12 Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags for Hiking 2022 - Golf Bag,Sports Bag,Outdoor Bag Manufacturer

When you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you often spend nights under the stars. For this, you need a sleeping bag – it’s a common part of every hiker’s backpack. However, one thing many hiking and campers forget to take into account is the weight of the sleeping bag. Even the models of the highest quality can weigh in quite heavy. For those who like to pack light and move fast, this can be a serious problem.

My favorite ultralight bag is the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32.

Fortunately, there’s a solution – ultralight sleeping bags. These specialized pieces of camping equipment are super lightweight and don’t put extra weight on your shoulders. While they’re not as comfortable and warm as heavier sacks, there are still a lot of excellent models available on the market. To help you pick the right ultralight sleeping bag for your needs, we’ve rounded up the most popular options and analyzed their features. Read more reviews on all the best backpacking sleeping bags.

Table of Contents

1 The Top Twelve Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags Reviewed
- 1.1 1. Western Mountaineering HighLite Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.2 2. Hyke & Byke Shavano Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.3 3. Vango Ultralite Pro 100 Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.4 4. iGeek Sleeping Bag Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.5 5. Therm-a-Rest Questar 20-Degree Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.6 6. Klymit KSB 20°F Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.7 7. NEMO Disco Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.8 8. Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.9 9. Kelty Cosmic 20 Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.10 10. RAB Mythic Ultra 360 Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.11 11. Western Mountaineering Summerlite Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 1.12 12. Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 Ultralight Sleeping Bag
2 Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag Buying Guide
- 2.1 Weight
- 2.2 Temperature Rating
- 2.3 Insulation
- 2.4 Fill Power
- 2.5 Zippers
- 2.6 Other Features
3 Why You Need an Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- 3.1 Share the love:

The Top Twelve Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags Reviewed

Built from special materials to allow light backpacking, the following sleeping bags are made for those who prioritize mobility over comfort. Here are our short but comprehensive reviews of their features:

1. Western Mountaineering HighLite Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 35°F
Weight: 1.05 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 850

Weighing at just over 1 lb, Western Mountaineering’s HighLite model is one of the lightest options out there.

However, its low weight doesn’t have a negative effect on its warmth or comfort. Not only it features 850+ goose down insulation, but it also comes with baffled vertical seams to retain more heat.

The zip of the WM HighLite extends halfway down its side. This allows sleepers to choose if they want to have the zipper on their right or left-hand side. Furthermore, the bag is available in a number of sizes, so it’s pretty easy to find the right fit.

Although fairly expensive, HighLite comes with an unlimited warranty – you won’t have to purchase a replacement any time soon. It’s a great choice for those who want warmth without weight.

Pros

Lightweight
Warm & comfortable down insulation
Unlimited warranty

Cons

Expensive

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2. Hyke & Byke Shavano Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 32°F
Weight: 1.94 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 650

The designers at Hyke & Byke undoubtedly know how to do their job. In fact, they’re so confident about this model’s performance that they’ve decided to back it up with a lifetime warranty.

Available in several different colors, Hyke & Byke Shavano is packed with hydrophobic duck down. In other words, it keeps the sleeper dry, snug, and warm. Its nylon fabric liner, on the other hand, provides long-lasting durability and the necessary water resistance.

Hyke & Byke Shavano comes with a plethora of extra perks, too. The best of these are the baffles for extra warmth and the spacious foot box. Other features worth mentioning are the anti-snag zippers and a snag-free drawstring.

Overall, H&B Shavano is among the lightest and warmest sleeping bags for the price.

Pros

Excellent value for the money
Hydrophobic duck down
Roomy foot box

Cons

Not for cold weather camping

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3. Vango Ultralite Pro 100 Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 39°F
Weight: 1.98 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Synthetic
Max user height: 190 cm

The next ultralight sleeping bag in our roundup is also one of the most affordable. However, despite its low price tag, Vango Ultralite Pro 100 is still a worthwhile investment.

This cleverly crafted synthetic bag features the so-called trilateral construction. In other words, it sports multiple layers of insulation which, when combined, provide sufficient warmth and comfort. Vango’s patented channel structure successfully traps body heat and keeps the cold at bay.

Another great thing about Ultralite Pro 100 is that it comes with a full-length zipper. As you can already guess, this makes getting in and out of the sack super simple. In addition, the zipper is guarded – you won’t have to worry about ripping the inner lining.

Although inappropriate for extreme conditions, this sleeping bag is a good choice for those on a budget.

Pros

Very affordable
Trilateral construction
Full-length, guarded zipper

Cons

Legroom is tight

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4. iGeek Sleeping Bag Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 59°F
Weight: 1.92 lbs
Shape: Rectangular
Insulation: Synthetic
Compression height: 7.6″

Unlike the previous ultralight sleeping bags on our list, this one sports a rectangular shape. Once we combine this shape with its synthetic construction, we get a sleeping bag that manages to retain low weight despite its extra-large size.

Since it doesn’t have a down filling, the iGeek is not suitable for cold weather camping. It is, however, fully machine-washable and comes with a compression bag. Moreover, its materials are skin-friendly and it includes a convenient double-sided zipper.

The best thing about the iGeek sleeping bag is its impressive versatility. Not only can it be used by two people at once, but it can also be unfolded and used as a blanket.

iGeek Sleeping Bag is a fantastic option for warmer camping trips, especially for those looking for a large lightweight option.

Pros

A versatile sleeping bag
Large but lightweight
Washing-machine friendly

Cons

The zipper can catch on the lining

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5. Therm-a-Rest Questar 20-Degree Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 2.70 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 650

The next ultralight model comes from one of the most renowned manufacturers of sleeping bags – Therm-a-Rest. As such, it comes packed with features and sports a durable construction.

Thanks to its 650 fill power goose down, draft collar, and insulated hood, this model provides a fantastic sleeping experience. What’s more, the goose down used in its manufacture is hydrophobic – Questar is water-resistant and dries down very fast.

The model’s polyester lining, on the other hand, is rip-resistant. There are also special loops that attach to the sleeping pad, as well as two additional sacks – a large storage bag and a stuff-sack for compactness.

Unfortunately, all of these convenient features put Therm-a-Rest Questar 20-Degree at the higher end of the price spectrum. If money is not a problem, you won’t make a mistake by going for this model.

Pros

Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
Hydrophobic goose down
Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

Very expensive

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6. Klymit KSB 20°F Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 2.70 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 650

If you’re looking for a lightweight bag that will keep you warm at night, Klymit KSB 20°F may be one of your best options.

Using 650 fill power duck down for insulation, this sleeping bag keeps the sleeper warm even at 20 degrees. The model’s heat-retaining capabilities are further enhanced by the presence of a hood and draft collar. Klymit KSB 20°F offers a lot of space for tossing and turning – the chest area is roomy, the foot box is spacious, and the entire bag feels very flexible.

Convenient extra features include a stash pocket for your essentials and length locks for further size adjustments. A stuff sack is also included, although the model isn’t as compressible as we’d like it to be.

All in all, Klymit KSB 20°F is a great sleeping bag and a good choice for anyone looking for an ultralight option.

Pros

Feature-packed
Spacious and comfortable
Adjustable length

Cons

Could compress more

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7. NEMO Disco Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 15°F
Weight: 2.60 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 650

Next up is NEMO Disco, a comfortable 2-season model with a couple of interesting design features.

This ultralight sleeping bag was designed with extra room at knees and elbows, It is. therefore, a great option for side sleepers – it provides them with more comfort and mobility. The zippered stash pocket and integrated pillow sleeve are nice additions. Furthermore, the model also includes a special blanket fold, whose purpose is to protect the sleeper’s face and neck against drafts.

When it comes to ventilation, NEMO Disco comes with two zippered “gills”. During warmer months, one can regulate the temperature by unzipping these “gills” instead of the primary zipper. Lifetime warranty should also be mentioned – it guarantees the model’s performance and durability.

Pros

Great for side sleepers
Special “gills” for ventilation
Lifetime warranty

Cons

Could be lighter

8. Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 41°F
Weight: 0.74 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 850

The range of bags manufactured by Sea to Summit includes models for all occasions. However, we’ll be going for one of their lightest – Spark. Clocking in at only 0.74 lbs, this is a seriously lightweight bag with a cunning design.

Besides the premium goose down, the thing that makes this sack so light is its clever design. The loft over the sleeper’s chest area is boosted with vertical baffles. As expected, the down used in the bag’s manufacture has been dry-treated. There’s even a half-length zip, which is pretty rare when it comes to sleeping bags of this weight.

The downside of the model’s extreme lightness is the 41°F temperature limit. However, if you’re not into cold weather camping but need a bag that’s compact and light, Sea to Summit Spark is a great choice.

Pros

Extremely lightweight
Very compact and packable
Water-resistant down insulation

Cons

Warm temperatures only

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9. Kelty Cosmic 20 Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 2.63 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 600

Kelty is well-known for its budget-oriented sleeping bags. Their ultralight offering, Kelty Cosmic 20, is a solid performer that provides warmth and spaciousness at a decent cost.

Combining 600 fill power down with polyester batting, this model does a good job of retaining heat. It zippers all the way to its bottom, allowing sleepers to vent some heat during warmer months. One of our favorite features is the stash pocket, which you can use for glasses, phone, hiking headlamp, and other essentials.

At 2.63 lbs, Kelty Cosmic is somewhat burly for an ultralight sleeping bag. It is, however, very spacious and feels considerably warmer than a lot of other bargain models. It is accompanied by a simple drawstring stuff sack.

All in all, Kelty Cosmic 20 is one of the best budget-oriented offerings in this category.

Pros

Inexpensive
Spacious and warm
Stash pocket

Cons

Bulkier than average

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10. RAB Mythic Ultra 360 Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 0.88 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 900

One of the best ultralight models available, RAB Mythic Ultra 360 is a fantastic sleeping bag. And we’ve expected nothing less – RAB has a history of designing and manufacturing excellent backpacking equipment.

What makes this sleeping bag so good is its mixture of top-notch materials. Mythic Ultra 360 combines Thermo Ionic Lining Technology (TILT) with 900 fill power goose down and a 7D ripstop outer shell. All of these features boost the model’s warmth without sacrificing its low weight or breathability.

Other features worth mentioning include the main zipper with a noctilucent puller, angled foot box, as well as the ergonomically designed hood and collar. These and other features undoubtedly justify the model’s relatively high price.

Pros

Amazing build quality
Super light
Very durable

Cons

High cost

11. Western Mountaineering Summerlite Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 32°F
Weight: 1.18 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 850

Western Mountaineering has been around for quite some time. Their sleeping bags are held in high regard, as they’re built from the best materials and offer maximum comfort.

WM’s Summerlite model is no exception to this rule. For a hooded mummy bag with a full zip, this sack does pretty well in the weight department. One half of its total weight is taken by 10 ounces of 850 fill power down of the highest quality.

Summerlite sacrifices spaciousness to achieve an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. It offers a tight fit and provides maximum comfort, which is something we’re used to when it comes to WM sleeping bags. In addition, Its two-way zipper allows selective venting, and the model comes accompanied by a stuff sack.

Pros

Fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio
Excellent fabric
Full two-way zip

Cons

Expensive

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12. Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32-Degree Ultralight Down Mummy Sleeping Bag, Long

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 32°F
Weight: 1.14 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 900

Selecting the winner for a particular category of sleeping bags is rarely easy. This time, however, that’s not the case – Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 is undoubtedly the best ultralight model available on the market.

While it does come with a few hiccups, such as the short one-way zipper or the narrow foot box, its advantages definitely outweigh the drawbacks. Hyperion 32 uses premium goose down that provides maximum comfort and warmth, but still stays light enough (1.14 lbs) for quick and easy transport.

Another feature we liked is the sleeping pad attachment system, as well as the accompanying compression sack – it’s one of the best on the market. All of these perks combined turn the Hyperion 32 into a truly great sleeping bag, and an investment you won’t regret making.

Pros

Lightweight, warm, and comfortable
A convenient sleeping pad attachment system
Great compression sack

Cons

Narrow foot box

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Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag Buying Guide

There are those who pack light, and then there are those who pack ultralight.

For such outdoor enthusiasts, having a genuinely lightweight sleeping bag is the most important thing. However, the low weight isn’t the only thing to look for – factors such as temperature rating or fill power are also important.

Here are some other sleeping bag options and related posts:

Best warm weather sleeping bag
Best double sleeping bag
Best cold weather sleeping bag
Sleeping pads
Sleeping bag liners
Backpacking Quilt vs Sleeping Bag
Best Backpacking pillows
Best backpacking stoves
Best Sleeping Bag Under $100
Best Backpacking Quilt
Best 3 Season Sleeping Bag
Down vs Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Here’s what to look for when buying an ultralight sleeping bag:

Weight

Sleeping bags are one of the “big three” camping items, with backpack and tent being the other two. Fortunately for ultralight backpackers, the sleeping bag is an item that you can save a lot of weight on, provided you know what to look for.

In our opinion, a sleeping bag that weighs over 3 lbs can’t be called lightweight. None of the models in our roundup go over 3 lbs, so you won’t make a mistake by going for any one of them. They are all lightweight – you just need to pick one that suits your needs the best.

Temperature Rating

When it comes to temperature rating, we advise going for bags tested according to EN standards. These bear the mark “EN13537”, which means that they’ve undergone thermal testing.

Moreover, keep in mind that there are four different sleeping bag temperature ratings. These are the upper limit, comfort, lower limit, and extreme. Extreme temperature rating, for example, shows a minimum temperature at which a person can sleep in a particular bag without risking hypothermia.

Most of the bags in our roundup aren’t exactly suitable for camping in freezing temperatures. This is because they’re not as bulky and well-insulated as cold weather sleeping bags. Still, models like NEMO Disco or RAB Mythic Ultra 360 are more than capable of providing sufficient warmth during winter nights.

Insulation

Down feathers pack smaller and are both warmer and lighter than most synthetic solutions. Unfortunately, there’s also a major drawback – down insulation tends to lose loft when it gets wet.

Synthetic-insulated bags, on the other hand, are less expensive, non-allergenic, and dry faster. On the downside, they don’t provide as much warmth as their down-insulated cousins. Therefore, the choice of insulation should mostly depend on what kind of weather you’re typically hiking in.

We advise going for models with “hydrophobic” dawn, i.e. sleeping bags with DWR-treated down insulation (DWR stands for durable water repellent). However, keep in mind that this treatment does not make down insulation completely waterproof. Synthetic insulation is still a better choice if you’re often backpacking in wet conditions.

Fill Power

If you do decide to go with down insulation, another term you’ll have to get familiar with is the fill power.

In simple terms, this would be a measurement of the down fill’s overall density. It’s the thing that decides the warmth-to-weight ratio of a particular bag, usually ranging from 600 to 950. The higher this number is, the better (and more expensive) the feather insulation is.

Zippers

You’ll be getting in and outside your bag a lot. For that matter, the last you’ll want on your model is a snaggy zipper.

Long-length zippers are the best choice, especially those that open on both sides. These allow better ventilation. The zippers also need to be reliable and durable, so pay special attention to that when shopping for an ultralight sleeping bag.

Other Features

When it comes to other features, make sure your ultralight sleeping bag comes with a hood. It will cover your head and leave only your face exposed, retaining as much body heat as possible.

Having a draft collar is just as important. Also known as neck baffles, these cover the sleeper’s neck and prevent the cold from leeching in. Other noteworthy features include zipper draft tubes, pad loops, and storage pockets.

Why You Need an Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Not all outdoor enthusiasts backpack in the same way. Some are carrying an enormous load of equipment – from portable stoves to huge tents. Others like to move fast and light, and want to save on equipment weight as much as possible.

For such hikers, ultralight sleeping bags are a must. These specialized pieces of camping equipment weigh under 3 lbs and are easy to pack and transport. While not as comfortable or warm as heavier bags, they provide sufficient protection from cold and are durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear.

So, if you’re a backpacker who carries only the most essential gear and you always take advantage of the insulation you already have on you (i.e. winter jacket), an ultralight sleeping bag is just what you need.

So, what’s the best ultralight sleeping bag out there? All of the models listed above come with their own sets of advantages. One takes the top spot, however – its name is Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32.

One of the most versatile models in the company’s lineup, Hyperion 32 excels in every category. This three-season bag provides warmth and comfort with its premium hydrophobic goose down while staying staggeringly light at just 18.24 ounces (1.14 lbs).

To put it simply, the model successfully minimizes weight without compromising performance. This is precisely what makes it the best ultralight sleeping bag on the market – you won’t make a mistake by going for it.

I also recommend checking out my post on the best sleeping bag brands.

Leslie Gilmour

I love hiking. From the Camino de Santiago to the West Highland Way in Scotland or simply a great day hike on the weekend. Hiking refreshes me, my mind, and keeps my body reasonably fit. So far I have walked three Camino routes and many other long distance hikes in the UK, Canada, and around the rest of Europe. One of the best was my hike up Ben Nevis.