Best winter synthetic sleeping bag – top 5 picks for lightweight warmth in 2023
Our round up of the best winter synthetic sleeping bags
The cold winter months are coming up and it’s time to get your gear in order.
One crucial piece of camping equipment is the sleeping bag, but what kind should you get?
There are a few different types of synthetic sleeping bags out there for various budgets and needs.
In this article, we’ll take a look at which ones you might want to consider when buying one.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 picks for best winter synthetic sleeping bag.
Big Agnes Lost Dog 0°F Sleeping Bag
Best all-round winter synthetic sleeping bag
- 100% consumer recycled FireLine ECO Synthetic Insulation
- size: fits campers up to 6’6″; Fits a 20″-25″ wide x 78” long pad
- weight: 4 lbs. 10 oz
- compression sack supplied
Big Agnes Sunbeam 0°F Sleeping Bag
Best winter synthetic sleeping bag for women
- 100% post-consumer recycled FireLine ECO Synthetic Insulation
- size: fits campers up to 5′ 10″; Fits a 20″-25″ wide x 72” long pad
- weight: 4 lb. 6 oz
- compression sack supplied
Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag
Best budget winter synthetic sleeping bag
- synthetic fill – polyester
- size: 32″ x 82″
- stuff sack included
- weight: 5.8lbs
What is the warmest synthetic sleeping bag?
The warmest synthetic sleeping bag is the Big Agnes Lost Dog 0°F.
We’ve featured it in the list below for detailed information on it.
You’ll often find that synthetic sleeping bags don’t have as much of a lower temperature rating than naturally down-filled sleeping bags.
Do synthetic sleeping bags lose warmth?
There is a lot of debate about whether synthetic sleeping bags lose their warmth faster than down sleeping bags.
Down sleeping bags have long been considered the gold standard in terms of insulation, and many people swear by their ability to keep you warm even in extreme weather conditions.
However, synthetic sleeping bags are becoming more and more popular, due to their lower price point and the fact that they retain their insulation even when wet.
What makes down so warm is the tiny pockets of air it traps.
When these feathers are crushed, they form larger pockets that retain even more heat than before.
Do these same techniques apply to synthetic materials?
Many experts argue that when you compress a synthetic sleeping bag, you fill up all of the individual wrapping fibers.
As a result, there is nowhere for the heat to escape, and it ends up trapped within your sleeping bag.
If that is the case, then they should maintain their insulation over time rather than lose it like down sleeping bags do.
How long will a synthetic sleeping bag last?
One of the first questions I heard when I started backpacking was about synthetic sleeping bags.
How long will a synthetic sleeping bag last?
As someone who has used several synthetic sleeping bags over the years, here are my thoughts on this question.
Synthetic sleeping bags are usually your best bet for backpackers that need lightweight gear or go backpacking in wetter climates.
There are several factors that affect the lifespan of a synthetic sleeping bag.
First is care, if you take good care of your synthetic sleeping bag it will last significantly longer than one that was thrown into a closet and never washed!
The second factor is the quality of components in a sleeping bag, this is one where you get what you pay for.
Since they are not made of natural fibers, they will not develop that funky smell when they need to be washed after months of use.
Your synthetic sleeping bag will stay cleaner and quieter when taken care of properly.
Best winter synthetic sleeping bag
1. Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag
A budget, synthetic sleeping bag made for temperatures down to 0°F
The Coleman 0°F mummy sleeping bag is perfect for camping in cooler temperatures.
It features a semi-sculpted hood that can be cinched at your neck to seal in warmth, an insulated foot box to keep cold from seeping through to your feet, and a thermolock draft tube that escapes heat outward so you stay warm throughout the night.
The sleeping bag comes with a stuff sack for quick and easy packing away. The only problem is that the stuff sack was designed for easy packing and is a little larger than it needs to be.
This is only a problem if you plan to use it when going backpacking as it will add unnecessary bulk to what you need to carry on your back.
While it’s the most budget option on this list, it will keep you cozy and warm when the temperature goes down.
2. The North Face Cat’s Meow 20°F Sleeping Bag
An eco-friendly, super warm synthetic sleeping bag for winter temperatures
Keep your tootsies warm with this cozy Cat’s Meow 20°F Sleeping Bag.
The durable, water-resistant outer shell and liner keep the cold out when it gets chilly, while a soft microfleece lining helps you stay comfy and cozy inside.
No need to worry about drafts: this baby’s got a fitted hood, draft collar, and zipper baffle for increased comfort and warmth.
And if that wasn’t enough, keep one foot underfoot with an elevated vaulted foot box that gives extra loft.
Traveling solo or backpacking with friends? This is the sleeping bag for you. It’s lightweight and super quick to pack, making it perfect for those last-minute weekend adventures that leave less time than you’d like to cram good sleep into hectic days.
The Cat’s Meow also uses synthetics fibers made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly option (cool!).
3. TETON Sports Altos 0°F Sleeping Bag
Triple-washed, soft and cozy camping blanket
TETON’s ultralight, roomy Altos 0°F sleeping bag is the perfect way to stay warm on a winter camping trip.
It provides more shoulder and legroom for comfort and the 3-piece hood means you won’t have to worry about trying to tie down your hat to keep warm.
This sleeping bag has been made with comfort in mind, it features a vaulted foot box so you can feel your toes no matter what position you sleep in.
Not only all of this but it also comes with zipper draft tubes that prevent any air from coming inside the bag while it’s being zipped up.
The lofty design will make you feel like you’re camping out in your own bed.
Whether you’re trekking around Yosemite or spending winter at home, this water-resistant sleeping bag will keep you nice and cozy.
The included compression sack makes packing it away as easy as 1, 2, 3. It packs down to a tiny size for easy carrying when backpacking or hiking.
With its durable fabric and sustainable, synthetic fill, it’s hard to find a better bag at this price.
4. Big Agnes Lost Dog 0°F Sleeping Bag
Eco-friendly, synthetic sleeping bag with sleeping pad system
Big Agnes’ Lost Dog 0°F Sleeping Bag is the perfect winter accessory for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Outfitted with everything you need for a plush experience in the coldest of climates or just winter nights, the 0°F Lost Dog Sleep System Bag will keep you warm all night long.
It’s not just a bag, it’s a sleep system that attaches right to your sleep pad for maximum comfort and no slippery sliding off of your sleeping pad during the night.
Its innovative design also eliminates cold spots on your pad thanks to special baffles that help keep heat inside of the sleeping bag near your body.
Now you can control the temperature totally, all with this one easy-to-carry soft synthetic insulation piece!
5. Big Agnes Sunbeam 0°F Sleeping Bag
Integrated sleep system sleeping bag designed for women
When it comes to warmth, there’s no better name than Big Agnes.
That’s if you couldn’t already tell from how many of their sleeping bags have made the list.
The Big Agnes Sunbeam 0 Sleeping Bag is the perfect bag for when you want to sleep out in the wilderness with all your favorite memories.
The tailored fit provides lots of shoulder room, and also keeps your pillow nicely tucked in tight so that even if you toss and turn at night it won’t get scooted too far away.
With two-way zippers, you can open up this sleeping bag fully, sleep with it just half way unzipped, or zip yourself completely closed so there are tons of ways to get this thing adjusted to your liking—so no matter what mood strikes you while camping away from society’s luxuries, you can ensure you have a warm and comfy nights sleep.
