Sleeping Bags

How to choose your down sleeping bag

Choosing a good sleeping bag comes down to three questions: for which season, for what level of cold, and for what acceptable weight? A summer hiker doesn't sleep in the same model as a high-altitude wild camper. Start by looking at the stated comfort temperature, then the fill power of the down (the famous "cuin" rating) which reflects its insulating capacity, and finally the packed weight. Our advice helps you make the right choice without overpaying for warmth you won't actually need.

Down or synthetic?

Natural down wins on weight, packability and lifespan — it's the top choice for lightweight trekking. Its weak point is water, as wet down loses its insulating power, so it's best kept for dry nights or sheltered conditions. Synthetic fill, heavier and bulkier, dries quickly and copes better with damp conditions. For most mountain trips, down remains the most sensible choice for comfort versus weight.

Comfort temperature and season

Every sleeping bag displays standardized temperature ratings: comfort, limit and extreme. Go by the comfort temperature — the one at which you'll sleep without feeling cold. Aim for around 10°C for summer, 0 to 5°C for three-season use, and well below zero for winter. Allow a little margin: it's better to have a bag that's slightly too warm than a night spent shivering out in the wild.

A lightweight, packable sleeping bag

On a long route, the sleeping bag is one of the heaviest items in your backpack. Down allows for very lightweight, compact designs — to go even further, take a look at our ultralight down sleeping bag, built for those who count every gram. Don't forget to protect the fill, too: a silk sleeping bag liner adds a few extra degrees of warmth, keeps the down clean, and weighs just a few dozen grams.

The sleeping bag as part of a complete wild camping setup

A good night's sleep outdoors doesn't rely on the sleeping bag alone — you need a system that works together. Underneath the sleeping bag, a trekking mat shields you from the cold ground, while an inflatable sleeping pad adds extra comfort and thickness. Around that, the classic hiker's kit completes the setup: lightweight shelter such as a bivouac tent or tarp, a camping stove for meals, a water bottle, a headlamp for the night, and trekking poles. Everything then packs away into a backpack sized to suit your trips. When it comes to hiking gear, a few well-chosen accessories make all the difference: a foam mat for durability, and a bivvy bag or pillow depending on the type of trip and the level of comfort you're after.