10 Best Sleeping Bags on A Budget
If you are planning a hike, camping, or any other outdoor activity, a sleeping bag should be top of your packing list. However, with several models and brands gracing the market, getting a good sleeping bag without breaking your bank can be tricky. That’s why we are here to tell you even though it’s hard, it is possible. You can acquire that dream sleeping bags with all the qualities you dream of while still within the trip budget.
There are many advantages that come with a sleeping bag that you want not to miss. Upon the list is the comfort they provide by helping you fight the outdoor cold. If you are out there camping, you shouldn’t let chilly nights dim your beautiful memories. Most of these sleeping bags are made of down material. These are known for their high heat providence. At the same time, the products keep the weight aspect under the scope to ensure that they are highly portable. They are lightweight making them easy to walk around with without adding meaningful weight to your backpack.
In this article, we help you in your journey of identifying the best sleeping bags while on a budget. We will provide a list of the best 10 products in the market picked after intense scrutiny of tens of models. All the sleeping bags in this list are awesome and each of them has its uniqueness. Therefore, the decision lies with you depending on your personal needs and other preferences.
Advantages of Sleeping Bags
There are several benefits that come with on-budget sleeping bags making them almost must-have elements. Some of those benefits are very critical including;
You can sleep almost anywhere
If you get the right quality sleeping bag, you can literally sleep anywhere. All you’ll need is just any flat surface to lay down your sleeping bag.
Source of warmth
All sleeping bags are designed in a way to provide warmth by insulating the inside space. They consist of several layers of fiber or and synthetic materials that trap and retain heat to keep you warm. Besides, they don’t suffocate you as they are highly breathable thus allowing adequate air circulation.
At the same time, these products offer a certain degree of comfort. They are well padded to cushion you against ground discomfort.
Protection
Sleeping bags protect you against so many things including night insects, bugs, and even rain. All forms of crawling and insects will want to share at your comfort in the tent or worse if you are outside. The sleeping bag makes a good blockade to them and secures you a better sleep.
Additionally, sometimes rain can strike unexpectedly when out there and probably your tent is leaking or you don’t have one. In such a state, a sleeping bag is your best option to keep yourself warm for the longest time possible.
They’re a necessity for children
When camping in a tent with your entire family in the forest, sleeping bags are a necessity for children. Children are more vulnerable to elements and thus you must protect them by all means. When adults can endure most extremities, children can’t. Therefore, you’ll need to good children sleeping bag if you intend to tag them along.
Top 10 Best Sleeping Bags on a Budget
1. TETON Sports Mammoth Queen-Size Double Sleeping Bag
This is our winner sleeping bag featuring soft interior lining, both sides zipper, and shoulder draft tubes. The all-around easy to unzip quality zipper makes the accessibility easy and the lining adds to the comfort. It is one of the most comfortable sleeping bags with innovative fiberfill to increase the warmth level. At purchase, it comes with a stuffing bag, therefore; you don’t have to roll your sleeping bag. The storage bag helps to add to the durability as all you have to do is stuff it in the bag and tie the straps.
Another awesome additional feature is the half-circle hood. It helps to keep your head off the ground when you are sleeping at night. In short, it plays the role of the pillow.
TETON Sports-Mammoth is such a big sleeping bag that two people can share comfortably. It is actually bigger than the queen-sized mattress in all dimensions. You get this bag and you are assured of long-time warm nights. TETON Customer care support even makes this brand even more likable. They are always on standby and willing to help anytime they contact you.
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Pros
- Comes with very durable zippers that open on both sides for easy accessibility
- It has a stuffing bag therefore you don’t have to buy one or roll your sleeping bag
- The half circle hood makes it even more comfortable
- It is very durable and maintains if fluff for long
- It is very spacious and extremely warm
- It is backed by a strong customer care
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Cons
- It is too heavy thus requires means of transportation like a car
- It can be hard to stuff it in the storage bag
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2. Coleman Palmetto 30°F Cool Weather Sleeping Bag
If you are looking for a single-person synthetic sleeping bag, this is a good choice. It’s rated to work at temperatures as low as 300F. The polyester cover on this bag makes it more durable and water-resistant to a great extent. It also has a tricot fiber blend which increases its comfort. The special Zip Plow system helps manage the zipper by plowing away the fabric from the zipper. This prevents snagging when zipping and unzipping.
Campers up to 5.11 feet can make use of this sleeping bag. The bad thing is that it cannot accommodate more than a single user. It is easy to get in and out enabled by the roll control fasteners and a no-tie closure.
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Pros
- It has a thermal lock to prevent heat loss through the zipper
- Its certified to operate at temperatures as low as 300F
- Snugs very well preventing heat loss
- Features a good quality stitching
- It has an even quilt distribution
- It is also lightweight
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Cons
- Once unpacked it’s hard to roll it back to its original size and shape
- Doesn’t come with compressing straps
- It has a thin padding thus a bit uncomfortable
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3. HiHiker Mummy Bag + Travel Pillow w/Compact Compression Sack
Do you want a sleeping bag that will transfer your bedroom experience to the camp? This is it. HiHiker Mummy Bag is a collection of awesome features all packed in one single set. Besides the sleeping bag, it also has a soft travel pillow and a carrier bag. These items are not heavyweight and also make you feel as if you are still in your room.
This sleeping bag has awesome heat retention technology. Boasting quilt construction and fluffy insulation, this Mummy sleeping bag provides incredible warmth. It’s estimated to work at low temperatures of 200F. The drawstring hood helps to lock out cold air and keep the warm air inside. Such comfort guarantees you nothing else but comfortable sleep. The soft and lightweight pillow provides bedroom authenticity when out there in the wild.
Even though it is large enough to fit an adult person, this sleeping bag is easy to transport. It comes with a durable stuffing bag that once you fit it in there you can take wherever you want. Being lightweight, it won’t be a meaningful addition to your camping luggage.
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Pros
- It is lightweight thus portable
- Comes with its own carrying bag
- It is covered by a lifetime warranty
- It is large enough to accommodate anyone
- Can operate at extremely low temperatures of 200F
- Addition of extra accessories like the pillow and the drawstring make it more comfortable
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Cons
- The stuffing bag is of low quality
- The zipper isn’t very durable
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4. Sleeping Double Sleeping Bag Queen Size XL!
You’ll definitely love this sleeping bag owing to its incredible warmth and comfort. It is very sturdy and well-padded to provide comfortable sleep virtually anywhere. It’s also very spacious such that two adults can comfortably share this sleeping bag. However, this size doesn’t make it hard to transport. You can tag along with it on your hiking or climbing journey.
The inner lining comprising of silk and other soft synthetics is the epitome of comfort. The outer shell made of waterproof polyester fabric makes it a top choice when camping. You won’t be afraid of whether snow or rain. Even at the extreme of these elements, this sleeping bag will last several years.
If you are looking for a spacious, tough, and warm sleeping bag, you may want to look at this bag. It is a great choice for people headed to freezing areas.
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Pros
- It is large enough to accommodate two adults
- It is also made of tough exterior shell with longer durability
- Comes with two lightweight pillows
- Has a super soft lining made of silk
- It is waterproof
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Cons
- Doesn’t trap body heat
- Cannot accommodate two huge people properly
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5. REVALCAMP Sleeping Bags on Affordable Budget
This is an ultralightweight sleeping bag that you can easily stuff in your backpack without adding any much weight. If you don’t have a car for your trip, this should be the top of your list of priorities. Accessibility is also easy because all you have to do is slide in and out. Measuring about 30X71 inches, this bag is incredibly spacious for a single user. The plush filling and the ever-closed zipper provide a very comfortable sleeping environment.
Most reviewers have given it a four-star rating as a gift to parents with young kids owing to their floweriness. You also have a wide variety of colors to choose from. It features awesome craftsmanship with an anti-snag zipper. Since the zippers can open fully, you can combine two bags to make a single sleeping. The cleaning work is even made easier by the materials used as they’re machining washable.
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Pros
- It is small in size a great choice for backpackers
- Has a wide range of colors
- Displays incredible workmanship
- It is machine washable
- Has a strong zipper system
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Cons
- Has a thin padding making it uncomfortable?
- Cannot accommodate huge people
- Not very durable
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6. Kelty Unisex Cosmic 20 Degree Sleeping Bags on Affordable Budget
This Kelty sleeping bag has a down filling insulation and it’s capable of keeping you warm at temperatures as low as -70C. it also has the hydrophobic finishing responsible for eliminating moisture and faster drying.
The bag is very soft and thus comfortable. It will keep you warm and dry even at very low temperatures. It enjoys many positive reviews because of its awesome properties and dimensions. Measuring 8X14 feet and only 2lbs, this bag is very versatile and can be used in any weather condition.
It has a thermal comfort hood that boosts the warmth. The anti-snag zipper ensures that the bag doesn’t disappoint. Considering the cost of this sleeping bag, it is such an incredible sale.
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Pros
- It has a good warmth to weight ratio
- It is fluffy and very comfortable
- It is also very lightweight measuring only 2lbs
- Highly compressible to fit in a backpack
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Cons
- Doesn’t have interior pockets
- The zipper can easily snap
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7. Kelty Tuck 22F Degree Mummy Sleeping Bags on Affordable Budget
This mummy sleeping bag is a combination of simplicity and warmth. It has thermal pro fibers that increase the heat retention capacity and its highly compressible. This makes the bag both warm and easy to carry inside the tour kit. Being a Mummy bag, comfort is at the center of this sleeping bag’s design.
On hot nights, you can pull one or your both legs out. when temperatures drop, you can keep the entire bag fully zipped. It can accommodate an adult person of up to 6 feet and 6inches long. The 75D polyester outer shell makes the bag very sturdy and waterproof. The zipper also has an anti-snag design that prevents it from snagging. There’s also a media integrated storage pocket in which you can keep your valuable electronics.
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Pros
- Has great temperature rating
- It is also lightweight
- Has an inner pocket that you can use to store your stuff
- The outer shell is very hard and durable
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Cons
- Its zipper isn’t very quality
- Cannot hold plus size people
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8. One Tigris Light Patrol Down Sleeping Bags on Affordable Budget
If you want a reliable sleeping bag this is an incredible one. It is a lightweight and robust model with high resistance to tear and wear. Therefore, you are assured of long service by this sleeping bag. The premium materials used also are major contributors to the quality of the bag.
In terms of comfort, this bag offers a lot. One, it has a comfortable thick lining and large space. You can stretch and roll to find the best sleeping position. The thick layers provide good insulation for heat retention. Whether going for a hike, camping, or backpacking, this sleeping bag is a good go-to bag.
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Pros
- It comes with a storage bag for convenient storage and carriage
- Made of premium materials which make it very durable
- Covered by a lifetime warranty
- It is lightweight thus easy to transport
- It is very breathable
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Cons
- Not ideal for use in extremely low temperatures
- The down insulation starts coming out after sometime
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9. Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bags on Affordable Budget
Adult tall campers can make use of this Coleman sleeping bag to enjoy comfortable nights outdoors. The bag is spacious enough to accommodate restless sleepers and plus-size users. It is designed to operate even at freezing regions at 0 degrees. The polyester materials used on this bag make it hard to rip hence it’s durable and sturdy.
The Zip Plow system prevents snagging during zipping and unzipping.
The semi sculpted hood fitted with a drawstring helps to seal off cold from outside. You can also untie the string for more aeration on hot nights. The quilt used on this sleeping bag and the thermal lock contributes to high-level heat retention. Basically, heat isn’t a problem with this bag.
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Pros
- It is equipped with anti-snag system to protect the zipper
- You can also open the bottom for added ventilation
- The polyester shell is very tough and durable
- Has a semi sculpted hood for added warmth
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Cons
- It is very heavy and bulk
- It has a poor padding
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10. Marmot Trestles 30 Mummy Sleeping Bags on Affordable Budget
When looking for an affordable sleeping bag, it is hard to pass Marmot Trestles. It’s packed with those top features anyone would look for on such a product. It has Spirafil loft insulation that provides optimal warmth and long life. The bag is EN tested and proved to work at low temperatures of up to 300F.
The anatomically designed foot box allows you to wriggle with minimum heat buildup. The product also weighs about 3 pounds making it a convenient backpacking item. Additionally, its durability isn’t questionable as it is made of 70D embossed polyester materials.
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Pros
- It is tested and approved by the EN lab
- Works perfectly even at extremely low temperatures
- Super compact and portable
- It is made of strong embossed polyester
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Cons
- Doesn’t come with a carrier bag
- Its heavyweight compared to several models under this category
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Key Features to Look Before Buying Sleeping Bags on a Budget
Different bags come with different features. In your search for the best sleeping bags on a budget, there are factors and features that you need to look for. They will guide you in picking the product that best satisfies your needs. These factors include;
Temperature Ratings
You are supposed to choose your sleeping bag depending on the region you are going to and the expected temperature range. The downside of temperature labeling is that it’s not always accurate. The manufacturers give an estimated range thus getting the best out of a sleeping bag, go for one with higher ratings than you need. This way, even if it is lower than that, you won’t be disappointed. Preferably 10 degrees lower is a good range.
Also, consider the fact that you can always boost the efficiency of a sleeping bag. This is possible by the use of additional accessories such as liners, jackets, and pads. Therefore, a good temperature rating with a bit of boost will allow you to get the best from your sleeping bag. If you are not sure about the environment, you can go for versatile 3 season sleeping bags. These are capable of operating almost in any environment whether in summer or winter.
Insulation type
Low-cost sleeping bags feature two types of insulation. The first and most popular is synthetic insulation. The polyester materials used dry easily and are also durable thus you can have your product for a couple of years. The synthetic materials are also water-resistant to some extent and therefore will keep you both warm and dry in light rain. The only disadvantage of synthetic sleeping bags is that they are too bulky. Therefore, they are not friendly to backpackers.
The second type is down insulation. Unlike the former, the goose-down insulated sleeping bags are lighter and compressible. Their fill power ranges 600 to 900 a good range for trapping dead air for insulation purposes. There are also other generics of down used to enhance the quality of sleeping bags such as hydrophobic down. This down is necessary for making your bag water-resistant by at least 30% and easy to dry.
Shape
The shape of the bag plays a key role in determining the level of comfort you get. Sleeping bags come in different shapes and it’s upon the user to decide their best fit. The rectangular-shaped are more popular because they are more spacious. For backpackers, the barrel-shaped sleeping bags are the best because of their tapered design. They are warm snug mummy bags that are good for restless sleepers.
If you are a couple, you can also go for the double-sized sleeping bag. These are spacious and you can remove the zipper to convert it into two bags. Mummy bags make the best choice if you want a fitting model. Besides being lightweight, they trap body heat to keep you warmer.
Weight
For backpacking purposes, you need to factor in weight. However, if it’s a car camping trip, weight may not be a bother. If you are going for a hike, you’ll need light luggage that won’t weigh you down during your escapades. Down sleeping bags are the lightest compared to synthetic ones? Also, mummy bags are heavier than quilts because of their tightly woven fabrics.
Zippers
Different models of sleeping bags have varying zipping options. The common ones are the ¾ length side zip and full zip. The ¾ zips do not unzip fully and you have to wriggle somehow to slip in and out. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with other models because it cannot unzip fully.
Full zips are preferable because not only can you zip it with other bags but you can also convert it into two blankets. Those with tough exterior shells make even better-sleeping mats in outdoor picnics.
We also have no zipper models that only have an oval opening at one. This design has its ups and downs and not many people invest in it. Among the strengths is because you don’t need to worry about heat loss. There’s no zipper that can open leading to heat loss and there’s no fumbling with the zippers at night. The in and out inconveniences caused by this design however are hard to tackle. The bags are too rigid and non-versatile because you can’t convert them to a blanket or join them.
Waterproof Ratings
Consider getting a sleeping bag with good wear-proof ratings. Weather patterns are not predictable in the camps. It could be sunny and the next minute torrents of rain. A waterproof sleeping bag can be a saving tool in such scenarios.
Waterproof or resistance properties aren’t only important for protection only. A bag that gets soaked in water becomes very heavy and a burden on what should otherwise be a happy occasion.
Sleeping Bags Maintenance Practices
To enable your sleeping bag to last longer, you need to adhere to some basic maintenance practices. Besides, these practices also will help your bag become more effective;
Airing Out Regularly
Regular airing of your bag for at least 10 minutes every day is a great way of keeping it fresh. It is even more important when you are using it on a daily basis. Airing out also helps to remove moisture from perspiration, dew, and condensation. This helps to keep your bag dry.
Note that, you should be careful not to expose it to extreme direct sunlight which can damage the coating. Even if the bag is soaked, don’t be tempted to expose it to too much heat. Just air it out for long and you’ll have averted many dangers.
Store it Dry
When not using your sleeping bag, dry it and pack it in the storage sack that comes with it. If it doesn’t have one, you can purchase it as it’s all in a bid to preserve your product. The storage sack shouldn’t also be too tight as this can destroy the fill. So, ensure there’s a free flow of air inside the sack and not compressing the bag. If you observe this tradition well, even after years of use, your sleeping will still be looking new.
Gentle Care Practices
Be gentle in your general handling of the sleeping bag. For example, most models have very sensitive and low-quality zippers. A minute of rough handling can lead to zip snapping which can be very frustrating.
The other thing you should be gentle with is the insulation part. You should not allow kids to play on your bag lest you want its insulation tampered with. Also, remember to keep it away from a campfire. Simple convection heat current can easily mess with the insulating materials thus rendering your bag less effective.
Use Sleeping Bag Liners
Investing in a good sleeping bag liner is a great way of prolonging your bag’s durability. First of all, a liner offers the first line of protection against dirt. Therefore, instead of washing your bag regularly, it is the liners that will. The rarely you keep your bag in water the more it lasts.
Liners are also a way of boosting your sleeping bag’s warmth. Actually, it is estimated that liners can add between 5 to 15F which is massive heat addition. This can be very helpful when visiting extremely cold places.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Question
How can I repair my sleeping bag?
There are various ways you can use to fix a broken sleeping bag. One of the most popular methods is stitching up with various types of tapes such as Tenacious and conduit tapes. However, the tapes are not permanent and you need to keep fixing new ones after a while. Basically, this is a temporary solution and shouldn’t be used for long.
The other repair method is sewing which is a permanent solution. However, if you are not sure of how to sew a sleeping bag, you should stay clear of this method. Otherwise, you can send it back to the manufacturer for repairs. Most brands have repair centers all over and you can trust that their repair process won’t compromise the quality of your sleeping bag.
Is there a difference between women’s and kid’s sleeping bag?
Yes, the two are structurally different. The women’s sleeping bags are designed to follow the female’s body contour. They have a narrow shoulder and wider hips region. Lengthwise, they are shorter with upper and lower thickly padded sides to add on insulation.
In contrast, the kid’s sleeping bags feature built-in sleeves at the lower part to keep the pad in position. The sleeves help to ensure that the kid and the sleeping bag stick together throughout the night. This is a very special property as helps to maintain the kids with poor sleeping habits warm.
Are rolling and folding good storage methods for sleeping bags?
No. none of these is good for your sleeping bag. Rolling your bag causes compression to the insulation whereas folding minimizes the fibers. The only good way to store your sleeping bag is by putting it in a non-stuffy storage bag that doesn’t compress it.
Is it advisable to hang a sleeping bag on the clothesline?
Hanging your sleeping bag on a clothesline is a recipe for destroying it. Especially when wet, the fibers will stretch and may break down completely. Another problem is that hanging it there may expose it to excess sunlight which can destroy the coating.
What are the best ways of washing a sleeping bag?
There are two ways of washing your sleeping bag depending on the materials used to make it. These are; machine and hand washing methods. The best way to know how to wash your sleeping bag is by reading the manufacturer’s recommendations. Hand washing is the most common method and fits a wide variety of sleeping bags.
To wash with the machine, use the regular liquid detergent or gel. To set the temperatures, look at the recommended range. In most cases, the temperatures are between 30 to 40 degrees. When you start drying, remember to set the spin at the lowest level to remove all water droplets. You can add the tennis ball inside the dryer so as to keep the fluff away.
Final Recap
If outdoor camping and hiking are your hobbies, the affordable sleeping bag selection is a critical part. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get an entry-level model. Some budget sleeping bags are very quality and even too hard to tell they are low-cost models. If you make your selection without a hurry, you can sure to get yourself a deal that will surprise many.
With this guide, we believe your search has been simplified. You can now make your camping experience memorable by getting yourself a top not sleeping bag without fleecing your bank.