Weight can make an important difference when selecting backpacking sleeping bags and quilts, so when purchasing them it is wise to find something rated for the coldest temperatures you expect while not being too heavy.

Lightweight backpacking bags use mummy-style designs and other techniques to reduce weight, such as lofty 850-fill goose down insulation, half-length zippers, and thin shell fabrics.

Ultralight

The best ultralight sleeping bags weigh less than two pounds and fold down into a small stuff sack, making them suitable for backpacking trips where weight and space constraints may be an issue.

They feature thinner shell materials and higher-fill-power down fills, shorter zippers, narrower dimensions, hoodless designs, shorter zipper pulls and narrower dimensions; as well as shorten zipper pulls. Many designs also omit draft collars (yokes), opting instead for drawcord closure that encircles neck opening and tightens to trap warm air in your body and keep it out of the bag.

Some manufacturers offer various sizing options, like Feathered Friends Hummingbird and Katabatic Gear Palisade quilts which come in both regular and long sizes, respectively. Some more premium designs like Marmot’s Micron provide ventilation when temperatures increase; however, such premium materials often come at an increased cost which limits ultralight options available to consumers.

Mid-Range

Mountain Hardwear’s Phantom 0F bag is a reliable choice for backpackers hiking long distances in cold environments, providing ample warmth despite weighing just 2-pound-10.6-ounce. Equipped with thick baffles in the footbox and torso area, a lofty hood that seals against drafts, and an anti-snag zipper guard, it provides comfortable cold weather camping.

Feathered Friends’ Egret sleeping bag is another highly acclaimed lightweight backpacking sleeping bag designed specifically for use in cold environments. Boasting an exclusive female design with 10-15% extra down in its feet, torso, and hood sections – giving an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio suitable for four season backpacking excursions. The Egret offers both right and left-handed opening, along with glow-in-the-dark zip pulls for added convenience. Meanwhile, NEMO’s Disco Endless Promise stands out due to its spoon shape, providing plenty of room for movement when lying sideways and side sleepers alike. Other notable features of this bag are two Thermo Gill vents running lengthwise at the top (unzipping them creates intentional cold spots to release warm air), as well as blanket folds for additional insulation or clothes or pads when sleeping alone!

Hybrid

Those camping in backcountry conditions that don’t need belay jackets for warmth may want to consider the Patagonia Hybrid as an alternative solution. Designed to integrate seamlessly with their parka, this lightweight bag packs down small and light, saving weight by having only insulation in its lower half.

This bag features 650-fp down treated with DownTek to repel moisture and maintain its warmth even when wet, while using vertical box baffles in its torso to prevent down from dissipating away from where you need it most – your core.

This spacious hood features a draft tube to stop heat from escaping around the zipper, with triple-needle stitched lining near it that prevents snags and is made with durable fabrics – it comes in various temperature ratings for winter backpacking adventures! We strongly recommend it!

Ultracomfortable

Quilts are a favorite among backpackers who keep weight to a minimum, as their open back design wraps snugly around a sleeping pad to provide bag-like warmth for less weight and bulk. In Minnesota-based Enlightened Equipment leads the pack in this category with their premium 850-fill down Enigma 30 at an accessible price point, while Marmot offers its Trestles Eco 0 which doesn’t weigh much but remains warm and cozy in comparison with similar synthetic options on the market.

Nemo’s Chilcoot stands out in this category as an outstanding lightweight bag, boasting the roomiest feel among our tests so far. This cozy feel comes from its large quilt design and signature features such as its hooded draft collar and featherbed-style bottom. Additionally, Nemo provides a compression sack; we advise using it carefully so as not to damage its down fill. Rated at 26 degrees Fahrenheit but feeling much warmer – making this perfect for summer backpacking trips or thru-hikes in warmer environments!