The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag for Under $100

Are you looking for the best backpacking sleeping bag for Under $100? We know that keeping warm at night is essential to survival when backpacking. Temperatures tend to drop at night when backpackers stop to rest, leaving an individual more susceptible to hypothermia and cold-related illnesses.  Aside from proper clothing, an adequate sleep system is paramount to keeping warm at night and maintaining a comfortable experience in the wilderness.

As with most camping items, determining the best backpacking sleeping bag is completely based on an individual’s needs.  Between temperatures encountered, weather, sleeping style, camper size, and the weight of the bag, there are many different options to consider in order to choose the optimal bag.  Below is a list comprised of the best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100. This encompasses both mummy style and rectangular style designs, bags rated for different temperature ranges, bags that can be combined for shared warmth, and ultralight vs. lightweight bags. Each item has its own unique design that may be a good choice for some and a less than favorable choice for others.

TETON Sports Tracker Ultralight Sleeping Bag

At just under $60, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00DDP3DZ8″ locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]TETON Sports Tracker Ultralight[/easyazon_link] makes the list for one of the best backpacking sleeping bags due to its affordability, design, and temperature rating.  At 4.1 lbs, it is rated to keep campers warm to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15º C), so it is targeted for colder weather camping.  It comes in two colors: green and red.

Features:

  • Mummy style
  • “Body mapping” insulation
  • Water resistant shell
  • Interior pocket with zipper

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Pros:

  • Body Mapping Technology: TETON’s “body mapping technology” comes from its design style and reinforced insulation on areas of the body known to lose heat more easily than the rest. This bag is designed to contour around the feet and has an additional layer of insulation to keep feet warm throughout the night. Heat escapes the body most quickly through the feet, hands, groin, and armpits.  Having additional protection will keep campers warm and comfortable through any cold night.
  • Mummy Style: Along with extra insulation and contouring for the feet, this bag has a mummy style design which further insulates the camper. A narrow composition prevents excess heat from being lost, as well as a hood that cinches down over the head.  This protects sensitive areas from being exposed to the cold.
  • Zipper Pulls: The ability to zip up a sleeping bag from the inside is a huge benefit when hunkering down for the night, and is a favorite for sleeping bag designs. This is especially true on a bag as narrow as this one, as having to stick one arm out of the bag in order to be fully zipped can be a pain.  Having internal facing zipper pulls eliminates this issue.
  • Lifetime Warranty: As with any product, mistakes can be made and defective products might be received. TETON provides a limited lifetime warranty for defects in the materials or flaws in the final product.  As with other high quality outdoor companies, TETON is willing to refund poorly made products in order to keep their goods reliable, an attribute that shows in one of the best backpacking sleeping bags under $100.

Cons:

  • Narrow: One of the few negative points that have come up about this bag is that it is narrow (34 in at the widest point). Many people had a difficult time stretching out once zipped inside this bag, specifically those with broad shoulders.  It can be difficult to find comfort this way, as others reported that the bag felt claustrophobic and too closed in for comfort. However, this is actually wider than most sleeping bags on this list.
  • Bulky When Compressed: The biggest downside to this sleeping bag is its ability to fit into a backpack without taking up a significant amount of space. It does come with a compression sack, which uses external straps that tighten down in order to condense the bag into a smaller space.  However, even when compressed the bag is approximately 9 in x 15 in, which will take up considerable room in a backpacking bag.
  • Weight: At 4.1 lbs this bag is not only bulky, but heavy for a 5 degree sleeping bag. When compared with its sister sleeping bag, the TETON Leef (0 degree sleeping bag), it is only a tenth of a pound lighter, with reduced capability for keeping the camper warm.
  • “Comfort” vs. “Survival” Rating: Most often, backpacking sleeping bags will come with both a comfort and a survival degree rating. While this bag is rated for 5 degree weather, it will not necessarily keep the camper comfortable at this temperature.  Many users of this bag debate between actual comfort ratings, but for those who tend to naturally be colder when sleeping, the TETON LEEF may be a better fit.

 

Is the TETON Sports Tracker Ultralight the Best Sleeping Bag Under $100?

Depending on the weather when camping and the size of the camper, this bag would be an excellent choice for any backpacking adventure.  The mummy style and body mapping design keeps individuals warm to an extent, and handy zipper pulls make it easy to slide in and out of the bag when necessary.

This bag is also lined with a brushed micro polyester fabric, which causes enough friction to catch on clothing when rolling over at night.  This means that the bag can stick to the sleeper when turning, keeping the hood in place.  This may be a huge plus for some and annoying for others.

Overall, this is an excellent choice when it comes to having a lighter weight, inexpensive sleep system, and it easily could be one of the best sleeping bags under $100. However, if you tend to sleep colder and don’t mind spending a little more for more comfort, the TETON LEEF might be a better deal.

 

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Outdoor Vitals OV-Light 35º 3-Season Mummy Sleeping Bag

At just 2 lbs 2 oz, and easily compressible, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00R5KUNNW” locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]Outdoor Vitals OV-Light 35º 3-Season Mummy Sleeping Bag[/easyazon_link] is one of the best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100 simply due to its unique and lightweight design.   At $54.98, it is a great price for beginner backpackers in warmer climates, and comes in two colors—blue and orange.  It is yet another mummy style which allows for better insulation but a tighter fit.

Features

  • Left and right-hand models
  • Lightweight
  • Reinforced zippers and a zipper guard
  • Included compression sack
  • Water repellant finish

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Pros

  • Left and Right-Hand Models: This is an incredibly handy feature that is beneficial for backpacking couples, as it allows the bags to be zipped together to form a double sleeping bag. This, according to Outdoor Vitals, also creates a warmer environment by up to 25%. It additionally allows for easier turning within the sleeping bag, as at least one person will be anchoring the bag into place while the other is moving around.
  • Weight/Size: This is an astonishingly lightweight sleeping bag, at 2 lbs 2 oz, and with the use of the compression sack (which only adds another 3oz), can be consolidated into a 10 in x 7 in area. This leaves more room inside your bag, and means less strain when traveling to and from the campsite.  This is excellent for beginner backpackers or even children, who will have a more enjoyable time with a smaller pack and less strenuous hike.
  • Zipper Guards: Zipper guards are an excellent idea on any item used for backpacking, be it a sleeping bag, tent, or clothing. There is nothing more frustrating than a bag that does not want to zip (or unzip).  Outdoor Vitals’s use of a zipper guard keeps the bag where it should be—out of zipper teeth.  This also reduces the risk of fabric tears caused by catching the sleeping bag in the zipper.
  • Lifetime Limited Warranty: As with many of the best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100, this bag comes with a limited lifetime warranty, as long as the bag is purchased new and is registered through their website once purchased (you must have proof of purchase). Unfortunately, you must pay for shipping in order to return the product to the manufacturer.

Cons:

  • Poorly Insulated: The reason this bag is so lightweight and small is because it is only rated to 35 degrees. However, as mentioned before, this is the survival rating and not the comfort rating. Outdoor Vitals has not given an estimated comfort rating, but many who have used this product suggest not to camp in colder than 40-45 degree weather unless you naturally sleep warm.  It can be difficult to find reliable weather with this temperature in 3 seasons, so it may be useful in late spring through early fall only.
  • Fragile Stitching: Most of the complaints about this bag were mainly reviews of poor quality craftsmanship in both the stitching and the zippers. Many said the seams had begun to fall apart after the first trip, others reported it over time. Others reviewers say that the compression straps on the bag itself were not very durable. These were perhaps faulty products, which is why the limited lifetime warranty is excellent to have; just remember to register for it once you receive the product. It is also always recommended to check out your gear prior to using it in the field.

Is the Outdoor Vitals OV-Light 35º 3-Season Mummy Sleeping Bag the Best Backpacking Bag for Under $100?

Overall, for those wishing to camp in warmer climates, this bag is one of the best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100.  It is lightweight, portable and has the ability to zip to another bag for additional warmth.  However, it should probably not be considered a 3-season sleeping bag, especially for those who get colder more easily.

Additionally, the limited lifetime warranty is convenient, but having to pay to return an item that was manufactured poorly is a bit frustrating, especially for those who are excited about their new camping equipment.  Durability is a huge asset, especially when backpacking with few resources for repair. Faulty compression straps are a minor irritation, but to possibly tear a hole in 35 degree weather with little possibility of repair is possibly dangerous, and in a sleep system, reliability is key.

Otherwise, this backpacking sleeping bag would be adequate for warm weather backpacking, and is actually a great beginner bag because of its weight.  As with everything, it is a good idea to lay out gear prior to using it; as long as seams are inspected, zippers zipped and unzipped without issue, and the insulation within the bag itself seems to lay right, the bag should be good to go as long as it is handled with care.

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TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00Z77AMOA” locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag[/easyazon_link] makes the list of the best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100 due to its ability to insulate, as well as its improved design complete with body mapping technology.  At $68.98, it is the more insulated version of the TETON Sports Tracker Ultralight sleeping bag, but only .1 lbs heavier.

Features:

  • Ripstop nylon shell
  • Interior zip pocket
  • Body mapping
  • Survival Rating of 0 Degrees

Pros:

  • Lightweight: At 4.2 lbs, this bag is only 1.6 oz heavier than the 5 degree Sports Tracker sleeping bag, making it a more suitable choice for those who sleep colder at night or are venturing into areas with lower temperatures (it also packs down to the same size as the Sports Tracker). With the heaviest items in a backpack being the sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, and the backpack itself, having a lightweight sleeping bag is essential in keeping the weight—and the hiker’s fatigue—down.  Considering many down sleeping bags have a similar weight but can be much more expensive, this is a superb choice.
  • Well Insulated: As mentioned before, 0 degrees is the survival rating for this bag, not necessarily the comfort rating. However, unless the intended destination for a backpacking trip is in the mountains in a snowstorm, encountering weather under freezing temperatures is not likely. Unlike some of the lighter weight bags that are rated for higher temperatures, this bag will easily keep the sleeper warm in all but the worst conditions.
  • Interior Pocket: This bag comes with an interior pocket near the hood that can keep keys, wallet, phone, or headlamp easily accessible for next day or late night use. Another possibility for this pocket, since most tents also come with interior pockets for phones and the like, is to store hand or foot warmers in case temperatures drop even more during the night.  This way, you don’t have to unzip your bag and expose yourself to the cold night air in order to get a little extra warmth.

Cons:

  • Narrow: As with most mummy style sleeping bags, this bag has a narrow construction to avoid extra space where cold air might be trapped. This bag is 34 in wide at the shoulders, and 22 in wide in the foot box.  This might be less comfortable for those with broad shoulders or folks who like to stretch out their legs at night.  This, however, is common not just to this bag, but to all mummy style bags and many bags in this list.
  • Zipper: While this bag is also marketed as having “anti-snag” zippers, they are not as well designed as Outdoor Vitals’ OV-Light sleeping bag with its zipper guard. Reviewers have noted that the zipper can easily get stuck on the sleeping bag fabric and does not stay zipped unless the Velcro at the top of the zipper is also secured (which seems to be a relatively easy fix).  If it is not put in place, the Velcro might also be irritating to sleepers, as it is placed at the top of the bag near your face.A zipper that does not stay without using Velcro would also cause trouble for those who sleep warmer or who are backpacking in warmer climates and do not necessarily need a 0 degree bag.  The zipper does not extend to the very bottom of the bag, so it cannot be unzipped completely to avoid overheating.

Is the TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag for Under $100?

This bag might very well be the best backpacking sleeping bag for under $100. It has very positive reviews from those who have used it, and the features, temperature rating, and price alone make this bag an excellent deal.

For those who might be backpacking in a variety of climates, temperatures, and seasons, and would only like to purchase one bag that will be suitable for all of the above, this bag is the best choice.  It is well insulated and can keep the user warm in even snowy conditions, and will certainly keep you warm in fair weather as well.

The greatest downside of this bag is the inability to unzip fully and the likelihood for the zipper to slip.  This just means that the bag works best either completely zipped, or completely unzipped.  However, this is not a major issue for most, rather a minor irritation.

Overall, the TETON Sports LEEF is an excellent all-around choice for those who need a warmer option for a sleeping bag without breaking the bank.

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OutdoorsmanLab Sleeping Bag (32ºF)

At approximately 2.86lbs, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01D87XB3Y” locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]OutdoorsmanLab Sleeping Bag (32ºF)[/easyazon_link]is a lightweight option for those looking to head out for a relaxing weekend in warm temperatures.  It is designed for those who are not comfortable with the mummy bag layout but do not wish to sacrifice warmth.  At $29.99, it is also significantly cheaper than the previous bags in this list of the best sleeping bags for under $100. It comes in two colors, red and blue.

Features:

  • Built-in Pillowcase Design
  • Sleeping Pad Straps
  • Anti-Snag Zippers
  • Inner Pockets
  • Included Compression Sack
  • Rectangular Style

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Pros:

  • Sleeping pad straps: This is an excellent feature to have that contributes to a comfortable night backpacking. Many sleeping pads are wide and flat and difficult to roll off of. However, there are some that inflate to several inches, are narrow, and may slide around when rolling over in the night.  Having elastic straps that hold the sleeping pad in place will keep this from happening, preventing the sleeper from worrying about runaway pads in the middle of the night.
  • Ability to be zipped together: Much like Outdoor Vitals’ OV-Light model, two of the OutdoorsmanLab Sleeping Bags can be zipped together for improved warmth and additional room. An extra bonus is that the bag can be unzipped fully to be used as a blanket on warmer nights or when gathered around the fire.
  • Space for a pillow: This is yet another design trait unique to this sleeping bag. While many mummy bags have a hood that can be stuffed with extra clothes or a towel to form a rudimentary pillow, this bag has a designated sack that keeps the extra materials from sliding out or down.  For most, even the use of a sleeping pad will not keep a camper comfortable for the night if the neck and head are not also well supported.  An attached case will keep materials used as a pillow from sliding away.  In addition, it is also a handy spot to store extra clothing and jackets for easy access when waking the following morning.

Cons:

  • Cold: While this is marketed as a 32 degree backpacking bag, the comfort rating stated by the manufacturer is actually 42 degrees Fahrenheit. This is still a decent temperature for colder weather camping, but is something to be aware of when at higher elevations or when hiking in areas that might have snow. Again, for those who are naturally warmer when sleeping, this bag might be all that is necessary; however, for those who tend to run a little colder, a sleeping bag with a lower comfort rating might be a better choice.
  • Narrow: While many campers prefer rectangular sleeping bags over mummy style bags due to increased space and the ability to turn more easily, this bag is actually very narrow in the shoulder/chest area. At 29.5 in wide, this bag is narrower than the mummy style bags previously reviewed. For smaller people who simply want extra room for their feet, this bag would be acceptable.  For larger folks who need more space, this sleeping bag might be the reason for an uncomfortable night.
  • Lightweight/Compactable: This bag is marketed at being very lightweight and compactable, and for many this is still the case. However, when compared to a sleeping bag in a similar temperature rating category (the Outdoor Vitals OV-Light bag), this sleeping bag is both heavier and bulkier.  The package size is 6.5 in x 15 in, which is significantly longer than the OV-Light bag. This is most  likely from the added material needed when expanding the foot space in a rectangular style bag vs mummy style bag.

Is The OutdoorsmanLab Sleeping Bag (32ºF) the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag for Under $100?

This bag is a good inexpensive choice for those wanting to avoid the mummy style sleeping bags and have a little more room for their feet. It has very unique features such as a sleeping pad holder, pillow case, and the ability to zip it to another bag to share warmth with a partner. Combined, these are features that no other bag on this list of best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100 has.

While this bag is narrow for those with wide shoulders, the ability to unzip it into a blanket can solve many problems.  However, this would further reduce the temperature comfort rating, and would make many of the positive features of this bag (pillow holder, sleeping pad straps) effectively useless.

For those looking for a lightweight bag that can be compressed and is easy to carry around, this is an okay choice.  If you do not mind a mummy style bag, however, the Outdoor Vitals OV-Light might be preferable, as it is lighter and smaller.

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Naturehike Envelope Outdoor Sleeping Bag

At $20.97, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00GKBPC0Q” locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]Naturehike Envelope Outdoor Sleeping Bag[/easyazon_link] is the least expensive option on the list of the best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100.  It is light, compact, and rated for summer backpacking temperatures.  It can be used as a standalone sleeping bag or double as a liner to boost another bag’s temperature rating.  This sleeping bag comes in a multitude of colors including orange, green, blue, and red.

Features:

  • Waterproof
  • Multiple Colors
  • Compression Sack
  • Full Length Zipper
  • Rectangular Style

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Pros:

  • Lightweight: This bag, at 1.5lbs, is the lightest option on the list of the best backpacking sleeping bags for under $100. For an easy comparison, a liter of water weighs approximately 2.2 lbs. Although this bag weighing in at 2-3lbs lighter than its competitors may not seem like an incredible relief, consider also that backpacking food can average 1.5-2.5lbs of food for one person for a day. Cutting back 2.5 lbs will allow you to go for longer trips without added stress.
  • Quality materials: This product is made with a waterproof 320D Nylon (which means it has a melting point at 320 degrees), with a full length zipper that also allows you to zip two bags together, yet another way to boost the temperature rating for a sleeping bag. One of its high points is its durability and quality design.
  • Diverse uses: As mentioned above, this can be used as a standalone sleeping bag or can be placed inside another bag to be used as a liner. Campers also have the option of zipping two of these bags together to share body heat and improve the temperature rating.  This bag can also be fully unzipped and used as a blanket around a fire, lounging in the home, or wrapped up on the beach.
  • Cheap: This bag is the only bag priced under $25, which is about as inexpensive as it can be for a lightweight sleeping bag made with decent materials. For those looking at trying out a new sleeping bag without investing a lot of money, this might be an adequate choice.

Cons:

  • Small: The biggest letdown about this bag is the size, as it is very narrow and compact. Naturehike measures this bag to be approximately 29.5 in x 75 in, but many revealed that it is closer to 28 in wide, much narrower than the previous sleeping bag choices.  This bag is certainly not for broad-shouldered campers.  At 6 ft 3 in in length, this bag is also limited to comfortably fit campers under 6 ft tall, and does not come in a longer size option.
  • Cold: This bag has a comfort rating of 59 degrees Fahrenheit and a survival rating of about 48 degrees, so it is designed almost specifically for warmer summer use or climates with consistently high temperatures. While this bag can be used as a blanket, bag, or liner, it can be used as a primary bag only in favorable weather.  For this reason, it may be best to choose a bag with a more diverse temperature rating, as this product is mainly limited to summer weather.

Is the Naturehike Envelope Outdoor Sleeping Bag the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag for Under $100?

This bag is probably not the best backpacking sleeping bag for under $100.  While it has received many positive reviews and has some very excellent features (weight, materials) at a convenient price, it is very limited in its ability to keep campers warm—which is the main purpose of a sleeping bag. Considering how narrow the bag is, it will only fit thinner individuals under 6 ft comfortably.  Purchasing this bag to be used simply as a liner is also not the best investment, as there are other more efficient sleeping bag liners that are even less expensive.

This bag might make a decent sleeping bag to store in the trunk of a car in case of emergencies, or for a child’s sleepover in the middle of the summer. Even for those thinking of backpacking only in the best of weather, storms can be unpredictable.  This is especially so in mountain environments, where many choose to hike.  Mountains can actually change weather patterns and cause local weather disturbances, which are difficult to predict ahead of time.  This can spell disaster for a bag that has such a limited temperature range for survival.

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Summary: The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags for Under $100

As with most aspects to consider when searching for camping equipment, finding the best backpacking sleeping bag for under $100 is mainly determined by the type of backpacking you will do; more specifically, when and where you will be camping.  The most important factor in finding a backpacking sleeping bag is confirming its ability to keep you warm in any environment you might encounter.  From there, individual features will play a secondary role in choosing the perfect sleeping bag.

In terms of diversity and the ability to keep campers warm through a variety of temperatures, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00Z77AMOA” locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag[/easyazon_link] is the clear winner.  With a survival rating of 0 degrees and an estimated comfort rating around 20-30 degrees, this bag is well insulated and able to be used in multiple terrains.  Even if the weather report for a backpacking trip calls for high temperatures, this bag can be unzipped most of the way to allow cool air.  For multi-season backpacking or even some mountaineering, this sleeping bag is designed to get the job done.

For fair-weather hikers and those looking to go ultralight in the best weather conditions, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00GKBPC0Q” locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]Naturehike  Envelope Outdoor Sleeping Bag[/easyazon_link]or the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0166915M0″ locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]Outdoor Vitals OV-Light 35º 3-Season Mummy Sleeping Bag[/easyazon_link]are excellent choices, at 1.5lbs and 2lbs 2 oz, respectively. Both bags can be zipped to another sleeping bag of the same style, and compact down to take up minimal space in a backpack.  For those who do not mind sacrificing a little weight and do not mind the mummy style sleeping bag, the OV-Light might be a better choice.  It is rated for a wider range of temperatures and comes with a limited lifetime warranty unlike its competitor.

For those who absolutely hate mummy style sleeping bags, of the two options—the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01D6P873C” locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]OutdoorsmanLab Sleeping Bag[/easyazon_link]and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FCQL46Q” locale=”US” tag=”allaroundcamping-20″]Naturehike Envelope Outdoor Sleeping Bag[/easyazon_link]—the OutdoorsmanLab Sleeping Bag is probably the best backpacking sleeping bag for under $100.  Not only is the temperature rating higher, but it also comes with convenient extra features such as: sleeping bag straps, a “pillow” case, and interior pockets for a headlamp or phone.

All in all, there are several viable options of backpacking sleeping bags for under $100, each which have their own benefits and drawbacks.  Finding a bag that will be useful ahead of time will be much easier when having an idea of what features a bag must have to keep a camper safe and happy.

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