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Summer nights around the campfire are what make getting outdoors so appealing. When the flames die down and it’s time to sleep you’re going to need a decent summer sleeping bag if you want a good night’s rest in your tent.
You’ll want something light and easy to pack but that still keeps you warm enough when the temperatures dip towards 40 degrees. We’ve put together a list of things to look out for as well as our recommendation for the top summer sleeping bags for backpacking and camping.
Our Top Picks:
- RAB Neutrino : Top quality best if money is no object!
- Ledge Sports Scorpion : Best budget buy
- Kelty Cosmic Down : Mid-priced down bag, great quality
- Feather Friends Flicker UL Quilt: Best Overall Summer Sleeping Bag
- Marmot NanoWave 45F: Best synthetic summer sleeping bag
- Big Agnes Anvil Horn 45: Best Sleep System Summer Sleeping Bag
Below, you’ll find our detailed reviews and a buyer’s guide, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Summer Sleeping Bag Reviews
If you are looking for a versatile sleeping bag for shoulder-season use too, then check out our guide to the best three season sleeping bags.
For really cold, winter camping or altitudes over 10,000ft, see the best winter sleeping bags.
There are plenty of summer sleeping bag options at both budget and premium price points. Here are our reviews of our top 10 favorites.
Best Summer Sleeping Bag Overall
Rab Neutrino 200
Our top choice if money’s no object!
If you’re looking for a lightweight sleeping bag for summer but want to cover your bases in case of a chilly night then this is a great choice.
With a 44 degree comfort factor, it’s ideal for summer, but combined with a good sleeping bag liner will cope in cooler temperatures too.
The tapered design and lightweight materials result in an impressive 1.2 pounds that easily packs down into a compact dry bag compression stuff sack.
The main zip comes down – of the way on the left side and allows for two Neutrinos to be zipped together in case you want to snuggle with your significant other.
Both the lining and shell materials have a soft feel to them which adds to the comfort this sleeping bag affords.
The angled footbox and the proportional cut allow for enough wiggle room so that you don’t feel constricted as you can in some mummy sleeping bags.
What We Like
- Pertex Quantum outer fabric is super-durable
- 800FP European goose down for fantastic weight-to-warmth ratio
- Nickwax hydrophobic down for good water resistance
- Very lightweight and compressible
- Internal zippered stash pocket
What We Don’t Like
- Would prefer separate draw cords for hood and internal collar
- High price tag
Best Ultralight Summer Sleeping Bag
Flicker UL Wide Quilt Sleeping Bag
Super lightweight for warmer nights.
Shop Flicker UL- Titanium Regular Length Shop Flicker UL Sleeping Bag- Long Length
If you’re looking for one of the lightest sleeping bags for summer activities then at 18.3 ounces, the Feather Friends Flicker UL Quilt Sleeping Bag is the sleeping bag you’re after.
The 950+ Goose Down gives you the warmth that you get from down and its continuous baffles let you position the down where you need it.
At 40 degrees or higher, this will be plenty warm enough but lower than that, and you’ll need to add a layer or two to your PJ’s. If your feet tend to get cold, there’s a bottom drawcord to create a footbox for chillier conditions.
The shell is ultralight Pertex Endurance 10 denier fabric and does a good job of wicking away perspiration and condensation.
Being synthetic, both the lining and the outer shell dry pretty quickly. It also has small webbing loops for you to use as a hammock underquilt. Hurray, one less thing gear to pack!
We really like that the full-length zipper has double sliders allowing for easy ventilation of whichever part of your body may be getting a little too toasty.
What We Like
- Tapered mummy design is wide but not restrictive
- Continuous baffles enhance loft and eliminate cold spots
- 950+ Goose Down loft while allowing for surprisingly good compressibility
- DWR coated shell is water repellent
- Internal zippered pocket big enough to hold flashlight, eyeglasses, etc..
- Wow, it’s super light!
What We Don’t Like
- Stitching goes straight through bag rather than using baffles
Best for Side Sleepers Sleeping Bag
Nemo Disco 30 Degree
Super-light for autumn & spring backpacking
See prices for Women’s Nemo Disco 30 Long: Amazon, REI, Outdoor Play, Campmor
See prices for Men’s Nemo Disco 30 Long & Regular: Amazon, REI, Moosejaw
With a comfort level down to 30 degrees this sleeping bag should be plenty warm enough for the odd chilly night in summer.
With a decent sleeping pad you could even count on this as your go to 3-season sleeping bag. The Nemo Disco 30 is essentially a big and tall backpacking sleeping bag and can comfortably fit a person over 6 feet.
At 2.3 pounds it’s pretty light and the 650FP hydrophobic, PFC-free, RDS Certified down fill packs down to the size of a loaf of bread taking up very little space once you’ve got it into the stuff sack it comes with.
The three-quarter zipper uses a two-way zip so you can get some venting going if you get a little warm.
The anti-snag zipper tape makes sure you don’t catch the shell material in the zipper.
The Nemo Disco’s unique spoon shape is designed with extra room at the elbows and knees that make side sleeping comfortable if you are a side sleeper and don’t like to sleep on your back.
What We Like
- Spoon shape so you don’t feel claustrophobic
- 30D ripstop outer shell fabric offers good durability
- ThermoGills unzip to let out warm air,
- Draft tube along zipper with anti-snag design
- Comes with nylon compression sack
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
Best Price Point for Quality Down Bag
Kelty Cosmic Down 40 Degree
Great price point for a good quality down bag
If you tend to sleep hot, then even some of the summer sleeping bags may get a little too warm.
With a quoted comfort level of 40 degrees the Kelty Cosmic 40 will be comfortable in the low to mid 40’s while not cooking you if you’re in warm weather.
The relaxed mummy shape, full length is a good option if you want the space and weight saving without feeling constricted.
We like how the hood is big enough to stuff some clothing into to make a pillow. When you break camp you’ll be really impressed with how compactly this cinches down into its compression sack.
At a respectable 1 lb 7 oz, the Kelty Cosmic 40 ultra lightweight once you’ve got this bag back into its stuff sack you’ll hardly notice it in your pack.
What We Like
- Water resistant DriDown down provides great insulation
- Excellent loft and compressibility
- Shell breathes well and dries fast
- Footbox has plenty of room
- Great value
What We Don’t Like
- It’s too thin to use comfortably without a sleeping pad
Best Sleep System Sleeping Bag
Big Agnes Anvil Horn 45 Degree
First sleep system to accommodate multiple sleeping pad widths
If you’re looking to shave some weight and space from your pack then this is a great summer weight sleeping bag option.
It only weighs 3lbs 3.oz but the space-saving is where it really shines.
Using 650 fill power Down Tek insulation and water repellent rip-stop polyester, the full length bag has anti-snag zippers that allow for easy in and out, which is great for warm weather. The bottom of the sleeping bag has no insulation but incorporates a sheath where your full length sleeping pad slides in.
The unique design means you get good insulation on the top (almost like a quilt), and a good connection between the bag and pad (no more sliding off). While also reducing weight and bulk. It means you can’t use it comfortably without a sleeping pad.
The Big Agnes Sleep System Bag with Flex Pad Sleeve attaches to your pad just like a fitted bed sheet and creates a single, integrated sleep system to keep you and your bag on your pad all night.
Buy the Powerlix Sleeping Pad here or pick other great options here.
This sleep system also has an integrated pillow pocket where you could stuff something into if you want some more support for your head.
The more rectangular shape gives you plenty of room while the smart insulation arrangement means you don’t have to sacrifice pack space to get it.
The zippers also allow a left and right zip bag to be connected if you want to cuddle for body warmth.
What We Like
- Full length 2-way right zipper
- Vaulted footbox gives good wiggle room for feet
- Integrated sleeping pad sheath – no more sliding off!
- Packs down compactly to 8? x 7?
What We Don’t Like
- No padding underneath – Cannot use without a pad
- No hood
North Face Eco Trail 35F / 2C Backpacking Sleeping Bag
Top pick for a comfort-cut mummy bag
This is a very versatile lightweight summer bag.
The wraparound zipper allows you to open it up completely to use it as an insulated blanket. With a comfort rating of 47 degrees, it will be warm enough even on cooler summer nights. It has a zipper baffle that prevents heat loss, an extended width at the knees for maximum comfort and mobility, and a vaulted footbox for added warmth
If you get a little too warm the two way zipper allows you to get some air in down by your feet.
Lying with your arms out of a sleeping bag can be a little uncomfortable on the side with no zipper. This bag comes with a short zipper on the side opposite the entry zipper.
When it gets too warm you can unzip this and fold the top of the bag down like a blanket.
The synthetic recycled polyster insulation provides good warmth in damp conditions, while allowing for a lightweight 2.4 pounds and an 8.5″ x 15″ stuff sack volume.
What We Like
- Wraparound J-zip allows for increased mobility and venting
- Zipper baffle prevents cold air getting in
- Internal accessories pocket
- Tie-down loops secure the bag to a sleeping pad
- Comfort cut allows for plenty of room
What We Don’t Like
- A little tough to get into a compression bag
- Doesn’t pack down as small as some others
Best Warm Summer Sleeping Bag
Marmot Always Summer
Down bag if you sleep a little “cold”
If you manage to sleep cold even in summer then this is a solid choice without adding extra weight.
The tapered design and duck down will keep you toasty even down to 40 degrees.
The trapezoidal footbox is snug and comfortable and also has a heater pocket if your feet tend to get cold.
The down has been treated with Down Defender to give it good water resistance and the two hang loops make it easy to dry out if it does get damp.
Even though it has plenty of features and feels really plush it only weighs about 2 lbs and packs down into the stuff sack at 7? x 14?. The weight is slightly more than Marmot claim, but it’s still pretty light.
The stitching is top notch and both the shell and liner materials are soft and quiet.
What We Like
- 650FP hydrophobic duck down offers good insulation and excellent compressibility
- Full length 2-way zipper allows venting towards bottom of bag
- Draft tube along length of zipper keeps cold air out
- Internal zippered pocket for cell phone and other small items
- Heater pocket in footbox keeps your toes extra toasty!
What We Don’t Like
- Marmot claim 1.7 pounds but it’s closer to just over 2 pounds
- A little pricey
Best Budget Warm Summer Sleeping Bag
Tough Outdoors 50°F Mummy Sleeping Bag
Only for the warmest of summer nights
If you’re looking for a budget option and only expect temperatures above 60 degrees then this sleeping bag is a great choice.
At about a fifth of the price of the options above, you’re getting a good deal.
They claim a minimum temperature rating of 50 degrees but the minimal insulation it has will actually leave you shivering once you get to around 60.
The lack of insulation also means that it’s really lightweight (1.5 lbs) and once you get it into the supplied compression bag it compresses down to 14″ x 8″.
What We Like
- Price
- Comfort-cut mummy shape has plenty of room
- High loft insulation and soft liner offer good warmth and comfort
What We Don’t Like
- Only good for temperatures around 60 degrees and above
- Probably won’t stand the test of time
Best Sleeping Bag Under $200
Marmot Micron 40 Down Sleeping Bag
Good price for warmer nights
This is a very comfortable bag that performs well in temperatures above 38.3 degrees at a medium price point.
Thi lightweight sleeping bag has a 650 Down fill power with added Down defender to fend off a bit of light rain, the occasional beer or that early morning coffee spills when you are not 10)% caffeinated. It achieves the quoted comfort factor of 46.4 degrees but the sewn-through insulation does leave you with some cold spots.
The Marmot Micron 40 down sleeping bag is full Length with a wrap-around zipper to unzip when you need to cool down just a part of yourself or convert to a flat blanket.
Incredibly light (1.37 lbs), it packs down easily into the supplied sleeping bag compression sack to about 6? x 12″.
It can be tricky getting the bag out of the compression sack the first time. After that just stuff it in (don’t try to roll it) and it goes in and out with ease.
What We Like
- Full length 2- way zipper with draft tube and zipper guard to prevent snags
- Brushed lining in footbox and chest area for added warmth and comfort
- DWR coated shell offers good water resistance
- Mummy shape but with good space
- Easy to get into stuff sack
What We Don’t Like
- No draft collar
- Zipper can be a little fiddly
Best Budget Cool Summer Sleeping Bag
TETON Sports Trailhead Sleeping Bag
Best for Budget!
This is a great budget summer sleeping bag for conditions of 50 degrees and above.
It weighs less than 2.9 lbs and packs down to the size of a coffee can.
The shell, liner, zipper draft tube and insulation are all synthetic and are water-resistant and quick drying.
We like that it’s machine washable and instead of clumping as some other cheap bags do, the insulation stays right where it needs to be.
The footbox does a good job of keeping your feet warm and the two-way zip allows for venting.
What We Like
- Decent performance at a budget price
- Handy internal side pocket
- Drawstring hood for added warmth
- Very light with great compressibility
- Breathes well
What We Don’t Like
- If you’re over 6 foot it’s too snug
- Don’t expect a lot of features at this price!
Our Favorites
The Rab Neutrino 200 is our favorite summer sleeping bag. But it comes with a hefty price tag.
The great insulation properties you get from the goose down mean you have a warm sleeping bag without a lot of extra weight.
With down you’re always wary of moisture, but they’ve done a great job making it quick-drying and water resistant.
The proportional cut, angled foot box and close fitting neck baffle result in an extremely comfortable sleeping bag.
That said, I spend a lot of time on the trail – if you are only going camping or backpacking a couple of times a year, there’s no need to spend quite so much.
The TETON Sports TrailHead is our best budget sleeping bag for summer.
It costs around 80% less than the higher-end sleeping bags but still gives you a comfortable night’s sleep in warm weather.
It doesn’t have a lot of insulation which makes it really light, taking up hardly any space in your pack.
If you’re looking for a cheap sleeping bag for kids or if you’re just an occasional summer hiker then this is a good budget option.
Between the cheapest and the best lie the rest.
For a synthetic sleeping bag – great for wetter trails but slightly bulkier in your pack you would do well with:
North Face Eco Trail Sleeping Bag 35F Synthetic
Nemo Disco 30 Degree– This is what I use. I’m a toss and turn kind of sleeper, and start off on my side.
If you are committed to a down sleeping bag then you won’t go wrong with:
Tips for Choosing the Best Summer Sleeping Bag
Temperature Ratings
Most good sleeping bags will be rated according to the European Norm, or EN13537.
The figures that most manufacturers will quote will be a Comfort Rating and a Lower Limit. The Comfort Rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper, or average woman, would still feel warm.
The Lower Limit indicates the lower end temperature where a guy, or a warm sleeper, would still feel comfortable.
These ratings are a bit subjective but are a good guide when comparing products. Stick to the comfort factor in making your choice if you want to be sure to avoid a chilly night.
If it gets too warm you can always just open the zipper.’
How much should I spend?
If you’re sure that the temperatures won’t be going below 50 degrees or if you’re only an occasional camper then buying a cheap summer sleeping bag is fine.
If you go out more regularly and you want something durable that will keep you warm even in the spring or fall then be prepared to buy a three season bag.
Depending on the material, insulation and features be prepared to pay anywhere between $100 to $300 and upwards.
Sleeping Bag Zipper: Left or Right
Sleeping bags come with zipper down either the left or right side of the bag. If you’re right handed then you’ll normally want the zipper on your left.
This makes it easier for you to operate the zipper when you’re lying on your back. It may not sound like a big deal but getting zipped up tight at night is a lot easier when you’ve got that zip on the best side for your dominant hand.
Zippers
To cut down on the weight of the bag, some manufacturers use – length zippers. For the most part these are fine, but can sometimes make getting in and out a little tricky.
Full-length 2-way zippers give you easier access and allow for venting anywhere along your body and even down at your feet.
Some bags will have the zip wrap around through the footbox so that the sleeping bag can be completely opened up and lie flat.
Zippers can easily snag the shell material so look for a model with anti-snag tape or protection. A draft tube that runs the length of the zipper is also great for stopping a sneaky breeze from coming in.
Insulation (for Summer Weather)
The insulation in the sleeping bag will either be down (duck or goose) or a synthetic combination.
Down is lightweight and compresses easily. The drawback is that you need to make sure that the down is treated to make it hydrophobic because if it gets wet it takes ages to dry.
Synthetic insulation does a lot better in wet conditions but you need more of it to make the bag sufficiently warm. This means the bag will weigh a bit more and the insulation doesn’t compress as easily.
When out on the trail in summer, a lightweight down bag will take up almost no space in your backpack and will weigh next to nothing. If you are going for ultralight, then down is your friend!
Mummy or Rectangular?
Mummy Shape
To cut down on overall weight and improve warmth most manufacturers seem to be going with the mummy, or tapered shape.
The tapered, close cut shape means better thermal efficiency, which is great for colder weather, but for summer, you may end up feeling restricted and over-heated.
If you like to spread out a bit, or if you’re an active sleeper then consider a rectangular sleeping bag or at least a mummy bag with a comfort cut so that you have more space.
Rectangular Sleeping Bag
A comfort or relaxed mummy cut doesn’t taper down quite as steeply towards your feet. Some manufacturers also call this a “semi-mummy” cut.
Sleeping Bag Storage
The three bags you’ll be storing your sleeping bag in will be a stuff sack, compression sack and storage bag.
A stuff sack is a simple bag with a drawstring that allows you to easily pack up your sleeping bag without compressing it too much. Down fill compresses really well and storing these in a stuff sack is normally sufficient.
A compression sack has clips and straps that are designed to reduce the volume of the sleeping bag even further. Synthetic insulation doesn’t compress so easily, so if you want to take up less space in your backpack then you’ll need a compression sack.
It’s fine to keep the sleeping bag in a stuff sack or compression sack while you’re outdoors but once you get home, get it uncompressed and into a storage bag. This allows the insulation to retain its shape and loft so that you get the same thermal performance on your next trip.
Conclusion
The best summer sleeping bag is one that will keep you comfortable on a warm summer’s evening without overheating while fitting easily into your backpack and your budget.
Each of the bags we reviewed above will be well suited to warm-weather outdoor activities. For shoulder season camping, or more features, you might want to look at the cold weather sleeping bags.
Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
Here are some links to our most popular articles:
- Guide to Best Lightweight Backpacking Quilts
- Winter Hammock Camping? How to Stay Warm
- Best Lightweight Tents for Backpacking
- 12 Best 2 Person Sleeping Bags
- 11 Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags under 2.0 pounds
- What to Wear on a Summer Hike: Outfits for Hiking
- 15 Best 6 Person Camping Tents Reviewed
- 12 Best Women’s Hiking Sandals with Arch Support
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Last update on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API