Cold Weather Sleeping Bags

Recent Cold Weather (below 0°F) Sleeping Bag Reviews

DIY: -40 Degree Down Sleeping Bag

A DIY down -40 degree bag can be made for under $100 if secondhand materials are used and purchased at a steep discount. The features can be identical to commercial products of the same temperature rating. Down bags in the -40 degree range cost about $1,000 give or take a couple hundred depending on the model. Many of the complaints about them center on their price which is a bit much for many campers. Not wanting to pay that much, but not having the skills to operate a sewing machine, I decided… Full review

Mountain Warehouse Everest Down Sleeping Bag

A good bag for what it says, lofts well, very warm. To Jo Bets, the bag is rated -11° comfort and -19° limit. If you use it at -3° you will sweat, fabrics are only so breathable. I have used it at -13° and found no problems. Get yourself a bag to suit warmer temps, say 2° comfort and -7° limit. I previously had one of their Everest models and 15 years on it's still usable. All in I've been outdooring for over 40 years. For the money it's good. Full review

The North Face Bigfoot

Bought this bag in 1993 from REI and used it in the High Sierras for many years. It's a bit heavier than the Lost Ranger I've used since 2010. After sitting on my shelf for 10 years, I decided to pull it out for a snowshoe trip this year and now remember why this was the go-to bag for cold weather back in my youth. North Face quality, large foot area for storing things, and had to unzip it at 9,000 ft in the snow because it was too warm. One of the best investments I ever made in 45 years of backpacking. Full review

The North Face Ibex

Great bag for winter camping used on a mat. My wife and I each purchased an Ibex in the mid 1970s. Have used on many winter backpacking trips in the Smoky Mountains, and many fall and summer backpacking trips as well as wilderness canoe trips in Canada and BWCA, week-long bicycle trips, and fall camping in Wisconsin. Fantastic bags as held up well and are still in use. Have had repairs to zipper (replaced), fabric tears, and need for down replacement all under warranty except need to have bag cleaned. Full review

Woods Canada Arctic 5 Star

This is a serious cold weather bag. I’ve slept in mine in an open lean-to at -45°F and had to get up and take clothes off to cool down. On the heavy side, but this bag is worth it. Only used it a couple of times and now not camping anymore so will soon sell it. If doing serious cold weather camping I wouldn’t touch anything else. Full review

Sierra Designs Cloud -30

I have had my -30 Cloud for over 20 years. The newer Clouds have a larger foot, which I like, but my bag has been great winter camping and summer. I unzip it for summer and use it as a cover. In winter it performs excellent. If my current bag wasn't so reliable, I would buy the new Cloud just for the foot space. Full review

Woods Canada Arctic 3 Star

I slept in this bag for four months in the Arctic and slept like a baby. Full review

Western Mountaineering Puma Super MF

Super WARM and very light... I have used this bag down to -15° and have been completely warm and comfortable. I have no doubt it would be OK even down to -25°, and I am a VERY cold sleeper. I usually need a bag that is rated at least 20 deg warmer than claimed, but not with this bag. When it is not too windy I often just sleep in an open lean-to or under a tarp, and am just fine in the middle of winter. The MF shell offers excellent wind and water resistance, zipper works great, there is plenty… Full review

Western Mountaineering Puma GWS

The Puma GWS lives up to the ratings and is high quality. The zipper works flawlessly and the cinch cord is easy to use. I slept out in -5 degrees with 25mph winds in a single person tent, warm all over. Remember a sleeping bag is only as good as its sleeping pad. In the winter you will get cold with any sleeping bag if you use a cheap sleeping pad. Full review