When you go backpacking it’s always a good idea to find the lightest gear that you possibly can. Lightweight sleeping bags for backpacking, for instance, can help to lower the overall weight of your backpack considerably, because backpacks are generally one of the heaviest things that backpackers carry. Of course if you want to carry a lightweight sleeping bag but also get a good night of sleep, you need to know what to look for.
Lightweight Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
What to look for when you want to be looking at lightweight sleeping bags for backpacking.- Down – Generally, down is a lighter insulator than synthetic, relative to the amount of heat provided. So if you want a lightweight sleeping bag, you want a down sleeping bag. Even more than that, you want a down sleeping bag that has a high quality down, because it takes less 900+ fill down, for instance, to provide the same amount of warmth.
- Mummy – It should go without saying, but you also want a mummy shaped sleeping bag if you are looking to save on weight. Rectangular or even semi-rectangular sleeping bags have a lot of wasted space, and by eliminating that excess space you stay warmer and also help lower the weight of the sleeping bag.
Best Lightweight Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
Some of the very best lightweight sleeping bags to take backpacking.- Western Mountaineering HighLite - The HighLite is the ideal lightweight sleeping bag for summer camping. It has a temperature rating of 35 degrees, which is just right for the summer nights in many parts of the world. It also weighs just 1 pound, or 453 grams, making it extremely lightweight. Features like just a half length zipper, large box baffles, a mummy shape and 850 fill down are what help this impressive sleeping bag achieve such a light weight.
- Terra Nova Laser 600 - With a minimum temperature rating of 32 degrees this is only slightly warmer than the HighLite above, but might be better suited to three season backpacking, and not just summer backpacking, in many parts of the world. What's impressive about the Laser 600 is that it uses 900 fill down, which is the highest quality that you will find just about anywhere. And at 1 pound 6.2 ounces, or 630 grams, it's a fantastically lightweight sleeping bag option.
- Marmot Plasma 15 - If you need something better suited to four season backpacking, or just three season backpacking in colder climates, the Plasma 15 is ideal. As the name suggests it has a minimum temperature rating of 15 degrees. It also has a few extras, like an insulated collar, a drawcord hood and a water repellent finish on the exterior that will help to keep you warm. It also won the 2011 Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice award, along with the 2011 Gear of the Year award from Outside magazine. It weighs 1 pound 14 ounces, or 850 grams.
