The sleeping bag can be one of the most confusing pieces of equipment you buy for your camping gear. As there are literally hundreds of different types of sleeping bags on the market today with what seems like an endless amount of sizes, ratings, and features.
Because of this many beginning campers when first starting out typically opt for a cheap sleeping bag to save money, only to realize after a few cold and uncomfortable nights that they should have bought a better quality sleeping bag.
So we created this list of best sleeping bags under $200 when you’re ready to graduate from the basic fair weather sleeping bag and buy a quality well-insulated bag.
Also, as a bonus, we have included a complete sleeping bag buyer’s guide so that you can make the best and most informed decision when choosing the best sleeping bag under $200 for your needs.
Best Sleeping Bags Under $200
When choosing the best sleeping bag under $200, the first thing you must realize is that no one sleeping bag will be the best for everyone.
This is because campers and hikers will often camp in a wide variety of different conditions and weather which will impact what sleeping bag under $200 is best for their particular needs.
So we have selected a wide variety of top sleeping bags under $200 so that no matter what your particular needs and wants are, you are sure to find the best sleeping bag for your situation.
Big Agnes Lost Dog (FireLine Eco) Sleeping Bag
- Type: Cold Weather Synthetic Mummy
- Temperature Rating: 0, 15, 30, 45 Degree Versions (15 Degree Version Shown Above)
- Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz
- Editor’s Rating: 9.2 out of 10
This Lost Dog cold weather sleeping bag by Big Agnes is one of our favorites synthetic-filled sleeping bags because of it’s quality and well thought out design.
As mentioned above the sleeping bag is made in four different versions including 0, 15, 30, and 45 degree temperature ratings, so no matter what weather and temperature you like to camp in, they have a sleeping bag that will fit your needs.
Also, this sleeping bag is loaded with features including a unique flex pad sleeve that allows you to attach your sleeping pad directly to the sleeping bag, two-way full-length anti-snag zippers, a pillow barn, as well as a quiet polyester lining.
One other unique feature of this sleeping bag is that it uses a unique Fireline ECO synthetic insulation which is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester instead of down. This is great because not only does it do a great job of keeping you warm and dry even in damp conditions but it is also eco friendly and better for the environment.
To check the price of this cold weather sleeping bag on Amazon click here.
Hyke & Byke Quandary 15 Degree
- Type: Leight Weight Down Mummy
- Temperature Rating: 15 Degree
- Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
- Editor’s Rating: 8.2 out of 10
While you might not recognize the brand name Hyke and Byke they have really started to make a name for themselves in the outdoor gear industry. And this Quandry 15-degree sleeping bag is just one example of why they are starting to be one of the top go-to brands for quality and affordable outdoor products.
One of the main things that set’s this sleeping bag apart from other Down cold-weather sleeping bags is that its lightweight.
This Down sleeping bag only weighs either 2.56, 2.71, or 2.89 pounds depending on which version of the bag you choose in regards to length. While you might not be overly concerned about sleeping bag weight, shedding those ounces makes all the difference in the world when you are backpacking and hiking with your sleeping bag.
It’s not all about the weight though when it comes to this sleeping bag as it is also loaded with a ton of great features often reserved for more higher-end sleeping bags including hydrophobic 650 FP Duck Down, cluster loft base, waterproof fabrics, and ultralight water repellent 400T 20 D ripstop nylon.
This sleeping bag is great because it is one of the cheapest ultralight mummy sleeping bags that we have been able to find that still maintains a high level of quality and dependability.
To check the price of this ultralight mummy sleeping bag on Amazon click here.
Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 Degree
- Type: Extreme Cold Weather Down Mummy
- Temperature Rating: 0 Degree
- Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz
- Editor’s Rating: 8.8 out of 10
If you find yourself needing more cold weather protection than the Quandary 15-degree sleeping bag can offer then you might want to check out this Snowmass 0 degree sleeping bag also by Hyke and Byke. As the Snowmass 0-degree sleeping bag picks up in cold weather protection and warmth where the Quandary 15-degree sleeping bag left off.
While this sleeping bag does weigh slightly more than the Hyke and Byke 15-degree version it is still plenty light enough to be able to comfortable hike and backpack with and can handle even more extreme weather and temperatures.
Also, this sleeping bag has a ton of great features and built-in protection to keep you warm and dry no matter how bad the weather is raging outside of your sleeping bag and tent. To begin with, this sleeping bag is filled with 650 FP Duct Down which offers a huge amount of loft to help insulate you from the cold weather. In addition, this sleeping bag also features waterproof fabrics, 400T 20 D ripstop nylon, double large YKK zippers, a large foot box, and compression stuff sack.
So if you’re looking for an extreme cold weather mummy sleeping bag to go along with your extreme cold weather tent at a reasonable price it’s really hard to go wrong when choosing this cold weather mummy sleeping bag by Hyke and Byke.
To check the price of this cold weather mummy sleeping bag on Amazon click here.
Marmot Ironwood 20 Mummy
- Type: Cold Weather Synthetic Mummy
- Temperature Rating: 20 Degree
- Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz
- Editor’s Rating: 8.4 out of 10
If you’re looking for a sleeping bag that uses synthetic-fill as opposed to pure down than this sleeping bag by Marmot is a great option. As the sleeping bag uses a blended fill that is both lightweight and warm that is great for those cool and cold weather nights.
Also, because this sleeping bag only weighs a little over 2 pounds and can be compressed down in it’s included stuff sack it’s a great choice for backpackers and hikers looking for a sleeping bag that is both compact and lightweight.
One of the more unique features of this sleeping bag is that the zippers are at ground level. While at first, you might not think much of this, to truly appreciate this unique design feature you have to first realize that sleeping bag zippers are usually located about halfway up the side of the sleeping bag giving you the feeling of sleeping in a sack.
While lowering the zipper down to ground-level gives this sleeping bag a unique feel by allowing the top of the sleeping bag to drape over you, making it feel more like you are sleeping at home with a blanket rather than being in a sleeping bag.
To check out the price of this unique synthetic-filled mummy sleeping bag by Marmont on Amazon click here.
Kelty Tuck 22F Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Type: Ultra-Light Synthetic Mummy
- Temperature Rating: 22 Degree
- Weight: 1 lb 15 oz (Regular Length Weight)
- Editor’s Rating: 7.8 out of 10
While this sleeping bag is not a great choice is you plan to camp or hike in extreme cold weather conditions at only 1 lb 15 oz it is one of the lightest mummy sleeping bags on this list. So if you are looking for a super lightweight sleeping bag that can still handle moderate cold weather this mummy sleeping bag might be a great fit for you.
First off this sleeping bag comes in two different sizes including regular which fits campers up to 6 feet tall and long which fits campers up to 6 feet 6 inches tall. Allowing this sleeping bag to accommodate almost any camper no matter their height.
Additionally, this synthetic sleeping bag is filled with a fiber blend called Thermatron which is engineered to be both warm and compressible. In fact, using the included compression sack can actually get the dimension of this mummy sleeping bag down to 9 inches by 15 inches which is not too much larger than a good size water bottle.
Finally, this sleeping bag earned a place on this best sleeping bags under $200 list because it is one of the cheapest mummy sleeping bags that we could find costing less than a third of what more expensive mummy sleeping bags can cost.
So if you are working with a budget and still need a great cool and cold weather sleeping bag than you should definitely check this one out.
To check the price of this affordable 3 season mummy sleeping bag on Amazon click here.
Paria Outdoor Products Thermodown 0 Degree
- Type: Light Down Semi Rectangular
- Temperature Rating: 0 Degree
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Editor’s Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Another sleeping bag that was worthy of this best sleeping bags under $200 list was this sleeping bag by Paria Outdoor Products because of its comfort and durability.
To begin with, this sleeping bag is packed full of 700-fill power down in order to make sure this sleeping bag retains the maximum amount of loft and warmth no matter how cold it gets outside. Allowing you to sleep comfortably in this bag all the way down to 0 degrees, so you can be sure you’ll stay warm in this sleeping bag even in the harshest of conditions.
This semi-rectangular sleeping bag is also packed with quality and durability which is easy to see throughout. You can tell while examing this sleeping bag that a lot of thought when into making it the very best quality bag possible. Some specific design features that make this effort apparent is 20D ripstop nylon fabrics, heavy-duty stitching, two-way zippers with zipper guard, and durable construction.
But if you think the features stop there you’d be wrong as even though this sleeping bag is priced below $200 Paria Outdoor Products has managed to include a compression stuff sack for easier travel, easy to use draft collar with no drawstrings or velcro, and a large foot box with extra insulation to keep your feet warm.
If you’re interested in this quality down semi-rectangular sleeping bag you can check the price on Amazon by clicking here.
Outdoor Vitals Atlas 15
- Type: Synthetic/Down Blend Semi Rectangular
- Temperature Rating: 15 Degree
- Weight: 2 lbs 11.3 oz (Regular Size)
- Editor’s Rating: 8.7 out of 10
This Outdoor Vitals Atlas 15 is a great choice for those backpackers and hikers looking for a reliable sleeping bag to keep them warm while backpacking and hiking.
This semi-rectangular sleeping bag comes in two different sizes, including regular which is 64 inches wide at the shoulder and 75 inches long and the long wide version which is 68 inches wide at the shoulders and 81 inches long. Allowing you to choose which option best fits your body type and height.
We really like it when manufacturers make varying sizes of their sleeping bags because let’s face it a one size fits all sleeping bag is not always the best.
One of the best features of this sleeping bag is its groundbreaking fill which is a combination of both synthetic and down material with an 80/20 mix.
This unique approach to sleeping bag fill allows this sleeping bag to have the best of both worlds with the warmth and loft of down but also the insulating ability of synthetic materials in case the sleeping bag were to get wet.
This sleeping bag by Outdoor Vitals also has two additional cold-weather features including padded shoulder baffles to cut down on drafts and an extra insulated foot box to keep your feet nice and toasty.
To check the price of this groundbreaking hybrid synthetic down sleeping bag on Amazon click here.
TETON Sports Mammoth Queen-Size Double Sleeping Bag
- Type: Double Sleeping Bag
- Temperature Rating: 0 Degree / 20 Degree Version
- Weight: 16 lbs 8 oz (20 Degree Version)
- Editor’s Rating: 7.6 out of 10
If you’re looking for a sleeping bag that can accommodate more than one person and is a good fit for your large air mattress than this queen size double sleeping bag by TETON Sports might just be the sleeping bag you have been looking for.
The sleeping bag comes in two different versions in regards to temperature ratings including a 0-degree version as well as a 20-degree version.
While this has to be one of the heaviest sleeping bags on the market weighing in at a whopping 16 pounds 8 ounces for the 20-degree version if you are car camping and don’t have to worry about pack weight this sleeping bag is definitely an interesting take on sleeping bag design compared to the more common single person sleeping bag.
Also if you can get past the overall weight and large size of the sleeping bag it has some great things going for it including a half-circle mummy hood for those colder nights, high-quality zippers, and draft tubes around the shoulders to keep unwanted drafts out of the sleeping bag.
To check the price of this queen-sized double sleeping bag on Amazon click here.
How to Choose the Best Sleeping Bag Under $200: Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to choosing the best sleeping bag under $200, there are three main considerations that you must take into account in order to choose the best sleeping bag for your needs which include the temperature rating, the bag shape, and the different types of insulating material.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag Temperature Rating
Perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a sleeping bag to best suit your needs is deciding what temperature rating you need.
Simply stated, the temperature rating indicates the lowest outside temperature that the sleeping bag is rated for.
When selecting a sleeping bag based on temperature rating it’s important to consider when you will be using your sleeping bag and the average outdoor temperature of that time of year.
Keeping in mind that typically the lower the temperature rating the more expensive the sleeping bag will be due to better insulation and materials.
So if you’re planning on doing mainly summer camping you want a higher temperature rating in order to sleep more comfortably in the heat. However, if you are planning on doing a lot of winter camping then you want a lower temperature rating that can handle the colder weather.
Another thing to keep in mind when selecting a sleeping bag based on its temperature rating is that oftentimes manufacturers will overestimate or embellish their temperature ratings. Stating the sleeping bag can handle colder temperatures than it really comfortably can.
So I like to add at least 10 degrees to the stated temperature rating in order to get a better feel for the true temperature rating of the sleeping bag.
While obviously there can be some overlap when it comes to temperature ratings and camping seasons, the below table will give you a good idea of what type of temperature rating is best suited for which camping season.
| Temperature Rating (F) | Best Suited For |
| +30 degrees and higher | Summer Camping |
| +15 degrees to 30 degrees | Spring and Fall Camping |
| 15 degrees or lower | Winter Camping |
Choosing Your Sleeping Bag Shape
Sleeping bags come in four main shapes in order to fit the specific needs and wants of individual campers including rectangular , semi-rectangular, mummy, and the double bag.
In order to choose which type of sleeping bag shape is the best fit for your needs, you must first think about how and where you plan to use the sleeping bag.
To help with this process we have broken down the four main types of sleeping bags so that you have a better idea of which one will be the right fit for how you plan to use your sleeping bag.
Rectangular Shape
The first and most common type of sleeping bag is the basic rectangular-shaped bag as it appeals to the largest group of campers. This type of bag is best suited for casual campers that camp in mostly fair and warm weather conditions. The bag is typically simple in design and heavier when compared to more compact and expensive sleeping bags. One of the best things about the rectangular shaped sleeping bag is that it provides a lot of room to comfortably move around inside the bag. Also, the rectangular sleeping bag can usually be completely opened up and used as a comforter if desired.
Semi-Rectangular
This type of sleeping bag is best thought of as a compromise between the roominess of a rectangular sleeping bag and the warmth of a mummy sleeping bag. By providing a little more room to move around inside the sleeping bag compared to a full-on mummy bag. But also providing more warmth than a standard rectangular sleeping bag typically will offer. This type of sleeping bag is best suited for campers looking for a little more warmth when camping in the spring and fall but don’t need or want to sleep in a full mummy bag.
Mummy
The mummy shape sleeping bag is the ultimate sleeping bag for warmth when sleeping in extreme cold weather conditions. However, the biggest drawback to using a mummy sleeping bag is that there is little to no room to move around in the bag and some campers can find the bag claustrophobic. When you’re sleeping in a mummy bag when you roll over, you roll over with the bag instead of inside of it.
Double Bag
The double bag is a great choice for the couple wanting to sleep together while camping. The double bag is really just an extension of the standard rectangular bag, it’s just twice the size in order to accommodate two people. While not meant for extreme cold weather condition it does provide a fair amount of warmth and allows for plenty of room to comfortably move around inside the bag. A word of caution though is that the double sleeping bag tends to be very bulky and heavy, so they are not a good choice for backpacking or hiking.
Choosing Your Sleeping Bag Insulation Material
When it comes to insulating materials in sleeping bags, there are two main choices including synthetic and down. Each has its pros and cons so let’s break down each type of insulating material.
| Type of Insulation | Pros | Cons |
| Synthetic Insulation | Cheaper than down
Dries quickly Still provides insulation when wet Non-allergenic
|
Does not provide as much loft or warmth as down
Does not compress as much as down |
| Down Insulation | Provides more loft and warmth compared to synthetics
Compresses small Provides long-lasting loft and warmth over time |
More expensive compared to synthetic When wet loses its warmth and insulation |
Other Sleeping Bag Features and Accessories
Now that we have covered the main differences in sleeping bag design and construction, it’s worth mentioning some of our favorite features and accessories. Because oftentimes these small bonus features and accessories can be the difference between a good sleeping bag and a great sleeping bag.
While it’s not critical that the sleeping bag you choose has these additional features and accessories they are definitely nice add-ons and bonuses.
- Upgraded Zippers – One of the most frustrating things while using your sleeping bag can be dealing with a poor zipper design that continually gets caught in the fabric. So we always look for upgraded and better quality zippers, which might include such things as larger zippers, zipper guards that prevent catching the sleeping bag fabric, and double zippers.
- Storage Pockets – Storage pockets are small little pockets that are built-in to the inside of the sleeping bag that lets you store and grab small items that you might need or want throughout the night without opening the sleeping bag such as chapstick, a small penlight, or headphones.
- Sleeping Bag Hood – Sleeping bag hoods are great for those colder nights by helping to lock in your body heat thereby keeping the overall sleeping bag warmer.
- Stuff Sacks – Stuff sacks are must-have if you are a hiker or backpacker as they allow you to as the name implies stuff your bulky sleeping bag into a small carrying sack that can easily be stored.
