Cold Weather Synthetic Sleeping Bags

Recent Cold Weather Synthetic Sleeping Bag Reviews

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

Wiggy's Super Light FTRSS

-4 degrees and as comfortable as could be. When you are outside in the cold and you know that everything is going to be OK, that's how I would describe this bag! This is the kind of bag you just can't wait to get into. Very warm (after about 15 seconds, then it warms right up). At -4 degrees it does everything I expect it to do. I'm a warm sleeper and most of the time it's unzipped. Packs great and puffs right up when you are ready to sleep. The bag is perfect for what I do, very durable heavy… Full review

U.S. Military Modular Sleep System MSS

It comes in three to four parts, where you can sleep in one part, two parts, three parts or four. I have slept in it all together and I had to open it up sometime during the night because I had gotten too warm. Come to find out it had gotten below freezing that night. I have also slept in just one part, the temp was at around 100° to 110° that night. Although it was hot, I was comfortable. Compresses down to about the size of a basketball, although it could probably compress smaller. Three to… Full review

U.S. Military Modular Sleep System MSS

Great first sleeping system (with two pads). Horrible for backpacking. I recommend the MSS to all my Boy Scouts. A used MSS paired with two foam pads is BY FAR the best value in sleeping gear. Here's what I give all my new Scouts (and parents): A synthetic-fill sleeping bag and two dimpled foam pads are best for most Scouts. Both are cheaper, rugged, easier to wash, and handle wet/dirty conditions better. Both can be used with better and/or cold-weather gear you can buy later. Consider first the… Full review

Wiggy's Ultima Thule

For the price, this is a good bag, well-sewn and durable. It is roomy and comfortable and a pleasure to crawl into. I have an issue with my bag at temps under zero that I was surprised to find. The seam that is opposite the zipper side that runs from head to toe is very thin. Less than 1/4 inch of insulation can be felt along that seam. At 8 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, I experience a cold streak along this side of my bag. As mentioned above, overall for the price I am happy to keep and use this… Full review

Slumberjack Latitude -20°F

OK winter outer bag, as long as you know how to sleep and survive in cold weather. Too big for a standalone bag for me. I used this bag last winter in northern MN while leading dogsledding/skiing trips as an outer bag combined with an old 15 or 20 degree down inner (probably actually 20-25° now) and spent around 40 nights out in it, in temps ranging from -25°F to 30°F. Slept on two Therm-a-Rest RidgeRests under open tarps, in a mid, or in a doglsed. As others have noted, probably not wise to… Full review

Slumberjack Latitude -20°F

Bag lives up to its name. People who contest otherwise are not dressing appropriately (overdressing) and should find other activities than outdoor ones. This bag keeps you warm. Some writers have indicated that it is overrated. ALL bags are rated for ideal conditions and are thus overrated for some activities. ALL. Bag is comfortable, loft holds up well. NOTE: you cannot overdress and use a bag that is designed for this low of a temperature. The more you wear, the more you will actually sweat. Sweat… Full review

The North Face Dark Star -40

If you are crazy enough to winter camp in northern Minnesota (or most places in Canada for that matter) and want an affordable extreme cold-weather bag, this one should be high on your list. Look folks, -40 degrees is cold. I mean COLD. Few of us will ever get to experience it. I came close, though. During a week-long winter camping trip to the BWCA in northern Minnesota the night temps fell to -30°F, and probably a few degrees colder. Our group had two cotton tents, neither heated at night, and… Full review

Big Agnes Yellow Wall SL 0°

I spend most of the year in the hills and have used this bag exclusively for the last five. After owning and using a Big Agnes bag I will not use another brand. The product is well designed. The bag has been great. I have used it for five years, everywhere from Arizona to Oregon. It is the first Big Agnes bag that I have owned and now I will not use any other maker. Big Agnes equipment is built to be used and stand up to the demands of the outdoors. I am proud of all my Big Agnes gear. Full review