I think we all can agree: sleep is pretty dang important. This is doubly so out on the trail, where your body has little time to recuperate from what was likely a grueling day of hiking. That’s why it’s so important to choose a backpacking sleeping bag that provides not only the warmth needed to get through the night, but the comfort required to get through it without waking up, not to mention the packability and lightweight design that all backpackers are looking for.
It’s no longer true that you need to spend hundreds to make this happen. In fact, modern advances in fabrics and insulation and well as innovations in construction techniques have allowed a whole new generation of versatile bags to emerge that provide all of this and more without breaking the bank. Selecting the best backpacking sleeping bags that are also affordable doesn’t have to be a chore, because we’ve done most of the work for you.
Here is our complete guide to selecting the best & most affordable backpacking sleeping bag for you:
Lucky you, we’ve done all the legwork. Let’s take a look at the 7 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags Under $100…
Comparison Table
While most sleeping bag fabrics are designed to allow more moisture out than in, some are considerably more moisture resistant than others, which can cause the bag to get moist or clammy during the night. Generally speaking a bag that advertises itself as “100% waterproof” will be the least breathable, as it was specifically designed with an advanced moisture barrier. “Water resistant” will be more breathable but still somewhat clammy, while bags with a thinner nylon weave will allow air to move more freely in and out of the bag.
Whether or not a sleeping bag can go into the washing machine is dependent upon a couple of factors including both construction materials and construction technique. While most of the best backpacking sleeping bags under $100 can indeed be put through a washing machine, the bag you choose may have certain restrictions as to whether or not it can handle a normal cycle or if it would do better with a cold-water wash. When in doubt, check the tag on the sleeping bag, and if that is not available, consult the manufacturer for more information.
ProTip: While many sleeping bags can handle at least a gentle wash cycle, they are generally not too good at handling a trip through the dryer without significant bunching, shrinking, or expanding of the fill material. If this happens, your sleeping bag might not be as warm as it was originally, and it might void your warranty! Air drying is by far the best way to dry out your bag.
Yes! Many outdoor suppliers these days are offering backpacking sleeping bags with tighter nylon weaves or specialty spray-on coatings that increase the water repulsion properties of the exterior. While this can be a handy feature for those camping in inclement weather conditions, it can also lead to a bag that is less breathable (and therefore less comfortable). Remember that a sleeping bag is mostly designed to keep you warm, while the tent is what has been designed to keep you dry.
Choosing a sleeping bag that is suitable for winter camping is as easy as checking the product specifications before purchase. Because all sleeping bags come with what is known as a comfort rating, it is possible to get a good idea of what temperatures the bag will be able to handle before becoming too cold.
In addition, sleeping bags are most often designated with a season rating. This is a number usually included in the product title that lets you know what time of year the bag is designed to be used. For instance, a three-season bag will be adequate for chilly spring and fall conditions, but not quite warm enough for year round use. Intrepid adventurers looking to do some camping in winter will want to consider a four-season bag.
The rule of thumb for sleeping bags is to select one that provides an adequate amount of room so that your head is not sticking out the top uncovered, but not so much space that the interior becomes airy and therefore cold. Check the product specifications before purchase, and look for a bag that is around 7 to 9 inches longer than you are tall. That way, you’ll have all the space you need without losing too much body heat.