One of the most common discussions in survivalist and prepper forums is the best sleeping bag for survival. Sorry to burst your bubble, but there is no one “best” sleeping bag.
There are a lot of variables to consider when choosing an emergency sleeping bag. And these variables go way beyond just temperature rating and weight/size.
Here, I want to give you a clear overview of your options, so you get the correct sleep setup for survival.
Short Recap
Instead of just a survival sleeping bag, you will need a “sleeping kit.” That means a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and shelter.
If you are a novice, you’ll need these as 3 separate pieces of gear. If you learn bushcraft survival skills, though – like how to make a camp bed – you may be able to skip some of the gear.
Survival Sleep Systems
Moderately-Cold Sleeping Setup
Bag: Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag. Check on Amazon
Mattress: Therm-a-Rest Prolite Ultralight Check on Amazon (or bed of dry leaves/pine needles/other debris)
Shelter: Tent or tarp shelter
Ultralight Sleeping Setup
Bag: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F Ultralight Down Bag Check on Amazon
Mattress: Z Lite SOL Ultralight Check on Amazon
Shelter: Tarp or Mylar blanket shelter
For Bushcraft Experts
Bag: Marmot Lithium 0F Down Bag. Check on Amazon
Mattress: DIY bushcraft bed.
Shelter: Mylar blanket or tarp for making shelter.
Extra: Fire reflector.
How to Choose a Survival Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag technology has come a long way over the past few decades. There are now dozens of different types and configurations. You could spend weeks reading about all of the features before making your purchase.
While you should learn about sleeping bags, I wouldn’t obsess too much about it. Why?
You’re better off thinking about scenarios where you’d realistically use the sleeping bag.
For example, a person living in Arizona would have very different needs than someone in New Hampshire.
It seldom gets below freezing in Arizona, nor do you have to worry about rain as much. So an Arizonian could get by with a sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures. The person in New Hampshire would need a more robust setup to withstand thunderstorms and frigid temperatures.
Before you start looking, think about your Bug Out Plan.
Where will you be going?
How will you get there?
What conditions will you be sleeping in?
Once you know this information, you can choose the proper sleep setup. For more on this, read:
Once you’ve thought out your Bug Out plan, you can start thinking about the following features.
1. Temperature Rating
Good sleeping bags are tested using the EN13537 standard. It gives a range that the bag is suitable for.
Note that the lower limit temperature is usually given. For example, if a sleeping bag is rated for 30F, the bag will keep you alive at this temperature. But you will NOT be comfortable.
Instead, you want to pay attention to the comfort rating.
You might say that “comfort isn’t important” during survival. But let’s see you function after spending a night freezing your butt off at the lower limits of your sleeping bag!
Suggested Sleeping Bag Ratings:
- -40 to +4 F: If you will be in any snow or ice. Also recommended for mountaineering expeditions.
- +5 to +29 F: This is a good range for various climates.
- +30 to +55 F: Choose for summertime or warm-weather activities at low elevations.
2. Filling
You have two main choices: down or synthetic.
For very cold weather, down is usually recommended. However, down sleeping bags can be very pricey, need to be fluffed, and aren’t as good as synthetic in wet situations.
For winter backpacking trips, down might be the best choice. But synthetic is probably the better choice for emergency bags and kits (like your BOB and car emergency kit).
Synthetic
Poor warmth-to-weight ratio- Making sense of synthetic technologies can be confusing
Poor warmth-to-weight ratio
Down Fill Power, Weight, and Stitching
With down, you’ll need to pay attention to “fill power,” – which is how much space (loft) the down can fill when fluffed. The higher the fill power, the warmer the bag will be.
There is also down weight, which signals the amount of down used. More fill power or weight doesn’t always mean a warmer bag. For example, a sleeping bag with 500 fill power and 32oz. of down will be warmer than a bag with 800 fill power and 16oz. of down.
You can read a good guide to the difference between down fill and down weight here.
You’ll also need to pay attention to how the fill is stitched into the bag. The stitch makes a big difference to how well the bag “lofts” and whether the fill will get bunched in one area of the bag.
3. Shape
Some people will disagree with me but only choose a mummy sleeping bag for survival. This shape helps trap body heat best.
DO NOT GET:
- Double-wide sleeping bags: Sharing a sleeping bag might sound cozy, but it never works well in real life. The only exception is if you will be co-sleeping with a baby or young child.
- Rectangular or semi-rectangular sleeping bags: They aren’t as warm because you lose body heat to the areas which don’t fit your body shape.
Some professional-level sleeping bags for survival have made smart design choices for their bags. For example, you can get features like built-in footboxes for your feet or “stretch baffling” so the bag stays around your body as you move around.
4. Size
I’m a 5’1” slim female. So, I need a smaller sleeping bag than a 6’ tall husky man.
Why is size so important?
Because sleeping bags trap heat best when they fit your body, too much empty space in the sleeping bag will cause you to lose heat.
Likewise, you don’t want a sleeping bag that is too tight. You’ll end up crushing the insulation, and then it won’t have air pockets needed to trap heat.
Sleeping bag for plus-sized people?
Most sleeping bags are not made for husky people. So, if you are a bigger person, you’ll find your options limited. Do NOT get a double-wide sleeping bag. It will be too wide to trap heat adequately. Instead, consider these good options:
- Use a blanket instead of a sleeping bag (like one of these top survival blankets)
- Choose a sleeping bag with an extra-wide option
Sleeping Pads Are Just As Important!
Good, lightweight sleeping pads can be costly. But (I can’t emphasize this enough), they are integral to staying warm while sleeping outdoors.
When sleeping bags are tested, it is with the assumption that you are using them with a sleeping pad underneath. Even a bag rated to -30F will NOT keep you warm if you are sleeping on cold ground!
For this reason, it is vital to consider your sleeping pad along with your survival sleeping bag.
Another plus of having a sleeping pad is using it to sit on. If the ground is wet, you’ll love that you can sit on your sleeping pad while preparing dinner or just taking a rest.
Cheap foam sleeping pads can be purchased for as little as $10 – especially in Army surplus stores. They usually only offer an R-Value of about 0.5-1 though. Self-inflating pads provide more comfort and a higher R-Value but are annoying to inflate when on the go.
Which Sleeping Pad for Winter Survival?
You will probably need TWO sleeping pads. Why? Because it is usually cheaper to buy two sleeping pads than one pad with a very high R-value.
Winter backpackers generally use this pad system:
- A self-inflating sleeping pad
- A closed-cell foam (CCF) pad on top of this.
The CCF pad goes above the inflatable sleeping pad because you want the pad with the highest R-value to be closed to your body. However, for comfort reasons, some backpackers put the CCF pad on the bottom.
Sleeping Pad R-Value
Like other forms of insulation, sleeping pad warmth is rated with R-value. The chart below gives you an idea of how much R-value you need to stay warm – i.e., prevent the ground from sucking the heat out of you.
Remember that R-values are accumulative. You can put two sleeping pads on top of each other to combine their R-value. For example, a sleeping pad with an R-value 2 on top of a pad with an R-value of 3 equals R-value of 5.
[su_spoiler title=”R Values Table – Click to expand” class=”bottom-spoiler”]
| R-Value | Temperature in Fahrenheit |
|---|---|
| 1.2 | 48 |
| 1.6 | 46 |
| 2.1 | 36 |
| 2.9 | 28 |
| 3.2 | 23 |
| 4 | 12 |
| 4.6 | 5 |
| 4.9 | 1 |
| 5.3 | -4 |
| 5.9 | -11 |
| 7 | -26 |
| 8 | -36 |
Recommended Sleeping Pads
Knowledge Replaces Gear!
When you get more knowledge and experience, you will be able to get rid of some gear. For example, instead of buying a sleeping pad, you could learn how to make a “bushcraft bed.” The bed elevates you so that the ground won’t act as a heat sink.
Raised-platform bushcraft beds can be very comfortable, so long as you add a layer of debris over the logs. The video below shows you how to make one.
Of course, this takes time – something you might not have in a survival/Bug Out situation. So, even if you have the knowledge, it might still make sense to bring a sleeping pad.
What Shelter Will You Use?
It’s impossible to choose a survival sleeping bag without considering your shelter.
If you use your sleeping bag with a tent, you can get one with a lower temperature rating (since the tent will trap some body heat).
But if you are going to use your sleeping bag under a tarp, then you’ll need a much warmer sleeping bag or know survival skills like how to make a fire reflector.
I’d also avoid getting a down sleeping bag if you sleep under a tarp or debris shelter. Down doesn’t do well in wet situations, and even a well-constructed shelter is likely to let some moisture/rain through.
Read:
Best Emergency Survival Sleeping Bags
Because there are so many types of sleeping bags that could be used for survival, I’ve broken them into categories:
- Sleeping bags for extremely cold weather
- Sleeping bags for moderate-to-cold weather
- Lightweight survival sleeping bags
Extreme Cold (0°F and Below)
These sleeping bags are what you need for cold-weather bugging out (though you might want to consider bugging in in winter if you are in a very cold climate).
As discussed before, remember that it isn’t only the sleeping bag that matters. For surviving outdoors in cold temperatures, you will need a good sleeping pad to prevent heat loss from the ground.
Winter backpackers use a closed-cell foam pad with an inflatable pad on top of it.
For sleeping pads, we recommend using a combo of the Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus (R-value 2.4) AND the Z Lite SOL Ultralight (R-value 2) for a combined R-value of 4.4.
When used with a good sleeping bag, these should keep you alive and semi-comfy at temperatures down to -11F.
Klymit KSB 0
Klymit makes excellent backpacking gear, and their products don’t cost as much as other gear of the same quality (though don’t expect a 4-season sleeping bag to be cheap!).
Check Prices On Amazon
This survival sleeping bag has some nice features like adjustable length locks for people of different heights. The “stretch baffle” stitching keeps the down in place and near your body. Even if you move around a lot while sleeping, you will still have the same amount of insulation around you. Another cool feature is little pockets inside the sleeping bag for items like your flashlight.
Features:
- 0°F lower limit rating
- 82”
- 3.7lbs
- 650 down filling
- Stretch baffle stitching on lower half
- Adjustable length
- Insulated hood
- Compresses to 15×8.5”
US Military 4-Piece Modular Sleep System with Gore-Tex Cover
A lot of people swear by this survival sleep system. It is the setup used by the military, so it has been field-tested more than any other system.
However, I suspect that the popularity of the setup mostly has to do with the fact that it is military and thus seems most “rugged” or “manly.” I dislike this setup but decided to include it here because it is so popular.
Check Prices On Amazon
This setup works by using two mummy-style sleeping bags inside a waterproof bivy sack. Using both sleeping bags at once means you can get down to -30°F. In warmer weather, you can use just one of the sleeping bags.
While it will keep you alive, there are some issues with using bivvy sacks as part of your survival sleep setup. The big problem is that you will get wet because condensation always builds up in bivvy sacks in cold weather. You are better off with a vented tent.
Another issue with this system is that it weighs 11lbs. You won’t want this in your BOB, but it would work for bugging out by vehicle. It’s also a good choice for your at-home emergency kit, such as staying warm during power outages.
Features:
- Comes with two sleeping bags (one rated to 30F and the other to -10F), a Gore-Tex bivy sack, and a compression sack
- Good down to -30F when both sleeping bags are used
- Multi-piece system means it is versatile
- Made in the USA
- 11lbs
Marmot Lithium 0F Down Bag
Marmot is a well-known brand used by many professional backpackers. Their Lithium sleeping bag is not only warm enough for winter but light enough for BOBs.
The temperature rating for this sleeping bag is 0F, with a comfort rating of 10F.
Unlike many other lightweight winter sleeping bags, this one is roomy inside. You can wear multiple layers in it without getting squeezed.
It is a pricy sleeping bag, but you get what you pay for.
Features:
- 74” Regular, 86″ Long.
- Lower limit 0°F (extreme -39°F)
- 850 Hydrophobic down
- Water-resistant down
- Compresses to 8”x12”
- 2lbs 15oz (regular) 3lbs 2oz (long)
- Hood and draft tube
- Stretch baffling
- Interior pockets
Moderate-to-Cold Weather (lower Limit 1-22 F)
These sleeping bags probably won’t keep you alive once the temperatures get into the minuses. However, this does make them much more affordable.
They are also a lot lighter than 4-season sleeping bags. Choose one of these for situations like:
- Bug Out Bags in warmer climates
- Car emergency kits
- “Hunker down” kits for situations like power outages
Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 (Men’s)
This is a great synthetic sleeping bag that will keep you warm in moderately-cold weather but doesn’t cost a fortune. With survival skills like knowing how to make a fire and shelter, it will keep you alive in extreme cold.
Note that the temperature rating on this Marmot sleeping bag doesn’t seem to be realistic. It’s more likely good down into the upper 30s or low 40s – but you will probably be very cold if you try to use it in the 20s.
The footbox is a bit drafty, so your feet may end up cold. It’s also a bit bulky, so not the most compact choice for BOBs.
However, it does everything you’d expect it to do and is much more affordable than professional-level sleeping bags.
Features:
- HL-ElixR Eco Micro recycled synthetic fibers
- Lower limit 20F
- Available in 72” or 78”
- 2lbs 6oz (regular) or 2lbs 9oz (long)
- Interior pocket
- Moisture resistant
Klymit KSB 20 Down
This is the same sleeping bag as the Klymit KSB 0 (reviewed above). The only difference is the amount of down filling used.
You still get the great features like stretch baffling, collar, and interior pocket – but the lower limit is 20F instead of 0F.
The lower temperature rating means that this bag is lighter than the 0F bag. It is also a lot more affordable to buy.
Features:
- 650 down filling, 21.2oz weight
- 2.75lbs
- 10F lower limit, 23F comfort
- 5”
- Adjustable length locks
- Interior pocket
- Stretch baffle stitching
- Compresses to 13×8.5”
- Water-resistant
Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag
If you want a very affordable down sleeping bag for survival purposes, the Kelty Cosmic 20 is a good choice.
Unlike other cheap down sleeping bags, the temperature rating is pretty accurate. It will keep you comfortable at 32F.
Just remember that you’ve got to keep down bags dry and fluffed!
The bag has some nice professional features, like a draft collar and interior pockets. These small extras make it stand out from other survival sleeping bags in its price range.
Features:
- Down fill
- Lower limit 21F
- Fits 72” (regular) or 78” (long)
- 2lbs 10oz (regular) or 2lbs 15oz (long)
- Compresses to 8×13” (regular)
- Draft collar and hood
- Water-repellent coating
- Interior pocket
- Affordable option
Lightweight (Under 2lbs)
If you are planning a Bug Out Bag, the weight really matters. A 20lb pack might not seem heavy when you test it at home—but try trekking 15+ miles per day while wearing it.
The problem with lightweight survival sleeping bags is that they are either 1) really expensive or 2)not very warm. You’ll have to make a tradeoff between price, weight, and temperature.
That’s why it is so important to learn survival skills and get good gear. Also, read these tips for reducing weight from your Bug Out Bag.
All of the following bags weigh 2lbs or under but have varying prices and temperature ratings.
Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20F Ultralight Down Bag
This is by far the best sleeping bag for Bug Out Bags.
Why?
Because it is incredibly light at only 1lb, 4oz yet has a lower limit of 20F. It packs down to just 6×8 inches.
The secret to the bag’s weight/warmth ratio is the very high-quality down used. It also uses an intelligent design that utilizes space perfectly.
The only potential downside is that it is narrow, so it might not be the best solution for heavier people or people with wide shoulders.
As you’d expect with a lightweight sleeping bag rated for such low temperatures, the bag isn’t cheap — but it is worth it if you can afford it.
Features:
- 900 down fill
- Lower limit 20F
- 1lb 12oz (short) or 1lb 13oz( long), 1lb 15oz (extra long)
- Box baffle stitching
- Three sizes: 5’6”, 6’, and 6’6”
- Water-resistant down
- Compresses to 6×8” (regular)
- Full down collar
North Face Eco Trail 0F Synthetic Bag
If weight isn’t an issue, the North Face Eco Trail 0F bag is a good choice.
It is made from synthetic materials, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet like you would with a down bag. It is wider than most sleeping bags, so it will also fit large people.
North Face also makes a 20F and 35F version of this bag, which are lighter weight. They will still be too heavy for most bug out bags, but it’s hard to beat the price and still have this good of a temperature rating.
Features:
- Polyester fill
- Lower limit 0F
- Fits 6’ (regular) or 6’6” (long) or 7′ (X-long)
- 5lbs 8oz (regular)
- Extended width at knees
- Draft collar
- Vaulted footbox
Therm-a-rest Space Cowboy 45
Therm-a-rest is best known for its sleeping pads, but they also make some great sleeping bags. This bag is great for warmer temperatures or car/hunker-down survival kits. It is only 1.2lbs and compresses very small (to the size of a 1-liter bottle).
While it isn’t the warmest bag by a long shot, it stands out from others in its class for durability and great design.
Features:
- Synthetic Eraloft fill
- 45F lower limit, 52F comfort
- Fits up to 6’ (regular)
- 2lbs (regular)
- Compresses to 16×9”