How to Choose Backpacking Sleeping Bags || REI

From temperature ratings to down fill power, sleeping bag specs can get confusing. This video will help you sort through your options and figure out the right sleeping bag for your next backpacking trip. Check it out, then head into your local REI to try them out yourself.

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At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), we love to get outside and play, and we know first-hand the importance of quality outdoor gear. We stand behind all our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we design our own line of award-winning REI brand gear and clothing. Whether you're new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned pro, we gladly share our enthusiasm for our products—and the trails, slopes and waterways where we play.

[billygarfield]

Wow! You did a wonderful job explaining the differences between sleeping bags. Thanks!!

[skormm-vz]

Never had imagined a sleeping bag could get so technical 😅 Great explanation and educational video

[giannisvanderarmen]

If only we didn't have to convert from F to C. I love videos where they tell both.

[samsontu]

An important factor not mentioned in the video is the altitude where you will be backpacking. If you backpack in 10, 000+ft (3000+ m) country, summer nights can be very cold too. Three-season sleeping bags are necessary.

[warrenphilips]

It would be great to have Miranda travel to some parks around the country and go camping then make a report on tips when someone is going there. We buy gear when we have a plan to use it.

[kamjc]

Watching this after having a terrible night camping in 40F with a terrible sleeping bag 😅

[backpacker]

Another option that has become very popular among backpackers is to use a top quilt made for hammock camping. It's like a mummy bag with no zipper. You'll need a good insulating pad under you, but you'll save a great deal of weight because there's no zipper and the quilt is not made to wrap all the way around you, but cover you like a blanket. The footbox is usually sewn closed similar to a mummy bag, but otherwise it's an open design. This gives you all the room you want to move around, and sacrifices very little warmth, as the insulation under you when you are sleeping in a mummy bag is compressed and not providing much warmth anyway. In very cold conditions, it may not be the best option, because some cold air will come in around the sides.

[cmcer]

Great review as usual Miranda, glad to see you still around. Very informative review, didn't know about that side pocket. Thanks again.

[DoxRaea]

An extraordinary theme just what you need thanks for sharing it fascinated me from now on I will be active here waiting for more content my friend!!!

[cimarronMC]

I have a sleeping bag that goes to 0 degrees and I use it for everything, and all seasons. Can get a bit warm in the summer but im always high in the mountains where it is Damn cold. It isn't that heavy either, ive never been to hot before. There have been so many times ive used a 20 degree bag in 30 degree temperatures and ive been freezing, 10 has even failed me a bit. I would recommend going 0. Keep in mind that 0 is usually the lowest you want to go, if you are in 30-15 you will feel great. You notice a difference when its 10 degrees but your still happy

[theyukster]

Thanks for the advice I’ll be sure to get one of these from literally any other retailer

[SamPeabody]

I love these videos, but my only complaint is when she said rectangular bags are too bulky for backpacking. I just don’t like the description being so absolute, even if it’s a common opinion. There were a lot of years when all sleeping bags were rectangular and people still managed to go backpacking. If you are someone who doesn’t like having your feet and knees together when you sleep, it might be worth it to you to have a bulkier, heavier bag.

[PedroFerreira-zeyp]

I got the impression from other reviews that the REI Magma 15 looks enormous when packed. Like it would take up half the space of my backpack. Is this so, or is it just me? I´m really concerned ´cause I´m looking to buying one, but if the packed size is that big I´ll be looking for another, more compact model...

[Knubinator]

What about a video about using quilts vs sleeping bags?

[klausrtmr]

Excellent video, but without temperatures also in Celsius, it's useless for us rest of the world viewers

[ant]

2.00 I think a Tog rating would be better, as per duvets.
I have a combination duvet of 4+9 Togs.
In summer, I use 4.
Winter 9.
And 13 is too much!

[jasonfitzpatrick]

After some cold trips, I would suggest not believing the ratings and bring a colder rated bag than anticipated. And wet down is useless. If you need to get mold off your fabric soak the bag in white vinegar, one gallon then add water to cover, then launder and dry. I might try a blanket for my summer trips.

[stephenhall]

I have been camping all of my life. I live in the woods and let tell you that you do not want to get caught in the snow with a bag that will keep you warm. Back in the 60 all I had nothing but Army bags. How the GI made it in the bad German winter I do not know. They do not tell you about the ones that froze to death. You do not want to get hyperthermic. When down bags came on the market I tried to econmize and I still froze. Finally, I saved enough to buy the best bag available - an artic bag. Now I am warm and happy and do not have to pray for the sun in the morning. But like I said I live in the mountains.

[Julian_Kurt]

For me -30 degree is perfect for the summer. Its super heavy and super warm so you cant sleep in it. Perfect😂

[jeffcmo]

I have a, “high end “walmart sleeping bag for the summer. Think it is rated for 40 degrees or some bullspit like that. I live in WNC and it works like a champ in June- September. I would never take it out anytime other than legit summer weather.