The 7 Best Budget Sleeping Bags of 2024

Best Budget Sleeping Bag

To ensure a warm and comfortable night’s sleep, there’s no need for further suspense—the ultimate solution is a well-suited sleeping bag. There are many factors you need to consider before buying a sleeping bag. These will be weight, volume, resistance, and of course the comfort temperature.

Rest assured, as we provide you with all the information you need to choose the best budget sleeping bags! This buying guide is your key to selecting the perfect sleeping bag for camping or hiking, catering to your needs at every level. Stay connected to uncover our ultimate selection and gain comprehensive insights.

Which Best Budget Sleeping Bag to Choose?

Take a look at our comparison table of the top 7 best budget sleeping bags in 2024

ImageNameOpinionPrice
1. The North Face Eco Trail 20 Backpacking Sleeping BagEco Trail 20If you are looking for a cheap, elegant sleeping bag that effectively protects you from the cold, you can trust The North Face brand and more particularly its Eco Trail 20 model.Check
2. Marmot Col MemBrain Down Sleeping BagMarmot Col MemBrainYou can also buy the Marmot Col MemBrain sleeping bag which is just as comfortable and at a low price. It can be used as an extra model.Check
3. WINNER OUTFITTERS 4 Season Mummy Sleeping BagWINNER OUTFITTERSThe WINNER OUTFITTERS sleeping bag is very light and easily transported. It will slip easily into your special hiking luggage. It is also very soft and resistant.Check
4. Coleman Blue Brazos™ 20°F Sleeping BagColeman Blue Brazos™ 20°FThe Coleman Blue Brazos™ 20°F is not only inexpensive but also very aesthetic. Its original look without excess will make you want to slip into it. It is also very practical and space-saving.Check
5. Rab Ascent ‎Down Insulated Mummy Sleeping BagAscent 300If you want slightly more technical equipment, the Ascent 300 sleeping bag could be a very good purchase. It offers comfort, lightness, solidity, and protection against the elements.Check
6. Mountain Hardwear Lamina Synthetic Sleeping BagMountain Hardwear’sIf you thought synthetics couldn’t compete with goose down, Mountain Hardwear’s Lamina will prove you wrong! It adapts to all temperatures thanks to its different models.Check
7. TETON Sports Leef Mummy Backpacking Sleeping BagTeton Leef brandFinally, we would like to introduce you to the Teton Leef brand sleeping bag, a super synthetic model that will allow you to go on an adventure while benefiting from a restful sleep.Check

1. The North Face Eco Trail 20

1. The North Face Eco Trail 20 Backpacking Sleeping Bag

Specs:

  • Temperature Index: -7°C
  • Seasons: All Seasons
  • Fill Material: Synthetic
  • Outer Material: Synthetic
  • Closure Type: Zipper
  • Item Weight: 4.6 Pounds

Pros

  • Very good value for the money
  • Made from recycled materials
  • Non-toxic water-repellent finish
  • More room at the knees
  • Inside pocket for personal items

Cons

  • No compression bag
  • One color available

In an eco-responsible approach, the Eco Trail sleeping bag is made from entirely recycled materials. The construction of the shell is made from a 50 denier Ripstop fabric with a non-PFC durable water-repellent finish. This means that this sleeping bag is completely waterproof and harmless for your body, as well as for the environment.

For the lining of the bag, the material used is 100% embossed 50 denier polyester taffeta. The insulation is made of 600 cuin (cubic inch) recycled down, which means that the insulation is rather mid-range. However, the advantage of Down is that it has a very good insulator: the feathers capture the air and act as a thermal barrier.

We therefore have a soft, comfortable, lightweight down that retains heat well. However, the only downside is that it doesn’t stay warm when wet, so be careful when camping in winter. We like this “puffy” padded side on the outside, which gives it a comfortable side where you want to snuggle up warm.

The hood is adjustable with a drawstring to keep your head warm and provide extra comfort. The stand-up collar allows for really good insulation without any loss of heat. When we know that 20% of our heat evaporates through the head, it is therefore essential that it be perfectly thought out.

The footwell has been created arched with more padding than on the rest of the bag. The width is wider at the knees to promote mobility of movement. The J-shaped zipper also allows more comfort and ventilation.

In Summary…

The North Face Eco Trail 20 is our favorite budget sleeping bag! It fulfills all the essential characteristics of quality equipment, which keeps you warm and ensures comfort, warmth, and freedom of movement. So if you are looking for a sleeping bag to go camping this summer without spending too much but still with a certain technical side, this is the one we highly recommend.

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2. Marmot Col MemBrain Down

2. Marmot Col MemBrain Down Sleeping Bag

Specs:

  • Temperature Index: -20°C
  • Seasons: All Seasons
  • Fill Material: Down
  • Outer Material: Polyester
  • Closure Type: Zipper
  • Item Weight: 2.2 Pounds

Pros

  • MemBrain concept with double membrane
  • 11 cross partitions
  • High quality protection against the cold
  • Pertex Shield fabric
  • Waterproof and insulating technology

Cons

  • Bulky sleeping bag
  • Storage bag is not big enough

Marmot is a brand that pushes the possibilities in terms of outdoor survival in extreme cold. With its MemBrain sleeping bag, comfort and warmth are guaranteed, even with temperatures down to -20°. The waterproof and breathable outer shell is made from Pertex Shield fabric, a synthetic material that provides you with very good insulation against humidity while keeping your body warm.

However, the most significant feature lies in its MemBrain technology, a double membrane that pushes even further the concept of thermal insulation from external humidity while avoiding condensation inside the bag. You are always dry and that is simply priceless when you are exposed to extreme cold!

We like the design with 11 cross partitions of this model, because it allows that it does not accumulate in certain parts of the sleeping bag. The protection is therefore very well distributed, evenly everywhere in your sleeping bag.

This MemBrain model is insulated to 800 cuin. The goose down is very effective at protecting against humidity and retains heat very well, but again, except when wet. The weather stripping around the head insulates from the cold and is equipped with a pocket for your personal effects.

This model is also compact and can be stored easily, which is a game-changer when you’re going away for several days. We understand that its price can put some buyers off, but that’s without taking into account its formidable efficiency and its keeping warm that will tip the scales.

In Summary…

The Marmot Col MemBrain is a highly recommended sleeping bag for those embarking on trekking adventures in extreme temperatures. While it comes with a relatively higher price tag, it excels in fulfilling its insulating role during bedtime. This model leaves little doubt that you will stay warm, thanks to its use of high-quality materials and design aimed at maximizing warmth, even in mountainous environments. If your comfort is priceless, go for it!

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3. WINNER OUTFITTERS 4-Season

3. WINNER OUTFITTERS 4 Season Mummy Sleeping Bag

Specs:

  • Temperature Index: -7°C
  • Seasons: 3-4 Seasons
  • Fill Material: Polyester
  • Outer Material: Polyester
  • Closure Type: Zipper
  • Item Weight: 2.8 Pounds

Pros

  • Double zipper to prevent the fabric from jamming
  • Machine washable and Water resistant
  • Small and lightweight
  • Good foot space
  • Ideal for tall people

Cons

  • Not a very technical
  • Only one opening side (left side)
  • Difficult to fold
  • No inside pocket

This model from Winner Outfitters is recommended if you want to go camping in spring, summer, or early fall. It’s not the equipment that will allow you to survive at -20°C, but it does its job of keeping you warm and comfortable in more moderate temperatures.

This is a mummy-shaped sleeping bag, which offers plenty of room once inside, but which makes it compact and very light when transporting. Its high-quality SBS double zip allows good ventilation from the top or bottom and prevents the fabric from getting stuck in it, but only opens on the left side.

To prevent the re-entries of air and to keep the interior warm, insulating tubes are at the level of the zipper. Thanks to elastic bands, you can adjust the entourage at the level of the head.

In terms of materials, the shell is water resistant with its 350 T polyester which provides a protective envelope against humidity. Inside, the 200 g/m² or 400 g/m² fiber padding is soft and ultra-light. You will feel like you are sleeping in a real little cocoon!

This model is also available in 4 colors; orange, dark blue, light blue and brown. Winner Outfitters sleeping bag is entirely machine washable. It is the ideal equipment for relaxed camping under the stars in summer, or hiking with friends, without great technical needs.

In Summary…

A very good product for small budgets, which knows how to combine comfort and warmth when temperatures do not drop below 10°C. If you want to try your hand at camping or are looking for equipment without a lot of technique, this is definitely the type of product we recommend.

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4. Coleman Blue Brazos™ 20°F

4. Coleman Blue Brazos™ 20°F Sleeping Bag

Specs:

  • Temperature Index: 20°F
  • Seasons: All Seasons
  • Fill Material: Polyester
  • Outer Material: Synthetic
  • Closure Type: Zipper
  • Item Weight: 5.5 Pounds

Pros

  • Cheap price
  • Keep warm and offer more space
  • Multiple hooks and loops
  • Ideal for camping car
  • Inside cell phone pocket
  • 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Quite difficult to fold and put back in the bag
  • Fabric inside is not very pleasant
  • Quite heavy

The Coleman Brazos model is certainly not a bag designed for extreme expeditions, but it is a good alternative considering its price and comfort. With its rectangular shape, you have more freedom of movement. You can open it in two and attach it to another model. This will give you the possibility of having much more space. Ideal for couples!

Its Fiberlock ™ technology prevents the insulation from moving all over the bag, so you are always protected from humidity without ever cold spots. The zipper also has an insulating tube with Thermolock ™ technology: the only air entry point of the sleeping bag is kept covered for well-sealed equipment.

More than a model for going camping for days, it is above all an ideal bag for camping, sleeping in the garden with the children, or during a trip by car. Why? Mainly because its large size and the difficulty of putting it back in its storage bag reduce its use on long trips in nature.

However, a common concern, as reported by some users, revolves around the inner material. Several users have found it to be somewhat scratchy, resulting in discomfort and an unpleasant feel on the skin.

In Summary…

Coleman Brazos sleeping bag is the friend of a leisurely expedition in temperate temperatures, where you won’t need to worry about the extra bulk to carry. Put it in the trunk and go! A functional sleeping bag that keeps you warm, that’s all you could ask for! Not really technical features, it is above all a very affordable piece of equipment, perfect for short camping trips during the summer. If you overlook the small flaws, you will enjoy this sleeping bag a lot.

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5. Rab Ascent ‎Down Insulated Mummy

5. Rab Ascent ‎Down Insulated Mummy Sleeping Bag

Specs:

  • Temperature Index: -15°C
  • Seasons: All Seasons
  • Fill Material: Down
  • Outer Material: Synthetic
  • Closure Type: Zipper
  • Item Weight: 31.6 ounces

Pros

  • Ethical and hydrophobic down
  • Cool design and color
  • High quality thermal
  • Lightweight but has plenty of space
  • Phosphorescent zipper

Cons

  • Zipper opening only ¾
  • The compression cover is not airtight

The Ascent 300 sleeping bag is made with a Pertex outer fabric, which gives it real strength. Inside, there is 300 gr of white duck down 650 FP, certified eco-responsible. Moreover, this down has undergone a hydrophobic treatment: the feathers will dry much faster in contact with humidity.

For comfort and practicality, this model offers good mobility of movement and allows users up to 1.85m to feel comfortable. For larger, it will be necessary to consider investing in the Extra-long model. Its Mummy shape allows it to offer more space, especially at the level of the feet. You never feel oppressed or cramped.

The material of the interior fabric is very soft and pleasant, so you can easily sleep in your underwear, especially when you go camping in summer and the sun beats down quickly from the first rays of the sun. By entering this bag, you already feel at home, warm in its cozy cocoon.

At the level of the zipper, the manufacturer is betting on a 3⁄4 opening. It’s good but not always very practical, especially when you’re hot and you want to free your feet. YKK zippers are phosphorescent and are located at the top and bottom of the sleeping bag.

You also have a small inside pocket to store your personal belongings without having to reopen your bag. To keep your head warm, adjustment cords are created so that they can be tightened as needed. This Ascent 300 model comes with a compression bag to minimize space in your backpack, as well as a small cotton storage bag. Hand-padded in the UK, this sleeping bag is a real gem of comfort and efficiency.

In Summary…

This is a superb alternative offered by the RAB brand, which designs an ideal sleeping bag for your first steps in nature. If you don’t want to invest too much in this type of equipment, but you would still like to benefit from the technical side and quality insulation, this is everything you dreamed of. Go for it!

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6. Mountain Hardwear Lamina

6. Mountain Hardwear Lamina Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Specs:

  • Temperature Index: -18°C
  • Seasons: All Seasons
  • Fill Material: Polyester
  • Outer Material: Ripstop Nylon
  • Closure Type: Zipper
  • Item Weight: N/A

Pros

  • Available in different models
  • Durable and ultra-resistant
  • Ideal for wet and cold weather
  • Space-saving design
  • Lightweight and reflective

Cons

  • The zip only opens halfway through the bag
  • Little leg room
  • The width at the shoulders can sometimes be a bit narrow depending on the user

This model is equipped with patented Lamina (welded) technology, which solidifies the insulation to the shell. This avoids sewing through the insulation, which can cause heat loss and areas where moisture can settle. This is truly the best budget synthetic sleeping bag on the market.

The novelty of the Mountain Hardwear Lamina sleeping bag is the more voluminous shape at the level of the feet, this will allow the heat to be diffused and not press too much on the insulation. These technologies really have the power to make a synthetic sleeping bag as efficient, durable, and performing as down.

For practicality, the Mountain Hardwear Lamina sleeping bag comes with a storage bag and a compression bag, very useful for saving space in your backpack. Moreover, the Lamina technology makes it possible to have less insulating material. Because it is much better distributed and effective and therefore compacts the bag as much as possible when it is in its storage bag.

At the shoulders, you are well protected with a cold-cut collar that seals the entire upper body, and the adjustable cord surrounding the head fully retains heat. It is the ideal piece of equipment when you go to wet areas. The #5 YKK zipper is fluid, light, and reflective during the night.

In Summary…

Our favorite alternative without hesitation! If you are consumption-conscious and prefer to go for a synthetic alternative, or just prefer this material, you will love this Lamina sleeping bag from Mountain Hardwear. A price that defies all competition when you know all its features. Special mention for the Lamnia technology, which allows stratification of the insulation to avoid any loss of heat.

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7. TETON Sports Leef Backpacking

7. TETON Sports Leef Mummy Backpacking Sleeping Bag

Specs:

  • Temperature Index: -18°C
  • Seasons: All Seasons
  • Fill Material: Synthetic
  • Outer Material: Polyester Ripstop
  • Closure Type: Zipper
  • Item Weight: 4.2 Pounds

Pros

  • Good value
  • Available in two sizes and two maximum temperatures
  • Very comfortable and compact
  • Adjustable cord to protect the head
  • More volume at the feet
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Zipper does not have an effective blocking system
  • Some sewing defects with threads that stand out
  • Narrow in the legs

This model demonstrates a real technical improvement, thanks to its staggering stitch construction, which allows heat to be maintained and no cold air to enter. The shell is made from waterproof 40 deniers Ripstop, and the lining is brushed poly-flannel, which makes the interior very pleasant and warm as if you were sleeping in your bed!

The zippers are smooth and easy to open/close and are easy to access from inside/outside. However, they do not have a blocking system at the top of the bag and they tend to come down during the night. Just like a good self-respecting model, you also have an inside pocket to store your personal belongings.

Its mummy hood is adjustable and prevents heat loss to the head. Whether you are an experienced adventurer or someone who wants to discover the joys of the outdoors, this Teton Leef sleeping bag is efficient, warm, and comfortable. It will allow you to push your limits without having to spend a fortune.

With its compression bag, you can take it everywhere with you; for a night or during a trek lasting several days without ever being bothered by its weight. The most of this model? Great customer service, and a lifetime warranty. We’re not going to lie to each other, there’s little chance you’ll need to use it…

In Summary…

This is a cheap synthetic sleeping bag that keeps its promises of comfort, keeps warm, and protects against the cold. We would never have thought that a model at this price could protect us so well, but research and development push the limits of outdoor equipment further and further! Even if this bag has some small technical flaws, we can’t ask for too much given its overall characteristics and its efficiency.

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Best Budget Sleeping Bags Buying Guide

As mentioned earlier, several criteria will guide you in determining which sleeping bag is right for your needs. Here they are:

The comfort temperature

This is the first criterion to consider before buying your budget sleeping bag. There are three comfort temperatures offered by manufacturers: comfort, limit, and extreme temperature. You must take this limit into account when you are considering the purchase of a cotton sleeping bag for example.

Let’s see what that means…

First and foremost, take into account the location of your planned hikes and camping trips. Altitudes play a crucial role in determining the right sleeping conditions. Ensuring a good night’s sleep outdoors becomes even more essential, and choosing the most suitable sleeping bag enhances this goal. Also, consider the season as a key factor. The sleeping bag requirements differ significantly between winter and summer, although some models are exceptionally adaptable to various conditions.

Consider the unpredictable nature of weather conditions. Unlike being at home sweating on your weight bench, outdoor conditions involve variations in humidity and wind. These factors should guide your decision when selecting the type of sleeping bag, especially for hiking in diverse locations. Choosing a sleeping bag tailored to address humidity and wind concerns ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.

It’s important to recognize that individuals have varying tolerance levels to temperature—some may feel quite chilly, while others are comfortable with higher temperatures or adaptable to changes. Additionally, understanding that the sensation of cold can intensify when one is hungry or fatigued is crucial.

Correspondence of the 3 temperatures…

  • Comfort temperature: This means that you feel comfortable when lying on your back. In other words, you are in a certain thermal equilibrium so you are not cold.
  • Comfort limit temperature: This is the limit temperature at which you can withstand the cold, especially when you are curled up in a low-cost high mountain sleeping bag.
  • Extreme temperature: This is the temperature at which you can fear hypothermia.

It’s noteworthy that reputable sleeping bag manufacturers, known for their reliability, adhere to the standard EN13537 when displaying temperature ratings. This standard ensures consistent and reliable temperature information, allowing for accurate comparisons between models from different brands in the market.

Weight

Depending on the type of hiking or camping planned and also the duration, you will probably not buy the same sleeping bag. Indeed, for an independent hike of a few days, it is better to choose a light sleeping bag, but the problem is that with a comfortable temperature, it will be difficult to rely on an ultra-light model! It will therefore be necessary to lighten your load on the material side whether you are going alone or accompanied.

Make sure you have what you need without believing that you are leaving for the Gobi desert… Come on, we’ll give you another precious little tip, down sleeping bags have the best weight/temperature ratio!

Choice of filling: down or synthetic?

A synthetic sleeping bag is heavier than a cheaper down sleeping bag. And this is regardless of the temperature. Also, this model is less compressible although it tends to resist moisture better. So if you go hiking or camping in rainy weather or to a destination with a high risk of bad weather, you can choose a synthetic model. All-in-one synthetic sleeping bags are also more economical than down ones.

Down sleeping bags are lightweight and much more compressible than synthetic models. They are much more insulating and breathable, making them perfect for summer. Moreover, when they are in contact with humidity, they lose their insulating capacity insofar as the flakes of down stick together. So if you think you’ll be exposed to humidity during your outdoor stay, forget the XL or XXL down sleeping bags.

However, there are models capable of resisting humidity… For the record, the fillings are in goose or duck down. You will find the percentage of down and feathers used for the design of the model purchased. The incorporation of feathers is essential to maintain the fill power of the down.

What closing system for my sleeping bag?

To avoid the entry of cold air from the top of the bag and the loss of hot air, you must choose the right closing system! Depending on the models offered, sleeping bags of all brands have exterior or interior flaps or even both closures. Best-Rating advises you to choose a less expensive dual-system sleeping bag if you have the budget and want to maximize warmth when the cold weather hits. Otherwise, you have the choice between two systems.

Specificities of the 2 systems

Be aware that there are 2 closing systems present at the level of the mummy sleeping bags. It’s all about the hood. Indeed, the mummy models are equipped with a drawstring, allowing you to adjust the opening according to your desires, especially when you go to bed. It’s perfect in case of cold to let a very small part of your face pass and stay warm.

There are also designer and low-cost hiking bags with an inner collar. This is located at shoulder level with the hood. The collar insulates your body at the level of the torso. This is an additional advantage from a comfort point of view. Thanks to it, the heat is more retained even with the hood open. The collars are present from relatively low comfort temperatures.

Note that some models are not equipped with a collar but rather with what is called an interior bead. Finally, be aware that extremely light sleeping bags are only equipped with a simple closing system located at the level of the hood.

Mummy shape or cover?

The mummy sleeping bags are anatomical models. They have been designed to adapt to your silhouette to optimize thermal protection. They are lightweight sleeping bags and much less bulky than cheap blanket sleeping bags.

Blanket sleeping bags have the reputation of being much more comfortable models due to their much larger width at the feet. The disadvantage is at the level of thermal protection; it is less important compared to the mummy model which is the darling of hikers. Moreover, these are models that are not equipped with a hood and are more imposing than sarcophagus-shaped sleeping bags.

If you want to buy a blanket sleeping bag for outdoor sports, it is better to use it for camping where the weather conditions are milder.

Conclusion

This article is coming to an end, we hope it has been useful to you and that now the choice of a budget hiking sleeping bag has no more secrets for you. It is an important purchase, at night in the middle of nature, it will be your last defense against the onslaught of the cold.

Additional questions? Please let us know in the comments section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are budget sleeping bags suitable for different seasons?

Yes, there are budget sleeping bags designed for various seasons. Look for a bag with a temperature rating that matches the seasons you’ll be camping in.

Can budget sleeping bags be used for backpacking?

Yes, many budget sleeping bags are suitable for backpacking. Look for lightweight and compressible options if you plan on carrying the bag for extended periods.

Can I use a budget sleeping bag for car camping or only for backpacking?

Budget sleeping bags can be used for both car camping and backpacking. Consider the weight and pack size if you plan on carrying it, but for car camping, these factors are less critical.

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