If you’re planning on taking a camping trip during the winter months it is essential to be as well-prepared as possible to face the elements.
A poor quality sleeping bag will not offer adequate insulation or protection when the temperature drops during the night. Choosing the right sleeping bag will keep you warm and comfortable and help you get a good night’s sleep.
Never underestimate the importance of having a good nights’ sleep after a long day of physical exercise or activity as it will allow you to wake up feeling refreshed and re-energized for the day ahead.
The growing popularity of camping in recent years has led to a surge in the demand for camping accessories, and you can now find countless different types of sleeping bags online.
There are all kinds of brands competing for your attention, and as a consumer, it can be a little overwhelming trying to navigate this fast-growing market. If you’re looking for a high-quality sleeping bag that you can rely on for your next camping trip, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve rounded up 5 of the best winter sleeping bags to help keep you warm and snug, whatever your budget.
There are a couple of things to think about when choosing a winter sleeping bag including where you plan to go, the kinds of temperatures you are likely to experience, and how much hiking you will need to do each day (remember, camping equipment can be heavy!).
All these factors should be taken into account in your search for the perfect winter sleeping bag. Check out our handy buyer’s guide for more on all the factors you should consider in your search for the perfect winter sleeping bag.
Still have questions? We’ve got you covered.
Have a look at our frequently asked questions section for some useful advice on what to look out for when shopping for a winter sleeping bag.
In a hurry to find the perfect winter sleeping bag for you?
Why not have a look at our top pick the Coleman 0℉ Mummy Sleeping Bag?
This affordably priced sleeping bag is designed to keep you warm in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, so would be the perfect choice for winter camping trips. A semi-sculpted hood and Thermolock draft tube help to seal in the heat to keep you warm and comfortable through the night.
This sleeping bag has everything you could need for an enjoyable winter camping trip and is available at an affordable price.
Top 5 Best Winter Sleeping Bags
OUR TOP PICK
This Mummy Sleeping Bag from the Coleman store would be ideal for camping in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for anyone up to 6 feet 2 inches in height.
Coleman is a trusted outdoor equipment brand that has been producing camping gear for around 120 years, so you can buy with confidence.
The Coleman Mummy Sleeping Bag is well-insulated thanks to its quilted construction and features a Thermolock draft tube for warmth and heat retention.
It is packed with features that are designed to lock in as much heat as possible to keep you warm, comfortable, and cozy through the night.
A semi-sculpted hood can be tightened using a drawstring to seal in the heat, which is very helpful for those colder nights when you need that little bit more protection.
If you get a little too warm during the night, you also have the option to simply unzip the bottom of the bag for some extra ventilation to cool you down.
You’ll notice a practical ZipPlow system that plows away fabric to prevent it from snagging during zipping (or unzipping). After all, there’s nothing worse than struggling with a zip on a sleeping bag after a busy day in the great outdoors.
This bag offers excellent value for money and comes with a helpful carry bag for easy travel and storage.
Pros
- Ideal for camping in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Trusted brand
- Well-insulated
- Semi-sculpted hood
- Option to unzip the bottom of the sleeping bag
- Great value for money
- Comes with a carry bag
- Popular choice
Cons
- This sleeping bag is a little bulky so may be heavier than other sleeping bags
EDITORS CHOICE
The clever design of this 0 Degree Sleeping Bag from Hyke and Byke maximizes durability, warmth, and water resistance, making this another great option to take on your winter camping trip.
The bag is made up of Hydrophobic 650 FP Duck Down and features a ClusterLoft base which helps to resist moisture and provide insulation.
The soft duck down lining works well to trap heat and will keep you warm from 10 to 40 degrees. This down lining also means that the sleeping bag is incredibly lightweight at under 4lbs, so it would be super easy to pack and carry during camping trips and hikes.
The Hyke and Byke sleeping bag is available in 3 sizes, so would also suit taller users who may find other sleeping bags too restrictive or uncomfortable.
The hood and shoulders have a useful drawstring feature for maximum heat retention, so you can easily adjust the fit of the bag based on what feels most comfortable for you.
The durable, water repellent nylon fabric liner offers a high-quality layer of comfort and protection that should help you get a great night’s sleep.
You can also easily compress the Hyke and Byke sleeping bag down to a compact size (11” long x 8” diameter to be precise) for when you’re on the move again and store it securely in the additional compression sack, which is included in the price.
Pros
- Design maximizes durability, warmth and water resistance
- Hydrophobic 650 FP Duck Down
- ClusterLoft base
- Lightweight
- Available in 3 convenient sizes
- Drawstring feature
- Water repellent nylon fabric liner
- Can be compressed into small size for easy travel and storage
- Additional compression sack
Cons
- Some customers reported issues with the zipper
BEST VALUE
If you’re planning a camping trip in cold weather, another great option to go for is this All Seasons Mummy Sleeping Bag from the Farland store.
This sleeping bag is designed for cold weather and has a waterproof, weather-resistant design to keep you as warm as possible, even in extreme weather conditions. The weather-resistant design works well to prevent the kind of dampness that can be an issue when camping in wet grass areas.
Double fill technology is incorporated into the design to provide extra protection and insulation for the body. The polyester lining feels soft and comfortable on the surface of the skin and is non-allergenic.
The Farland sleeping bag is complete with a drawstring adjustable hood for maximum heat retention, so would be well-suited for colder climes.
If you’re camping with your partner you may also enjoy the two-in-one feature which allows you to combine the left-zip and right-zip to create a double sleeping bag.
The bag can be compressed down to a small size and fitted into the handy compression sack for when you’re on the go.
If you’re after a lightweight and practical sleeping bag that would work well for colder nights, the Farland Mummy Sleeping bag could be just what you need.
Choose from a selection of bright and uplifting colors.
Pros
- Perfect for cold weather
- Waterproof, weather-resistant design
- Prevents dampness
- Double fill technology
- Soft polyester lining is gentle on the skin
- Drawstring adjustable hood
- Can be zipped into a second sleeping bag
- Compression sack
- Selection of colors
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Some customers reported that they found the sizing was a little restrictive
RUNNER UP
This mummy-style thermal enhancing sleeping bag from Teton is designed to lock in heat around cold spots, making it perfect for the winter months.
A 3-piece hood pulls in tightly around your face for maximum comfort and heat retention, and you’ll find a full-length zipper draft tube that will keep the warm air in.
You won’t have to worry about getting cold feet with this sleeping bag either, as it’s designed with additional insulation in the generously sized foot box to retain heat.
The shell is perfect for challenging cold weather conditions as it is made from a durable 40D water-resistant ripstop fabric. The interior lining is designed using a soft, breathable micro-polyester lining which is double brushed for maximum comfort while you rest.
You can open the sleeping bag from either the top or the bottom for optimal warmth and ventilation using the taped, anti-snag zippers which allow for smooth rolling.
A handy interior storage pocket has been stitched into the sleeping bag that is perfect for concealing important possessions like a wallet or keys.
The Teton Sports Mummy Sleeping Bag is a little more expensive than other options, but we feel that the high-quality construction and lightweight feel means that it offers good value for money.
Choose from multiple sizes and 2 temperature ratings, +20℉/-7℃, or 0℉/-18℃ according to your needs. Teton offers a limited lifetime warranty on all their outdoor products, so you can buy with confidence.
Pros
- 3-piece hood for maximum heat retention
- Full-length zipper draft tube
- Extra insulation in the foot box
- 40D water-resistant ripstop shell
- Soft, breathable lining
- Taped, anti-snag zippers
- Interior storage pocket
- Choose from multiple sizes and temperature ratings
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- More expensive option
RUNNER UP
Our final offering is the Cold Weather Sleeping Bag from Browning which is designed to keep you warm and toasty even in temperatures as low as -30 degrees.
The brand describes it as a great ‘heavy-duty’ oversized sleeping bag, which means that it would be a good option for a winter camping trip where you are likely to be exposed to more extreme temperatures.
The Browning sleeping bag features a 2-layer offset construction which is designed to effectively eliminate cold spots and provide a high-level of insulation thanks to its TechLoft Silver insulation technology. An insulated chest and contoured hood work to lock the heat in for a warm and restful night’s sleep.
If you’re looking for a sleeping bag that offers warmth without feeling physically restrictive, the Browning Cold Weather bag should work well for you as it offers a spacious rectangular design (36 inches wide and 90 inches long) that offers users plenty of room to get comfortable during the night.
Customers will receive an additional compression stuff sack and roll-up straps which make this sleeping bag a portable option that would be very easy to pack and travel with on your next camping or hiking trip.
Pros
- Designed for warmth in temperatures as low as -30 degrees
- 2-layer offset construction
- TechLoft Silver insulation technology
- Insulated chest
- Contoured hood
- Spacious rectangular design
- Includes compression sack for travel and storage
Cons
- Considerably more expensive than other sleeping bags
Best Winter Sleeping Bag Buying Guide
Temperature Rating
If you’re after a sleeping bag that will be suitable for the winter months, it’s essential to look at the temperature rating.
A sleeping bag’s temperature rating will inform you of the lowest temperature in which you should be able to have a safe and comfortable night’s sleep using the product.
We would recommend choosing a sleeping bag that offers a temperature rating that is a little lower than you will need to be on the safe side.
During the winter months, you’ll ideally want to pick a sleeping bag that is suitable for a temperature of around 10℉ or lower for maximum heat retention and comfort.
Hood
If you can, try to pick a sleeping bag that features a hood as part of the design.
A hood will help to lock in the heat and prevent any heat from escaping.
If you have a good quality hood on your sleeping bag you should find that you are more comfortable during the night and won’t need to wear a hat.
Lining and Shell
The inside lining of your sleeping bag should ideally be made with a soft and breathable fabric for maximum comfort.
If you have any skin sensitivities, look for a non-allergenic lining to avoid irritation.
The shell of your chosen sleeping bag should be durable and water-resistant to withstand cold and damp conditions during the winter.
Shape
Sleeping bags are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes and the choice will largely come down to your personal preferences.
The less excess space in your sleeping bag, the better it will be at retaining body heat. Mummy sleeping bags are tapered at the legs and the head for maximum warmth, but you won’t have much room to move around with this style and it may feel a little restrictive.
A rectangular-shaped sleeping bag is designed for more space at the top and bottom of the bag for maximum comfort. This kind of sleeping bag is perfect if comfort is a priority, but can be quite bulky to pack and travel with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good winter sleeping bag?
A good winter sleeping bag should be well-insulated for maximum heat retention and have a suitable temperature rating to work well during the colder winter months.
The interior lining should be soft and breathable, and the outside should be produced using a weather-resistant fabric for protection.
Ideally, it will feature a hood to prevent any heat loss and a lightweight compression sack for easy travel and storage.
Anti-snag zippers are also a really useful feature that will allow for easy access.