Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2025

Your backpacking sleeping bag is a crucial part of your sleep system, and usually the largest item in your pack. Selecting the right one depends on the temperatures you’ll be sleeping in, your backpacking style ranging from traditional to ultralight, your sleeping habits, and your budget. Outdoor Life staff and testers took the best backpacking sleeping bags into the field to judge each for comfort and convenience.

Best Down: Therm-a-Rest Parsec
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Best Budget Down: Kelty Cosmic Down
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Best Synthetic: Nemo Forte Endless Promise
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Best Budget Synthetic: Marmot Trestles
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Best Long-Term Investment: Western Mountaineering AlpinLite
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Best Ultralight: Feathered Friends Egret and Swallow
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Most Durable: Mountain Hardwear Yawn Patrol
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Best Lightweight: Sea to Summit Spark
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Best for Side Sleepers: Nemo Disco
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Best for Cold Weather: Stone Glacier Chilkoot
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Mountain Hardwear Phantom
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REI Radiant
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Big Agnes Roxy Ann/Lost Ranger 3N1
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Kuiu SuperDown Altai
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Best for Babies and Toddlers: Morrison Outdoors Little Mo 20
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How We Tested the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

OL staff writer Laura Lancaster and I tested the best backpacking sleeping bags while camping and backpacking in Washington state and Utah. Then we lent them out to testers to find which are best suited to varying conditions, sleeping habits, and backpacking kits. Everyone sleeps differently, prioritizes different features, and has to integrate the bag into their own kit.

If you’re new to backpacking, it’s hard to tell what you’ll want in a sleeping bag. You should think of your typical sleep positions and whether you run hot or cold. We delve into the details of each bag to help you formulate an idea of what your perfect backpacking sleeping bag is. There are also some technical specs that should weigh heavily in your decision; namely weight and temperature ratings. Find out more in the Things to Consider section below.

Even veteran backpackers don’t usually get the chance to test out a sleeping bag before they buy it. Our reviews will give insight into the advantages and disadvantages of some of the most popular backpacking sleeping bags on the market. And if you’re a real ounce-counter or looking to tackle long hikes and big trips, check out the best ultralight sleeping bags tested on OL’s annual Backpacking Gear Test. 

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Down: Therm-a-Rest Parsec

This bag looks like a man-sized beehive thanks to its horizontal baffles and bright yellow hue. It’s also my favorite sleeping bag I’ve ever used. Therm-a-rest’s Parsec uses 800fp hydrophobic down to create an ultra puffy and warm sleeping bag that feels like crawling into a hug after a long day on trail. It’s also sub 2-pounds and disappears in my pack. I don’t use a compression sack for my sleeping bag; instead I stuff it in last or near last so that it takes up any empty space in my bag. The Parsec is particularly suited for this packing style as it simply disappears around all my other gear. It’s a wonder to behold.

One of the drawbacks to this bag is that it isn’t very roomy. But to me, this means no pockets of cold air for me to accidentally disturb in the middle of the night. If I sleep on my side, I simply rotate the bag with my body instead of trying to turn inside the bag. If this sounds similar to your sleeping style, you’ll love the Parsec. It only unzips on one side, but at 1 pound, 12 ounces, it’s hard to care. One place where Therm-a-rest didn’t skimp for weight is the phone pocket on the right side, which is one of my must-haves. It’s like this bag was made for me, and it’s lightweight and high-fill makes it the best overall backpacking sleeping bag. — Ashley Thess

Best Budget Down: Kelty Cosmic Down

Down sleeping bags can get pretty pricey, especially if the bag in question is using a high-fill power down (700 fp or greater). The Kelty Cosmic Down is the exception. It uses a 550 fill power down that brings the cost down in line with synthetic backpacking sleeping bags, without sacrificing the insulation that you need to stay warm overnight. 

Of course, there are some tradeoffs. First, this bag is pretty heavy — too heavy for ultralight hikers. It’s also on the bulky side for a down bag, closer to what you would expect from a high-quality synthetic sleeping bag. Finally, the classic mummy shape is pretty constrictive. If you sleep directly on your back without moving, then you’ll be fine. Side sleepers, stomach sleepers, fidgeters — expect to wake up at least once feeling claustrophobic. — Laura Lancaster

Best Synthetic: Nemo Forte Endless Promise

While there has, naturally, always been interest in eco-friendly materials and manufacturing practices in the outdoor space, Nemo has pushed things to the next level with their Forte Endless Promise Sleeping Bag. While other backpacking sleeping bags boast small percentages of the sleeping bag that are recyclable, this sleeping bag can actually be recycled. That means that at end of life you can send it in and it’ll be returned to its elemental parts and turned into new products in turn, rather than ending up in a landfill. (The liner and shell of the bag are also made from recycled materials, too, for good measure.)

The eco bonafides are impressive, but how does this sleeping bag perform in the field? I’ve used this bag several times over the course of summertime car camping and, if anything, I found this bag to be too warm — even when the vents were pulled down. If you run warm, this is a great choice for shoulder season trips. I also shared this sleeping bag with a woman who runs cold (as part of a test-case scenario to see how important high R value pads are compared to higher temperature rated sleeping bags). She reported feeling very comfortable on a Memorial Day camping trip that saw temps drop down into the upper 40s. If you sleep cold and are looking for a warm and comfortable bag for your camping adventures, this is a great choice that is also better for the planet. — Laura Lancaster

Best Budget Synthetic: Marmot Trestles

I purchased this sleeping bag on sale for $90 for my first foray into backpacking. It’s been a trusty sidekick and source of comfort since … I’m getting misty eyed already. The reason this is the best budget synthetic bag is because it’s very cheap and not entirely too heavy. Even not on sale, it’s always affordable. There’s a wide footbox that doesn’t feel constricting to new backpackers. It also has a partial one-way zipper on one side and a full length two-way zipper on the other (you get to pick which side). This allows you to vent, relax, and reach out pretty freely. This is especially good for new hikers that should feel like their bag is a home away from home, not a straitjacket.

While you can wrestle it into the included stuff sack, it doesn’t pack down as small as others on this list. But most beginner backpackers looking for a budget synthetic sleeping bag will be able to fit it into their kit. The stash pocket and no-snag zippers are nice advantages and the synthetic fill will still keep you warm in damp conditions or if it gets wet. — Ashley Thess

Best Long-Term Investment: Western Mountaineering AlpinLite

Almost all backpacking sleeping bags are mummy-style bags, as this is by far the most weight-efficient design. But if you’re a side sleeper or larger than the norm, this style of sleeping bag can often feel too restrictive. 

One backpacking sleeping bag that bucks this trend is the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite. We had our plus size tester on the backpacking gear test to Goat Rocks Wilderness test it over four days and she came back with raves. “I was sleeping in a premium bag,” the tester reported. “Silky, lofty, deliciously warm.”

Backpackers with environmental concerns will also be impressed with Western Mountaineering’s hands-off approach to waterproofing. While most down products, including the best packable down jackets, rely on chemical washes (many of which until recently included PFAS), Western Mountaineering relies on down’s natural waterproofing to get the job done. This makes intuitive sense — down comes from waterfowl, after all — and for our tester it bore in practice as well. She noted that even when serious condensation showed up inside her tent, the AlpinLite was unaffected. 

Read Next: PFAS Explained: These Forever Chemicals Are Being Banned from a Variety of Outdoor Products. Now Gear Makers Are Scrambling

While the AlpinLite is one of the highest quality sleeping bags we’ve tested, it’s also one of the most expensive. If you’re looking for a bag to see you through your early backpacking career all the way through to a thru-hike or mountaineering objective, it’s an excellent choice, especially with Western Mountaineering’s stellar warranty and repairs department. But if your ambitions are aimed slightly lower, it’s best to go with a different pick on this list. — Laura Lancaster

Best Ultralight: Feathered Friends Egret and Swallow

In recent years, backpacking sleeping bag manufacturers have started to do a better job of providing options for individuals who are taller and wider. But if you’re petite, expect to be swimming in your bag. While most smaller individuals see this as an inevitability, there is a serious downside. Not only are you carrying unnecessary weight for a bag that doesn’t fit your body properly, but you’re also going to be colder than the bag is rated for. This is because your body heat is being wasted on the extra air inside the sleeping bag. 

Feathered Friends, along with Western Mountaineering, is one of the few brands on this list that specializes in down products, and this quality is reflected in customization of their products. The Feathered Friends Egret is a women’s backpacking sleeping bag that comes in either 5-feet, 9-inches or 5-feet, 3-inches. We had an experienced thru-hiker and gear tester try out the 5-foot-9 version as part of the backpacking gear test to the Goat Rocks Wilderness and she came back convinced that this was one of the best backpacking sleeping bags on the market. It was extremely cozy, very lightweight, and a perfect fit, particularly the hood, which she described as “form fitting and super snuggly.”

The only real ding here is that the fabric was a little more slippery than normal, so our tester had to be careful not to fall off her sleeping pad. — Laura Lancaster

Most Durable: Mountain Hardwear Yawn Patrol

This is a unique and highly functional backpacking sleeping bag. If the snug mummy-shaped Parsec is over filled with 1 pound of 850fp down, I’d say the roomy curved-rectangle Yawn Patrol is under filled with 1 pound, 5.5 ounces of 650fp down. But this bag stays plenty warm thanks to the ample room for speedy lofting. And it’s great for side sleepers, though it doesn’t pack down very small. The 45 denier nylon ripstop bottom is highly durable. Compare that to the Parsec’s 20 denier recycled nylon shell. I wasn’t uneasy about dragging this bag out of my tent to look at the stars on a flat rock or field of dry grass. A lighter weight 30 denier nylon ripstop is used for the top shell fabric and the inside has a nice feel. This bag does smell like down, even after washing. 

What’s really special about this bag is the dual two-way zippers and footbox zipper. The footbox opens completely, for venting purposes, but also if you want to wander out of your tent for breakfast still snug in your sleeping bag. The two-way zippers on both sides even enable you to stick your arms out or wear this bag like a cape or extra long parka. The hood is a little too small and the interior envelope pocket is half the size of a phone, but this is a fun and functional bag that weighs less than I would expect. — Ashley Thess

Best Lightweight: Sea to Summit Spark

We tested the women’s regular 15-degree Sea to Summit Spark on our 2024 Backpacking Gear Test on the PCT. Competitively priced and relatively lightweight, the Spark kept our tester warm while sleeping on a windy ridge the coldest night of the trip. Though to accomplish the weight savings, you lose some interior space. There wasn’t a ton of wiggle room in the shoulders or footbox, restricting the tester’s range of motion. Compared to other backpacking sleeping bags we tested with similar height recommendations, this one was short. I’d recommend sizing up if you’re the maximum height.

This bag is toasty, without any negative space for cold air to settle. More importantly, it’s also a good price, so if you’re petite or don’t mind a snug fit this bag is a great option. — Ashley Thess

Best for Side Sleepers: Nemo Disco

The Nemo Disco has a unique spoon shaped design to allow for more room near your elbows and knees. If you struggle with mummy-shaped backpacking sleeping bags but are looking for more weight savings than a rectangular bag, this (or one of the best backpacking quilts) is your answer. While roomy in these areas, you will not appreciate this shape if, like me, you tend to pull up your knees to sleep. This is the thinnest part of the bag, and doesn’t allow you to curl into a ball very well. The Disco is soft with snag-free zippers and a cozy oversized draft collar.

If you get hot, there are Thermo Gill vents, 19-inch zippers on the chest that expose a section of un-insulated fabric for increased breathability. The pillow pocket might be too small for most inflatable backpacking pillows, but if you plan to just ball up your puffy or have a foam pillow, it’s great. There’s also a zippered stash pocket on the exterior that’s pretty tiny. The downside of all that extra elbow room, is some extra weight. If you don’t mind the weight, it’s plush and comfortable with the padding side sleepers crave. — Ashley Thess

Best for Cold Weather: Stone Glacier Chilkoot

ISO-tested for 0- and 15-degrees Fahrenheit, the Chilkoot backpacking sleeping bags are stuffed with high fill-power down making them super warm and comfortable. Adam Tycaster tested this bag over 40 miles through the Goat Rocks Wilderness and was impressed with how silky and soft it felt.

Backpacking sleeping bags can sometimes be guilty of cutting down on interior space to save weight, especially ones with low temperature ratings as empty space can make you colder. But the one-size-fits-most Chilkoot clearly means most dudes because the maximum suggested height is 6-feet, 5-inches. It was also one of the widest bags tested giving larger backpackers the wiggle room of their dreams, but leaving smaller hikers swimming inside.

Tycaster (6-feet, 3-inches) noted that it has a, “full hood that encircles the face and feels pillowy at the brow.” Another detail that stands out is the magnetic closure for the draft collar, which makes it easy to open and close.

The only detail Tycaster wasn’t stoked on was the unusually curved zipper. While most backpackers are used to fumbling at their side for a two-way zipper in the middle of the night, the Chilkoot’s zipper starts closer to the center of the bag around the user’s knees then moves towards the outside, eventually arcing back to close at the front of the neck. Our tester struggled to zip and unzip the bag, especially if he was already twisted up inside it at night.

This excessively large sleeping bag will answer the prayers of larger backpackers or those looking for a roomy sleep system. But sleeping bags that are too big for the user will increase the amount of extra space where cold air can settle. — Ashley Thess

Looking for other options? Check out Outdoor Life‘s overview of the best cold-weather sleeping bags.

Mountain Hardwear Phantom

The Mountain Hardwear Phantom is well-priced for how lightweight it is. It kept our tester plenty warm during the Backpacking Gear Test on a 40-mile stretch of the PCT, but packs down small. The skin-feel is barely there, and it’ll feel barely there when you’re carrying it in your pack, too. The high-fill power down and minimalist hood and draft collar keep the weight down.

Lightweight, comfortable, and fairly priced, this is a great option for most hikers as long as you won’t miss an extra-puffy hood and draft collar.

REI Radiant

REI offers nine different sizes of this bag, and while I’m squarely in the medium height range at 5 feet, 7 inches, the short and narrow bag actually had plenty of room for me. The footbox is large and the bag is overall very spacious. There’s a drawcord around the hood to snug it to your head on cold nights. I love that it has two different colored and textured cords so even in a dark tent you can perfectly adjust the hood. 

The Radiate only zips on the left side, but it’s a double zipper so you can vent the footbox if you get too toasty. This bag has a sizable draft collar with a cut out for your neck. The inside also features a pouch that can fit a headlamp or a water filter, though it doesn’t have a zipper. While slightly heavier and more expensive than our best budget down pick, the Radiant is still an amazing value and a bit warmer than the Kelty Cosmic Down. 

Big Agnes Roxy Ann/Lost Ranger 3N1

The Big Agnes Roxy Ann 3N1 starts with a 50-degree quilt with an attached sheet. The bottom of the sheet cinches onto your sleeping pad. This keeps you on your sleeping pad and you don’t have to be directly touching the pad; plus there’s a pocket to hold your pillow. Then, there’s a snug, hooded mummy bag rated for 30 degrees that fits between the sheet and quilt. This 3N1 system kept me on top of my pad and it was very warm with the right R-value pad.

But let’s break down the functionality of a 3N1 system. A 50-degree quilt is a risky decision to me. I’d likely never bring just that backpacking near Utah. Whether it’s the mountains or the desert, nights are chilly regardless of the season. And since it’s attached to a sheet, it’s not a functional blanket either. The 30-degree bag is something I would bring backpacking, but this particular one is very snug; I certainly woke up in a claustrophobic panic a few times. Also, the off-center, but not quite to the side zipper was disorienting. I struggled to find it in the dark when I needed it and sometimes I found it unexpectedly and thought I was turned cattywhompus in the bag, ensuing more straitjacket panic. The zipper tends to get stuck a lot, which doesn’t help.

However, when this system is all together it’s warm and cozy. You can unzip the bag’s full length two-way zipper to vent while still retaining heat underneath the quilt. The only issue here is, there are other bags and quilts that are just as warm, for a similar price, that are much lighter and less bulky. So the versatility of this system really comes down to where you’re backpacking and your typical sleep temperature and habits. — Ashley Thess

Kuiu SuperDown Altai

On a windy ridge line above alpine with snow patches still lingering in July, OL’s editor-in-chief was still too warm inside the Kuiu SuperDown Altai. It’s super warm and super long: the longest bag we tested. The long version can easily fit someone up to 6-feet, 6-inches. (If you’re even taller than that, check out our best long-term investment pick, which goes up to 7 feet tall.)

The hood is plush and comfy. Plus a glow-in-the-dark pull on the zipper was useful for getting in and out of the bag in the dark. Unfortunately, the Kuiu SuperDown Altai was the only sleeping bag in our test to suffer a tear, at one of the snap-button connection points. — Ashley Thess

Best for Babies and Toddlers: Morrison Outdoors Little Mo 20

Before Morrison Outdoors came along, a lot of parents of babies and toddlers were stuck co-sleeping if they wanted to make sure their kiddo was warm in the backcountry. There just weren’t real options out there for the under 3 set. 

The Morrison Outdoors Little Mo changed that. The first time we used this while camping with our kid she slept straight through the night; I woke up to her throwing herself gleefully onto my chest at dawn with a wide smile on her face. She was delighted. I was delighted. We used that sleeping bag for the next two years, upgrading her to the Big Mo as we went along.

Read Next: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags

At one point, we even took her on a 30-mile trek in Mount Rainier National Park where she slept at elevation. The 20-degree version of this bag kept her plenty warm. When she finally outgrew hers (word to the wise: the arms can end up being too short before the actual length), we were all devastated. Fortunately, you don’t have to be: Morrison Outdoors has since come out with an even larger size: the Mighty Mo. (And a parent bag to match, the Mega Mo.)  — Laura Lancaster

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Sleeping Pad

Reviews of sleeping bags are littered with complaints that they weren’t warm enough or didn’t live up to the temperature rating, but unfortunately these reviews mean nothing if you don’t know what R-value sleeping pad they were using. That’s because sleeping bags will not perform up to their temperature rating unless they are paired with a sleeping pad that has an R-value of 4 or higher.

An R (for resistance) rating measures how well a sleeping pad prevents (or resists) the cold of the ground from creeping through to the side you are sleeping on. Low R values provide little to no resistance while high R values resist even subfreezing temperatures. 

Read Next: What is R Value? It’s Why Your Sleeping Bag Doesn’t Keep You Warm

Fill for the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

Down feathers from ducks or geese are used in the most expensive backpacking sleeping bags because down has a superior warmth-to-weight ratio over synthetic fibers. That means you can get a warmer bag that weighs less. The specs that contribute to the quality of a down bag are the fill power and fill weight. The higher the fill power, the higher quality of down. It’s measured in a lab by taking 1 ounce of down feathers and seeing how much cubic space it takes up. Down that takes up 800 cubic inches has better loft and warmth-trapping abilities than feathers that only take up 600 cubic inches.

But that’s only half the equation. The other important spec to determine how warm your backpacking sleeping bag will be is fill weight. That is how much of the down is actually stuffed inside the bag. Manufacturers can use more of a lower fill power down to achieve a warmer product than one using a lesser amount of higher quality feathers.

However, down isn’t the only way to insulate a sleeping bag. Backpackers can debate down versus synthetic fill until they’re blue in the face. By all means, dive in: Down vs Synthetic Sleeping Bags. But I’m going to lay it out from a practical buyer’s standpoint. 

Down is warmer and lighter than synthetic fill, but it’s also more expensive. Down detractors will say that it won’t perform when wet and there are environmental concerns about the treatment of the animals it comes from. In reality, most (be sure to check) down bags are treated to be hydrophobic. This treatment can wear off, not all treatments are created equal, and it will require a special detergent to preserve this hydrophobic quality. But it works. There is also a Responsible Down Standard certification that signifies responsibly sourced down. I highly encourage you to verify an RDS-certification before purchasing any down product.

Synthetic is cheaper and performs when wet, no treatment necessary. 

Read Next: Primaloft vs Down

Temperature Ratings for the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

The first thing you need to know about a sleeping bag’s temperature rating is that there isn’t going to be just one number: There is a “comfort” temperature, a “lower limit” or “transition” temperature, and a “risk” or “extreme” temperature. The comfort number is what it sounds like — this is the temperature at which you’re the most likely to actually be comfortable. The “limit” or “transition” temperature is when you will start to feel uncomfortable — you’re not shivering necessarily, but you’re not sleeping well either. The “risk” temperature is the temperature at which you are in danger of hypothermia.

The tricky part is that the advertised temperature rating for a backpacking sleeping bag is sometimes the comfort temperature and sometimes the limit temperature. Women’s bags are more likely to list the comfort temperature rating, while men’s or unisex bags use the limit rating (manufacturers generally assume that women run colder than men). This varies by brand, so always check the fine print before committing to a purchase. 

The good news about these temperature ratings is that they aren’t based on the personal opinions of the manufacturers — there is an actual standard that the temperature of a sleeping bag is judged on (two, in fact). Sleeping bag temperature ratings are assessed using a heat-producing manikin with temperature sensors placed inside of a climate controlled room on top of a 4.8-R rated sleeping bag. It’s an intense process, but the upshot of all this effort on the part of the sleeping bag manufacturers is consistency. If you know your ISO- or EN-rated 30-degree bag is the right temperature for you, you can be reasonably confident in purchasing a 30-degree bag from a different manufacturer. 

The downside is that the temperature ratings are just that: ratings. Human bodies are different, and only you know if you are cold, hot, or surface-of-the-sun hot. If you run cold, go with at least 10 degrees warmer than you think you need. — Laura Lancaster

Gender

Most of the time, the difference between a men’s sleeping bag and a women’s sleeping bag is just about the size and shape (and, too often, the color), but sometimes there are differences in where and how the bag’s insulation is concentrated to reflect the differences in how men and women dispel heat. The advertised temperature rating is also typically a comfort rating for women’s bags and a limit rating for men’s bags. — Laura Lancaster

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

The best backpacking sleeping bag is a big investment and a vitally important piece of gear. If you don’t get a good night’s sleep, it’ll make hiking the next day much less enjoyable. And if your bag isn’t up to the conditions, it can be downright dangerous. After camping and backpacking with all of these bags, we’ve noted their best use cases, advantages, and disadvantages to inform your decision.

Best Down: Therm-a-Rest Parsec
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Best Budget Down: Kelty Cosmic Down
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Best Synthetic: Nemo Forte Endless Promise
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Best Budget Synthetic: Marmot Trestles
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Best Long-Term Investment: Western Mountaineering AlpinLite
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Best Ultralight: Feathered Friends Egret and Swallow
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Most Durable: Mountain Hardwear Yawn Patrol
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Best Lightweight: Sea to Summit Spark
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Best for Side Sleepers: Nemo Disco
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Best for Cold Weather: Stone Glacier Chilkoot
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Mountain Hardwear Phantom
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REI Radiant
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Big Agnes Roxy Ann/Lost Ranger 3N1
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Kuiu SuperDown Altai
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Best for Babies and Toddlers: Morrison Outdoors Little Mo 20
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