This is a review of the Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags for backpacking in 2024.
There are so many choices of lightweight backpacking sleeping bags on the market. With so many options I have narrowed down the options to only those that are lightweight and ultralight. All the ultralight sleeping bags were chosen for their quality, lightweight, and small pack size. All the backpacking sleeping bags in this review will last you many years and make a good investment.
If you are looking for an even lighter option then take a look at the Best Ultralight Backpacking Quilts.
How We Tested
All the Sleeping Bags in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. Some of the Sleeping Bags were purchased and some were supplied by the manufacturer. They have been rigorously tested by the author in all kinds of weather with more than 1000 nights spent sleeping in these sleeping bags. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best ultralight sleeping bags for 2024. Read the Review Policy for further details.
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Best Lightweight Sleeping Bags for Backpacking 2024
The Best Lightweight Sleeping Bags for Backpacking in 2024 are:
- Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Sea to Summit Spark 15F
- Rab Mythic Ultra 360
- Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F
- Zpacks 20F Hoodless Classic Sleeping Bag
- Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag
- Feathered Friends Hummingbird
- Macpac Dragonfly 400
- REI Magma 15F
- Western Mountaineering Ultralite
- Marmot Helium 15F
Best Sleeping Bag 2024 – Overall
Zpacks 20F Mummy Sleeping Bag
Overall Weight: 23.2 oz / 659 grams (standard width / medium length)
Shell Weight: 7.6 oz / 217 grams
Down Fill Weight: 15.6 oz / 442 grams
EN / ISO Rated: No
Packsize: Unknown
Pros:
> Ultralight
> Can be unzipped and used as a quilt
> High-quality 900 Fill Power Water Resistant Goose Down
> Overstuffed baffle with 30% more down
> Come with a large waterproof stuff sack
Cons:
> No Lofting Bag
The Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag is not only a lightweight sleeping bag but it has a full-length zip that can turn it into a quilt. This makes this sleeping bag one of the most versatile sleeping bags on the market at the moment.
The Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag comes in 2 widths, 3 lengths, and in 4 colors, namely green, blue, black, and my personal favorite orange. I tested this sleeping bag on many trips and found the standard width to be the perfect width. It allowed me to move around inside the sleeping bag without feeling cramped. If you are a large build or like plenty of room inside your bag then you could opt for the wide version.
It is overstuffed with 30% extra 900 loft water-resistant down. I love this feature. It allows you to use the bag more before it needs to be washed. Perfect for the long-distance thru-hiker. In fact, if you are a thru hiker looking for an ultralight backpacking sleeping bag then this should be at the top of your list.
No doubt the full-length zip makes the bag heavier than it could be with a quarter-length zip, but the ability to use the bag in a more varied range of temperatures and situations is a good compromise.
It comes with an oversized Dyneema stuff sack. Not only is the stuff sack waterproof but the large size makes it easy to pack up the bag in the morning and can be compressed further if needed.
Overall, the brand new Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag is the best full zip mummy sleeping bag for 2024. The versatility of this mummy bag allows it to be used as a backpacking quilt and is sure to be very popular on thru-hiking trails around the world in 2024 and beyond.
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Best Sleeping Bag – Runner Up
Sea To Summit Spark 15F Review
Weight: 25.7 oz / 730 grams
Down Fill Power: Hyperdry 850 fill
Fill Weight: 16.9 oz / 480 grams
EN / ISO Rated: Yes
Packsize: 6.8L
Pros:
> Price
> Small pack size
> EN rated
> Large amount of down fill
Cons:
> Not much
The Sea to Summit Spark 15F was updated in 2024 with a change to vertical baffles in the torso region to prevent down from shifting when moving around in the bag. They upgraded the DWR coating to a PFC-free DWR on the freaky lightweight and almost transparent 10 Denier outer shell. They also increased the fill of the bag to increase the warmth.
With these upgrades, combined with a light weight of only 25.7 oz / 730 grams this bag is super lightweight and very high quality. With 16.9 oz / 480 grams of Hyperdry 850+ loft down fill it has some of the highest amounts of down fill in this Sleeping Bag review. Which makes for a great warmth-to-weight ratio. And if you want more warmth they even have the Spark 0F / -18C.
Another bonus is the sleeping bag has been independently tested to the EN / ISO standards. The Sea to Summit Spark 15F is ISO-rated at a limit rating of 15F / -9C and a comfort rating of 29F / -2C.
When I used this sleeping bag on several trips I found the Sea to Summit Spark 15F is one of the roomiest ultralight bags in this review. There is enough room to wear a down jacket while sleeping in the bag for those times when it is very cold outside. And the hood has a good amount of room and insulation. In fact, overall I found this to be the most comfortable sleeping bag due to the slightly larger internal dimensions of the bag.
It has a full-length zip, which adds a little to the overall weight of the bag in comparison to others in this review. That small amount of extra weight allows you to open the bag into a quilt when the nights are warmer.
Overall, the Sea to Summit Spark has a very small pack size and top quality everything. With all the upgrades over the years, the Spark is one of the best lightweight sleeping bags for 2024. And it comes in different temperature ratings so if you want something slightly warmer or something a little less warm, they have you covered. To top it all off, it is reasonably priced in comparison to the other best backpacking sleeping bags in this review.
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Best Lightweight Sleeping Bag
Rab Mythic Ultra 360 Review
Weight: 21.4 oz / 606 grams
Down Fill Power: 900 Fill Hydrophobic Down
Fill Weight: 12.7 oz / 360 grams
EN / ISO Rated: Yes
Packsize: Unknown
Pros:
> Ultra Lightweight
> EN rated
> High quality
Cons:
> Very Expensive
> Half zip is considered a negative by some people but I like it
At 21.4 oz / 606 grams, the Rab Mythic Ultra 360 was released in 2022, replacing the very good Rab Mythic. The Rab Mythic Ultra is even lighter than the older Mythic 400 which I loved as an ultra-light sleeping bag.
Like the Sea to Summit Spark, this bag is EN / ISO rated so rest assured that it will definitely keep you warm when the temperatures get cold. The Rab Mythic 360 is EN rated at a limit rating of 20F / -7C and a comfort rating of 28F / -2C.
It is stuffed with high-quality 900+ down for a great warmth-to-weight ratio. It also uses a new fabric that increases the insulation ability of the sleeping bag by trapping heat the same way an emergency space blanket will trap heat.
The half zipper length cannot be completely unzipped. This option makes it unsuitable for warm summer nights but does a perfect job of weight saving.
Overall, this would be one of the best sleeping bags for thru-hiking a trail such as the Continental Divide Trail. It would also be perfectly suited for lower altitudes in the Himalayas and the Andes or any non-summer hiking where temperatures regularly hover near or below freezing.
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Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F
Weight: 20 oz / 567 grams
Down Fill Power: Hyperdry 900 fill
Fill Weight: 11.5 oz / 330 grams
EN / ISO Rated: Yes
Packsize: 3.5L
Pros:
> Ultralight
> Very compact
> High-quality down
> Great for back sleepers
Cons:
> Very small internal dimensions can make for a tight fit
> Not the best for side sleepers
The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F is the lightest and most compact sleeping bag in this review. Weighing in at only 19 oz / 550 grams and with a pack size just a little bigger than a water bottle it is an impressive ultralight sleeping bag.
The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F is EN-rated at a limit rating of 20F / -6C and a comfort rating of 32F / 0C. I used this bag on a couple of trips when the temperature dropped to near freezing and found these temperature ratings to be accurate.
It is made from thin 10 Denier inner and outer fabric. And uses hydrophobic 900 fill down that is responsibly sourced.
A large amount of weight savings comes from the narrow internal dimensions of the bag. When I used this sleeping bag I found it to be one of the narrowest mummy bags in this review. As a result, it will not be for everyone. If you are a side sleeper or like to toss and turn during the night it does not offer much internal room. And if you are a large build then this will be just too tight for you. But, if you are primarily a back sleeper and not a large build then it will suit you perfectly as an ultralight and ultra-compact sleeping bag.
To reduce weight to the absolute minimum the sleeping bag packs 70% of the down on the top and sides of the bag with only 30% on the bottom. So rolling over during the night will not be as thermally efficient as being a back sleeper. It also has a clip and strap to go under your sleeping pad to keep the bag in place.
Overall, the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F is the best ultralight backpacking sleeping bag for back sleepers. If you are not a back sleeper then this may not be the best choice for you.
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Best Ultralight Hoodless Sleeping Bag
ZPacks 20F Classic Sleeping Bag
Weight: 18.8 oz / 533 grams
Down Fill Power: Drytech 900 fill
Fill Weight: 13.7 oz / 387 grams
Packsize: unknown
EN / ISO Rated: No
Pros:
> Ultralight
> Good warmth to weight ratio
> Good choice of sizes and colors
Cons:
> No Hood
> Needs a down hood or similar in colder weather
Zpacks is well known for only producing ultralight gear and the Zpacks 20F Hoodless Sleeping Bag keeps with the ultralight ethos of the company. The bag features ultralight 7D fabric on both the inner and outer shell. It is also coated with a DWR inside and out in case you find yourself in damp conditions. It also has a 3/4 zipper length so it can be opened and used as a quilt in the warmer summer months.
The Zpacks 20F Hoodless Sleeping Bag is filled with water-resistant Downtek 900+ Goose Down which is treated to be resistant to water. As a result, the bag has a great warmth-to-weight ratio.
The bag comes with many size options and a good choice of colors that few other companies can match. If you are slightly larger or smaller than your average hiker then you will appreciate the size choices. I like the color options too.
The bag comes without a hood so you will need a down hood or fleece balaclava or similar to keep your head warm when it gets cold. And the hoodless sleeping bag is not ISO rated. The temperature rating has been self-assessed.
Overall, the Zpacks sleeping bag is the best hoodless sleeping bag for ultralight thru-hikers and backpackers who want the best and lightest bag on the market in 2024.
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Best Full Zip Sleeping Bag Quilt
Zpacks 20F Zip Around Sleeping Bag
Overall Weight: 21.6 oz / 612 grams (standard width / medium length)
Shell Weight: 7.1 oz / 200 grams
Down Fill Weight: 15.7 oz / 446 grams
Pros:
> Ultralight
> Can be unzipped and used as a quilt
> Small pack size
> High-quality 900 Fill Power Water Resistant Goose Down
> Overstuffed baffle with 30% more down
> Come with a waterproof stuff sack
Cons:
> No Hood
> No Lofting Bag
Part Sleeping Bag, part Quilt. That is how you could describe the brand-new Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag. It is a hoodless sleeping bag so be aware that on cool nights you will need something to keep your head warm. As most people wear some sort of beanie when its cold that shouldn’t keep you from considering this bag.
It is not only an ultra-lightweight sleeping bag, but it features a full-length zipper that increases the versatility of the bag by allowing you to fully unzip the bag, thus turning it into a quilt. Perfect if you find yourself on a backpacking trip that includes both hot weather and cold.
I tested the Zpacks Full Zip Sleeping Bag in warmer weather. It was great to be able to fully unzip the bag and use it as a backpacking quilt. I am yet to test the bag in temps around freezing but my experience with this bag and others would lead me to believe that it will be fine. Just throw on a beanie or look at taking a down hood with you on cool-weather trips.
The full-length zipper increases the weight of the bag slightly compared to some other Zpacks sleeping bag models, but that increase in weight also increases the versatility of the bag. And if you ever thought of buying a backpacking quilt but never dared to try it, then this is for you.
The zip and neck area has a draft tube to keep the heat in when needed and the zip has a strip of webbing to prevent snagging. When I tested the bag I found the anti-snag zip worked well and as promised.
The Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag comes in a Dyneema stuff sack that is waterproof and slightly oversized to make packing easy. Want to compress the stuff sack? Easy, just sit on it after you pack it up.
It comes in 4 color choices and 2 width choices. It is available in a 10F, 20F, and 30F temperature range.
Overall, the Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag is the best full zip sleeping bag for 2024 and one of the most versatile sleeping bags or sleeping quilts you can buy.
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Best Quality Down Sleeping Bag
Feathered Friends Hummingbird
Weight: 24oz / 680grams
Down Fill Power: 950 fill
Fill Weight: 14oz / 397g
EN Rated: No
Packsize: 9L
Pros:
> Ultra Lightweight
> 950+ down
> High quality
Cons:
> Expensive
> Clumping issues after extended use
The Feathered Friends Hummingbird is one of the lightest down bags rated at 20F (-7C). It weighs 24oz (680g) and is stuffed with the highest quality 950+ down which helps save weight and gives you the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any of the bags in the review. Add to that the fact that this is one of the most popular sleeping bags for thru-hikers.
This is a mummy bag that is suited to someone who wants the lightest bag possible and is not prepared to compromise on quality. The Hummingbird is roomy enough for most people but Feathered Friends has larger models for those wanting more internal room.
Triple Crown Hiker Rob “Stone” Sweeney has used the Feathered Friends Hummingbird on the Continental Divide Trail, Arizona Trail, Hayduke Trail, Finger Lakes Trail, Long Trail, Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, and The Grand Enchantment Trail. He likes the lightweight, small pack size, high build quality, and has had no issues with the zippers or cords.
Despite washing the bag at the end of every hiking season he noted that it is starting to develop some clumping issues. After an amazing 5000+ miles / 8000km of use, it is starting to develop cold spots. The down is getting pushed to the sides when he turns in it, leading to cold spots overnight. Follow his journey on Instagram: @HikingStone
If you want more room inside the bag, look at the wider Swallow or Swift down bags, or even take a look at the Feathered Friends Flicker which is a hybrid sleeping bag and quilt. They have the same high-quality materials with slightly larger internal dimensions and weight.
Although this back is not EN Rated it has similar specs to the RAB Mythic Ultra 380 and Sea to Summit Spark which are EN Rated. A great high-quality lightweight sleeping bag best suited to ultralight thru hikers and backpackers wanting the best quality possible.
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Best Sleeping Bag for Australia and New Zealand
Macpac Dragonfly 400
Weight: 25.8 oz / 731 grams
Down fill power: 800 fill
Down Fill: 14.1 oz / 400 grams
EN / ISO Rated: Yes
Packsize: Unknown
Pros:
> Lightweight
> 800+ HyperDry Down
> Good stuff sack and compressibility
Cons:
> Expensive
> Only available in Australia and New Zealand
The Macpac Dragonfly 400 is a new, fully updated sleeping bag from Macpac. The mummy sleeping bag has 14.1 oz / 400 grams of 800 loft Hyperdry down stuffed inside a 15D Pertex outer fabric with a DWR finish. It also uses a 1/3 length zip to help reduce the weight of this lightweight sleeping bag built for the moist conditions of New Zealand.
I have both the Dragonfly 400 and Dragonfly 600 from Macpac which I have extensively. When I used and tested this bag I found it had generous internal dimensions that worked well when side sleeping, sleeping on my back, or sleeping on my stomach. It also had a good hood which combined to keep me warm inside the bag. In fact, the hood on the Macpac Dragonfly is the best in class and the best hood out of all the sleeping bags in this review.
I also tested the outer fabric for water resistance and it was able to keep water from entering the bag. Any water that may have got into the bag made little difference to the HyperDry down which kept its loft.
The sleeping bag comes with a very good compression sack which will compress the sleeping bag into a very small size. When not using the bag there is also a larger lofting bag to keep the down well lofted when not on the trails.
Overall, if you are living in Australia or New Zealand and looking for a lightweight sleeping bag for bushwalking or tramping then this is one of the best and highly recommended.
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Best Budget Sleeping Bag
REI Magma 15F
Weight: 35.6 oz / 1006 grams
Down fill power: 850 fill
Down Fill: 23.3 oz / 660 grams
EN / ISO Rated: Yes
Packsize: 8L
Pros:
> Lightweight
> 850+ HyperDry Down
> Good price
Cons:
> A little heavier than other ultralight bags
> Only available at REI
The REI Co-Op Magma 15F is a good lightweight sleeping bag for backpacking at a reasonable price.
The REI Co-Op Magma 15 uses a good quality 15D Pertex shell with high-quality 850+ loft goose down that has been treated to resist water. Add to that the small pack size and good warmth-to-weight ratio and this makes a good backpacking sleeping bag for someone wanting good quality but not top dollar.
This is one of the heavier backpacking sleeping bags in this review but at 35.6 oz it is still a warm sleeping bag. This helps justify the slightly lower price in comparison to higher-priced bags. It will be well suited to someone on 3-season backpacking trips wanting a good quality sleeping bag that will not cost too much.
Overall, the REI Magma is the best budget sleeping bag that still is lightweight, has a small pack size, and good warmth-to-weight ratio.
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More Lightweight Sleeping Bags
Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F
Weight: 29 oz / 820 grams
Down Fill Power: 850 fill
Fill Weight: 16oz / 450g
EN Rated: No
Packsize: 9L
Pros:
> Lightweight
> High Quality
Cons:
> Not cheap
Western Mountaineering makes some of the best quality bags but that comes at a high cost. The 29 oz / 820 grams sleeping bag is one of the most expensive bags in this review. The reward for spending this much money is a sleeping bag that will last a very long time.
The Western Mountaineering Ultralite is a mummy bag with enough room for all but the widest of people. It uses 850+ down unlike some of the other manufacturers that use the highest-rated 950+ down. The bag is rated to 20F (-7C) and Western Mountaineering has a large selection of bags rated at different temperatures.
Overall, the Western Mountaineering Ultralite is one of the best quality sleeping bags money can buy right now and one of the best lightweight sleeping bags for backpacking. If only it was a little more reasonably priced.
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Marmot Helium 15 Review
Weight: 19 oz / 539 grams
Down Fill Power: 800 fill
Fill Weight: Unknown
EN Rated: Yes
Packsize: 6.5L
Pros:
> Ultra Lightweight
> Small pack size
> EN tested
> Great price at the moment, but not for long
Cons:
> Zipper Issues
At 19 oz / 539 grams, the newly released Marmot Helium 15 sleeping bag is one of the lightest of all the sleeping bags reviewed and one of the best budget ultralight sleeping bags.
The Marmot Helium 15 Sleeping Bag is ISO tested 15F / -7C rated sleeping bag, so rest assured it will keep you warm.
The mummy style of most ultra-lightweight bags can be constrictive for some people. It is a mummy bag with similar internal specs to the Feathered Friends, Western Mountaineering, and RAB sleeping bags.
Overall, the new Marmot Helium 15 is a super light sleeping bag that doesn’t sacrifice quality in its aim of being one of the lightest sleeping bags for 2024.
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Other Sleeping Bags Yet to be tested
- Nemo Disco: The Nemo Disco is one of the roomiest sleeping bags and is great for side sleepers but a little on the heavy side for an ultralight sleeping bag.
- Feathered Friends Tanger 20 Hoodless: The Feathered Friends Tanger 20 Hoodless is another hoodless sleeping bag that is light on weight, and compact.
Lightest Sleeping Bags Comparison Table
Brand | Weight | Down | Packed Size |
---|---|---|---|
Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag | 23.2 oz | 900 loft | not specified |
Sea to Summit Spark 15F | 25.7 oz | 850 loft | 6.8 L |
Rab Mythic Ultra 360 | 21.4 oz | 900 loft | not specified |
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F | 20 oz | 900 loft | 3.5 L |
Zpacks 20F Hoodless Classic Sleeping Bag | 18.8 oz | 900 loft | not specified |
Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag | 21.6 oz | 900 loft | not specified |
Feathered Friends Hummingbird | 24 oz | 950 loft | 9 L |
Macpac Dragonfly 400 | 25.8 oz | 800 loft | not specified |
REI Magma 15F | 35.6 oz | 850 loft | 5.2 L |
Western Mountaineering Ultralite | 29 oz | 850 loft | 9 L |
Marmot Helium 15F | 19 oz | 800 loft | 6.5 L |
Ultralight Sleeping Bag Buyers Guide
Weight
All the Lightweight Sleeping Bags in this list weigh less than 2 lb / 900 grams with many quite a bit lighter than that. Anyone heading out on a backpacking trip in temperatures around freezing or just below will find the bags on the list to be sufficient. Gone are the days of needing to take a heavy and bulky sleeping bag.
Every year companies are producing lighter sleeping bags with the shell material getting lighter and stronger, and the down fill power getting higher and higher. Suffice it to say, sleeping bags have improved a lot in recent years with regard to their weight to warmth.
Fill Power
When you see a sleeping bag filled with 900 loft down, it refers to the fill power. The number is a specific measurement of the down quality. It is measured by placing 1 ounce of down in a container and placing a small weight on top to compress the down just a little. How much the down expands within the container is measured in cubic inches. Therefore 1 ounce of 900 loft down will expand to 900 cubic inches.
Hydrophobic Down
If down gets wet it will absorb the water and clump. If this happens on a cold night it can be fatal. As a result, hydrophobic down was invented.
Many but not all of the sleeping bags in this review use some form of hydrophobic down. Most use some form of proprietary name for their down treatment but they are effectively the same.
The water-repellent down will not absorb as much water as normal down. This is a reassuring factor that adds to your safety when heading into the backcountry.
Sustainable Down
Most sleeping bags use Responsible Down Standard (RDS) which is a worldwide certification program for down material. It prescribes that the down used in your bag has been responsibly and ethically sourced. And the harm to the animal has been kept to a minimum. But you should know that the down in your bag has come from either a duck or goose and is a by-product of the meat industry. Some companies provide certification with the sleeping bag which will tell you all about where the down was sourced, what fill power it is, and more.
Shell Material
All the sleeping bags in this review use an outer shell material of between 15 denier and 7 denier. 15 Denier is more durable and stronger than 7 Denier. This light fabric is just one of the reasons why bags are so light. This compromise in material strength can mean that bags can rip and tear if you are not careful.
I’ve spent thousands of nights in a sleeping bag in a tent, sleeping on the ground, in hammocks, and everywhere in between. I’ve only put a couple of holes in bags, usually my fault (don’t air out your sleeping bag near a barbed wire fence!). A small amount of duct tape or tenacious tape is sufficient to repair the bag.
DWR Coating
Most sleeping bags are prone to be exposed to bad weather so manufacturers add a DWR coating to the outside of the shell. this chemical coating will cause water to bead as it does on a car after you wax it. As it beads it runs off the outer surface. Just another thing added to keep you warm at night.
I extensively tested the DWR Coating on many of the Sleeping Bags in this review and found the DWR Coating, in combination with a good quality shell fabric and water-resistant down, all combine for perfect all-weather performance.
Baffles
Baffles are the sections of the sleeping bag that have the down stuffed inside them. They are usually either vertical baffles or horizontal baffles. These styles of baffles do a good job of locking in as much heat as possible.
The vertical baffles are usually used in the torso area and do a great job of preventing any down from shifting during the night. If you are a side sleeper that means this design prevents the down from moving around too much during the night.
The horizontal baffles are usually at your feet to maximize the warmth of your feet. If you suffer from cold feet then you will like this design.
Down vs Synthetic Sleeping Bags
This review is only dealing with the best Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags that are filled with down. It would be unfair not to mention the other option which is the synthetic sleeping bag.
They are heavier and don’t pack in the same compact size as down bags. But they still insulate when wet and are cheaper, therefore many people see their value. A wet sleeping bag that uses down will not keep you warm, but if it uses synthetic you will still stay warm, even if it is not very comfortable.
As materials continue to develop there may come a time when synthetic bags are better than down. That point has not been reached yet.
That being said, if you want to save money or are heading to areas where getting your sleeping bag wet would be life-threatening, consider a synthetic bag. Overall, when you want the best warmth-to-weight, most bags will be using down fill.
Warmth and Temperature Rating
A word of warning about temperature ratings. Not all bags are rated the same. Some are self-assessed and some use EN / ISO independent standards. Keep in mind that the bags in this review that are rated at 20F will not necessarily give a good night’s sleep at that temperature. They usually keep you warm and give you a good night’s sleep at temperatures around or just below freezing.
Most of these sleeping bag manufacturers have self-determined the temperature ratings of their bags. As a result, they are not always the best guide of what is a comfortable rating. The industry used to recognize EN 13573 rating standard but it has recently been replaced by the improved ISO 23537 standard.
It can be expensive for companies to obtain this rating, and few Ultralight Sleeping Bag companies seem to bother. I’ve used EN-rated bags in the past and find them to be a very accurate measure of temperature rating. The fill weight or amount of down fill inside the sleeping bag or quilt varies quite a bit between all the manufacturers.
This might not seem like much but it can make a difference to the insulation of the bag. It would be easy to claim that the width or style of the internal baffling could lead one manufacturer to have a competitive advantage over another, and that may be the case.
The way internal baffles are constructed also affects the temperature rating. In some bags, the down can be moved within the internal baffles to where it is needed most. I find this feature very annoying.
I want to unzip my sleeping bag to regulate the temperature, not wake up in the middle of the night, and try to shuffle down within the baffles.
The Mummy Bags in the review are all rated at around 20F (-7C) which is a good functional 3-season temperature range that can be used in all but the coldest and warmest of weather. Down mummy bags also offer the best warmth to weight.
Also, keep in mind the temperature rating and quality of your Ultralight Sleeping Pad. A sleeping pad with little or no insulation will allow the cold to suck through the sleeping bag making you very cold. So make sure you have a good sleeping pad.
If you need to be a little warmer you could use an insulated sleeping bag liner to increase the warmth of the sleeping bag. If a sleeping bag liner is not enough you may need to take a look at upgrading to a 4 season winter sleeping bag.
Stuff Sacks
Keeping a sleeping bag dry while hiking is critically important. Heavy rain, a leaking backpack, or a fall when crossing a river can make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep at best and a life-threatening situation at worst.
For many years I have used a Thermarest fleece stuff sac. Since then I’ve taken a look at the Best Backpacking Pillows and prefer to use a Sea to Summit dry bag for my sleeping bag stuff sack.
Recent years have seen many ultralight hikers make the switch to Dyneema stuff sacks such as those from Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Zpacks. These super lightweight, strong, and waterproof stuff sacks come in multiple sizes and shapes to fit any sleeping bag and are a good investment to keep your down bag dry.
Women’s Sleeping Bags
All the sleeping bags in this review are unisex but there are also women’s specific sleeping bags. They generally are a little smaller in length and have more down fill around the chest area and feet. In general, women don’t sleep as warm as men and require a warmer-rated sleeping bag.
Price
Most Ultra Light Sleeping Bags can cost a lot of money but it is money well spent. It is not unusual to keep a quality sleeping bag for 10 years. I kept a quality winter sleeping bag for 20 years before I decided to sell it.
In most cases, it is not only money well spent, but one of the best investments you can make. All of the bags listed will last 10 years or more and range in price from US$280-$680.
Warranty and Return Policy
Before purchasing a Sleeping Bag be sure to check the return policy. Make sure you can return it if you ordered the wrong size.
If it is returned after being used it may incur a ‘Cleaning Fee’.
Anything purchased from REI offers the best consumer protection, closely followed by Amazon with a 30-day return policy. In all cases, buyer beware, make your choice wisely.
How to wash a Sleeping Bag
Once you have purchased an Ultralight Sleeping Bag listed above it is time to look after it.
There are several ways to wash a down bag. The best methods are to hand wash them in a bathtub or on a gentle wash cycle in a front-loading washing machine. It is my preference to wash my bag in a front-loading washing machine.
The first step is to purchase a detergent that is specific for washing down, such as Nikwax or Grangers. Be sure to read my full information guide on how to wash down sleeping bags.
Storage
When you are not using your bag it is a good idea to store it lofted in a lofting bag. Although sleeping bags can be stored in their compression stuff sack indefinitely they will loft up quicker when not compressed for a long period of time.
It is very important that they be dried prior to storing. And it goes without saying that they should be stored in a dry place away from critters that may chew through your investment.
Sleep System
A Backpacking Sleeping Bag is only part of a good backpacking sleep system.
You need a quality Sleeping Pad that has an appropriate warmth rating to reduce the transfer of cold from the ground to your body.
A Backpacking Pillow used to be a luxury item but things have changed in the last couple of years. They are now lightweight and comfortable. There is no longer any excuse not to take one with you.
If you need to increase the warmth of your bag you could get a sleeping bag liner. If that doesn’t provide enough warmth for the areas you are going then consider upgrading to a winter sleeping bag.
Conclusion
Which is the best ultralight Sleeping Bag for thru-hiking and Backpacking? Any of the backpacking sleeping bags listed in this review would make a great option for anyone wanting to lighten up the weight they carry.
The following Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bags are highly recommended:
- Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Sea to Summit Spark 3 18F
- Rab Mythic Ultra 360
- Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F
- Zpacks 20F Hoodless Classic Sleeping Bag
- Zpacks Zip Around Sleeping Bag
- Feathered Friends Hummingbird
- Macpac Dragonfly 400
- REI Magma 15F
- Western Mountaineering Ultralite
- Marmot Helium 15F
Most of the Sleeping Bags are almost identical in quality, weight, and pack size. They are all a great choice and I would be happy to buy any of them. The only thing separating them is the price and the buyer’s location.
Overall, I would choose the Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag by a small margin from the Sea to Summit Spark and Rab Mystic Ultra 360, due in part to the lightweight and full zip that adds a degree of versatility that no other bag can match, making it the best sleeping bag 2024.
For those living in Europe, RAB might be the cheapest and most available.
For those in Australia and New Zealand, you should buy through Snowys.com or Macpac. With either the Macpac Dragonfly or Sea to Summit Spark being the best options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Should I Store My Sleeping Bag?
To maintain the quality, comfort, and structural integrity of your sleeping bag, you should store it in a dry location. You should remove it from its compression sack and allow it to breathe. This will keep it fresh and allow any residue built up on a trip to dry off easily.
Can My Partner And I Share A Sleeping Bag?
Many sleeping bags are designed to unzip along the length and across the bottom of the bag. If you are your partner are seeking extra warmth on a cold winter’s night, then, using two such sleeping bags, you can zip them together to make one big one.
Alternatively, you could buy a specific two-man bag to ensure that you will both have optimum comfort and extra warmth.
What’s The Ideal Weight For A Sleeping Bag?
This depends on the nature of your trip and your physical fitness. If you are driving to a campsite or taking a day’s walk to a nice spot, then you can feel comfortable taking a heavier bag, as this will often be comfortable and warm.
However, if you are taking a trip in which you will cover a vast distance on foot, then you might consider opting for a lighter bag of 3lbs or below to make your trek more comfortable.
Should I Buy A Mummy Or Rectangular-Shaped Sleeping Bag?
Mummy bags are lightweight and designed for optimum warmth, easy to carry, and cozy when inside. They can be somewhat restrictive when it comes to movement, as they are designed to follow the contours of the body for a snug fit.
This can be inconvenient to larger users or those that are restless sleepers. Rectangular bags provide more wiggle room, though they are often bulkier, which may not convenient when on a long trek into the mountains.
What’s The Best Degree For A 3 Season Sleeping Bag?
This is dependent on when and where you intend to use the sleeping bag. If you are seeking adventure in the cold mountains or forest, ensure that you buy a suitable sleeping bag. Be conscious of both the temperature and the weather when considering your purchase. Generally a bag rated to 20F / -6C is a good guide.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process
The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.
The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.
BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.