I'm an affiliate, meaning I partner with brands and earn a commission if you purchase through the links on my site. This helps support Overland Girl.

When it comes to summer camping, selecting a sleeping bag that ensures comfort during warmer nights while providing enough flexibility for cooler evenings can enhance your outdoor experience. Whether braving the South's sweltering heat and humidity or enjoying Yellowstone's warm days and cool nights, having the right sleeping bag is important. Here's an updated guide to the best sleeping bags for summer camping in 2024:

Best Overall

Big Agnes Echo Park 20: The Big Agnes Echo Park 20 is an excellent choice for campers who value comfort and space in their outdoor gear. Known for its versatility, this sleeping bag is designed to accommodate taller individuals or those who appreciate the extra room to move around while sleeping. It features FireLine synthetic insulation, including 50% post-consumer recycled content, ensuring warmth to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. One standout feature is its ability to unzip completely into a camp blanket, perfect for warmer summer nights or wrapping around you by the campfire. Its durable, rip-stop nylon construction and wrap-around foot box zipper for ventilation make it comfortable and practical for various camping environments. Weighing 4 lbs. 12 oz. and compressing down to 11.5 liters, the Big Agnes Echo Park 20 balances portability and comfort, making it an ideal choice for seasoned campers and weekend warriors.

We wrote a blog on Big Agnes as a part of a series. Check it out: Outdoor Brands You Might Not Know, But You Should — Big Agnes.

Price: $199.95
Color: Green/Olive
Fill: FireLine synthetic insulation (50% postconsumer recycled content)
Weight: 4 lbs. 12 oz.
Compressed Volume: 11.5 liters
Temperature Rating: 20 degrees (F)

Best for Women

Big Agnes Torchlight UL 20 Degree F: The Big Agnes Torchlight UL 20 Degree F sleeping bag is designed for the specific needs of female campers, particularly those who face varied temperature conditions during their summer adventures. This bag stands out due to its adjustable features, allowing users to customize the fit to different body shapes and sleeping styles, ensuring maximum nighttime comfort. Its ultralight construction makes it easy to carry without adding excessive weight to your backpack, appealing to backpackers who need a reliable and comfortable sleeping solution.

Price: $334.73 Compared to $449.95
Color: Blue/Aqua
Fill: 850-fill-power DownTek (PFC-free) down
Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz.
Compressed Volume: 2.7 liters
Temperature Rating: 20 degrees (F)

Best for Men

NEMO Forte 20 Endless Promise: The NEMO Forte 20 is designed specifically for those who value comfort and versatility in their outdoor gear. With its unique spoon shape, this sleeping bag offers extra space around the elbows and knees, especially for side sleepers who need more room to move freely throughout the night. This design enhances comfort and minimizes the constriction often felt in traditional mummy bags, making it an ideal choice for anyone who feels restricted by tighter sleeping spaces.

One of the NEMO Forte 20's most innovative features is its Thermo Gills technology. These zippered vents extend along the top of the bag, allowing users to regulate the internal temperature without letting drafts in. This feature is handy for warm-weather camping, where nights can still be chilly but not cold enough to require full insulation. Campers can find the perfect balance between warmth and ventilation by adjusting the Thermo Gills.

Moreover, the NEMO Forte 20 has synthetic insulation that maintains its insulating properties even in damp conditions. It is a reliable choice for camping where dew or light rain might be a factor. The bag also features a pillow pocket that allows you to stuff extra clothing, a camp pillow for enhanced head support, and an integrated blanket fold for additional warmth and comfort around your neck and face.

Price: $199.95 – to$219.95
Color: Abyss/Green Sheen
Sizes: Regular/Long
Fill: Synthetic
Weight: Regular - Left Zip: 3 lbs. 7 oz./Long - Left Zip: 3 lbs. 11 oz.
Compressed Volume: Regular - Left Zip: 9 liters/Long - Left Zip: 9.7 liters
Temperature Rating: 20 degrees (F)

Best for Children

The Coleman—Down to 50°F: The Coleman Down to 50°F sleeping bag is an excellent choice for children's summer camping adventures. This bag features a delightful glow-in-the-dark design that captivates and excites children, making bedtime something to look forward to. It also prioritizes comfort and practicality. The soft lining inside the bag ensures that children can sleep without discomfort from zipper scratches, enhancing the overall sleep experience.

“This bag features a delightful
glow-in-the-dark design that captivates
and excites children, making bedtime something to look forward to.”

- Amazon

The sleeping bag has a handy interior pocket that allows kids to safely store their nighttime essentials, such as a flashlight or a favorite small toy. This can help them feel more secure and settled in unfamiliar outdoor environments.

Price: $34.99
Color: ‎Teal & Pink
Sizes: Regular/Long
Fill: Polyester
Age: For ages six and older, up to 5 ft. tall
Temperature Rating: Kids stay warm in temperatures as low as 50°F

Best Double Sleeping Bag

The North Face Dolomite One Duo: The North Face Dolomite One Duo is a versatile sleeping bag for couples or anyone seeking extra space. Its innovative 3-in-1 design allows for adjustment across three different temperature ranges, making it ideal for various summer conditions. With layers that can be used independently or combined, it adapts easily to keep you comfortable throughout the night. The sleeping bag is filled with synthetic insulation that performs well even when damp, ensuring warmth in diverse weather. Additionally, its roomy design provides ample space for movement, enhancing sleep comfort. Despite its size and functionality, the Dolomite One Duo remains relatively easy to pack and carry, thanks to its compressible materials and included stuff sack, making it a practical choice for car camping and other outdoor adventures.

Price: $250.00 – $260.00
Color: Hyper Blue/Radiant Yellow
Sizes: Regular/Long
Fill: Polyester fibers (30% post-consumer recycled fibers)
Weight: Regular: 8 lbs. 13 oz./Long: 9 lbs. 7 oz.
Temperature Rating: 30 degrees (F), 50 degrees (F), 15 degrees (F)

Best Budget

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20: The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 sleeping bag is a versatile choice for campers who face cooler summer nights and spring and fall temperatures. It features a synthetic fill that maintains insulating properties even when wet, making it ideal for damp conditions. Its spacious, rectangular design with an integrated hood offers extra room to move and additional warmth, enhancing comfort during the night. This bag can also be fully unzipped to serve as a quilt on warmer nights, adding to its utility. Durable construction and thoughtful features like an internal stash pocket make the Siesta Hooded 20 a practical and reliable option for various outdoor adventures.

Price: $139.00
Color: Stellar Gray
Sizes: Regular/Long
Fill: 98% recycled polyester/2% polyester (bluesign® approved)
Weight: Regular - Left Zip: 5 lbs. 5 oz./Long - Left Zip: 5 lbs. 14 oz.
Compressed Volume: Regular - Left Zip: 17.7 liters/Long - Left Zip: 18.5 liters
Temperature Rating: 20 degrees (F)

Budget vs. Expensive Sleeping Bags.

When selecting a sleeping bag, consider how often you plan to use it. This can significantly influence whether a budget or a more expensive model is more appropriate for your needs:

• Occasional Camping: A budget sleeping bag may be sufficient if you only camp a few times a year in mild conditions. These bags will provide the essential comfort and warmth you need without a significant investment.

• Frequent Camping: For those who camp often or in varied conditions, investing in a higher-quality sleeping bag might be more cost-effective. Expensive sleeping bags are built to withstand frequent use and harsher environments. After multiple uses and cleanings, they often feature advanced technologies that maintain insulation performance and comfort.

• Long-Term Value: Consider the longevity of the sleeping bag. More expensive models are generally made with higher-quality materials that resist wear and maintain their insulating properties longer than budget options. Although they come with a higher upfront cost, their durability and enhanced features can

How to Clean Your Sleeping Bag.

Proper care and cleaning are essential to maintaining your sleeping bag’s performance and longevity. Here’s how to clean your sleeping bag effectively:

1. Read the Care Label: Always start by checking the manufacturer’s care instructions specific to your sleeping bag.

2. Spot Cleaning: For minor soiling, use a mild soap and a sponge or toothbrush to clean the specific areas.

3. Hand Washing: Fill a large tub with cool or warm water and a small amount of gentle, non-detergent soap.

4. Machine Washing: Use a front-loading washer on a gentle cycle if the manufacturer allows.

5. Drying: Air drying is safest, though you can use a large commercial dryer on low heat.

6. Storage: Store your sleeping bag loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, not compressed, to maintain its loft and warmth.

Sweet Dreams in the Great Outdoors.

In conclusion, selecting the right sleeping bag for summer camping ensures a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience. Whether you are a seasoned camper or new to the world of camping, finding the perfect bag is essential for a good night's sleep under the stars. Happy camping.

Please read our blog on the best summer tents to find your tent: We Love to Camp: Our Best Tents for Summer Camping in 2024.

Where to Buy:

• Big Agnes Echo Park 20: REI or Amazon

• Big Agnes Torchlight UL 20 Degree F: REI

• NEMO Forte 20 Endless Promise: REI

• The Coleman—Down to 50°F: Amazon

• The North Face Dolomite One Duo: REI

• REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20: REI

Read Our Other Blogs On Top Camping Gear.

• Top Tents

• Top Sleeping Pads

• Top Camp Pillows

• Top Cook Sets