Hey there, campers, and welcome to my post where I will share my three best sleeping bags for winter camping this year. Winter camping is a popular outdoor adventure for those who like to brave dropping temperature and experience the many things that this season brings such as deserted trails, roaming animals, and snow falling silently on the treetops.
However, despite the advantages of camping at this time of year, do not forget the biggest challenge here: the freezing climate. Hence, we often need to bring with us sleeping bags custom-built for winter. However, figuring out which one is suited for you could be time-consuming so I have had a look around and come up with my three sleeping bags ideal for your winter excursions below. Let’s check them out…
My 3 Recommended Sleeping Bags for Winter Camping
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my three are listed here for your convenience:
| Winter Sleeping Bag | Price | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 0 Degree Winter Sleeping Bag for Adults | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Ohuhu Double Thickened Sleeping Bag | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 Degree Sleeping Bag | $$$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What are Sleeping Bags for Winter Camping?
Winter sleeping bags are there to help you sleep soundly amidst frigid temperatures during your winter camping trip. These bags have insulation materials designed to keep you warm along with water-resistance features that also help in ensuring you remain dry as it snows or rains. Despite this, many are still lightweight making them great for backpacking, especially if you are in for a long-distance trek or hike.
What Should You Be Looking For?
When it comes to a good sleeping bag for winter camping, there are a few things to consider as below:
- Temperature rating
- Insulation type
- Shape
- Size and weight
- Construction and materials
- Other features it has
Temperature rating
As mentioned, a sleeping bags’ primary function is to provide warmth to your body when sleeping in freezing temperatures. This is where temperature rating comes in. The sleeping bag’s temperature rating is the manufacturer’s recommendation of the lowest outdoor temperature at which the bag will remain comfortable for the average user.
Be sure to choose a bag with a temperature rating equal to or lower than the coldest conditions you face during winter camping. A good starting point is around 10°F (-12°C) or lower.
Insulation type
Another feature you should consider for sleeping bags as far as protecting your body from cold is a concern is insulation type. At night, the insulation traps your body heat inside the bag which has a direct impact on temperature rating and warmth. Despite the fact that each type has advantages, water-resistant down is the best choice for winter camping due to its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
Shape
There are a variety of shapes available for sleeping bags however when it comes to winter camping, the most recommended would be semi-rectangular and mummy-shaped bags. One good reason for this is that these types of sleeping bags are more form-fitting and have built-in hoods to maximize heat retention during cold winter nights.
Size and weight
The size and weight of a sleeping bag is usually determined by where you plan to use it. A lightweight and packable winter sleeping bag is essential for winter backpacking and mountaineering whereas if you are just driving to a campsite and staying in a big tent, then this is not as critical.
Construction and materials
The most common materials for the shell of a winter sleeping bag are ripstop nylon and polyester which is also most commonly used as inner lining material as it is soft and breathable.
Another essential factor to consider is the construction of the insulation. Or, more specifically, how the insulation is held in place between the outer and inner layers. The majority of winter sleeping bags use baffle insulation where the seams run around the outside of the bag to keep the insulation in place to not shift around during the night.
Additions
Again, as with everything to do with outdoors equipment there are added extras available when it comes to sleeping bags. These can include:
- Hood – An uncovered head allows a lot of heat to escape. To address this issue, winter sleeping bags include a built-in hood with a drawcord to keep your head, as well as the rest of your body, warm.
- Draft collar – For sleeping bags used in winter camping, a draft collar describes an insulated ring around the sleeping bag’s opening to reduce the amount of cold air that enters.
- Draft tube – This is an insulated tube or even a pair of tubes placed behind the zipper to prevent air from passing through the coils.
- Foot box – This is the space inside the sleeping bag where you place your feet. For a better experience, look for a shaped foot box with sidewalls so your feet can move around and don’t press into the insulation, causing cold spots.
- Zipper – Obviously, zippers close up during sleep. I recommend that you look for a zipper that runs smoothly and has a stiffened backing fabric to prevent snagging. Some prefer bags with a centered zipper that saves weight and allows them to sit up as well.
My three recommendations, broken down
So based on the information above, I recommend the following options:
1. 0 Degree Winter Sleeping Bag for Adults
This first option comes at an affordable price without sacrificing the essential characteristics of winter sleeping bags, such as being lightweight, foldable, waterproof, and skin-friendly lining. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Royal
- Shape: Single envelope with hoodie
- Closure type: Zipper
- Fill material: 450GSM 100 percent polyester fiber filling
- Outer: 210T Nylon ripstop
- Temperature rating: 5°F to 32°F (-15 °C to 0 °C)
- Weight: 4.1 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Machine washable
- Wind buffer design that prevents heat lost
- Easy foldable design
Why have I chosen it?
This sleeping bag guarantees relaxing sleep right after a hard days camping. Its high-quality 190T Pongee lining is gentle on the skin making it great for all needs all the whilst keeping you warm from top to bottom. Weighing lower than 5 pounds, you can easily carry this item without adding weight to your camping
2. Ohuhu Double Thickened Sleeping Bag
Built for the cold weather, this next product is a great option for that winter family camping trip. The cotton-fill material provides you with a cloud-like comfort and includes two free pillows to support your neck as you sleep. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Ohuhu
- Size: Double
- Closure type: Zipper
- Fill material: Cotton
- Outer: Water-resistant 210T polyester
- Temperature rating: 0°F to 30°F (-17 °C to -1 °C)
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Bonus pillows
- Transforms into two sleeping bags
- Water-resistant
Why have I chosen this?
This product is ideal for a small family enjoying nature during cold seasons. It accommodates two adult people plus one small child all the while still folding down to fit your camping carrying bag. Suitable for general camping and those who like to travel to their campsite as well.
3. Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 Degree Sleeping Bag
This last option is for those who really want to stay warm with an insulation that allows you to place it where you need it the most. It is durable and manufactured to last making it the perfect companion whether you are trekking the Alps or lying beside a nice cold fishing lake alike. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Hyke and Byke
- Size: Single ‘Mummy’ design for Men and Women
- Closure type: YKK Zipper
- Fill material: Hydrophobic 650FP duck down
- Outer: 400T 20 D ripstop nylon fabric
- Temperature rating: 30°F to 50°F (-1 °C to 10 °C)
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Large foot box
- Very lightweight, its most extended size will not even weigh 4 pounds
- Equipped with snag-free Velcro
- Water-resistant
- Compression stuff suck case
Why have I chosen this?
The item is your perfect selection for winter camping. It is mummy-shaped, which is the most recommended shape for winter sleeping bags with a spacious foot box allowing for ultimate foot comfort. You will need not worry about the cold draft of air as you sleep because this product’s air clusters creates a loft that traps heat for ultimate warmth.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best sleeping bags ideal for your winter camping escapades. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
I am thrilled that I have come across this website as I am thinking about relocating back home. My home is in New Zealand.( currently Vietnam) . I have done a lot of camping in the past but not with the quality of sleeping bags you have shown. I was looking at the Hyke and Byke sleeping bag. Is it something that you can sleep outside in without a tent? I like traveling light in my treks. And if I did just place the bag on the ground, does it repel water and is it comfortable? .I must also look at your other pages as I want to get back into Fly Fishing. many thanks for a great article.
Steve
Oh yeah, NZ is definitely a bit cooler than Vietnam – haha.. And keep an eye out for fly fishing info as I am just starting to add that now. Paul
The winter season is around the corner and I am excited about going camping. But I had a very unpleasant experience about two years ago and I would not want to repeat it. So, I am researching really well the sleeping bag I will take. In my book, Hyke & Byke Snowmass is my best option.
Great to hear Paolo – Let me know how it goes – Paul
I’m so glad I found this blog post. It’s been an inspiration for my upcoming winter camping trip.
I’ve always wanted to go on winter camping, but unfortunately, Covid has made international travelling impossible. The Ohuhu one looks like just what we are all searching for; something cosy with room enough inside so everyone can sleep together cosied up near a fire if needed to. Thanks for your input!
Yep, current events have certainly got us enjoying our own areas a lot more. Let me know how you go with it.
Paul