By Dylan Murphy
Best Sleeping Bags for Hammocks
Hammock camping in colder weather requires the preparation of proper insulation. Sleeping bags help tremendously with this endeavor.
In this guide, we have prepared seven of the best sleeping bags available on the market, including factors to consider when buying one. After reading this article, we hope that you will be able to choose one of our recommended sleeping bags that fits you, or at the very least be informed on how to choose the best sleeping bag for you.
Comparison Table
The following table gives a summary of the seven products on our list. These include product specifications, included features, relative price comparisons, and other specific details.
| Sleeping Bags | Temperature Rating | Material | Fill Power (fp) and Insulating Fill | Size | Packed Size | Weight | What is included/ Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hyke & Byke Eolus 0 Degree F Goose Down Sleeping Bag | 0°F | 400T 20D ripstop nylon | 800 fp; goose down | 78 x 28 in. | 10 x 7 in. | 2.87 lbs | two YKK zippers footbox snag-free velcro drawstring vertical baffles compression stuff sack | $$ |
Klymit KSB 0°F Large Dual Fill Sleeping Bag | 0°F | 400T 20D nylon | 650 fp; duck down fill on top, synthetic fill bottom | 82 x 30 in. | 16 x 9.5 in. | 3.9 lbs | two-way YKK zipper flexible stretch baffles footbox compression sack | $$$ |
Klymit KSB 20°F X-Large Oversized Sleeping Bag | 20°F | 400T 20D nylon | 650 fp; duck down fill on top, synthetic fill bottom | 82 x 40 in. | 16.25 x 9.75 in. | 3.7 lbs | two-way YKK zipper flexible stretch baffles footbox compression sack | $ |
Kelty Cosmic 0 Degree Down Sleeping Bag | 0°F | 20D nylon shell, 50D polyester taffeta liner | 550 fp; DriDown | 72 x 25 in. | 19 x 10 in. | 2.85 lbs | trapezoidal baffles dual anti-snag, locking zippers footbox compression sack | $$ |
Browning Camping McKinley -30 Degree Sleeping Bag | -30°F | 210T nylon diamond ripstop outer shell, polyester lining | Synthetic 7D TechLoft Silver Insulation | 90 x 36 in. | 27 x 17 in | 12 lbs 12 oz | insulated chest and zipper baffle compression stuff sack limited lifetime warranty | $ |
TETON Sports Altos Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Bag | 0°F | 20D ripstop nylon | 500 fp; Down | 84 x 32 in. | 15.5 x 9 in. | 3.5 lbs | anti-snag zippers draft tubes footbox drawstring compression sack lifetime warranty | $$ |
Sierra Designs Cloud 20 Degree DriDown Sleeping Bag | 20°F | 15D ripstop nylon | 800 fp; DriDown | 72 x 25.6 in. | 15 x 7.5 in. | 1 lb 13 oz | zipperless smaller compression sack, larger mesh sack limited lifetime warranty | $$$ |
Product Reviews
Hyke & Byke Eolus 0 Degree F Goose Down Sleeping Bag
With an excellent temperature rating, insulating material, and fill power, the Hyke & Byke Eolus 0 Degree F Goose Down Sleeping Bag has all the essential elements ideal hammock sleeping bags should have when camping in freezing weather conditions.
The Eolus is made of durable, waterproof 400T 20D ripstop nylon material and weighs just 2.87 pounds. In addition, this bag has a comfortable length, an excess of six inches of a 6-footer, allowing it to fit most people. Its packed size is also minimal, with dimensions of only 10 x 7 inches. Indeed, the Eolus is very portable.
The Eolus lives up to its temperature rating of 0°F, supported by its 800 fill power (a measure of insulating ability). Usual fill power numbers on sleeping bags are around the 600s, but the Eolus’s 800 fp gives it that extra insulating ability to help your body stay warm. This bag is also filled with hydrophobic goose down that makes the down water-resistant. The Eolus also comes with a compression stuff sack.
Some downsides come with the Eolus. One is that there may be an undesirable smell coming from the bag or the down. The other is that the down may not be evenly distributed throughout the bag.
Klymit KSB 0°F Large Dual Fill Sleeping Bag
Another sleeping bag that will get you through single-digit temperatures is the Klymit KSB 0°F Large Dual Fill Sleeping Bag.
The Klymit 0F has a fill power of 650 and has a different fill for the top and bottom – the top has a duck-down fill while the bottom has a double synthetic layer. The dual fill system helps to provide warmth throughout the body in an efficient manner.
The Klymit 0F is made of sturdy 400T 20D nylon material and weighs 3.9 pounds. A great plus with this bag lies in its size. The Klymit 0F has a length of 82 inches and a width of 30 inches, so you’ll have a lot of extra space to move around in.
The price of this hammock sleeping bag is in the higher range, so that’s something to consider. Feathers might also come out of the bag and could be something to watch out for. The Klymit 0F does come with a compression sack and flexible stretch baffles that work well to trap heat and keep you warm.
Klymit KSB 20°F X-Large Oversized Sleeping Bag
If you are on a budget and can’t afford something like the Klymit 0F, the Klymit KSB 20°F X-Large Oversized Sleeping Bag is an excellent alternative for a hammock sleeping bag. The Klymit 20F’s low price point is one of the main differences from its 0F counterpart.
The other main difference between the Klymit 20F and its 0F counterpart is in the temperature rating. This sleeping bag for hammocks has a rating of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so although it doesn’t offer as much warmth as a 0-degree rated bag would, the Klymit 20F will still give you enough protection from the cold. Cold weather conditions don’t only mean zero degrees and below, and a 20°F rated bag would do well in non-winter seasons when a 0°F one would feel too hot.
The Klymit 20F is also made of durable 400T 20D nylon and weighs 3.7 pounds. It is also 82 inches long and a bit wider at 40 inches, which means even more wiggle room. It also has a dual fill system and comes with flex baffles and a compression sack.
The Klymit 20F does share a downside with its 0F counterpart as it might also shed feathers. Otherwise, this hammock sleeping bag is something you should get as it gives you value for your money.
Kelty Cosmic 0 Degree Down Sleeping Bag
The Kelty Cosmic 0 Degree Down Sleeping Bag is one of the more lower-priced sleeping bags for hammocks with a zero-degree temperature rating, making the Cosmic 0 actually an affordable option.
The Cosmic 0’s most unique feature is its trapezoidal baffles; it seems that a trapezoidal shape helps with heat retention. This hammock sleeping bag has a fill power of 550 and is filled with down that has DriDown insulation. This DriDown technology creates a hydrophobic finish on individual plumes, ensuring you stay dry and retain your body heat. The outer shell of the Cosmic 0 is made of 20D nylon, while the lining is made of 50D polyester taffeta. The Cosmic 0 also weighs 2.85 pounds.
A minor downside to the Cosmic 0 is that it is on the smaller side at 72 x 25 inches.
Browning Camping McKinley -30 Degree Sleeping Bag
The Browning Camping McKinley -30 Sleeping Bag is another low-priced product those on a budget should get. This bag doesn’t disappoint as it has an outstanding temperature rating of -30 degrees Fahrenheit, a great ally to have in winter camping.
The McKinley is made of 210T nylon diamond ripstop on the outer shell, while its lining is polyester. The bag is filled with synthetic, 7D TechLoft Silver Insulation, contributing the most to the -30°F temperature rating. An insulated chest and zipper baffle, compression stuff sack, and limited lifetime warranty accompany the McKinley.
The bag has one of the most extensive dimensions available at 90 x 36 inches, although this also means a larger packed size at 27 x 17 inches. The weight is quite heavy at 12 lbs 12 oz, making the McKinley not very ideal for backpackers and is more suited to those who travel in vehicles.
TETON Sports Altos Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Bag
The TETON Sports Altos Lightweight Mummy Bag not only keeps your body warm but is also relatively large. Coming in at a size of 84 x 32 inches, you’ll feel the spaciousness and the resulting coziness.
The TETON Altos is made of 20D ripstop nylon, is water-resistant, and weighs 3.5 pounds. It has a temperature rating of 0 degrees Fahrenheit, fill power of 500 fp, and is filled with insulating down material. In addition, this hammock sleeping bag comes with draft tubes, which are padding applied along the length of its zippers to keep the wind out. A drawstring compression sack is also included with the purchase, along with a lifetime warranty.
A downside to the TETON Atlas is that it may not live up to its temperature rating, resulting in you feeling less warm than you should in 0-degree temperature or below. A minor concern is that the zippers might also snag at times.
Sierra Designs Cloud 20 Degree DriDown Sleeping Bag
If you think a weight of around three pounds is as light as sleeping bags get, the Sierra Designs Cloud 20 will make you reconsider. This sleeping bag for hammocks weighs not two pounds but is super lightweight at an incredible 1 lb 13 oz.
Another unique feature the Cloud 20 has is its zipperless design. In place of zippers are built-in insulated hand and shoulder pockets, allowing you to sleep like you would at home. It also has a temperature rating of 20°F, has a high fill power of 800 fp, and is down-filled; the high fill power allows you to even use the Cloud 20 in as low as 15°F weather. DriDown technology is also employed to keep you safe and dry.
The Cloud 20 is made of 15D ripstop nylon and fits 6-footers at 72 x 25.6 inches. It includes a compression sack and a bigger mesh sack and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The remarkable features of the Cloud 20 do come at a cost, with the hammock sleeping bag having a relatively high price point. The down may also have a smell that could be off-putting to some users.
Buying Guide
Sleeping Bag vs. Quilt
Sleeping bags and quilts both serve to keep you warm while hammock camping in cold weather, but they differ in how they accomplish this. The following are short descriptions of said differences.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are made to wrap around the whole body and thus provide 360 degrees of insulation. They are almost always heavier and less packable than quilts but generally offer much more warmth. A downside to sleeping bags is that when used in a hammock, the compression on the bottom part causes the insulating material not to function as well as it usually would, causing you to lose body heat on your backside.
Quilt
Generally, the quilt is the lighter gear and can be further divided into a top quilt or an underquilt. When hammock camping, you can use a top quilt if you only want to cover your top part. For added protection and warmth to your back, you can use underquilts. A downside to quilts is that they generally don’t provide as much heat as sleeping bags.
Buyers’ Considerations
When choosing the hammock sleeping bag for you, you would want to consider several factors to get the most out of your purchase. The following are some essential points to take into consideration.
Temperature Rating
Temperature ratings give you an approximation of how well the sleeping bag in question would provide warmth in an environment with said temperatures. For example, if you’re hammock camping in the winter with temperatures reaching below freezing, you would want to get a bag rated at least 0°F. For less cold conditions, 20°F to 35°F rated bags should do well, as 0°F bags could make you sweat instead.
Keep in mind that these ratings are simply estimates, so for better preparation, you would want to look for ratings at least 10°F higher than the expected temperature conditions of your campsite.
Material
Another essential factor to consider is the material your hammock sleeping bag is filled with, as it contributes the bulk of your insulation. The two most common types are synthetic and down.
Synthetic
The main advantage of synthetic is that it is naturally waterproof, allowing it to continue helping you stay warm even when it gets wet. Synthetic is also generally cheaper than down. A downside to synthetic is that it is more often the heavier and bulkier material type.
Down
Down generally has better insulation than synthetic and thus provides more warmth. Down also has a lower packed size and is usually lighter. However, a downside is that it is usually more expensive and is not water-resistant, so you’ll want to check for those that have a water-resistant coating.
Size
Of course, you would want your hammock sleeping bag to fit you, so make sure to note the lengths of the sleeping bags you are choosing from. If you want some extra wiggle room, check out the widths – you could even get a zipperless option for more maneuverability.
Weight
For hammock campers who travel around in a vehicle, the weight of your sleeping bag shouldn’t matter much. But for backpackers, make sure to consider a weight you are comfortable carrying around.
Conclusion
The best sleeping bag for those on a budget is the Klymit KSB 20°F X-Large Oversized Sleeping Bag. A great plus that comes with it is its large size, allowing for more room to move.
For ultralight backpackers, the Sierra Designs Cloud 20 Degree DriDown Sleeping Bag is the choice for you. Despite its relatively higher price point, it has many advantages, including its zipperless design, DriDown technology, and lifetime warranty.
Hopefully, the list of products we have provided helped make the process of choosing a sleeping bag easier for you. Whether you buy one of the items on our list or keep looking for the perfect one, you won’t go wrong with your choice if you keep in mind your essential criteria.