Sleeping bag recommendations for backpacking trips

[Blackmagic71]

My current sleeping bag is adequately warm, but bulky and a little restrictive to sleep in, so I’m in the market for a new sleeping bag for backpacking trips and I was curious if anybody had any recommendations. (Some of my friends have tried the blanket route, but they never seem very happy with it, so I don’t think I want to go that route yet).

This will be for use in Northern MN (Superior Hiking Trail) in the June-September time frame.

Ideally I’d like something high quality, rated for around 45 degrees that takes up as little space in my pack as possible, yet offers decent width in the shoulders to comfortably roll around at night.

I’m willing to spend a decent amount of money if it helps keep me comfortable on the trail.

Any recommendations?

[OpusX]

Well my recommendation is neither light nor compact, but is the answer to staying warm in all conditions. Wiggys FTRSS.

[Jonnydread]

I car camp 95% of the time and the L.L. Bean standard backpacking sleeping bags have always done me well, but they could certainly be more compact.

[Seajay]

If you have a lot of trees on the trail you could take some thermal covers and a sleeping hammock instead of a tent and sleeping bag. I've had pretty good success with this setup, lighter too.

I like this 45'F bag, pretty light.

https://www.rei.com/product/894947/rei-co-op-helio-down-45-sleeping-bag

[BLachance75]

Are you looking for something rated for 45 degrees or comfortable to sleep in when it is 45 degrees.

[Blackmagic71]

Are you looking for something rated for 45 degrees or comfortable to sleep in when it is 45 degrees.

Just rated to 45 degrees (+/-). I have a bulkier sleeping bag for hiking trips that has kept me comfortable down around freezing.

[Blackmagic71]

If you have a lot of trees on the trail you could take some thermal covers and a sleeping hammock instead of a tent and sleeping bag. I've had pretty good success with this setup, lighter too.

I like this 45'F bag, pretty light.

https://www.rei.com/product/894947/rei-co-op-helio-down-45-sleeping-bag

Some of my buddies are planning to go the hammock route on our next trip. I may see how they like it before I decide to try it or not.

That sleeping bag you linked to looks like something I’d be interested in.

I was considering this liner:

https://www.rei.com/product/191483/sea-to-summit-spark-ultralight-sleeping-bag-liner

Maybe pair it with a compact blanket depending on what the forecast says.

Its also a shame I’d have to buy the long version to get the wider shoulders when that’s easily 1’ longer than I need.

[Siress]

tried a few, but the only thing that made a big difference was an inflatable pad. I picked up a Therm-a-rest from REI. A few years later the internal adhesive gave out. Therm-a-rest replaced it with a newer model for free. I'm far more into hammock camping, but it made a big difference with tent camping as well.

[Tugboater203]

I use a North Face The One bag. It's down, and has 2 blanket layers you can zip in/out for varying degrees of comfort.

That is when I'm not in my hammock .

I also keep one of the Black Diamond Costco down throws in whatever pack I'm using to either take up air space or use as a light blanket if it's too warm.


https://www.rei.com/product/124269 The North Face One Bag Sleeping Bag #REIapp

[maggot]

Do yourself a favor and get a 30* rated bag if you're going to be in 45* conditions. The 45* bag will keep you alive at 45*, not give you a night's sleep.
I've been very happy with my Mountain Hardwear synthetic bag (bought almost 20 years ago at this point). I'd recommend synthetic for backpacking here in the midwest because it will absorb less humidity and dry faster if you accidently get it wet.

[pirhana92]

I've been using a Kelty 35 degree bag for years but I think it got discontinued. I can't speak of many other brands but I've always thought my Kelty bag was top notch. I've heard good things about the therm a rest sleeping bags and even REI has decent bags, just gotta watch weight.

[Blackmagic71]

Do yourself a favor and get a 30* rated bag if you're going to be in 45* conditions. The 45* bag will keep you alive at 45*, not give you a night's sleep.
I've been very happy with my Mountain Hardwear synthetic bag (bought almost 20 years ago at this point). I'd recommend synthetic for backpacking here in the midwest because it will absorb less humidity and dry faster if you accidently get it wet.

This would be for summer use with anticipated temperatures at night around 60 (+/-).

I’ve got a fall/cold weather sleeping bag that keeps me comfy at freezing temperatures, I’d just rather not deal with the weight and bulk on a warmer summer trip - the lighter my pack is the easier it is to keep up with my buddies.

[FullContactUSA]

My favorite sleeping bag is one I got probably half a dozen years ago, it's a field and stream bag, with and outer shell that feels like a soft canvas almost and the inner shell is flannel, it went with a Pollyanna fill because it's easier to wash than down. It's super worm and roomy. A bit heavy, not super easy to pack, but I have taken it with me on a couple overseas trips even and was happy with my decision. Bag was something like this one:

https://www.fieldandstreamshop.com/p/stansport-white-tail-0f-sleeping-bag-20tnpawhttl5lbsbxcsl/20tnpawhttl5lbsbxcsl

For light weight and packable I have a bag from snugpak. While it is warm, and way easier to stow than my F+S, it's a mummy style bag, and I don't like those. Too restrictive.

https://www.snugpak.com/sleeping/tactical-2

As far as hammocks I have a couple from EOS or Enos or something like that. They have been around the world several times over. I have probably spent way more time on govt flights listed as cargo than as a passenger, and when your accommodations are c130 cargo net seating or the fold down seats on a c17 anything feels like a lonnng flight. So for years now my parachute style hammock has traveled with me. As soon as we are airborne, just hook it into the rings on a couple pallets cargo nets then rack out.

https://www.rei.com/product/202538/eno-doublenest-hammock?CAWELAID=120217890013265084&cm_mmc=PLA_Bing%7C21700000001700551_2025380005%7C92700072348248376%7CNB%7C71700000081546030&msclkid=6cec0f7109131d0ffe696c17f32fa1fd&gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds

[Tugboater203]

If you're looking to drop weight, have you considered a quilt/pad combo?

[zenmic]

I can vouch for the Sungpaks, I have two of them, and they pack down small, but are a pain to put back into their compression sacks when you are out in the woods. Like FullContactUSA said, they are mummy style bags, so if you do not like those, then they may not work for you. The Snugpaks do work well in their temperature ranges. I have an additional internal liner for when it gets a little colder, but this is DEFINATELY not for two rats in a wool sock cold.

https://www.rei.com/product/695429/sea-to-summit-silk-travel-sleeping-bag-liner-traveler

My favorite sleeping bag is one I got probably half a dozen years ago, it's a field and stream bag, with and outer shell that feels like a soft canvas almost and the inner shell is flannel, it went with a Pollyanna fill because it's easier to wash than down. It's super worm and roomy. A bit heavy, not super easy to pack, but I have taken it with me on a couple overseas trips even and was happy with my decision. Bag was something like this one:

https://www.fieldandstreamshop.com/p/stansport-white-tail-0f-sleeping-bag-20tnpawhttl5lbsbxcsl/20tnpawhttl5lbsbxcsl

For light weight and packable I have a bag from snugpak. While it is warm, and way easier to stow than my F+S, it's a mummy style bag, and I don't like those. Too restrictive.

https://www.snugpak.com/sleeping/tactical-2

As far as hammocks I have a couple from EOS or Enos or something like that. They have been around the world several times over. I have probably spent way more time on govt flights listed as cargo than as a passenger, and when your accommodations are c130 cargo net seating or the fold down seats on a c17 anything feels like a lonnng flight. So for years now my parachute style hammock has traveled with me. As soon as we are airborne, just hook it into the rings on a couple pallets cargo nets then rack out.

https://www.rei.com/product/202538/eno-doublenest-hammock?CAWELAID=120217890013265084&cm_mmc=PLA_Bing%7C21700000001700551_2025380005%7C92700072348248376%7CNB%7C71700000081546030&msclkid=6cec0f7109131d0ffe696c17f32fa1fd&gclsrc=ds&gclsrc=ds