Best 3 Season Sleeping Bags for Camping & Hiking 2022 - Golf Bag,Sports Bag,Outdoor Bag Manufacturer

A 3 season sleeping bag is the most adaptable bag and unless you are sleeping in freezing or very hot temperatures it is the best all round sleeping bag. But, finding the right 3 season sleeping bag can be a bewildering task. There are hundreds of different models out there, at different price points depending on their build quality and features. If you don’t know what to look for, you’re bound to end up with a bag that you’ll hate sleeping in.

To help you pick the right three season sleeping bag, we’ve put together a list of twelve popular models, together with their advantages and downsides. Moreover, we’ve added a short but informative buying guide that will help you with your shopping. This post is part of the best sleeping bag series.

Hiking is undoubtedly one of the best activities out there. Besides offering perks such as fresh air and nice views, it is also very beneficial for physical and mental health. However, if you’re someone who wants to get into hiking, you’ll need the appropriate equipment. Unless you’re planning to camp in really cold weather, the first thing you’ll need is a proper three season sleeping bag. As their name suggests, these pieces of hiking equipment are essential for spending autumn, spring, and summer nights in the great outdoors.

My favorite of all the following is the Western Mountaineering UltraLite.

Table of Contents

1 3-Season Sleeping Bags Reviews
- 1.1 1. ROVOR Buhl 45 Degree
- 1.2 2. Kelty Tuck 20 Degree Thermapro
- 1.3 3. Outdoor Vitals Atlas 30 Degree
- 1.4 4. Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z
- 1.5 5. Marmot Helium 15F
- 1.6 6. Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 35
- 1.7 7. Big Agnes Boot Jack 25
- 1.8 8. Alpkit Pipedream 400
- 1.9 9. Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20-Degree
- 1.10 10. Montane Direct Ascent 5
- 1.11 11. Marmot Hydrogen 30F
- 1.12 12. Western Mountaineering UltraLite
2 Best 3 Season Sleeping Bags Buying Guide
- 2.1 Temperature Rating
- 2.2 Warmth to Weight Ratio
- 2.3 Synthetic vs Down Insulation
- 2.4 Venting
- 2.5 Other Features to Look For
3 Why You Need a 3 Season Sleeping Bag
- 3.1 Share the love:

3-Season Sleeping Bags Reviews

No sleeping bags are as versatile as 3 season one. Their special design allows campers to use them in all kinds of conditions – from milder winter nights to starry summer evenings. Here are the market’s best models:

1. ROVOR Buhl 45 Degree

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 45°F
Weight: 2.50 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Synthetic
Warranty: Lifetime

The first we’re going to take a look at is a budget-oriented model – ROVOR Buhl 45 Degree. As the name suggests, it can be used comfortably at temperatures of around 45°F. The bag’s extreme temperature rating, however, stands at 14°F, provided you’re wearing warm clothes while using it.

The inner lining of ROVOR Buhl 45 Degree is very soft and feels great. The outer shell, on the other hand, is DWR-coated, allowing you to use this bag in moderately moist conditions. Although very inexpensive, this three season sleeping bag was built to last, which is one of its greatest advantages.

Other things we liked are the internal stash pocket and the fact that this model is quite light and packs very small. Overall, it’s a great choice for beginners camping on a budget, it performs well in warm, moderate, and cool weather.

Pros

A great low-cost solution
Plush & soft inner lining
Surprisingly sturdy for the price

Cons

Tight foot box

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2. Kelty Tuck 20 Degree Thermapro

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 3.68 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Synthetic
Fits up to: 6′

Kelty is one of the world’s best-known manufacturers of sleeping bags – their sleeping bags are warm, comfortable, and durable. Tuck 20 Degree Thermapro sleeping bag is no exception to that rule.

Unlike the regular Kelty Tuck, this particular model is a bit more spacious and provides more room for tossing and turning. In terms of warmth, the bag uses Kelty’s proprietary ThermaPro insulation and performs very well when it comes to heat retention. One thing we particularly liked is the well-cushioned hood with the drawcords.

Another great thing about this three season sleeping bag is its comfort-tuck zipper. Its purpose is to let the sleeper stick their feet out when they get too warm. Unfortunately, the accompanying stuff sack isn’t something to write home about, which is not something we’ve expected from Kelty.

Pros

Superior heat retention
Oversized design – very spacious
Comfort-tuck zipper

Cons

Low-quality stuff sack

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3. Outdoor Vitals Atlas 30 Degree

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 30°F
Weight: 2.16 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Synthetic
Warranty: Lifetime

Although they haven’t been around for long, Outdoor Vitals is now a synonym for quality. Their Atlas 30 Degree model is yet another proof that this company is capable of designing great sleeping bags.

As expected, the materials used in this bag’s manufacture are of premium quality. Atlas Degree 30 uses 650+ fill power LoftTek insulation that is warm, compressible, and lightweight. In fact, this model has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios in the class.

Another great thing about Outdoor Vitals Atlas 30 Degree is that it comes with a DWR-coated shell. Once we combine this with the moisture-resistant insulation, we get a three season sleeping bag that dries very quickly in case it gets wet. It is accompanied by a compression sack and a lifetime warranty.

Pros
Innovative hybrid insulation
Highly compressible & moisture-resistant
Lifetime warranty

Cons

A bit too snug – not for active sleepers

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4. Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 34°F
Weight: 2.11 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Synthetic
Warranty: Lifetime

Next up is Lamina Z by Mountain Hardwear, a well-known manufacturer of sleeping bags. This particular model is a great mid-range option that performs very well in mild weather.

This 3 season one comes with a welded-seam construction that maximizes warmth and removes cold spots. The bag’s head area, on the other hand, includes a drawstring and a velcro flap. The foot box is quite roomy and won’t make you feel restricted.

Just like we expected, Lamina Z has a DWR-coated outer shell. Besides being water-repellent, the shell is also durable and lightweight. There’s also a small zippered pocket at the shoulder area, and the model comes together with a mesh storage bag and a compression stuff sack.

Pros

High-loft synthetic insulation
Lightweight, DWR-coated shell
Spacious foot box

Cons

The storage pocket is too small

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5. Marmot Helium 15F

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 15°F
Weight: 2.10 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down

Available since 2016, Marmot Helium 15F is one of the market’s most popular 3 season sleeping bags. This mummy-shaped model comes with perks such as the full-length 2-way zipper, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, and internal stash pocket.

As shown in the specifications, Marmot Helium 15F uses 800 down for insulation. As such, it keeps the sleeper warm and comfortable during spring, summer, and autumn camping adventures. However, the model performs quite well in colder conditions, too, thanks to its nautilus hood, high-quality insulation, and plush inner material.

One thing we particularly liked is the 2-way full-length zipper. With it, you’ll be able to vent your feet whenever you want while still keeping the bag’s top part zipped up. The internal stash pocket, on the other hand, is ideal for essentials such as your phone or flashlight.

Pros

Down insulation provides warmth and comfort
Full-length 2-way zipper
Convenient storage pocket

Cons

Left-zip version is the only one available

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6. Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed 35

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 35°F
Weight: 2.50 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down

Next up is yet another model that uses down insulation – Backcountry Bed 35 by Sierra Designs. It’s a comfortable, durable option for anyone looking for a good 3 season sleeping bag.

The down used for this bag’s insulation is the so-called DriDown, sporting a special hydrophobic coating. The result of this treatment is the insulation that lofts better and dries faster. Do not let this chemical talk scare you – DriDown is PFC-free and completely safe.

The Backcountry Bed 35 is a zipperless sleeping bag. It ditches the zipper in favor of an integrated, oversized comforter with insulated shoulder/hand pockets. This design works surprisingly well and successfully blocks any drafts.

Other noteworthy features include the integrated pad sleeve, self-sealing foot vent, and the fact that the bag comes accompanied by the stuff sack and compression sack.

Pros

Warm down insulation with a hydrophobic finish
No velcro or zippers to have to open and close
Integrated sleeping pad sleeve

Cons

Somewhat pricey

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7. Big Agnes Boot Jack 25

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 25°F
Weight: 2.37 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down

If you know a thing or two about sleeping bags, you know about Big Agnes. This manufacturer of camping equipment is held in high regard by hiking enthusiasts and professional outdoorsmen alike.

A well-designed sleeping bag, Big Agnes Boot Jack 25 sports a snug mummy cut, and a baffled construction that provides both warmth and comfort. The model’s contoured hood is one of the best we’ve seen so far. It includes a no-draft collar and a low-profile cord lock for quick and easy cinching.

Just like we expected, Boot Jack 25 features a durable outer shell with a water-repellent finish. While it’s not suitable for very cold climates, this bag handles low temperatures with ease – it’s a great choice if you’re often camping during early spring and late fall.

Pros

Baffled construction eliminates cold spots
Water-repellent insulation & shell
Conveniently designed hood

Cons

Zipper tends to snag

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8. Alpkit Pipedream 400

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 1.90 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down

Alpkit’s 3 season bag of choice is called Pipedream 400, a model that’s very warm for its weight and size.

In terms of insulation, this model uses RDS-certified goose down fill 750. As expected, both the down insulation and the outer shell are water-repellent and provide protection against moisture. The fit, on the other hand, is quite spacious – it’s a great choice for tossers and turners.

The model also sports a full-length side zipper. In other words, you won’t be fighting your way out of it in the dark when you want to get out. In addition, the full-length zipper allows quick and easy ventilation during warm summer nights.

This well-specified, water-resistant, and compact sleeping bag offers a great value for the money. Although it sports a fairly basic design, Alpkit Pipedream 400 does what it’s supposed to do – it keeps you warm from early spring to late fall.

Pros

Lightweight and roomy
Water-resistant insulation & shell
Convenient full-length side zipper

Cons

The hood is tight and small

9. Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20-Degree

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 1.94 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 800

Next up is Parsec 20-Degree, made by one of the most renowned manufacturers of sleeping bags – Therm-a-Rest. The model is available in three different sizes – long, regular, and small. We’ll be taking a look at the regular version.

Besides Therm a Rest’s impeccable design, the first thing to notice about Parsec 20-Degree is its quality insulation. This 3 season sleeping bag uses Nikwax goose down with the fill of 800. What’s more, the insulation sports a hydrophobic coating and dries much faster than untreated down.

As such, Parsec 20-Degree isn’t only a good all-around three-season bag, but can also be used for alpine-like expeditions. Other noteworthy features include SynergyLink connectors, an ergonomic toe box, as well as the quilt and blanket loops. This Therm a Rest comes together with a storage bag and a stuff sack.

Pros

Light and compact
Heat-retaining, water-repellent down insulation
Available in three different sizes

Cons

Not for those on a budget

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10. Montane Direct Ascent 5

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 8°F
Weight: 2.18 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 880

Are you looking for a sleeping bag that can also handle very low temperatures? If so, Montane Direct Ascent 5 is one of your best options.

Equipped with a powerful 880 goose down, this model was designed to provide a snug fit and keep the sleeper warm no matter the weather. While not a winter sleeping bag, the model sports an extremely durable, water-repellent, windproof outer shell.

In addition, Montane Direct Ascent 5 comes with a number of extra features. Some of these include the flipper foot box, 3D neck baffles, peak visor, PEAQ lining, internal pockets, and other perks. All of these amenities combined provide a fantastic sleeping experience, especially once we consider the fact that this bag comes at a relatively reasonable price.

Pros

Feature-packed, reasonably-priced bag
Goose down insulation & quick-drying lining
An extremely durable outer shell

Cons

Short and narrow – not for larger people

11. Marmot Hydrogen 30F

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 30°F
Weight: 1.46 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 850

There’s a lot to like about Marmot Hydrogen 30F. A popular sleeping bag, this model packs down impressively small – and that’s not the only great thing about it.

First of all, Marmot Hydrogen 30F supplies warmth with high-quality goose down with the fill power of 850. This is particularly impressive once we consider the bag’s low weight. The model’s incredible warmth-to-weight ratio is complemented by its durable, DWR-treated outer shell.

Besides the 14-inch auxiliary zipper for easy venting, Marmot Hydrogen 30F also sports an internal zippered pocket. You can use this pocket for essentials, such as your phone or flashlight. In summary, Hydrogen 30F is a great bag – it’s been around long enough to prove its worth.

Pros

Fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio
Packs down impressively small
Has an extra zipper for venting

Cons

Somewhat narrow foot box

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12. Western Mountaineering UltraLite

Specifications:

Temperature rating: 20°F
Weight: 1.81 lbs
Shape: Mummy
Insulation: Down
Fill power: 850

When it comes to 3 season sleeping bags, this one is hard to beat – Western Mountaineering UltraLite is the best of the best for a good reason.

As a company that’s on top of the sleeping bag game, Western Mountaineering produces only the models of the highest quality. The UltraLite is no exception to this rule. It easily outperforms the competitors with its high quality down insulation, exceptional loft, impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, and convenient extra features.

Unfortunately, all of these perks come at a price – WM UltraLite is not a cheap bag. However, the cost is totally justified in this case – the bag will keep you warm and comfortable during spring, summer, and autumn nights. It’s a worthwhile investment, and one you undoubtedly won’t regret making.

Pros

Beautiful but functional design
Best-in-class warmth & comfort
Has the best draft collar on the market

Cons

Expensive

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Best 3 Season Sleeping Bags Buying Guide

As with all other products, different sleeping bags will have different features. For those who are not very familiar with this kind of hiking equipment, this can make choosing the right model quite challenging.

The following is a list of factors you’ll have to keep in mind when shopping for a bag – they will help you end up with a model you’ll happily use for the years to come:

Temperature Rating

Some users of sleeping bags feel that they get really warm no matter the outside temperature. Others, however, can’t sleep comfortably if they’re not completely zipped up and wearing multiple layers of warm clothes.

This is why you need to pay special attention to temperature ratings when buying a sleeping bag. In most cases, a bag will have a comfort rating and an extreme rating.

The comfort rating shows what is the minimum temperature at which a particular bag can keep an average person warm and comfortable. The extreme rating, on the other hand, is the temperature at which the bag should be used only in emergencies, due to the risk of hypothermia.

Warmth to Weight Ratio

Another factor to keep in mind when buying a three season sleeping bag is the warmth to weight ratio. While it’s easy to make a particular model warmer by adding more insulation, this extra insulation will also add extra weight.

Pound for pound, the down insulation beats synthetic insulation in terms of warmth. If you want a genuinely lightweight bag, go for the one with goose or down insulation.

If you’re looking to save some money, on the other hand, look into bags with synthetic insulation. You should be able to find models with comparable temperature ratings, but keep in mind that they will be heavier than the down sleeping bags that have the same rating.

Synthetic vs Down Insulation

As we said above, down insulation provides a better warmth to weight ratio. It is also more compressible, and, as such, a better choice for the light backpackers.

However, those who want to get a functional sleeping bag at a reduced price should opt for a bag with synthetic insulation. While these bags aren’t as warm or light as their down counterparts, they’re cheaper and also a far better choice if you’re often camping in rainy, moist areas.

Venting

While a 3 season sleeping bag needs to keep you warm during early spring and late fall, it also needs to be comfortable to sleep in during warm summer nights. For that matter, make sure to consider the venting options of the model you’re looking to purchase.

A bag with a 2-way zipper is always a good choice. Such a model will allow you to keep your torso zipped up while you’re venting your legs, and vice-versa.

Other Features to Look For

When it comes to additional features, try to obtain a bag with a cinch-able hood. A draft collar is just as important, as it stops the cold air from getting inside the bag past your chin. The draft tubes have a similar function – they block the cold air that could get inside the bag next to the zipper.

If you’re planning to use your bag on particularly rugged terrain, make sure to get one with a tough, DWR-treated outer shell.

Here are some more sleeping bag options and related posts:

Best warm weather sleeping bag
Best ultralight sleeping bag
Best cold weather sleeping bag
Sleeping pads
Sleeping bag liners
Backpacking Quilt vs Sleeping Bag
Best Backpacking pillows
Best Sleeping Bag Under $100
Best Backpacking Quilt
Best double sleeping bag
Down vs Synthetic Sleeping Bag
Bedroll vs Sleeping Bag

Why You Need a 3 Season Sleeping Bag

There are those who like hiking, and then there are those who like extreme hiking. If you’re in the first group, you’re probably not too enthusiastic about camping in cold weather. Such escapades require specialized equipment and have to be taken much more seriously.

For those who like going on outdoor adventures from spring till fall, 3 season sleeping bags are a perfect choice. These bags have all the necessary features to keep you warm and comfy during the not-so-cold part of the year.

So, if you’re not somebody into camping at heights over 10,000 ft and you’d rather avoid heading out in the depths of winter, a durable, well-made 3 season sleeping bag should meet all of your needs.

You won’t make a mistake by going for any of the bags from our roundup.

If you want the best of the best, however, Western Mountaineering UltraLite is the model you should go for. With its impeccable design and best-in-class warmth & comfort, it’s the finest sleeping bag of this type on the market.

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.