Best Sleeping Bags for Hot Weather of 2023
A good night’s sleep is essential for a good camping and backpacking experience. Choosing a sleeping bag for cold is easy because you look for the warmest, bulkiest one you can find for the temperature at your camping site. But choosing a sleeping bag for warm weather is different. You have to find a sleeping bag that keeps you warm through the night but doesn’t overheat as well. Summer bags are single-season and lightweight. So, if you are looking for a sleeping bag for your hot weather adventures, then this guide can help.
Below is the list of best sleeping bags with just enough insulation that will keep you warm on summer nights without overheating.
1. Marmot Voyager
Rated to: 45/55°F
Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz.
Fill: SpiraFil
Shell material: Polyester
Marmot Voyager is a warm weather sleeping bag that is available in 45 and 55°F versions. The bag features SpiraFil high-loft insulation that increases warmth and adds to its durability. There’s a two-way full-length YKK zipper, which is snag-free and easy to use. The quality of the bag is good and feels premium. Personally, I like this fabric because it feels cozy when compared to other slippery sleeping bags. The pack size is reasonably small and takes up hardly any space in your backpack. The bag weighs around 1 pound and 8 ounces, which is very lightweight if you consider the size of the bag.
Marmot Voyager may not be warm enough for some colder nights. However, if you live in an area such as Southern California where the climate doesn’t get too extreme, you can use this bag from spring to fall nights and it will keep you warm. Also, the 45°F is best suited for the 50s because I got a little cold sleeping in it at around 45 degrees outside in a hammock when I was camping in West Virginia. However, you use a sleeping bag liner to increase the warmth a little bit say up to 5°F. You can also wear clothes in layers to keep yourself warm if you need to.
What I like: Lightweight, packs small, and good price
What I don’t like: Restrict around legs and shoulders
View Voyager 55 at Amazon View Voyager 45 at Amazon
2. REI Co-op Helio Sack
Rated to: 50°F
Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz.
Fill: Synthetic
Shell material: Recycled polyester
REI is getting a lot of respect for their sleeping bags. They have a lot of good sleeping bags in their lineup and the REI Co-op Helio Sack 50°F is one of them. The Helio Sack has been updated for 2021 with some improvements. It features a recycled polyester shell that makes it durable. The bag has two-sided zippers, one long and one short. The long zipper unzips completely into a quilt. The short zipper functions as an armhole as well as a vent to keep you from overheating during the night. The shape of sleeping bag has a sort of semi-rectangular shape or a relaxed mummy shape. It has some room inside and doesn’t feel claustrophobic. The bag also packs extremely light and is suitable for lightweight packing.
The DWR treatment on the Helio Sack is of good quality. It does an effective job of resisting moisture as well as strains. You also get differentiated drawcords for hood and neck adjustment, one being round and one being flat. The storage bag that comes with the Helio Sack is not a compression bag but it compresses the bag well for packing. Being a 50°F bag, the Helio Sack isn’t well insulated. Even the slightest dip in the temperature makes it feel like a sheet. But for a low price, the performance is good, which makes it a good option for this budget.
What I like: Just enough insulation for summer backpacking or camping and can be used inside another bag on cold nights
What I don’t like: Tight fit around the waist, annoying drawstring
3. Sea to Summit Spark
Rated to: 40°F
Weight: 12 oz.
Fill: 850+ goose down
Shell material: 70D nylon
The Spark ranges from 5°F to 40°F and the Spark 40°F is for summer use only. The bag is crazy lightweight, which makes it an ideal option for backpacking and even thru-hiking. It is one of the lightest and smallest packing bags you can get. Sea to Summit claims it weighs only 12oz and the actual weight is almost the same as advertised on the website. The weight and the packing size are the standout features of the Spark. The Spark features 850+ down fill and its sewn-through construction makes it extremely lightweight. This bag is also an excellent backup for bivies. It has a compact mummy shape that has ample space and does a good job of retaining body heat.
But being lightweight brings about an obvious weakness; warmth. The temperature rating of the Spark ranges between temperatures of 40°F and 48°F. The weight-saving construction creates cold spots and you feel the wind on the windy nights. The Spark is a niche bag for backpackers who like to pack extremely light. It is a high-quality bag that is great for summer and desert trips. It also provides good comfort. However, the price for a single season is too high. But if you are a lightweight packer, then this might work for you.
What I like: A true ultralight bag, zippers are high quality, packs small
What I don’t like: Tight around shoulders, limited insulation, not very versatile
4. Big Agnes Lost Dog
Rated to: 45°F
Weight: 1 lb. 7 oz.
Fill: FireLine ECO synthetic
Shell material: Nylon ripstop
The Lost Dog is a hood-less sleeping bag that is ready to be your warm-weather sleeping option or to work as a supplementary bag in cold conditions. It features a sleeve for sleeping pads and recycled synthetic insulation. The bag’s synthetic insulation has superior performance in wet conditions providing warmth even when wet which is something down can’t provide. This synthetic insulation is sustainably produced by being created from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.
Outside, the ripstop nylon shell fabric has a water-repellent surface coating to keep moisture away. External loops allow you to dry or store the bag. Inside, a soft polyester lining provides next-to-skin comfort. The top of the bag has a pillow barn and can be closed with a drawcord. At the outer end, there’s a free-range foot-box offering room to wiggle your toes.
The bag features a draft tube located behind the anti-snag two-way zipper. In addition to the low-profile cord lock on top closure, the zipper garage will keep some bits of plastic or metal out of your face. There are small internal loops. These are helpful if you choose to use a liner something which will keep your bag a little warmer and increase the life of your bag.
This bag is lightly insulated on the bottom. Now, Big Agnes can do this without sacrificing performance because the insulation underneath you is often compressed as you sleep. That means it traps less air and doesn’t work as well keeping you warm. So, Big Agnes saved weight and bulk on this bag by requiring the use of a sleeping pad. To help with that, the bag has a Flex Pad sleeve on the bottom to accommodate pads of varying lengths, widths, and thicknesses but Big Agnes recommends rectangular pads over the mummy ideally 20 to 25 inches wide. This design pretty much demands to get the optimum performance from the bag so you will need to use a pad compatible with the bag’s temperature rating and the weather.
What I like: Integrated Flex Pad Sleeve on the bottom for sleeping pads, lightweight and easy to pack
What I don’t like: The pillow pocket on the top is small and doesn’t fit larger pillows.
5. REI Co-op Magma
Rated to: 30°F
Weight: 1 lb. 3.8 oz.
Fill: 850-fill goose down
Shell material: Pertex® 15D ripstop nylon
The REI Co-op Magma 30 is another entry on this list from REI but this one is a high-end option as opposed to the Helio Sack 50 mentioned above. But compared to the bags of similar performance and features, the Magma still costs less making it a great value sleeping bag. The Magma features 9.7oz of 850 power goose down fill. This fill is among the best quality you can get and provides excellent warmth despite the low weight. The total weight of the Magma is 1.2 pounds, which is surprisingly light for the warmth it provides.
The bag also has a mummy shape which makes it warmer by retaining body heat. But the bag has a 63-inch wide shoulder girth that feels roomy. People with wide bodies would also feel comfortable in this bag. It has a durable nylon shell that will last long. Being a down fill bag, the Magma packs down extremely tight. The minimum size of this bag is only 6.7 liters and to achieve that compression, you would need a third-party compression sack. The stuff sack that comes with the Magma has simple drawstrings. The Magma is not a cheap bag. But compared to the competition, you will start seeing the value of this bag. Plus, being an REI bag, you would find this bag mostly on sale.
What I like: Quality down, cozy fabric, lightweight, and packable
What I don’t like: The temperature rating is not accurate, can feel chilly even in the mid-30s
View Men’s at REI View Women’s at REI
6. The North Face One Bag
Rated to: 5/20/40°F
Weight: 3 lbs. 12 oz.
Fill: 800-fill goose down
Shell material: 20-denier nylon
The North Face One Bag is a unique entry on this list. It is one of the most popular options on the market due to its versatility. But the system integrated to make it versatile also makes it heavy. Needless to say, this isn’t something for the lightweight backpacker. The One Bag is a 3-in-1 bag. The name is confusing because it is not one bag. Instead, it has one lower half and two interchangeable uppers having temperature ratings of 5, 20, and 40°F. Perhaps, The North Face named it the One Bag because it is the only one of its kind on the market. Its 3-part design makes it unique and extremely versatile. The lower part and the two uppers can be used together to achieve a temperature rating of 5oF for winter camping. But the bag becomes an abomination to pack with all three parts.
The bag has a synthetic fill. But even for a synthetic fill, the uppers are heavy. It’s not because of the low quality of material but the addition of a 3-in-1 system with all the zippers makes the uppers heavy. However, this is an extremely thought-out bag with every feature being functional. There is generous space inside making the bag comfortable to use. Having a synthetic fill keeps the cost of this bag low. Down fill would have made the bag lighter but it would have driven the cost up. The versatility of this bag at a reasonable price makes it one of the good value bags that you can get.
What I like: Extremely versatile, good value for money, very spacious, excellent hood design
What I don’t like: Heavy and large pack size
View at Amazon View at Backcountry
7. Marmot Always Summer
Rated to: 40°F
Weight: 1 lb. 11 oz.
Fill: 650-fill duck down
Shell material: 20D nylon
This bag is made for summer backpacking adventures because it compresses down small but packs a lot of warmth for its size and weight. This is a great option for a backpacker who also does a lot of car camping and doesn’t want or need a super-slim mummy cut but can afford a little more weight for room to sprawl. The hood is nice and big but can be cinched down on chilly nights. There’s a small zipper on the other side of the bag so you can vent it out and fold it down like a blanket. There’s plenty of room in the shoulders and the hips and then it tapers down through the legs for warmth but opens up again at the foot box so your feet have room to move.
The 650 fill power down makes it easy on the wallet while still delivering high quality. The down plumes are treated with Marmot’s down defender, which is a treatment to make the down resists moisture. It acts as a synthetic material in damp conditions to keep you snuggly warm out there. Marmot also uses EN ratings, which stands for European Norm and it’s the most reliable temperature rating in the outdoor industry. When a bag is EN tested, you know what to expect when you take it into the backcountry because they give a temperature and a comfort rating.
To maximize warmth, this bag has an insulated draft tube behind the zipper and it has ground-level side seams so more material is above you to trap in your body heat. It may seem like a small feature but it makes a big difference especially if you’ve ever slept a chilly night in a drafty bag. If you do get chilly, snug the hood zip up all the way but if it’s warmer, vent the bag with the two-way zipper and with the extra little zip on the side.
What I like: Packs down to a small size and big enough to roll around a sleeping pad.
What I don’t like: Narrow fit for folks who like to move around during the night.
8. Nemo Forte
Rated to: 35°F
Weight: 2 lbs. 2 oz.
Fill: PrimaLoft RISE synthetic
Shell material: 30D ripstop polyester
The Nemo Forte 35 is another popular sleeping bag for warm weather camping. The Forte has a decent price with good features making it a good value option. The Forte excels in comfort and has a durable construction that will last a long time. The shape of the Forte is a spoon shape or an hourglass shape. The shape is roomy and allows room. It is looser at every point – shoulders, hip, feet – than a regular mummy. The shape is most suitable for those who aren’t sure about the regular mummy shape and find it claustrophobic or tight for themselves.
The weight of the Forte is around 2 pounds with the regular version which is bulky. However, the women’s long version has been reported to be more comfortable than the unisex bags. The Forte also features Thermogrills for ventilation that extends the temperature range of the bag. Inside is a 20-denier nylon taffeta lining that is softer than others while the 30-denier ripstop polyester shell makes it very durable. You also get a pillow jacket that you can stuff with a jacket or clothes or a pillow for support. Nemo also gives a lifetime warranty with the Forte.
What I like: Good knee and elbow room for side sleepers, can be your go-to 3-season option
What I don’t like: Can be tight for bigger folks, and large pack size
View at Men’s Amazon View at Women’s at Amazon
9. Kelty Tuck
Rated to: 40°F
Weight: 3 lbs. 3 oz.
Fill: Synthetic
Shell material: 75D polyester taffeta
The unique features of Kelty Tuck are designed especially for warm weather camping and at an affordable price. If you are looking for a good budget bag, then Tuck 40 is something to consider. The feature of the Tuck is its zipper that extends normally throughout the length of the bag but cuts near the foot. This cut allows the user to sleep with the feet hanging out. The zipper also allows the bag to open completely like a quilt.
The Tuck weighs a hefty 3 lbs. The weird part is that the weight is the same for the 20°F version and the 40°F version. How did they manage to mess up like that? Overall, the heavyweight made sense because of a creative zipper but the 40°F version should still have been lighter than the 20°F version.
However, the sleeping bag provides good comfort. The shell is made of 75-denier polyester that is extremely durable while inside, you get polyester/taffeta lining. You also get an internal headphone pocket that has enough room to fit a phone. It is good for small things. However, the warmth is not so good. You would need layering with the slightest dip in the temperature. It is great for short trips. At a price this low and the performance that it provides, this isn’t a bad choice by any means.
However, the sleeping bag provides good comfort. The shell is made of 75-denier polyester that is extremely durable while inside, you get polyester/taffeta lining. You also get an internal headphone pocket that has enough room to fit a phone. It is good for small things. However, the warmth is not so good. You would need layering with the slightest dip in the temperature. It is great for short trips. At a price this low and the performance that it provides, this isn’t a bad choice by any means.
What I like: Affordable and durable materials
What I don’t like: Heavy
View at Amazon View at at Backcountry
10. Marmot NanoWave
Rated to: 45°F
Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz.
Fill: Spirafil synthetic
Shell material: Polyester
The Marmot NanoWave 45 is a high-quality sleeping bag at a great price. The long version of this sleeping bag weighs 2 lbs. and the regular version weighs 1 lb. 13 oz. The weight is as much as expected from a synthetic bag like this would. The NanoWave features a mummy shape with a blanket construction that eliminates cold spots. The bag also features the innovative Spiralfil consisting of large, hollow synthetic spiral fibers with small polyester fibers. The resulting fill packs down compact. The compressibility is impressive for a synthetic bag.
The NanoWave is focused on comfort. The chest area and the foot box are provided with brushed lining that provides warmth and adds to the comfort of the sleeping bag. The shell has a DWR coating that is effective in protecting it from moisture. The NanoWave 45 is advertised as a three-season sleeping bag but it is recommended to only use it for hot weather. It lacks a full draft collar and doesn’t provide adequate warmth in cold weather. The stuff sack that comes with the bag is too small so you would have to look for a compression bag. But it’s a solid performer at a lower price making it one of the best budget options as well.
What I like: Great value, packs down small, quality materials, nice to touch, and easy to zip
What I don’t like: Awkward fit, the hood bunches behind the head during the night
Best Hot Weather Bags: Comparison Table
| BAG | RATED TO | WEIGHT | FILL | SHELL MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marmot Voyager | 45/55°F | 1 lb. 8 oz. | SpiraFil | Polyester |
| REI Co-op Helio Sack | 50°F | 1 lb. 10 oz. | Synthetic | Recycled polyester |
| Sea to Summit Spark | 40°F | 12 oz. | 850+ goose down | 70D nylon |
| Big Agnes Lost Dog | 45°F | 1 lb. 7 oz. | FireLine ECO synthetic | Nylon ripstop |
| REI Co-op Magma | 30°F | 1 lb. 3.8 oz. | 850-fill goose down | 15D ripstop nylon |
| The North Face One Bag | 5/20/40°F | 3 lbs. 12 oz. | 800-fill goose down | 20-denier nylon |
| Marmot Always Summer | 40°F | 1 lb. 11 oz. | 650-fill duck down | 20D nylon |
| Nemo Forte | 35°F | 2 lbs. 2 oz. | PrimaLoft synthetic | 30D ripstop polyester |
| Kelty Tuck | 40°F | 3 lbs. 3 oz. | Synthetic | 75D polyester taffeta |
| Marmot NanoWave | 45°F | 1 lb. 13 oz. | Spirafil synthetic | Polyester |
How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Hot Conditions?
Summer camping is a fun activity and you don’t have to pack a lot as you do in winter. Heavy packing in hot weather can also get tiring quickly. It is best to pack light in the summer. Summer sleeping bags are single-season sleeping bags that are extremely lightweight in most cases due to less insulation. There are several choices on the market based on insulation, shape, and comfort. With the increase in options, choosing a bag has become a bit confusing. Choosing bags for the summer is different than a 3-season sleeping bag. But this guide is here to help you get through the sleeping bag choosing process.
Campground Knowledge
Knowing your campsite can give you an idea of how the bag will be used. This knowledge, in turn, also helps you choose your sleeping bag. You have to have a basic idea of the weather conditions you would be facing at the campsite.
Based on the knowledge that you have about the camping site, you can plan small things like sleeping outside or inside the camp, shelter planning, etc. Keep in mind the altitude when planning your camping trip. The weather is warm at a lower altitude. But things change at high altitudes. The weather becomes cold and the wind speed increases.
Temperature Rating
All sleeping bags for camping come with a temperature rating that is included in their description. Summer sleeping bags are rated 35°F and above. It is recommended that you buy a bag that is rated lower than the lowest temperature you are going to face on the camping site.
If the temperature rises, you can unzip the bag for some ventilation. But if the temperature drops, it becomes difficult to warm up a cold sleeping bag. That can be detrimental to a good night’s sleep.
Insulation
Sleeping bags come with two types of insulation; down fill and synthetic fill. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Synthetic Fill: uses synthetic fibers – polyester, nylon, etc – for warmth. Synthetic fill is found in budget sleeping bags because it is easy and affordable to manufacture. But synthetic fill is heavier, and bulkier than down fill, and doesn’t last long. The only benefit of synthetic fill over down fill in terms of performance is that synthetic fill retains its insulation after getting wet.
- Down Fill: is made of goose feathers. It provides more warmth, is lightweight, and it is easy to compress. Being lightweight makes down-fill sleeping bags attractive for lightweight backpackers. Down fill also has a long life and can last a lifetime if taken care of. The only downside to down fill is that when it gets wet, it loses insulation, becomes heavy, and is hard to dry. Manufacturers use many water-resistant treatments on down fill to protect it from getting wet. Down fill is expensive and time taking to manufacture, and so, it is found in high-end sleeping bags.
Shapes
Sleeping bags come in different shapes for different types of people. Most bags have a rectangular shape because campers like more space. If you want to find a suitable shape for yourself, the only to find out is to use the bag.
The different shapes of sleeping bags are as follows:
- Rectangular – This is the most common shape for a sleeping bag. Rectangular sleeping bags have a lot of room for you to roll over and stretch your arms and legs. These bags can be unzipped completely to be used as comforters. They are most suited for summer.
- Semi-rectangular – This shape is also known as a barrel or modified mummy. This shape is a compromise between room and heat. Semi-rectangular bags are for those who find mummy-shaped bags too constricting.
- Mummy – This shape has a snug fit; you roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are the lightest and the warmest. It is suitable for cold temperatures. But this shape is not for people with claustrophobia.
Liners
Sleeping bag liners are layers that can be added to the inside of the sleeping bag a layer to make the sleeping bag warmer. Liners add versatility to the sleeping bag. They are great for campsites with varying temperatures or crowded campsites with varying altitudes. Liners come in all shapes of bags.
