4 winter sleeping bags that were built for 0-degree temperatures

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When it comes to winter camping, reliable equipment is key. That's why investing in a high-quality cold weather sleeping bag is so important — it will help you stay warm and comfortable without adding too much weight to your load. Since the market is flooded with options, I did some research and compiled a list of the best winter sleeping bags out there. Before you start scrolling through them, you'll want to consider the two main components of a sleeping bag:

  • Insulation: Usually composed of either genuine down or synthetic loft, this is the inner part of the sleeping bag that traps your body heat and helps keep you warm. Real goose down is typically the warmest option and it provides more heat for the weight. However, there are some excellent synthetic options that are cheaper and more water-resistant.
  • Shell: This is the exterior part of the sleeping bag that makes contact with your skin. It needs to be constructed with tough, anti-snag fabric that still feels soft to the touch, like nylon ripstop or nylon taffeta.

In addition to these main elements, think about features like the temperature rating (depending on the climate of the region, a bag in the 0 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit range is usually best for winter camping) and the style of zipper (seek sturdy options which can unzip smoothly without snagging or tearing).

With these considerations in mind, check out my list of the best winter sleeping bags below.

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

01

The tried-and-true one

Temperature rating: 0 degree Fahrenheit

Weight: 3.8 pounds

Fill type: Genuine down

Made with warm 600-fill power DriDown insulation, this cozy yet tough option is one of the best cold weather sleeping bags out there. It's constructed with 20-denier nylon taffeta shell that's soft and strong. Inside, it's lined with 50-denier polyester taffeta that feels silky against your skin. This sleeping bag packs down small and weighs less than 4 pounds, so it's a good option for multi-day trips. As a bonus, it also has a handy pocket to hold your phone or a headlamp, and a heavy duty zipper that doesn't catch.

One reviewer wrote: "Warm bag for winter camping. Material feels nice and does not get clammy. Well insulated with no noticeable cold spots."

  • Available sizes: regular and long

02

The mid-range one

Temperature rating: 0 degree Fahrenheit

Weight: 3 pounds

Fill type: Genuine down

This four-season sleeping bag is a great all-around option that can still stand up to 0-degree temperatures, making it a good choice for year-round campers. The 700-fill power down insulation will keep you toasty, and the trapezoidal foot-box has added insulation to ensure that your toes stay warm on even the coldest nights. Weighing in at just 3 pounds, it's also surprisingly lightweight, so it's perfect for backpacking trips with unpredictable weather. The shell is made from 20-denier anti-snag nylon ripstop, and a wide zipper guard ensures that you can easily open the bag for more ventilation on warmer nights.

One reviewer wrote: "I've used a wide variety of bags in over 20 years of camping trips, and always froze the first night. Mummy bags usually are too tight at the legs & feet, with a bunch of wasted (chilly) space at the end (5'3" petite lady). On this trip, everyone else was complaining about the cold, and I, with our rainfly free screen top tent, was cozy as can be! The draft collar & ribbon along the zipper work perfectly, the roomy toe box was just the right length, and this is the first time ever I needed no socks, blanket, jacket, etc. to sleep like a baby."

  • Available sizes: short, regular, and long

03

The one for campers on a budget

Temperature rating: 0 degree Fahrenheit

Weight: 7 pounds

Fill type: Synthetic down

If you're looking for something warm enough for winter that doesn't cost a fortune, this popular Coleman North Rim sleeping bag — which has over 5,000 ratings on Amazon — is an excellent budget choice. It's made with synthetic loft and is considerably heavier than some other options, but it's still a fantastic choice for folks seeking something more wallet-friendly. It's made with a sturdy quilted construction and a hood you can tighten around your head for extra heat retention. The zipper is snag-free, and you can unzip the bottom for extra ventilation when needed. Plus, it offers weather protection down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

One reviewer wrote: "Great bag, keeps me super warm, I live in Colorado and do lots of camping and in the cooler months, this bag has been great. I actually became hot throughout the night, when it was about 20 degree out side and snowing. I love the hood part, you can wrap your pillow in it and then pull the strings to fit your comfort level."

  • Available sizes: standard

04

The lightweight one

Temperature rating: 0 degrees Fahrenheit

Weight: 2.5 pounds

Fill type: Genuine down

Whether you're planning on backpacking in the winter or simply want something that's not heavy to lug around, this Sierra Designs sleeping bag is the best ultra-lightweight, cold-weather option. It's packed with top-grade 800-fill power DriDown that's water-resistant, yet the whole thing only weighs 2.5 pounds. The exterior features strong 15-denier nylon ripstop, and the zipper has anti-snag tracks to prevent it from catching. There's also a roomy foot vent and a cinch cord around the hood for extra warmth.

One reviewer wrote: "I [used] to carry a Marmot Trestle Sleeping bag (5 lbs, 8 oz) when i got this Sierra Design bag ( 2 lbs, 7 oz) I immediately felt the difference in my pack and had more room to stuff other needed items in my pack."

  • Available sizes: regular, long, and women's