Best Sleeping Bag UK – A 2023 Expert Buyer’s Guide

While you may not expect, or need, to be as comfortable in a tent as you would be at home, you do expect a certain amount of comfort.

After all, you want the camping experience to be enjoyable.

When you are wet, cold, or constricted in a sleeping bag that can take the fun out of it, to say the least!

The best sleeping bag is one that ticks all the boxes you need to have when camping.

• Lightweight
• Easy to unpack and repack
• Warm
• Breathable
• And, lastly, the right size

Which sleeping bag is best? Well, it all depends. A quick glance at page after page on Amazon has a variety of different styles. The right one for you will depend on what you need it to do.

In this article I will go through each of the best sleeping bags by category to help you narrow it down.

But first, a quick rundown of the top choices before we get to the buyer’s guide.

Top 5 Best Sleeping Bags UK

1. Top Choice – Toparchery Lightweight 4 Seasons Mummy Sleeping Bag

Being able to comfortably and safely camp outdoors in the winter is possible only when you have the right gear. This 4 season sleeping bag by Toparchery will keep you warm, dry and very cozy even at temperatures hovering around the 0°C mark. If you find yourself in unforeseen colder temperatures, then you can stay safe even at -10°C. You’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep.

There are are several features that make this so safe to use while providing top-notch comfort.

For one, the 1000gsm duck down filling is luxurious. It warms you quickly and retains that warmth even if you need to get out of the bag for a spell. While inside you are able to keep the heat from escaping due to the fact that the shell covers you from head to toe with a drawstring that also covers your face, leaving only the space needed to breathe.

A saddle at the neck makes an overlap to keep the heat from leaking out of the opening. A wind-resistant zipper also helps to keep the wind from entering.

At the same time, it is very breathable. Keeping that heat in is great for staying warm, but it would be quite dangerous if your body heat also makes you wet. Luckily that is not a concern.

Though it may not be exactly comfortable at less than 0°C it is good to know you will stay safe and are limited to only camping during the warmer months.

2. Best Lightweight – Highlander Trekker Superlite 1-2 Season Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Lightweight sleeping bags are easy to pack and to carry but the compromise is that they are generally only meant for use in warmer months. They’re an excellent way to reduce your pack size.

If you plan to be doing some camping in the Spring, Summer, or early Autumn then enjoy the comfort of this Highlander Trekker mummy style sleeping bag without getting weighed down when getting to your pitch.

The nylon shell is ultrafine and breathable to prevent you from overheating in those summer months and preventing you from getting wet on the inside.

With a zip baffle and hood, heat leakage is kept to a minimum to keep you warm during those cooler nights.

The ability to compress this bag into such a tight ball is a lifesaver for those doing international travel. If you are a backpacker and plan to spend time in hostels and possibly even sleeping rough, you need to save as much space as possible. Having this lightweight sleeping bag will give you that option while still providing you some comfort.

The mummy shape acts almost like a burrito that wraps you up. When you move, the sleeping bag moves with you. It is very thin, so when you do need to turn over it is easy enough to do. The slim profile will keep you from getting stuck while moving about.

Overall, this is a versatile and comfortable lightweight sleeping bag that should last you a number of years.

3. Best Double – REEHUT Double Sleeping Bag for Camping, Hiking & Tent

Versatility is the name of the game for the REEHUT double sleeping bag. So wide it is larger than a queen size bed, with ample space for two large adults. With room to spare.

That is in addition to the fact that it also can be converted into two single sleeping bags.

This gives you the option to go for a solo hike and camp without needing to buy another single bag. Even better is that it means nobody needs to draw the short straw and carry the bigger sleeping bag! Just divide them up and share the burden.

Snuggle up with your partner in temperatures that can be as low as 0°C.

You may actually need to snuggle, as the wide size, though being nice for extra room, doesn’t lend itself well to creating a very warm environment inside. You may get 3 seasons from this but you may only get two.

What will keep you warm, however, is the breathable and windproof shell. The polyester is sealed well to keep the wind out and heat inside where it belongs.

The filling is a hollow fill with 3D cotton so it expands nicely and creates a very comfy wrap. The inside shell is very silky and so easy to get in and out of.

Easy to roll and compress into a compression bag, it stows easily and is light enough to carry to your pitch.

4. Best Budget – Viking Trek Sleeper & Waterproof Compression Carry Bag

Being on a budget does not necessarily mean lots of compromises. You can get a great budget sleeping bag that still performs well and is a treat to sleep in.

Weighing in at 1.44 kg, this modified mummy sleeping bag is reasonably lightweight. It may not be the lightest sleeping bag on the market, but for the price, it is more than reasonable.

What there is to love about it is that it is 100% waterproof while still being breathable. The breathable part being a big factor. I have slept in some budget sleeping bags and end up wetter from sweating than any rainstorm could have produced. With the Viking Trek, you can keep water from getting in while allowing your vapor to exit.

The internal fabric is a synthetic that does a good job at providing warmth while wicking away moisture. It is made with 100% polyester and is rated at 350g per square meter. It compresses nicely and fits snugly in the included compression bag.

If comfort is important to you then there are a lot of features that make it very cozy.

The padding for one gives some nice cushion if you must sleep on a hard surface. The hood has a drawstring to snugly fit over and around your head. With some padding also inside the hood, it gives you a bit of a pillow for added comfort.

Comfortable, waterproof and warm, it will provide many years of excursions for a great price.

5. Best Kids – Andes Pichu 300 2-3 Season Children’s Camping Sleeping Bag

There is nothing that brings a family closer together than camping. Then again, there is nothing that drives a family apart like cold wet kids on a camping trip.

To avoid the drama, get your children a warm and cozy 2 season sleeping bag from Andes Pichu.

Though it is technically rated at 3 seasons, with a 300gsm filling, I would hesitate to be out at temperatures less than 5°C. It is quite warm and toasty down to those temperatures, though.

It is a mummy style sleeping bag for children that can fit kids up to around 5 feet tall. With a hood that has a drawstring for a tight fit to keep the warmth in the bag, they will literally be happy campers and rested enough for active days out in the wild.

Since it is lightweight and easy to roll into the compression bag, they are able to be self-sufficient since they can carry their own kit with them.

A snag-free zipper is great for adults, but a must-have for kids. As a bonus, they also get an internal stash pocket to safely and conveniently store their essentials while they sleep.

All in all, this is a very comfortable and nicely priced sleeping bag that is perfect for the scout in your family.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SLEEPING BAG

I briefly mentioned in the introduction what a sleeping bag needs to make it worth your while. In this section, I will go more in depth into what you need and how to determine which type it is that you should be looking for.

You could get the most expensive sleeping bag on the market, but if it is not your size, for example, then it is worthless.

Ultimately, the main thing to be considering is what conditions you will be using it in. Are you going mountaineering or is it just intended for sleepovers?

Hopefully the following guide will help you avoid the wrong purchase.

COMFORT

Admittedly, comfort really is in the eye of the beholder. What may feel snug and cozy for me, may feel like a medieval torture device for somebody else.

With that in mind, there are certain criteria that should be universal when it comes to whether a sleeping bag will be comfortable or not.

There are different types of padding, some will be thin and some much thicker.

Realize that a thicker padding will be comfortable, but you will have to sacrifice portability since they will take up more space.

A thinly padded version will be easy to fold and carry, but will leave you feeling the ground beneath you.

SHAPE

How the sleeping bag fits you could be categorized under comfort as it is very specific to the camper as to what shape is preferable.

In general, somebody sleeping in a bag wants it to feel spacious enough to have room to move. Others, however, like to feel snug and tight.

Here are the 4 main types of sleeping bag you will be choosing from:

• Rectangular – This is the classic type of basic sleeping bag that people are most familiar with that have never camped before. They are simple and roomy with space enough to move your legs around and even curl up if you want. Turning over in the bag is easy to do. In some cases, they can be unzipped completely and used as a standard duvet.
• Mummy – Shaped like King Tut’s sarcophagus, it is easy to see how the name arose. In this sleeping bag, you will be fitted tightly inside. To roll over, you’ll roll with the sleeping bag and not inside of it. It is more like being inside a cocoon that is a part of you. They are ideal for those that won’t feel claustrophobic inside one. They are lightweight and easy to carry and stow.
• Modified Mummy or Semi-Rectangular – A nice compromise between the large and heavier rectangular and the tight and slim mummy is the modified mummy. You have a smaller space that traps in the heat like a mummy, but still allows for some movement inside.
• Double – When you really need to stay warm the best way to go is to sleep with somebody else inside the sleeping bag. You’ll have ample space for two people and hopefully, still have room to move around inside. For more people or more legroom, you can add more sleeping bags by zipping them together. They usually need to be the same brand to do this, though as the size and zipper type can vary between brands.

DURABILITY

A sleeping bag should be something that can handle the rigors of being packed and unpacked, laid out on rugged ground, face cold, wet and other challenging conditions and still be used year after year.

Look for shells made out of a durable polyester or nylon that can resist tears and snags. Even better are the kind made with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to resist water getting inside to the padding.

The padding does make a difference in the longevity of the bag, as well. A high-quality goose down bag will hold on to more warmth, and last longer, than synthetic sleeping bags.

INSULATION TYPE

What your bag is filled with is vital to keeping you warm and safe while out in the elements.

• Synthetic Insulation – The types vary greatly but generally these synthetic fibres can be made out of a polyester blend like ThermicMicro or Thermal R Max. With modern advancements, many of these synthetic fibers mimic goose down fairly accurately. The benefits of synthetic bags are that they are more affordable than down, they dry fast, are non-allergenic, and suitable for vegans.
• Goose Down – This is the best kind of filling to have as it is extremely insulating. You will keep more of your body heat inside the sleeping bag to stay safe. It is much more durable than any synthetic material as it retains its loft and warmth for years longer. Since it compresses well, it is ideal for those that are looking to save every centimeter of space as possible. The downside is that it is the more expensive option and many vegans and animal rights advocates have ethical issues with it.

ACCESSORIES

Though there are plenty of campers out there that are purists and like to go as minimal as possible; there are those of us who do like some creature comforts.

Stash pockets inside the sleeping bag give more storage options as well as security to stow sensitive items like wallets and personal identification.

Hoods can keep you warmer or block out light and sound for a more restful sleep. And, zipper guards can help prevent snags or damage to the zipper itself.

SAFETY

I saved this item for last as it is the most important. It may even be overlooked as a sleeping bag may not seem like a safety item.

It is very important to understand warmth ratings and only choose sleeping bags that will provide warmth related to the conditions you are going to face.

In fact, you may need several different sleeping bags depending on the time of year, elevation, precipitation, and other factors. The lightweight and thin sleeping bag you use during the summer would be fatal if you were to try sleeping in it in winter at high elevation, for instance.

Make sure you fully understand the temperature and weather conditions of where you plan to camp so you can buy the best sleeping bag for the right scenario.

F.A.Qs

Is it warmer to sleep with clothes on or off in a sleeping bag?

Sleeping with clothes on does provide another layer of insulation which will keep heat close to your body. There are however a few cases where more clothes can compromise your insulation.

• Damp clothes can compromise the insulation of both your sleeping bag and clothes. If you get soaked out in the wilderness it’s best to get dry before you jump into your sleeping bag.
• Being too warm can cause you to perspire, which quickly becomes a similar situation to having damp clothes from the beginning.
• If you have stashed other things in your sleeping bag with you. Maybe your rucksack or water bottle. Which can be a good idea sometimes to stop them from getting too cold. They can also press against your fluffy sleeping bag preventing it from trapping as much hot air.
• Poorly fitting clothes can potentially cut off blood circulation. With less blood circulation you will not feel as warm.

What temperature sleeping bag should I buy?

The temperature rating of your sleeping absolutely has to be appropriate for the conditions you will be sleeping in. While it can seem sensible to take a small cheap summer bag to save money and space; it would be next to useless if the temperature is likely to drop below freezing at night.

Different insulation materials have a different fill power. Which is to say, different materials hold heat in better than others. Typically, sleeping bags are categorised into three particular temperature grades.

Three typical temperature grades are:

• Summer bags: 2°C (35°F) and up. Ideal for summer camping.
• 3-Season bags: -9.5°C to 2°C(15°F to 35°F). More intended for spring and autumn. Not suitable for winter.
• Winter bags: -12°C (10°F) and under. These bags are designed to hold on to what little heat there is. Ideal for extreme temperature.

Are mummy sleeping bags better?

With a mummy bag, it really depends on what you’re looking for.

They are designed to be a more snug fit. Which holds in more heat and makes them smaller, more compact, and lighter as a bonus.

The downside is they can be too snug. If you’re someone who likes to be able to move your legs about when you sleep, or even if you can be partial to feel a bit claustrophobic, you will probably find a mummy bag uncomfortable. Maybe a double bag to yourself would be best.

Some people love a mummy bag. Some don’t. It comes down to what suits you.

Other Sleeping Bag Reviews

Lightweight Sleeping Bags

COVACURE 1.5/0.8kg Sleeping Bag, 3 Seasons Ultra Warm & Lightweight Sleeping Bag for Adults

This sleeping bag comes in a choice of two weights and has a neat phone pocket built into the inside so you can watch cat videos all night in the wilderness.

It has two zips. One up the size to make sure you’re wrapped up warm. The other is at your feet so you can open up the other end if you get too warm.

The ultralight option is warm, but it’s probably more suited to late spring through to early autumn.

Milestone Camping 26700 Envelope Sleeping Bag 2 Season Single Insulation

Available in a choice of 2 season, 3 season , and 3 season double, this bag certainly doesn’t leave you without options. Made in standard rectangular shape for those who like some foot space. Ideal for mild weather.

It might be a little constricting if you’re a tall person. It is also neither waterproof or machine washable.

BESTEAM Agemore Ultra-light Warm Weather Rectangular Sleeping Bag

This is one seriously compact sleeping bag, although not as compact as it’s pictures make it look. It quickly turns into something quite large and roomy. It’s ideal for warmer weather and traveling light certainly not for the cold.

One strange aspect is the material is quite slippery. Don’t accidentally stand on it.

Milestone Camping Mummy Sleeping Bag

Being a mummy bag it certainly is tight. This bag is small, lightweight, and kind on the bank.

Super lightweight. This is not a thick sleeping bag. I can only recommend it for warm summers. The material probably won’t stand up to rugged conditions.

FE Active – Sleeping Bag Extremely Lightweight Water Resistant 3 Seasons Compact Sleeping Bag

The FE Active sleeping bag is soft, cosy, and certainly lightweight. Easy to pack up. It is certain to keep you warm throughout summer.

A real plus for this bag is being able to join two together and make a double.

The material could be more breathable but letting the zipper down to allow more air in seems to sort it right out.

Double Sleeping Bags

SUNMER 300GSM Double Sleeping Bag – King Size – Converts Into 2 Singles

Such a sensible design and value for money. Ideal for couples. This bag unzips into two separate bags but are packed away as one.

It’s even machine washable for extra ease.

Possibly not as warm as other 3 season bags but it looks like it is designed for sharing body heat.

Trespass Unisex Adult CATNAP 3 Season Doble Sleeping Bag, Water Repellent

Trespass is a reliable brand and this is a reliable bag. It is made from tough, resistant, material. Excellent quality.

This is a double sleeping bag but it’s probably most suited as a large bag for one. It’s just a bit tight for two adults. Ideal if you like to stretch your legs out though.

Forbidden Road Double Sleeping Bag 3 Season Envelope Rectangular Sleeping Bag for 2 Person

It’s really nice to get double usage out of one thing. This double bag splits into two. It’s warm and cosy used as either a double or two singles.

The outer material is a bit thin. Not suited for rugged conditions. Ideal for guests and glamping.

Mountain Warehouse Basecamp 200 Double Sleeping Bag

Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to pack away into the stuff sack. Perfect for snuggly couples on a summer camping trip.

This bag is certainly thinner than others. Probably best to think of it more as a summer bag.

Ohuhu Double Sleeping Bag with 2 Pillows, Waterproof Lightweight 2 Person Adults Sleeping Bag for Camping, Backpacking, Hiking

There are not many sleeping bags which come with pillows. On top of that, this double bag can unzip and become two separate bags.

Packing this bag away can be a challenge. Certainly a two-person job. The zippers could be a bit tougher, they don’t look as strong as other sleeping bag zippers.

4 Season Sleeping Bags

Mountaineers Outdoor Sleeping Bag, 4 Season, XL Pillow Pocket & Water Resistant Outer Shell

I really like that this bag has a foot zipper. It’s a great wat to ensure you don’t overheat. Being able to keep your valuables in a pocket inside really can help to give you peace of mind.

The stitching around the pull cord could be a bit tougher. But go gentle and it’s no problem.

Bessport Mummy Sleeping Bag -10 Degree Celsius

This is a thick warm sleeping bag. Certain to keep you cosy in cold weather. Plenty of room for taller people too.

Certainly one of the larger foot boxes in a mummy bag.

It doesn’t have a compression strap to pack it away. Which would be very useful as it’s bulky.

Andes Grande 4+ Season Sleeping Bag 700g Filling QUAD Layer ULTRA Warm

This is a very thick and warm bag. Holds your heat close, and keeps you cozy, even in negative temperatures. Best of all it is still super spacious.

The zipper can have a tendency to get the inner lining caught in it. A little extra line of stitching to hold the lining back would be a nice design tweak but it only takes a little care while zipping.

SONGMICS Wide Sleeping Bag with Compression Sack

Made from breathable material with a zipper at the foot box; you’ll not get sweaty and overheated in this bag. It is machine washable so it will freshen up easily.

The zipper could be tougher and the outer material is quite slippery. If you pitch your tent on too much of a slope you might find yourself sliding.

3 Season Sleeping Bags

Peanut by EGOZ sleeping bag easy to carry warm adult outdoor sports camping hiking with carry bag

This is a three-season bag that really is ideal for the three warmer seasons. It will keep you cosy even in near-zero temperatures. It is darn comfortable.

This is one of the less-roomy rectangular bags. So it might not be ideal if you have a larger frame. The stitching could use some reinforcement in some areas.

KeenFlex Mummy Sleeping Bag 3 Season Extra Warm & Lightweight Compact Waterproof

This bag is so comfortable and warm. The material is breathable and still waterproof. It’s easy to pack away into the stuff bag and the compression straps keep it packed small.

It might be a little tight if you are particularly tall or have a large frame. It’ll keep you cosy below 10 celsius, but as you approach zero you might want some extra base layers.

URPRO 3-4 Seasons Sleeping Bag Seasons Warm Cold Weather Lightweight, Portable

It has some nice extra thickness under the head to act as a built-in pillow which I really appreciate. Very easy to pack up. It compacts up nice and small.

With packing small however comes less insulation. It will certainly work well in 3 seasons but I recommend extra base layers.

Acitive Era Professional 300 Mummy Sleeping Bag 3-4 Season for Camping

This bag will have no problem keeping you warm in spring and autumn. It is designed to potentially even be used in warmer winters with a temperature rating extending down to -10°C.

The zipper could be smoother though. It might be worth rubbing a pencil along it to lubricate. It does take some extra effort to pack it away too.

LANGRIA 3 Seasons Sleeping Bag with 2 Way Zipper

I do like machine washable sleeping bags and this is one of them. This bag is lightweight, very comfortable, and warm.

The inner lining does feel a little itchy against the skin. This is another sleeping bag that could use a tougher zip.

Adult Sleeping Bag 3 Season Single Person Warm Hood

Lightweight, comfortable, and super cosy especially when you pull the drawstring close. It has some nice extra length; so ideal for taller people.

The zipper can catch on the inner lining and can come away from the zip track.

Sleeping Bags for Festivals

EASELAND 3-4 Season Envelope Style Sleeping Bag

This bag is well made and comfortable. The zipper has a strip alongside it to stop it snagging. The stuff bag compresses it up tight and small making it easy to take trekking through festival campsites.

It wouldn’t be warm enough for a cold winter but will be ideal for a summer festival.

ANSIO Mummy Sleeping Bag 3-4 season Water resistant

This bag is really easy to pack up. It compresses small and is easy to take with you. Ideal for a quick getaway from your festival.

The outer lining could be tougher and more breathable. Extra insulation would also be a real plus although this is certainly one of the more budget options.

Highlander XL Sleeping Bag Extra Large Pod Design

This is a bag with that extra bit of width; making it nicely roomy. It packs away quickly and easily. To add to the ease; the zip is strong and runs smoothly without snapping

Probably not suited for particularly tall people. There is also no usual stitching down the length of the bag. While it is machine washable the insulation can move about inside freely; which could make cold spots.

Vango Cocoon Unisex Outdoor Sleeping Bag

This is a “cocoon” bag which is, in this case, a roomier mummy bag. Good value, warm, and comfortable. It is certain to be a warm retreat for any festival.

The inner lining, insulation, and exterior lining have a tendency to move independently of each other; making it quite easy to get tangled up in the lining and layers. Particularly around the feet.

Highlander 2 Season Sleeping Bag

This is the mummy bag version of the Highlander XL. A warm and cosy bag that keeps closer to you; for those who like to feel more snug. Ideal for keeping you warm in summer.

The zip could use some reinforcement in the design.

Budget Sleeping Bags

MultiWare Camping Sleeping Bags 3-4 Season Sleeping Bag

This bag certainly keeps the heat in for a low cost. It’s a real cheap and cheerful bag that gets the job done. It is lightweight and easy to pack away.

It is marketed as a 3-4 season although it is more similar to a summer bag. Perfect for sleepovers and guests.

Mountain Warehouse Apex Mini Square Patterned Sleeping Bag

Available in a range of cool patterns, from unicorns to sharks, there is a design for everyone. This is a child’s sleeping bag. Suitable for children and early teens, but not adults.

Perfect for summer use. Certain to be a hit at any sleepover.

Premium 200 Warm Lightweight Envelope Sleeping Bag

This is the kind of sleeping bag that is very handy to have ready for a surprise guest visit. It is cheap and cheerful. Probably best used unzipped as a duvet. It certainly makes for a warm bed indoors.

It is quite thin. The inner insulation is prone to moving, and the outer fabric could be tougher. It’s not designed as rugged mountain equipment.

Confidence Envelope Sleeping Bag

This bag is very lightweight and makes for an excellent duvet. You can even zip two together and make a double bag.

It doesn’t try to be anything it is not. It is not for heavy-duty trekking. It is perfect as something cheap and cheerful.

Mummy Sleeping Bag For Adults, Single 3 Season Spring Autumn Winter

Often a mummy bag is one of the more pricy bags; however, this is a low-cost option, which is certain to keep you warm and snug in near-zero temperatures. It has an internal valuables pocket and the outer fabric is waterproof.

Being a budget option, the outer fabric is not the toughest and the zip can be prone to snagging on the internal lining.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope this buyer guide for the best sleeping bags UK version has helped you understand the difference between the styles. And it would be even better to know you found one on the list that is suitable for your needs.

This was hardly a definitive guide, so I do expect some questions. If you are unsure of something or want to ask about a sleeping bag you didn’t see on the list then do not hesitate to reach out. I am happy to answer any questions you have!

To everybody else that found the ideal sleeping bag for them, I say Happy Camping!

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