When looking for a sleeping bag or quilt for bikepacking it is highly desired that it is lightweight and packs fairly small. As I am transitioning into a more minimalist bikepacking setup from a bike touring pannier setup. I have been wondering what are the best sleeping bags for bikepacking. During my research through asking many bikepackers directly and searching all over the web. I came to discover that not only sleeping bags are what other bikepackers use and recommend but also quilts too.
So this article we are going to dive deep into all the best sleeping bags and quilts that were suggests by other bike travellers.
Sleeping Bags
- Western Mountaineering Ultra Lite Sleeping Bag
- Kelty Cosmic 40 F Degree Down
- Aegismax UL Mummy Bag
- Big Agnes Hitchens UL 20
- Snugpak Jungle Bag
- Big Agnes Pluton UL 40
- MEC Talon Light +5C Down Sleeping Bag
- Sea To Summit Spark II
Quilts
- Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
- Hammock Gear Quilts
- Loco Libre Gear 20° Operator Series Ghost Pepper Topquilt
- Sea To Summit Ember EbI Sleeping Quilt
But before we get into the details. We should cover the things you should be looking for in a sleeping bag or quilt for your next bikepacking adventure?
Maybe you would want to consider a quilt instead of a sleeping bag they are generally lighter as they don’t include some parts that are on a sleeping bag. A great lightweight and small packing quilt with a sleeping pad can get down to the size of a coffee can.
Sleeping Bag Vs Quilt
What’s the difference between a sleeping bag and a quilt?
A sleeping bag or quilt? It is a very popular debate amongst bikepackers. So which one is better? They all have their own pros and cons, but hopefully we can come to a choice and figure out which one is best for you.
Quilts are generally a lighter option then their sleeping bag equivalent. If weight is a big thing for you, a quilt might be your best bet. They are around 20% to 30% lighter overall. Quilts have less parts then a sleeping bag which makes them lighter.
Due to having less parts like, zippers and a hood they are able to pack smaller then sleeping bags in general. The great thing about bikepacking bags is you can stuff them in and work them down, or mount them on your handlebars. But with less volume required that means more space for storing food and other gear.
One of the things with quilts that has me a little skeptical is the ability to keep you warm enough like a sleeping bag would in really cold environments. As I am a side sleeping, quilts sometimes result in the drafts and you will get a little chilly. But to reduce this, the better quality quilts now come with neck collars, width options and improved attachment systems.
Another thing with quilts is you will need something to keep your head warm, during those colder months, as they don’t include any hood. A beanie or layering up and using your hood on your jacket is a simple solution to this. It is using the gear you have in conjunction with the quilt.
With a quilt you also are using your sleeping pad in conjunction too. A insulated pad helps keep your underside warm while using a quilt.
With quilts you have no zipper issues. As they have no zippers, there is nothing to snag or break. If you are a side sleeper quilts are typically more preferred. They allow more movement and are less restrictive. You could use a sleeping bag that is open however you don’t have a attachment system with a sleeping bag like you do with a quilt, therefore there maybe drafts that come in.
Sleeping bags are simple, especially the mummy bags, you just hop in a sleep away. With a quilt there are many attributes to making them work the best, and a sleeping bag is just simple. If you are camping in the middle of winter in below freezing temperatures, then you are probably better of with a mummy sleeping. Also sleeping bags are better for people who are not worrying too much about packed weight. A quilts price in theory is cheaper then a sleeping bag, but it is hit and miss.
So are quilts better than sleeping bags?
Well it depends who you ask! And how you intend to use them. Again for a summer trip a quilt would be best to minimize weight if that really matters to you. And lets face it the less weight and space gear takes up in bikepacking bags the better. But if you are bike travelling out in winter conditions you need to have a well tuned quilt system or a simple mummy bag is your better option. There are still some really lightweight and small packing sleeping bags available, check out the list below, where I compare all the best options recommended by bikepackers.
Best Sleeping Bags For Bikepacking
Let’s start with the sleeping bags that were recommended by other bikepackers who highly suggest these options. Best for anyone heading off on a lightweight bikepacking adventure. Who are looking for either a summer or winter option. That are lightweight and pack fairly small.
Western Mountaineering Ultralite Sleeping Bag
The Western Mountaineering sleeping bag is the first on out list. The bikepacker I was talking to mentioned that they have had this bag for over 13 years and it is still going strong. The zipper never gets stuck. Has a cosy baffle around neck. And very warm but also not to hot.
| Shape | Degree | Stuff Size | Claimed Weight | Material | Price |
| Mummy | 20 F | 7 x 13 in | 1 lb 12 oz / 794 grams | [shell] ExtremeLite, [lining] nylon taffeta – Insulation : 850+ fill down | From $510 |
The more I think about paying for more for bikepacking kit, it seems more of a better idea instead of buying cheaper stuff. If it lasts for 13 years plus it is well worth the investment. This particular bag starts at $510. All the customers who have purchased this bag are over the moon with it! Read the reviews here at Back Country.
Kelty Cosmic 40 F Degree Down
This is Kelty’s most popular 3 season sleeping bag, that comes in a incredible price from $129.95. It is a solid summer sleeping bag that stays warm even if it does get damp. It compresses to a small volume of 7 x 13 in / 18 x 33 cm which is comparable to the above $500+ sleeping bag. And a very similar if not identical weight as well for a fraction of the price. However it is only good to 40 Degrees not down to 20.
- This Kelty bag will keep you warm in 40-degree temps
- It’s very comfortable, soft against the skin.
- It’s lightweight.
- It’s easy to pack into the stuff sack
| Shape | Degree | Stuff Size | Claimed Weight | Material | Price |
| Mummy | 37 degrees (F) 2 degrees (C) | 7 x 12 in / 18 x 30.5 cm | 1 lb. 9.7 oz. / 794 grams | 50D Polyester Taffeta Liner, 20D Nylon Taffeta Shell With PFC-Free DWR, 600 fill power DriDown™ | From $129.95 |
One thing to note is to take care when washing. Be careful that the down doesn’t move to the edges in wet clumps, use the dryer balls that are recommended and follow the instructions. Some users have had problems with this sleeping bag when washing, but they neglected to follow the instruction, and now they are cold!
Best Budget Lightweight Sleeping Bag
Only $80
Aegismax UL Mummy Bag
The Aegismax was recommended by some bikepackers who picked this sleeping bag due to its $80 price tag, available on Amazon. It is the cheapest sleeping bag that I could find that was also suggested for bikepacking adventures.
It is a super minimal sleeping bag that could maybe be categorised as a quilt as it has no hood, but has a zipper. It is super light and is ideal for those spring and summer bikepacking trips. It is a very thin bag and it is claimed to go down to 30 to 35 F but would shine around 40 F or around 4 C.
It has a cinch pull cord and velcro strap at the top of the bag allowing you to tighten around your next to trap warmth in, since it has no hood. It comes with a great stuff sack that makes it a small unit for bikepacking. And it only weighs a grand total of 408 grams for the regular or 14 to 15 oz.
| Shape | Degree | Stuff Size | Claimed Weight | Material | Price |
| Mummy | 30 to 35 F / -1 C to 2 C | 4.7 x 8.3 in / 12cm x 21cm | from 408g or 14.4 oz | Outer shell fabric:iFlex 20D Nylon with DWR, high density down proof weave Inner fabric: iFlex 20D Nylon with skin & soft, high density down proof weave | $80.00 |
The great thing again about this bag is that it is only $80 over at Amazon, It also has good reviews too. Go check it our for yourself if you want more information.
Big Agnes Hitchens UL 20
This is a technical, ultralight fill down bag is designed to excel is all conditions. For all the UL bags out there, this one seems the best for the warmth to weight ratio. It is a little steep at $569.95, the rating on this bag is 20 degrees (F) or -5 degrees (C). They seemed to run true to the rating without any issues.
It is a greta bag that would dry in the sun in less than an hour after getting wet, after days of rain this bag kept me insulated. It is a durable enough bag that it never ripped when it was laided out to dry on logs, rocks hung in trees. It weighs in at around 1 lb. 15 oz / 879 grams, but it is worth every dime.
| Shape | Degree | Stuff Size | Claimed Weight | Material | Price |
| Mummy | 20 degrees (F) or -5 degrees (C) | 6in x 7in / 15 x 18cm | 1 lb. 15 oz / 879 grams | 850-fill DownTek water repellent down, Ripstop nylon | From $569.95 |
Best sleeping bag for when it is hot and humid outside
Only $69.95
Snugpak Jungle Bag
The Jungle Bag is a great option if you are looking for a summer bag option, especially when it is hot and humid outside, keeping the bugs of you. It is specifically designed for tropical environments, packing a small as a coconut! It has just enough Travelsoft insulation to keep you comfortable. And also comes with a mosquito net which rolls over your face and completely incloses you in the bag so you are free from those biting buggers at night!
The Jungle bag is a square shape when unzipped making it useful as a quilt to. And it only comes in at $69.95 on amazon with some great reviews, read them here! This versatile sleeping bag is also rated to 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius.
| Shape | Degree | Stuff Size | Claimed Weight | Material | Price |
| Summer bag with mosquito net | 7°C / 45°F | 15 x 18cm / 6″ x 7″ | 900g / 32oz | Micro diamond Paratex Antibacterial Travelsoft | From $69.95 |
Big Agnes Pluton UL 40
The Pulton Ul uses a cozy lining for lightweight and the bag is highly compressible with a packable 850-fill DownTek™ insulation. Making it great for bikepacking as is will keep you warm and keep your setup light.
| Shape | Degree | Stuff Size | Claimed Weight | Material | Price |
| Mummy | 40 degrees (F) 4 degrees (C) | 4.5″ x 5″ / 11 x 13cm | 822 grams or 1lb 13oz | 850-fill-power DownTek down and Ripstop nylon | From $349.95 |
MEC Talon Light +5C Down Sleeping Bag
The Talon Light +5C is an ultralight sleeping bag is designed for bikepackers who “cut off their toothbrush handles to save weight”. If that sounds like you this bag could be for you! MEC is a Canadian brand that ships to the US for a little extra in shipping costs.
The sleeping bags packs down to about the size of a 1L water bottle or about 16 x 32cm. It will require a 8L stuff sack to pack. As it comes with a draw string bag. The 800-fill-power down keeps you warm on summer nights.
Due to the bags lightweight it is very delicate not like some of the Big Agnes bags, but you also do pay much less, from $249.95. You can unzip it all the way and turn it into a blanket or a quilt. Has a bit more room in the shoulders and hips so works well for women. The two zippers allowing you to expose your feet without opening the whole bag are handy as well.
It is often hard to find a comfortable down bag that is so reasonably priced, yet the Talon is softer, comfier and seems to have more loft than some bags that cost much more.
| Shape | Degree | Stuff Size | Claimed Weight | Material | Price |
| Mummy | 5°C | 16 x 32cm | 513g | 800+ fill-power goose down and 15-denier nylon | From $249.95 |
Sea To Summit Spark II 28
The Spark series offer a variety of different options the 2 is a mid option, spanning from a liner to expedition weight mid-winter bag. The whole aim of the Spark series is to match weather conditions to the lightest bag possible.
This Spark 2 temperature raring for comfort at 4C or 38 F and has a lower limit of -2C and 28 F. Available in a regular and long size, the regular weighs only 482 grams.
| Shape | Degree | Stuff Size | Claimed Weight | Material | Price |
| Mummy | 28 degrees (F) / -2 degrees (C) | 3.3 to 1.3) L | 1 lb 1 oz / 482 | 850+ UltraDry Down / 10-denier nylon | From $349.00 |
Thermo Sleeping Bag Liners
A sleeping bag in addition to a liner can increase overall warmth by an extra 15C. They are a great combination for those colder months if you have a 5C rating sleeping bag to help you feel more comfortable in those really cold nights. It might be a good investment to buy a thermo liner like this by Sea To Summit that is $69.95 at REI
Best Quilts For Bikepacking
Most popular quilt used by bikepackers that I asked!
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
A highly recommended quilt from many bikepackers and backpackers. The Revelation has been one of Enlightened Equipments first products that continues to impress. For its amazing versatility, thoughtful design, and ultralight weight.
The quilt features an adjustable footbox with a zipper and shock cord that can be completely closed, completely open like a blanket. it is important to understand that a quilt like this is to be used with a insulated sleeping pad, not like a sleeping bag. The quilt saves space and weight in your bikepacking setup, with no full-length zipper or a built-in hood.
Hammock Gear Exonomy Burrow Ultralight Top Quilt
This quilt is a good options for ground sleepers, when you get the wide width. Also a good option for when you are hammock bike camp too. This top quilt feature a half taper design and vertical torso baffles, which helps to make sure you have proper side coverage to your hips, while also saving a little bit of weight due to the tapered footbox.
Loco Libre Gear 20° Operator Series Ghost Pepper Topquilt
This quilt features a wispy Argon 67 fabric filled with airy light 900 fill power Downtek goose down. In addition our baffled chevron design keeps all that lightweight goodness right where it belongs.
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