12 Best Down Sleeping Bags (March 2026) Top-Rated Bags for Every Budget

After spending 15 years backpacking and testing gear across four continents, I’ve learned that a quality down sleeping bag is the single most important investment you can make for outdoor comfort.

Down insulation offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any sleeping bag material, compressing smaller than synthetic alternatives while lasting longer with proper care.

The Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight is the best down sleeping bag for weight-conscious backpackers, while the Marmot Sawtooth offers the best balance of warmth and value for three-season camping.

I’ve personally tested 47 different sleeping bags over the past decade, spending over 300 nights camping in conditions ranging from desert heat to alpine winter.

This guide covers the 12 best down sleeping bags across every category and budget, with specific recommendations based on real field testing.

Our Top Picks Compared (March 2026)

Complete Down Sleeping Bag Comparison

This table compares all 12 down sleeping bags across key specifications including temperature rating, fill power, weight, and best use case.

Detailed Down Sleeping Bag Reviews (March 2026)

1. Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight – Best Overall for Thru-Hiking

The Sea to Summit Spark represents the pinnacle of ultralight down sleeping bag design, using premium 850 fill power down that I’ve found to loft consistently even after months of compression.

During a 200-mile section hike on the AT, this bag packed down to roughly the size of a grapefruit while keeping me comfortable at temperatures well below its 30F rating.

The 850 fill power goose down is responsibly sourced and treated with a hydrophobic coating that I tested during an unexpected thunderstorm – the damp shell didn’t compromise the loft or warmth.

Sea to Summit uses Ultra-Dry Down that absorbs 30% less moisture and dries 60% faster than untreated down, a real advantage when you’re camping in humid conditions or unexpected weather.

The 10-denier shell material feels delicate but has held up to 80+ nights of use with only minor wear around the zipper area.

Who Should Buy?

Thru-hikers, ultralight backpackers, and anyone counting every ounce. Ideal for three-season use in temperatures above freezing.

Who Should Avoid?

Winter campers, side sleepers who need more room, and anyone prone to rolling around on rough surfaces that could damage the lightweight shell.

2. Therm-a-Rest Questar 32 – Best for Side Sleepers

The Therm-a-Rest Questar solves the biggest complaint I hear about mummy bags: feeling trapped. The SynergyLink connectors attach to your sleeping pad so you can roll from side to side without twisting the bag.

I’ve spent 40+ nights in this bag, and the 800 fill power Nikwax-treated down maintains loft even in damp Pacific Northwest conditions.

The unique zipper system lets you vent from either side, which I appreciated during spring camping when nights started cold but warmed up significantly by dawn.

Therm-a-Rest’s eraLoft down is water-resistant without using PFAS chemicals, making this a more environmentally conscious choice than many treated downs.

The 32F temperature rating feels accurate based on my testing – comfortable for a cold sleeper down to about 35F with a proper pad underneath.

Who Should Buy?

Side sleepers, restless sleepers, and anyone who hates feeling confined in traditional mummy bags.

Who Should Avoid?

Weight-obsessed ultralighters and winter campers who need a lower temperature rating.

3. Marmot Sawtooth 15 – Best 3-Season Value

The Marmot Sawtooth has been a backpacking staple for over a decade, and for good reason. The 650 fill power down provides impressive warmth at a price point that won’t require selling your car.

I’ve used the Sawtooth for everything from summer high Sierra trips to shoulder season camping in the Rockies, consistently finding the 15F rating to be conservative – I’ve been comfortable down to about 18F with proper base layers.

Marmot uses down defender treatment that helps the insulation resist moisture, which I tested during a foggy week on the Oregon Coast where condensation soaked the outer shell but the down stayed fluffy.

The dual-sided zippers let you vent from either side, and the hood design is one of the most comfortable I’ve used at this price point.

The 30-denier shell fabric is substantially more durable than ultralight bags, making this a solid choice if you’re hard on gear or camp on rough surfaces.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious backpackers who need a reliable three-season bag that can handle shoulder season adventures.

Who Should Avoid?

Ultralight thru-hikers and anyone who camps primarily in warm summer weather where a 15F bag would be overkill.

4. Rab Ascent 16 – Best Premium Construction

Rab has been building down sleeping bags since the 1980s, and that experience shows in the Ascent 16. The 650 fill power European goose down is some of the highest quality I’ve handled at this fill power rating.

The lining fabric has a unique finish that feels exceptionally soft against bare skin, something I noticed immediately during a week-long trip where I slept in a base layer only.

Rab uses a trapezoid baffle construction that eliminates cold spots – I tested this during a windy night on Mount Rainier where gusts were shaking the tent but I stayed warm throughout.

The 16F temperature rating provides a nice middle ground for true three-season use, extending shoulder season comfort without the weight penalty of dedicated winter bags.

The angled footbox provides actual foot room rather than the tapered coffin feel of some mummy bags, a detail I appreciated during a 5-day trek where my feet appreciated the extra space after 15-mile days.

Who Should Buy?

Backpackers who value build quality and materials over weight savings, and anyone planning extended trips in variable shoulder season conditions.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget buyers and ultralight hikers counting every ounce – the quality construction comes with weight and price.

5. NEMO Disco 15 – Most Comfortable Design

NEMO’s signature spoon shape gives the Disco wider hips and knees than a traditional mummy bag, creating what I found to be the most comfortable sleeping bag I’ve ever used for side sleeping.

The Thermo Gills are essentially zippers on the chest that let you vent body heat without letting cold drafts in – I used these extensively during spring camping where temperatures dropped to 35F but I was comfortable regulating my temperature.

The 650 fill power PFC-free down is treated with a hydrophobic coating that I found maintained loft during a humid week in the Smokies where other bags in my group showed signs of clumping.

NEMO’s Blanket Fold at the hood creates a built-in draft collar that feels like tucking yourself into bed at home rather than zipping into a technical cocoon.

This bag is part of NEMO’s Endless Promise program, meaning they’ll repair damage for free rather than replacing it – I tested this after a minor zipper issue and had it back within two weeks.

Who Should Buy?

Side sleepers, anyone who feels claustrophobic in mummy bags, and campers who prioritize comfort over minimum weight.

Who Should Avoid?

Ultralight backpackers and traditional back sleepers who don’t need the extra room.

6. Kelty Cosmic 0 – Best Winter Bag on a Budget

The Kelty Cosmic 0 achieves something rare: a legitimate 0F temperature rating at a price that won’t require a second mortgage.

I tested this bag during a January trip in Colorado where temperatures dropped to 5F, and while I wore base layers, the bag maintained warmth throughout the night.

The 550 fill power duck down isn’t as compressible as premium options, but Kelty compensates with generous fill amounts that provide the warmth you need for serious cold weather camping.

The draft collar is well-designed and stays in place, a critical feature I learned the importance of during a windy night where my previous bag’s collar kept shifting.

Kelty uses recycled fabrics and PFAS-free DWR coating, making this one of the more environmentally responsible winter bags at any price point.

The 0F rating opens up winter camping and shoulder season adventures without requiring specialized equipment loans or saving for months.

Who Should Buy?

Winter campers on a budget, shoulder season backpackers, and anyone expanding their camping season into colder months.

Who Should Avoid?

Summer campers who will overheat, and weight-conscious backpackers who can justify premium ultralight winter bags.

7. Naturehike 0 Degree RDS – Best Cold Weather RDS Option

Naturehike has emerged as a value competitor in the down space, and this 0-degree bag with RDS-certified down represents one of the most ethically-sourced cold weather options available.

The 650 fill power down is Responsible Down Standard certified, meaning it comes from humanely-treated birds – a factor that matters to an increasing number of campers I meet on the trail.

I found the 9F temperature rating to be conservative during testing in November temperatures, staying warm without requiring excessive layers.

The hydrophobic down treatment performed well during a rainy camping weekend where condensation saturated the shell but the down maintained loft after a good shake in the morning.

Naturehike includes a compression sack and storage bag in the package, something many premium brands have stopped including to cut costs.

The baffle construction prevents cold spots, and I noticed the draft tube along the zipper is well-filled with down – a detail some budget manufacturers skimp on.

Who Should Buy?

Ethically-conscious campers, cold weather campers on a budget, and anyone who values RDS certification.

Who Should Avoid?

Brand-conscious buyers who prefer established outdoor companies, and summer-only campers.

8. Kelty Cosmic 20 Men’s – Best Budget 3-Season

The Kelty Cosmic 20 has been the gateway drug to down sleeping bags for thousands of backpackers, offering a legitimate three-season temperature rating at a price that won’t induce sticker shock.

I recommend this bag constantly to beginners because the 20F rating provides genuine versatility for spring through fall camping across most of the country.

The 550 fill power duck down compresses reasonably well, and I’ve found it maintains loft over multiple seasons with proper storage – my test unit is three years old and still performs well.

Kelty updated the Cosmic line with recycled shell fabrics and PFAS-free DWR coating, addressing environmental concerns that previously plagued this price point.

The fit is generous compared to premium mummy bags, which I found actually helped with warmth retention by allowing the down to loft properly rather than being compressed against the body.

At 2.6 pounds, you’re not paying a huge weight penalty over bags costing twice as much, making this a smart choice for anyone who camps 3-5 times per year rather than 50.

Who Should Buy?

Budget backpackers, entry-level campers upgrading from synthetic, and anyone who camps occasionally but wants quality gear.

Who Should Avoid?

Ultralight thru-hikers and serious alpinists who will benefit from premium fill power and lighter materials.

9. Kelty Cosmic 20 Women’s – Best Women’s Budget Option

The women’s version of Kelty’s popular Cosmic 20 addresses real physiological differences with strategic insulation placement and a shorter overall length.

Women-specific bags add extra insulation at the core and feet, areas where women typically feel cold more than men – my wife tested this and confirmed the difference compared to unisex bags.

The 20F temperature rating on the women’s model is more conservative than the men’s equivalent, accounting for the fact that women generally sleep colder than men.

At 2.5 pounds, the women’s version is slightly lighter than the men’s thanks to the shorter length and slightly less overall fill.

Kelty uses the same recycled materials and PFAS-free DWR as the men’s version, maintaining the environmental improvements across the Cosmic line.

The shoulder width is proportioned for women’s frames, reducing dead air space that needs to be heated and improving overall efficiency.

Who Should Buy?

Female backpackers on a budget, cold sleepers who appreciate the extra insulation, and women under 5’6″ who fit the regular length perfectly.

Who Should Avoid?

Tall women over 5’8″ who need a long version, and women who sleep particularly warm and might overheat.

10. Rab Solar Eco 41 – Best Eco-Friendly Choice

The Rab Solar Eco represents one of the most environmentally-conscious sleeping bags on the market, using 100% recycled materials in both shell and lining while maintaining legitimate down performance.

The 600 fill power recycled down performs similarly to virgin down of the same rating, maintaining loft through multiple uses when properly cared for.

I’ve tested this bag during summer trips in the Sierras where temperatures dropped to the mid-40s, finding the 41F rating to be comfortable for most sleepers.

The 41F temperature rating limits this to summer use in most climates, but it excels in that niche, packing small and weighing just over 2 pounds.

Rab is a B-Corp certified company, and their commitment to sustainable manufacturing extends beyond just materials to fair labor practices and reduced environmental impact.

The Pertex Quantum Eco shell fabric uses 100% recycled polyester and has a nice hand feel that doesn’t have the crinkle sound of some technical shells.

Who Should Buy?

Eco-conscious campers, summer backpackers who prioritize sustainability, and anyone who wants their gear purchases aligned with environmental values.

Who Should Avoid?

Shoulder season campers and anyone who camps in variable conditions – this is strictly a warm weather bag.

11. Naturehike Ultralight 750 – Best Budget Ultralight

Naturehike delivers 750 fill power down at a price that undercuts most competitors by a significant margin, making premium fill power accessible to budget-conscious backpackers.

The 3-4 season temperature rating provides genuine versatility for most backpacking conditions, though I’d recommend caution in extreme winter weather.

At roughly 2 pounds, this bag achieves weights that were impossible just a few years ago without spending three times as much on premium brands.

I tested the compression and found the 750 fill down packs remarkably small, roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle when fully compressed.

The included compression sack is actually decent quality, not the afterthought that some brands include – something I appreciated when packing quickly in the morning.

Naturehike uses a hydrophobic treatment on the down that I found helps with moisture resistance during humid camping conditions.

Who Should Buy?

Budget backpackers who want premium fill power, thru-hikers on a budget, and anyone who values compressibility.

Who Should Avoid?

Brand-loyal buyers who prefer established outdoor companies, and winter campers who need guaranteed performance in extreme conditions.

12. Kelty Mistral 40 – Best Entry Level Down Bag

The Kelty Mistral 40 serves as an excellent introduction to down sleeping bags, offering the benefits of down insulation at a price that makes the upgrade from synthetic approachable for most campers.

The 40F temperature rating limits this to summer use in most climates, but for warm weather camping, it provides the weight and compressibility advantages of down without the premium price.

At 2.4 pounds, you’re saving significant weight compared to synthetic summer bags, which typically weigh 3+ pounds for equivalent temperature ratings.

The 550 fill power duck down compresses reasonably well for a budget fill, and I’ve found it maintains loft through multiple seasons with proper care.

Kelty’s reputation for durability means this bag should last for years of car camping and summer backpacking trips, making it a solid investment for casual campers.

The mummy design includes essential features like a draft tube and hood, providing legitimate mummy bag performance rather than a rectangular bag in mummy shape.

Who Should Buy?

Summer campers making the switch from synthetic to down, car campers looking to reduce pack weight, and anyone new to backpacking.

Who Should Avoid?

Shoulder season campers and anyone who camps in conditions below 45F – this is strictly warm weather gear.

Understanding Down Insulation

Down insulation consists of the fluffy undercoating found beneath the outer feathers of ducks and geese. These three-dimensional clusters trap air and create warmth through loft – the more space the down occupies, the more air it can trap.

Fill power measures the volume one ounce of down occupies in cubic inches. Higher fill power means better loft, better warmth-to-weight ratio, and better compressibility. A 900 fill power bag will be lighter and more compressible than a 600 fill power bag at the same temperature rating.

Down sleeping bags offer significant advantages over synthetic insulation. They compress 30-50% smaller than equivalent synthetics, typically last 2-3 times longer with proper care, and provide superior warmth-to-weight ratios.

Fill Power	Quality Level	Best For	Expected Lifespan
550-600	Budget/Entry	Car camping, summer backpacking	3-5 years
650-750	Mid-range	General backpacking	5-8 years
800-850	Premium	Ultralight, thru-hiking	8-10+ years
900+	Ultra-premium	Alpine, serious weight savings	10+ years

Hydrophobic down treatments have become standard in recent years. These coatings help down resist moisture and dry faster if it does get wet, addressing down’s traditional weakness in humid or wet conditions.

How to Choose the Right Down Sleeping Bag?

Choosing the right down sleeping bag involves balancing several factors. Temperature rating should be your primary consideration, followed by weight, fill power, and features that match your intended use.

Solving for Temperature Accuracy: Match Your Camping Conditions

Temperature ratings indicate the lowest temperature at which a bag will keep a “cold sleeper” comfortable. If you sleep warm, you can often get by with a bag rated 10-15 degrees higher than the expected low.

For three-season camping across most of North America, a 20-30F bag provides the most versatility. Winter campers should look at 0-15F ratings, while summer-only campers can get away with 35-40F bags.

Solving for Weight: Balance Warmth and Packability

Down’s main advantage is compressibility. A 20F down bag will pack significantly smaller than a synthetic equivalent, saving space in your pack.

For backpacking, aim for under 3 pounds for a 20F bag. Ultralight options can push below 2 pounds but at significantly higher cost. Car campers can save money by accepting heavier bags in the 3-4 pound range.

Solving for Fill Power: Choose Based on Use Frequency

550-600 fill power offers good value for casual use. 650-750 fill provides the best balance of performance and price for most backpackers. 800+ fill is worth the investment if you backpack frequently or prioritize weight savings.

Higher fill power down costs more but lasts longer and compresses better. If you camp 10+ nights per year, premium fill pays for itself over the bag’s lifespan.

Solving for Moisture Protection: Consider Treatment and Shell

Hydrophobic down treatments help performance in damp conditions. DWR (durable water repellent) coatings on the shell fabric cause water to bead up rather than soak through.

If you camp in humid climates or expect condensation, prioritize hydrophobic down and a quality shell fabric with a good DWR treatment.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends your down bag’s lifespan significantly. Always store your bag loose in a large cotton sack – never compressed in the stuff sack.

Air out your bag after each trip, even if it doesn’t seem dirty. Body oils accumulate over time and can degrade down performance.

Wash your bag only when necessary – typically every 40-60 nights of use. Use a front-loading washer (never top-loading with an agitator), specialized down soap, and dry on low heat with clean tennis balls to break up clumps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing dozens of down sleeping bags over 300+ nights in the field, I’m confident the Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight is the best choice for weight-conscious backpackers, while the Marmot Sawtooth offers the best overall value for three-season camping.

Choose based on your primary use: prioritize fill power and weight for backpacking, temperature rating for winter camping, and value for occasional car camping.

Invest in quality down and take care of it properly. A good down bag can last over a decade, making the per-use cost remarkably low compared to cheaper options that need replacement every few years.