The search for the perfect sleeping bag can be daunting. There are seemingly endless options, choices, and features available. And if camping, hiking, and backpacking are new to you, sticking to a budget is another important factor. Well, you have come to the right place. We have already done the research for you. Read on to find the best cheap sleeping bags the internet has to offer.
You see, up until 3 years ago, all of our camping experiences took place during Ontario summers. Here the days are hot and the nights are warm and dry. So the quality of our sleeping bag was never much of a concern.
Our story changed when we moved to Western Canada. Here we began exploring the coasts and the mountains where the weather became much more extreme. We had a lot to learn about outdoor travel gear and what we needed to keep us safe and happy.
We were quick to figure out that sleeping bags are one of the more important items to take with you on camping and hiking trips. They provide you with shelter, warmth, safety, comfort, and a way to rest and recover from the day.
It became apparent that we needed a bag of high quality which could provide plenty of warmth without weighing too much – and all at a budget price. A tall order.
But our research paid off and we found plenty of fantastic affordable options online. Here we will go over the best cheap sleeping bags we have used ourselves and seen on our travels. We will break it all down into 5 main features which are important when buying a sleeping bag: Lightweight, 4 Seasons/Winter, Waterproof, Mummy Style, and a Trusted Brand Name.
Pssst.. Feel free to skip to the end for a quick comparison chart.
#1 – Lightweight and Compact Sleeping Bags
This is our #1 feature for a sleeping bag. We have fallen in love with overnight hiking that gets you deep into nature. And so we look for warm sleeping bags that are ultralight weight so it doesn’t take up much room in our packs. Finding a lightweight sleeping bag is key since this is one of the heaviest items you will bring on an overnight hike. The others being your tent and your pack itself. For this category, we will consider anything under 3 lbs to be lightweight.
Of course, if you will only be car camping, you can ignore this category as size and weight are irrelevant.
#2 – 4 Seasons (AKA Winter Sleeping Bags)
If a sleeping bag is rated as being ‘4-seasons’ they are promising the bag will be comfortable all year round, whether it is summer or winter. Generally, this means you will be comfortable in temperatures over 20° F, but check the product description to confirm.
We will list the ‘comfort temperature rating‘ of each bag. This is the lowest temperature at which you will remain warm and comfortable. Sometimes you will see an even lower temperature listed as ‘survival temperature rating‘. This means you could survive at this low temperature, but it is not ideal for comfort.
#3 – Waterproof Sleeping Bag
This is something you may not think about when buying a sleeping bag. Of course, this is important on any multi-day hike in the chance of rain. But even for a simple car camping trip, this is very useful. Have you ever woken up to a damp tent with moisture forming around the edges? This dampness can get into your bag and keep you cold and uncomfortable. A waterproof bag will keep you dry and warm.
#4 – Mummy Style Sleeping Bag
Mummy style sleeping bags take a bit of getting used to. This type of sleeping bag has a hood attached to it and tends to narrow around the legs. We prefer a mummy style bag because it offers you the option of getting really warm when and if you need it. These bags are much more versatile as they are comfortable in cold weather, but can also be adapted and used in warm weather. If there is only money in the budget for one bag, a mummy style is a great option because it is suitable in all conditions.
#5 – Trusted Brand Name
The internet is full of one-off, unknown sleeping bag brands. We often take our chances on these brands (as long as they have good reviews) and have found great success at budget prices. This is where you can find the best deals. But if you are the type to trust brand names, we will keep track of the trusted brands for you. But keep in mind, this comes at a price.
What are you using your sleeping bag for? What are the key features you search for when purchasing a new bag? Let us know in the comments below!
If you are serious about stepping up your camping and hiking game, check out our outdoor adventure posts:
- ‘How to Get in Shape for Hiking’
- ‘The Essential Multi-Day Backpacking Packing List’
- ‘Day Hiking Essentials Checklist’
- ‘The Ultimate Camping Packing List – With FREE Printable’
- ‘Healthy Food Ideas for Hiking’
10 Best Budget Sleeping Bags for Camping, Backpacking and Hiking
Farland Mummy Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 4 lbs.
The FARLAND Sleeping Bag is our most recent purchase. We needed something warm for our converted SUV camper and weight didn’t matter as much. Weighing in at 4 lbs, this bag still isn’t too heavy and it provides tons of warmth!
So far we love this bag! We are used to very lightweight bags so we have sacrificed that ‘plush’ sleeping bag feeling. But this bag is thick, soft and super comfortable. What a treat!
Here are the features:
- The filling is polyester (as opposed to down), which means it dries quickly, remains durable and is non-allergenic.
- Waterproof and weather resistant.
- Comfortable for 4 seasons.
- The sleeping bag comes with a compression sack so you can compress it down to about the size of a basketball.
- These bags can be zipped to another bag making it double the size and perfect for two people.
- You can purchase this bag in a mummy-style or rectangle style.
- There are tons of fun and bright colour options.
This is our ⭐ top choice ⭐ for warmth in all cheap sleeping bags.
Geertop Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 32° F
Weight: 790g
The Geertop Ultralight Sleeping Bag was the first lightweight sleeping bag we bought when preparing for our 7-day hike along the west coast of Vancouver Island.
After tons of research, we risked it with this brand. We were very attracted to the price and the ultralight weight of the bag.
The risk paid off! This bag is extremely lightweight and compacts down super small but it also provides us with the perfect amount of warmth and comfort. This bag is a steal!
Here are the features:
- The filling is ‘silk-like’ cotton so it will dry quickly.
- Water resistant.
- Extra long and will fit someone up to 6′ 2″.
- Comfortable for 3 seasons and warmer winters.
- Comes with a compression sack and compresses down super small – about the size of a large thermos.
- Comes with an 18-month warranty.
This is our ⭐ top choice ⭐ for ultralight weight in all cheap sleeping bags.
Coleman Sunridge Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 40° F
Weight: 4.3 lbs
The Coleman Sunridge Sleeping Bag gives you brand name quality at a great budget price. This is the most basic of sleeping bags Coleman offers but it still provides great warmth and comfort.
This bag would be a great option for car camping trips.
Here are the features:
- Trusted brand name.
- Polyester fill for quick drying.
- Big enough for people up to 5′ 11″.
- Comfortable for 3 seasons.
- Does not come with a compression or carry bag.
Coleman Heritage Extra Long Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 0-10° F
Weight: 8.9 lbs
The Coleman Heritage Sleeping Bag is a bit pricier than the Sunridge but offers up a much larger space, is extra long (up to 6′ 7″) and has 4 season comfort. It also has a softer lining than the Sunridge if that is your preference.
Here are the features:
- Trusted brand name.
- Comfortable for 4 seasons.
- Extra long bag for people up to 6′ 7″ tall.
- Flannel liner and their ‘Thermolock‘ draft tube for extra warmth.
- 2 bags can be zipped together.
- Does not come with compression or carry bag.
Sportneer Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 20° F
Weight: 4.2 lbs
The
This bag, in particular, has some rave reviews online which makes it a safe bet for cheap sleeping bags.
Here are the features:
- Waterproof.
- Comes with a compression bag.
- Polyester filling for quick drying.
- Comfortable in 4 seasons.
- Has a fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio.
Odoland Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 40° F
Weight: 3.8 lbs
We like the
Here are the features:
- Waterproof.
- Unique armholes.
- Unzips from the bottom for feet escape.
- Comes with a compression bag.
- Comfortable for 3 seasons.
Samhe
Comfort Temperature Rating: 41° F
Weight: 2.2 lbs
The
Here are the features:
- Comfortable for 3 seasons.
- Waterproof.
- Very lightweight and compressible.
- Will fit people up to 5′ 11″.
- Comes with a carry bag but no compression sack.
- Polyester filling for quick drying.
Bigfoot Lumberjack Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 32° F
Weight: 3.3 lbs
We love the Bigfoot Sleeping Bag because it comes from a great Nevada, USA company. Bigfoot Outdoor Products stand behind their products 100% and will repair or replace any damaged items. They have developed a strong reputation for quality outdoor and travel products.
The Bigfoot bag is perfect for car camping on warm summer nights.
Here are the features:
- Water resistant.
- American made.
- 100% virgin cotton flannel interior lining. Cotton flannel provides increased breathability and an alternative to a slippery polyester lining.
- Comes with a compression sack.
- Extra long and can fit someone taller than 6′.
- Comfortable in 3 seasons.
Are you into road tripping? So are we! 😉 Check out all our car camping posts!
- ‘Why You Should Consider Overland Camper Travel’
- ‘Which Camper Vehicle is Best for You?’
- ’15 Green Tips on Responsible Overland Travel’
- ‘The Most Essential Items you Need for Car Camping’
HiHiker Winter Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 25° F
Weight: 8 lbs
The HiHiker Sleeping Bag is a great all-around bag for hiking and backpacking. But what we love most is that it comes with a compressible travel pillow that fits into the compression sack. Your whole bed all in one sack! 😄
Here are the features:
- Comes with a compression sack.
- Comes with a compressible travel pillow.
- Has a Lifetime Warranty (a great feature for a budget bag!).
- Comfortable for 4 seasons.
- Waterproof.
Teton Trailhead Sleeping Bag
Comfort Temperature Rating: 20-35° F
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Teton has an excellent reputation for outdoor adventure gear and the Trailhead Sleeping Bag is great all around. This bag is everything you will need for any type of camping, hiking or backpacking trip. You get a trusted brand name and it still comes in at a cheap price.
Here are the features:
- Trusted brand name.
- Comfortable in 4 seasons.
- Draft tubes along the zipper to keep drafts out.
- Water resistant.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Come with a stuff sack. 😃
This is our ⭐ top choice ⭐ for best-all-around in all cheap sleeping bags.
If you are new to camping, hiking and backpacking, there are plenty of great cheap sleeping bags available. We hope you found some good ones here! What are your favourite brands for camping and hiking gear? Let us know in the comments below!
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