The 13 best sleeping bags of 2023, per a camping expert

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Although we’re not shlepping our favorite mattress to the campground, we want our sleeping bags to feel like our go-to memory foam.

When assessing a quality sleeping bag to buy, it’s important to closely look at its material, weight, type and — to suit your budget — price. Even better, one that’ll fit safely and soundly inside your camping tent is a bonus.

“Choosing the right sleeping bag for you and the season can make a world of a difference in your experience,” Saskia Boogman, director of social and content at Kampgrounds of America, Inc. who provides helpful content to a dedicated following of 1.5 million campers and millions of readers on the KOA Blog, told the New York Post. “A fitted and season-appropriate sleeping bag made with durable materials is invaluable.”

Ahead, we outlined the ultimate sleeping bag buying guide in our in-depth FAQ section, highlighting Boogman’s expertise. Plus, shop the best sleeping bags of 2023 we rounded up below.

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More on the luxury pricing end, this sleeping bag is one of the best investments you can make in your sleeping setup, according to Boogman.

“It’s extremely versatile, lightweight and comfortable,” she highlights. “You can use it as a blanket or make it a snug mummy fit with the cinch cords and baffling. Its careful design also avoids cold drafts from getting in, so you can stay warm throughout the night.”

“This Kelty rectangular sleeping bag is an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on comfort or warmth,” Boogman says. “It’s great for camping in the summer and is lightweight to pack into your RV, trailer, tent or car.”

Not to mention, it boasts cozy cloudloft synthetic insulation with a durable yet lightweight shell and liner.

“As a year-round camper, I swear by this sleeping bag,” Boogman recommends. “Kelty created this Cosmic sleeping bag with trapezoidal baffle construction for increased thermal efficiency, so it retains heat extremely well and is a great option for three-season camping.”

Women typically have narrower shoulders, wider hips and a shorter torso than men. That said, the features of the Cosmic sleeping bag are specifically designed and tested for these differences, making it an ideal sleeping bag for women. “It also has an internal stash pocket for your headlamp, phone or other essential camping gear,” she adds.

“This sleeping bag is made to last generations of outdoor kiddos,” Boogman notes. “Not only is it durable and extremely cozy, but it’s the most versatile for outdoor and indoor adventures (sleepovers, summer camp, family camping trips and so on).”

Plus, we love its dual-sided design and recycled high-lofting insulation for extra warmth.

This option is more lightweight than the L.L. Bean Flannel Lined Sleeping Bag, but it’s just as comfortable. With an included compression sack for extra storage and a mummy design, it’s offered at a great value.

“The Kelty Kids’ Mistral 20 Sleeping Bag is rated for 20-degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s designed to keep them warm through the night,” Boogman adds.

“The compressibility, weight and warmth of Sea to Summit’s Spark Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag are hard to beat for ultralight backpacking trips,” Boogman highlights. “It also comes in a variety of temperature ratings, as well as in regular and long lengths, so you can find the version that best suits your needs.”

We also love the brand’s commitment to engineering a light weight and small compressed size, while not compromising on the temperature regulation and warmth factor. You can also select your preferred size and temperature.

While at a higher price point, this sleeping bag is perfect for hikers wanting to pack ultralight yet still keep warm in the backcountry.

“Tested for comfort up to 17 degrees (F), I’ve used this bag on several camping trips with varying weather conditions including temperatures in the low 30s and have always had a comfortable night’s sleep,” Boogman tells The Post. “If you’re heading for warmer temps, the REI Co-op Magma 30 ($349) is also a great option.”

The Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag is perfect for cold and damp overnight adventures.

“Its insulation will keep you warm, even when things get wet,” Boogman explains. “If you get too toasty, there’s even a fold-down zipper to let some air in.”

One of the added features of this sleeping bag — a bonus, if you will — is the little stash pocket for small items like your headlamp.

The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag is known for its durability and versatility, featuring a footbox that follows a more natural position, high-performance insulation and an adjustable down-filled gasket to effectively keep the warm air in and the cold air out.

“It’s been taken on ski expeditions, car camping and backpacking,” Boogman shares. “All to say, it’s extremely versatile and built to last. Our dog loves it too.”

“The Disco 15 sleeping bag from NEMO is extremely comfortable and warm,” Boogman says. “It has tons of nice features, such as hydrophobic down insulation, durable water-repellent finishing on the shell fabric and an integrated pillow pocket for extra clothes or padding to allow for elevated support.”

The best part? It’s especially designed for side sleepers, so there’s extra room to comfortably shift positions through the night.

According to Boogman, if you find regular-sized sleeping bags too small or constricting, then this pick is for you.

“While it’s not practical for backpacking trips, since it weighs 8 pounds, the Coleman Big Basin Sleeping Bag is a great compromise between the warmth of a mummy bag and the spaciousness of a rectangular bag,” she offers.

According to Boogman, the Teton Sports Mammoth Double Sleeping Bag is the best overall sleeping bag for standard camping.

“Weighing in at nearly 17 pounds, I wouldn’t take this on the trail but it is a budget-friendly, cozy and durable double sleeping bag that’s designed to keep you warm with a 0-degree Fahrenheit temperature rating,” she says.

“The Big Agnes King Solomon 30 Doublewide Sleeping Bag is a reliably warm and lightweight option that pairs extremely well with sleeping pads for ultimate comfort.” Boogman notes. “The pillow barn will keep your pillows in place through the night and for extra warmth, you can use the hand-tuck pockets.

Oh, and its double anti-snap zippers allow for entry from either side of the bag — perfect if one person has to get up in the middle of the night.

Ahead, Boogman offers her best advice for shopping for a sleeping bag, what to look for — including notes on temperature, insulation and materials — and more.

When it comes to shapes, mummy sleeping bags are built more narrowly in the shoulder and hip area to create a more tailored fit. “The cut of these sleeping bags also helps you stay warmer at night,” Boogman tells The Post. “Rectangle sleeping bags are the typical sleeping bag shape and the one that offers the most comfort. With more room than other sleeping bags, you won’t feel as constrained.”

There are also sleeping bags designed for different weather conditions and purposes, such as backpacking versus car camping.

According to Boogman, insulation material is a key factor. “Other qualities to look for are multiple layer construction, a draft collar, draft tube and shoulder and zipper baffles,” she lists. “All of these features keep heat from escaping the sleeping bag so insulation stays in place.”

A zero degree sleeping bag is designed to keep the average sleeper comfortably warm down to zero degrees Fahrenheit.

The optimal weight for your sleeping bag depends on what kind of adventures you’re going on.

“For example, backpackers might aim for a highly compressible 2 to 3 pound sleeping bag,” Boogman explains. “In general, though, sleeping bags average 2 to 4 pounds.”

More, sleeping bags with cotton flannel lining tend to fall on the heavier side at about 5 pounds, which could be a great option if you’re car camping.

In terms of insulation, water-resistant goose-down sleeping bags are extremely durable. “Sleeping bags made with nylon, polyester and taffeta shell fabrics are going to be your best bet for durability, as they are the most breathable and lightweight,” Boogman notes.

Of course, a well-made sleeping bag is made with high-quality, durable materials.

“Depending on your budget and camping needs, that might be a sleeping bag made with nylon, polyester or taffeta shell fabrics and synthetic insulation materials, or a sleeping bag with more premium materials like ripstop fabric and water-resistant goose-down insulation,” Boogman says.

It’s all in the attention to detail as well. “For example, consider the quality of the zippers so they don’t snag on the fabric,” she adds.

“The temperature rating of a sleeping bag will tell you the lowest temperature at which it will keep you warm,” Boogman says. “However, these ratings assume you are wearing warm clothes to bed and have also purchased a sleeping pad, which acts as a layer between your sleeping bag and the cold ground.”

Plus, everyone is different, some getting cold more easily than others. Also, ratings differ from one manufacturer to another, so this number is not an exact science.

Still, a good rule of thumb when considering a bag’s temperature rating is this, according to Boogman:

Sleeping bags are typically insulated with synthetic, goose-down or water-resistant down. “Generally made from polyester, synthetic insulation keeps you warm while saving you some money,” Boogman says. “Even if it gets damp, it will continue to keep you warm. Goose-down is a little pricier, but campers love it because it tends to be warmer and more durable than synthetic insulation. Beware if it gets wet, however, as it loses its insulating ability.”

Water-resistant down are goose-down sleeping bags that have been treated to protect the feathers against the effects of moisture.

It’s important to keep in mind that your personal comfort levels are unique to you as well. “Some people sleep cold, others tend to sleep hot,” Boogman notes. “Numerous other factors also affect how warm you’ll feel while sleeping, including a sleeping pad, your metabolism, environmental conditions and clothing.”

When selecting a sleeping bag for backpacking, the weight and durability are two deciding factors.

“When you’re trekking through the mountains, every pound counts!” Boogman says. “Finding a sleeping bag that is highly compressible and lightweight will make a world of a difference.”

Another consideration is what type of season and weather you’ll be backpacking in, as that will influence what temperature rating you will need.

Kids sleeping bags come in all shapes and sizes, just like the adult versions.

“A regular sleeping bag is suitable for most children aged 6 and above,” Boogman explains. “Kids sleeping bags or shorter length sleeping bags are recommended for children over 3-years-old.”

At any age, it’s important to get a fitted sleeping bag to maximize warmth. A sleeping bag with too much extra room will make it much harder for the insulation to trap the heat in, per Boogman.

Sleeping bags can also be a great way to let your child represent their tastes and interests and get excited about camping. “Most kids’ sleeping bags come in fun prints, patterns and colors so allow your child to pick a bag that expresses their personality,” she adds.

According to Boogman, double sleeping bags are great for two people.

“Typically wider versions of a rectangular or mummy shaped sleeping bag, they are roomy enough to comfortably fit two adults,” she elaborates. “As a hack, I would hook together two rectangle sleeping bags. Get one bag with a right-hand zipper, and one with a left-hand zipper to make a nice big bed.”

Another option? You can also choose a double sleeping bag if you want to sleep alongside someone else.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.