We Put Walmart’s Low-Cost Backpacking Gear to the Test

The cheaper fabrics fail to inspire confidence in the longevity of the sleeping bag and although it looks pretty decent, it feels cheap. Outdoors, it doesn’t offer you the protection you need or want and it’s also quite large and bulky to carry around. There are plenty options out there, that offer a superior sleeping bag that are comparable in price such as the Vango Saturn Outdoor Sleeping Bag that are worth considering. Once unrolled, it looked spacious and roomy, and the inner liner felt soft. We decided to trial it both in and out of the tent as the weather looked lovely and warm over the weekend.

I was in a large tent (admittedly, a smaller tent would have been better) with one other person. We found that the Ozark Trail Mummy sleeping bag ended up being just average and no more. Day 2 …it was closer to 6 degree and I froze…I had to hike into town, replace the bag.

We’ll break down these factors below to ensure you can be confident in your selection. The Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1 is a highly versatile 3-in-1 sleeping bag with a warm fleece interior and a durable outer shell. Each part of this customizable bag is uniquely separate and can be changed out, removed, or added back in. This system provides a lot of options for all kinds of sleepers and environments. The Polara also stows away into a much smaller size than many other bags we’ve tested. We love the thoughtful features, such as useful pockets, snaps, loops, and zippers, AND the excellent price point.

This provides a more consistent measure of warmth, but numerous other factors can play a role in your actual warmth beyond ambient air temperature. These factors include the type of shelter you’re in, the sleeping surface beneath you, the type and quality of your sleeping pad, and even your own metabolism. Western Mountaineering is a company known for making some of the best sleeping bags, and the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF certainly lives up to that reputation. We were blown away by how this bag supplied comfort and warmth in a packable, lightweight package.

You can find a more thorough discussion of our favorite down ozark trail sleeping bag models in our best backpacking sleeping bag review. These bags are ideal for those following “ultralight” guidelines to keep their packs as light as possible, typically under 10 pounds. Because they are so lightweight, they are great for multi-day backcountry trips and thru-hikes.

When it is very cold I also use a comforter over the sleeping bags. Hand warmers in our socks and body warmers in our shirts are helpful as well. Our sleeping bags zip together, allowing us to take advantage of the shared body heat. Pairing these strategies together made it reasonably comfortable at that temperature.

Check out our Best Sleeping Pad review for more info about why your overnight warmth can be dependent on how well you’re insulated from the ground. When adventure takes you further from the trailhead, you’ll probably want to opt for a backpacking sleeping bag. These bags utilize more expensive materials and streamlined designs to provide a sleeping system that offers greater warmth in a smaller and lighter package. These characteristics are most improved for human-powered activities, such as backpacking, sea kayaking, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, or bikepacking. In addition to warmth, this is also one of the most comfortable bags in our lineup.

Otherwise, the Polara is an excellent and versatile choice that we know most campers will really enjoy. One obvious drawback to the Flicker 40 UL is its expensive price tag. We think its quality matches its price, but that price may not be justifiable for all but the most serious ultralight aficionados. Its warmth-to-weight ratio is certainly outstanding, but you can attain an even higher warmth-to-weight ratio with a hooded mummy design, like ozark trail sleeping bag the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20. Still, we believe the added versatility of the Flicker is worth this compromise.

This camping sleeping bag is also available in a selection of colors and designs. With the Ozark Trail Kids Camping Line, you can be sure that your little ones have their own gear that fits their size and personality. We think the most useful temperature rating for a sleeping bag is around 30° F. At this rating, a sleeping bag should be warm enough for most spring and fall conditions while also not being too stifling in the summer months.

And every time you move your feet you get to hear the crinkle of the fabric on the bottom. The Ozark Trail Mummy sleeping bag is a bulky, heavy sleeping bag that does not boast any of the bells and whistles of it’s more expensive counterparts. The bag uses Climatech fill, a down alternative, making it very light. The roomy bag, 33 inches wide by 75 inches long, rolls up to a compact 14 by 8 inches. Made with soft polyester, the outer layer being a diamond ripstop material, the bag is both comfortable and durable. The zippers are sturdy, with no problems in the two years we have used them.