Best Sleeping Bags for the Appalachian Trail
When it comes to backpacking, having the right gear can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip. And one of the most essential pieces of gear for any backpacker is a good sleeping bag. Not all sleeping bags are created equal, however, and choosing the best one for your needs can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best sleeping bags for backpacking. From ultralight options for the minimalist hiker to durable and warm bags for cold weather camping, we’ll cover all the key factors you should consider when choosing a sleeping bag, and recommend some top picks to suit your needs. So if you’re planning a backpacking adventure or even and Appalachian Trail Thru-hike and want to ensure you get the best sleep possible, keep reading!
| Sleeping Bag | Weight | FIll | Temperature Rating | Price |
| Feathered Friends Flicker | Regular – 1 lb 9.2 oz | 950-fill down | 20°F | $490 |
| Zpacks Classic 20 degree | Regular – 1 lb 2.8 oz | 900-fill down | 20°F | $449 |
| Enlightened Equipment Revelation | Regular – 1 lb. 3.1 oz | 950 – fill down | 20°F | $320 |
| UGQ Bandit | Regular – 1 lb 1.9 oz | 850-fill down | 20°F | $295 |
| Rei Magma 15 | Regular – 1 lb. 12.2 oz. | 850-fill down | 16°F | $400 |
| Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass 15 | Regular – 2 lbs. 5.4 oz. | 650-fill down | 15°F | $275 |
| Therm-a-rest Corus 20 Quilt | Long: 1 lb. 13 oz | 650-fill down | 20°F | $320 |
| Katabatic Alsek 22 | Regular 1 lb. 5.9 oz | 900-fill down | 20°F | $430 |
| Enlightened Equipment Enigma | 1.17 lb | 950-fill down | 20°F | $355 |
| Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20F | Regular – 1 lb 13oz | 850-fill down | 20°F | $540 |
| Therm-a-rest Hyperion 20 | Regular – 1 lb 4 oz | 900-fill down | 20°F | $500 |
Our Quilt Choice: Enlightened Equipment Enigma
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Quality Down fill
- Great temperature comfort
Cons
- Quilts can get some getting used to
The Enlightened Equipment Enigma is one of the most popular quilts for thru-hikers. It is very lightweight, packable, and has quality construction. It does come at the cost of having long lead times. This quilt is great for warmer sleepers and backpackers who are used to using quilts. Since it is not a normal sleeping bag, the back piece of the bag is open. Similar to Katabatic, this technique is to leave out the insulation part of the quilt that would otherwise be pressed against the sleeping pad and have very few insulative properties.
Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt
Pros
- Adjustable into a blanket or a mummy bag
- Packable, it compresses well and regains loft quickly
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Expensive but worth it
The Feathered Friends Flicker Quilt Sleeping Bag is perfect for the Appalachian Trail and the variable weather swinging from cold snow to humid heat. It functions great for shorter backpacking trips and camping adventures and that is exactly what you pay for. Sitting at a comparable price (and often lower) than other high-end premium bags, this simply performed better across a number of categories. We absolutely love how it can be opened fully like a blanket or cinched up tight like a mummy bag to hold in heat. This bag has plenty of room to move around at night and doesn’t constrict or let cold air in when it is not covering your entire body.
REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag
Ultra-lightweight and with an interior made of plush nylon material, the Magma 15 comfort at its finest. It is one of the warmer bags that we recommend for the Pacific Crest Trail so we recommend this mostly for cold sleepers. The Magma has all the features found in high-end sleeping bags such as a draft collar, a trapezoidal foot tube, zipper draft tube, and variable-sized baffle construction. If you are looking for a sleeping bag to use during your hike and for shoulder season and off-season hiking for years to come, this is your best value.
Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15
A more affordable option than the Magma 15 and Flicker quilt, the Bishop Pass 15 is a great sleeping bag for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget. The durable construction, warmth, and top-notch comfort make this sleeping bag a total bargain. However, there’s slightly less room in this Bishop Pass 15 with tapered ends. As it typically goes with ultralight backpacking gear, this sleeping bag weighs more than many of the lighter bags on the list. But if you want something warm, quality, and durable for a lower price, this is the right fit.
Therm-a-rest Corus 20 Quilt
The Therm-a-Rest Corus 20 Quilt is an excellent blend of affordable price, comfort, and weight. It’s especially beneficial for backpackers and thru-hikers looking to travel as light as possible. The warm-to-weight ratio comes in handy at higher elevations where the nighttime temperature is very cold, while also not sacrificing useless insulation and weight at lower elevations. This is a great option to combat the variability of the PCT. Unfortunately, the Corus 20 is not offered in smaller sizes and it can be a little big for shorter hikers.
Western Mountaineering UltraLite Sleeping Bag: 20F
The last product on this list but definitely not the least. The WM Ultralite is actually the most expensive sleeping bag and comes with several premium features – 850+ goose fill power goose down, down-filled ground collar, zipper tape guard, and continuous baffles. If you have the budget, the Ultralite is a no-brainer.
