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Best Down Sleeping Bag

Candace Osmond

A down sleeping bag is a tried and true design that should be a part of any outdoorsman’s basic equipment kit. Designed to protect, insulate, and offer comfort when you’re away from home, they are a must-have whenever you go hiking, camping, or otherwise adventuring. They utilize down and goose down – soft little quill-free feathers that are fluffy and boast exceptional ( and natural) insulative properties.

That is why these sleeping bags are so great at keeping you warm no matter what the weather is – a down sleeping bag will help retain your natural body heat and prevent it from dissipating, making sure that you are cozy and comfy inside your tent. And when temperatures drop, especially at night, staying toasty is not just a matter of your comfort, but of safety, as well.

1. OneTigris Light Patrol Sleeping Bag – Editor's Choice

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  • Material: 380T Ripstop Nylon
  • Filling: 90% Duck Down + 10% Cotton
  • Dimensions: 6.9ftx 2.6ft x 1.6ft / 210cm x 80cm x 50cm

2. ZOOOBELIVES Alplive T400 Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag

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  • Material: 20D Nylon
  • Filling: 650 Fill Duck Down
  • Dimensions: 79 x 31.5 x 2 inches

3. Naturehike 800 Fill Power Down Sleeping Bag

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  • Material: 15D/400T Nylon
  • Filling: 800 Fill White Goose Down
  • Dimensions: Regular (74.80″L X 28.35″W) / Extra Large (78.74″L X 31.50″W)

4. Hyke & Byke Eolus 3 Season Sleeping Bag

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  • Material: 20D/400T DWR coated Ripstop Nylon
  • Filling: 800 Fill White Goose Down
  • Dimensions: Short / Regular / Long

5. REDCAMP Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag

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  • Material: 20D 380T Ripstop Nylon
  • Filling: 800 Fill 90% White Goose Down
  • Dimensions: 78.7×31.5”/200x80cm

6. Ubon Extreme Down Sleeping Bag

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  • Material: 20D 400T Ripstop Nylon
  • Filling: 650 Fill Duck Down
  • Dimensions: 82.7” x 31.5”

Best Down Sleeping Bag

1. OneTigris Light Patrol Sleeping Bag – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Material: 380T Ripstop Nylon
  • Filling: 90% Duck Down + 10% Cotton
  • Dimensions: 6.9ftx 2.6ft x 1.6ft / 210cm x 80cm x 50cm

Pros

  • Combination of duck down and cotton for insulation and breathability
  • High collar
  • Tapered shape
  • Premium ripstop nylon shell
  • Packs compact
  • Water-repellent

Cons

  • Can be a challenge to fold down and pack
  • Somewhat bulky

A good and reliable down sleeping bag is a must-have for any outdoor adventure- and that is exactly what this OneTigris design offers you. Durability is one of its strongest points, and that is crucial for any camping accessory. Made from 320T ripstop nylon, it can withstand the rigorous wear and tear of adventuring, and still offer protection and warmth. For the fill, this brand opted for 90% duck down and 10% cotton, making for fantastic insulation that will retain your natural body heat while still being breathable and pleasant to sleep in all year round.

Rated for temperatures around 32°F – 68°F (0°C – 20°C), this down sleeping bag is a solid choice for most climates and seasons- however, don’t venture out into below zero temperatures. Horizontal line stitching across the bag ensures that the down within is equally spaced and will not move. And what is more, the classic “mummy” design of this bag will allow you to snuggle up real good and zip uptight. That way you are protected, warm, and comfortable.

 

Who Should Buy This Product?

With a temperature rating to suit most seasons and a perfected mummy design, this OneTigris sleeping bag is the ultimate outdoors accessory. The “snuggle-up” concept and insulating down fill will keep you warm and cozy in most climates.

2. Runner Up – ZOOOBELIVES Alplive T400 Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag

Highlights

  • Material: 20D Nylon
  • Filling: 650 Fill Duck Down
  • Dimensions: 79 x 31.5 x 2 inches

Pros

  • Very lightweight
  • Can be unzipped and used as a blanket
  • Tapered envelope design
  • Good resistance to the elements
  • Two can be connected
  • Hook and loop fastener
  • Packs compact

Cons

  • Could be fluffier
  • No hood

Zooobelives offers one of the more unique down sleeping bag designs on the market. The ultralight concept behind this down sleeping bag is what makes it great for casual adventuring and backpacking. It packs compact and light, offers ample protection for the warmer seasons of the year, and is very durable to boot! Perfected for camping in milder climates, this sleeping bag relies on densely packed duck down for its fill, which also allows it to remain feather-light and very flexible. A unique tapered shape clings to your body shape for maximum warmth, with the added foot ventilation for when you need it.

On the outside of the bag is a premium 20D nylon material, which adds to unparalleled durability – even in the rough terrains. The classic envelope design of the Alplive T400 features a high-quality drawstring on top that allows you to snuggle up tightly and prevent the warmth from escaping. All of these features make this the perfect down sleeping bag for 3-season camping, hiking, and backpacking.

Who Should Buy This Product?

Flexible, warm, and compact, the Alplive T400 down sleeping bag is the perfect replacement for a cozy bedroom quilt. With this super comfy sleeping bag, you can enjoy the comforts of your bedroom even when you’re on an outdoor adventure.

 

3. Customer’s choice – Naturehike 800 Fill Power Down Sleeping Bag

Highlights

  • Material: 15D/400T Nylon
  • Filling: 800 Fill White Goose Down
  • Dimensions: Regular (74.80″L X 28.35″W) / Extra Large (78.74″L X 31.50″W)

Pros

  • The durable and waterproof outer shell
  • 3-season warmth
  • Can unfold into a mat/blanket
  • Can be zipped together for a bigger sleeping bag
  • Quality zippers
  • Good insulation

Cons

  • Not tapered
  • No inside pocket

Here is another classic “envelope” design that boasts a ton of handy features and a balanced, efficient construction that makes it a fantastic choice for your next hiking trip. With temperature ratings that make it suited for use in weather up to 42.8°F (6 °C), it will be fantastic for moderate, warmer regions, and not so much for extreme weather. Nevertheless, beginners and casual campers that sleep in the outdoors only when the weather is warm will find it fantastic for their needs. Made from 15D/400T ripstop nylon, it can take a proper beating, but remains flexible and insulative, and can minimize some of the elements as well.

For the stuffing, there is a 90%+ goose down fill of 800 fill power, which is one of the best quality fillings on the market and provides incredible insulation, trapping the heat effectively inside the bag. A full-length high-quality YKK zipper allows a secure fit but also gives you the option of laying the sleeping bag out like a mat or using it as a large and warm blanket. Another benefit is the PU3000mm waterproof rating which will keep you secure from dew and light moisture. With this balanced combination of reliable features and a reasonable price tag, Naturehike offers you a fantastic choice for most campers.

Who Should Buy This Product?

Combining the classic envelope design, an ultralightweight, and great insulative properties, the Naturehike’s flagship outdoors accessory has everything that you might need for a proper adventure in 3 different seasons.

4. Best for backpacking – Hyke & Byke Eolus 3 Season Sleeping Bag

Highlights

  • Material: 20D/400T DWR coated Ripstop Nylon
  • Filling: 800 Fill White Goose Down
  • Dimensions: Short / Regular / Long

Pros

  • Lightweight but fluffy and warm
  • Packs small
  • Compression bag
  • Water-resistant DWR-coated shell
  • Zipper baffles
  • Good for retaining heat in all seasons
  • Comes in two temperature rating options

Cons

  • Can be a bit narrow

If you prefer to travel light, finding the right down sleeping bag can be a challenge, but a trusty sleeping bag is essential nonetheless. This premium quality Hyke & Byke 3-season down sleeping bag is the ideal choice for backpackers and adventurers that pack lightweight, as it is crafted with the idea to be compact yet cozy. Weighing circa 2.5 pounds and measuring 6.5″ in diameter and 8.5″ to 9.5″ in length when packed in its compression bag, this is one of the lightest and most compact options out there.

Following the popular “mummy” concept, it allows for the ultimate snuggle coziness, which is further enhanced by the 800 fill power goose down insulation that will keep you warm year-round. The addition of a YKK anti-snag glider zipper ensures a secure fit and traps the warm air within the bag. Hyke & Byke went so far as to add oversized shoulder baffles and adjustable hood drawstrings, to ensure top of the notch heat retention. Real attention to detail!

Who Should Buy This Product?

The Hyke & Byke managed to create a warm, cozy, and durable down sleeping bag that is effortless to pack. It is lightweight, compact, and won’t burden your backpack- and it’s not something that can often be said for its competitors.

5. Best for 3-season camping – REDCAMP Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag

Highlights

  • Material: 20D 380T Ripstop Nylon
  • Filling: 800 Fill 90% White Goose Down
  • Dimensions: 78.7×31.5”/200x80cm

Pros

  • Weatherproof coating
  • Can be used as a quilt
  • Compact and easy to carry
  • Good insulation
  • Vertical filling stitches
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Could be loftier

Not everyone’s a fan of extreme weather camping- which means there’s no need to splurge on the fluffiest down sleeping bags that would keep you snug and warm in the North Pole if you’re not planning to camp in the cold weather, to begin with. Redcamp’s down sleeping bag is a 3-season design, which means that the recommended temperature range is 59 to 73.4 °F (15-23°C). Designed a quilt-like envelope sleeping bag, this versatile down sleeping bag can be used as a blanket or zipped up for regular use. Made with 20D 380T ripstop nylon, it boasts premium durability perfected for camping and its lightweight and compactness make it suited for seasoned backpackers as well.

Filled with 350g of 90% white goose down, the insulation it offers is top-notch, keeping you toasty without being too warm for comfort. One of the big advantages of this ultralight design is having the ability to pack the sleeping back into a super compact compression bag for dead easy carrying. Redcamp’s sleeping bag design can also be connected with others of this design – if you have two you can connect them simply via zipper.

 

Who Should Buy This Product?

A classic design executed in a modern, premium way is a great way to define this Redcamp envelope sleeping bag. Flexible and warm – and durable as well – it is just the thing for some casual 3-season adventuring.

6. Best for cold weather – Ubon Extreme Down Sleeping Bag

Highlights

  • Material: 20D 400T Ripstop Nylon
  • Filling: 650 Fill Duck Down
  • Dimensions: 82.7” x 31.5”

Pros

  • Keeps you warm in cold months of the year
  • Good facial protection
  • All season temperature rating
  • Durable
  • Windproof
  • Water-repelling

Cons

  • Bulky

If you are geared up and properly warmed, camping in really cold weather doesn’t have to be a frightening thought. This Ubon Extreme down sleeping bag is perfectly designed to withstand low temperatures, by ensuring good insulation and that classic mummy snuggle fit. The lowest – extreme – rating of this sleeping bag is for 10°F (-12°C), which is more than enough for a camping trip in the coldest months of the year. The shell of the sleeping bag is made from high quality 400T 20D ripstop nylon, which is also WR (weather resistant) coated, ensuring ample protection from moisture and wind.

The stuffing uses 650 fill white duck down for its lightness and great insulative properties, offering great warmth and conservation of heat while remaining breathable. A tapered shape and an extra-long zipper allow you to completely snuggle up within the bag, which in cold weather makes a real difference.

 

Who Should Buy This Product?

Cold weather camping can be fun but only when you have suitable protection. Ubon’s extreme sleeping bag design is perfected for this role exactly – it will easily keep you snug and toasty when the temperatures drop.

You may want to check out: Best Sleeping Bag Liner

What to Look for in a Down Sleeping Bag?

There are a lot of factors that can really “make or break” a proper down sleeping bag design. Needless to say, you want to have the best possible experience on your outdoor adventures, so choosing the well-made, reliable equipment is essential. And the classic design of down-filled sleeping bags has been loved for decades with good reason- when made with attention to all the important details, a down sleeping bag can keep you toasty and cozy for years and years to come.

Fill power

When it comes to down and feather stuffing fill power is certainly one of the key aspects to pay attention to, as it can tell you a lot about the properties of the sleeping bag you’ve chosen. Fill power is a way to measure the overall “fluffiness” of a down accessory, and in a sense – its quality. In general, the more fill power, the better. High fill power means that the down is more densely packed, and as such, the sleeping bag is fluffier, loftier, and offers perfect insulation. This it does by reflecting your body heat to you and thus keeping you warm. Cheaper, low-fill power sleeping bags are more suited for warmer weather or as a budget-friendly option that can be combined with other accessories to provide more warmth in colder weather.

Outer shell material

The fabric out of which the down sleeping bag is made also plays a key role for a sleeping bag. The quality and capabilities of certain materials can greatly dictate where and when you can go camping with your bag. What you want to go for is durability, element resistance, and breathability. The usual fare on the market is ripstop nylon: this material is quite tough – and that is the key thing in the world outdoors equipment. Not to mention that the last thing you want in your down-filled sleeping bag is a tear, with all the little feathers flying out.

Water resistance

You want your down sleeping bag to stay dry and lock moisture out- damp or wet down and feathers are not a good thing. And, as any camper knows, morning dew, drizzle, light rain, and snow can all be a regular part of the experience so it’s best to be prepared. Pick a sleeping bag labeled as waterproof or those that boast DWR coating. This helps to enhance the weather resistance properties by wicking away moisture and offering a great windbreak.

Ease of packing

When you’re camping, hiking, or backpacking, it’s all about compactness. While a good sleeping bag is crucial for comfort, you still don’t want it taking up half of the free space in your backpack or weighing you down. That’s why having a compact, flexible, and foldable design is very important. Most designs on the market, luckily, feature a quick and easy way for you to fold this accessory to a handheld size. That way you can strap it onto the side of your pack and you won’t feel it at all. Remember – adventuring lightly is always preferred, so be sure to pick a down sleeping bag that will suit your packing preferences.

Bottom Line

The success of your next camping, hiking, or backpacking adventure can greatly depend on the quality of your equipment. Having a reliable, protective down sleeping bag is the number one priority – wherever you go, and for however long. Down-filled sleeping bags offer insulation while staying lightweight, meaning you can retain heat, stay warm and comfy – without having to deal with extra bulk and weight in your backpack or trunk.