When you’re out in the backcountry, there’s nothing better than wrapping up in the best synthetic sleeping bag money can buy after a long day of trekking in the mountains. Oftentimes, sleeping under the stars in a nice, warm bag is what hikers look forward to most.
A synthetic sleeping bag is a reliable and eco-friendly choice for your nights spent outside. Synthetic bags mean that they are stuffed with material that wasn’t derived from animals, and oftentimes the fabric these bags are shelled with is eco-friendly, too.
There are some benefits to synthetic sleeping bags like a hood, dual zipper systems, and loft (think cushiness, like a big, fluffy blanket!). But what factors are most important to you?
That’s up to you to figure out, but The Adventure Junkies broke down the ten best synthetic sleeping bags to help you start your search. Whether you’re looking for something lightweight or something that will keep you warm in temperatures down to 0 degrees F, we’ve got what you’re looking for here.
For more of our top backpacking gear recommendations, check out the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags.
Quick Answer - The Best Synthetic Sleeping Bags
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Marmot Trestles 0
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Big Agnes Lost Dog 15
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Big Agnes Whiskey Park 0
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Big Agnes Hog Park 20
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The North Face Cat’s Meow 22
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REI Co-op Trail Pod 15
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The North Face One Bag
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Exped MegaSleep 25
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Kelty Discovery 15
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ENO Spark Topquilt
Comparison Table - Best Synthetic Sleeping Bag
| Picture | Name | Temperature Rating | Weight | Shape | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Marmot Trestles 0 | 0° (F) | 4 lbs 9.8 oz | Mummy | $ | 5.0 |
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Big Agnes Lost Dog 15 | 15° (F) | 3 lbs 3 oz | Semi Rectangular | $$ | 5.0 |
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Big Agnes Whiskey Park 0 | 0° (F) | 6 lbs 10 oz | Semi Rectangular | $$ | 4.0 |
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Big Agnes Hog Park 20 | 20° (F) | 6 lbs 7 oz | Semi Rectangular | $$ | 4.5 |
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The North Face Cat’s Meow 22 | 20° (F) | 2 lbs 4 oz | Mummy | $$ | 5.0 |
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REI Co-op Trail Pod 15 | 15° (F) | 3 lbs 10 oz | Mummy | $ | 4.5 |
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The North Face One Bag | 40° / 20° / 5° (F) | 3 lbs 12 oz (max) / 2 lbs 3 oz (min) | Semi Rectangular | $ | 4.0 |
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Exped MegaSleep 25 | 25° (F) | 2 lbs 6 oz | Rectangular | $ | 4.5 |
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Kelty Discovery 15 | 15° (F) | 5 lbs 8 oz | Rectangular | $ | 4.0 |
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ENO Spark Topquilt | 50° (F) | 1 lbs 11 oz | Quilt | $ | 4.5 |
| Picture | Name | Temperature Rating | Weight | Shape | Price | Rating |
Reviews - The Best Synthetic Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Marmot Trestles 0
Specs
- Shape: Mummy
- Weight: 4 lbs 9.8 oz
- Temperature Rating: 0° (F)
- Shell: Polyester
- Stuff Sack Size: 9.5 x 21 Inches
- Zipper Location: Left
Features
- Fitted Hood Provides Warmth
- External Stash Pocket Stores Your Valuables
- Zipper Guard Prevents Bag From Snagging While Zipping And Unzipping
- Vaulted Footbox Provides Warmth
BEST FOR: THE THRIFTY HIKER
The Marmot Trestles 0 sleeping bag is a great option for someone looking for a bag that will keep them warm in frigid temperatures, but doesn’t want to break the bank to invest in an expensive cold weather bag.
This bag is rated to keep you warm in temperatures down to 0°F, so it’s a great bag to take with you to the Cascades in Washington or the Sierra Nevadas in California. The bag itself will keep you toasty and cozy and the hood of the bag will provide extra heat for you.
This bag is made with quality material, including a zipper guard to make sure it won’t snag on your bag when you’re zipping it up. A 3D foodbox at the bottom provides warmth, and will also keep you comfortable by providing enough space at your feet so you won’t feel like you’re sardined into a bag.
This bag is a bit heavy, with the regular size weighing in at about 4 ½ lbs, but it sells at a killer price point. It can be hard to find a reliable backpacking sleeping bag for under $150 and, which is why this is a great option for hikers on a budget.
Big Agnes Lost Dog 15
Specs
- Shape: Semi Rectangular
- Weight: 3 lbs 3 oz
- Temperature Rating: 15° (F)
- Shell: Ripstop Nylon
- Stuff Sack Size: 9 x 20 Inches
- Zipper Location: Left
Features
- No-Draft Collar Prevents Heat Loss
- Fitted Hood Provides Warmth
- Internal Drawcord Makes Cinching The Hood Down Super Easy
- Anti-Snag Locking Zipper Prevents Bag From Unzipping Overnight
- Liner Loops Prevent Your Sleeping Bag Liner From Slipping Down To Your Feet
- Integrated Pad Sleeve Keeps Your Sleeping Pad In Place All Night Long
BEST FOR: THE LUXURY HIKER
The Big Agnes Lost Dog 15 Sleeping Bag is another work of art created by Big Anges to keep you comfortable, warm, and secure while camping in the backcountry.
When paired with an insulated, rectangular sleeping pad, this bag will keep you warm to temperatures as low as 15° F. The bag has a Flex Pad Sleeve, which basically wraps around your rectangular sleeping pad and provides warmth and security, and prevents you from rolling off your pad in the middle of the night.
This bag has a hood with an internal drawcord to secure it around your head properly. It also has a pillow barn in the hood where you can store your pillow and keep it from moving about when you’re sleeping.
This bag also has internal liner loops for your sleeping bag liner. Oftentimes sleeping bag liners can move about throughout the night and have a hard time staying up around your head where you want them. These liner loops are the perfect solution for that problem – they’ll securely hold your liner in place, ensuring you’ll get the maximum amount of warmth from your liner.
Big Agnes Whiskey Park 0
Specs
- Shape: Semi Rectangular
- Weight: 6 lbs 10 oz
- Temperature Rating: 0° (F)
- Shell: Nylon
- Stuff Sack Size: 12 x 23 Inches
- Zipper Location: Left/Right
Features
- Durable Water Repellent Treatment Prevents Bag From Soaking Through If Wet
- Integrated Pad Sleeve Keeps Your Sleeping Pad In Place All Night Long
- Insulated Collar Prevents Heat Loss From Your Head And Neck
- Pillow Barn Keeps Pillow From Slipping Out From Under Your Head At Night
BEST FOR: THE STARFISH SLEEPER
The Big Agnes Whiskey Park 0 Sleeping Bag is a great option for anyone who likes to sprawl while they sleep, but still needs superior warmth for alpine or cold weather adventures. The semi-rectangular shape of this bag ensures that you will have plenty of room to spread out and sleep comfortably while the 0° F rating will keep you toasty well below freezing temperatures.
This bag is made with lightweight nylon, and is treated with a durable water repellent treatment. So it will keep you dry and won’t be affected by a thin layer of frost that may accumulate on your bag overnight in frigid temperatures.
The insulated collar and hood will prevent air from seeping in around your head and all but guarantees a warm night of sleep in the mountains. This bag also has an integrated pad sleeve so you don’t ever have to worry about rolling off your sleeping pad while you toss and turn at night.
This bag isn’t going to be your lightest option, but if you’re looking for a synthetic bag that will keep you warm during a cold night and provide plenty of comfort, this a great choice.
Big Agnes Hog Park 20
Specs
- Shape: Semi Rectangular
- Weight: 6 lbs 7 oz
- Temperature Rating: 20° (F)
- Shell: Nylon
- Stuff Sack Size: 12 x 23 Inches
- Zipper Location: Left
Features
- Sleeping Pad Sleeve Keeps Sleeping Pad In Place All Night
- Fitted Hood Provides Warmth
- Corner Hand Pockets To Keep Your Hands Toasty Even Out Of The Bag
- Internal Drawcord for Hood Helps You Cinch It Down Tight Around Your Head On Especially Cold Nights
- Liner Loops Keep Your Sleeping Bag Liner In Place While You Sleep
BEST FOR: THE COLD SLEEPER
The Big Agnes Hog Park 20 Degree Sleeping Bag is a sure thing for comfort and warmth while in the backcountry.
This bag is tested to keep you warm down to 20° F. It has a semi-rectangular shape, with plenty of room on either side so it fits more like a comforter than a sleeping bag. There are two corner hand pockets on either side of the bag that you can put your hands in to wrap the bag around you as you would with a comforter.
This bag also has a fitted hood, pillow barn, and internal drawcord for the hood, maximizing comfort for your head when you’re sleeping. You can also zip down either side of this bag which will help you find the perfect temperature for you to sleep at.
A sleeping pad liner is attached to the back half of the bag, so you can snugly fit your pad into the bag and make sure it won’t slip and you won’t fall off when you’re sleeping. This bag comes in at a whopping 6 ½ pounds, so it’s not a good choice for the ultralight hiker, but if you’re a cold sleeper and don’t mind carrying the extra weight, you will thank yourself for choosing this bag.
The North Face Cat’s Meow 22
Specs
- Shape: Mummy
- Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz
- Temperature Rating: 20° (F)
- Shell: Ripstop Nylon
- Stuff Sack Size: 9 x 16 Inches
- Zipper Location: Left
Features
- Fitted Hood Provides Warmth
- No-Draft Collar Prevents Heat Loss
- Vaulted Footbox Provides Warmth
BEST FOR: THE SUMMER HIKER
The North Face Cat’s Meow is a great option for someone who tends to venture into the outdoors in the spring/summer seasons.
The shell of this bag is made with ripstop nylon, which is a tougher fabric than polyester or just plain nylon, and will ensure your bag won’t shed on you in rocky terrain when you might be camping under the stars instead of inside your tent.
A fitted hood will provide warmth and can serve as extra cushioning for your head when you lay it down to sleep. There is also a draft collar that will provide extra heat and will prevent heat loss throughout the night.
This bag isn’t going to be the warmest option featured by The Adventure Junkies, so if you know you sleep cold, or you like to hike in the fall/winter season and are looking for a bag to keep you warm at high alpine levels, this may not be the bag for you.
REI Co-op Trail Pod 15
Specs
- Shape: Mummy
- Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz
- Temperature Rating: 15° (F)
- Shell: Polyester
- Stuff Sack Size: 12 x 23 Inches
- Zipper Location: Left
Features
- Fitted Hood Provides Warmth
- Drawcord for Hood and Neck
- Durable Water Repellent Treatment
BEST FOR: WINTER CAR CAMPING
The REI Co-op Trail Pod 15 Sleeping Bag provides more space than a regular mummy bag would, while providing serious warmth. Weighing in at about 4 pounds, this bag won’t break your back while you are carrying it up a mountain, but it’s certainly not the lightest weight option.
This bag is tested to keep you warm down to 15° F. The hood of this bag is fitted to go around your head and not let any warmth escape while you snooze. Both the hood and the neck of this bag have a drawstring cord so you can tighten them to your preference, providing extra security.
A durable water repellent treatment has been applied to the polyester this bag is constructed of, so you can rest assured that your bag won’t dampen from the morning frost. The polyester of this bag is also bluesign approved, meaning that the fabric is made using recycled materials.
The North Face One Bag
Specs
- Shape: Semi Rectangular
- Weight: 3 lbs 12 oz (max) / 2 lbs 3 oz (min)
- Temperature Rating: 40° / 20° / 5° (F)
- Shell: Nylon
- Stuff Sack Size: N/A
- Zipper Location: Left
Features
- Three Bags In One Means You’ll Always Be Prepared, No Matter The Weather
- Non-snag Zippers Make It Easy To Transition Between Configurations
- Bottom Layer Rolls Up Into A Pillow If You Don’t Need The Added Warmth
BEST FOR: VERSATILITY
A great bag for any season, the North Face One Bag Sleeping Bag will keep you warm in just about any temperature you can imagine sleeping in down to 5° F. Although there is technically a down layer included in this 3-in-1 bag, we still think the synthetic outer layer makes this one of the best synthetic bag choices on the market today.
This bag has easy-to-use zippers, so configuring the bags just the way you want them will be a breeze. For mild summer nights, you can opt to use only the super lightweight 40° F outer layer on its own. If there’s a chill in the air, you can pair the blue outer layer with the removable yellow mid-layer and stay warm down to 20°F. And if you’re an extreme camper who loves sleeping outside during the wintertime, then use all three bags for warmth in temperatures down to 5°F!
This is certainly the most versatile bag on the list and it’s very popular among both car campers and backpackers because it just about meets all your wilderness sleeping needs!
Exped MegaSleep 25
Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 2 lbs 6 oz
- Temperature Rating: 25° (F)
- Shell: Ripstop Nylon
- Stuff Sack Size: 22 x 12 Inches
- Zipper Location: Left/Right
Features
- Zippers On Both Sides Of Bag Makes It Easy To Get In And Out And Control Temperature
- Draft Tube Along Zipper Prevents Heat Loss
- Quick-Drying Insulation Means You Won’t Need To Worry If This Bag Gets Wet
BEST FOR: THE REGULAR CAMPER
The Exped MegaSleep 25 Sleeping Bag is a versatile option for anyone who likes to camp or backpack.
Weighing in at about 2 ½ pounds, this bag isn’t too heavy for a pack, and won’t take up too much space either. The bag has zippers down both sides, so you can get in and out of it easily, and adjust the temperature easily according to your preference.
This bag is a rectangle shape, so you will have plenty of room to spread out, no matter what your favorite sleeping position is. There is a draft tube along both zippers in this bag that will help prevent heat loss and keep you cocooned into your bag at night.
Tested to keep you warm down to 25° F, this bag is a great option for spring, summer, or fall camping or backpacking.
Kelty Discovery 15
Specs
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz
- Temperature Rating: 15° (F)
- Shell: Polyester
- Stuff Sack Size: 11.5 x 17 Inches
- Zipper Location: Right
Features
- No-Draft Collar Prevents Heat Loss
- Dual Side Locking Zippers Allows Top to Flip Down To Provide A Cool Breeze
- Can Unzip Into A Blanket
BEST FOR: THE BEGINNING HIKER
The Ketly Discovery 15 Sleeping Bag is ideal for those who are just getting into backcountry adventures and are starting to test their limits.
This bag is rated to keep you warm down to 15° F, and in case you get too warm, you can unzip the entire bag to use it as a blanket instead. The top of the bag has two dual zippers on either side, so you can flip the top of the bag down in case you need some extra ventilation.
This bag is a rectangular shape so you can spread out and sleep in any position you like. If you are taller than 6 feet, it is recommended that you get a long size.
This bag is a bit on the heavy side, weighing 5 ½ pounds, but it’s a great starter bag at a good cost to see what your needs are for you sleeping system and go from there.
ENO Spark Topquilt
Specs
- Shape: Quilt
- Weight: 1 lbs 11 oz
- Temperature Rating: 50° (F)
- Shell: Ripstop Nylon
- Stuff Sack Size: 18 x 12 Inches
- Zipper Location: N/A
Features
- Hook and Loop Footbox Will Keep Your Feet Warm All Night
- Water Repellent Finish Means You Don’t Have To Worry If Your Bag Gets Wet
- Weighs Less Than 2 Pounds
BEST FOR: THE HAMMOCKER
A great option for a hammock sleeper or for a summer night under the stars, the ENO Spark Topquilt Blanket is a lightweight option for a synthetic sleeping system.
This bag will fit well inside of a hammock, and can be doubled with the ENO Ember 2 UnderQuilt for a colder night. This blanket is for someone who is looking for a lightweight option that will still keep you warm, but not on the coldest nights.
This blanket comes with a hook and loop footbox, meaning the bottom of the blanket is sewn together to provide an all-encompassing footbox that will keep your feet warm at night. This bag is tested to keep you warm in up to 50° F. The ripstop nylon this bag is sewn together with is also extremely durable, and is treated with a water repellent finish to prevent you from getting wet from morning moisture.
The benefit of using a quilt/blanket instead of a sleeping bag is that they’re usually more lightweight and easier to get in and out of than a sleeping bag.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SYNTHETIC SLEEPING BAG
PRICE
One of the best things about buying a synthetic sleeping bag is that it won’t break the bank the way a down sleeping bag would. You can find a reliable synthetic sleeping bag at a very reasonable price for $100 or less.
Sleeping bags that are a higher cost than this probably have more features than others, such as a double size zipper, ventilation options, or a hood. Define what features are most important to you and think about how much you can afford to invest in your sleep system, and go from there.
TEMPERATURE RATING
The synthetic sleeping bags that will keep you warm in colder temperatures are usually going to weigh more than those that aren’t. BUT if you’re going to be trekking in alpine heights, or you’re into mountaineering, getting a bag with a proper temperature rating could mean the difference between life and hypothermia.
The temperature rating is arguably the most important thing to consider when buying a sleeping bag. Know where you’re planning to camp and figure out what the temperature there will be like, and take into consideration that the higher the elevation, the lower the temperature. Then choose a bag that is rated to keep you warm in temperatures at least 10° F below the coldest temperature you’re expecting to sleep in.
Check out this article from REI for more info about how to pick a sleeping bag temperature.
WEIGHT
One of the drawbacks to a synthetic sleeping bag is that they tend to be fairly heavy. They are heavier than down sleeping bags, but much more affordable, and you can still find a middle ground between weight, warmth, and cost.
Knowing the weight of the other items in your pack will help you decide how heavy of a bag you can buy. Determining your base weight (weight of everything in your pack minus food and water), and then adding everything up minus your sleeping bag should give you a target of what to look for.
A sleeping bag is one of the most important items you can put in your pack, so make sure to give it a decent allotment in the weight game.
SHELL FABRIC
Ripstop nylon is the strongest of shell fabric featured in this article. This material is tough and durable and will last you for ages.
Nylon is also a great option, as it’s a durable lightweight fabric. Polyester is the third shell fabric featured in this article, and it’s still a durable option, but a little bit heavier than nylon.
All in all, don’t get too caught up about the shell fabric of your sleeping bag unless you’re going to be hiking in really rugged terrain or tend to camp under the stars where your bag could suffer from shredding on rocks or branches.
SIZE
Most sleeping bags are tailored to fit a 6 foot hiker or smaller. If you like your bag to be a bit roomier, then a long size would be a better option for you.
If you’re shorter than 5 foot, it might be a good idea to get a short bag – save yourself weight and space in your pack!
Rectangular shaped bags will offer more room for moving around while you’re sleeping, so if you know you’re an active sleeper, you should consider a rectangular or semi-rectangular shaped bag. Mummy bags are going to be more lightweight, but are more restrictive for sleeping options.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
MUMMY
The mummy style is one of the most popular designs for backpacking sleeping bags. This design follows the shape of your body. The bag is wider around your shoulders and head, and slimmer towards your legs and feet.
The mummy style is most comfortable for hikers who sleep on either their backs or their stomachs. They are also the warmest option available in terms of sleeping bag shape.
FITTED HOOD
A fitted hood is a huge plus for a synthetic sleeping bag because it will give your head some loft and warmth and can help serve as a pillow bank. I mean, who doesn’t want a warm fluffy hood covering their head while they sleep?
Some of the hoods on the synthetic bags featured in this article have a drawstring cord so you can tighten the hood to your preference of fit.
EXTERNAL STASH POCKET
An external stash pocket on a synthetic sleeping bag is a pocket on the exterior of the bag for added gear storage.
VAULTED FOOTBOX
A vaulted footbox is a part of the bag that encapsulates your feet and provides loft underneath them to keep them warm and to help blood flow evenly while you’re sleeping. After a long day of trekking in the mountains, you don’t want to have to worry about the comfortability of your feet. A vaulted footbox is a sure thing for comfort.
NO DRAFT COLLAR
A no draft collar in a synthetic sleeping bag is an extra layer of material that’s been added around the neck portion of the bag to prevent heat from escaping and to not let cold air in.
SEMI RECTANGULAR
The semi-rectangular shape of a synthetic sleeping bag is a mix between a rectangular shape and a mummy bag. It offers a little more room for those who are active sleepers without taking up too much space in your pack.
LINER LOOPS
Liner loops are featured in a couple of the synthetic sleeping bags in this article. Liner loops are internal loops inside the sleeping bag that you can tie your sleeping bag liner to to prevent it from falling down while you’re sleeping.
If you’re an active sleeper and you find your sleeping bag liner often at the bottom of your bag when you wake up, these would be a huge plus. If you don’t sleep with a liner, they could be unnecessary.
Check out this article for more info about the benefits of sleeping bag liners.
SLEEPING PAD SLEEVE
A sleeping pad sleeve is an extra layer of material that’s attached to the bottom of a synthetic sleeping bag that can hold your sleeping pad. This assures that your sleeping pad won’t move about while you’re sleeping, and will prevent you from rolling off.
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