Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Impressive warmth-to-weight ratio
• Superior durability with ultra-light construction
• Excellent compressibility and packability
• Uses high quality 950+ goose down

Reasons to Avoid

• Quite pricey for some
• Not the best for humid conditions
• Zippers can be slightly finicky

The Important Specs

• Fill: 950+ goose down
• Gender: Unisex
• Length: Available in different lengths
• Insulation Type: Down
• Temperature Rating: 30 degrees Fahrenheit

Review Roundup

The Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 is a top pick for outdoor enthusiasts on the hunt for a high-quality, ultralight sleeping bag. This bag rips off the tags on the niche of lightweight backpacking gear while also boasting awesome warmth and comfort features.

Built with a 950+ fill power goose down, this bag kicks up some serious heat and gives the Hummingbird its ultra cozy feel. It manages to do this without tipping the scales too much - the bag weighs in at a mere 1.42 lbs, which is piddly compared to many other sleeping bags on the market perfect for those keen on backpacking or climbing.

Its Pertex fabric shell provides some real chops when it comes to durability. Users have pointed out that despite its light weight, this sleeping bag withstands some pretty rough treatment without showing any signs of wear and tear. So, don't sweat it about tossing and turning in your sleep or fighting off a chilly downhill draft. The Hummingbird can handle it.

Any chinks in the armor? Well, some users have grumbled about its narrow design especially around the feet. If you're a restless sleeper or someone who likes to stretch it out in their bag, this could be a snugger fit than you'd like. It’s not necessarily a deal breaker, however some users find it a little discomforting.

Another tiny gripe is with its price tag. The Hummingbird is pricier than many other options on the market. That being said, users often note that the blend of quality, warmth and lightweight design justifies the price. This isn’t a bargain bin sleeping bag – it’s an investment for the serious outdoor-head.

So, when it comes down to the dirt track, the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30 is a pretty beastly bag in all the right ways. Its lightweight design makes it a super choice for backpacking adventures or climbing expeditions. Despite a few minor hitches, it powers through with great warmth, comfort and durability features that keep you snug as a bug on your outdoor trips while not weighing you down.

Reasons to Buy

• Perfect for three-season camping
• Great for backpacking due to lightweight nature
• Warm enough for most but not excessively hot
• Solid construction and durability

Reasons to Avoid

• Not designed for extreme cold weather
• May be too narrow for those who prefer more room
• Quite pricy compared to other models

The Important Specs

• Shape: Mummy
• Length: 5'6" to 6'6"
• Fill Material: 850+ down fill
• Outer Material: Extremelite shell
• Temperature Rating: 20°F

Review Roundup

First and foremost, the Western Mountaineering SummerLite is an awesome featherweight friend for your summer adventures. I mean, the best surprise about this bag isn't just its lightness, but its extraordinary warmth-to-weight ratio. It weighs just a hair over a pound (which is lighter than your favorite water bottle, by the way), but it's cozy enough for temperatures down to 32 degrees F.

According to folks who've tested this bag, they rave about its comfort. No tight, claustrophobic mummy design here; the SummerLite gives you wiggle room where you need it. It seems pretty clear that the fine folks at Western Mountaineering have paid attention to what hikers and campers want from their sleeping bag.

The SummerLite is stuffed with 850-fill goose down, which is nature's top insulator, curling you up in its plush warmth. It's also well-known for packing down small, which is a big plus if you're one of those bare-bones backpackers trying to keep space at a premium.

So, water-resistance - it isn't the SummerLite's strongest suit, as reported by some wearers, especially in comparison to synthetic bags. But, hey, if you're roughing-it right, your sleeping bag shouldn't be getting soaking wet anyway. Just be sure to avoid pitching your tent in a puddle and you’ll be good to go.

The general consensus among users also applauds the bag's full-length zipper. This gives you the option of unzipping the bag entirely and using it like a quilt on more tepid nights. A nice touch, wouldn’t you say?

One aspect that some folks point out is the price. Yes, it's a bit steep for a sleeping bag. But users consistently came back to the same thought: you are getting what you're paying for. The SummerLite is a top-quality bag that can last upwards of a decade with proper care.

As for the aesthetics, the SummerLite sports a minimalist design with that pop of color we all love. The bright yellow is the definition of cheerful and makes the bag fairly easy to spot among your other gear.

Reasons to Buy

• Superior warmth-to-weight ratio
• Impressive compressibility and packability
• Highly durable
• Versatile, adjustable sleeping system

Reasons to Avoid

• Not the cheapest option
• Foot box might be too narrow for some
• Might feel a bit less comfortable for side sleepers

The Important Specs

• Shell Material: Pertex Quantum Ripstop .85oz/yd²
• Insulation Type: 900 Fill Power Goose Down
• Compressed Volume: 5.3 Liters
• Temperature Rating: 30°F (-1°C)

Review Roundup

The Katabatic Gear Palisade 30 caught our eye not just for its ultralight properties, but also its compact design and impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. It weighs in at a minuscule 16.85 ounces, making it a standout choice for those looking to shave weight on multi-day hiking or climbing trips.

This sleeping bag blends 900 fill power goose down insulation with Pertex Quantum fabric. Together, these ensure impressive heating capabilities, while remaining resistant to moisture. It thrives in temperatures as low as 30 Fahrenheit, but through customer feedback, we've found it performs better in slightly warmer environments.

The design has been largely praised by users for its versatile flexibility. The hood-less, quilt style and pad attachment system allow for changes in sleep position and temperature regulation without compromising the user's warmth. Pioneering this innovative style, Katabatic Gear has nailed it with the Palisade 30.

Though it comes with a higher price tag, customers have reported the exceptional durability and build quality justifies the investment. Not a common complaint, but a few users have mentioned the footbox area could offer more room. Others have also mentioned the lack of a full-length zipper restricts their ability to use it as a quilt.

Beyond the minor foot space issue, the packability of this sleeping bag is consistent with its ultralight status. Folded and stored properly, it uses precious little pack real estate, a factor that backpackers have given a thumbs up.

Satisfied customers cite comfort and loft retention among this bag's strengths. It has 6-inch vertical baffles which help maintain its shape and presentation over numerous adventures.

Also, customer care of the manufacturing company received an honorable mention by happy campers, indicating a positive after-sale experience. It's reassuring for those considering taking the plunge on this big-ticket item.

In essence, the Katabatic Gear Palisade 30 provides a high-performance sleeping experience for serious outdoor enthusiasts. However, due to its budget-stretching price, this bag is best suited for those who demand optimum performance and are willing to pay for it.

Reasons to Buy

• Great value for cost
• Quality insulation
• Well-constructed design
• Compact and packable

Reasons to Avoid

• Not suitable for extreme cold
• No integrated pillow pocket

The Important Specs

• Shell Material: Pertex Quantum nylon
• Compressed Volume: 5 liters
• Temperature Rating: 30 degrees F
• Insulation Material: RDS-certified down insulation

Review Roundup

If you're on a budget but don't want to compromise on quality, the REI Co-op Magma 30 is certainly worth considering. This sleeping bag has plenty of features to shout about. For a start, it's ultra-lightweight, tipping the scales at just 1 lb. 7.4 oz. For backpackers who count every single ounce, this could be a game-changer.

The sleeping bag also boasts of a temperature rating of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, which should keep you warm in most three-season camping scenarios. This rating may be a tad optimistic if we consider some user feedback. So, if you're someone prone to feeling cold or will be camping in frosty conditions, an extra thermal liner might be an added safety layer.

Customer reviews highlight the excellent construction quality of the Magma 30. This sleeping bag is packed with 850-fill-power goose down, providing lofty warmth that's well distributed throughout. The down is also responsibly sourced, an essential point for eco-conscious campers.

Users love the bag's water-resistance too. The down is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, which helps to ensure you stay dry, even if things get a little dewy overnight. A watertight stuff sack is included, protecting the bag during transportation. Nonetheless, some users suggested it could be more robust.

The Magma 30 is praised for its comfort. Implicit in the design is a warmth-to-weight ratio that provides at-home snugness, without the excessive bulk. The sleeping bag's contoured hood and spacious footbox further enhance the optimal sleeping conditions. However, some reviews have flagged that larger folks may feel a little restricted.

The bag's anti-snag zipper is a detailed highlight appreciated by users, who commented favorably about its smooth operation and minimal fuss. However, a few noted that the bag might benefit from a small internal pocket for essentials like a phone or flashlight.

Perhaps one of the resounding verdicts from the users is that the REI Co-op Magma 30 offers remarkable value for money. Given its feature set and overall quality, it's a cost-effective solution for backpackers watching the scales and the wallet!

Reasons to Buy

• Highly customizable to individual preferences
• Very warm even at low temperatures
• Excellent compactness leaving more room in your backpack
• Premium quality and craftsmanship
• Versatile quilt design

Reasons to Avoid

• Price is on the higher end
• May not be warm enough for extremely cold weather
• Takes time to fully loft after unpacking

The Important Specs

• Baffle Design: Vertical baffles
• Shell Material: 10D nylon
• Insulation Type: 800 fill power down
• Temperature Rating: Rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit

Review Roundup

The Revelations 20, a standout product from Enlightened Equipment, has caught many outdoors-folk's attention – and for good reason. This ultralight sleeping bag quilt combines lightweight materials and a modular design, offering great versatility and adaptability to various camping conditions.

Made with premium goose down, the Revelation 20 provides a matchless warmth-to-weight ratio. The product has a 20-degree temperature rating, which makes it a superb choice for three-season camping. User reviews also consistently highlight its impressive warmth, standing up to very cold temperatures despite its lightweight nature.

The Revelation 20 shines in its adaptable design. Offering a zippered foot box and drawstring top, it can transform from a classic mummy-style bag to a fully open quilt. Gearheads have had much to say about its foldable foot box and adjustable straps, providing better control of temperature and comfort during varying weather conditions.

In the packability department, the Revelation 20 also walks the talk. It earns high marks from backpackers for its lightweight (below two pounds) and can be compressed for convenient carry. Its small packed size is perfect for those wanting to save space in their backpack, a feature that adventurists and minimalist hikers rave about in their reviews.

Users also frequently mention the Revelation 20's fine workmanship. It's constructed with high-quality materials that show thoughtful design and attention to detail. The down-proof fabric and responsibly sourced down put buyer's minds at ease, knowing that their gear is designed to last and environmentally friendly.

However, some users have noted that the Revelation 20's ultralight nature might come with a small downside. On colder nights, a couple of backpackers mentioned feeling a slight draft - something to consider if you're a cold sleeper. It would be wise to pair this quilt with a good quality sleeping pad to seal in the warmth.

In terms of price, the Revelation 20 is a bit on the higher side, but majority of users argue that you’re getting your money's worth. Users often mention the quilt’s excellent cost to performance ratio, and feel it is a worthwhile investment for avid backpackers.

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent insulation
• Very durable
• Delivers a cozy sleeping experience
• Good value for the price
• Compact when packed

Reasons to Avoid

• Might not be warm enough for extremely cold temperatures
• Slightly heavier than other ultralight bags
• May be tight for larger folks

The Important Specs

• Shape: Mummy
• Shell Material: 20D nylon ripstop
• Insulation Type: Synthetic, Heatseeker Guide insulation
• Zipper Location: Left side
• Temperature Rating: 20 degrees Fahrenheit

Review Roundup

The North Face Cat's Meow 20 is an ultralight sleeping bag that has gained popularity among adventurers and campers who strive for comfort without the weight. Its title as one of the best in the Synthetic niche speaks to its high-quality and superior design.

Known for its impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, the Cat's Meow 20 is designed to keep you cozy even when the temperature dips to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. A lot of owners have praised its effectiveness in chilly weather, claiming that it has kept them warm on freezing nights in the mountains or during late fall camping trips.

The synthetic fill of this sleeping bag is an added advantage, offering undeniable comfort and resilience to wear and tear. It's also a favorite among wettish warriors for its water-resistant capabilities. One customer specifically mentioned how the sleeping bag kept them dry during an unexpected rainfall on a camping trip.

Its compressibility is another feature that stands out. The Cat's Meow 20 can be squashed down into a relatively small size, making it perfect for those who like to carry minimal stuff. Backpackers have made note of this feature, stating that it saves a significant amount of space when packing for multiple-day hikes.

The bag's roomy cut also provides ample space for restless sleepers to roll around. However, some users have mentioned it being slightly narrow around the shoulder area, which could be a bit uncomfortable for broader people.

The slightly hefty price tag is softened by experiencing the sleeping bag's stellar performance. Several customers find the great features and the assurance of quality and durability from North Face to be worth the cost.

There are minor criticisms though. A few users found the zipper can occasionally catch on the material, which could lead to a frustrating midnight battle. And a handful of people have lamented the bag's weight saying it could be tad lighter.

All in all, the feedback for the North Face Cat's Meow 20 has been overwhelmingly positive, which cements its place as a go-to for those camping or backpacking adventurers who don't want to compromise on comfort or warmth.