The Best 0 Degree Sleeping Bag For Cold Weather Camping

Are you planning a winter camping or hiking trip soon? Do you intend to step out with your family or friends for an outdoor activity that will last for several days of weeks? Well, of the many things you need for your trip, one of the most important things is a zero degree sleeping bag.

Resting your body after a thrilling and tiring adventure experience when camping in the woods is essential. You must sleep well, or else your body will act restless and lethargic. The choice of a sleeping bag becomes much more important especially if you intend to indulge in an outdoor activity in the winter.

The same is true, particularly for women. Women need more comfort and rest compared to men as their bodies tend to be worked up fast because of biological reasons and their body types.

The most important features of a down sleeping bag for camping in the winter and/or backpacking are ample interior space, low weight, compressibility, and high-value insulation. Ample storage space comes in handy when it comes to storing water and gear. To boost your warmth when the temperatures drop, you need to settle for a high-quality winter sleeping bag.

Here is our comprehensive review of the best 0-degree sleeping bags today.

Reviews of The Best 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

Teton Sports Altos Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag – Best 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

This mummy bag comes with quality Spectrum S natural fibers that guarantee you warmth and comfort when camping or hiking. It is lightweight and offers more leg and shoulder room. The foot box gives you more room for you to move your feet. This sleeping bag is sturdy and durable for use in any environment. The shell is tear-resistant for use in rugged conditions while the soft liner keeps you not only warm but also comfortable.

You don’t have to roll your sleeping bag. It comes with a quality compression sack for staffing the comfortable sleeping bag. All you need is to staff it in from the bottom and then tighten the pack with the quality straps. The fluffy sleeping bag guarantee warmer sleep. You can use a camp pad if you want to sleep warm and hang loops long-term storage.

TENON SPORTS stands behind their amazing products. You can always get in touch with them if you have questions or concerns. The fabric is soft and feels great on bare skin

The sleeping bag is somewhat too warm for use in a relatively warm environment. It is designed for camping or hiking in cold settings. You probably don’t need to keep your head in the hood or use the internal neck seal when using it in cold environments.

TETON Sports ALTOS Mummy Sleeping Bag has excellent features for outdoor activities. The fabric is tear-resistant and tough enough for use in harsh outdoor settings.

​Pros

• ​Comfortable
• ​Durable
• ​Tough
• ​Great compression sack
• ​Hang loops for long-term storage
• ​Soft nylon liner to keep you warm

Cons

• ​Might be too small for some users

Klymit KSB 0° 4-Season Mummy Style Down Sleeping Bag – Best Premium Choice

The amazing Klymit KSB 0° 4-Season sleeping bag offers exceptional warmth and comfort in cold weather. It comes with a compression sack and adjustable Length Locks that help reduce the length to fit relatively short people.

It has high thermal efficiency because of outstanding features that include a draft collar, insulated mummy hood, over-stuffed foot box. All these features are designed to reduce heat loss and give you comfort throughout the night. The fabrics are light, sturdy, and durable for use in a harsh outdoor environment.

Most users love it because of the oversized chest area. It is flexible and provides sufficient room to move. Do you want to keep small items with you as you sleep? Klymit KSB 0° 4-Season Down Sleeping Bag has stash pockets that you can keep the things.

It is ideal for adults who want to enjoy warmth and comfort on the cold nights, whether you are hiking or camping. It guarantees 4-season warmth because of the 650 fill-power duck down that is lightweight. It weighs 3.9 LBS only which makes it one of the best ultralights down sleeping bags.

Additional features that you will enjoy include flexible baffles that give you space to move. The lightweight design makes the sleeping bag packable for camping or hiking while it comes with a quality compression stuff sack.

Pros

• ​Lightweight design
• ​Thermal efficient
• ​Expanded chest area
• ​Head to toe coverage

Cons

• ​The quality of the compression bag could be better

ALPS Mountaineering Crescent Lake 0-Degree Sleeping Bag – Best Budget 4-Season Sleeping Bag

The Crescent Lake sleeping bags come with Techloft+ insulation. It has multi-hole micro-denier fibers with a siliconized finish for exceptional insulation and compactness. The 2-layer offset design, which is often referred to as a bag within a bag, offers warmth and comfort.

The mummy shape and contoured hood seal the warmth inside. Most people love it because it doesn’t take much space. It is ideal for hikes, camping, and outdoor activities during winter.

Most sleeping bags lose heat through the zipper, but ALPS Mountaineering Crescent Lake Sleeping Bag is different. It comes with a zipper baffle to prevent heat loss and keep you warm throughout the cold nights. This is an important feature that most people overlook.

The shape of the sleeping bag also conserves heat.  Since the heat usually gets lost out of the head, the fantastic sleeping bag features a contoured mummy shape to hold the heat inside and keep you warm in the cold temperatures.

It is large enough to accommodate large users and gives everybody the power to enjoy hiking and camping trips.

Zipping most sleeping bags poses a challenge. ALPS Mountaineering Crescent Lake Sleeping Bag is great because it is easy to zip up from the inside. If you want a sleeping bag that is easy to zip up, this could be a great fit.

Pros

• ​Large size for large adult users
• ​Excellent insulation for thermal efficiency
• ​Quality zip that is easy to pip up from inside
• ​Zipper baffle to conserve heat

Cons

• ​The sleeping bag is rather heavy for hiking

Marmot Col Membrain -20F Degree Down Sleeping Bag – Best Sleeping Bag For Extreme Cold Weather

This sleeping bag features a minimalist design and mummy-style for thermal efficiency. It comes with the same structure as the popular CWM bag designed for extremely cold settings.

Its spacious construct takes care of the should and hip girth. It is unisex but comes in regular and long options. Since there is a significant difference in weight between the two, you should choose the one that suits your body weight and size.

The weather-resistant bag features a 2-layer design that makes the sleeping bag waterproof and breathable. The lining is 100% nylon for comfort and protection, while the Cross Baffle design reduces the shifting of the insulation.

The bag contains 1.16 kg of 800+ goose down with -20 F (-29 C) rating. The sleeping bag is not only soft but also lofty and insulative for comfort and warmth on cold nights. The mummy bag has enough space for extra layers.

As you see from the hood picture above, it can be cinched tight, and you have enough opening for the face to breathe normally. The collar, which you see on the right above, is with its extra cinch cord, which will keep out any drafts.

Although the mummy bag is cinched tight, it offers users enough space to breathe normally. The collar comes with a cinch cord to help you keep off any drafts. Besides, the full-length zipper is an insulated draft tube to reduce heat loss. The foot box is designed with baffles to increase warmth.

This bag is designed for freezing weather. It is ideal for alpinism, hunting, camping, and mountaineering because it is waterproof and breathable. It is 41 x19 cm, a size that is ideal for a ​​sleeping ​bag.

Pros

• ​Breathable and waterproof fabric
• ​Attractive and functional design
• ​Impressive temperature rating
• ​Small and lightweight pack size

Cons

• ​Quite expensive for users on a budget

TETON Sports LEEF Lightweight Mummy Sleeping Bag

TETON Sports LEEF Lightweight Mummy Bag comes with the incredible polarlite micro-fiber insulation that reduces weight while preserving warmth and comfort. It has a quality no-gap hood that is easy to adjust around the face for thermal conservation. The quality anti-snag zippers are designed to prevent cold spots and for easy zipping up from the inside.

The mummy bag offers ample room for legs and shoulders than most popular sleeping bags on the market. It weighs 3.5 Lbs. Features a lightweight design. You can compress it down to reduce packing space and enjoy comfort and warmth during your camping or mountaineering trip in cold weather.

If you want a sleeping bag designed to meet your comfort need when undertaking outdoor activities in winter, this sleeping bag from TETON Sports is likely to meet your expectations. It offers several layers of insulation to conserve heat.

You can pull in the hood tightly around the face. Since the lining is soft, it feels great on the skin and guarantees comfort. It gives you sufficient space to move your feet too.

The innovative mummy bag is designed for freezing conditions, although some reviews indicate that it is not ideal for temperatures below freezing.

The foot box has added insulation that makes the entire bag exceptionally warm. If you don’t want your feet to get cold, this is a perfect option for you. The full-length zipper complements the overall design by locking the warm air inside. You can use a camp pad in freezing weather.

TETON also provides a convenient compression sack to compact the sleeping bag when backpacking for a hiking or camping trip.

TETON SPORTs have an outstanding customer service team to respond to your concerns when the need arises.

Pros

• ​Lightweight design
• ​Warm and comfortable
• ​Polarlite fiber insulation
• ​No hood gap for additional warmth

Cons

• ​It is not suitable for icy weather

Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag

Coleman has been innovating and creating products for outdoor recreational use since time in memorial. In 1900, the company began selling gasoline-powered lanterns. Today, Coleman creates everything you need to play or work outdoors, from sleeping bags and tents to furniture, backpacks and boats.

A significant highlight of this bag from Coleman is that it is the fact that it specially tailored to accommodate people of up to six feet two inches tall because it measures 82-inches by 32-inches. Featuring 54 ounces of Coletherm-4 insulation, the extreme-temperature bag certainly keeps you warm even in temperatures of 0 degrees.

The adult sleeping bag boasts a mummy-style design coupled with a box-shaped foot for an additional wiggle room. It keeps you warm from toe to head.

The bag features a thermally efficient quilting construction that gets rid of any potential cold spots. Its Thermolock draft tube is handy at preventing heat loss via the zipper. Manufacturers had versatility in mind when creating it, meaning you will be able to enjoy personalized ventilation and warmth.

On warmer nights, all you need to do is keep the adjustable and semi-sculpted good loose. Use the bag’s 2-way zipper to ventilate the bag excellently.

You will be glad to know that the rugged bag is machine washable. Its rugged nature courtesy of a ripstop-reinforced polyester cover ensures the bag resists tearing. A patented ZipPlow system plows fabric away from the bag’s zipper to prevent frustration and snags.

It comes with a stuff sack for effortless packing, toting and storing. We love it because you can use it comfortably across the four seasons.  

Pros

• ​Extremely plush, thick and warm
• ​Easy to use zipper
• ​Great for use in a RV, tent or popup
• ​Rugged outer cover to prevent tear

Cons

• ​Very bulky

Slumberjack Borderland Sleeping Bag

Slumberjack is one of the popular manufacturers of the best sleeping bags. The company understands the significant nature of quality recreation as well as family time. The Slumberjack Camping Collection’s Borderland is full of incredible features that make it among the best in the market.

For starters, it has the company’s proprietary Slumberloft™ insulation and water-repellent shells. The combination of these two features makes sure that all your outdoor memories will always be memorable and for the right reasons. All Borderland bags are tailored to retain warmth by excellently fitting into your body’s contours.

They are spacious to guarantee maximum comfort as you sleep during your winter trip.  Its draft collar prevents the loss of heat from the shoulder and neck area. The bag’s anti-snag zipper protection is excellently sewn along the zipper and draft tube to ensure reliable zipper operation.

What is more, the draft tube, together with the zipper prevents cold air from getting in and heat loss along the zipper. The bag brings with it a trapezoidal foot box that offers space for your feet to maintain a natural position for the utmost comfort.

The Borderland bag is tailored for long-lasting warmth camping outdoors in the cold to moderate weather. With its Slumberloft fill and mummy shape, you can rest assured that the bag will trap or retain your body’s heat for a warm night of sleep.

Two-layer and off-set construction featuring a differential cut goes miles to prevent cold spots. You can use the Flip-Over Hood contoured or flat around your head for extra warmth. Its trapezoidal foot box guarantees more freedom at the bag’s bottom.

A stuff sack is included.

Pros

• ​Off-set construction to cushion against cold spots
• ​Trapezoidal foot box for more foot space
• ​Draft tube to prevent heat loss and keep cold air out
• ​Anti-snag zipper protection

Cons

• ​Too big to pack

Buying Guide

Temperature ratings for sleeping bags are pretty much standardized these days, but knowing where to apply 0-degree sleeping bags best can be confusing. Moreover, we all have peculiarities in how we regulate body temperature. For this reason, knowing how to stay warm is an important skill to have.

When choosing a standard sleeping bag, what matters the most is its temperature rating. Choose a sleeping bag that will keep you warm at or below the recommended temperatures.

With 0-degree sleeping bags, this is what you need in the severest and coldest environments, where others rated 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 don’t cut it. The factors you should consider are principally the same, regardless of the temperature ratings in your given sleeping bag.

Without further ado, below are some of the things you should look at to get a 0-degree sleeping bag that’s perfect for your situation.

Down fill power

The power fill in your 0-degree sleeping bag affects its weight and the level of warmth it provides. The quality of the down directly co-relates with the down fill power. A higher number means better insulation and is usually more expensive. The number can be denoted as 800-fill power, with 650 thread count for Egyptian cotton. The figures given are often measurements taken in a lab.

However, a higher number doesn’t mean more warmth in all cases. Other factors, such as how much of the down fill is in the jacket, affect temperatures more than the down fill power rating. What makes down so widespread in use is its ability to be compressed in small, easy to pack shapes, then puffed back up later for use.

This attribute makes it marketable to consumers and manufacturers who must source raw materials from distant areas. Better quality down fluffs creates more insulation after compression because they trap more heat within the smaller air pockets of the down fill.

The down fill power test is done by filling a large cylinder with an ounce of down. After that, a weighted disk is placed on top, and it slowly begins to sink. The level of compression is measured by the distance traveled by the weighted disk after one minute.

After that, simply calculate the volume of compression in the down. The less an ounce of down compresses, the better it is to others.

More fill power commands a hefty price because its lighter and takes up less volume. If overall weight and bulk are not an issue to you, then get a 0-degree sleeping bag with a lower power rating since its cheaper. Fill power typically ranges from 500 to 900 in top of the line products.

Fill weight and its distribution within baffles, in and around the sleeping bag, also determine its warmth to a large extent. In theory, 50 grams of 900 fill power would provide the same warmth as 100 grams of 450 fill power down.

You should seek a higher fill power, more so if you want to hike with a 0-degree sleeping bag in your backpack. All your luggage should be as light as possible on a trail to reduce your burden. A downside to fill power calculations is that synthetic materials from different brands have unique characteristics.

Therefore, using estimates from the typical experiment provide inconclusive results when testing synthetics.

More: Best Tent For Extreme Cold Weather

Bag shape

Most 0-degree sleeping bags fit tight to the body and are usually referred to as mummy shaped. They offer extra warmth while reducing the need for extra fabric and insulation. Because of the compact size, your mummy shaped sleeping bag will occupy the minimum amount of space when packed.

The only downside to this design is that they do feel too restrictive, but the extreme cold warrants it.

There are semi-rectangular designs, which gives you a little more room, so you’re more comfortable sleeping in it. However, such types usually weigh and take up more than mummy shaped types, which present its own sets of challenges if backpacking. Even so, today’s technologies are better than those of the past.

As a result, 0-degree sleeping bags are now lighter and compact, offering great comfort even at lower temperatures. Ultralight sleeping bags usually cost more than the alternative.

More: Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag Under 100

Insulation type

Sleeping bags made of synthetic materials do not absorb water and are thus convenient in moisture-laden environments. Additionally, they are cheaper than down sleeping bags but tend to be bulkier. Synthetics are also non-allergic and dry quickly.

Down sleeping bags can be compressed to smaller sizes than synthetic types and offer better protection from the cold as well. Down insulation made of feathers is usually very lightweight when compared to other varieties.

The only downside to down sleeping bags is that they are more expensive and don’t insulate when wet, unlike synthetics.

Weight

Every hiker understands why it’s essential to move in moderation. Most people go to sub-zero areas for only a select amount of time. Therefore, you won’t be there permanently, and the road to get to where you want can be treacherous. You need every ounce of strength in your legs and core muscles throughout your journey.

Having a hefty load to carry is not a good idea. For this reason, light sleeping bags are best suited for backpacking. The price of 0-degree variants tends to rise as their sleeping bag’s weight decreases.

Also, ensure that the sleeping bag you choose doesn’t take up too much volume in your backpack. Being lightweight doesn’t necessarily mean the bag is more compressible to another. Size is measured in liters, and avid hikers recommend you choose a sleeping bag that takes up a maximum room of 3 liters.

More: The Best Sleeping Bag For Hammock

Zippers

Designers have creatively applied zippers to their sleeping bags for added capabilities. Many have secondary and partial zippers for extra ventilation when required. Some can even unzip and lay flat to form a blanket. Therefore, zippers play an essential role when gauging your options.

Most bags have full-length zippers on one side. For this reason, you must choose a sleeping bag that’s in line with your dominant hand. Also, consider the direction in which your tent door is facing for easy access through an open zipper in your sleeping bag.

Shell and inner lining

Carefully consider the materials used in making the sleeping bag. Some shells have waterproof or water repellent materials, while others soak water like a sponge. Some shells are breathable, and most for 0-degree sleeping bags aren’t.

Polyester and nylon are the most common materials used to make the inner lining. This fabric should be soft and comfortable to the touch.

​More: Jetboil Mini cooking system Vs MSR WindBurner Personal Stove: Which Is Better? 

Accessories

The sleeping bag sometimes needs a little bit more, for you can get the most out of it. Here are some essential accessories to consider

Sleeping bag liner: ensure you have a liner to protect the sleeping bag from dirt and body oils. As a result, your bag will last longer, because it is much easier and more practical to clean a liner than a whole sleeping bag because it will get dirty less. Some commonly used materials for making a liner include fleece, cotton, and silk, which also vary in their ability to add warmth.

Sleeping mat: This acts as a barrier between the sleeping bag and the cold floor. It can be a simple foam roll mat, a blow-up mattress, or a self-inflating mat. With such a product, your night will be more comfortable, thanks to the extra insulation and cushioning.

Pillow: Some consider this a luxury, but many can’t live without it. If you’re in the latter category, you’d be happy to know some options fittingly appeal to hikers by having a negligible weight and volume. A blow-up design will give you a firmer feel, and a compressible pillow will squish down as soon as you lay your head on it. If you’re so concerned about weight, why not fold a couple of dry layers and use them as a pillow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of 0-degree sleeping bags?

Sleeping bags vary in many aspects, from the seasons in which a type is best applied, their comfort rating, type of insulation, and size. You can also find them in various shapes, namely square, mummy, and sleeping pods.

The square bags are the most straight forward sleeping bags. They give you room to move your feet if you want more freedom to do so. Some are large enough to accommodate you and your partner comfortably.

Mummy shaped sleeping bags are tapered at the bottom and keep warm air inside and close to your body. Its design reduces the chances of air cooling down or circulating out of the bag through convection. Most 0-degree sleeping bags are designed this way.

Finally, a sleeping pod works for those who like to toss and turn as they sleep. Pods are usually half as wide as they are long. This shape makes them perfect for cuddling up with your partner in the chilly temperatures.

Is a 0-degree sleeping bag worthy?

Sleeping bags sure do take up a lot of space inside your backpack. However, you need somewhere to get you through the cold night, and a 0-degree sleeping bag might come to your rescue. In cold weather, it’s better to be prepared than under. Don’t suffer through the cold nights shivering when a sleeping bag would potentially deal with such issues effectively.

 Lots of factors come into play when selecting any sleeping bag. Always choose quality because an inadequate sleeping bag is no fun at all. It is better to vent than shiver all night. When it gets too hot in a 0-degree sleeping bag, all you need to do is a bit of unzipping, and comfortably going back to sleep. Too cold means waking up exhausted if you’re lucky enough to do so in the first place.

How does one carry a sleeping bag?

The best way to travel is by bringing less stuff with you and having only the essentials for a trip. Ideally, find a way to fit the sleeping bag inside your backpack, to keep it dry. Things are more likely to fall off your pack than outside of it. Stuffing everything inside your bag becomes even more important when going on a trail with branches sprouting all over. 

How do you care for your sleeping bag?

With the right care and cleaning methods, you can make sure your sleeping bag stays with you for the long haul and insulates more efficiently. Ensure that it’s dry, clean, and protected as you camp. Down sleeping bags suffer the most if neglected, but so do synthetic bags.

Always sleep in clean clothes. Avoid the temptation of tucking inside the bag, in the same clothes you were hiking in. Accumulated sweat, body oils, and dirt can obliterate your sleeping bags insulation. At the very least, wear a clean t-shirt and underwear inside the bag.

Why not add a beanie or bandana to keep oily hair off the bag’s hood! Wash and wipe your face before getting in since sunscreen from your face and neck might dissipate into the bags lining. Consider using a sleeping bag liner, which acts as a barrier between the sleeping bag and your skin. Besides, the liner adds even more warmth, and all you need do is clean it, instead of the whole bag.

Treat your bag gently, and it might serve you for a long time. Protect it from sharp sticks and twigs on the floor. Don’t lend your bag to others if you are skeptical of their accountability. Be patient with the zippers because sometimes they come apart or snag. Remove moisture from the sleeping bag by airing it out every day. Don’t leave it in direct sunlight for too long since UV light degrades the fabric.

Conclusion

In frosty weather, you need your entire sleeping setup, i.e., the tent, sleeping pad, and clothing to be on point. You need to have a layering system in the cold, lonely mountains or woods. Nobody wants to experience a cold and uncomfortable trip outdoors, and a 0 -degree sleeping bag goes a long way in mitigating the cold.

From our extensive research, we are of the humble opinion that the best 0-degree sleeping bag is the Teton Sports Altos Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag. This sleeping bag is sturdy and durable for use in any environment. Its shell is tear-resistant for use in rugged conditions while the soft liner keeps you not only warm but also comfortable. It comes with a quality compression sack for staffing the comfortable sleeping bag. You can use a camp pad if you want to sleep warm and hang loops long-term storage.