Whether you are traveling on a dream trip to a faraway land or driving an hour to sleep in the woods, a good sleeping bag is a must have. The most beautiful night under the stars can go off the rails real quick if your teeth are chattering and your body won’t stop shivering. Sleeping bags are arguably the single most important piece of camping gear other than a tent. Use a tent that’s rated for 20° Fahrenheit in the summer and you’ll end up a hot mess. On the other hand, using a summer sleeping bag during the winter and you get hypothermia at best and your last night in the woods at worst.
Sleeping bags don’t have to break the bank, you can have your cake and eat it too. While you can spend a small fortune on a sleeping bag, you definitely have more affordable options at your disposal. You can’t take one home and give it a test run, so we combed through the masses and found the best sleeping bags under 100 dollars so you don’t have to.
How to find the best sleeping bag under 100$
Whenever you’re looking at replacing an old sleeping bag or getting a new one, there are a number of factors to consider that are going to directly impact your decision when finding a budget sleeping bag. This guide is designed to answer any questions you have and give you clear direction in your search for the best sleeping bags under 100 dollars.
Temperature rating
Temperature rating is the single most important factor when choosing any sleeping bag. The whole reason that you are using a sleeping bag is to stay warm and sleep comfortably.
When choosing the temperature rating, consider the lowest temperature that you will be exposed to and start from there.
It’s always a good idea to give yourself a 10°-15° buffer zone since you can’t predict the weather with 100% accuracy. Sleeping bags are generally categorized into three distinct bag types…
- Summer: +35° and higher
- 3-Season: +10° to +35°
- Winter: +10° and lower
Side Note: Most sleeping bags come with a temperature rating of 15° to 50° Fahrenheit.
Sleeping bag shape
Sleeping bags come in two main sizes: Mummy and rectangular. A rectangular shape is the classic camping sleeping bag that we’re all familiar with. The mummy bag is more of a backpacking and mountaineering option for more extreme locations and conditions.
Mummy bags
Mummy bags are narrow at the shoulder and taper off as they get closer to your feet. The design of mummy bags is intended to maximize warmth by limiting the air inside the bag. They are also designed to be lighter in weight and more compact so they can easily be packed up a mountain or taken on a multi-day hike. Some people have issues getting comfortable when sleeping in mummy bags for the first time. They are tighter and more restrictive than the standard sleeping bags and take a few nights to become familiar with.
Rectangular bags
Rectangular bags are the most common sleeping bag. As the name suggests, they are rectangular in shape and design with a zipper running down all the way down one side. Rectangular bags give you more room than a mummy bag, however, they have more room for air inside. This makes them less efficient in warming the space than a mummy bag and limits the seasonality. They’re more comfortable to sleep in since they’re not as restrictive as mummy bags and are the most common sleeping bag for casual outdoor adventurers.
Photo credit: UI International Programs by CC BY-ND 2.0
Down vs synthetic insulation
This is a choice that is impacted by your location and time of year. Synthetic bags work best in warmer climates and down is better for colder conditions.
Down insulation
Down insulation is warmer and will pack down into a smaller area than a synthetic bag. It is measured in fill count, so the higher the fill number the warmer it will be. Down offers the best warmth to weight ratio and typically comes with a hefty price tag when compared to a synthetic bag. The warmth and portability make down insulation a good choice for the serious backpacker who’s going to be exposed to severe cold or a long distance backpacking trip.
Synthetic insulation
Synthetic insulation is the most popular choice among campers due to its performance and price tag. Generally made with polyester material, a synthetic sleeping bag in quick drying, durable, and generally more affordable. The one major drawback to synthetic insulation is that it will not pack down as small as a down bag. Making is less versatile if you plan on doing some serious trekking.
Zippers
Zippers are not all created equal…
Rectangular sleeping bags zip all the way down to your feet and give you the most flexibility while camping. They are designed with comfort in mind and if you get too warm in the middle of the night you can simply unzip and let the fresh air in. The best part is you can zip two sleeping bags together for a double-wide.
Mummy bags are designed to keep as much heat in as possible. Because of this the zippers are 3/4 zip and taking a little wiggle action to get in and out of.
Weight
Your sleeping bag is one of the big three items that you carry on the trail, so the lighter the better. The biggest issue is finding a balance of weight vs comfort. There are ultralight models which come in at 2-3 pounds, however, you pay a premium for bags like this. It is still possible to find an ultralight bag under $100, however, you may have to sacrifice in the quality department.
If you are using the sleeping bag for camping, weight is not much of a concern considering the longest you’ll be carrying it is from the car to the tent.
Side Note: Always check the weight and stuff size before purchasing any sleeping bag and make sure it aligns with your needs.
7 additional sleeping bag features to consider
These are extras that can make sleeping in a bag more comfortable and practical in different situations. A well fitting bag will increase your maximum warmth and these add-ons will provide extended comfort and convenience.
1. Sleeping bag stuff sack
Most, if not all sleeping bags come with some sort of bag to stuff them into. This is great for transporting your sleeping bag from the tent to the car and limiting the amount of space it takes up.
2. Sleeping bag hood
If you plan on sleeping in cold temperatures than a sleeping bag hood is worth your consideration. They are built into the sleeping bags and resemble the hood of a sweatshirt. You can tighten the drawstring and cover your head completely to limit the heat loss while still being able to breathe.
4. Sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag liners are designed to keep the inside of your bag clean and limit the wear and tear of everyday use. A good liner will also increase the temperature rating by 10°-15° Fahrenheit, making your bag more versatile for use in a wider range of temperatures.
5. Pillow pocket
Everyone sleeps with a pillow at home and when your camping or backpacking a pillow is much needed leisure item. Certain sleeping bags come with a “pillow pocket” that you can stuff clothes into or use your favorite pillow from home. You can also purchase a backpacking pillow to take with you. These are small, lightweight, compact, and extremely portable. They’re a simple, yet luxurious addition that will make your evenings outdoors a little more tolerable.
6. Sleeping pad sleeve
Some bags now come with a sleeve in the underside which you can use to slide a sleeping pad into. Sleeping on the ground sucks, there’s no denying that. A sleeping pad sleeve gives you the extra cushioning you need and you won’t have to worry about rolling off of it in the middle of the night.
7. Air mattress
This is the top level of camping comfort when it comes to sleeping in the wild. While they obviously won’t work for backpacking, they are great for a week long car camping trip. Just don’t forget an air compressor, blowing them up the old school way is a one way ticket to head rush city.
Best sleeping bags under 100 dollars
Here are our top picks for the best sleeping bags under $100. We have included a sleeping bag for every occasion and only chosen the top performers.
MalloMe Camping Sleeping Bag
- ✅ BEST YEAR ROUND SLEEPING BAG - Perfect for spring, summer, fall, and cool weather, with a rated temperature from 40°F to 77°F (optimal comfort temperature 62°F to 75°F). Keep yourself cosy, warm and safe in every situation at normal altitudes. The ultra-strong, waterproof outer protective shell is made from our unique waterproof hex-tech design, double-layered with S-shape stitching, and 3D inner synthetic fiber fill for optimal warmth and insulation to protect you from the elements.
- ✅ CAMP IN COMFORT FOR ALL AGES - Bring the comfort of your own bed to the great outdoors. Our camping sleeping bags are engineered to guarantee a good night's sleep after a hard day of activities. No matter how tough the terrain or long the day, sleep well with MalloMe. And with vibrant colors loved by both boys and girls, they're great for kids too!
- ✅ ULTRALIGHT FOR BACKPACKING - A must have for hiking, backpacking, and camping, the perfect balance of performance and lightweight materials for every adventure. Each sleeping bag comes with a compression sack with straps, which makes it super convenient to store and easy to carry.
- ✅ EASY TO CLEAN - Our waterproof outer shell is easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. In case of heavy soilage the sleeping bag is designed for machine washing as well, ensuring easy maintenance and longevity.
- Temperature rating: 20° Fahrenheit
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Best for: Camping, backpacking
- Shape: Rectangle
MalloMe is a trusted brand in the outdoor industry and this sleeping bag is designed for a wide range of activities.
It has a hexagon weave design sewn into the polyester material which is used to add durability and reinforcement to the material. The shell is waterproof to prevent moisture from soaking through the fabric and making a cold night completely miserable.
The MalloMe bag comes with a full zip double-sided zipper so you can easily zip it up from the inside or open it up for ventilation on hot summer nights.
The bag itself is deceptively large at 80″ wide, making it large enough for a couple.
There’s a drawstring at the top of the bag that acts as a sleeping bag hood and a velcro strap for securing the zippers.
Pros:
- 4 seasons
- Water resistant
- 30-day guarantee
Cons:
- Large stuff sack
- Bulky
- Not ultralight
Abco Tech Sleeping Bag
- ULTRA COMFORTABLE SLEEPING BAG – Abco sleeping bags are designed to ensure that after a tiring day of trekking, hiking, travel or any other exploration you can get a good and relaxing night’s sleep.
- EASY TO CLEAN AND CARRY – Our sleeping bags are also extremely easy to clean as they are safer for machine wash too. Moreover, each sleeping bag comes with a travel-friendly carry bag, a compression sack with straps, which makes it quite convenient to store and carry the sleeping bag along. The bags are not only ideal for cold conditions but even for warmer weather.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, SKIN-FRIENDLY AND DURABLE – The sleeping bag offers you extra comfort during Adventurous activities but without adding any extra pounds to your backpack. It has 100% polyester lining which is skin-friendly and uses high quality 210T polyester on the outer side to offer durability to the sleeping bag. The high-quality precisely done stitches enhance the durability even further.
- 100% RISK-FREE SATISFACTION GUARANTEE – We also offer you 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee to let you buy with confidence; no questions asked. However, we are quite sure that this sleeping bag would bring enormous comfort during your rough and adventurous rides, camping, hiking, or long term travel, while also making it extremely convenient to carry along.
- Temperature rating: 20° Fahrenheit
- Weight: 4.19 pounds
- Best for: Camping
- Shape: Rectangle
While it is technically a rectangular shaped sleeping bag, it actually has a barrel-shaped design.
It’s wider near the shoulder and gets slightly narrower as it gets closer to your feet while still remaining comfortable. It’s more of a hybrid sleeping bag focused on warmth and comfort.
Designed for temperatures as low as 20° Fahrenheit, it also has a waterproof design. The weather protection is achieved with a double fill, as well as, a quilted design with an S-shape.
The inside is super cozy, with 210 polyester lining which is soft to the touch.
Pros:
- Barrel shape
- Water resistant
- Double fill
Cons:
- Zipper quality
- Tight fit
- Rare seam issues
Coleman North Rim Mummy Bag
- Mummy-style adult sleeping bag for camping in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit
- Can accommodate most people up to 6 feet 2 inches in height
- Semi-sculpted hood tightens with a drawstring to seal in heat
- Quilting construction, insulated footbox, and Thermolock draft tube for warmth and heat retention
- Temperature rating: 0° Fahrenheit
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
- Best for: Camping, backpacking
- Shape: Mummy
Coleman has been around forever and their products are in nearly every campsite for a reason.
The Coleman North Rim mummy bag is made of ripstop polyester and also has a polyester lining. It is a mummy bag, however, the base of the mummy bag has a box shape so your feet can have a little wiggle room.
It comes with a built-in hood with a drawstring to lock in the heat on those exceptionally cold evenings. Quilted construction of the sleeping bag is designed to eliminate any and all cold spots.
The bottom of the bag has a zipper that can be used for some fresh air on warmer evenings, and it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros:
- 0° Temp rating
- Insulated foot box
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Zipper quality
- Stuff size
- Rare stitching issues
Teton Sports Ultralight Mummy Bag
- WARM AND COMFORTABLE: Mummy bag hood is designed specifically to eliminate the gaps to keep the warmth in around your head and face; Zipper draft tube and added insulation in the vaulted footbox provides much needed comfort and warmth
- NEVER ROLL YOUR SLEEPING BAG AGAIN: TETON provides a great compression sack for stuffing your sleeping bag; Start at the bottom and stuff the bag in, then tighten the heavy-duty straps
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND LOFTY: Lightweight for backpacking, hiking, and other outdoor activities; Innovative microfiber insulation offers more loft and first-rate compressibility without sacrificing quality or comfort
- SLEEP WARM: Fluff your sleeping bag and use a camp pad to sleep warmer; Hang loops for long-term storage to maintain maximum loft
- Temperature rating: 5° Fahrenheit
- Weight: 4.1 pounds
- Best for: Camping, backpacking
- Shape: Mummy
Teton is another huge name in the outdoor industry and they are well known for making quality gear.
The Teton Sports Ultralight mummy bag was designed by using body mapping technology and they added insulation where necessary, mainly down low.
It is made of soft and breathable micro polyester lining which is double brushed for increased comfort. The fill is PolarLite insulation which traps air for the max warmth.
It has both a built-in hood and diamond ripstop shell which is water resistant and made with durability in mind.
On the inside, there are small pockets that you can put your cell phone in and fall asleep to your favorite songs.
Pros:
- 0° Temp rating
- Diamond ripstop
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Bulky
- Hard to get in stuff sack
- Can’t zip from inside
Teton Sports Celsius XXL
- COMFORTABLE SLEEPING BAG FOR ADULTS: Soft lining; Half-circle mummy style hood keeps you warm and your pillow clean; Unzips at the top or bottom for easy access and ventilation; For camping in 3 seasons
- NEVER ROLL YOUR SLEEPING BAG AGAIN: TETON provides a great compression sack for stuffing your sleeping bag; Start at the bottom and stuff the bag in, then tighten the heavy-duty straps
- STAY WARM IN COLD WEATHER: You’ll be warm and rested in this sleeping bag; Innovative fiber fill, double-layer construction and draft tubes work together to keep the warmth in
- SLEEP WARM: Fluff your sleeping bag and use a camp pad to sleep warmer; Hang loops for long-term storage to maintain maximum loft
- Temperature rating: 0° Fahrenheit
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Best for: Camping
- Shape: Rectangle
Teton Sports XXL is an enormous multi-season sleeping bag coming in at 90 x 39 inches. The shoulder includes zipper draft tubes to keep the cold out, as well as, a hood with a drawstring.
It’s designed with a sturdy taffeta shell that has a double layer that runs the entire length of the bag. The inside is made with a brushed poly-flannel lining that will remind you of the sheets at home.
There are zippers on both sides of the bag making it ultra-versatile, you can easily zip two together for a king-size sleeping bag for two.
What separates this sleeping bag is the limited lifetime warranty and Teton’s world class customer service.
Pros:
- 0° Temp rating
- Double-layer stitch
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Hard to repack
- One-sided zipper
- Weak zipper
Semoo Envelope Sleeping Bag
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- Temperature rating: 42.8° Fahrenheit
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Best for: Camping, backpacking
- Shape: Rectangle
The Seemo Envelope sleeping bag is designed with a ripstop polyester shell fabric and S-shaped quilted design. The bag measures 78 inches long and 28 inches wide and can be completely unzipped to use as a comforter.
The zippers are designed to limit the heat loss and the water-resistant outer material and thick fill ensure top quality comfort and heat retention.
It comes with a compression sack that includes straps to keep it as compact as possible. The envelope style sleeping bag includes a hood similar to the ones you find on mummy bags for top notch warmth.
Pros:
- 42.8° Temp rating
- Lightweight
- Ripstop material
Cons:
- Zipper issues
- Thin
- Rare seam issues
Hyke & Byke Mummy Bag
- 15 Degree Sleeping Bag for Camping: Perfect cold weather sleeping bag features WR 650 fill power duck down insulation with a revolutionary microscopic ClusterLoft base to keep you warm from 15 - 50 F
- Hiking Gear: Designed for thru-hiking, backpacking and camping, this ultralight sleeping bag boasts superior weight-to-warmth ratio at only 2.89 lbs for Long; Sleeping bag stuff sack included
- Hydrophobic Water Repellent: DWR-Coated camping sleeping bags for adults feature 400T 20 D ripstop nylon fabric liner, 2 large YKK zippers with anti-snag sliders, velcro, drawstring & vertical baffles
- Save Space & Weight: Don't sacrifice comfort! The longest mummy sleeping bag will fit a 6ft 6in person, with wide shoulders and a roomy foot box; Warm but ultralight, 3 season winter sleeping bag
- Temperature rating: 30° Fahrenheit
- Weight: 3.15 pounds
- Best for: Camping, backpacking
- Shape: Mummy
Hyke & Byke has a pretty cool business idea designed to help people in poor countries. They donate 10% of the proceeds to Kiva. If you haven’t heard about Kiva before, in a nutshell, they give micro-loans to underprivileged countries… It’s a super rad cause.
It is designed to be an ultralight backpacking mummy bag and is built to be compact and durable. It has duck down insulation filling, as well as, waterproof fabric.
Made with ultralight water repellant 400T polyester ripstop nylon fabric and a compression stuff sack. It’s both durable and portable making it a good addition to anyone’s long haul gear set.
Pros:
- 10% Kiva donation
- Ultralight
- Ripstop material
Cons:
- Funky smell
- Zipper snags
- Rare tearing
