If you’re in a rush, the best budget sleeping bag in 2021 is the Kelty Mistral Sleeping Bag: 20F Synthetic.
Looking forward to a lazy weekend camping trip? Or maybe you’re planning a hiking expedition through the mountains? Either way, getting a good night’s sleep is the key to having a positive experience in the great outdoors.
So, what’s the key to getting a good night’s sleep? Well, the first thing you’re going to need is a sleeping bag.
Any camper will tell you that a good sleeping bag is essential. Choosing the right one is your ticket to staying warm and sleeping like a baby all through the night.
If you haven’t got a very high budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of great sleeping bags out there that are reasonably priced. If you need more tips on keeping camping costs low, check out this guide I put together for camping on a budget.
I spent a few days reviewing a vast array of sleeping bags and thoroughly researching their materials and insulation. The list I’ve come up with features the ones that really stood out to me in terms of warmth, durability, breathability and water resistance.
Let’s jump straight into it.
Best Budget Sleeping Bag: Our Top Choices
Best Budget Sleeping Bags for Adults:
Best Budget Kids Sleeping Bags:
Still confused? Compare all Budget Sleeping Bag Prices and Specifications Here.
Kelty Mistral Sleeping Bag: 20F Synthetic
Type: Mummy | Temperature Rating (F): 20 degrees | Weight (lbs): 3.1 to 3.3 | Shell: Nylon Tafetta | Fill: Cloudloft synthetic fibers (2 lbs 1.6 oz) | Fits Up To (in.): 72 to 78
Wow! Talk about value for money! This Kelty Mistral sleeping bag is packed with sweet perks at an even sweeter price.
It performs well in a wide range of weather conditions, with a temperature rating of 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Perfect for backpackers, the regular size only weights 3.1 lbs and can be packed down quite nicely.
The shell fabric is nylon taffeta. This protects against moisture and tearing, without harming the environment or your health.
The thing that makes this sleeping bag really stand out from the rest is the Cozy Cloudloft™ synthetic insulation. It traps warmth, making the most of your body heat to keep you nice and toasty, and it stays warm even when wet. So, if your sleeping bag does get a little bit of rain/snow/your spilled tea on it, you won’t be doomed to spend the night shivering and shaking.
Pros:
- Traps heat and stays warm even when wet, thanks to Cozy Cloudloft™ insulation.
- Suitable for camping trips in cold weather with a temperature rating of 20 degrees.
- Anti-snag zipper design keeps the zipper from catching
- Ultralight and small when compressed, making it backpacker friendly.
- Comes in two sizes: regular and large
Cons:
- A tad pricier than some of the other budget sleeping bags
Best for: campers and backpackers seeking a budget friendly sleeping bag that still has all the perks.
MalloMe Budget Sleeping Bag
Type: Rectangular | Temperature Rating (F): 32 degrees | Weight (lbs): 3.3 | Shell: Polyester Hexagonal Weave | Fill: 3D inner synthetic fiber fill | Fits Up To (in.): 86.6
In a bind, we purchased this sleeping bag for a summer camping trip, and couldn’t be happier. If you are looking for an ultralight budget bag, this is it.
Though it only comes with a 32F degree rating, it’s rectangular design and drawstring hood make it a huge bang for your buck.
Not only that, but at 86.6 inches it is the tallest bag in this list, so great for taller folks, and even kids too.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Long at 86.6 inches, it’s great for taller folks
- A 32 degree rating will keep you warm even on those could shoulder season nights
- Only weighs 3.3 lbs, so great for backpackers too
Cons:
- Synthetic polyester can feel a bit..synthetic at times
Best for: Those looking for a quality budget sleeping bag.
Coleman Brazos 30 Sleeping Bag
Type: Rectangular | Temperature Rating (F): 30 degrees | Weight (lbs): 5 | Shell: Polyester | Fill: Coletherm synthetic fibers | Fits Up To (in.): 72
If you’re on a tight budget, I’ve got great news. The Brazos 30 sleeping bag from Coleman will keep you rugged up all through the night for next to nothing.
It’s a true 3-season sleeping bag, featuring tricot lining, Coletherm synthetic insulation, a polyester shell and a temperature rating of 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
As with most rectangular sleeping bags, it’s a bit on the bulky side when compressed. It also weighs 5 lbs, which is quite a bit more than any other sleeping bag I reviewed. If you’re looking for an ultralight backpacking sleeping bag, you might want to give this one a miss.
On the upside, its rectangular shape means you can unzip it and use it as a regular blanket. Plus, if you get lonely in your sleeping bag and would rather snuggle up beside your tent buddy, you can. By zipping 2 of these together, you get a double sleeping bag for 2 people.
Pros:
- Temperature rating of 30 degrees, making it suitable for 3-season use.
- You’ll be warm all night long thanks to Coletherm insulation and tricot lining.
- Water resistant polyester shell fabric protects from moisture.
- Possibility of using it as a big blanket or joining with another sleeping bag.
- Very budget friendly.
Cons:
- Not as lightweight and compact as other sleeping bags, so not the best option for ultralight backpackers.
Best for: campers on a tight budget looking for a great product at a bargain price.
Coleman – Zero Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag
Temperature Rating (F): 0 degrees | Sizes: One-size | Weight (lbs): 5.8 lbs | Shell: Polyester | Insulation Type: Polyester | Fits Up To (in.): 74
Like most Coleman gear, this sleeping bag offers a top-notch experience at a very reasonable price.
I really like the Zero Degree Mummy model because it has several design features that guarantee you stay warm. That includes quilting, an insulated foot-box, and a Thermolock draft tube.
Not to mention, this sleeping bag is fantastic for tall campers as it accommodates heights up to 6 feet 2 inches. Several other features like the ZipPlow system (and a low price tag) make this sleeping bag a great choice.
Pros:
- The bag’s semi-sculpted hood includes a drawstring to cinch it up around your face for added warmth.
- The hood also has enough room to fit a camping pillow.
- This bag was made to accommodate tall people and works well for people up to 6’2″ tall.
- Features like quilting, an insulated foot-box, and a Thermolock draft tube keep you warm with plenty of heat retention.
- The ZipPlow zipper system makes sure that the bag material is pushed out of the way to prevent snagging while zipping. You can even zip it up from inside the sleeping bag (super easy).
- Quite the deal – its price tag makes it a steal compared to other cold-weather sleeping bags.
Cons:
- Although warm, this bag weighs more than other choices in this article. I recommend the Marmot or Nemo for backpacking.
- Because of all its fluff, it might be challenging to get this bag back in its carrying bag.
Best for: tall campers who want to save money but not skimp out on warmth.
Marmot Trestles 30 Sleeping Bag: 30F Synthetic
Type: Mummy | Temperature Rating (F): 30 degrees | Weight (lbs): 3 to 3.4 | Shell: 70D polyester | Fill: Spiraloft 120 | Fits Up To (in.): 72 to 79
You’ll be snug as a bug in a rug in this Marmot Trestles 30 sleeping bag. For this price range, it’s made exceptionally well and is loaded with amazing features.
It’s got a tough and water resistant polyester shell and SpiraFil 120 synthetic insulation that stays warm even if it gets wet. These factors, along with a temperature rating of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, make it a true 3-season sleeping bag.
It weighs 3 lbs 1 oz and compresses down to a fairly small size. There are some lighter and more compact sleeping bags on the market, but it’s still not too heavy or bulky to take on a hiking trip.
Pros:
- Suitable for 3-season use with a temperature rating of 30 degrees.
- Stays warm even when wet, thanks to SpiraFil 120 insulation.
- Snagless draft tube that traps warmth, keeping you extra cozy.
- Water resistant and durable 70D polyester shell fabric.
- Compact and lightweight, so it’s great for ultralight backpackers.
Cons:
- Zipper gets stuck easily, which can cause damage to the lining.
Best for: campers and backpackers looking for a sleeping bag that performs well in a range of weather conditions.
Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag
Type: Rectangular | Sizes: Regular, Long | Temperature Rating (F): 30° | Weight: 3.94 lbs | Shell: 190T polyester taffeta | Fill: Cloudloft synthetic | Fits Up To: 72 in
If a mummy sleeping bag isn’t your thing and you want a nice, rectangular sleeping bag that won’t break the bank, check out the Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping bag.
Coming in two sizes, the Catena offers Kelty’s CloudLoft insulation will keep you warm up to 30 degrees.
It can be fully unzipped to use as a blanket, or zipped together with a second Catena to make a double sleeping bag.
Pros:
- One of the best sleeping bags on the market in terms of price-to-quality ratio
- Anti-snag strip prevents the zipper from getting stuck
- Drawstring cinches hood for added warmth
- Insulated hood adds warmth and fits a regular size pillow
- Comes with a stuff sack
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of space when packed
Best for: those looking for a great value bag.
ALPS Mountaineering Blue Springs Sleeping Bag: 35F Synthetic
Type: Mummy | Temperature Rating (F): 35 degrees | Weight (lbs): 2.7 to 3 | Shell: 210T nylon ripstop | Fill: MicroX+ | Fits Up To (in.): 80 to 86
Looking for a budget sleeping bag with a bunch of great features? This fabulous sleeping bag from ALPS will give you a bang for your buck.
It’s got a temperature rating of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great 3-season sleeping bag. Of course, the weather across different seasons varies greatly in different places. In places with a temperate climate, you should be able to get away with using it from mid-spring right through to mid-fall.
It’s got microX+ synthetic insulation and an insulated hood, so you’ll be toasty warm from top to toe.
Looking for an ultralight backpacking sleeping bag? This one only weighs 3 lbs and packs down to a really small size, so it’s perfect for hiking trips.
Maintaining it is a bit of an inconvenience. Unlike most sleeping bags that you can throw in the washing machine without any problems, this one is hand-wash only.
Pros:
- Mid-spring to mid-fall use with a temperature rating of 35 degrees.
- Keeps you cozy and warm with MicroX+ insulation.
- Insulated hood stands up on its own, protecting your head from cold winds.
- Compresses well and isn’t too heavy, making it suitable for ultralight backpacking.
Cons:
- Issues with the zipper getting stuck.
- Hand-wash only, making maintenance less convenient.
Best for: campers and backpackers looking to stretch their dollar as far as possible.
Core 30 Degree Hybrid Sleeping Bag
Type: Hybrid | Temperature Rating (F): 30 degrees | Weight (lbs): 5 | Shell: Polyester | Fill: Polyester Hollow Fill | Fits Up To (in.): 85
So far, we haven’t seen a hybrid bag. The Core 30 Degree Hybrid Bag comes at a great value.
We love the Core brand for tents. They rate highly well and make great high-quality budget items.
The Core hybrid bag is no different. It is large at 85 inches, so can fit even the tallest of us, but will keep you warm even on a surprisingly cold night.
Most of all, we love the tech pocket that comes inside this sleeping bag.
Pros:
- Fits even the tallest of us at 85 inches
- It’s a hybrid bag, meaning you get the draw-sting hood like a mummy bag, for added warmth, but have more leg room like a rectangular bag
- Anti-snag zipper
- Extra large tech pocket
- Machine Washable
Cons:
- A bit hard to get back into the bag
Best for: those looking for a high value budget sleeping bag.
Canway Double Sleeping Bag, Flannel Lightweight Waterproof
Type: Double, Rectangular | Temperature Rating (F): 42 degrees | Weight (lbs): 6.5 | Shell: 210T polyester | Fill: 300GMS filling | Fits Up To (in.): 85
Finally, we get to a great budget double sleeping bag for couples who want to cuddle.
This bag can also easily be converted into individual sleeping bags for each, if it is reaching the colder end of the limit of the bag at around 42 degrees.
The comfy cotton lining makes this feel less like camping, and more like budget glamping. Especially for the price!
Pros:
- Queen Size XL Sleeping Bag for has plenty of room both directions
- Cotton liner, keeps you comfy and warm
- At 6.5 lbs, it’s actually pretty light when you consider it is 2 bags in one
- Can be converted to individual sleeping bags, if needed.
Cons:
- Not great for colder weather
Best for: couples who want to cuddle!
Coleman Plum Fun 45 Youth Sleeping Bag
Type: Kids, Rectangular | Temperature Rating (F): 45 degrees | Weight (lbs): 2.9 | Shell: Synthetic | Fill: ThermoTech insulation | Fits Up To (in.): 66
Kids can outgrow a sleeping bag in less than a year, so spending tons of money on such a product might be in vain. And there are some pretty affordable yet high-quality models on the market that you can get instead, like this one by Coleman.
This sleeping bag is suitable for kids under 5.5 feet. It’s designed for summer weather, but it can keep your child warm at temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The sleeping bag is insulated with synthetic and has a cozy plush cuff around the edge for more warmth.
Thanks to the ZipFlow technology, the fabric is pushed away from the zipper’s teeth. This allows your kid to enter and close the sleeping bag without the possibility of snagging the material.
I love the fact that this bag has roll control. What this means is it makes packing easy, by locking the edges of the bag together to keep it straight as it’s rolled up. This allows kids to roll their sleeping bags by themselves.
Finally, I need to mention interior pockets. Your child can put a flashlight, a toy or any other small item inside and have it close at hand at all times.
Pros:
- The bag is very lightweight and packs small, so it can fit a kid’s backpack easily
- ZipPlow system moves the fabric away to prevent snagging when using a zipper
- Roll control keeps bag ends together and allows an easy packing
- Interior pockets allow your kid to keep important things close by
Cons:
- Not suitable for colder weather
Best for: kids that love carrying their own equipment.
Check Price at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Wenzel Moose Youth 40-Degree Sleeping Bag
Type: Kids, Rectangular | Temperature Rating (F): 40 degrees | Weight (lbs): 3.1 | Shell: 190T Poly Taffeta | Fill: Polyester | Fits Up To (in.): 66
When camping in summer, you don’t have to worry too much about your kid staying tucked in at all times. That’s when this bag comes into use.
With a temperature rating of 40 degrees Fahrenheit, this is a perfect summer sleeping bag. The synthetic insulation can keep kids warm when the temperature drops at night. Thanks to a two-way zipper, it’s easy to get more airflow on a hot night or convert the bag into a blanket instead.
This rectangular sleeping bag is pretty spacious. It’s designed to fit kids up to 5 feet in size, and has plenty of space for them to move their legs around. This makes it a great choice for those that sleep in a variety of odd positions.
Nothing less important is the design of this sleeping bag. It comes in two color choices – blue and pink. Both feature a fun moose pattern that kids will absolutely love.
Finally, the warranty is also worth mentioning. The brand assures the product is free from manufacturing defects. And in case you notice one, you can replace the sleeping bag free of charge for up to 10 years from the purchase date. Now that’s value!
Pros:
- The bag can be fully unzipped to transform into a blanket
- Synthetic insulation keeps the warmth in and keeps your child comfy at night
- A two-way zipper allows versatile ventilating options when it gets too warm
- A 10-year long warranty allows you to replace the bag in case you notice any manufacturing defect
Cons:
- Doesn’t pack as small as some other sleeping bags on the list
Best for: slumber parties and stargazing during hot summer nights.
REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Sleeping Bag
Type: Kids, Mummy | Temperature Rating (F): 25 degrees | Weight (lbs): 3.2 | Shell: Recycled polyester | Fill: Polyester fibers | Fits Up To (in.): 60
Since kids grow at lightspeed, you’ve got two options – you can buy them a sleeping bag every time they outgrow them, or get ones that can grow with them.
While a sleeping bag can’t grow per se, it can be adjusted to fit the size of your kid. Look at this Kindercone bag by REI Co-op. It featured an attached stuff sack that cinches down to adjust the length of the bag to fit your child’s size.
This mummy-shaped sleeping bag comes in three colors: red, blue and green. Each of them has a fun pattern on the inside, so there’s surely one that your kid will absolutely adore.
Less free space means more warmth. And thanks to synthetic fibers, this bag will keep your kid warm at temperatures up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. And when you add a water-repellent finish to the table, what you get is a pretty good shell against weather conditions.
This sleeping bag features a roomy hoodie that can easily be adjusted with cords. It can stay snug around the kid’s face, or can be stretched to fit a pillow. This allows your kid to sleep rather comfortably at night.
Pros:
- An attached stuff sack allows you to adjust the length to your kid’s height
- Synthetic insulation keeps the warmth in even if the sleeping bag gets a bit damp
- With a 25 temperature rating, this bag is suitable for 3-season camping
- A two-way zipper allows the kid to create ventilation openings when it gets too hot
Cons:
- A bit heavier than other models
Best for: middle-school children that grow like weeds.
Best Budget Sleeping Bags – Everything We Recommend
Choosing The Best Budget Sleeping Bag: A Buying Guide
With all the different budget sleeping bags out there, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider:
- Price
- Temperature rating
- Comfort rating
- Water resistance
Ask yourself where you plan on using your sleeping bag. What kind of weather are you likely to encounter?
Every sleeping bag has a temperature rating. This rating indicates the lowest temperature at which they can be used. So, you’ll definitely want to pay attention to that.
Many sleeping bags will also have a comfort rating. This indicates the lowest temperature at which you should be able to sleep comfortably if you’re someone who’s sensitive to the cold.
There’s nothing worse than a wet sleeping bag. It’s crucial that the one you end up going for is made of materials that are breathable while still providing some degree of water resistance.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about all these factors to make sure you pick out a sleeping bag that’s going to fulfill your needs.
Price
You are looking for a budget sleeping bag, so obviously price is important. But it’s not everything.
If you purchase the cheapest sleeping bag you can find at around $29.99 – you’ll be getting a solid sleeping bag with our budget pick in the MalloMe Budget Sleeping Bag.
And it is even rated down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you’ll be camping in the shoulder seasons or cold weather, you will need a winter sleeping bag.
So that is where temperature rating really does come in handy, and you will pay a bit more for more comfort (see below). But no matter what you choose, all of the bags we selected are under $89.
Temperature Rating
Let me start by telling you right off the bat, the temperature ratings on sleeping bags can be deceiving. They should never be taken at face value. Instead, use them as more of a general guideline and take the following into consideration when looking at your options.
We all sleep differently. Some people are more sensitive to the cold and need a lot of heat to stay warm. Others are most comfortable sleeping in cooler conditions. This means that what’s warm enough for one person isn’t necessarily going to be warm enough for everyone.
“So,” you ask, “how can I know if a sleeping bag is going to be warm enough for me?” Well, what I would recommend is to think of the manufacturer’s temperature rating as applicable to those who are less sensitive to the cold. If you’re a warm sleeper, you should be right going by the official rating.
If you’re anything like me though, going by this rating could leave you chattering your teeth. Anyone who’s spent a night (or worse, several nights) freezing their cheeks off in a tent can tell you, it isn’t much fun. So, if you are a cold sleeper it’s a good idea to add 10-15 degrees to the manufacturer’s temperature rating.
For instance, if a sleeping bag’s temperature rating is 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I personally wouldn’t take it on a camping trip if I was anticipating weather under 45 degrees. Again, that doesn’t mean someone else couldn’t use it in 30 degree weather and be perfectly comfortable.
Comfort Rating
In some cases, the manufacturers will have taken this discrepancy into account. In turn, you’ll often see a comfort rating in addition to the temperature rating.
Here’s the difference. The temperature rating indicates the lowest temperature the sleeping bag is suitable for. The comfort rating indicates the lowest temperature at which a cold sleeper should feel comfortable.
Still, I wouldn’t take this at face value either. Aside from whether you’re a cold or warm sleeper, there are a number of other factors that can influence how warm you are in a sleeping bag.
For instance, having additional gear such as a sleeping bag liner or a sleeping pad is going to make a huge difference when you’re camping in cold weather. The clothes you wear while sleeping also play an important role. Believe it or not, even the food you consume is going to have an impact on how warm you are during the night.
It’s also interesting to note that women are on average colder sleepers than men. Because of this, the comfort rating on a men’s sleeping bag will often be equivalent to the temperature rating on the women’s version of the same product.
Water Resistance
When it comes to sleeping bags, it’s all about finding the best possible balance between water resistance and breathability.
Because sleeping bags have to be breathable, they’re only water resistant to a certain degree. Still, some sleeping bags provide better protection from moisture than others.
This will depend largely on the material used to make the outer shell of the sleeping bag.
Polyester, nylon and taffeta are all great examples of water resistant materials that aren’t expensive. Ripstop is a class above these materials in terms of durability.
The best materials are highly breathable and water resistant, such as Gore’s DryLoft. However, materials such as these come at a far greater price.
Sleeping bags with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish provide better protection from moisture. This will also make them highly resistant to stains and tearing.
Some sleeping bags, such as the Kelty Mistral and the Marmot Trestles 30, feature insulation like CirroLoft and SpiraFil, which actually stay warm even when soaking wet.
Insulation
When picking a budget sleeping bag, synthetic insulation will be your only option.
And that is OK, so long as you aren’t going backpacking or facing extremely cold temperatures.
Down fill is lighter weight (and warmer) than synthetic insulation. It is also going to have better longevity than a synthetic bag.
But when shopping for a budget bag, this is a non-issue, because they will all be synthetic.
Our Verdict
That’s pretty much all you need to know about picking out the perfect sleeping bag. Hopefully you now have a better idea of the kind of things you need to look out for.
Which one would I go for? It would have to be the Kelty Mistral. In my eyes, it’s clearly a cut above the rest. It’s warm, ultralight and eco-friendly. No matter what your needs may be, this sleeping bag has got you covered.
It might not be the absolute cheapest, but in this case for just a little bit extra you really do get a whole lot more.
