Best Mountaineering Sleeping Bags of 2022

BEST FOR: LOW-ALTITUDE BASE CAMPS

Made with a thick, dry layer of premium goose down, the Marmot Col Sleeping Bag keeps you warm down to -20 Degrees Fahrenheit. Its unique waterproof, breathable fabric can resist even the harshest of weather while the specially designed “nautilus” hood, as it’s called, offers a complete and superior warmth for your head. And in the dead of night, when you’re all cozied up, use hidden drawcords around the hood to adjust your comfort in the dark. 

All-in-all, this is a strong, warm sleeping bag that will fare well on most any backcountry expeditions. If you plan on battling seriously frigid temperatures on a mountain summit, you may want to consider a thicker sleeping bag. But if you’re journeying anywhere else in less-than-frigid conditions, this all-encompassing sleeping bag will do just the trick.

BEST FOR: EXTENDED MOUNTAINEERING

Most mountaineering sleeping bags can sustain temperatures down to 0-degrees, which includes the Therm-A-Rest, but few have the capacity to mount a blanket or quilt to add even more warmth. The Therm-A-Rest sleeping bag, however, comes with an internal pocket and loop design to mount any separate blanket. Furthermore, a well-designed foot space naturally encases your feet so your toes stay toasty and an included stuff sack means you can easily pack this bag away for any alpine adventure. 

We recommend this sleeping bag to those considering mild climates and extended stays. The blanket connector particularly grants you a bit more comfort at base camp than most other bags will provide.

If you’re on a budget and looking for a highly affordable, cold-bearing sleeping bag, then definitely consider the Kelty Cosmic 0. This bag, although ringing in at a lower cost, will keep you warm down to 2 Degrees Fahrenheit and it comes equipped with all the features you need for a good night’s rest. A draft collar ensures warmth around the neck while the water repellent coating easily wicks away moisture. 

Pack this bag if you’re thinking about a quick, cold weather expedition. You probably won’t want to rely on this bag for long duration expeditions, where you may be spending a lot of time in your tent, but if a quick in-and-out journey is on the docket, then definitely consider saving yourself some money and going with the Kelty Cosmic 0.

BEST FOR: ALPINE BACKPACKING TRIPS

One of the most versatile sleeping bags on the market, Mountain Hardwear’s Phantom Gore-Tex Sleeping Bag is capable of keeping you warm on a backpacking, skiing, climbing or mountaineering trip. This mummy-shaped bag is made with Gore-Tex protection to block out the wind and rain while its draft collar keeps your head and shoulders warm and restricts the elements from ruining your night. 

Warm and easy to use in the dark with glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls, this well-designed sleeping bag will last you years of expeditioning. And with just enough firepower to keep you warm in cold environments, it can be used almost anywhere you decide to adventure.

BEST FOR: UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENTS

If you’re anticipating severe and rapidly changing weather, you may want to consider bringing along the NEMO Sonic 0 bag on your next adventure. This unique bag is made with patented Thermo Gills that allow you to regulate temperature on the fly without letting cold air in. Once inside of it, the contoured and drawstring-adjustable hood provides maximum warmth while the unique material stretches at the knees for added mobility. 

This is a sleeping bag that values comfort and customization. So if you’re looking for a comfortable and reliable bag that can face rain, snow, and wind at a moment’s notice, we suggest looking into the NEMO Sonic 0 Sleeping bag.

BEST FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKERS

Weighing less than 3 pounds, the Marmot Lithium 0 Sleeping Bag is one of the lightest and warmest bags on the market. Stuffed full of 800-fill-down, this bag will keep you warm down to 0 Degree weather while the unique, double-zippered design allows for quick venting if you overheat. 

Whereas some down bags get wet and lose their efficiency, the Lithium is coupled with Marmot’s Down Defender water repellent to ensure that it stays warm and efficient in any weather, even if it gets a bit wet. We highly recommend this bag to any lightweight backpackers seeking a long-lasting sleeping bag for their adventures.

BEST FOR: ALL FEMALE MOUNTAINEERS

Designed to withstand temperatures down to -12 Degrees Fahrenheit and made especially for women, the Marmot Ouray 0 Sleeping bag comes with all the features and more that you need out of a good mountaineering sleeping bag. With an all-encasing footbag for extra toasty feet and a second, fold-down zipper for impromptu ventilation if needed, this bag will keep you at the perfect temperature in nearly any environment. 

Unless you’re looking for an extreme high-altitude or freezing weather bag, the Marmot Ouray 0 sleeping bag will work like a charm for all of your wildest mountaineering adventures.

BEST FOR: EXTREME MOUNTAINEERING

Exposed cliff faces, frigid mountain summits, and sheer arctic conditions are no match for this extreme cold weather beast from Marmot. As the coldest bag on our list, the Marmot CWM sleeping bag is able to withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees F. 

Improvise a bivouac on the summit or tredge into the tundra with this bag and you’ll have all the warmth you need. Several drawstrings allow for quick and easy adjustments in the dark while its unique design eliminates cold spots by evenly dispersing the down beneath you. 

We highly recommend the CWM to serious mountaineers looking for a bag that can sustain the most inclement of weather.

BEST FOR: MINIMALISTS AND THRU-HIKERS

If you’re looking for the lightest sleeping bag out there then you may want to consider the Sierra Designs Nitro sleeping bag. Clocking in at just 2 pounds and 8 ounces, this durable bag is good for warmth down to 2 Degrees Fahrenheit. It even comes equipped with a self-sealing footvent to aerate your lower half if you’re overheating. 

We highly recommend this bag to minimalists camping out in slightly warmer climates. This sleeping bag is simple, comfortable, and efficient, and makes for a good thru-hike trail bag that you’ll use for weeks on end.