You can read my in-depth review of the best sleeping bags, including the Coleman Big Bay 20° as the best value for car camping and general use. If you plan to camp a lot and see backpacking in your future, the Nemo Forte is a worthy upgrade for a synthetic sleeping bag. If you plan to camp a few times a year, and mostly at campsites, the Big Bay will save you money and keep you as warm. The Big Bay is also available in a Big and Tall Contour version for $130, which is a few inches taller and broader in the shoulders, hips and feet, so it’s not quite a mummy bag and not quite a rectangle. I didn’t test the big and tall version, but the hood design, insulation, draft tube, neck collar and zipper are all the same. Sleeping bags inherently are barebones, but we’ve seen an uptick in available features on many mid-range and high-end models of late.
In terms of dimensions, they’re typically roomier than standard mummy bags (particularly at the shoulders and hips) but not overly generous like some rectangular models. All in all, semi-rectangular bags typically offer a good mix of comfort and weight, shaving away excess material while still providing enough space to roll around during the night. For instance, Nemo’s Disco 15 and Forte Endless Promise 20 have roomier fits than most traditional mummy bags, with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows. Kelty’s popular Cosmic Down 20 has been a mainstay in their lineup for years and remains a popular choice among campers and backpackers alike. For starters, you get a respectable weight of 2 pounds 10 ounces, which is the lightest three-season option on our list (Kelty’s own Galactic 30 below weighs around the same but is far less versatile).
It works well for camping trips, offering cozy warmth without adding a lot of weight. This sleeping bag has a memory foam bottom, which adds an extra layer of comfort between coleman sleeping bag you and the cold ground. Mummy bags are popular for both camping and backpacking, but rectangular bags are roomier and can offer an even better sleeping experience.
With this Coleman Warm Weather Sleeping Bag with Wrap N Roll, you’ll have no problem handling the heat and the warmth while still maintaining comfort. In fact, it’s great in cool weather too, ensuring that you’re properly wrapped up and protected from the outside weather. And when you’re camping, nothing’s more important than a good night’s sleep. coleman chair We do live in Georgia and humidity is high even in the winter time so in another climate 30 degrees may be comfortable in this bag. I liked that it is very comfortable sleeping on the ground with one of the most comfortable interiors of any sleeping bag i have slept in. This sleeping bag has a quick cord for convenient one-person packing.
Synthetic sleeping bags are a dime a dozen in 2023, but Coleman continues to stand out for their strong focus on value. The Kompact 20 here is no exception, combining the affordability that Coleman is known for with many of the features we look for in a quality three-season bag. These include soft yet durable fabrics, an insulated draft tube to seal in warmth, and a roomy rectangular shape that’s comfortable and not restrictive. And as its name suggests, the Kompact packs down pretty well for a 20-degree synthetic bag, measuring 9.8 x 15.7 inches when compressed into its stuff sack (for comparison, The North Wawona Bed 20 above is larger at 11 x 20 in.).
It’s a little slippery on the inside, which makes getting in and out easy, but the outside isn’t slick, so it doesn’t slide around on a cot, sleeping pad or air mattress. The Big Bay also has a cinchable hood, no-snag zipper and plush collar, plus it allows for foot ventilation, just like the Forte. The compromises in choosing the cheaper fill type are relatively minimal for camping. With a car or camper to transport all of your gear, the larger stuffed size and extra weight are much less of a concern than when your sleeping bag has to be crammed into a pack and carried on your back. And should the insulation get wet, synthetics continue to keep you warm, unlike down feathers. For a full explanation of the two insulation types, see our article on down vs. synthetics.
We covered Nemo’s Disco above, which is a nice crossover option for those who like to get out into the backcountry on occasion. However, that bag doesn’t come cheap at $320, and car campers uninterested in roughing it can save a considerable $100 with the Forte Endless Promise 20. In this case, Nemo opted for synthetic rather than down fill, which translates to a higher weight and bulkier packed size. All told, it’s another thoughtfully made Nemo bag that’s high on comfort and quality.