Best Summer Sleeping Bags for Backpacking

Summer nights around the campfire are what make getting outdoors so appealing. We’ve put together a list of things to look out for as well as our recommendation for the best summer sleeping bags for backpacking and camping.

After selecting the perfect pop up tent for your summer adventures, choosing the right sleeping bag is crucial to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep under the star

You’ll want something light and easy to pack but that still keeps you warm enough when the temperatures dip towards 40 degrees. When the flames die down and it’s time to sleep you’re going to need a decent summer sleeping bag if you want a good night’s rest in your tent.

Our Top Picks:

• RAB Neutrino : Top quality best if money is no object!
• Therm-a-Rest Questar 20 Sleeping Bag: Most Feature-Rich Ultralight Backpacking Bag
• Tough Outdoors Mummy Bag: Best budget Bag buy
• REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag: Best Warmth to Weight Ratio Bag
• Kelty Cosmic Down : Mid-priced down bag, great quality
• Feather Friends Flicker UL Quilt: Best Overall Summer Sleeping Bag
• Marmot NanoWave 45F: Best synthetic summer sleeping bag
• Big Agnes Anvil Horn 45: Best Sleep System

Below, you’ll find our detailed reviews and a buyer’s guide, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Summer Sleeping Bag Reviews

If you are looking for a versatile sleeping bag for shoulder-season use too, then check out our guide to the best three season sleeping bags.

For really cold, winter camping or altitudes over 10,000ft, see the best winter sleeping bags.

There are plenty of summer sleeping bag options at both budget and premium price points. Here are our reviews of our top 10 favorites.

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Best Summer Sleeping Bag Overall

Rab Neutrino 200

Our top choice if money’s no object!

If you’re looking for a lightweight sleeping bag for summer but want to cover your bases in case of a chilly night, then this is a great choice. The RAB Neutrino 200 Sleeping Bag is hands down one of the best sleeping bags on the market today!

With a 44-degree comfort factor, it’s ideal for summer’s warm weather night, but combined with a good sleeping bag liner and cinching the draft collar, it will cope in cooler temperatures too.

The mummy bag’s tapered design and lightweight materials result in an impressive 1.2 pounds that easily packs down into a compact dry bag compression sack.

The main zip comes down – the way on the left side and allows for two Neutrinos to be zipped together to make a double sleeping bag, in case you want to snuggle with your significant other.

Both the lining and shell materials have a soft feel to them which adds to the comfort this sleeping bag affords.

The angled footbox and the proportional cut allow for enough wiggle room so that you don’t feel constricted as you can in some mummy sleeping bags.

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What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Most Feature Rich Ultralight Sleeping Bags

Therm-a-Rest Questar 20F Ultralight Mummy Bag

When it comes to backpacking sleeping bags, the Therma-a-Rest Questar 20F Mummy Bag is definitely one of the best options out there. Designed to keep you warm and comfortable in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, this is the best sleeping bag for summer backpacking, perfect for anyone who loves to spend their nights in warm weather camping or even car camping!

One of the biggest pros of the Therma-a-Rest Questar 20F Mummy Bag is its warmth-to-weight ratio. Compact and weighing in at just 2 pounds 3 ounces (regular size) their sleeping bags are incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around, yet still manage to keep you warm and cozy all night long. It’s also very compressible, making it easy to pack and store in your lightweight backpacking backpack.

Another great feature of the Therma-a-Rest Questar 20F Mummy Bag is its innovative SynergyLink Connectors, which allow you to connect your sleeping bag to your sleeping pad for added comfort and warmth. This feature ensures that you won’t roll off your pad in the middle of the night, and also helps to eliminate any cold spots.

This bag is not made of super thin sticky nylon like some ultralight bags are. It’s very soft to the touch and extremely comfortable.

Of course, no product is perfect, and the Therm-a-Rest Questar 20F Mummy Bag is no exception. The connector straps are a pain with the wrong pad. Best to use a mummy-shaped and insulated pad from the brand, such as the or

So if you’re looking for a warm, comfortable, and lightweight sleeping bag to take on your next warm-weather camping adventure, the Therma-a-Rest Questar 20F Mummy Bag is definitely worth considering.

Get it on Amazon for $227.97 or from REI starting at $359.95

What we like:

What we don’t like:

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Best Ultralight Summer Sleeping Bag

Flicker UL Wide Quilt Sleeping Bag

Super lightweight for warmer nights.

Shop Flicker UL- Titanium Regular Length Shop Flicker UL Sleeping Bag- Long Length

If you’re looking for one of the lightest sleeping bags for summer activities, then at 18.3 ounces, the Feather Friends Flicker UL Quilt Sleeping Bag is the ultralight sleeping bag you’re after.

The 950+ Goose Down gives you the warmth that you get from down and its continuous baffles let you position the down where you need it.

At 40 degrees or higher, this will be plenty warm enough but lower than that, you’ll need to add a layer or two to your PJs. If you get cold feet, then there’s a bottom drawcord to create a footbox for chillier conditions.

The mummy sleeping bag shell is ultralight Pertex Endurance 10 denier fabric and does a good job of wicking away perspiration and condensation.

Being synthetic, both the lining and the outer shell dry pretty quickly. It also has small webbing loops for you to use as a hammock under a quilt. Hurray, one less thing gear to pack!

One of the best things about the Feathered Friends Flicker UL Quilt is its versatility. It can be used as a backpacking sleeping bag, or it can be converted into a quilt on hot summer nights. We really like that the full-length zipper has double sliders allowing for easy ventilation of whichever part of your body may be getting a little too toasty.

We consider this the best lightweight summer sleeping bag for the trails.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Best for Side Sleepers Sleeping Bag

Nemo Disco 30 Degree

Super-light for autumn & spring backpacking

See prices for Women’s Nemo Disco 30 Long: Amazon, REI, Outdoor Play, Campmor

See prices for Men’s Nemo Disco 30 Long & Regular: Amazon, REI

With a comfort level down to 30 degrees this women’s sleeping bag should be plenty warm and trap body heat for the odd chilly night in summer.

With a decent sleeping pad, you could even count on this as your go-to 3-season sleeping bag to use during shoulder season. The Nemo Disco 30 is essentially a big and tall backpacking sleeping bag and can comfortably fit a person over 6 feet.

At 2.3 pounds it’s pretty light and the 650FP hydrophobic, PFC-free, RDS Certified down fill packs down to the size of a loaf of bread taking up very little space once you’ve got it into the sack it comes with.

The three-quarter zipper uses a two-way zip so you can get some venting going if you get a little warm. Also take special care when using the anti-snag zipper zipper tape – make sure you don’t catch the shell material in the zipper.

The Nemo Disco’s unique spoon shape is designed with extra room at the elbows and knees make side sleeping comfortable if you are a side sleeper and don’t like to sleep on your back.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Best Price Point for Quality Down Bag

Kelty Cosmic Down 40 Degree

Great price point for a good quality down bag

If you tend to sleep hot, then some of the summer sleeping bags may get a little too warm.

With a quoted comfort level of 40 degrees the Kelty Cosmic 40 will be comfortable in the low to mid 40s while not cooking you if you’re in warmer summer nights.

The relaxed mummy shape, full length is a good option if you want space and weight saving without feeling constricted.

We like how the hood is big enough to stuff some clothing to make a pillow. When you break camp you’ll be really impressed with how compactly this cinches down into its included compression sack.

At a respectable 1 lb 7 oz, the Kelty Cosmic 40 is ultra-lightweight once you’ve got this backpacking bag back into its sack you’ll hardly notice it in your pack.

Get it on Amazon or from $198.56

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Best Sleep System Sleeping Bag

Big Agnes Anvil Horn 45 Degree

First sleep system to accommodate multiple sleeping pad widths

If you’re looking to shave some weight and space from your pack, then this Big Agnes bag stands out as one of the best backpacking sleeping bags for a great summer-weight sleeping bag option.

It only weighs 3 lbs 3oz but the space-saving is where it shines.

Using 650-fill power Down Tek insulation and water-repellent rip-stop polyester, the full-length bag has anti-snag zippers that allow for easy in and out, which is great for warm-weather camping. The bottom of the sleeping bag has no insulation but incorporates a sheath where your full length sleeping pad slides in.

Big Agnes Anvil Horn $269.95

The unique design means you get good insulation on the top (almost like a quilt), and a good connection between the bag and pad (no more sliding off). While also reducing weight and bulk. However, you can’t sleep comfortably without a pad.

The Big Agnes Sleep System Bag with Flex Pad Sleeve attaches to your pad just like a fitted bed sheet. As a result, this creates a single, integrated sleep system to keep you and your bag on your pad all night.

This sleep system also has an integrated pillow pocket where you can stuff something if you want some more support for your head.

The more rectangular shape gives you plenty of room while the smart insulation arrangement means you don’t have to sacrifice pack space to get it. What’s more, the zippers also allow a left and right zip bag to be connected if you want to cuddle for body warmth.

Get Big Agnes Anvil Horn bag on Amazon for $269.95

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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The North Face Eco Trail 35F / 2C Backpacking Sleeping Bag

Top pick for a comfort-cut mummy bag

This is a very versatile lightweight summer bag.

The wraparound zipper allows you to open it up completely to use it as an insulated blanket. With a comfort rating of 47 degrees, it will be warm enough even on cooler summer nights. It has a zipper baffle that prevents heat loss, an extended width at the knees for maximum comfort and mobility, and a vaulted foot box for added warmth

If you get a little too warm, then the two-way zipper allows you to get some air in down by your feet.

Lying with your arms out of a sleeping bag can be a little uncomfortable on the side with no zipper. This bag comes with a short zipper on the side opposite the entry zipper.

When it gets too warm you can unzip this and fold the top of the bag down like a blanket.

The synthetic recycled polyester insulation provides good warmth in damp conditions while allowing for a lightweight 2.4 pounds and an 8.5″ x 15″ stuff sack volume. On the other hand, the North Face 0-degree sleeping bag is designed to keep you warm in cold temperatures.

North Face sleeping bag 0-degree high-quality sleeping bag provides excellent insulation and comfort, making it ideal for chilly camping adventures.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Best Warm Summer Sleeping Bag

Marmot Always Summer

Down bag if you sleep a little “cold”

If you manage to sleep cold even in summer then this is a solid choice for a lightweight summer sleeping bag, while saving weight.

The tapered design and duck-down feathers will retain body heat and give you extra warmth, even down to 40 degrees.

Together with the trapezoidal footbox, which is snug, comfortable, and also has a heater pocket if your feet tend to get cold.

In addition, the down has been treated with Down Defender to give it good water resistance and the two hang loops make it easy to dry out if it does get damp.

Even though it has plenty of features and feels really plush it only weighs about 2 lbs and packs down into the stuff bag at 7″ x 14″. It weighs slightly more than Marmot’s claim, but it’s still pretty light.

The stitching is top notch and both the shell and liner materials are soft and quiet.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Best Budget Warm Summer Sleeping Bag

Tough Outdoors 50°F Mummy Sleeping Bag

Only for the warmest of summer nights

If you’re looking for a budget option and only expect temperatures above 60 degrees, then this sleeping bag is a great choice.

At about a fifth of the price of the options above, you’re getting a good deal.

They claim a minimum temperature rating of 50 degrees but the minimal insulation it has will actually leave you shivering once you get to around 60.

The lack of insulation also means that it’s really lightweight (1.5 lbs) and once you get it into the supplied compression bag it compresses down to 14″ x 8″.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Best Warmth to Weight Ratio

REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag

The REI Co-op Magma 30 Mummy Bags are sleeping bags designed to keep you warm and comfortable during your outdoor adventures. This 1 lb 3.8 oz bag (regular) is a popular choice among backpackers, hikers, and campers who are looking for a lightweight and compact (2.6L regular size) option.

This summer-weight sleeping bag is made with high-quality materials, including a 15-denier ripstop nylon shell that is durable and water-resistant. The bag also features an 850-fill power goose down insulation-filled sleeping bag, which is ethically sourced and responsibly harvested.

One of the most significant benefits of the REI Co-op Magma 30 Mummy Bag is its weight. Weighing in at just over one pound, this bag is incredibly lightweight and easy to pack. It also compresses down to a small size, making it perfect for backpacking trips where space is at a premium.

Additionally, the bag’s mummy shape helps to trap heat close to your body, keeping you warm even in cold temperatures. Furthermore, the REI Co-op Magma 30 Mummy Bag is a hooded sleeping bag designed for backpacking and camping in mild to cool temperatures. The hood is contoured to fit snugly around your head and features an adjustable drawcord for a customizable fit.

While the REI Co-op Magma 30 Mummy Bag has many benefits, there are a few cons to consider. Firstly, the bag is not suitable for extreme cold weather conditions. If you plan to camp in very cold temperatures, you may need to opt for a bag with a lower temperature rating. The bag tends to trap more body heat in the torso vs foot box area, so wear warm socks!

Overall, the REI Co-op Magma 30 Mummy Bag is an excellent outdoor gear choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact down sleeping bag. Its high-quality materials and construction make it a durable option that will last for many camping trips to come.

While there are a few improvements that could be made, such as stitching the baffles so the fill doesn’t travel, the bag’s pros far outweigh its cons. Also, the compression bag that comes with the Magma 30 is on the small side, making it difficult to pack the bag down as small as they would like.

What We Do Like:

What We Don’t Like:

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Best Sleeping Bag Under $200

Marmot Micron 40 Down Sleeping Bag

Good price for warmer nights

This is a very comfortable bag that performs well in temperatures above 38.3 degrees at a medium price point.

This lightweight sleeping bag has a 650 Down fill power with added Down Defender to fend off a bit of light rain, the occasional beer or that early morning coffee spills when you are not 10)% caffeinated. It achieves the quoted comfort factor of 46.4 degrees but the sewn-through insulation does leave you with some cold spots.

The Marmot Micron 40 down sleeping bag is full-length with a wrap-around zipper to unzip when you need to cool down just a part of yourself or convert to a flat blanket.

Incredibly light (1.37 lbs), it packs down easily into the supplied sleeping bag compression bag to about 6″ x 12″.

It can be tricky getting the bag out of the compression sack the first time. After that just stuff it in (don’t try to roll it) and it goes in and out with ease.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Best Budget Cool Summer Sleeping Bag

TETON Sports Trailhead Sleeping Bag

Best for Budget!

This is a great budget summer-weight sleeping bag for conditions of 50 degrees and above.

It weighs less than 2.9 lbs and packs down to the size of a coffee can.

The shell, liner, zipper draft tube, and insulation are all synthetic and are water-resistant and quick-drying.

We like that it’s machine washable and instead of clumping as some other cheap bags do, the insulation stays right where it needs to be.

The footbox does a good job of keeping your feet warm and the two-way zip allows for venting.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

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Our Favorites

The Rab Neutrino 200 is our favorite summer sleeping bag. But it comes with a hefty price tag.

The great insulation properties you get from the goose down mean you have a warm sleeping bag without a lot of extra weight.

With down you’re always wary of moisture, but they’ve done a great job making it quick-drying and water-resistant.

The proportional cut, angled foot box and close-fitting neck baffle result in an extremely comfortable sleeping bag.

That said, I spend a lot of time on the trail – if you are only going camping or backpacking a couple of times a year, there’s no need to spend quite so much.

The TETON Sports TrailHead is our best-budget sleeping bag for summer.

It costs around 80% less than the higher-end sleeping bags but still gives you a comfortable night’s sleep in warm weather.

However, it doesn’t have a lot of insulation which makes it light, taking up hardly any space in your pack.

If you’re looking for a cheap sleeping bag for kids or if you’re just an occasional summer hiker then this is a good budget option.

Between the cheapest and the best lie the rest.

For a synthetic sleeping bag – great for wetter trails but slightly bulkier in your pack you would do well with:

North Face Eco Trail Sleeping Bag 35F Synthetic

Nemo Disco 30 Degree– This is what I use. I’m a toss-and-turn kind of sleeper, and start off on my side.

If you are committed to a down sleeping bag then you won’t go wrong with:

Kelty Cosmic Down

Marmot Always Summer.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Summer Sleeping Bag

Temperature Ratings

Most good sleeping bags will be rated according to the European Norm, or EN13537.

The figures that most manufacturers will quote will be a Comfort Rating and a Lower Limit. The Comfort Rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper, or average woman, would still feel warm.

The Lower Limit indicates the lower-end temperature where a guy, or a warm sleeper, would still feel comfortable.

These ratings are a bit subjective but are a good guide when comparing products. Stick to the comfort factor in making your choice if you want to be sure to avoid a chilly night.

If it gets too warm you can always just open the zipper.’

How much should I spend?

If you’re sure that the temperatures won’t be going below 50 degrees or if you’re only an occasional camper then buying a cheap summer sleeping bag is fine.

If you go out more regularly and you want something durable that will keep you warm even in the spring or fall then be prepared to buy a three season bag.

Depending on the material, insulation and features be prepared to pay anywhere between $100 to $300 and upwards.

Sleeping Bag Zipper: Left or Right

Sleeping bags come with a zipper down either the left or right side of the bag. If you’re right-handed then you’ll normally want the zipper on your left.

This makes it easier for you to operate the zipper when you’re lying on your back. It may not sound like a big deal but getting zipped up tight at night is a lot easier when you’ve got that zip on the best side for your dominant hand.

Zippers

To cut down on the weight of the bag, some manufacturers use – length zippers. For the most part, these are fine, but can sometimes make getting in and out a little tricky.

Full-length 2-way zippers give you easier access and allow for venting anywhere along your body and even down at your feet.

Some bags will have the zip wrap around through the footbox so that the sleeping bag can be completely opened up and lie flat.

Zippers can easily snag the shell material so look for a model with anti-snag tape or protection. A draft tube that runs the length of the zipper is also great for stopping a sneaky breeze from coming in.

Insulation (for Summer Weather)

The insulation in the sleeping bag will either be down (duck or goose) or a synthetic combination.

Down is lightweight and compresses easily. The drawback is that you need to make sure that the down is treated to make it hydrophobic because if it gets wet it takes ages to dry.

Synthetic insulation does a lot better in wet conditions but you need more of it to make the bag sufficiently warm. This means the bag will weigh a bit more and the insulation doesn’t compress as easily.

When out on the trail in summer, a lightweight down bag will take up almost no space in your backpack and will weigh next to nothing. If you are going for ultralight, then down is your friend!

Mummy or Rectangular?

Mummy Shape

To cut down on overall weight and improve warmth most manufacturers seem to be going with the mummy, or tapered shape.

The tapered, close cut shape means better thermal efficiency, which is great for colder weather, but for summer, you may end up feeling restricted and over-heated.

If you like to spread out a bit, or if you’re an active sleeper then consider a rectangular sleeping bag or at least a mummy bag with a comfort cut so that you have more space.

Rectangular Sleeping Bag

A comfortable or relaxed mummy cut doesn’t taper down quite as steeply toward your feet. Some manufacturers also call this a “semi-mummy” cut.

Sleeping Bag Storage

The three bags you’ll be storing your sleeping bag in will be a stuff sack, compression sack and storage bag.

A stuff sack is a simple bag with a drawstring that allows you to easily pack up your sleeping bag without compressing it too much. Downfill compresses really well and storing these in a stuff sack is normally sufficient.

A compression sack has clips and straps that are designed to reduce the volume of the sleeping bag even further. Synthetic insulation doesn’t compress so easily, so if you want to take up less space in your backpack then you’ll need a compression bag.

It’s fine to keep the sleeping bag in a stuff sack or compressible bagwhile you’re outdoors but once you get home, get it uncompressed and into a storage bag. This allows the insulation to retain its shape and loft so that you get the same thermal performance on your next trip.

FAQs

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Conclusion

Alrighty, let’s wrap up our chat about summer sleeping bags, a must-have for any hiker looking to hit the trails during those warmer months.

To keep your gear in top shape, learn the best ways to lubricate a zipper for smooth, hassle-free use every time.

So, here’s the deal – when you’re out exploring in the summer, a good night’s sleep is like gold. And the right summer sleeping bag? That’s your ticket to Snoozeville, ensuring you stay comfortable, cool, and cozy under the stars. You want something lightweight, breathable, and just warm enough for those mild nights but not so heavy that you’re sweating by midnight.

Look for bags with features like venting options to let you adjust as the night goes on. And don’t forget, compatibility is key; you’ve got trails to conquer and views to catch, so a sleeping bag that’s easy to pack and carry is a game changer.

In conclusion, investing in the right summer sleeping bag is crucial for any hiker venturing out in the warmer months. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of comfort, temperature regulation, and portability.

With so many options out there, taking the time to choose the right one can make all the difference in your hiking adventures. So, gear up, get out there, and enjoy those magical summer nights under the stars. Happy hiking!

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Why settle for less? Our hiking gear is tested by adventurers like you. Elevate your hike today!

Here are some links to our most popular articles:

• 13 Best Budget Winter Sleeping Bags Under $175
• Stay Dry and Comfortable: Discover the Best sweat-wicking fabrics for outdoor adventures
• The Best Summer Hiking Outfits – What to Wear When Hiking During Summer
• The 12 Best Double Sleeping Bags
• How to Stay Warm in Sleeping Bag

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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API