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After a long and tiring day of backpacking, all you need is to get some rest and sleep for next-day adventure.
Just imagine bringing a bad sleeping bag that doesn’t offer you warmth and comfort. That’s not good enough, right?
A sleeping bag is one of the necessary items needed for comfortable backpacking. If you’ve done hiking or backcountry camping before, you’d understand why it’s essential to include a quality sleeping bag in your backpack.
Finding the backpacking sleeping bag under $100 can be a tough task. So, you need recommendations from experts like us. In this article, we are going to show you the top options within your budget.
Top Backpacking Sleeping Bag Review in 2021
So, after an extensive review of some options, we’ve hand-picked the right sleeping bags within budget. Let’s check out what they have to offer you.
SleepInGo Double Sleeping Bag
SleepInGo is a popular brand in the sleeping bags industry. They’ve earned themselves a rich history of producing high-quality sleeping bags that offer warmth and comfort for the outdoors.
This SleepInGo’s double sleeping bag offers the best comfort; you no longer have to lose a good night’s sleep to enjoy your backpacking experience.
For durability, it is made from polyester fabric that will keep you cozy and warm for a very long time.
You don’t need to worry even in the coldest nights; it features an impressive temperature rating of 32 degrees Fahrenheit to keep you cozy and relaxed.
Also, for comfortable night rest, this sleeping bag features a 210-thread count lining that holds your body heat enclosed to keep you warm throughout the night.
For maximum comfort, the sleeping bag offers a queen size design that enables you to enter and exit the bag without any hassles. The sufficient space provided allows you to sleep in your desired comfortable position.
As for its portability, the bag weighs only 3 pounds giving you a lightweight backpacking experience. You can easily fold this sleeping bag in the included carrying case. It will never bog you down!
What’s more? SleepInGo sleeping bag is also water-resistant; it is suitable for wet weather conditions.
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Soulout Sleeping Bag
The Soulout sleeping bag is a durable, super-wide, and classic bed that comes handy for your backpacking to keep you cozy, warm, and relaxed.
It is perfect and versatile for use in your backyard or all your outdoor expedition. Also, its double-layer technology and waterproof design make it suitable for both cold and hot weather conditions.
Thanks to its 400 GSM cotton material fill, which offers 0-25 degrees Celsius temperature rating, it makes the sleeping bag suitable for most near-freezing conditions.
This sleeping bag is made with 100% polyester lining and a high-quality 210T polyester, offering a soft and comfortable touch, no matter the nature of the surface used.
For high insulation capability, this sleeping bag features an adjustable drawstring hood and non-allergenic body material.
Also, the bag has a flexible design that allows you to transform it into a blanket for use during picnics or play.
This sleeping bag requires less maintenance; you can easily wipe it by hand for convenient cleaning.
It also has a strap and a compressed sack that offers convenient storage and portability.
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Related Guide: Camping Knife under 50 Dollars
Coleman Sleeping Bag
Coleman is one of the leading manufacturers of backpacking sleeping bags. They offer high-quality sleeping bags at low prices.
Also, Coleman is popular for helping people make happy memories by providing camping tools, tents, coolers, lighting, and stoves to their favorite outdoor expedition.
Honestly, if you’re looking for the good backpacking sleeping bag for under 100, this one is for you. In terms of comfort, the Coleman sleeping bag delivers impressive results.
It is incredibly soft inside with a high-quality zipper that does not snag when you zip it up or down.
Thanks to its adjustable strap, you can adjust the hood to your desired position. To enjoy it to the fullest, you can use the hood to hold down a pillow for added comfort.
The Semi-sculpted hood is tightened with a drawstring to retain warmth. For extra ventilation, unzip the bottom for comfort on warmer nights.
It also comes with an insulating foot box, quilting construction, and a Thermolock draft tube for heat and warmth retention.
This sleeping bag is ideal for those who love to camp in cold weather areas. Also, if you’re a hill climber or a mountaineer, you will enjoy this sleeping bag as it is portable and easy to carry.
Concerning its length, it features an ample length of 6’2,” which is comfortable enough for most people.
The only downside is that the bag is snug-fitting, which could feel slightly tight around your shoulders.
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RedCamp Sleeping Bag
RedCamp is a professional outdoor appliance brand in the United States. They are popular for developing and designing high-quality outdoor gear to give you remarkable outdoor experiences out there.
This sleeping bag measures 75×33 inches, which is about 3 inches wider than most bags on the market. It is wide enough to help you move around while sleeping.
With this, keep yourself in the best warmth and comfort wherever you go on your backpacking adventure in any weather condition.
If you are as tall as 6’ or less, this cotton flannel sleeping bag by REDCAMP is the best choice for you.
It is made from high-quality and durable 210T polyester that is water/rip-resistant. Also, there’s an anti-clip strip design to prevent the zipper from snagging.
For portability, it comes with a carrying bag that allows you to take it anywhere you want. RedCamp sleeping bag is great for climbing, fishing, camping, backpacking, hiking, and any other outdoor activities.This sleeping bag is perfect for both outdoor and indoor activities.
It features flannel fabric and soft cotton to give you a comfortable skin-friendly and warmer sleeping experience.
Also, there’s an adjustable wooden strap that helps you compress the bag for easy storage in your backpack, shoulder, or car.
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Teton Celsius XXL Sleeping Bag
The Teton Celsius XXL sleeping bag is great value for money, particularly for under $100. It is built to offer a lot of room for you to get comfortable and move around. If you want a large sleeping bag, this is the best choice for you.
This sleeping bag has an exceptional temperature resistance with the ability to handle up to –18°C/0°F.
Also, the Super Loft Elite 4-channel fiber insulation makes this bag suitable for use in extreme weather conditions.
Furthermore, it features 100% brushed poly-flannel inner lining and durable Taffeta shell that will stand up to years of rigorous use. There’s also an internal pocket for keys, jewelry, phones, and wallet storage.
The half-circle mummy-style hood has a drawstring that keeps your head off the ground to keep your pillow clean.
For better ventilation, this large size sleeping bag features a self-repairing zipper that opens up and down.
Also, for easy access, it offers an anti-snag zipper that rolls smoothly without any hassle. Teton provides a sturdy compression sack that helps to squish the sleeping bag into a small size for portability.
The sleeping bag will sit comfortably in your backpack without bogging you down because of its lightweight.
Many customers love this sleeping bag for warmth, comfort, lightness, good padding, and smooth inner lining. They have rated it as the best lightweight backpacking sleeping bag under 100 dollars.
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What to Look for Before Buying?
Whether you’re camping up in a mountain, backpacking, hiking hut to hut, or picnicking, your choice of the sleeping bag will affect your night.
It is essential to get a good quality sleeping bag that will offer you maximum warmth and comfort.
There is a wide range of different brands and manufacturers of sleeping bags. Surely, you would come across dubious descriptions, and manufacturers will use tricky performance measurements to deceive you.
To choose the backpacking sleeping bag, you need to look out for some things before buying it. Here’s a guide on how to choose the right sleeping bag for you.
Temperature Rating
The temperature rating is an important thing to look out for before buying the bag. Some sleeping bags are suitable for extreme winter temperatures, while some are just so good for summer.
You should also consider the temperature during your trip to be sure of the appropriate type of bag. Every sleeping bag has a unique temperature rating, and the lower the temperature, the better.
Also, you need to predict the climatic conditions during your expedition. Most sleeping bags are designed for either winter or summer seasons.
Know the weather conditions during your trip to buy the right bag with the appropriate temperature rating.
You should note that these temperature ratings are based on the users because everyone feels heat/cold differently.
So, you need to adjust your options if you easily get cold or warm. Some other factors you need to consider also include sleeping pad, wind, clothing, and humidity.
Weight of the Bag
You should go for a sleeping bag that combines high warmth and low weight. A heavy or bulky bag will add weight to your luggage, so it’s necessary to consider the ones that are compact and lightweight.
Also, you should buy a sleeping bag that weighs less than 6lbs. Consider the portability and how easy it is to pack it in its compression sack.
Size and Shape
The main purpose of buying a sleeping bag is for warmth and comfort. This is why it is important to consider a bag with ample space for movement. No one would love to feel constricted or cramped.
Check if your bag is suitable for your height. Also, look out for the bag’s body dimensions to know if it’ll offer enough space for you to stretch.
As for the shape, sleeping bags are usually of tapered ‘mummy’ shape or rectangular. Mummy-shape sleeping bags are ideal for heat retention, due to their closer fit; they are best for colder temperatures. They are also snugger than the rectangular types.
Rectangular sleeping bags offer you a lot of room for your legs to stretch out a bit. You can also unzip the bag and use it as a pillow.
Insulation Material
Most sleeping bags have insulation materials made of synthetic or down materials. Synthetic-lined is a non-allergenic material formulated from polyester and is cheaper, although it is a bit heavier than down material.
On the other side, down is a natural, breathable, and light material which is more expensive than synthetic-lined sleeping bags.
The Accessories
In terms of accessories, sleeping bags vary. Some come with compression sacks that consume less space and can fit well in your backpack.
Meanwhile, others have storage sacks that do not require you to stuff the bag in the sack. So, you need to check if the bag comes with a cotton storage sack or a mesh.
Some brands also add liners to their sleeping bags. These liners add extra warmth during cold temperatures and also keep your bag clean at all times.
Zip
The zip design of a sleeping bag is another important thing to consider before buying one. Two-way zips are the best option, as it helps to open the length of the bag to add more ventilation to your feet.
Zip designs such as anti-snag zipper are also important features to look out for when purchasing a new sleeping bag.
Is Sleeping Bag Actually Waterproof?
Sleeping bags are a type of bag, primarily used for sleeping in on the outdoors, especially when hiking, camping, or climbing the hill.
It keeps a person warm in cold weather and is considered an essential item to carry in your bag during any kind of adventure.
Just like any other clothing, sleeping bags may vary in material. Even though most sleeping bags have a waterproof coating, it may not necessarily mean that they are all waterproof, but only resist water for a little while.
Most manufacturers consider warmth to be the primary reason for purchasing sleeping bags. So, not many of them incorporate waterproof coating into their bags.
Sleeping bags being waterproof might be an excellent feature, and manufacturers may have to consider it. Bags with waterproof coating ensure that rain droplets or snow won’t quickly damp you.
Although you must be vigilant when shopping for one, some manufacturers use it as a marketing strategy to attract customers to buy their products.
So, instead of looking for waterproof bags, you need to prioritize the basics that sleeping bags provide, which is warmth.
Furthermore, it is advisable to consider carrying a backpacking tent, so you don’t sleep out during a downpour, thinking that sleeping bag will keep you dry.
What Is the Best Way to Use Sleeping Bags?
It might look simple to use sleeping bags, but it is not! Especially if it is the first time using them. Below are steps on how to use sleeping bags;
Put It Out on a Mat
First, lay it down on a mat. Ensure that the mat is kept underneath the sleeping bag.
Unravel the Zipper Flap and Open It
Unzip the sleeping bag so that it is enough for you to enter it.
Put on a Pair of Socks
It is also recommended to wear a clean pair of socks to keep you even warmer.
Put the Liner in
Liners are put inside your sleeping bag to provide some additional warmth and keep the bag clean.
Get Inside the Bag
Once all the four steps above are adhered to, slip into the bag. Twist yourself inside until the feet touch the bottom to ensure that the whole-body fits into the bag.
Lie Down with the Cover Under Your Head
The hood of the sleeping bag should be under your head so that it keeps you from touching on the mat underneath or on the ground.
This ensures that the whole of your body is inside the bag. You will tighten the hood later if need be.
Gently Zip It Up from the Outside
Once your body has fit inside, it is time to zip it back to make sure that it is tightened. It is easy to zip it up from the outside. A friend can assist in zipping it up.
Seal the Flap Lock
After zipping it up, the flap can be closed and locked.
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It is also important to note that after using the sleeping bag, you should roll it up. Then, have it zipped and locked.
Next, fold it to the length of the sleeping bag cover. Make sure to get rid of excess air, after that, insert it into the cover, then tie the bag ropes and buckle it up.
Sleeping Bag Accessories
There are different types of sleeping bag accessories that help to make your camping experience remarkable and fun-filled. These accessories include; liners, pillows, sleep mats, compression bags, and stuff sack.
Liners
The main function of a liner is to create a barrier between you and the bag to minimize dirt transfer. Liner is lightweight, easy to wash, and it also helps to add extra warmth.
Sleep Mats
Sleep mats mainly act as a mattress type accessory to give you a bit of home comfort. They also create a barrier between you and the cold floor surface to keep you warmer.
Pillows
Pillows normally come in many styles and designs; you can choose from folding, soft, self-inflating, and bean filled. It all depends on your choice.
Compression Sacks
These compression sacks make packing up your sleeping bag an easy work. They help to compress sleeping bags into smaller sizes to fit into your backpack or car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Backpacking sleeping bags are an exceptionally effective and practical approach to make your camping experience comfortable without any hassle. However, most backpackers still have some important questions about these bags.
To solve this issue, we need to assist you in providing some answers to the most frequently asked questions about these sleeping bags.
Yes, they are. Sleeping bags are very comfortable, especially the one with filling ratings of 600-700.
500-550 filling ratings are still good, and 400-450 is considered average quality. Most rectangular bags use cotton, which is cheaper and comfortable but a bit bulkier.
Anything! But you should know that the more layers of clothes you put on your body, the warmer your body will be. If you want to stay warmer, then you should wear more clothes inside your sleeping bag.
However, you must not wear too many clothes; therefore, a layer or two should be okay; a head warmer and socks are fine too.
Rectangular sleeping bags have less form-fitting and are usually heavier, so they are not the best option for backpacking.
Because they have less efficient hoods that help to keep your head warm but are good for winter camping.
Meanwhile, mummy bags usually have lighter weights because they are form-fitting, making them appropriate for backpacking and winter camping.
A baffle is a fabric tube that contains either a synthetic or down insulation. They’re usually fixed vertically or horizontally in sleeping bags.
A zipper guard is a stiffened fabric tape or piece of fabric that runs along a zipper to prevent it from snagging on the inside lining of your sleeping bag.
It is an important feature that enhances the functionality of the zipper for a long time.
Closing Thoughts
We hope you were able to find resources that will help you to buy the right backpacking sleeping bag under $100.
If you’re camping outdoor during warm weather, it is better to buy a breathable and lightweight sleeping bag. Make sure you choose a bag that fits your needs and budget.