If you’re in a rush and want to find out what the best sleeping bag for warm weather is, we recommend the Sea to Summit Ember.
Sleeping bags are one of the core pieces of gear that every camper should have in their arsenal. Not only do they provide warmth in cold temperatures, but they also create a comfortable place to sleep in an otherwise unfriendly environment.
But during the summer, it’s easy to get too warm in a traditional sleeping bag, which might make you wonder if you can ditch the bag altogether. Before you go that far, though, check out some of the best sleeping bags for warm weather that we’ve reviewed below. They’ll still provide that cozy cocoon for comfortable sleeping without steaming you during those hot summer months.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the following best sleeping bags for warm weather:
- Coleman Kompact 40 Big & Tall Contour Sleeping Bag – Best Rectangular Sleeping Bag
- Marmot Always Summer Sleeping Bag – Best Bang for Your Buck
- Sea to Summit Ember Ultralight 50F Down Quilt – Best Overall
- Poler The Reversible Napsack – Best Wearable Sleeping Bag
- The North Face Dolomite One Sleeping Bag – Best Multi-Layered Sleeping Bag
- Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag – Most Affordable Sleeping Bag
- NEMO Men’s Forte 35 Sleeping Bag – Best Mummy Sleeping Bag
- REI Co-op Men’s Magma 30 Sleeping Bag – Editor’s Choice
Style
When you’re choosing a sleeping bag, you’ll notice that they come in different shapes and sizes, but the two that you’re going to run into 98 percent of the time are mummy and rectangular. Each one has its own pros and cons, and there are certain environments that they work better in.
For example, mummy bags are form fitting, easily compressible, and lightweight. This makes them ideal for backpacking, especially in colder, alpine climates since they do a great job of trapping heat. However, based off that description alone, you can probably guess that this isn’t the most ideal shape for warm weather camping.
Instead, you’ll probably want to go with a rectangular sleeping bag. They don’t insulate as well, thanks to the extra air filling up the inside of the bag, but that’s exactly what you want when it’s warm outside. The downside is that they don’t pack down very well, making them less than ideal for backpackers who need to stay conscious of weight and bulk.
To accommodate both car campers and backpackers in our review, we’ve made it a point to include both mummy and rectangular bags that do well in warm weather.
Fill
When it comes to the fill of your sleeping bag, you only have two options: down and synthetic. Normally, I would tell you that down is the vastly superior option, but for the best warm weather sleeping bag, it’s not as cut and dry.
It’s true that down is the superior material, due to how lightweight, packable, and insulative it is. At the same time, because it does such a good job at trapping heat, it might not be the most suitable for warm weather camping. However, I would still recommend it for backpackers, regardless of the season. The weight reduction and compressibility are the most important factors when you’re on the go, and if you get too hot, you can always unzip the bag.
Synthetics, on the other hand, are cheaper and they lack the insulative power that you’ll find in down. They also don’t pack down quite as well, making them somewhat harder to transport. However, synthetics continue to insulate when wet, while down does not, which makes synthetic the better option for wet, humid environments.
Temperature Rating
Every sleeping bag has a temperature rating, which is an indication of how cold it can be until the bag stops being effective. For men, this cutoff is called the tested lower limit. For women, it’s referred to as the tested comfort rating. If you see both of these metrics on a sleeping bag, just know that they’re the same thing – one is just for men (who run warmer) and one is for women (who run colder).
The best sleeping bag for warm weather is going to have a higher temperature rating, preferably above 40 degrees. The ideal use for a bag with this rating would be in 50-60 degree temperatures, which is pretty typical in most places during the summer. When you start to see bags with temperature ratings of 30 degrees and under, you’re entering a gray area. If you have trouble staying warm at night, something like this might be effective for you. Otherwise, there’s a good chance that you’re going to end up overheating and struggle to fall and/or stay asleep.
Weight
Weight is an important consideration for any piece of camping gear, and that holds true for sleeping bags as well. Even if you’re car camping, it’s nice to keep your overall weight as low as possible, even though you won’t need to lug the equipment as far. However, you can get away with a lot more than a backpacker, so there’s no harm in going a little crazy.
Aside from some exceptions, I would say the average weight of the sleeping bags listed in this review falls around 2-3 pounds. It’s a suitable weight range for any type of camping, though if you want to go even lighter, I recommend ditching the sleeping bag altogether. A sleeping bag liner will still give you a comfortable place to sleep at night without steaming you in the process. And since it’s a liner, it weighs significantly less than any sleeping bag.
Durability
Sleeping bags might not get as beat up as your backpack or tent, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid the topic of durability. Cheap sleeping bags will start to tear apart at the seams after the first year or two, and you’ll notice your fill starting to leak out. If you only plan on camping once or twice a year, it might not be a huge deal, but if you’re serious about camping, definitely invest in a durable bag.
It’s also worth getting a warm weather sleeping bag that has good water resistance. Maybe you want to take part in some cowboy camping, where you sleep outside without a shelter, or maybe your tent has a condensation problem. Whatever the case, your sleeping bag will be exposed to water sooner or later, making water resistance a vital addition for any bag that you sleep in.
Stuff Sack
And finally, it’s good to get a highly compressible bag when you can. The stuff/compression sack plays a big role in how small you can pack your bag, so I always suggest looking at the volume of the stuff sack before purchasing anything.
Volume is measured in liters, and I always like to go with stuff sacks that have a 15 liter volume or less. For backpacking, I like to keep it under 10 liters, but you have more wiggle room when you’re car camping. Some of the options listed below have a stuff sack volume as high as 24 liters, while others can get down to 6 liters. One isn’t better than the other, as long as you’re satisfied with its ability to meet your needs.
Best Sleeping Bag for Warm Weather – Reviewed
Best Rectangular Sleeping Bag
The Coleman Kompact is a great rectangular bag that provides just enough warmth when the sun goes down, without steaming you on those hot summer nights.
A household brand for decades, Coleman is a staple among the worldwide camping scene. They were one of the first to make quality camping gear for an affordable price, and for that reason, they’re still loved by many today.
Unfortunately, I am not a fan…usually. Having grown up with a number of Coleman products, I can say that they’re decent for the occasional car camper. However, I find that they start to deteriorate much faster than a similar product created by Marmot, Nemo, or Big Agnes. I know there’s a big difference in price, but quality gear is always better, in my opinion.
Still, the Kompact made me pause and question whether it was actually made by Coleman. The zippers don’t snag, it insulates well, it’s comfortable to sleep in, and it’s relatively lightweight for a rectangular, synthetic bag.
And in typical Coleman style, you can get it all for under $100. The downside, of course, is that the synthetic fill is harder to pack down, which makes it unsuitable for backpacking trips. It’s also pretty compact, as the name implies, though not when it comes to packed size. Rather, the interior of the sleeping bag can feel a little cramped if you’re a tall, broad person like me. However, for women, children, and smaller men, it’s a nice option that keeps you comfortable in those warmer and mid-range temperatures.
Pros:
– Reasonable price
– Good insulation
– Sleek design
– Snag free zippers
– Comfortable
Cons:
– A little small
– Hard to pack back up again
Best Bang for Your Buck
Highly compressible, lightweight, and affordable, the Marmot Always Summer is a backpacker’s best friend, providing the best bang for your buck.
With a name like Always Summer, you know this Marmot sleeping bag is going to be good in warm weather. Made with 650 fill power down, it provides just enough warmth for those chilly nights without becoming overly stuffy. While I do think the coloring could be better, I can’t deny that it’s a cozy bag to find yourself in during peak camping season.
One feature that is fairly unique to the Always Summer is the zipper in the footbox. You can probably see that blue, vertical line in the photo (the zipper), which can be opened up to expose your feet. Not only does it give you more room to stretch out, but it also acts as a vent, in case you start to get too hot.
On the inside, you’ll find an internal stash pocket where you can keep your phone or headlamp close by. The zippers don’t snag, and all of the materials and stitching feel really high quality, so it’s likely that you’ll get many years of life out of it. I do wish that it was a little bigger (it feels a little tight, even for a mummy bag), but it’s not a dealbreaker for me. When paired with the very reasonable price, I have no problem recommending the Marmot Always summer as one of the best sleeping bags for warm weather.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Highly compressible
– Lofty
– Footbox can be unzipped
– Durable
Cons:
– A little tight fitting
Best Overall
Weighing less than a pound and rated for 50 degree weather, the Sea to Summit Ember is a “quilt” that let’s hot air escape during the night, so you can sleep comfortably.
Is the Sea to Summit Ember really a sleeping bag? Well, it is for this review. When paired with a sleeping pad, it takes on the form of a bag anyway, providing full body coverage when those nights get chillier than expected.
But in reality, the Ember is actually a quilt with straps that secure it to your sleeping pad. Due to the shape of the quilt, I wouldn’t try using a rectangular pad with it, so if you don’t have a mummy pad already, I’d recommend getting one. When paired correctly, the sleeping pad will protect your back, while the quilt wraps around your front and sides. It’s perfect for the warm night when you don’t need to trap as much heat as possible, but still want a snug and comfortable place to sleep.
Of course, since it lacks a back, the Ember is also significantly lighter than most sleeping bags, weighing in at 0.9 pounds. Hands pockets and a makeshift footbox allow you to keep your extremities warm, while also giving you the flexibility to move the quilt around as needed. The 850 fill power down is very insulative, but since it’s such an open design, it doesn’t work well at trapping heat, which is why it works well for warm weather camping. However, if the night turns out to be chillier than expected, you can snuggle into it and pull it closer for more heat retention.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Warm
– Secure footbox
– Can accommodate any mummy sleeping pad
– Comes with compression sack
Cons:
– Price
Best Wearable Sleeping Bag
While a little hard to classify as a sleeping bag, The Reversible is still a useful substitute when you need a cozy covering the keep the chill at bay, inside and outside your tent.
Like the Ember, it’s a little tough to classify “The Reversible” as a sleeping bag, but it’s close enough for our purposes. Technically a napsack, The Reversible has openings for both your arms and your legs, allowing you to move around the campsite without needing to take it off. Just think of it as a wearable sleeping bag because, for the most part, that’s exactly what it is.
Seal up all of the openings when you want to treat it as an actual sleeping bag, or open up the arms and legs when you want to move around. This is also a helpful feature if you just want to cool off during the night, but don’t want to slip outside of the bag. There’s also the option to hike it up to your waist and cinch it there, wearing the napsack like a puffy coat. All of this versatility is one of the reasons why I’m such a big fan of The Reversible, since it can be used in a wide variety of climates and seasons.
As the name implies, the napsack is reversible, sporting a different color palette depending on which side is facing outwards. In terms of warmth, it’s only rated to 50 degrees, so insulation definitely isn’t its strongest point. But hey, that’s okay, since you’re looking for a warm weather sleeping bag. For what it was designed for, the Poler napsack is a fun and cozy way to experience camping life during the summer.
Pros:
– Reversible
– Arm and leg holes
– Can be worn as a “jacket”
– Affordable
– Good pocket space
Cons:
– Can be a little tricky to find the right size
Best Multi-Layered Sleeping Bag
Three sleeping bags in one package, The North Face Dolomite One gives you the flexibilty to add or take away layers, depending on the temperature.
With a unique 3-in-1 design, The North Face Dolomite One sleeping bag can be adjusted to meet a variety of temperatures. For 50 degree weather and warmer, just pair the base layer with the outer, blue layer. If it’s 30 degrees out, switch out the blue layer with the yellow layer. And if it’s colder than 15 degrees, pair all of them together to stay warm and cozy. This layering effect lets you stay comfortable across a variety of temperatures, allowing you to use the same sleeping bag throughout the entire year.
Of course, all of those layers will add to the overall weight of the product, but that’s to be expected. And even so, 5.7 pounds isn’t too bad, and you can always shave off some weight by leaving a layer or two at home.
The rectangular design is easy to get in and out of, leaving plenty of room inside to spread out. If you’re a side sleeper, you’ll find that there’s plenty of shoulder and hip room to get comfortable in whatever position feels best for you. I will say that it’s lacking insulation on the bottom, so on those colder nights, your back is going to get a little chilled. If that happens to you, I’d recommend reconfiguring the different layers (try doing two on bottom, one on top) instead of following the recommended configuration.
Pros:
– Can be layered
– Big sleeping area
– Good for side sleepers
– Reasonable weight
– Versatile
Cons:
– Lacking bottom insulation
Most Affordable Sleeping Bag
Affordable and comfortable, the Kelty Catena might not be easy to compress, but it more than makes up for it in spaciousness and quality or price.
When it comes to affordable camping gear, I find that few brands do it better than Kelty. Along with Coleman, it’s one of the more affordable options out there, although I do find that Kelty tends to be somewhat higher quality. Perhaps my bias is speaking a little bit there, but it’s what I genuinely believe.
More specifically, the Kelty Catena is perfect for entry level campers who want to hit the campsite a couple of times during the summer. It does weigh a very reasonable 4 pounds, which would also work well for backpacking, at least in theory. However, the 23 liter stuff sack volume negates the benefits of that weight reduction, making it unusable for backpacking from a bulk perspective.
All the same, it’s a great budget bag for car camping in warmer weather. The opening is wide and easy to get in and out of, and the material itself is comfortable to sleep in. There’s a decent amount of cushion from the synthetic fill, which will help you sleep better during the night. However, it’s good to keep in mind that it does run a tad short, so taller people may struggle to fit inside of it. The zippers are a little sticky as well, but there’s only so much you can expect from a warm weather sleeping bag in this price range. If you only plan on using it a few times a year during summer, I’d say the Kelty Catena is definitely a good option when you want to save as much money as possible.
Pros:
– Great quality for the price
– Cozy
– Keeps you warm
– Good for people who like to spread out when they sleep
– Lightweight
Cons:
– A little short
– Zippers like to snag
Best Mummy Sleeping Bag
With superior temperature regulation, the NEMO Forte is a good option for year-round camping, thanks to the Thermo-Gills built into the front of the bag.
In my opinion, Nemo is one of the best outdoor brands, and my wife would likely agree with me. In fact, her favorite sleeping bag is the women’s model of the Nemo Forte, which is what we’re talking about here. When it comes to sleeping bags with superior temperature control, it’s just not possible to skip over anything made by Nemo.
In particular, the Forte does well in a wide range of temperatures thanks to the ThermoGills that you’ll find on the front of the bag. You might notice the two, orange, vertical stipes in the product photo – those are the gills that I’m talking about. In the photo, they’re unzipped, allowing a certain amount of heat to escape from inside. However, they can be zipped up to seal off the bag entirely. It is worth noting that, even when unzipped, the gills don’t open up to the inside of the sleeping bag. There will always be a layer of fabric between you and the outside world, which was a thoughtful consideration by Nemo.
The draft collar is comfortable and effective, and the inside of the sleeping bag has a unique spoon shape which provides more space for you to stretch out inside. There’s also an integrated pillow pocket to provide a convenient place for you to keep your pillow secure during the night. However, it’s worth noting that all of this extra material makes it a little difficult to shove the bag back into the stuff sack. The compressed volume is still fairly low, but actually compressing the sleeping bag can be a challenge.
Pros:
– Comfortable
– ThermoGills
– Pillow pocket
– Good amount of room inside
– Smooth zippers
Cons:
– Can be hard to squeeze into the stuff sack
Editor’s Choice
One of the most portable sleeping bags in this review, the REI Co-op Magma is perfect for campers or backpackers on the move, especially during the summertime.
More than anything, the REI Co-op Magma really shines when it’s time to pack up and move on to the next campsite. I say that because the compressed volume is only 3.1 liters (for the long), which is one of the smallest volumes that you’ll find in this review. When paired with the 1.4 pound weight, I can’t think of a better warm weather sleeping bag to use for backpacking than the Magma.
Normally, this is the point where I would complain about how the tested lower limit only comes in at 30 degrees. For anyone camping at elevation at any time during the year, this is not nearly enough to keep them warm during the night. A sleeping bag liner, a solid sleeping pad, and some thermals would be needed to stay warm, especially in the shoulder months. However, there are plenty of camping and backpacking locations throughout the world where this temperature rating is more than suitable for the environment. Just make sure you do your research before heading out, otherwise you might be in for an unpleasant surprise.
The goose down is comfortable and has enough heat retention to keep you cozy if the temperature decides to drop. I also like that the Magma put an emphasis on knee and foot space, expanding those areas enough to give you room to stretch out. In a mummy bag, that means a lot more than you might initially think.
Pros:
– Lightweight
– Packs down really small
– Goose down
– Keeps you comfortable down to temperatures below freezing
– Anti-snag zippers
Cons:
– Can feel a little tight if you have some extra weight on you
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FAQ
How Do You Choose a Sleeping Bag for Warm Weather?
When choosing a warm weather sleeping bag, you need to make sure it will provide enough heat to keep you comfortable without causing you to overheat. Some sleeping bags come with vents to help you regulate temperature, but I would just pay close attention to the temperature rating on the sleeping bag.
Should You Pack a Sleeping Bag for Summer Camping?
It’s true, some people don’t even bother with a sleeping bag during the summer. In some locations, it’s warm enough at night where you don’t need one for the extra heat. However, I believe it’s still worth it to pack a sleeping bag, simply because you never know when the temperature might dip, and the extra comfort that a sleeping bag provides is nice to have as well.
Final Thoughts
In the camping world, few things are as important as a quality sleeping bag. Along with your tent (or hammock), it’s the piece of gear that does the most to protect you from the elements, working hard to keep you as comfortable as possible. This is especially true during the colder months when outside temperatures dip dangerously low.
But during the summer, when nighttime lows only get to 60 degrees, your traditional sleeping bag is going to roast you. That’s why you’ll want to get the best sleeping bag for warm weather, which we believe is the Sea to Summit Ember. Small and lightweight, you can easily adjust the way that the Ember rests on your body, letting heat escape as needed.
