6 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags Under $100

Your sleeping bag is one of the essential pieces of equipment you need when hiking, camping, or backpacking. However, if you’re a true outdoor enthusiast, you may have noticed that all the essentials you need cost an arm and a leg.

You’ll find plenty of tents for over $500, backpacking bags starting at $200, and sleeping bags for well over $300. Yup, things can really add up if you start getting serious about hiking and camping!

Luckily, the sleeping bags we present you today don’t cost a small fortune, and we consider them the best backpacking sleeping bags under $100.

Before you head out to snag yourself one of these sleeping bags, you’ll want to think about a few things based on your needs, such as the type of sleeping bag, the temperature rating, and even the insulation type. You should also think through where you’re going camping — warm weather destinations or primarily cold ones?

With all of that in mind, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect option for your needs when you want to go backpacking or camping.

Take a look at the sleeping back options we’ve handpicked!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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Types Of Sleeping Bags

Before you can buy the sleeping bag you want, it is essential to know that there are different types, and not all of them will suit your needs. We will discuss three main sleeping bag shapes — mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular.

Mummy

The name for the mummy-style sleeping bag comes from the shape, similar to how a mummy (or a human body) is shaped. The mummy sleeping bag was designed to be as light, small, and as warm as possible for anyone wanting to take on the outdoors.

Because the sleeping bag has more of a triangular shape and less air space, this option is one of the most popular for people looking to prioritize warmth. And since the bag is technically smaller than other styles, it’s more compact and weighs considerably less than a complete rectangular design.

Having said that, you may feel constricted if you are the type of person who likes some wiggle room, is of a bigger build, or prefers side-sleeping. Because of how the mummy sleeping bag is built, it doesn’t allow for a lot of space to roll around.

Rectangular

The rectangular sleeping bag design is the one we are all familiar with from backyard camping or staying over at friends. As the name suggests, the shape of this bag is rectangular, making it easy to move around in the bag and giving you some space to stretch your legs and arms.

And while not all rectangular designs have this feature, some also have an all-around zipper that allows you to open it completely and use it as a blanket instead of a sleeping bag.

This sleeping bag shape, though relatively comfortable with the added space, does much less for heat retention since there is so much space for air to enter and move around the bag, which will naturally cool the inside of the bag (and your body!).

You also need to consider weight and bulk. These sleeping bags are usually bigger, making it bulky even when rolled up tightly. This extra material and insulation can also cause it to be considerably heavier than other shapes like the mummy.

Semi- Rectangular

The semi-rectangular sleeping bag was created to be the best of both worlds, combining all the best of the mummy and rectangular shaped sleeping bags. The semi-rectangular option provides you with the comfort of the rectangular shape while also being better for heat retention like the mummy!

The shape of the semi-rectangular bag allows you to keep most of the cold air outside by being slightly less open around the shoulders while not being so tight as to be uncomfortable or trapping.

This shape is a good option if you are trying to find a good middle ground and a sleeping bag with better heat retention than a rectangular bag.

However, the more spacious shape also has setbacks, making it less compact, larger when packed, and slightly heavier than the mummy design.

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Temperature Ratings And What They Mean

The next thing you need to know about sleeping bags is how the warmth rating is denoted.

If you want your sleeping bag to keep you nice and warm even on super cold nights, the temperature rating is an essential element to consider. Most sleeping bags have a temperature rating on a tag, which usually gets indicated by a specific temperature, like “20°F”.

But what exactly does this temperature rating mean? The temperature you find on the sleeping bag is usually the lowest temperature at which the sleeping bag will still keep you warm. For example, a 20°F bag will keep you warm in temperatures as low as 20°F but won’t be as effective in temperatures lower than that.

If you really want to get technical with it, there are actually two standardized tests that allow you to get a more accurate temperature — these are the EN and ISO test ratings.

Along with these ratings, you may also see a little scale to show you at what temperature you should be able to sleep and stay comfortably warm. Some also display the lower limit, which is the coldest the temperature may be without affecting the sleeper too much.

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Sleeping Bag Insulation Types

Now that you understand temperature ratings, let’s talk about the insulation a bit. There are two main types of insulation: natural down insulation and synthetic insulation.

Both have their benefits and drawbacks. Let’s compare the two.

Synthetic Insulation

Synthetic insulation is the most common of the two insulation types and the cheaper option between the two.

Most of the time, it does a decent job keeping you warm (but not as good of a job as down would). It’s also relatively easy to clean and store.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn’t want your sleeping bag made of synthetic material, such as the fact that it likely weighs more and cannot be compressed and packed as small as natural down insulation. Synthetic insulation bags also tend not to last as long and do not do as good a job at heat retention as downs.

Down Insulation

This type of sleeping bag insulation gets gathered from a natural source, specifically bird feathers, like that of ducks. The lightweight feathers in this type of insulation allow you to compress the sleeping bag to a much smaller size, is relatively light, and can keep you warmer in colder temperatures.

Now onto some negatives of down. Washing a bag with down insulation is not as straightforward as cleaning a bag with synthetic insulation, and you need to take proper care of this bag if you want it to last. In addition, most down-insulated sleeping bags also cost way more than synthetic sleeping bags.

As a rule of thumb for the gear I invest in, I try to opt for down insulation whenever I can.

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Sleeping Bag Weight And Packability

Two other important things to consider when choosing the sleeping bag you want to buy for backpacking/camping are the weight and the size of your sleeping bag when it gets compressed.

If you’re buying a sleeping bag with the goal of going backpacking with it, the weight of your sleeping bag is essential because more weight can cause you to use more energy. You’ll also be able to pack less of other stuff if your sleeping bag is taking up a majority of the room in your pack.

If backpacking is key for you, you’ll want a sleeping bag that’s light and can be compressed down a lot in order to avoid space/weight issues when packing the rest of what you need on your backpacking trip.

If you plan to do car camping primarily, sleeping bag weight and packability are a lot less important since you can just toss the bag in your trunk and unload it once you’ve parked at your campsite.

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Sleeping Bag Average Costs

While this article focuses on sleeping bags under $100, I did want to mention the fact that a more expensive sleeping bag usually correlates with higher-quality product.

It’s not uncommon to find sleeping bags range from $50 to $500+. Spending more money on a sleeping bag usually means that it’ll last you longer and keep you warmer during extremely cold nights.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll likely find on the market depending on price range:

• Budget sleeping bags: $50 – $100. These are typically suitable for mild weather conditions and may not offer the best durability or the lightest materials.
• Mid-range sleeping bags: $100 – $200. These bags often provide a good balance between cost, comfort, and weight, and are suitable for most camping and backpacking needs.
• High-end sleeping bags: $200 – $500+. These are usually designed for serious backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. They often feature the lightest materials, the best warmth-to-weight ratio, and can handle a range of temperatures, including very cold conditions.
• Premium or specialty sleeping bags, especially those rated for extreme temperatures or designed with ultralight materials, can even exceed $500.

Having said that, the sleeping bags we’ll introduce you to below are still great for beginners or anyone looking to get into car camping and even some light backpacking.

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Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags Under $100

Now that you have a good foundation of what to consider when buying a sleeping bag, we can finally get into the best sleeping bag options for under $100!

1. Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20

TWE RECOMMENDED CHOICE

The Cosmic Synthetic 20 is an excellent option for backpacking with a sleeping bag under $100. It’s a fully equipped mummy bag that’s light on weight and your wallet.

The Cosmic Synthetic 20 is a three-season superstar built with Kelty’s innovative CirroLoft synthetic insulation for lightweight, compressible warmth. The sleeping bag also has a unique design of its foot box to allow for a bit more foot wiggle room.

Because it only clocks in at 2 pounds and 13 ounces despite being a synthetic bag, it’s a great backpacking sleeping bag that won’t weigh you down when you’re on the trails.

If you’re looking for something with a higher warmth rating, you can consider other bags from the Cosmic line such as the Kelty Cosmic Synthetic Fill 0 Degree or the Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree 550 Down Fill, but it will cost you just a tad bit more.

Specs:

• Weight – 2 lbs 13 oz.
• Shape – Mummy
• Insulation – Synthetic
• Best Uses – Backpacking

2. Kelty Tuck (0, 20, or 40)

TWE RECOMMENDED CHOICE

If you want more options for your sleeping bag under $100, the Kelty Tuck series is likely what you want. Under the $100 price limit, you can choose between the Tuck 0, 20, or 40. These are some of the best sleeping bags at this pricepoint!

The number attached to the name also serves as the temperature rating, meaning you have three options for three situations.

The Tuck does a wonderful job of keeping campers warm, plus the fact that it’s nicely made and has solid construction doesn’t hurt. And though it’s a mummy-style bag, you’ll still find yourself with some extra shoulder room as well as in the foot box. The insulation in the hood of this bag also serves as a comfortable pillow at night.

Due to the insulation differences between the different temperature ratings, they are also three different weights.

Specs:

• Weight – 3 to 6 lbs (3 lb. 11 oz for 20°F option)
• Shape – Mummy
• Insulation – Synthetic
• Best Uses – Camping and backpacking (depending on the weight of the one you buy)

3. Teton Sports Tracker Ultralight

The Teton Sports Tracker Ultralight sleeping bag, specifically the 5°F model, is one of the best for under $100. With added padding in the area where your feet will be and a drawstring to secure the hood around your face, this sleeping bag will help you stay warm in even colder conditions.

This sleeping bag can keep you warmer in temperatures as cold as 5°F and is a mummy shape, meaning that it is already lighter and smaller when packed compared to other sleeping bags.

In addition, this bag also comes with a lifetime warranty, anti-snag zippers, and a lining that doesn’t tear even when it gets punctured.

Specs:

• Weight – 4.1 lbs
• Shape – Mummy
• Insulation – Synthetic
• Best Uses – Camping, Backpacking

4. Coleman North Rim Extreme

The Coleman North Rim Extreme is another excellent option for a mummy-style extreme-weather sleeping bag. This sleeping bag can keep you warm in temperatures as low as 0°F, fit people as tall as 6ft. and 2 inches, and is available for under $100.

The sleeping bag also has extra foot space and a drawstring that helps you adjust the hood to allow as much or as little airflow as you want. The zipper design allows you to zip up or down with no problems because they are no-snag, and the draft tube helps block out the cold along the zipper’s length.

While the bag does well in low temps, it’s not going to be the lightest for backpacking — given that it’ll weigh 6.5 pounds.

Specs:

• Weight – 6.5 lbs
• Shape – Mummy
• Insulation – Synthetic
• Best Uses – Winter Camping

5. Kelty Catena 30 Degree Sleeping Bag

If you’re looking for the perfect warmer weather sleeping bag that can serve as a comforter or get zipped together with another to make a double sleeping bag, the Kelty Catena 30 is ideal for you. Though it may not be the best for winter camping, it is excellent in warmer weather!

With cozy CloudLoft insulation and an anti-snag, anti-draft zipper, the Catena will keep you warm during your summer car camping escapades.

This comfy sleeping bag allows you to stretch out while keeping yourself warm and has a no-hassle zip that keeps out the cold.

Specs:

• Weight – 3.97 lbs
• Shape – Rectangle
• Insulation – Synthetic
• Best Uses – Car Camping or Warm-Weather Camping

6. Teton Sports Leef Mummy Sleeping Bag

One of the most versatile sleeping bags suitable for hiking, camping, or backpacking is the Leef by Teton. Coming in multiple different temperature ratings, all below $100, this is an excellent option for your next outdoor adventure!

As with many Teton sleeping bags, the Teton Leef comes with a lifetime warranty and includes three different lengths, allowing you to choose the one that fits your needs.

The thing people love about this bag? The fact that the Leef series gives you more room to wiggle around while still providing the warmth a mummy bag is known for delivering. The Leef sleeping bag series features PolarLite Micro synthetic insulation.

Specs:

• Weight – ~ 4.2 lbs
• Shape – Mummy
• Insulation – Synthetic
• Best Uses – Hiking, Backpacking, or Camping

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Other Tips For Choosing The Right Sleeping Bag

• Check The Temperature Before Your Trip – Before you leave for your backpacking trip, and even before you start packing, it is essential to look at the weather forecast. Not only will this allow you to choose a sleeping bag that will fit the temperatures, but it can also help you by showing you the possibility of rain. Remember, synthetic bags dry faster and retain some insulation ability even when wet!
• Choose The Right Size – Though not all sleeping bags offer you a choice in length, your best bet for warmth is to find one that’s the right size. Buy one that’s too long and it might be drafty. Get one that’s too short and your upper half will be freezing! While you may be able to make a wrong-sized rectangular sleeping bag work, you really might not fit in a mummy-shaped one.
• Choose The Shape That Gets You The Best Sleep – Another thing to remember is to be comfortable with the sleeping bag you choose. Even though more and more sleeping bags are turning to the mummy style, if it doesn’t work for you, don’t force it. Not everyone likes the snug fit of a mummy sleeping bag. Do what works for you!

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Hopefully you were able to find a bag that fits your travel/backpacking needs!

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