This article will go over ten of the best survival sleeping bags and their most essential features to help you determine which one is the best survival sleeping bag. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to choose the best survival sleeping bag for you.
Let’s dive right in.
Some Important Factors in Choosing the Best Survival Sleeping Bag
In this article about choosing the best survival sleeping bag, you’re going to see a wide range of characteristics, and understanding how each one stacks up to optimize your ability to withstand a night out in the wilderness (or other emergency situations) is essential.
Here are some things to consider when shopping for said sleeping bag for survival conditions:
- Extreme temperatures require planning, so survival bags can be considered without having extreme temperature ratings – if you are expecting extremes, plan for extremes and opt for a bigger, heavier bag
- Survival bags should be lightweight and less expensive if that’s all they serve a purpose for – but that doesn’t mean a sleeping bag cannot pull double duty
- Bulk for lightweight is an important factor, where down fills can shine
- Alternatively, if you are in wet conditions, you might not want down unless you are using a bag with a water resistant shell so you don’t lose insulation qualities
- You can use multiple layers in a survival situation to get different attributes (e.g. a waterproof layer, a lofted layer that traps heat from your body, etc.)
- Even if you think your survival sleeping bag option is not rated heavily enough, it may still be an appropriate or important survival option – so you can use three season bags for survival, and still get benefit. Remember, a fail-safe is better than nothing.
Envision where you might use one of the Best Survival Sleeping Bags on the market
You hiked for a long time to get to the campground. The climb alone takes so much effort, and, of course, you’re not going to climb carrying anything but your incredible endurance, strength, and willpower.
Indeed, you’d be taking your survival stuff with you, and you’d need to keep the weight of what we’re carrying as low as feasible.
With this, you’ll need to find a lightweight emergency sleeping bag that weighs less than 10 pounds. The last thing you need when trekking is shattering your back.
It’s doubtful that you’ll get the same comfort you get when sleeping on your bed at home when you sink into a comfortable outdoor comforter after a hard day hiking your favorite path. But I wouldn’t recommend you to rest your tired back muscles in a wet, damp emergency sleeping bag either.
After hiking, how could you possibly sleep like that?
A restful night’s sleep is vital for brain function and body restoration, so you can wake up feeling focused.
Let’s go ahead and look at a number of the best emergency sleeping bags on the market. Each comes with a distinct set of characteristics that make the bags light and keep them warm and dry, helping them function in even the most extreme situations.
1. Hyke and Byke Quandary 15 Degrees Down
This Hyke and Byke Quandary is available in three sizes: short weighs 2.56 pounds, normal is 2.71 pounds light, and the long variant measures 2.89 pounds.
Unlike other brands, it is not as light as the other emergency sleeping bags, but it will not break your back or your bank either. This is the best sleeping bag if you just want something that works and is affordable.
With the 650 FP Duck Down, treated with a breakthrough Cluster Loft, survivalists have recognized this camping sleeping bag for its compression and moisture resistance.
You can easily remain warm with a rating of 15F in a Hyke and Byke Quandary emergency sleeping bag. It’s also waterproof, so you won’t only keep warm but also dry, making it ideal for long-term backpacking trips.
Lastly, its 400T 20D ripstop nylon fabric lining provides long-lasting durability and won’t readily rip. For the optimum fit, it has zippers and an anti-snag slider. It also has a big foot box, drawstrings, horizontal baffles, and snag-free Velcro, so you can customize it to fit your needs.
And so you know, Hyke and Byke provide an impressive lifetime warranty for this emergency sleeping bag too.
Buy Hyke and Byke Quandary 15 Degrees Down here
2. Active Era Mummy Sleeping Bag
An Active Era Mummy Synthetic Sleeping Bag is another attractive option if you’re searching for a cheap, lightweight emergency sleeping bag. It weighs 3 pounds or 48 ounces, not as light as the others on the market.
This emergency sleeping bag will not break your back; more significantly, it will not break your savings as it costs less than $30.
However, the Active Era did not allow the cost to compromise its quality. This mummy bag will not disappoint with its tough 190T polyester shell.
Furthermore, it contains a comfortably warm 300GSM double stuffing that can withstand up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, its design comes with a hood to keep your head and body toasty in cold weather.
Additionally, it comes with a water-resistant and compact compression sack. It guarantees that you can keep this bag close-packed enough to carry over long distances when winter camping.
Also featured are an insulated draft barrier, two anti-snag zippers, and an inside compartment for valuables. These are great additions if you’re going on a camping trip.
Buy Active Era Mummy Sleeping Bag here
3. Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag
Although this Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag costs less than $50, it is one of the heaviest bags on this list, weighing 4.1 pounds or 65.6 ounces.
Because it is still lighter than typical sleeping bags, it still is lightweight. And this survival sleeping bag will easily fit into your survival bag while leaving plenty of extra room.
Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag is inexpensive compared to other ultralights but could weigh a little extra. This Bessport survival sleeping bag can be a reputable brand for you if you’re not planning on doing any trekking.
With this, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, you may want to forgo this one and go with a more costly but lighter model.
When it comes to this sleeping bag’s stuffing, it comes with a 400GSM spray-bonded cotton stuffing that can withstand temperatures rating as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lastly, it features a drawstring hood and an insulated foot box to keep the cold out. And you can stay warmer and dry thanks to the 220T polyester shell that makes it water-resistant.
Buy Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag here
4. Paria Outdoor Thermodown 15 Degree
Paria Outdoor Thermo Down is one of the more affordable lightweight sleeping bags available today. It is substantially less expensive than the majority of its rivals. If you’re seeking a reasonable offer, there is no need to look any further.
This survival sleeping bag demonstrates that low prices do not imply a substandard product. It’s not as light as the others, weighing in at 2.4 pounds or 38 ounces, but it’s certainly not heavy.
Aside from that, it also offers many excellent features as the more costly options like its versatility and compact design that comes with a lifetime warranty.
Furthermore, you have to know that it will also provide extra warmth as it is filled with a super-soft 700 fill power down.
At the same time, it can resist up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit thanks to the silky smooth 20D ripstop nylon material for its outer shell. Plus, it comes with a stuff pouch available in regular or long-form. This is the perfect emergency sleeping bag or car camping bag.
Buy Paria Outdoor Thermodown 15 Degree here
5. Aegis Max UL Goose Down
Because of Aegis Max’s adaptability, this company has become one of the most popular brands online.
Thus, whether you’re attempting to warm yourself on a chilly night or relax during a hot night after a hard day of trekking, Aegis Max will surely provide you with the best survival sleeping beg quality.
Part of the Aegis Max Ultralight Goose Down’s features is the tapered hoodless pack with bilateral vents that works well as a mummy bag made with 15D Nylon as its shell.
Furthermore, it is packed with a high-density down-resistant weave of 800 or more to offer the best lightweight material possible. It’s merely 24 ounces in weight which is incredible.
Overall, the Aegis Max Ultralight Goose Down survival sleeping bag is one of the cheapest lightweight survival sleeping bags on the market.
This bag is a three-season bag. It can survive temperatures rating as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit while keeping in the warmth. It even contains a drawstring rope and a zipper for convenient access.
Buy Aegis Max UL Goose Down here
6. Western Mountaineering Ultralite: 20F Down
Western Mountaineering is an ancient, traditional brand that has provided outstanding products for a long time. And they will undoubtedly keep their excellent quality with Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Down sleeping bag.
Because it features an 850 fill power down, this quality sleeping bag weighs just 1.2 pounds or 19 ounces, yet it’ll still keep you comfy and keep in body heat.
Along with a 12D fabric liberally sprayed with DWR (Durable Water Repellent), this survival sleeping bag can keep you comfortable all night.
Plus, it includes a full zipper and hood, so even if you toss and turn all night, you’ll be snug as a mummy, and it doesn’t need the use of a sleeping pad. This makes it ideal for almost any survival scenario where you need warmth.
Whether you’re stretching out in an Appalachian hut, sleeping inside your vehicle tent in the Amazon, or wrapped by a short-ledge on one side of the Grand Canyon, this Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F Down is simple to use.
Buy Western Mountaineering Ultralite: 20F Down here
7. Marmot Phase 30 Degrees Down
This Marmot Phase 30 employs a combination of Pertex Quantum shell material and a Down Defender covered with DWR protection for their 850 fill power down. This survival sleeping bag is in the top selection if you’re searching for a lightweight that will resist water.
Most outdoor enthusiasts warned against using down since it risks losing 90% of its loft and heat-retaining characteristics when wet. Furthermore, it isn’t easy to dry once wet.
Your very warm, cuddly, and lightest weight down, weighing just 1.1 pounds or 18.03 ounces, on the other hand, will remain dry for a long time with this hydrophobic treatment.
Buy Marmot Phase 30 Degrees Down here
8. Sea to Summit Spark 40 Degrees Down
With 12.4 ounces of weight, Sea to Summit Spark 40 Degrees Down is one of the lightest sleeping bags available. It folds up into a tiny and lightweight package that fits easily into your backpack.
Survivalists tend to overlook this survival sleeping bag and the compression-bag feature that enables you to fold it down to just 1 liter of storage space.
However, since it is packed with an ultra-dry 850 plus fill, it is only suitable for summer backpacking trips. No draft collar or tube is one of the explanations. You’ll also see that the sewn baffles into the shell fabric; therefore, this one has half a zipper.
Even without a sleeping mat, it’s ideal for sleeping in the open air. The sleep system will provide you with a comfortable night’s sleep without requiring you to make any adjustments since their ventilation system will keep your body heat in all night long.
Buy Sea to Summit Spark 40 Degrees Down here
9. Western Mountaineering Summerlite: 32F Down
Even though this Western Mountaineering sleeping bag is labeled UltraLite, it is not an exceptionally light sleeping bag. It’s 1.8 pounds or 29 ounces in total, which is heavier than most ultralights.
However, compared to other sleeping bags with similar specifications, this Western Mountaineering Summerlite 32F Down is can still be lighter than the others.
This survival sleeping bag is packed with quality 850 plus fill down, which can tolerate up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if it’s freezing outdoors, this will keep you your body heat in and you comfortable.
It’s a sleeping bag encased in an Extreme Lite shell fabric, which gives further protection without adding weight.
Furthermore, it incorporates interlocking draft tubes and a down-filled collar to keep the draft from bothering you while you sleep. The lining from the inside comes with silky taffeta, so it feels lovely against your skin.
The UltraLite is available in three sizes: short that’ll suit those under 5 feet 6 inches, typical for people over 6 feet, and long variant for people over 6 feet 6 inches.
Buy Western Mountaineering Summerlite: 32F Down here
10. Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Degree Ultralight
Last but certainly not least is the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Degree Ultralight. This survival sleeping bag is part of a more prominent company that has been around for a long time in the sleeping bag market.
Therm-a-Rest is one of the lightest mummy bags available at just 1.25 pounds or 20 ounces. Furthermore, it folds and compresses into a small package. It will make your backpack seem as light as a feather, allowing you to move about freely.
Also, it’s constructed with 900+ goose down and can endure temperatures rating up to 30°F. It’s a terrific camping buddy since you can carry it about with you on your hikes and then lay it down without feeling too heavy. Above all, it will simply fit into your load.
The down distribution, on the other hand, isn’t evenly distributed. Seventy percent of it is on the top level. If you’re the sort that feels chilly in the leg region quickly, you may want to pass on this one.
Buy Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 Degree Ultralight here
Choosing a survival sleeping bag can take a few different aspects into account
You could go spartan – and use something like a Mylar tarp to help protect you in unexpected circumstances – which will cost you a few dollars and a few ounces.
You could opt for a full sleep system that will pack on the pounds but gives you a lot of versatility and longevity. You’ll probably be able to find a survival sleeping bag that offers more than just survival characteristics.
You could opt for a premium version of the best survival sleeping bags in this list, which will give you savings on weight, or take advantage of technical and other innovations.
You could also just try for the toughest, most versatile piece that can last a long time. No single survival bag is going to have every attribute exactly in line with all potential use cases – but evaluating your needs will help you pick the right mix.
Last Words
After a hard day of camping and trekking the outdoors, nothing compares to a good night’s sleep. That’s why a quality sleeping bag is one of the best survival gear you can get. You’ll need a comfy survival sleeping bag that’s just as simple to pack away as it is to set up.
Finding the perfect sleeping bag for universal usage might be difficult; someone looking for a bug out sleeping bag has different preferences from a camper.
Make sure you seek the aspects that relate to you the most, that you understand the sort of environment you’ll be in, and that you select the survival sleeping bag that is most suited to your demands.
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I adore my down jacket, but I don’t have any down survival sleeping bags. That said, I would recommend anyone to have any one of these survival sleeping bags, especially if you have never ridden in rainy and challenging terrain.