You just spent 260 miles weaving through the mountains or riding through the desert. The sun was shining. There was a light breeze running through your jacket. It was a beautiful day, but now it’s time to set up camp for the evening.
After a long day of riding there is nothing you want more than a good night’s sleep. After all, you need to be well-rested to ride again tomorrow! A great sleeping bag plays a critical role in how well and how long you are able to sleep. You need one that is insulated enough to keep you warm on cool nights but light and compact enough to carry on your bike.
If you are looking for the best sleeping bag for motorcycle camping, look no further.
Here at Outdoorsr, we’re here to help. Whether you are in search of an affordable bag to take on short trips or the best-of-best to use for weeks at a time, we have the perfect sleeping bag for you.
We’ve also got a list of the best tents for motorcycle touring that you can also check out, if you’re still on the hunt for one of those as well.
Best Sleeping Bags for Motorcycle Camping
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 Best Sleeping Bags for Motorcycle Camping. Our Editor’s Choice for the Best Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Touring is the Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag. Looking for the Best Double Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Camping? We think the Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 is perfect.
Perhaps you are in search of a sleeping bag to meet a more specific requirement? Are you concerned about weight? Our top pick for an Ultralight Touring Sleeping Bag is The North Face Gold Kazoo. On a budget? Try the Coleman Palmetto 30°F Cool Weather Sleeping Bag.
No matter what your top requirement is, we guarantee you will find the perfect Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Camping somewhere on our list.
So read our reviews, take into account our extra considerations, then decide which bag is right for you.
REI Co-op Igneo 17 Sleeping Bag
Features
- Temperature Rating: 17°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): 28°F
- Weight: 1 lb. 15 oz
- Filling: 700-fill duck down
- Stuff Sack Size: 8” x 18”
- Price: $$$
Best for: Rainy Conditions
If you’re facing a rainy-season ride, the REI Co-op Igneo 17 is the must-have sleeping bag for you. The Co-op Igneo is water-resistant, manufactured out of water-repellent ripstop nylon and featuring waterproof panels on the hood, sides, and feet of the shell. It is filled with water-repellent 700-fill duck down, further ensuring that you stay warm while water stays out.
The Igneo also features a face muffler, making sure cold air does not sneak its way into your bag and disrupt a good night’s sleep. All of this and the Co-op Igneo is still very lightweight, weighing less than 2 pounds! This mummy bag comes with a storage sack and is rated all the way down to 17°F, making it perfect for 3-season camping.
The Igneo comes in a regular, long, and long-wide configuration. It is slightly less versatile than some other bags on our list, coming in only one color and with a left zipper only. The Igneo is also one of the more pricey bags on our list, meaning you’ll be spending a little more than some of the alternatives.
However, we think if you are looking for a sleeping bag that is bound to keep you dry during those rainy nights, the REI Co-op Igneo 17 is well worth the cash.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Face Muffler
- Storage Sack
CONS
- Left-zip only
- Pricey
Rei Co-op Trailbreak 20 Sleeping Bag
Features
- Temperature Rating: 20°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): 29°F (men’s); 18°F (women’s)
- Weight: 3 lbs. 7 oz (men’s); 4 lbs. 13 oz (women’s)
- Filling: Water-resistant polyester
- Stuff Sack Size: 9” x 16” (men’s); 9.5 x 17 (women’s)
- Price: $$
Best Beginners Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Camping
The Rei Co-op Trailbreak 20 is an ideal sleeping bag for any motorcyclists going on their first overnight rides. This bag is versatile, warm, and affordable, giving you everything you need on your first overnight trip and beyond.
The Trailbreaker is a mummy sleeping bag that comes in 8 different configurations. You can choose between a men and women’s bag, a left or right zipper, and a regular or long length. All configurations feature a face muffler and full draft tube, along with drawstrings to adjust both the hood and neck. We will mention that the women’s bag – even in a long configuration – is not ideal for women near or over 6 feet tall. We suggest you look into the men’s bag or a different option on our list.
The Co-Op Trailbreaker features a durable water repellent (DWR) finish and includes a stuff sack, helping you stow-and-go as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, this sleeping bag is one of the heavier options on our list, weighing between 3-5 pounds depending on the configuration. This makes it less ideal if you are planning on hiking with it as well, but as long as you have room on your bike and aren’t setting up camp far away, we say go for it!
PROS
- Multiple Configurations
- Face Muffler
- Adjustable Hood & Neck
- Water-repellent
CONS
- Heavy
- Not for Tall Women
Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping Bag
Features
- Temperature Rating: 30°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): Unspecified
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Filling: Polyester
- Stuff Sack Size: 12” x 15”
- Price: $$
Best Double Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Camping:
Riding Double? The Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping Bag is the bag for you. The Co-op Siesta is perfectly made for double sleeping, allowing you to share your body heat on cool nights, and providing separate foot zippers to regulate ventilation as needed. On warm nights, the bag separates into two quilts, meaning you can ditch the heat and still stay comfortable.
This bag provides a compact carry of only 12×15 inches, which takes up less room than two separate sleeping bags combined. It is also coated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, keeping the water out while you stay dry and cozy inside.
Coming in at 6 pounds, the Siesta is decently heavy. Even heavier, in fact, than buying 2 (or even 3!) of some of the other bags on our list. However, this double bag is also much cheaper than 2 or 3 of most other sleeping bags, costing nearly the same as the REI single-sleeper Trailbreaker reviewed above.
All things considered, if you are looking for the best double sleeping bag for motorcycle camping, we think the Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 cannot be beaten.
PROS
- Riding Double
- Compact Carry
- Separate Foot Zippers
- Water-resistant
CONS
- Heavy
- No Hood
The North Face Eco Trail Down 20
Features
- Temperature Rating: 20°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): Unspecified
- Weight: 2 lbs. 14 oz
- Filling: 600-fill recycled down
- Stuff Sack Size: 9” x 16”
- Price: $$
Best for Tall or Eco-Friendly Campers:
The North Face Eco Trail Down 20 is not only the longest sleeping bag on our list but also the most environmentally friendly. Sporting a length up to 84 inches, even the tallest of campers will be comfortable in this mummy-shaped bag.
The North Face Eco Trail Down features recycled ripstop nylon with a 600-fill recycled down inside which is certified to the Global Recycling Standard (GRS). It also uses a PFC-free durable water repellent which is better for both you and the environment.
There is a small internal storage pocket for any small items you want to keep near you while sleeping. Tie-down loops allow you to secure the bag to a sleeping pad (sold separately), for a more comfortable sleep.
The North Face Eco Trail does have a few limitations like its right-hand side only J-zip. While less versatile than other options and lacking a foot vent, we still think it’s a great option. In fact, we think the North Face Eco Trail Down 20 is the perfect match for campers approaching 7 feet tall and those who love saving the environment.
PROS
- Eco-friendly
- Extra-long
- Internal pocket
- Tie-down loops
CONS
- Right-zip only
- J-zip
The North Face Gold Kazoo
Features
- Temperature Rating: 35°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): Unspecified
- Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
- Filling: 700-fill water-resistant down (ProDown)
- Stuff Sack Size: 8” x 13”
- Price: $$$
Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Touring:
If you are in search of the perfect sleeping bag you can use both on motorcycle and hiking trips alike, look no further. The North Face Gold Kazoo is an ultralight sleeping bag, weighing only 1.75 pounds. This bag is the perfect thing to add to either your bike or your pack without adding any unnecessary weight.
The North Face Gold Kazoo is made of ripstop nylon and taffeta with a 700-fill water-resistant down. While the fabric is relatively thin and we question its long-term durability, this bag does sport a lifetime warranty from The North Face, making us worry-less and want to hop inside.
The Gold Kazoo also features a zipper baffle and tie-down loops so you can easily attach it to a mattress pad for extra comfort if desired.
This sleeping bag is best suited for warmer weather, rated down to only 35°F. So if you aren’t planning on camping during the cold seasons and weight is a top priority, The North Face Gold Kazoo is the bag for you.
PROS
- Ultralight
- Water-resistant
- Tie-down loops
- Zipper Baffle
CONS
- Warmer Weather
- Thin Shell Fabric
The North Face Inferno 0
Features
- Temperature Rating: 0°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): 13°F
- Weight: 1 lb 13 oz
- Filling: 800-fill water-resistant down (ProDown)
- Stuff Sack Size: 10” x 18”
- Price: $$
Best All-Season Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Camping:
The North Face Inferno 0 is the only all-season rated bag on our list. For high altitude or cold-weather camping, this sleeping bag is a must-buy. It is pricey, coming in as the most expensive sleeping bag on our list, but with its price comes warm and protection that cannot be beaten by any other bag on our list.
The Inferno is comprised of 800-fill water-resistant down with water-resistant, no-venting fabric on the hood, foot box, and back, guaranteeing you stay both dry and warm – even on the coldest nights. A single center zipper might be slightly inconvenient, but reduces airflow and keeps you warm down to freezing temperatures and below.
Weighing less than 2 pounds, the Inferno is lightweight, and sports an internal storage pocket for your small devices.
Overall, if you are venturing into high altitudes or looking at doing a winter ride, The North Face Inferno 0 Sleeping Bag should be on your bike.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Internal storage pocket
- Cold Weather
- Water-resistant
CONS
- Expensive
- Centre Zipper
Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag
Features
- Temperature Rating: 20°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): 19°F
- Weight: 2 lbs. 7oz
- Filling: 600-fill down (DriDown)
- Stuff Sack Size: 8”x 15.5”
- Price: $$
Best All-Around Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Touring:
Here at Outdoorsr, we are ranking the Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag the best sleeping bag for motorcycle touring. Weighing less than 2.5 pounds, it is fairly lightweight, and perfect to carry on, or off, your bike. The Kelty Cosmic also comes in mid-range on the price scale, being affordable while still using quality materials, like 600-fill water-resistant down.
The Cosmic Sleeping Bag features a two-way zipper which reduces the chances of zipper snags, and also has a PFC-free durable water-resistant coating which is both human and environment friendly.
There is a small exterior pocket to hold any devices or items you may need during the night. While we do wish this pocket was internal (who wants to reach their hand outside of their sleeping bag to find their phone?), we think it’s a better alternative to those bags which lack storage pockets altogether. After all, no one likes waking up to find their phone or wristwatch at their feet!
We also don’t love the fact that the exterior fabric is thinner than the interior liner making it more prone to rips or tears, but we do think the polyester taffeta liner is pretty soft to sleep against compared to other alternatives.
The Kelty Cosmic Sleeping Bag is rated for 3-season camping, withstanding temperatures down to 20°F. So it is perfect for those spring trips to see the blooms or fall trips to see the leaves changing alike.
The Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag gives you the quality and warmth you want at a reasonable price and weight, making it our number one choice as the best sleeping bag for motorcycle touring.
PROS
- Two-way zipper
- Lightweight
- PFC-free DWR
- 3-season rated
CONS
- No exterior pocket
- Thinner exterior fabric
Kelty Galactic Down 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
Features
- Temperature Rating: 30°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): Unspecified
- Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz
- Filling: 600-fill down (DriDown)
- Stuff Sack Size: 7.5” x 15”
- Price: $$
Best Non-Mummy Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Camping:
If you find mummy-shaped sleeping bags too constraining, then look no further than the Kelty Galactic Down 30 Degree Sleeping Bag. Weighing less than 3 pounds, this bag will give you the room you want, at an affordable price, without all the added weight.
The Kelty Galactic Sleeping Bag features a dual anti-snag zipper design, so you can stay comfortable and regulate airflow on warmer nights. The Galactic is perfect for those late spring or early summer rides through the hills. If things do happen to get chilly, the bag is rated down to 30°F, and sports a top cinch cord, so you can keep yourself cozy if things start to get chilly.
To help keep the sack size small, there is a compression sack for the Galactic sold separately. This would be ideal to purchase if you are looking for a non-mummy sleeping bag that fits in your pack like it was a smaller mummy-style one.
PROS
- Dual zippers
- Lighter weight
- Non-mummy shape
- Top Cinch Cord
CONS
- Compression sack sold separately
Coleman Palmetto 30°F Cool Weather Sleeping Bag
Features
- Temperature Rating: 30°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): Unspecified
- Weight: 4 lbs. 1 oz
- Filling: Coletherm Micro synthetic insulation
- Stuff Sack Size: 10” x 17”
- Price: $
Best Budget Sleeping Bag for Single Motorcycle Camping:
On a budget? The Coleman Palmetto 30°F Cool Weather Sleeping Bag is the cheapest sleeping bag on our list. It’s a little heavier, bulkier, and not rated to as low of a temperature as most of our other bags, but it’s a great one to start with if you want to test the waters without making a huge investment.
The Coleman Palmetto 30°F Cool Weather Bag is made of polyester with a Coletherm Micro synthetic filler. It weighs just over 4 pounds and has the largest single-sleeper sack dimensions on our list. Luckily for you, your bike should be toting that weight the majority of the time
The Coleman Palmetto does sport a few extras like an interior storage pocket and ZipPlow anti-snag zipper. You can also place one bag on top of another for double sleeping if needed, or use one bag as a quilt in warmer weather.
If you are looking for a decent sleeping bag but don’t have the cash to spend, the Coleman Palmetto is the perfect budget bag for riders who are still testing out the water.
PROS
- Cheap
- Interior storage pocket
- ZipPlow zipper
- Can connect together
CONS
- Heavy
- Large sack size
GeerTop Aurora 3-Season Sleeping Bag
Features
- Temperature Rating: 41°F
- Comfort Rating (EN): Unspecified
- Weight: 3 lbs. 2 oz
- Filling: Hollow fiber (synthetic)
- Stuff Sack Size: 7” x 14”
- Price: $
Most Versatile Sleeping Bag for Motorcycle Camping:
For double riders looking for a cheaper alternative than the REI Co-Op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping bag, we suggest purchasing two GeerTop Aurora Hollow Fibre 3-Season Sleeping Bags (one left-zipper and one right-zipper) and connecting them together.
These bags are fairly inexpensive and come in 3 different color options. They have an adjustable drawstring hood that can be removed if desired. While they are not good for cold weather camping – being rated down to only 41°F – these bags are perfect for late spring and summer. They can be used as a quilt or blanket, and you can even connect more than two together if you need to sleep an entire family.
The GeerTop Aurora is made of water-resistant materials and comes with a compression bag, making your carry size as small as possible. While heavier than many other options on our list, the Aurora is still almost a full pound lighter than the Coleman Palmetto reviewed above as our other budget option, making the Aurora better suited for double sleeping.
If you’re riding double on a budget, get two GeerTop Aurora Hollow Fibre 3-Season Sleeping Bags. You won’t regret it.
PROS
- Cheap
- Can connect to another Aurora sleeping bag
- Water-resistant
- Detachable Hood
CONS
- More suitable for warmer weather
- Heavy
How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
We’ve listed a few additional considerations to take into account before purchasing your sleeping bag below.
Weight & Size
When selecting a sleeping bag, you want to make sure you buy one that is long enough to fit you without adding too much bulk or weight.
Most of the bags above came in 2-3 lengths. If you are tall, you want to make sure your sleeping bag will fit you without feeling cramped. On the other hand, shorter individuals can save some pack weight by selecting a shorter size that doesn’t include too much empty space below their feet. If you don’t fit in your bag, you probably won’t have a good night’s sleep. So choose a sleeping bag that will fit you comfortably without too much extra space.
Along with the actual size and length of your bag, you should consider the packed or sack size. If you are limited on the space in your saddlebag or pack, you need to make sure that there is room for your sleeping bag inside. The stuff sack size can give you a good idea of how much room your bag will take up when not in use.
While less important when on a motorcycle ride than on a trekking adventure by foot, it is still important to look at the weight of your bag. Generally, lighter bags will be easier to tote around and more manageable than heavier ones. If you are planning on using your sleeping bag for more than just motorcycle camping, or if you are planning on doing some hiking from the location where you are parking your motorcycle, the weight becomes a more crucial item.
Balancing the length, carry size, and weight of your sleeping bag can be difficult. It’s recommended you examine all of these features carefully before completing your purchase.
Temperature, Comfort & EN Rating
If you are planning on camping in more than just the warm-weather months, you need to consider the Temperature range and comfort (EN) ratings of your sleeping bag.
The temperature rating will tell you what temperature your bag is rated to handle. The comfort rating is the temperature where a colder sleeper will feel comfortable while a lower limit will indicate a temperature where warmer sleepers might feel comfortable. Generally the comfort rating is used as the temperature limit for women’s bags while the lower limit is used for men’s bags.
The European Norm (EN), comparable to the International Standards Organization (ISO), is the standard the sleeping bag industry uses to rate sleeping bags. Laboratory tests are standardized and used to produce the comfort and lower limit ratings which are used in the temperature range of the sleeping bag.
Knowing whether you are a cold or hot sleeper, and the temperatures you are looking to camp in will tell you if the temperature rating of your sleeping bag is right for you.
Additional Features
Nowadays there are a variety of “extras” that are included in sleeping bags. Storage pockets, compressible carry bags, anti-snag zippers, face mufflers, drawstring hoods – the list goes on.
Consider which additional features you would like your bag to have. List these in the order that is most important to you and find out which ones you may be willing to sacrifice. Then consider your options and your budget, and down select from there.
Additional features can help increase your comfort and enjoyment while camping, but most will come at a (literal) price. Keep reading to see how we suggest you handle the money factor.
Price
As with all camping equipment purchases, it’s important to set and stick to a budget. When prices range from under $100 to several hundred dollars, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or overspend your limit.
Consider which features are worth splurging for and which you are willing to give up. Sure, it’s cool, but do you really need a 4-season bag if you aren’t camping during winter? Are you concerned about it raining at all? Would you rather add a pound in weight or $100 in price?
The answer to these questions will vary from person to person and heavily depend on your plans for both your current and future trips.
We suggest you save up and never exceed your upper limit. With the wide range of options on our list, we guarantee you can find a sleeping bag that fits your needs but doesn’t empty your wallet.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right sleeping bag can really make a difference between getting a mediocre or a great night’s sleep. It can be the deciding factor on whether you are ready to ride at 7 am or still snoozing.
While there are a ton of sleeping bags out there, hopefully our list of the best sleeping bags for motorcycle camping has helped you decide which sort of bag is right for your trip.
No matter which sleeping bag you choose, we guarantee that you will have a great night’s sleep and be well-rested before a long day’s ride.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to hit the road
Sources:
- http://uneasyrider.co.uk/2018/01/14/beginners-guide-to-motorcycle-camping/
- https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/travel/must-pack-for-motorcycle-bike-adventure
- https://arborexplorer.com/types-of-tents/
