Pros: Well insulated, Cozy, Big enough for people over 6″, Relatively light and compact for its size
Cons: None
Description: If you’re looking for a solid all-rounder bag, the Coleman’s mummy bag is a fav. As the name implies, this mummy bag has you covered from head to toe and will keep you warm down to 10º Fahrenheit. It uses quilting to help retain heat and a foot box that helps keep you tootsies comfortable.
It’s a bit on the heavier side at 5.8 pounds, but it makes up for it by being able to fit larger humans up to 6 feet and 2 inches tall. It also comes with a semi-sculpted hood with a drawstring to tighten close.
What we like? What makes this bag worthwhile stand out is how thick and insulated it is, meaning if you like a bit of extra padding, this is it.
Pros: Good shell, Lightweight, Good customer service, Machine washable
Cons: The storage bag is a bit big
Description: This Mummy Sleeping bag is a product that was released by Winner Outfitters, in response to customer feedback. This model is a refashioned model from previous years, in an attempt to address some of the bags issues in the past.
The bag uses a 350T polyester shell to protect the 400G /M2 3D cotton filling. The bag has draft collars that run along the zippers to keep cold air out and prevent the warm air from escaping. While the bag official is a 35F bag Winner Outfitters states that it can handle temperatures down to 20ºF.
The bag is 87 x 32 x 4 inches and when in its compression pouch it comes 9.8 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches.
We would recommend this bag for people on a budget. As it is priced as a cheaper bag, it may not impress like a bag in the 200usd range, but for the price this thing is a steal.
Cons: Price is a bit more in comparison to other bags
Description: Outdoor Vitals calls Aeirie sleeping bag a “5 in 1” bag meaning you can use it not only as a “hammock underquilt, a hammock pod system, a technical blanket, or a single or double sleeping bag.”
The sleeping bag is a bit more expensive than the others, but you get what you pay for. Don’t expect gold in a 50usd bag, that’s for sure.
There are several variations. You can get a 0 degree or 15-degree bag, and can choose from either LoftTek Hybrid Insulation or 800+ FP Down Insulation ranging from 585 G to 1200G of fill depending on the model.
What we like about this bag is how it distributes heat taking down out of areas and reallocates to other areas where it’s needed to create a more even distribution. If you are looking for a bag that can be used in a number of different ways, this is it!
Cons: Hard to fit the bag in the compression sack and a bit big
Description: The LEEF sleeping bag by Teton Sports is a well-insulated bag that comes in 0 degrees or 20 degrees as well as an adult and child size. The outside shell uses a 40D water-resistant rip-stop, while the inside uses brushed Poly-Flannel.
So of the little extras include taped anti-snag zippers, mummy hood, inside pockets, and microfiber insulation.
As this bag is under 100 bucks, you definitely get some good value out of it, though it is not down-filled so will not be as warm as some of the others on this list, but again for the price point, we think its a steal.
Pros: Lifetime warranty included, good for cold temps, super thick
Cons: Price is a bit steep
Description: If you’re looking for a well-insulated and light sleeping bag, the Atlas from Outdoor Vitals is a good catch. The Atlas sleeping bag uses a water-resistant rip-stop nylon material and they have several variations that come in an extra-long and wide at 0 degrees and -15F degrees.
We like Outdoor Vitals as you know companies that offer a lifetime warranty are looking to stand by their products. So that always makes us a bit more confident.
The bag is a mix of synthetic fiber and down that which makes this baby super toasty. The advantage of the mix is that it gives you the benefits of down, but the mix makes it better for moisture-wicking so that you stay dry in your bag even if it’s damp outside.
Pros: Multi-use as an under quilt or a sleeping bag, Light, Compact, Hallowed back to works well with sleeping pads
Cons: Not for Winter
Description: To finish off the list we have a sleeping quilt by OneTigris which is intended to use on a hammock for warmer nights and used as a sleeping bag or under quilt. It is made from 20D Ripstop Nylon that makes up the outer shell together with a 380T Polyester Pongee Lining and SEE Polyester filling.
Its warmer than a blanket as it has a thick layer of insulation together with a diamond-shaped design which helps prevent deadweight from building up.
What we like about this one is that its a bit different than the rest as it provides an alternative to the traditional mummy sleeping bags which can be a bit claustrophobic and over the top for toasty summer nights.
Sleeping on a hammock has its pros and cons. You don’t have to lie one the cold ground, no need to worry about finding a flat spot to pitch a tent, and its quick and easy to setup; however, in a hammock you are open to the elements you are a bit more exposed that you would be in a tent. This is why you need a sleeping bag that is warm and has a protective layer on the outside to protect you from frosty nights and dewy mornings.
Speaking of equipment, you don’t have to limit yourself to only using a sleeping bag on your hammock. You can combine it with a sleeping pad, an under quilt, or any other equipment you may have.
If you want to stay warm, cozy and comfortable while hammocking, you’ll need either a proper quilt or sleeping bag. Here are some of things to take into account when you are looking out for what to buy
Sleeping Bag vs. Quilt
Sleeping bags and quilts aren’t the same thing, obviously. There are a few differences to look out for for:
The Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are designed like a sock to wrap and trap all the air around you keeping you warm on all sides.
A sleeping bag works to cover your entire body and are designed to keep you warm even in freezing cold climates. For this reason, you can expect them to be bulkier and heavier than a traditional quilt or under quilt.
A Quilt or Underquilt
Hammock quilts tend to be less bulky and generally not used for all 4 seasons because they are not designed to trap all the warm air inside. They generally are half tube half open making it possible to be used as a sleeping bag or an under qulit.
For better or worse, quilts only cover the top of your body, which means great for summers, terrible for winters. Though sleeping in a hammock in the winter sounds a like a chilly option to begin with.
Most quilts will not have the typical 360 degree insulation that you find in a sleeping bag, rather they are top heavy and rather thin under the back side so it doesn’t get a crumpled underneath.
Seasons and Temperature
Most sleeping bags are 2,3, or 4 season bags with a temperature rating that will state the minimum temperature that bag should be used in. If you get a 0 degree sleeping bag you can expect to be able to use it to that point, but its advisable to get something that is 10-15 degrees above what you would expect the coldest temperature to be outside.
So for example if you are going to be camping in the winter with a temperature around 20 degrees, you would likely want a 0 – 10 degree sleeping bag. This is because every body gives off a different level of heat while they are sleeping.
Some people sleep hot, while others cold. Also, some temperatures can feel colder than others if you take into account humidity, wind and elevation.
Down vs Synthetic Insulation
If you want to know what kind of hammock quilt or sleeping bag to purchase, the first question you must ask yourself is whether you want a down or synthetic-insulated one.
Down Insulation
Downinsulation is good insulation for your sleeping bag if you are camping in cold weather although down sleeping bags are also more expensive than their synthetic counterparts.
Down does not work very well when wet, though they make up for it by providing the best weight to warmth ratio that money can buy. Sleeping bags that are filled with down range from 600-900g are typically light, easy to pack, and can be condensed into smaller bundles than synthetic material.
Synthetic Insulation
Synthetic insulation is made from polyester fibers although there are a number of alternative fibres that are often used these days. The benefits of synthetic fibres is that they are cheaper, easier to clean and are better to use in damp/wet conditions in comparison to down.
Water Protection
If you go out camping regularly in wet weather, its advisable to get a sleeping bag that has been coated or treated so as to keep water from absorbing into the sleeping bag. This extra coating on top will help repel water.
Most of sleeping bags on our list are treated for wet weather. However, if you want to keep yourself dry in any weather condition, we suggest a tarp that you place over your hammock or check out a waterproof Bivy Bag. This one is made with military grade materials and designed to be fully submersible, breathable, lightweight and compact enough to take backpacking or camping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to care for a sleeping bag?
Your sleeping bag will likely get dirty and to clean it you need to look on the tags to see if it is machine washable or not. If not then the best thing to do is to hand wash it with cold water and soap and spot wash for the stained bits. Generally you do not want to dry clean.
2. What is a mummy sleeping bag?
A mummy sleeping bag is one that zips all the way up to above your neck leaving only a small hole for your head. The bags are usually a bit broader around the shoulders and narrow around your feet, and wraps around your head rather than just a tube.
3. Should I use a quilt or a mummy sleeping bag for my hammock?
Whether you use a quilt of a hammock will depend on the weather and your own preference. For colder climates you would want a sleeping bag as quilts are generally not as warm because they do not zip all the way up. Quilts tend to be lighter and have less insulation whereas sleeping bags will be thicker and can be used for all 4 seasons.
Takeaway
Sleeping bags for hammocks come in many forms. Some sleeping bags are designed for sleeping on the ground, while others are designed specifically for sleeping in a hammock.
Whether you want a quilt or a sleeping bag, down or synthetic fiber, if you’re looking to stay warm a down sleeping bag is what you should be looking for, if you are going somewhere that is warm then a synthetic insulation would be more than enough for you. Happy hammocking!
