Summer is in full swing, and there is no time like the present to get out and start exploring the great outdoors.
Having the appropriate gear is essential for maximizing your enjoyment in nature, whether you are car camping, on a cross country road trip, or have big ambitions for a multi-night backpacking adventure. Thankfully, the summer months in North America are often the most pleasant, and least demanding when it comes to outdoor exploration.
This translates to increased comfort and a minimized burden of entry when it comes to procuring proper outdoor gear. Still, certain items will undeniably make your time in the elements that more comfortable – most notably your sleep system.
Tents and sleeping pads are critical, but when it comes to comfort, you can’t beat a sleeping bag. There is a lot that goes into finding the best warm weather sleeping bag for your specific needs. The sooner you find the best sleeping bag for summer, the sooner you can get out and start making the most of what remains of this summer season.
Best Warm Weather Sleeping Bags
The North Face – The One Bag
- Temperature Rating: 29 degrees
- Total Weight: 3 pounds 12 ounces
- Material: Goose down fill
- Price: $$$
There is a lot to consider when searching for the best sleeping bag for backpacking in summer, but The One Bag by The North Face is a top contender. This bag is incredibly unique because it has three interchangeable layers – giving it 5, 20, and 40-degree temperature ratings.
As such, this bag will serve you well in the summers under its most basic 40-degree configuration and can also work well as a shoulder season bag when the additional layers are
PROS
- 3 configurations with three different temperature ratings
- Thick goose down fill
- Lightweight considering construction
CONS
- Expensive
- Can be challenging to navigate zippers in the middle of the night
Kelty Galactic 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
- Temperature Rating: 30 Degrees
- Total Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces
- Material: DriDown fill
- Price: $$
If you are looking for an affordable no-frills summer sleeping bag, the Kelty Galactic 30 Degree Sleeping Bag could be for you. The rectangular shape of this bag creates a spacious feel for added comfort.
When paired with another Galactic bag, you can zip two together to fit both you and your partner. Further, the Galactic is stuffed with DriDown fill, specially treated to allow it to maintain its insulating capability in damp conditions. Otherwise, dampness is a significant compromise in many down bags.
PROS
- Affordable
- DriDown fill helps withstand damp weather
- Can zip into a partner’s Galactic bag
CONS
- A bit bulky
- Rectangular shape doesn’t hold heat as well
Anyoo Mummy Goose Down Sleeping Bag
- Temperature Rating: 45 degrees
- Total Weight: 4 pounds
- Material: Nylon outer, goose down fill
- Price: $
If price is a top concern when shopping new summer sleeping bags, the Anyoo Mummy Goose Down Sleeping Bag is a good option. The outer layer of this bag is made of 400T nylon, which helps wick moisture away from your body while simultaneously allowing you to breathe.
Plus, its goose down filling adds sufficient warmth for warm-weather camping. Finally, the mummy-style design promotes even more insulation as the shape will hug your body and make better use of all open space in the bag.
PROS
- Affordable price point
- Durable nylon outer
- Comfortable mummy style design
CONS
- Not the highest quality goose down
- Bulkier than other options
The North Face Eco Trail Down 35 Degree
- Temperature Rating: 35 degrees
- Total Weight: 2 pounds 7 ounces
- Material: Ripstop polyester outer, down fill
- Price: $$
For the environmentally-minded summer campers out there, The North Face has you covered. Their Eco Trail Down 35 Degree Sleeping Bag is the most sustainably manufactured on our list.
This bag is made of entirely recycled materials that are stitched together to create a beautiful piece of gear. Even the down in the Eco Trail bag is certified to the Global Recycle Standard.
In addition to being an eco-friendly choice, this sleeping bag holds its own in comfort, durability, and design. The J-zip maximizes mobility and venting, and the overall shape is built for comfort. Overall, this bag from The North Face strikes a great balance between functionality and sustainable construction.
PROS
- Sustainable, recycled construction
- Designed with comfort in mind
- Tie-down loops to secure the sleeping bag to the sleeping pad
CONS
- Bulky
Marmot Always Summer 40 Degree Sleeping Bag
- Temperature Rating: 40 degrees
- Total Weight: 1 pound 11 ounces
- Material: Ripstop nylon outer, duck down fill
- Price: $
The Always Summer 40 Degree Sleeping Bag from Marmot is a fantastic option for those of you looking for a top-quality piece of gear that’s budget-friendly.
It’s simple and elegant design is user friendly, and it still has a few features that set it apart from some of the budget bags on our list. For instance, the down fill is treated with Down Defender to increase water resistance. Marmot paid extra close attention to the insulation and comfort of the foot box to keep your lower extremities nice and warm.
Finally, the Always Summer has a second zipper, in addition to the main one, to increase ventilation and ease of access.
PROS
- Mid-range price
- Simple and functional design
- Very comfortable
- Breathability
CONS
- Not the warmest rated bag on our list
- A bit bulky when packed
Coleman Duck Harbor 40 Degree Sleeping Bag
- Temperature Rating: 40 degrees
- Total Weight: 6 pounds
- Material: Cotton cover, cotton flannel liner
- Price: $
The Coleman Duck Harbor 40 Degree Sleeping Bag was made for campers on a tight budget in mind. If you plan on using your new summer sleeping bag for car camping or backyard campouts on warm evenings, the Duck Harbor could be a great option given its price and simplicity.
However, the weight, packability, warmth, and weather resistance of this bag prevent it from being a top choice for a backpacking or backcountry sleeping bag. That said if sleepovers and simplicity are your thing, then this Coleman model may be right for you.
PROS
- Very affordable price
- Simple design
- Comfortable flannel liner
CONS
- Heavy and bulky
- Better for shorter people
- Cotton fill is not ideal for extended outdoor use
REI Co-op Helio Sack 50 Degree Sleeping Bag
- Temperature Rating: 50 degrees
- Total Weight: 1 pound 9 ounces
- Material: Polyester outer, synthetic fill
- Price: $
Budget campers with a focus on their gear’s weight will be pleased with the REI Co-op Helio Sack 50 Degree Sleeping Bag. While only rated to 50 degrees F, this bag still holds up during warm summer camping adventures.
It is compact enough to serve as a sleeping bag liner inside another bag for fall and winter exploration. One of the highlights of this bag for me is the mummy shape design.
This is due to the way the shape of the bag ergonomically fits around your body, in a comfortable and unrestrained way.
To top it off, the bag’s water repellent design allows you to rest comfortably away from any water that may somehow find it’s way to you.
As a bonus, REI is known for its generous return and repair policy. So if you are not entirely pleased with this bag, there is a hassle-free solution waiting for you.
PROS
- Affordable price point for a bag of this quality
- Can work as sleeping bag liner with another bag
- Very packable
- Lightweight
CONS
- High-temperature rating compared to other bags
- Synthetic fill not as comfortable/warm as down
Sea to Summit Traveller Trl 50 Degree Sleeping Bag
- Temperature Rating: 50 degrees
- Total Weight: 14.8 ounces
- Material: Nylon outer, UltraDry Down fill
- Price: $$$
For those looking for a true lightweight, minimalist, summer sleeping bag, the Traveller Trl 50 from Sea to Summit may be the answer. This ultralight bag makes the most of its nylon fabric and down fill to compress to an impressive, packed size and weight.
The tapered shape is designed for comfort, and on the warmest of nights, it can be unzipped entirely to create a down quilt. While not the warmest sleeping bag on our list, it is a real summer bag that can easily be thrown in a pack and enables you to sleep comfortably on warm nights.
Users also enjoy the Traveller’s packability for other forms of adventure, such as long international flights or overnighting in hostels across the globe.
PROS
- Ultralight
- Very packable
- Can unzip into a simple quilt
CONS
- Drafty foot box when used as sleeping bag
- Not meant for colder temperatures
Marmot Voyager 55 Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Temperature Rating: 55 degrees
- Total Weight: 1 pound 12 ounces
- Material: Polyester outer, SpiraFil synthetic fill
- Price: $
The Marmot Voyager 55 Mummy Sleeping Bag is yet another reliable summer sleeping bag option for the budget-conscious camper. Especially those looking to shave ounces out of their pack.
This lightweight bag, though rated to 55 degrees F, can handle colder temperatures thanks to its high loft insulation. It runs a bit smaller than advertised, and can be a tight fit for some campers.
Still, it is a comfy bag suitable for backcountry and front country adventures – just consider sizing up to the extended version as a larger human. Both the long and regular Voyager bags get nice and compact when packed down, making it a natural companion.
PROS
- Affordable price for an ultralight bag
- Small pack size
- Slightly warmer than its temperature rating
CONS
- Can be a tight fit
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 Degree
- Temperature Rating: 32 degrees
- Total Weight: 1 pound
- Material: Nylon outer, Nikwax hydrophobic goose down fill
- Price: $$$
If cost is not an issue, and you are looking for the best sleeping bag for warm weather, take a close look at the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 Degree Down Sleeping Bag.
This bag is full of features, yet remains incredibly light and highly packable. The fill for this bag is especially impressive, as the goose down is treated to promote dryness in damp weather, and the zoned insulation has allocated down filling where you need it most.
The outer shell is treated with water repellent treatment to further promote durability in wet conditions. Finally, the SynergyLink Connectors – when paired with a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad – attach the bag to the pad to keep even the most active sleepers secure to their sleeping pad night.
PROS
- Very lightweight and compact
- Durable design
- Warm and treated to hold up in damp weather
- Innovative features
CONS
- Zippers snag easily
- Expensive
How to Choose the Best Summer Sleeping Bag
When trying to find the best warm-weather sleeping bag, there is a lot to consider, and each camper will have their set of priorities. Thankfully, there is a wide selection of products on the market that cover all basic wants and necessities.
From sleeping bags for the budget-conscious to those looking to spend a little bit more to save ounces and pounds in their pack, there’s a summer sleeping bag for every occasion.
While we’ll lay out the different aspects that should be considered when buying a new sleeping bag, it’s down to personal preference and your environment that’ll determine which are most important for you.
Below are some points of differentiation to take into consideration when looking for the best warm weather sleeping bag to suit your situation.
Sleeping Bag Type/Shape
Generally speaking, there are three different sleeping bag shapes to choose from – rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy.
Each varies in both function and comfort, and if you have the opportunity, it is always good to check out a few options in person before buying online.
Rectangular sleeping bags have a non-tapered design that allows for ample room to stretch out while sleeping. Many rectangular style bags can also be completely unzipped to function as a quilt when the situation demands it.
This shape is not as warm as the other two styles but can be a comfortable option for majority car campers. As a bonus, two rectangular bags of the same style can often be zipped together to create a double sleeping bag for partners to share – though this can come with its own set of challenges!
Mummy sleeping bags lie on the other end of the spectrum, and are arguably the most popular style. These bags fit snug and taper off at your lower body for more efficient heat retention. Additionally, given the tighter fit, these bags are warmer and more lightweight. While more restrictive, mummy bags are a good option for long hikes and heavy backpacks.
Semi rectangular sleeping bags lie somewhere between the mummy and rectangular shapes. These bags are a compromise between warmth and space. They can be an ideal option for camping in nice weather or on shorter distance backpacking adventures.
Comfort and Temperature Rating
Comfort is a very personal thing. That’s why it is best to try out a few bags in person before committing to one you think looks comfortable online.
Some people will prefer synthetic fill over down or the rectangular shape over a mummy shape, either for comfort, weight, or vegan preferences. Distinctions like these and other more intricate differences in comfort are best sussed out in person.
Temperature rating, however, is generally a fair representation across the board. Most sleeping bags are rated by an independent testing protocol with a comfort rating and a lower rating.
The numbers listed as “temperature rating” on our list represent the comfort rating. A comfort rating essentially translates to the lowest temperature that a bag will keep a cold sleeper comfortable.
In comparison, the Lower rating is the coldest temperature that the bag will keep a warm sleeper comfortable. The standards for these ratings require testers to wear a long underwear layer and a hat, sleeping on a one-inch thick sleeping pad.
Many companies will use the Lower rating as the default rating for men’s sleeping bags and the Comfort rating as the default rating for women’s sleeping bags.
Despite an impressive effort at standardization, every camper will be different.
The biggest thing to consider is whether you tend to be a cold or warm sleeper, and how warm of a sleeping bag you will need to stay comfortable in the elements.
Type of Insulation
A sleeping bag’s insulation is the single most significant contributor to its warmth, and insulation types can essentially be broken down into two categories: down or synthetic.
Down insulation will generally be warmer and lighter, though its insulating properties are compromised when wet. When it comes to down, higher fill rates are associated with warmer sleeping bags. Further, many companies have developed ways to make their down fill more water-resistant, and to increase the water-resistance of the bag’s outer shell.
Synthetic insulation is a bit heavier and not quite warm, but it will continue insulating you even if it gets damp. If you are looking for a bag that you can use in the backcountry, and you’re vegan, then synthetic insulation will be the best choice.
Some sleeping bags, like the Coleman Duck Harbor described above, have cotton fleece insulation. Bags like this are best utilized when car or backyard camping as cotton is a very poor insulator when it gets wet and should generally be avoided in the backcountry.
When choosing a summer sleeping bag by insulation, consider the type of camping you plan on doing and the climate in which you plan on doing it.
These two bits of information can help you decide whether a more affordable, water-resistant synthetic fill or a warmer, lighter, but less water-resistant down alternative is best for you.
Additional Features
In addition to the basic features outlined above, most sleeping bags have additional features and selling points. While none of these will likely be the sole reason you choose one bag over another, they could be the tipping point when deciding between two bags stacked up evenly against each other.
For instance, some sleeping bags will have an internal pocket near your head, which can be a great place to store your phone or watch.
This can help keep your phone protected, dry, and warm and also serve as a convenient place to set your wake-up alarms.
Similarly, some bags will have a pocket in the foot box to store feet warmers or portable heaters for those that suffer from cold feet. While this may not be a top priority in the summer months, some campers enjoy this added boost of warmth if evening temperatures drop lower than anticipated.
In addition to convenient pockets, many sleeping bags nowadays have been designed to work with partner sleeping pads.
Some sleeping bags will have tie-down loops or clips that can connect them to specific sleeping pads (generally made by the same company). This feature helps campers stay attached to their pad without slipping off in the middle of the night.
As mentioned above, some rectangular sleeping bags can zip into like bags to create a double sleeping bag for you and your partner. Chalk this up in the non-essential bonus feature category, as it certainly isn’t for everyone.
Finally, as the outdoor gear industry and environmental ethics overlap, there has been an increase in companies trying to make (or remake) their gear in sustainable or eco-conscious ways.
This could mean anything from creating sleeping bags from recycled materials to obtaining goose down insulation in non-harmful ways. While not necessarily a gear feature, if you have a robust environmental ethic, consider buying from brands with similar ideals.
Final Thoughts
We’re in the midst of summer, and the time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors is now! It won’t be long before the temperatures start to drop, and the best warm weather sleeping bag will need to be retired for a winter camping alternative.
Whether you have your eyes set on a cross-country car-camping road trip or a big backpacking adventure, the peace and solace of nature are waiting for you.
Once you get your gear all sorted and have selected the perfect warm-weather sleeping bag for your needs, it’s time to hit the trail.
