To assure you don’t miss a wink, even while camping, we’ve narrowed down 10 of the best sleeping bags offered in the Australian market right now. We’ve looked at everything from the type of sleeping bag, to the campers’ age, size, and weight, and the suitable weather conditions to make sure that your trip into the wilderness isn’t marred by a poor night’s sleep!
We’ve listed down every factor to consider and even explained why it’s important when choosing the perfect sleeping bag,
Our Picks For Best Sleeping Bags
Quick Links
10 Best Sleeping Bags in Australia
- MalloMe Camping Sleeping Bag – 3 Season Warm & Cool Weather
- Marmot Unisex’s Nanowave 25 Mummy, Light 3 Seasons Sleeping Bag
- The North Face Eco Trail Synthetic
- Naturehike Sleeping Bag Lightweight Compact 800 Fill Power Goose Down Sleeping Bag Compact for Adults Outdoor Camping Hiking
- Sea to Summit Ascent Down Sleeping Bag
- Coleman Sleeping-Bags Coleman Big Game Sleeping Bag
- TETON Sports Altos Mummy Sleeping Bag
- BlackWolf Solstice Jumbo-200 Hooded Sleeping Bag
- Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag
- FARLAND Camping Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Bags: Buyer’s Guide
It’s all about making an informed purchase! That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you buy the best sleeping bag for your specific needs.
The Types of Sleeping Bags
Regular Sleeping Bags
This is the typical rectangular or envelop-shaped sleeping bag. They’re generally roomier than the mummy sleeping bags due to the boxier shape. Most sleeping bags of this type can be fully opened to be alternatively used as blankets.
It’s less capable of retaining heat than mummy sleeping bags. Therefore, it’s best used for indoor camping or for summer camping.
Long Length Sleeping Bags
Some manufacturers usually offer product variants depending on the size. There are those that offer Regular and Long, while others add an Extra Long version.
For long-length sleeping bags, it will roughly measure around 220 x 80 x 50cm. But keep in mind, the actual measurements may depend on the manufacturer. This type of sleeping bag is usually catered to campers over 6 ft.
However, make sure you pay attention to the dimensions for each sleeping since there are no universally agreed standards for the different lengths.
Extra Long Length Sleeping Bags
This type of sleeping bag is specially made for very tall campers. Usually measured around 230 x 105x 70cm or even larger. There are long-length sleeping bags that won’t comfortably fit campers around 6’3” to 6’7”. If that’s the case then you might want to look into extra long-length sleeping bags.
Again, make sure you pay attention to the dimensions.
Mummy Sleeping Bags
A mummy sleeping bag is the best for keeping your body warm and cosy during your trip. From the name itself, it looks like a mummy’s coffin. It comes with a hood and a drawcord for more warmth and usually has a good warmth-to-weight ratio.
Its tapered shape, however, may make some a bit uncomfortable or claustrophobic as there is little space to wriggle around. Other bigger mummy sleeping bags, nonetheless, offer vaulted foot boxes, giving your foot extra room.
Double Sleeping Bags
By the name itself, this type of bag comfortably fits two adults inside. There are sleeping bags that are designed to be zipped with another bag to attain a double sleeping bag.
Of course, this is great for couples going on a camping trip. You can snuggle comfortably with your partner inside the tent, instead of sleeping in separate single-fit bags. It usually measures around 193 x 137cm.
Explaining the terminology
Sleeping bags may seem simple on the surface, but if you’re looking to get the best sleeping bags in Australia, you need to have an understanding of what everything means!
Vaulted Foot box
Usually offered as a feature in mummy sleeping bags. It’s when manufacturers provide a wider space at the foot end (often box or vault shaped) for better mobility inside.
Draft Tube
Usually paired with a collar, the draft tube runs along the zipper line from the inside of the bag. It is packed with insulation to securely block the draft from outside to enter inside the bag.
Zipper coupling
A feature that allows the joining of two separate sleeping bags through a zipper to make a double sleeping bag.
Hypoallergenic
It’s a characteristic of a material used that will unlikely cause an allergic reaction to its user.
Stuff Sack
It’s the container for your sleeping bag that typically holds it compact until taken out.
Sleeping Bags: Primary Considerations
Type of Insulation
The type of sleeping bag, in terms of insulation, is one of the main factors to put into consideration. There are two types: down or synthetic. These two offer different types of insulation and choosing one from the other will make all the difference in terms of the overall experience.
Synthetic Sleeping Bags
Synthetic insulation is commonly used in sleeping bags. It’s cheaper than down and it’s not heavy on maintenance care. It also performs better—retaining insulation despite being damp or wet.
Synthetic fill is usually made with polyester fiber. Synthetic sleeping bags can either be made with two types of insulators: short-staple or continuous filament.
Short-staple insulation is filled with short synthetic fibers that minimize heat loss in sleeping bags. The fibers are less than 2 inches long that interlock with each other creating layers of insulation. While continuous filament insulation consists of a single long fiber that is already weaved and interlocked with itself.
The advantage of short-staple insulation in synthetic sleeping bags is that the inside is more tightly packed, which produces more warmth to the product. The downside of it, however, is that over time and with constant use, the short fibers form lumps which create cold spots.
Continuous filament insulation is what is usually used for sleeping bags. It has more compressible and lighter fiber. Not to mention, it’s more durable than a short-staple and retains the sleeping bag’s loft longer because of its single long fibers.
Most, if not all, synthetic sleeping bags are hypoallergenic.
Down Sleeping Bags
Down sleeping bags are more expensive but it’s because it offers more warmth and offers long-term value. It performs well both in cold and warm weather. Most sleeping bags of this kind are equipped with water-resistant treatment.
It differs from synthetic because, first, it’s not made of fiber. Instead, it’s made of plumage taken from under the exterior feathers of waterfowl or swimming birds with waterproof feathers and webbed feet like ducks and geese.
There are brands that label their down sleeping bags with either RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS (global Traceable Down Standard). These are brands that follow ethical steps when handling or treating ducks and geese.
The disadvantage of down sleeping bags is that it is not as water-resistant as synthetic. When it absorbs moisture or when it gets wet, the feathers will lose fluffiness and its insulating properties will become non-existing.
Sleeping bag season ratings
Sleeping bag season ratings are essential to choosing the best sleeping bag for the trip. Using the wrong season rating will likely end up with you not getting enough warmth or get very hot inside the bag.
Season | Weather | Temperature |
1 Season | Warm summer nights only | 10C + |
2 Season | Cooler Nights | 5C + |
3 Season | Cold nights but frosty | 0C + |
4 Season | Frost & snow | -5 C+ |
5 Season | Extreme cold | -15C + |
Temperature ratings
Aside from Season ratings, Temperature ratings are very important to consider. You need to know what temperature the sleeping bags are designed for comfortable use in.
Most of the time, manufacturers will list this down in level of comfort and extreme ratings.
Comfort ratings
Indicates the optimum temperature of warmth that a person is comfortable sleeping in.
Lower limit rating
Lower than comfort rating. It’s the lowest temperature that an average man can comfortably sleep in.
Extreme ratings
Also known as the “survival temperature” or the limit that the bag can provide to keep you alive without frostbite or developing hypothermia.
Maintenance and aftercare
The lifespan of a sleeping bag will always depend on the amount of care you put into it. Despite being waterproof or tear-resistant, if it’s not taken care of properly, it will surely wear out before its expected lifespan.
There are bags that can only be hand washed and never to be placed in the washing machine. The type of cleaner will also depend on the insulation type of your bag. Synthetic bags are cleaned differently from down bags.
When drying, there are bags that can’t be exposed to the sun for too long. They are meant to be air-dried. Usually, this type of bag has hang cords for easy hanging.
The time duration for air drying is also different for synthetic and down bags. For synthetic, it usually takes around 4 to 6 hours while down bags may take up to 8 hours.
Sleeping Bags: Secondary Considerations
Zippers
The quality of the zipper will affect your overall experience of using the sleeping bags. Imagine getting stuck inside the bag when the zipper snags or, worse, break while zipping down.
Compression bags / Stuff sack
Can also come as a stuff sack. It’s not offered to every sleeping bag. Those that offer should be a big plus as this will help you compactly compress your bag to conveniently fit inside your backback.
Inside pocket
Found either on the chest or feet area; is a great feature to have to keep your phone or your watch warm and securely dry.
Shell material
Depending on the activity, the material used for the shell is important. There are water-resistant and tear-resistant fabrics and are best for rugged conditions like trekking. But if it’s only for indoor activities, the cotton fabric will do, to also make sure that you won’t be too warm inside.
Inner lining
The material used for inner lining will also be consequential depending on the weather condition of your trip. Getting a bag with cotton as an inner lining will not be a good choice when camping in colder conditions as it may trap moisture.
Hood
Commonly found in mummy sleeping bags, there are hoods that have a drawstring so that you can tighten it around your face to securely keep the draft out. However, some may not come with a drawstring, so you have to weigh in if this factor will be detrimental to your purchase.
Sleeping bag accessories
There are bags that offer a pillow, a fleece, or a sleeping pad. It’s added comfort and might be worth considering when choosing
The 10 Best Sleeping Bags Available in Australia
#1. MalloMe Camping Sleeping Bag
Great value for money 3-Season Sleeping Bag
- EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE SLEEPING BAG!! MalloMe sleeping bags are designed to provide much needed rest after a full day of outdoor...
- GREAT FOR ALL SEASONS - These sleeping bags are designed so that it will keep you warm and safe even in near-freezing temperatures. The...
- EASY TO CARRY AND CLEAN! - The MalloMe sleeping bag can easily be wiped clean or machine washed making it versatile and convenient....
Weight: 2.04 kg | Dimensions (L x W): 86.6” x 31.5” | Material: Polyester
Standout features: 3-season, waterproof and weather-resistant, and comes with a compression sack.
The MalloMe Camping Sleeping Bag is a budget sleeping bag that offers some of the best value for money of all 3-season sleeping bags. Because of its double-layer technology and waterproof, weather-resistant design, it keeps you comfortably warm in wet conditions and prevents you from getting damp inside.
It comes with a compression sack, about 17 inches tall, but can be compressed up to 12 inches when you need to squeeze that into your bag. In colder conditions, you can keep yourself warmer by adjusting the hood of the sleeping bag with its adjustable drawstring.
It’s easy to clean as well either with a simple wiping off or machine washing. But because it’s synthetic, you have to be wary when washing to avoid clumping of fiber—creating lumps and cold spots.
This certainly isn’t suited to more extreme conditions or long trips but it is an excellent budget option for the casual campers among us.
#2. Marmot Unisex's Nanowave 25 Mummy Sleeping Bag
Best Mummy Sleeping Bag for Backpacking, Bikepacking, and Canoe Camping
- The mummy sleeping bag with synthetic spiral high loft Insulation for Maximum warmth and life span of the sleeping bag; The perfect...
- Three-season sleeping bag with anatomically optimized fit in the head and foot area guarantees better insulation and more comfort when...
- This 50D 100% nylon ripstop outer Material is breathable and windproof; Draft collar and hood; can also be used as a cover; temperature...
Weight: 1300 g | Packed Size: 10 x 15 in | Material: Polyester
Standout feature: Highly compressible, Synthetic SpiraFil High Loft Insulation, has two-way YKK zipper sliders
The Marmot Unisex's Nanowave 25 Mummy is a great three-season sleeping bag when space and weight are paramount. Making this one of the best sleeping bags to have ready when you’re thinking of going on a long biking adventure, backpacking, or even a fun weekend away with friends.
It’s extremely compactable and is a great companion on long trips. It comes with a compression stuff sack. Despite having super lightweight features, it’s conveniently padded and anatomically optimized to fit from your head to your toes comfortably with better insulation (synthetic).
It comes with two-way YKK zipper sliders—a high-quality zipper brand. Having two-way zippers makes it way easier to zip in and out of the sleeping bag.
#3. The North Face Eco Trail Synthetic Sleeping Bag
Most Eco-Friendly Sleeping Bag
- CAMP IN COMFORT. The Eco Trail Synthetic 0-degree sleeping bag is made for comfortable warmth in frigid conditions. It is proudly made...
- RECYCLED INSULATION. Our 50% post-consumer recycled Heatseeker synthetic insulation has great warmth to weight ratio and can be easily...
- THOUGHTFUL DESIGN. Slip into a carefully crafted bag offering a fitted hood with cinch-cord, draft collar and zipper baffle that...
Weight: 2500 g | Stuffsack Size: 12″ X 22″ | Material: Recycled Polyester Ripstop
Standout feature: J-Zip style, made 100% recycled polyester, comes in different sizes and hand preference
The North Face Eco Trail Synthetic Sleeping Bag is designed both for comfort and style. It’s made with 100% recycled shell and recycled synthetic insulation. Both features provide great warmth even when wet. It also comes with a draft collar, a fitted hood with a cinch cord to prevent heat loss, and a vaulted foot box to secure warmth from temperatures ranging 0-degrees Fahrenheit (-18 Celcius) and up.
Despite being a mummy sleeping bag, it is still built to provide decent mobility and maximum comfort with its extended width in the knees and its wraparound J-zip. It comes in great variations as well. You can choose depending on size: Extra-long, Regular, and Long. Also, whether you’re right-handed or left-handed for zipping convenience.
#4. Naturehike Compact 800 Sleeping Bag
Amazon’s Best Selling Mummy Sleeping Bag
- ➤BEST QUALITY MADE - Made with best quality 15D/400T nylon material, strong comfortable & water proof. Filled by best quality 800...
- ➤LIGHTEST DOWN SLEEPING BAG - Weight only 1.28lbs(regular long)/1.30lbs(extra long)/1.74lbs(extra large). The lightest down sleep bag...
- ➤MOST COMPACT - This sleeping bag has 3 size: Regular(74.80"L X 28.35"W)/Extra Long(80.71"L X 28.35"W)/Extra Large(78.74"L X...
Weight: R: 570g L: 600g XL: 790g | Dimensions: R: 190 x 72 cm, L: 205 x 72 cm, XL: 200 x 80 cm | Material: 15D nylon
Standout feature: 800 Fill Power Goose Down, Waterproof, versatile mummy sleeping bag
The Naturehike Compact 800 Sleeping Bag is very versatile. Aside from its main function as a sleeping bag, it can be unzipped and be used as a blanket for added warmth or be zipped together with another Naturehike Sleeping Bag to accommodate two people.
A few of its perks are: First, it comes with an adjustable drawstring so to prevent heat loss and maintain the warmth inside. Second, it has a hang cord for drying the bag as it is unfit to be under sun exposure. Third, it’s waterproof and has goose-down insulation. Lastly, it’s equipped with YKK zipper.
Because this sleeping bag is ultra-lightweight and extremely packable it’s a great sleeping bag buddy for hikers and backpackers. Also, it comes with different size versions to cater to a wide height range. It is more or less a 2-season bag and every version of the bag may have different temperature ratings so you would need to check that first before making the purchase.
#5. Sea to Summit Ascent Down Sleeping Bag
Most Versatile Zipper System Sleeping Bag
- Free-flow zipper system
- Vertical baffles over the chest to prevent down shifting as you roll over in your sleep
- Shaped hood, oversized draft collar and zipper draft tube keep the cold out and the warmth in
Weight: 3 lbs | Height: R: 6 ft (183cm), Long: 6 ft. 6” (198 cm) | Material: t 20D Nylon Shell
Standout feature: Zipper coupling, free-flow zipper system, 3-season sleeping bag
The Sea to Summit Ascent Down Sleeping Bag is one of the best sleeping bags available to buy in Australia. It has a lot of features and quality materials throughout.
If you were to describe this sleeping bag with one word, it would be versatility. Everything about its design is engineered to provide maximum comfort in the widest range of environments.
Its versatile zipper system (YKK brand), gives you a variety of options on how to use it. It can be unzipped fully to use it as a comforter instead or you can opt to unzip it halfway for those who are a bit claustrophobic. Thirdly, there’s a separate zipper at the bottom just for your feet, so you’ll have the option to keep your feet well ventilated in warm conditions.
In addition to this, the sleeping bag’s body is engineered to maximise sleep quality, not just by maintaining a suitable temperature but also by considering the movements we make while sleeping.
The Sea to Summit Ascent is Responsible Down Standards (RDS) certified. It has an Ultra-Dry Down 750+ treatment which provides protection to the high-lofting down against external moisture and internal condensation.
It comes with variants depending on your preferred temperature rating (25°F, 15°F, or 0°F) and size as well (Regular or Long).
#6. Coleman Big Game Sleeping Bag
Best Comfy Sleeping Bag for Tall Campers
- Product Type: Sporting Goods
- Package Quantity: 1
- Country of Origin: China
Weight: 13.5 lbs | Dimensions: 40 in. x 84 in. (101 cm x 213 cm) | Material: Cotton
Standout feature: 100% cotton
The Coleman Big Game Sleeping Bag sports big gaming which means it’s designed for tall people up to 6’ 7”. It’s insanely comfortable to use because of its soft cotton material. And just like the other two products in this list, you can use it alternatively as a blanket or a cover spread. Plus, you can also zip one bag with another bag for extra room.
It comes with a specially-designed, patented zipper system that ploughs the fabric away when zipping in or out, keeping it safe from snags. It has a matching pillow as well giving you that ultimate comfort you might need on a cold night out under the star.
#7. TETON Sports Altos Mummy Sleeping Bag
Best Sleeping Bag for Rugged Conditions
- STEP UP YOUR COMFORT: This roomy bag provides more shoulder and leg room; Built-out footbox provides more room for your feet;...
- STEP UP YOUR WARMTH: Lofty, lightweight, and highly compressible; Enjoy the unrivaled warmth of this water-resistant sleeping bag that...
- STEP UP YOUR ADVENTURE: You can take this mummy sleeping bag anywhere; From backyard to backcountry, this is the bag you need to have a...
Packed Weight: 3.5 lbs. | Dimensions: 84″ x 32″ (at the shoulders) x 17″ (at the foot) | Material: Liner: 20D Nylon, Shell: 20D Ripstop
Standout features: Water-resistant, tear-resistant shell, 3-piece ultra-puff hood
The TETON Sports Altos Mummy Sleeping Bag is a great sleeping bag for backpackers. It can be compressed and stuffed inside its sack easily. It has a packed weight of 3.5 lbs and is around 14” tall. So not much of a burden to carry around during hikes.
It has a tear-resistant shell made with 20D Ripstop. So you’re worry-free when faced with rugged conditions. It has a vaulted foot box which makes it more comfortable for you in a natural sleeping position. The hood, on the other hand, can cover your whole head but, instead, leaves your face bare. Nevertheless, it is designed to contour your face and can cinch down tightly to prevent draft.
#8. BlackWolf Solstice Jumbo-200 Hooded Sleeping Bag
Best Sleeping Bag for Mild Weather
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL: Backpacking, hiking and outdoor activities made fun and comfortable with the Black Wolf Solstice Jumbo 200
- ENSURE WARMTH: Designed with a draft flap and contoured hood for a cosy sleeping spot
- PROTECTIVE ZIPPER: Features an anti-bite zipper guard to prevent snags on fabric and insects from entering
Weight: 1.6kg | Internal Size: 225 x 86cm | Material: Shell Fabric: 210T Ripstop, Fill: Powerloft, 200gsm (1 x 200), Lining: Synsilk
The BlackWolf Solstice Jumbo-200 Hooded Sleeping Bag is the perfect sleeping bag for the hobby hiker. It has a comfort temperature of 9°C and a lower temperature of 5°C, while the extreme temperature rating is -8°C. This means you’re pretty much set to be comfortable in any condition Australia can through at you.
There’s no complicated manual or other magical twist and tricks with this sleeping bag. Aside from the hidden zippered chest pocket, there’s no other secret it keeps. It’s purely made for its function as a quality all-round sleeping bag,. It keep you comfortably warm while out on a camping trip. It has a Double cap compression bag and Nightglow zip puller. The hood is contoured and has a draft flap to maintain the warmth inside.
#9. Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag
Best Affordable Sleeping Bag with Down Insulation
- The Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree sleeping bag is ideal for 3-season backpacking and camping. Water-resistant down insulation and an array of...
- This sleeping bag is insulated with 600-fill DriDown. Renowned for efficiency in retaining heat and compressible properties, down has...
- Employing a unique, innovative polymer application, DriDown actually creates a hydrophobic finish on each individual plume of down....
Weight: Short: 1.1 kg, Regular:1.19 kg, Long: 1.33 kg | Stuffed size: Short: 8″ x 13″, Regular: 8″ x 13″, Long: 8″ x 14″ | Material: Shell: Nylon Taffeta, Liner: Polyester Taffeta
Standout feature: Water-resistant 600-fill DriDown insulation, PFC-free water-repellent coating 3-season sleeping bag
The Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag is inspired by quality geometric engineering. The trapezoidal beagle construction is designed to maximise heat retention and overall thermal effeciency.
Meanwhile, the outer shell of the sleeping bag is environmentally and health-friendly as it’s made with PFC-free DWR fabrics. It means that no Perfluorinated Chemicals were used to make the bag’s fabric waterproof.
It also has a zippered internal stash pocket for your phone or other valuables. And, the zippers are designed to be snag-free which is always a great feature to have to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and bad experience with the product. It comes with three variants as well: Short, Regular, and Long.
#10. FARLAND Camping Sleeping Bag
Best Sleeping Bag for Teens
- FEEL THE DIFFERENCE : Farland Super Comfortable Sleeping Bags are designed to ensure that after a tiring day of trekking, hiking,...
- DESIGNED FOR COOL/COLD WEATHER : Our sleeping bags are designed for 20-62℉/-7-17℃. Moreover, these bags also have a waterproof,...
- SIZE : Envelope-Shape Sleeping Bag measures 29.5 by 86.6 inches (W x D), Mummy-Shape Sleeping Bag measures 33.5 by 86.6 inches (W x...
Weight: 7 lbs.| Dimensions: 29.5 by 86.6 inches| Material: Outer shell: Nylon, Lining: Polyester Pongee, Fill-Material: Polyester Fiber
Standout feature: Offers different lively colors, Designed for cold conditions, waterproof and weather-resistant
The FARLAND Camping Sleeping Bag has a temperature rating of 20°F and is designed for cold or cool conditions. It’s waterproof and weather-resistant as well, which means you’re free from getting damp—thanks to its double-filled technology.
It’s not complicated to use as well. It’s not as bulky and doesn’t have to pull any string to make most of the sleeping bag. Meanwhile, the zipper can be zipped all the way, opening the bag wide open. This is a good feature to have so that if the user feels extremely confined they can just easily zip the bag all the way.
This is a great sleeping bag for the casual camper who just wants a comfortable night’s sleep in most conditions.