The Best Sleeping Bag

Find the Perfect Sleeping Bag for Your Adventures

Having a high-quality sleeping bag can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and warmth during a night outdoors. Whether you’re car camping under the stars or backpacking deep into the wilderness, the right sleeping bag ensures a restful night’s sleep.

After extensive testing in California, Hawaii, and Colorado, we’ve identified the best sleeping bags for different types of campers:

Best for Car Camping: The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag provides excellent warmth, plush comfort, and ample space, making it ideal for relaxed, cozy nights at the campsite.

Best for Backpacking:

• The Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1 stands out for its lightweight, compressible design while still offering great warmth and flexibility.
• The Marmot Women’s Teton 15° Sleeping Bag is designed specifically for women, with added insulation in key areas to ensure a warm and comfortable night’s sleep on the trail.

We also have top picks for:
Double Sleeping Bags for couples who want to share warmth and space.
Bags for Side Sleepers that allow more movement while maintaining insulation and comfort.

No matter your camping style, we’ve found the best sleeping bags to keep you warm, comfortable, and well-rested outdoors.

 

 

 

The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is a comfortable and practical choice for car camping. Its rectangular shape provides plenty of space to move around, while the large, loose hood (“pillow barn”) easily accommodates a standard pillow from home for added comfort.

The smooth polyester shell and lining are moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and soft against the skin. With a 20 °F temperature rating, it’s warm enough for most three-season camping trips. Unlike cheaper synthetic bags, the Siesta packs down neatly into a manageable stuff sack rather than feeling bulky.

It’s available in regular and long sizes, and in 2023, REI updated the design with 98% recycled insulation fill, which we found to be just as warm and durable as the previous version. While REI doesn’t offer a specific warranty on its Co-op products, the store’s generous return policy provides peace of mind.

Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1

The best bag for backpacking

Ideal for those with broad shoulders and narrower hips, this lofty down-filled bag feels roomier than most mummy-style options thanks to its diagonal baffles. The only drawback: its draw cords may leave small drafty gaps.

 

 

 

Marmot Women’s Teton 15° Sleeping Bag

The best bag for backpacking

Great for narrow-bodied cold sleepers, this 15 °F-rated bag features silky-soft fabric and lofty, water-resistant down—but it may feel too warm for some.

 

 

 

Backpackers need a lightweight, compact sleeping bag, and the Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1 is a top choice for those with broad shoulders, narrower hips, or who tend to sleep hot. Its soft fabric, high loft, and unique diagonal baffles create a roomier feel compared to traditional mummy bags, all at a lower price than many high-end down options.

Durability wasn’t an issue in our tests, but Montbell backs this bag with a lifetime warranty and offers affordable repairs if needed.

For narrow-bodied cold sleepers, the Marmot Women’s Teton 15° Sleeping Bag is a warmer, snugger alternative. Its plush, water-resistant down insulation provides exceptional warmth, and thoughtful features—like an internal pocket for electronics and a compression zipper in the footbox for extra space—make it even more versatile. Rated to 15 °F, it kept our testers warm on chilly nights, though some found it too warm at times.

Marmot covers the Teton with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20

The best double sleeping bag

This roomy two-person car-camping bag features multiple zippers and vents for easy temperature and position adjustments without disturbing your partner. However, it’s not ideal for cold-weather camping.

 

 

 

The Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20 is a spacious, queen-size sleeping bag designed for car campers who enjoy sharing a bed under the stars. With its soft, easy-to-clean polyester shell and lining, it offers both comfort and convenience.

Its durable synthetic insulation provides reliable warmth down to the mid-50s, though we plan to test it in colder conditions. What sets this bag apart is its thoughtful design: independent side zippers, foot vents, and two sewn-in interior quilts allow each sleeper to adjust their temperature and position without disturbing the other. The roomy hooded “pillow barn” fits two standard pillows for an even cozier feel.

When it’s time to pack up, the lightweight TruComfort easily compresses into its included stuff sack. Plus, it’s made with PFC-free water-repellent fabric and comes with Kelty’s lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20°

For side-sleepers

Designed for side-sleepers, this backpacking bag combines down and synthetic insulation, making it a great choice for those who toss and turn at night.

 

 

 

The Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20° is an excellent choice for side-sleepers and backpackers who move around at night. Its unique design features a wider cut through the middle, allowing for easier movement without feeling restricted like in traditional mummy bags.

This bag combines down insulation with an extra layer of synthetic fill in the hip area, which helps maintain loft and prevents fabric twisting when you shift positions. Additionally, a built-in pillow sleeve behind the hood keeps your pillow securely in place, ensuring comfort on your sleeping pad.

Big Agnes backs the Sidewinder with a limited warranty against manufacturing or material defects, adding peace of mind to your purchase.

Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Sleeping Bag

A lighter bag for backpackers

This lightweight, high-quality bag is designed for backpackers who sleep hot. It’s just as warm as other options but a whole pound lighter than its competitors. The trade-off? A higher price.

 

 

 

Feathered Friends Egret YF 20 Women’s Sleeping Bag

A lighter bag for backpackers

This bag offers the Swallow’s benefits—lightweight, warm, and compressible—but with a narrower cut. However, it comes at a high price.

 

 

 

The Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 is an excellent choice for backpackers who need a lightweight yet warm sleeping bag. Filled with 900-plus-fill-power goose down, it offers top-tier insulation while remaining highly compressible. It weighs about a pound less than the Montbell Down Hugger, making it easier to carry on long hikes.

Though pricey, it’s rare to find such high-quality materials for under $550. Rated to 30 °F, the Swallow has a roomier cut, making it ideal for wider-bodied sleepers or those who tend to sleep hot. All Feathered Friends gear is made with RDS-certified down and comes with a lifetime warranty (excluding wear and tear).

The Feathered Friends Egret YF 20 Women’s Sleeping Bag shares the same premium down fill and ultralight construction but is designed with a narrower fit. It weighs about a pound less than the Marmot Teton, making it one of the lightest options we tested.

Rated to 20 °F, the Egret has extra insulation, making it a great choice for cold sleepers—regardless of gender—as long as they’re under 5’9″. Available in small and medium sizes, it’s also backed by Feathered Friends’ lifetime warranty.

How we picked and tested

How We Tested Sleeping Bags

We evaluated over 250 sleeping bags and selected models for hands-on testing based on key performance factors:

Warmth

A quality sleeping bag should keep you warm throughout the night. We focused on bags with low-limit temperature ratings between 0°F and 30°F, making them suitable for three-season camping and backpacking. However, temperature ratings indicate the lowest survivable temperature, not the most comfortable one. For a cozy night’s sleep, we recommend choosing a bag rated about 20°F lower than the coldest temperature you expect.

Insulation

We tested both down and synthetic fill bags to suit different camping needs:

• Down insulation is lighter, more compressible, and longer-lasting, providing exceptional warmth for its weight. However, it loses insulation when wet and is more expensive.
• Synthetic insulation is more affordable, easier to clean, and retains warmth even when damp, making it great for wet conditions.

For down-filled bags, fill power measures how much air the down traps (higher numbers mean better warmth-to-weight efficiency). We found that 600-700 fill power works well for most campers, while backpackers or cold-weather campers may prefer 800-900 fill power for better warmth and lighter weight.

Comfort

Comfort is subjective, but we prioritized bags with soft, non-irritating materials that allowed our testers to sleep soundly through the night. Roomier designs worked well for side-sleepers, while contoured hoods and draft collars helped retain heat.

Packability

For car camping, packed size isn’t a big concern, but if space is tight, a more compact bag is helpful. For backpackers, lightweight and compressible bags are essential. We tested how easily each bag could be stuffed into its sack and how much space it took up in a pack or trunk.

Weight

Backpacking bags need to be lightweight without sacrificing warmth. We focused on bags that weighed under 4 pounds, with most coming in under 3 pounds.

Zippers

We looked for durable, snag-resistant zippers that allowed easy entry and exit. Dual zippers for ventilation and anti-snag designs were a plus.

Baffles

Baffles are stitched sections that keep insulation evenly distributed. We avoided bags with wide baffles, as they often lead to cold spots where insulation shifts.

Price

Sleeping bag prices range from $50 to $1,000, but we found that:

• Car campers can get a great sleeping bag for around $130.
• Backpackers should expect to spend between $150 and $500 for a high-quality, lightweight bag.

Our top picks balance performance, durability, and cost, ensuring you get the best value for your needs.

Our pick for car camping: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag: A Comfortable and Versatile Pick for Car Camping

If you need a warm, spacious, and easy-to-pack sleeping bag for car camping, the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is our top recommendation.

Keeps You Warm All Night

The evenly distributed insulation of the Siesta ensures consistent warmth, even though it’s not as lofty as some other synthetic bags. The 2023 version is rated to 20°F, an improvement over the previous Siesta Hooded 25.

In our tests in Hawaii’s Volcano Village, where damp, cool February nights dropped into the low 50s, the bag kept us perfectly comfortable, even when partially unzipped. Older models have performed well down to the 30s, and we plan to test the latest version in even colder conditions.

Made from Durable, Eco-Friendly Materials

This 2024 update continues the Siesta’s strong reputation, but with a more sustainable design. The insulation is now made from 98% recycled polyester, and the bag’s bluesign-certified textiles meet high environmental and safety standards.

The water-resistant shell and liner are also easy to clean and quick-drying, making this bag a low-maintenance choice for frequent campers.

Lightweight and Easy to Store

At just 3 pounds 10 ounces, the Siesta is lighter than many other rectangular synthetic bags, making it easier to carry and pack. It also compresses smaller than much of the competition, saving space in your car or gear storage.

For a warm, durable, and comfortable sleeping bag that’s perfect for three-season car camping, the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is a fantastic choice.

Comfortable and Thoughtful Features

The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 is packed with smart design elements that enhance comfort and usability, making it a standout choice for car campers.

Built-in “Pillow Barn” for Extra Comfort

One of our favorite features is the “pillow barn”, a loose hood that fits a standard-size pillow from home. This design keeps your pillow secure and in place, preventing it from sliding away during the night. For colder nights, the hood can also be cinched down to trap heat, adding warmth and coziness.

Added Draft Collar for Extra Protection

In 2023, REI updated the Siesta by adding a draft collar, which helps block cold air from seeping in. During our tests, we also found that this collar worked well as an impromptu mosquito shield, making it useful for summer camping in buggy areas.

Versatile Two-Zipper System

The Siesta has zippers on both sides, allowing for easy entry and exit. Plus, one side can unzip completely, turning the bag into a large quilt—perfect for warmer nights or sharing.

A no-snag strip runs along the zipper, reducing frustrating snags. While it wasn’t 100% snag-proof, it performed better than similar features on other models we tested. Draft tubes along the zipper also help keep out cold air, making the Siesta one of the coziest options in its price range.

Available in Multiple Sizes

To ensure a better fit without unnecessary bulk, the Siesta comes in two sizes: regular and long. This allows campers of different heights to find a comfortable option without extra weight or material.

With plenty of thoughtful features and a focus on comfort, the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 proves to be an exceptional sleeping bag for car camping.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Trade-Offs and Value of the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20

While the Siesta Hooded 20 is an excellent car-camping sleeping bag, it does come with a few trade-offs compared with our other top picks.

Less Loft and Padding Than Some Competitors

Unlike down-filled bags, the Siesta’s insulation is made of sheets of compressed polyester fiber rather than loose stuffing. This means it doesn’t have the same plush, enveloping feel as down-filled models. However, despite the thinner padding, our tests showed that the Siesta still retained warmth effectively, keeping us comfortable through the night.

More Expensive Than Budget Options, But Worth It

At nearly twice the price of some of the cheapest car-camping bags we tested, the Siesta may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. However, considering its durability and overall comfort, we believe it’s a worthwhile investment—especially since our previous Siesta bags have lasted for years.

Warranty and Return Policy

REI’s warranty on its house-brand gear covers only manufacturing defects at the time of purchase. However, the retailer’s return policy is generous:

• 90-day returns for non-members
• One-year returns for REI Co-op members

This flexible return policy gives buyers extra peace of mind, making the Siesta an even smarter choice for long-term use.

Specs

Specifications of the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20

• Available sizes: Regular, Long
• Weight (Regular | Long): 3 lbs 10 oz | 4 lbs 0.5 oz
• Length (Regular | Long): 72 inches | 78 inches
• Insulation type: 98% recycled polyester fill

Our pick for backpackers who sleep warm: Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1

Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1: A Flexible, Roomy Sleeping Bag for Backpackers

The Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1 is an excellent choice for backpackers who need a sleeping bag that provides extra space in the shoulders while remaining snug around the hips. It’s also ideal for those who tend to sleep warm, thanks to its breathable down insulation and unique stretch technology.

A Sleeping Bag That Moves With You

Unlike most sleeping bags that stretch in only one direction (perpendicular to their baffles), the Down Hugger features diagonal baffling, which allows the bag to stretch both vertically and horizontally. This unique construction provides greater flexibility and comfort, making it easier for sleepers to shift positions without feeling restricted.

Testers noted that this bag provided a cozy, adaptive fit without the tight, claustrophobic feel of traditional mummy bags. “I usually feel constricted in narrow mummy bags,” said one tester, “but the Down Hugger moved with me, whether I curled up or stretched out.”

A Smartly Designed Footbox

Unlike conventional footboxes, which wrap tightly around the feet like a muffler, the Down Hugger’s stretchable footbox allows independent movement between the feet. This feature prevents the bag from feeling too tight while still keeping warmth close to the body.

A Balance of Warmth and Ventilation

With 650-fill-power down insulation, the Down Hugger provides excellent warmth without excessive weight. The high-loft down effectively traps heat, while the stretchable design helps reduce cold spots by eliminating unnecessary air gaps. This makes the bag ideal for three-season backpacking, as it offers a good balance between insulation and breathability.

Overall, the Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1 is a versatile and comfortable option for campers who need extra mobility, warmth, and a roomy fit in a lightweight design.

Warm, Lightweight, and Customizable for Any Backpacker

It’s built for warmth. The Montbell Down Hugger 650 #1 is rated to 11 °F, making it a reliable choice for cold-weather camping. A full-length draft tube along the zipper prevents heat from escaping, while a draft collar helps seal warmth in around the neck. Some sleeping bag experts caution against Velcro closures due to potential snagging, but we found the gentle Velcro on the Down Hugger to be well-designed and non-intrusive.

It’s impressively light and lofty. Weighing just 2 pounds 10 ounces, this bag owes nearly half of its weight to its high-loft 650-fill-power down insulation. Testers noted that the Down Hugger felt plusher and more enveloping than most of the bags we tested, providing an extra layer of comfort and warmth.

It offers multiple customization options. The Montbell Down Hugger series comes in various fill powers, fill weights, and two lengths (regular and long) to accommodate different needs. We recommend the 650 #1 for its balance of affordability and three-season versatility, but those seeking a warmer or lighter option can choose a higher fill-power version. Additionally, the bag is available with either a right- or left-side zipper, allowing couples to zip two bags together for shared warmth. The zippers include anti-snag covers, which performed well during our tests.

It’s backed by a lifetime warranty. Montbell covers manufacturer’s defects for life, and although normal wear and tear isn’t included, the company does offer a repair service for a reasonable fee. We encountered no durability issues during testing, reinforcing its high-quality construction.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Down Hugger’s draw cords aren’t as elastic as the rest of the bag, which can create small gaps with movement. While careful cinching helps, it’s a minor flaw in an otherwise snug design. Additionally, the hood’s cinches may crowd your peripheral vision or rub against your face during sleep.

Specs

Available sizes: One size, with right- or left-zip options
Claimed weight: 2 pounds 10 ounces
Claimed length: 72 inches
Type of insulation: 650 fill-power down; Montbell ensures its down comes only from waterfowl raised for food and never from live-plucked sources.

Our pick for backpackers who sleep cold: Marmot Women’s Teton 15° Sleeping Bag

The Marmot Women’s Teton 15° Sleeping Bag is an excellent choice for backpackers who tend to sleep cold and prefer a snugger fit.

It’s incredibly soft and cozy.

Unlike some sleeping bags that have stiff or crinkly fabric, the Teton’s shell and liner are made from silky, smooth material that our testers found exceptionally comfortable. “It feels like sleeping in a cloud,” one tester noted. The bag’s 650-fill-power down doesn’t have the same instant bounce-back as the ultra-premium, 900-plus-fill-power down found in Feathered Friends bags, but it still provides impressive loft and insulation.

It offers exceptional warmth and support.

Rated to 15°F, the Teton is one of the warmest bags we tested, making it a great option for cool-weather camping. Its plush down fill provides excellent insulation, and even when one of our testers’ sleeping pads deflated overnight, the Teton was so lofty that she still felt comfortable and supported.

More details to follow! Let me know if you’d like any specific additions.

It’s extra-warm and well-insulated.

The Marmot Women’s Teton 15° Sleeping Bag is specifically designed for cold sleepers, offering excellent insulation to keep you warm even in frigid conditions.

The bag has a narrower cut than unisex options, particularly in the shoulders and footbox, which minimizes excess space and helps trap heat efficiently. This design reduces the amount of air your body needs to warm up, making it ideal for those who tend to feel chilly at night.

One of its standout features is the footbox, which is more generously insulated than most others we tested. While camping in Colorado in January, one of our testers found she didn’t even need to wear socks inside the bag, despite overnight temperatures dropping to 24°F. The Teton also has thick, well-stuffed draft tubes along the zipper to block cold air and a plush draft collar to protect the neck—two areas where heat loss commonly occurs.

The hood is among the most spacious we tested, allowing room for a pillow while still cinching snugly around the face. It kept everything warm except for the nose and mouth, making it one of the coziest bags available. With a 15°F temperature rating, the Teton is an excellent choice for backpackers who need extra warmth in colder environments.

The Teton’s dual half-length zippers make getting in and out easy, while also allowing for temperature regulation on warmer nights. The plow-shaped zipper helps prevent snags, and an internal zip pocket keeps essentials—like a phone—warm and accessible. The 2022 version also includes a footbox zipper for extra space when needed.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Teton is extremely warm—possibly too warm for summer camping or for those who sleep hot. Its high-fill-power down provides great insulation but doesn’t compress as well. In temps above 40 °F, our testers often unzipped both zippers and folded the top aside. However, since the zippers don’t reach the footbox, venting your feet isn’t an option without lying on top of the bag.

Specs

• Available sizes: regular, long
• Claimed weight (regular; long): 3 pounds 9.8 ounces.; 3 pounds 14.8 ounces
• Claimed length (regular; long): 66 inches; 72 inches
• Type of insulation: RDS-certified 650-fill-power duck down

Our pick for couples: Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20

The Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20 is an excellent choice for couples and families who want to share a sleeping space while car camping.

It’s Incredibly Spacious

This queen-size sleeping bag comfortably fits two people up to 6.5 feet tall. Among the double sleeping bags we tested, it was one of the most generously sized. It fits well inside any tent with at least 34 square feet of floor space (typically a three-person tent or larger) and is also a great option for cabins, RVs, and vans. The bag’s slightly tapered hood is designed to accommodate two standard pillows, ensuring a home-like sleeping experience.

It’s Water-Resistant and Easy to Maintain

The TruComfort features a smooth taffeta shell and lining, both of which have a PFC-free DWR coating to resist moisture. When we poured a glass of water onto the fabric, the liquid beaded up and rolled off rather than soaking in. Cleaning is simple: it’s easy to spot-clean for minor messes, and the entire bag is machine washable. The polyester shell, lining, and synthetic fill hold up well in a commercial front-loading machine or a top-loading machine without an agitator. For drying, use a low-heat tumble setting with a few tennis balls to maintain loft.

Customizable Temperature for Each Sleeper

The Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20 stands out for its adaptability, allowing each person to regulate their warmth independently. Good-quality double sleeping bags typically feature dual zippers or foot vents, and the TruComfort excels in this area. Among the models we tested, only the TruComfort and the Nemo Jazz Double offered comparable versatility—but the TruComfort is $150 more affordable. The bag’s top quilt has zippers on both sides, plus individual foot-venting zippers, so each sleeper can adjust their airflow. Additionally, it features a pair of sewn-in quilts, a unique layering design that sets it apart. On warm nights, you can remove the top quilt entirely and sleep under the interior layers, using the bottom quilt’s “bathtub” floor to tuck in your feet and hands.

Affordable Without Sacrificing Quality

While some pricier double sleeping bags include extra features like phone sleeves, cinchable hoods, or sleeping-pad attachments, the TruComfort delivers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price. Despite its affordability, it boasts high-quality zippers, strong stitching, a thoughtfully designed structure, and a convenient stuff sack for storage. Plus, it’s backed by Kelty’s lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term use.

Warm, But Not Overwhelming

The TruComfort is rated to 20 °F, meaning it should keep most sleepers comfortable down to around 40 °F. We’ve tested it in a range of conditions—including warm, hot, humid, cool, and damp weather in Hawaii—and it has consistently performed well. We plan to continue testing it in colder environments and will update our findings accordingly.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Although rated below 20 °F, the TruComfort lacks draft tubes and a cinchable hood, making it less ideal for temps below the 40s. This is a new pick for 2024, and we’ve only tested it in temps as low as the 50s. For colder conditions, we’d opt for the Big Agnes Dream Island, which offers better heat retention.

Specs

• Available sizes: one size
• Claimed weight: 9 pounds 8 ounces
• Claimed length: 78 inches
• Type of Insulation: Cloudloft synthetic insulation

Also great for side-sleepers: Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20

The Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 is our top pick for side-sleepers who need a comfortable mummy-style sleeping bag.

It’s designed for side-sleepers. With a slightly wider midsection and added synthetic insulation in that area, the Sidewinder prevents cold spots when your hips compress the down fill. This extra loft makes it easier to shift positions comfortably.

It has a convenient center zipper. Unlike traditional side-zipped bags, the Sidewinder’s center-aligned zipper is always easy to locate, no matter your sleeping position.

It keeps your pillow in place. A built-in stretch pillow sleeve inside the hood secures your pillow, preventing it from slipping away as you move during the night.

It protects against drafts. The Sidewinder’s overstuffed, continuous draft collar wraps fully around your head, offering better insulation and comfort than traditional two-piece designs.

It’s soft and quiet. Unlike the slick, crinkly fabric found in many sleeping bags, the Sidewinder features a soft nylon ripstop shell that feels smooth to the touch. The polyester taffeta lining is gentle on the skin and doesn’t produce loud rustling noises when you shift positions, making for a more peaceful night’s sleep. Many testers found the material nearly as luxurious as the Marmot Teton’s silky fabric.

It has a limited warranty. Big Agnes offers a warranty without a specific time frame, handling claims on a case-by-case basis at its discretion. While manufacturer defects may be covered, general wear and tear is not.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The pillow sleeve is helpful but not perfect. The Sidewinder’s built-in pillow sleeve is designed to keep your pillow in place as you move throughout the night. While it did prevent Sam from losing his pillow in the tent, he still had to adjust it each time he changed positions. Instead of staying firmly under his head, the pillow had a tendency to shift within the sleeve, requiring occasional repositioning. Despite this minor inconvenience, the sleeve still provided more stability than simply placing a pillow on the sleeping bag’s slick fabric.

Specs

• Available men’s sizes: regular, long
• Available women’s sizes: petite, regular
• Claimed weight (men’s regular; men’s long): 2 pounds 4 ounces; 2 pounds 8 ounces
• Claimed weight (women’s petite; women’s regular): 2 pounds 7 ounces; 2 pounds 10 ounces
• Claimed length (men’s regular; men’s long): 72 inches; 78 inches
• Claimed length (women’s petite; women’s regular): 65 inches; 70 inches
• Types of insulation: RDS-certified 650-fill-power water-repellent down and recycled polyester fill

Also great for serious backpackers: Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Sleeping Bag

Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Sleeping Bag

A lighter bag for backpackers

This lightweight, high-quality bag is designed for backpackers who sleep hot. It offers the same warmth as other backpacking bags but weighs a full pound less than its competitors. However, this comes at a higher price.

 

 

 

It’s well-made. The Swallow YF 20 features a durable yet soft Pertex YFuse shell, which is both water-resistant and breathable. The high-quality stitching and attention to detail ensure longevity, making it a reliable investment for serious backpackers.

It packs down impressively small. Thanks to its 900-plus-fill goose down, this bag compresses into one of the smallest bundles we tested, making it ideal for those who need to save space in their pack. Despite its compact size, it quickly regains its loft, creating a cozy, well-insulated sleeping environment.

It’s backed by a solid warranty. Feathered Friends offers a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, which adds to the bag’s long-term value. While wear and tear aren’t covered, the company does provide repair services to extend the life of your gear.

It’s durable. The Swallow YF 20’s Pertex Quantum shell is designed to be water-resistant and tough. We previously tested this fabric on the Feathered Friends Egret, and it held up well in wet conditions. We’ll be testing the Swallow with this updated shell soon, but it’s covered by Feathered Friends’ lifetime warranty (excluding wear and tear).

The Swallow YF 20 has thoughtful details, like a dual-webbing zip guard to prevent snags and a snap clip instead of Velcro to secure the hood comfortably.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Swallow YF 20 is pricey but built to last, making it a solid long-term investment. While the snap-clip hood closure is secure, some testers found it tricky to adjust from inside the bag. Also, the zipper doesn’t fully extend around the footbox, limiting ventilation for hot sleepers.

Specs

• Available sizes: regular, long
• Claimed weight (regular; long): 1 pound 12.7 ounces.; 1 pound 14.3 ounces
• Claimed length (regular; long): 72 inches; 78 inches
• Type of Insulation: RDS-certified 900-plus-fill-power goose down

Also great for serious backpackers: Feathered Friends Egret YF 20 Women’s Sleeping Bag

Feathered Friends Egret YF 20 Women’s Sleeping Bag

A lighter bag for backpackers

This bag shares the Swallow’s benefits—lightweight, warm, and compressible—but with a narrower fit. However, it comes at a high price.

 

 

 

The Feathered Friends Egret YF 20 is ideal for cold sleepers under 5’9″. It’s exceptionally warm, thanks to its 900-plus-fill-power down, well-insulated footbox, and plush hood. Despite lacking a draft collar, its neck tube prevents heat loss. Weighing just 1 lb 13 oz, it’s over a pound lighter than the Marmot Teton. Its 20 °F rating felt accurate in testing. For those needing less warmth but preferring a slim fit, the Egret 30 is a good alternative.

The Egret YF 20 repels moisture well. Liz found it stayed fluffy and warm during a 160-mile trek in humid conditions. In 2022, Sam tested the updated version with Pertex Quantum 20D fabric, which kept the down drier than many other bags, even when touching a wet tent wall. It’s not fully waterproof but has a reliable DWR coating and is covered by Feathered Friends’ lifetime warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Egret shares the Swallow’s flaws: it’s expensive, the hood’s snap button can be tricky, and the zipper doesn’t fully extend to the footbox. Still, its quality makes up for these drawbacks.

Specs

• Available sizes: small, medium
• Claimed weight (small; medium): 1 pound 11.2 ounces; 1 pound 13 ounces
• Claimed length (small; medium): 63 inches; 69 inches
• Type of Insulation: RDS-certified 900-plus-fill-power goose down