
4. Paria Outdoor Thermodown 15 Degree
Overall Rating:
This brand is one of the cheaper ultralight sleeping bags in the market today. It costs significantly less than most of its competitors. Those of you who are looking to find a great deal should look no further.
Paria Outdoor Thermo Down proves that a low price does not equate to a low quality. It may not be as light as the others, clocking in at 38 ounces, but it is still not heavy by any means. Moreover, it has a lot of great features that the more expensive offerings provide.
It is stuffed with an ultra cozy 700 fill power down, so it can keep you pretty warm at night. Its outer shell is a silky smooth 20D ripstop Nylon that can handle 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This comes in a regular or long version with its own stuff sack.
Pros
Cons
5. Aegis Max UL Goose Down
Overall Rating:
This brand is one of the most well-received products online due to its versatility. The thing is, it will give you optimum performance whether you’re trying to warm up on a cold night or you’re trying to rest during a humid night after a long day of backpacking. This tapered hoodless bag with bilateral baffles work well as a mummy bag.
This particular model has a shell made 15D Nylon. Furthermore, is filled with high density down proof weave of 800 plus to ensure you will have the best and lightest material. It only weighs 24 ounces!
The Aegis Max is one of the more affordable ultralight sleeping bags in the market. This is touted to be a three season bag, but claims it can withstand 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a zipper and drawstring cord for easy access.
Pros
Cons
6. Western Mountaineering Ultralite: 20F Down
Overall Rating:
This is a classic, old brand that has been around for ages. This lightweight sleeping bag weighs only 19 ounces but manages to stay extra warm because it has an 850 fill power down, along with a 12D fabric that has been coated generously with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) to ensure you stay comfy all throughout the night.
It has a full zipper and hood, so even if you toss and turn all night long, this will keep you wrapped up well akin to a mummy. It is not dependent on being used with a pad. In fact, it can be used easily whether you’re stretching out in a hut along the Appalachians, camping inside your car tent in the Amazon or you’re cocooned by a short-ledge on one side of the Grand Canyon.
Pros
Cons
7. Marmot Phase 30 Degrees Down
Overall Rating:
If you’re looking for an ultralight that will repel water, then our top pick for you is this Marmot Phase 30 because it uses a combo of Pertex Quantum shell fabric along with a Down Defender coated by DWR treatment for their 850 fill power down.
Most outdoor enthusiasts have been discouraged from using down because it loses 90% of its loft and heat-trapping properties once it gets wet. On top of that, it is hard to dry once it becomes wet.
However, with this hydrophobic treatment, your super warm, cozy, and ultralight weight down weighing only 18.03 ounces will stay dry for a long time.
Pros
Cons
8. Sea to Summit Spark 40 Degrees Down
Overall Rating:
This is one of the lightest sleeping bags out there with a total weight of 12.4 ounces. It folds into a very light and small piece, which you can readily stuff within your back pack. In fact, it can go unnoticed. It comes with a compression sack that allows you to fold this down to only 1 liter of space.
That being said, although it is filled with an ultra-dry 850 plus fill this pack is only geared for a summer backpacking adventures because it doesn't stay warm. One of the reasons is no draft collar or tube. You may also notice that this one only comes with half a zipper, with the baffles sew through the shell fabric.
It's great for sleeping outdoors even without a sleeping pad. The sleep system will give you a great nights rest without having to adjust because their ventilation system will keep you cozy all around.
Pros
Cons
9. Western Mountaineering Summerlite: 32F Down
Overall Rating:
Although this Western Mountaineering has UltraLite weight in its branding, this is not a very lightweight sleeping bag. It weights a total of 29 ounces, which is heavier than most ultralights. However, compared to other sleeping bags out there sharing the same specs, this one is still not as heavy as the rest of the ordinary sleeping bags.
This is filled down with premium 850 plus fill down that can withstand 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep you all warm and toasty even if it is super cold outside. It has an Extreme Lite shell fabric encasing this, which adds additional protection and doesn't add any unnecessary weight.
On top of that, it has interlocking draft tubes and a down-filled collar that is able to prevent the draft from sneaking it to bother you will you're sleeping. It is lined with soft-taffeta from within, so it feels great next to your skin. This comes in three sizes, short for up to 5ft 6in, regular for 6ft, and long for 6ft 6in.
Pros
Cons
10. Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Degree Ultralight
Overall Rating:
This Therm-a-Rest is part of a larger brand that has been in the sleeping bag industry for quite some time. It only weighs 20 ounces making it one of the lighter mummy bags around. On top of that, it packs and compresses down really small. It will make your backpack seem light as a feather, giving you the optimal flexibility and mobility.
This is made out of 900 plus goose down that can withstand 30 degree Fahrenheit. It makes it a great companion for your camping adventures because you can tote it around as you trek, and then lay it on the ground without feeling much of the weight. Most of all, it can fit in easily inside your pack.
However, the down distribution is not equal. About seventy percent of this is located on the upper part. Less down is in the bottom so if you’re the type that easily gets cold in the leg area, you may want to give this one a skip.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide For Survival Sleeping Bags
Nothing beats a good night's sleep after a long day of camping and hiking through the wilderness. You want a comfortable survival sleeping bag that is easy to put away, as it is to set up.
It may be hard finding the right sleeping bag for universal use, somebody from Texas might not want the same sleeping bag as somebody from New York.
Make sure you look for factors that would apply to you most, understand the type of climate you will be facing, and find the survival sleeping bag best tailored to your needs. Factors include:
Temperature Rating/R Value
There are different types of sleeping bags for hot weather and cold weather. The temperature rating helps you decide which bag type you need for that specific temperature. The R value measures about the of body heat or temperature that the sleeping pad will absorb and insulate you from cold weather.
When deciding which survival sleeping bag or sleeping pad to pick, it's usually smarter to go with the bag that can withstand colder weather. If it's getting too hot, you can always leave it open or find some shade, as opposed to when it gets cold. Yes, you can wear more or even use a mylar blanket, but what happens when you have nothing left to keep you warm.
Sleeping Bag Type | Temperature Rating (°F) |
|---|---|
Winter | 20F and under |
3-Season | 20°F to 32°F |
Summer | 32°F and over |
Size & Weight
This is the type of survival gear you will be carrying with you at all times. Not only should you make sure it's high quality and functional, but ultralight weight as well.
There are sleeping bags that can easily fold and fit into a bivy sack, making it extremely compact for you to store and carry as well.
The average weight of these sleeping bags is 1lbs. to 2lbs.
Material & Filling
When looking at the type of material and filling these survival bags have, make sure you look for durability and heavy duty. Comfort is great, but it's important that your sleeping pad does not rip and tear from the terrain.
Filling mainly consist of goose down and synthetic, which boils down to climate and weather.
Goose Down | Synthetic |
|---|---|
Ultralight | Great ventilation when moist |
Easy to set up and put away | Easy to dry |
Great for cold weather | Great for wet weather |
Ventilation
Most high quality sleeping bags are great for storing body heat when you need it most and they also come with features to help with the airflow.
These features could range from zippers to gills on the side of the bag. I would make sure to look out for that if you're the type to easily heat up.
Ease Of Use
Some days you might just be too tired to set up your makeshift bed; you just want to crawl in and knock out. That's why a survival sleeping system should be easy to use, set up, and store away.
More often than not, you will need to get out of dodge and pack your survival gear away at a moment's notice. That's why it's also important to avoid survival sleeping bags that offer too many features and options for comfort.
It's not necessary, but you should always take that into consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Survival Bags
Sleeping with clothes on or off in a sleeping bag will depend on the climate. Sleeping bags are meant to trap your body heat and keep you at comfortable temperatures.
Having first hand experience sleeping without clothes in a sleeping bag does keep you warm and comfortable through the night.
But the real problem is taking them off and putting them on when when it's freezing cold outside.
With that being said, yes it works and no it's not enjoyable putting them back on.
The best types of material for a sleeping bag range between polyester, nylon, and taffeta for warm climates They are commonly used in sleeping bag because it provides great ventilation that keeps you cool.
Nylon shell with down feather fill is the best material for cold weather climates. These help trap the heat inside and keep you warm while you sleep.
It all comes to a matter of preference; and it depends how often and how dirty the sleeping bag is. I personally wash my sleeping bag after each mission or backpacking trip because I like the feeling of being clean without the worries of an infection.
However, I have gone months without washing a sleeping bag that was used in the military, and it still works perfectly fine as well.
We will leave the choice up to you.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there are many great ultra lightweight survival sleeping bags for backpacking out in the market today that will not strain our backs when we go on camping and hiking trips. The most important thing is to do your research, so you can buy the best outdoor quilts for backpacking that fits your needs.
For those who are on a budget, the Bessport Survival Sleeping Bag will work great for you as well. It may be on the heavy side, but it will give you value for money. It can keep you warm and dry as you enjoy the great outdoors.
As for us, we trust anything that has been produced by Western Mountaineering company because they are a well-known brand that is lauded for their workmanship. Tons of happy outdoorsy people are happy with their purchases, ensuring their products will give superior performance and durability.
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