Lightweight sleeping bags may be one of the best innovations in the hiking and camping industry. An extra pound lighter than the usual load of camping supplies in the backpack is surely a blessing, especially during long hikes when you have to carry that backpack most of the time.
There are several options to choose from when you consider a lightweight sleeping bag. But one thing is certain, you should not buy a packable sleeping bag solely based on its weight. Also, consider its material and quality.
For example, sleeping bags should pass the European standard in terms of temperature results, defined by its upper limit, comfort, lower limit/transition, and extreme. This consideration makes sure that the sleeping bag will play a key role in maintaining the normal, average temperature of a person. Failure to keep this temperature may result in hypothermia or even death, during one's backcountry adventure. The durability of the backpack also counts a lot. Durability may be achieved with the use of DRW coatings and treatments for added damp-proofing. Also, you might want to examine if the sleeping bag is stuffed with artificial fibers that make it heavier and bulkier. Yes, you can fully make use of artificial fibers in snowy conditions but they would be pretty useless in warmer, damp areas.
The Thermarest Hyperion 32 UL Down is the best lightweight sleeping bag there is. It is best for any outdoor adventure as it is super light and has a high all-rounder warmth rating.
For its shell, it utilizes the 10D nylon ripstop and the DWR finish. Its lining utilizes 10D nylon ripstop and ThermaCapture. For its insulation, it makes use of the 900-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down. It is also RDS-certified. This mummy-shaped sleeping bag can accommodate a maximum user height of 5 feet 6 inches for a small sleeping bag; 6 feet for the regular variety; and 6 feet and 6 inches for its long variant. It can be bought on Amazon.
The Vango Ultralite Pro 100 is proud to be light on the pack and the buyer's budget. It is an impressive sleeping bag, with its Thermal Reverb system built using a reflective aluminized lining that allows body heat to bounce back to its users. On the outside, it feels soft and warm to the touch with its Polair outer fabric. It boasts having an actual weight of 900 grams. Though this is not feather-lite, the sleeping bag is compact and comfortable to carry around. Above all, it is highly recommended by both the DofE and The Scout Association. It can be bought on Amazon for £59.99.
The Mountain Hardwear Lamina is a durable, lightweight sleeping bag with a good reputation. This is the lightest in the family of warmth synthetic bags, lighter by almost a kilo, compared to the rest. It is guaranteed to last for a long time with its 30D Nylon Ripstop. It gives users the satisfaction and comfort they deserve with its Thermal Q artificial down insulation, a material that is effective in keeping you toasty warm, even on days with freezing temperatures. It has a 'comfort limit' at minus three that is achieved through thermal mapping which allocates the heaviest insulation and heat to parts that need it. It also has a simple and practical design with its draft collar, tailored hood, and anti-snag zip.
The Mountain Equipment Helium 250 Down is a snug bag for summer camping trips and is best for warm-weather backpacking. It has a temperature rating of 8°C (comfort), 3°C (limit), -11°C (extreme). It weighs 705 grams, with a filling of 90-10 Pure Duck Down with minimum fill power of 700.
This bag may not be the lightest there is, but it is the Alpine cut that keeps the heat trapped. Its Slanted Box-Wall also effectively keeps the heat well-distributed and lofted. It is also equipped with an anatomically shaped hood and foot-box, plus a heat-retaining internal collar. These extra structures keep your bag exposed to changing environmental elements, that may only wear it out.
The Snugpack Adventure Racing Softie is durable, lightweight and at the same time perfect for summer camping. It has all-weather protection and a temperature rating of 5°C (comfort), 0°C (limit). It has a synthetic filling and weighs up to 750 grams. It can be bought on Amazon for £121.