Ultimate Guide to the Best Sleeping Bag Australia 2024

Finding the best sleeping bag will make all the difference for a restful night sleeping under the stars, whether you’re planning an outdoor winter adventure or camping in the Australian summer a top-quality sleeping bag is essential.

We spent 6 months travelling Australia on our road trip camping in a tent at locations including Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. Throughout our camping trips we realised that choosing the best sleeping bag for Australian conditions is key to a restful night’s sleep.

As regular campers we have used many different sleeping bags so we know what to look for when choosing a sleeping bag that will last the distance. Our guide will take you through the key features and important considerations you need to keep in mind when choosing a sleeping bag for camping in Australia. We cover adult sleeping bags, Kids sleeping bags, women specific sleeping bags and sleeping bags for couples available from Australian sleeping bag suppliers.

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Short of time? Check out our top choice for best all-round sleeping bag that won’t break the bank. We highlight the features of this bag below in our detailed reviews.

Best Sleeping Bag Australia

Comparison chart for the best sleeping bag Australia 2024

To help you choose, we’ve listed the best sleeping bags of 2024 available for easy comparison along with the main features they provide.

Sleeping BagPicFeaturesCheck Price
Darche Cold Mountain 1100Darche Cold Mountain 1100Internal zippered pocket
Oversized Bag
Full-length anti-snag zippers
See
Coleman Pilbara C0Coleman Pilbra Sleeping BagFull cotton sleeping bag
Foot fleece in base
Internal pocket 
See
Roman Palm Lite Ultra CompactRoman Palm Lite Ultra Compact Hooded Sleeping BagUltra Light
Insufil Thermo inner
700 grams
Fits in Palm of hand
See
Darche Cold Mountain 900Darche Cold Mountain 900 Sleeping BagSilk touch liner
Water-resistant outer shell
3D collar and wind baffle
See
Coleman Fyrefly Illumi−Bug KidsColeman fyrefly illumi bug kids sleeping bagKids sleeping bag
Glows in the dark
Internal pocket
See
OZtrail Blaxland Jumbo HoodedOZtrail Blaxland Jumbo Hooded Sleeping Bag190T Ripstop Polyester
Airweave™ polycotton
Auto-lock Zipper
See
Roman Palm Passport -5° Sleeping BagRoman Palm Passport -5° Sleeping BagThermo Insufil
Weight – 1.6kg
See
Sea To Summit Ascent 3 Aciii Sea to Summit Ascent Sleeping BagDUCK Down filling
Dual cord adjustment
Security pocket
See
Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Down Bag Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Down Sleeping BagULTRA-DRY Down
Fast Drying
Repels moisture
See
Sea to Summit Trek 1 TKI Down Bag Sea to Summit Trek 1 TKI Down Sleeping BagInternal hood drawcord
Side block baffle
Separate foot zip
See
Coleman Mudgee C5 DoubleColeman Mudgee Double Sleeping BagDouble sized or 2 bags
Hollow polyester insulation
snag-free open / close
See
Oztent Rivergum XL Sleeping BagOztent Rivergum XLBuilt in flannelette lining
Extra-long and wide
Ripstop cotton canvas
See
Darche Cold Mountain 1400 Canvas BagDarche Cold Mountain 1400 Canvas Sleeping Bag300gsm dual layer
Internal pocket
Dual zipper
See
OZtrail Cotton Canvas Mega BagOZtrail Cotton Canvas Mega Sleeping BagRipstop Cotton Canvas
Double Anti Snag Zipper
Cotton Flannel Lining
See
Coleman Big Game C-6Coleman Big Game Sleeping BagSoft cotton flannel liner
No-Snag patented zips
Pillow included
See

Top 15 Sleeping Bags Reviewed

Here is a list of the best 2024 sleeping bags reviewed further below. Keep reading for additional information on each sleeping bag available in Australia.

  • Darche Cold Mountain 1100 Sleeping Bag
  • Coleman Pilbara C0 Sleeping Bag
  • Roman Palm Lite Ultra Compact Hooded Sleeping Bag
  • Darche Cold Mountain 900 Sleeping Bag
  • Coleman Fyrefly Illumi−Bug Kids Sleeping Bag
  • OZtrail Blaxland Jumbo Hooded Sleeping Bag
  • Roman Palm Passport -5° Sleeping Bag
  • Sea To Summit Ascent 3 Aciii Down Sleeping Bag
  • Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag
  • Sea to Summit Trek 1 TKI Down Sleeping Bag
  • Coleman Mudgee C5 Double Sleeping Bag
  • Oztent Rivergum XL Sleeping Bag
  • Darche Cold Mountain 1400 Canvas Sleeping Bag
  • Oztrail Cotton Canvas Mega Sleeping Bag
  • Coleman Big Game C-6 Sleeping Bag

What is a sleeping bag?

A sleeping bag is essentially a lightweight insulated quilt that often has a zipper or other means of closing and which functions as a portable bedding in situations such as hiking, camping, climbing, and hill walking. The primary purpose of best ultralight sleeping bag is to provide thermal insulation and warmth through its synthetic insulation.

The best sleeping bags typically have water-repellent or water-resistant covers that protect against moisture penetration, light precipitation, and wind chill to some extent, but you might need a tent for additional protection against the elements. The best budget ultralight sleeping bag is also usually cushioned, but you might also need a camp cot or a sleeping pad in addition to this cushioning. The bottom section may also be moderately water repellent.

Sleeping bags come in a wide range of models and designs for different uses. Lightly insulated sleeping bags are designed for use during summer camping while the heavily insulated models are suitable for cold weather use. As you would expect, the heavily insulated, lightweight top quality sleeping bags are more expensive compared to the lightly insulated models.

Outback

Why you need a good quality sleeping bag?

At the end of an action-packed day outdoors, there is nothing more comforting than crawling into a high quality, well-cushioned sleeping bag for a well-deserved sleep. Proper sleeping is probably the next most important aspect after shelter. Inadequate sleep can affect you physically and mentally and dampen the fun of your camping getaway.

The last thing you want is planning your adventure, putting energy into parking, drive hundreds of kilometres only to end each camping day tired and grumpy. You need a good quality sleeping bag that will absorb all the bumps, bruises, dents and pricks that nature will throw your way during your daytime activities. The perfect lightweight sleeping bag needs to be resilient, and capable of being stuffed and re-stuffed repeatedly without compromising its physical integrity, especially for the down models.

The best quality sleeping bag will also be able to protect you against the chill, wind, moisture and light precipitation. If you’re right about the quality, chances are it will be considerably durable and will serve you for many years before you think about replacing it.

The best quality sleeping bags designed for serious campers and hikers also tend to be tough but lightweight. After all, the idea of carrying a sleeping bag is to help you save on space and cut down the weight of your camping equipment. Most high-quality sleeping bags can easily fit in the bottom compartment of a standard hiking backpack.

Detailed 2024 Sleeping Bag Australia Reviews

The benefits and importance of a sleeping bag are indisputable, and when embarking on a trip, it’s one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Good quality sleeping bags are crucial for safety, comfort, and warmth, and will help your body perform better while in the outdoors.

Today, we will be looking at a range of top sleeping bags based on quality, portability, warmth factor, durability, size, price and many other factors we talk about in our guide on how to choose the best sleeping bags. So whatever weather condition you’re headed to, you can be sure to find the best all round sleeping bag that will fit within your budget.

Darche Cold Mountain 1100 Sleeping Bag Review

Darche Cold Mountain 1100

The Darche Cold Mountain is a large roomy sleeping bag suitable for cold nights, and specifically designed to provide not only warmth but also comfort.

Built with resilience in mind, this sleeping bag features a tough and water-resistant 70D ripstop polyester shell. Its interior boasts a dual-layer hollow fibre fill, while the silk touch inner lining enhances the overall sleeping experience.

Designed for optimal thermal efficiency, the Darche Cold Mountain includes a 3D collar, a drawstring chest baffle, and a contoured hood for added comfort. Additionally, the full-length zippers and draft tubes allow for versatile use as a cosy blanket during milder nights.

Features and Specs in Summary:

  • Weight: 3Kg
  • Material: Water Resistant 70D polyester
  • Maximum User Height:230 cm
  • External Dimensions:250L x 114W cm
  • Packed Dimensions:50L x 30W x 30H cm
  • Fill Material: Hollow Fibre
  • Dual Zipper

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Coleman Pilbara C0 Sleeping Bag Review

Coleman Pilbra Sleeping Bag

The Pilbara C0 Sleeping Bag designed is specifically for those who prefer spaciousness and comfort while enjoying a peaceful slumber in the great outdoors.

Crafted entirely from cotton, the Pilbara C0 sleeping bag offers unparalleled comfort and breathability. Its top features a comfort cuff, allowing you to nestle snugly within the bag. No more fumbling around in the dark for your phone as the Pilbara C0 also includes an internal pocket for conveniently keeping your valuables within reach.

The bag is equipped with a cosy foot fleece at the base to keep your toes from freezing which is handy for those who feel the cold. Conversely, if you tend to get too warm, the separate foot zip enables you to expose your feet for some fresh air. With the Pilbara’s snag-free zipper, you won’t have to struggle in bleary-eyed confusion during those midnight bathroom trips.

When you’re ready to pack up, the roll control feature ensures the bag stays neatly folded as you place it back into the 4-way compression stuff sack provided. For a sleeping bag that offers both softness and ample space, look no further than the Coleman Pilbara C0.

Features and Specs in Summary:

  • Weight: 2.2 Kg
  • Material: Cotton
  • Maximum User Height: 210 cm
  • External Dimensions:200L x 100W cm
  • Includes separate foot zip for temperature control
  • Single Anti Snag zipper

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Roman Palm Lite Ultra Compact Hooded Sleeping Bag Review

Roman Palm Lite Ultra

Roman palm lite ultra-compact hooded sleeping bag is touted as one of the smallest and lightest sleeping bag in its class. It’s so compact it can literally fit in your palm when packed down. This compact sleeping bag comes with lab-tested accurate temperature ratings, which means you know exactly what to expect when buying it. But you might be wondering, is a sleeping bag this light and small inefficient in the wilderness?

Well, don’t let the compact size fool you, the Palm Lite Ultra Compact comes with a Thermaspace lining which is breathable, lightweight but extremely efficient at reflecting body heat back inside, preventing heat loss. It has sufficient lining to insulate you while keeping you comfy at the same time, thanks to the premium Insufil Thermo inner fill.

Like all the Roman sleeping bags, this one too comes with tough SBS zippers with the anti-snag systems and conveniently placed small pockets for your phone, iPod or MP3.

Features and Specs in Summary

  • Weight – 700 grams
  • Size – (180+30) x 70 cm x 55
  • Fill – Thermo Insufil 50g/m2 x2
  • Shell – Nylon diamond ripstop 280T
  • Lining – Silktex 75D/210T micro-weave pongee
  • Styling – Tapered rectangular
  • Anti-Snag system
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Outer lining – Soft-touch nylon

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Darche Cold Mountain 900 Sleeping Bag Review

Darche Cold Mountain 900 Sleeping Bag

The Darche Cold Mountain 900 sleeping bag provides luxury and comfort, and you will feel like you are sleeping on a fluffy cloud. Darche are renowned for quality products at reasonable prices and this model offers ample space and a heavenly night’s sleep, even in harsh weather conditions.

Made with a water-resistant polyester outer shell, silk touch internal liner, and equipped with dual zips providing effortless access, this sleeping bag ensures maximum convenience. It has two layers of fibre filling so you can stay warm throughout the night. The silk-like interior liner provides a delightful touch, while the 3D collar and wind baffle shield you from icy drafts. Additionally, an internal pocket is included to keep your valuables safe or for easy access to a torch or phone.

We have used a couple of different Darche sleeping bags never been disappointed. When it comes to a spacious and high-performance sleeping bag, the Darche Cold Mountain is hard to beat.

Features and Specs in Summary

  • Weight: 2.7 Kg
  • Material: Water Resistant 70D polyester
  • Maximum User Height: 230 cm
  • External Dimensions:250L x 90W cm
  • Dual Zipper
  • Outer shell:  water-resistant
  • Can be also joined via zip to other Cold Mountain sleeping bags

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Coleman Fyrefly Illumi−Bug Kids Sleeping Bag Review

Coleman fyrefly illumi bug kids sleeping-bag

The Coleman Fyrefly Illumi-Bug Sleeping Bag is perfect for the little ones. This colourful sleeping bag not only keeps them warm but also adds an element of fun with its glow-in-the-dark design. With excellent insulation, it ensures that your little ones stay content and comfortable throughout the night.

The bag has a temperature rating of 7°, providing optimal comfort for campers up to approximately 170cm in height. The ZipPlow™ zippers feature a snag-free design, ensuring the safety of those little fingers when opening and closing the sleeping bag.

When it’s time to pack up, the Roll Control™ system comes into play, keeping the sleeping bag straight and easy to roll. Plus, the Quick Cord™ system eliminates the need for tying knots. And after a memorable adventure, simply toss the Illumi-Bug Sleeping Bag into the washing machine to have it fresh and clean for the next exciting journey!

Features and Specs in Summary

  • Weight: 1.3 Kg
  • Material: Polyester
  • External Dimensions: 160L x 59W cm
  • Single Anti Snag Zipper
  • Glows in the dark
  • Internal pocket for small items
  • Specifically designed for kids up to 170 cm tall

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Oztrail Blaxland Jumbo Hooded Sleeping Bag Review

Oztrail Blaxland Jumbo

The Oztrail Blaxland jumbo hooded sleeping bag has generous proportions which are ideal for taller campers wanting extra room. The sleeping bag also gives value for money offering a tremendous balance of price and performance.

With a minimum temperature of -5°C and comfort rating of 0°C, the Blaxland provides versatile sleeping options including dual zips for zipping two bags together, a soft polycotton lining, a draw corded hood and draft tubes.

The Blaxland comes complete with a polyester stuff sack, is compact pack size and made with two layers of Non-Allergenic Exotherm® synthetic fill for efficient insulation.

Features and Specs in Summary

  • Generous dimensions
  • Can join 2 bags together
  • Includes stuff sack
  • Comfort rating 0°C
  • Max user height 230 cm

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Roman Palm Passport -5° Sleeping Bag Review

Roman Palm Passport

If you love what the Palm Lite Ultra Compact bag has to offer but would rather have something puffier, then the Roman Palm Passport -5° Sleeping Bag might be your best pick. The Passport -5° is an equally small, lightweight and compact bag for hikers and backpackers who mind their grams. It comes with LH and RH zips that allow you to join another bag to form a double sleeping bag.

While it’s a relatively small and lightweight model, the Palm Passport -5° still offers sufficient comfort and insulation –like the Palm Lite Ultra Compact bag we reviewed earlier, this one also features breathable and lightweight Thermaspace lining that reflects your body heat back to prevent heat loss. For the comfort, lightweight, compactness and excellent insulation, you can be sure of your value for money once you get your hands in this.

Features and Specs in Summary

  • Weight – 1.6kg
  • Size – 210 x 75 cm
  • Shell – Nylon Diamond Ripstop 280T
  • Lining – Silktex 75D/210T micro-weave pongee
  • Zippers – (2) Nylon full-length auto lock
  • Design styling – Tapered rectangular
  • Tapered bottom – for more warmth at feet
  • Anti-snag system

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Sea To Summit Ascent 3 Aciii Down Sleeping Bag Review

Sea to Summit Ascent

Search online for “Top 5 camping tents / sleeping bags / backpacks …. etc.” and you will not miss an item or two from the Sea To Summit brand. The Ascent 3 Aciii is a versatile, comfortable, warm, and lightweight sleeping bag that will literally stick with you from the sea to the summit, with no compromise in performance. This model offers a little more wiggle room than the traditional mummy bag while still being efficient in insulation.

The top third of the bag features a half zip on the right side that offers additional ventilation and little more freedom for your arms. If you need a little more warmth, simply close all the zips and lock them in place. The 3D hood and panelled footbox are welcome enhancements for those extra-cold nights. If you’ve ever used any Sea To Summit outdoor product, you probably already know that they don’t cut corners when it comes to Quality, comfort, convenience, and performance.

Features and Specs in Summary

  • Weight –1325 g
  • Recommended user height up to 183 cm
  • Shell – 100% Nylon
  • Primary filling material – Duck Down
  • Design style – Tapered rectangular shape
  • Free-flow half right side for movement freedom and ventilation
  • Generously sized hood
  • Dual cord adjustment for maximum warmth retention
  • Security pocket

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Sea To Summit Spark 1 Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag Review

Sea to Summit Spark SP1

This is probably the smallest, lightest, high-performance sleeping bag in its category. The Sea to Summit Spark 1 weighs just about 350g and literally packs down to a tiny package that fits in a side pocket of a standard backpack. The sleeping bag is specifically designed for campers and climbers who are desperate to cut down on both weight and volume. And the best thing is that it does so without compromising on warmth and comfort.

If you’re wondering what makes this bag so lightweight yet so effective, here is why. It uses a 15D lining and micro-weight 10D shell, super quality, moisture-repelling 850+ loft down and a ⅓ length YKK zipper. The zipper, shell, and lining combined weigh less than the internal insulation. The lining and shell feel delicate and soft, but not brittle, so you don’t have to worry about anything breaking under normal use.

The Summit Spark 1 cold weather sleeping bag delivers unexpected performance to offer you the necessary warmth and comfort throughout the night. Due to low volume and weight, you could also use it as a liner bag to boost the warmth of your main, larger sleeping bag in frigid winter temperatures.

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Sea To Summit Trek 1 Down Sleeping Bag Review

Sea to Summit Trek Tk1 sleeping bag

Sea to Summit seeks to redefine the industry standards of the down sleeping bags by offering quality and fill with their internationally tested down. The TREK 1 incorporates premium 650 loft down and 2D PermaShell fabric to offer exceptional warmth and comfort in a rather classic fashion. The 3D side wall also means that the down will loft to the very last inch of the edge of the bag.

The Sea to Summit sleeping bag comes with a spacious, easily accessible security pocket located on the inside; ideal for securing passports and other valuables. Most users prefer the Trek 1 for adventure travel, globe-trotting and backpacking. The semi-rectangular design is a perfect compromise between the spacious rectangular design and the snug and warm mummy design. Its full-length zipper allows you to open this bag out into a full duvet that you can use in warm weather and indoors.

Other clever features include differential cut shell, 60/40 fill ratio, laundry bag, mesh storage cell, side block baffle and cushioned internal drawcords for the hood. So if you can’t handle the snug and restrictive nature of the mummy sleeping bag designs, then this might just be your best option.

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Coleman Mudgee C5 Double Sleeping Bag Review

Coleman Mudgee Double Sleeping Bag

For those looking for double sleeping bags the Coleman Mudgee C5 is the perfect choice. Perfect for couples looking for a cosy double or separate sleeping for the kids.

Designed as an oversized rectangular shape, Coleman Mudgee C5 Double Sleeping Bag features a brush polyester cover and liner, along with hollow polyester insulation, ensuring optimum comfort and warmth in temperatures ranging from 4.4 to 21.1°C. When connected, it provides ample space for two people. However, it can also be separated into two individual single sleeping bags.

Enjoy the added warmth provided by the 70cm of CozyFoot fleece and the soft comfort cuff that embraces your face. The Ziplow function ensures hassle-free opening and closing of the bag, while the roll control feature keeps it straight and tidy when rolling it up for easy packing.

The bag is machine washable and comes with a stuff sack for storage and transportation. The Coleman Double Mudgee Sleeping Bag is reasonable priced and makes a great addition to your camping needs by effectively combining 2 sleeping bags in 1.

Features and Specs in Summary:

  • Weight: 4.3 Kg
  • Material: Cotton
  • Brushed Polyester
  • Maximum User Height: 190 cm
  • External Dimensions: Double 190L x 150W cm
  • External Dimensions:  Single 190L x 75W cm
  • Shape: Hoodless Square
  • Snag-free for easy opening and closing

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Oztent Rivergum XL Sleeping Bag Review

Oztent Rivergum XL

The Oztent Rivergum XL Sleeping Bag Series is excellent value for money. The bag is warm on cold nights due to its flannelette lining but also keeps you at a good temperature even on the milder nights without overheating. Despite its rugged canvas exterior, this sleeping bag offers a comfortable experience with its removable fleece lining and extra width, ensuring a good night’s sleep even for those with larger physiques.

Designed to withstand various conditions, this sleeping bag has a comfort rating of 3°C and a lower limit of -3°C. The ripstop canvas shell provides exceptional durability, while the contoured hood effectively traps warmth inside the bag.

As an added bonus, the zip connect feature allows two bags to be joined together to create a double-sized sleeping bag. The inner storage pocket ensures the safekeeping of your valuables, and the fleece liner can be detached for use as a lighter summer-weight bag.

If you are looking for a sleeping bag that offers ample space, excellent insulation, and durability, the Oztent Rivergum XL Sleeping Bag Series II has you covered.

Features and Specs in Summary:

  • Weight: 5.3 Kg
  • Material: Ripstop Cotton Canvas
  • Maximum User Height: 220 cm
  • External Dimensions: 235L x 100W cm
  • Double Anti Snag zipper
  • Removable Fleece Liner

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Darche Cold Mountain 1400 Canvas Sleeping Bag Review

Darche Cold Mountain Canvas sleeping bag

Like the Sea to Summit Basecamp model above, the Darche cold mountain sleeping bag is designed for users who prefer extra room and a little more comfort. The jumbo size is designed with an adventurer, tourer, fisherman, campers and all-around outdoor tent enthusiast in mind.

This particular model comes with a Dual Zip system, suitable for entry and exit from either side. It also allows two bags to be mated into one supersized bag. The toe end features a zip that you can unzip for extra coolness and ventilation on warmer nights.

The Cold Mountain jumbo features a versatile modular construction that eliminates cold spots. The floating lower layer filling and top fixed layer filling ensures even insulation and distribution of warmth. With a cold comfort rating, baffle collar, internal pockets, compression bag and anti-snag zippers, this floating bag can cater for both beginners and the wildest and most adventurous outdoor fans alike. A top choice if you are looking for the best canvas sleeping bag.

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Oztrail Cotton Canvas Mega Sleeping Bag Review

OZtrail Cotton Canvas sleeping bag

The OZtrail Cotton Canvas sleeping bag has a tough exterior that conceals a soft, warm, and comfortable space inside.

Have a cosy night under the stars with two layers of ExoTherm® Extreme polyester fibre sandwiched between a cotton canvas outer and a soft flannel lining. All the layers work together to keep you warm and comfortable.

The OZtrail Cotton Canvas sleeping bag has a draw corded hood for extra warmth and heaps of space inside which will have you nodding off to dreamland even in the toughest environments.

Features and Specs in Summary

  • Long and extra wide
  • Tough canvas shell
  • Flannel lined
  • Includes carry bag
  • Comfort rating -7 °C
  • Max user height 220 cm

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Coleman Big Game C-6 Sleeping Bag Review

Coleman Big Game Sleeping Bag

The Coleman Big Game C-6 Sleeping Bag is a roomy, warm, and comfortable top sell bag from the Coleman range.

This big and popular bag for serious campers is crafted with a durable 10Oz poly cotton canvas construction, ensuring exceptional long-lasting durability. The cosy cotton flannel liner creates a comforting experience that reminds you of the comforts of home.

The bag incorporates Coleman’s ComfortSmart® technologies, including patented no-snag zippers and Roll Control™, to enhance functionality and efficiency. Additionally, the Big Game features Wrap ‘N’ Roll™, a convenient feature that simplifies packing, transportation, and storage.

To add to its appeal, this sleeping bag even includes a soft pillow, eliminating the need to bring one along on your camping trip. Stay warm and cosy during your outdoor adventures with the Big Game Sleeping Bag from Coleman.

Features and Specs in Summary

  • Weight: 4.4 Kg
  • Material: Tough 10Oz Poly Cotton Canvas
  • External Dimensions: 213L x 102W cm
  • Maximum User Height: 215 cm
  • Features No Snag Patented Zipper
  • Pillow included
  • Fill Material: Coletherm® Synthetic Insulation

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What to look for when buying a Sleeping Bag

While backpacking, one of the most important items to consider is the sleeping bag. When choosing the bag, most people look for is comfort and resilience. So, what qualities do you look for in the best sleeping bags? Australia has a diverse climate, from the rugged outback with scorching heat to snow capped mountains. Here are some of the most important things to look for when choosing the best sleeping bags for backpacking.

Season Ratings

Sleeping bag season ratings are meant to make it easier for you to choose the best bag for the season. The main ratings hear are summer, three-Season, and winter.

Summer: Summer sleeping bags, as you would expect, are suitable for temperatures starting from 30ºC and higher and make a great choice for camping in regional Queensland. They are usually lightweight because they require less insulation and can easily fit into a tiny packing space. Sleeping bags with good quality zippers often have full-length zippers that allow you to open them up completely for ventilation when the night gets steamy. Most of them are quite simple since you will most likely not need things like the draft collar or the hood.

Three-Season: Three-Season rated sleeping bags are best suited for temperatures starting from 20ºC and above. They are ideal for Autumn and Spring trips, as well as summer when camping in the high cold mountains. Most three-season bags come with additional features to help you combat colder temperatures. So you will find things like cinch-able hoods, zipper draft tubes, and draft collars.

Winter: The cold weather sleeping bags are heavily insulated, puffy looking bags that can shield you against the cold and moisture in temperatures from around 20ºC and below. They also have all the features of the three-season bags including zipper draft tubes, cinch-able hoods, and draft collars, in addition to heavier insulation. Winter bags tend to be quite bulky (because of the insulation), and so you might want to invest in a good compression sack.

Wake refreshed with a quality sleeping bag

Temperature Ratings

Sleeping bags come with temperature ratings, which is an indication of the minimum temperature that a particular bag is designed to handle. These ratings should, however, be taken with a pinch of salt, because there is currently no universal, standardised method for determining ratings. This means the claims about how much warmth the bag can handle are not always up to standard, but in most cases, they are realistic.

There is, however, one standardised rating knows as the EN 13537 that has been widely adopted in Europe and is now being accepted and adopted in Australia, U.S., and other areas as well. The rating system uses the following ratings;

Upper limit: Denotes the highest temperature at which a standard/average man can have a comfortable sleep without excessive sweating.

Comfort: Denotes the lowest temperature at which a standard/average woman can have a comfortable sleep without excessive sweating.

Lower limit: Denotes the lowest temperature at which a standard/average man can have a comfortable sleep without excessive sweating.

Since there is no universal rating system yet, the best you can do is to use these ratings as a starting point, then let your instinct guide you towards what you feel suits you.

Insulation Types

This is one of the tough little decisions you will have to make too. But luckily, you only have two main options to choose from; down and synthetic. Here is a quick look at each of the two.

Down: Down insulation is the most efficient and lightest you can get in the market. It’s also very compressible (which saves you some packing space) and retains its loftiness and puffiness, and hence its insulation power for longer compared to synthetics. Down bags are generally more costly compared to synthetics, but this price will depend on the fill-power. Fill-power here refers to a way of rating down quality and it ranges from 600 to 900. All you need to understand here is that the warmest down is the loftiest, so the higher the rating the warmer your sleeping bag will be.

Synthetic: Synthetic sleeping bags come in many different designs and are generally less expensive compared to down. Synthetics are generally non-allergenic and can insulate even when wet, which makes them the best choice when camping in damp climates. If you’re on budget or simply going out for casual adventurers, the synthetics might be ideal for you. Just keep in mind that they offer a little less warmth and might be a bit bulkier when compressed. But still, you can get good quality synthetic bags that are more compressible and feel soft.

Down/Synthetic Combination: Newer sleeping bag models now combine synthetic and down fill. This hybrid design offers the benefits of both materials and eliminates some of the downsides. You will find some hybrid designs blending the two materials throughout the bag, and in other cases, the lofty down material may be on top and the durable synthetic on the bottom.

Choosing the correct sleeping bag is crucial

Popular Sleeping Bag Shapes

Sleeping bags come in different shapes and cuts, each crafted to appeal to different types of adventurers. Here are some of the most common shapes and designs and best sleeping bags for camping.

Mummy: Mummy sleeping bags have a tapered cut through the feet and legs, giving it maximum thermal efficiency. The primary job of any sleeping bag is to contain the heat your body generates and the smaller the interior space, the more efficient the bag is. Although most mummy bags have plenty of room through the torso and shoulders, broader campers and restless sleepers might want to choose an alternative cut. Generally, mummy bags are smaller and lightweight.

Rectangular: This design doesn’t have a taper through the legs, it’s rectangular in shape, and offers maximum room and comfort. The bags are however not very thermally efficient and are often used for indoor sleepovers and backyard camping, or during summer adventures. If you have two bags with compatible zippers, you can easily mate them to form a double size bed.

Semi-rectangular: Semi-rectangular sleeping bags are a compromise between the rectangular and the mummy shapes. They are ideal for campers who can’t handle the confinement of the mummy designs but need a little more warmth than what the rectangular bag can offer.

Bag Length

Length is also a very important aspect when choosing your bag. Bags come in different lengths, and you might find them labelled short or X-Long. The sizes will differ depending on the manufacturer and gender. To choose the correct sleeping bag size, review the bags specs and a check the listed height to see that it will fit you.

Other Key Features

Baffles: These are compartments in the bag that hold the filler material for even distribution.

Inner Linings: Polyester and fine nylon linings are the most common materials used to line most sleeping bags. Cotton flannel can also be used. But while cotton is breathable and lightweight, it traps moisture and is not the best option in moist, damp conditions.

Zipper: Two-way way zippers can be easily opened when you need ventilation, they can be either full length or just halfway. A zipper with a zip baffle can prevent heat loss and keep you a little warmer.

Hood: Some of the heat is lost through the head, so if you’re headed camping in the cold mountains, a shaped hood with a cord closure can help keep the heat in.

Draft Collar: A draft collar, which seats at the base of the hood, prevents the loose heat while keeping out the cold around shoulders and neck.

Different types of Sleeping Bags

As you already know by now, there are different types of sleeping bags all with different unique added advantages that make them suitable for certain occasions. Here are the most common types you will get on the market.

Double-Wide

The double-wide bags, also known as couple sleep bags, are most preferred by couples because they offer home-like sleep even when out in the wilderness. They are specifically designed for two people and some include an extra cushioning around the shoulder and head area to act as a pillow. Some double bags can unzip to form two separate individual bags.

Bag designed for women

Women’s bodies have different physiological features compared to men, so manufacturers have designed sleeping bags specifically for women. Women’s bags tend to be warmer than men’s, and are shaped to comfortably accommodate a woman’s frame. Typical women’s bags are wide at the hips and narrow the shoulders, and should be lighter and less bulky.

Body-shaped sleeping bags

This might look a little wired at first as it resembles a space suit. But once you try it on, you might not want to get out of it. Body-shaped models often have legs and arms; you can easily slip in it and walk around or sit by the fireplace. It provides maximum comfort and mobility, and wraps around your body to keep you warm.

Pod-shaped sleeping bags

This type of sleeping bags provide enough room for unrestricted body movement. They are also very comfortable as they enable you to curl up in your favourite position or turn. They might look like mummy bags, but they aren’t as fitting, snug and restrictive. You can move and wriggle about. They are however not as warm as the mummy bag.

Kids sleeping bags

Sleeping bags for kids are often lightweight, compact and easy to pack. Most of them also have built-in sleeves at the bottom to hold the sleeping pad in place. Comfort is important to your kid, so see if you can get a design with pockets that allow you to add a pillow in it. Additionally, be sure to check that the size is not too small and restrictive or too wide and bulky.

How to Roll a Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Bags when properly packed take up very little space. For anyone unfamiliar with exactly how to roll a sleeping bag so it fits back in it’s carry bag this video has tips on the correct procedure to ensure it fits.

Final thoughts on the Best Sleeping Bag 2024

That’s pretty much all you need to know when buying sleeping bags. When you head out to buy the best sleeping bag, first determine whom you’re buying for, the conditions under which it will be used, season, materials, shape and designs and personal preferences.

Weigh all the pros and cons of each design before you make your final decision. Remember, the best sleeping bag can serve you for years if you choose the right one and maintain it appropriately.

As promised, in our sleeping bag recommendations we’ve tried to include different sleeping bags with varying designs, materials, colours, sizes and price range. We even managed to sneak in the double size sleeping bag for those who would like to experience the outdoors as a couple. Most sleeping bags range from $50 to $500 depending on the features, brand, and quality.

If you like any of the sleeping bags listed here, feel free to click through, learn more about it. Whether your taking that trip in your own backyard or heading out camping in New South Wales you’re sure to find the right sleeping bag to suit your travel style.

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Best Sleeping reviews
Best Sleeping Bags

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