11 Best Down Sleeping Bags in 2024 | 100% Goose Down Sleeping Bags

Last Updated on 11/05/2024

In this guide to the best down sleeping bags, we share the warmest, lightest, and most compact down-filled sleeping bags available today. You will learn which features make the biggest difference in warmth and comfort as well as how to avoid getting the wrong type of down

By the end, you will understand things like comfort ratings, average packed weights, and fill power so that you can make a good decision.

Down sleeping bags are the warmest and most lightweight type of camp bedding out there. They have two major downsides; 1) they are expensive and 2) they are more susceptible to moisture than synthetic sleeping bags. Hydrophobically treated down which repels liquid solves the second problem but can make the first problem worse.

We only recommend the very best down bags out there. The same bags we would recommend to a family member. If you have no clue what you are looking for then I suggest you skip down the page and read our guide first and then come back up to the reviews. Enjoy.

11 Best Down Sleeping Bags

Western Mountaineering Antelope MF Sleeping Bag

Best Winter Down Sleeping Bag

• TEMPERATURE RATING: 5° F / -15° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 2 lbs 7 oz / 1,105 g
• DOWN FILL: 1 lb 10 oz / 737 g
• PACK SIZE: 8 x 17 in / 20 x 43 cm
• MATERIALS: 850 FP down insulation, weather-resistant MicroLite XP fabric shell, 15D Nylon Taffeta lining

The Western Mountaineering Antelope MF Sleeping Bag has the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any down sleeping bag on the planet. It is perfect for hikers, backpackers, mountaineers, and cold-weather camping. You can choose between a microfiber (MF) option or a Gore Wind Stopper (GWS) option with the latter offering better waterproof protection on the outside. It is absolutely packed with extra lightweight and lofty down which translates into remarkable warmth and comfort.

How warm and comfortable is it? The Antelope sleeping bag has a temperature rating of 5° F however if you wear a couple of warm layers inside and use a sleeping bag liner then you can use it even colder. Rated for 3-season use, this range is perfect for most backpackers who won’t be leading any expeditions to the north pole.

Horizontal chambers of down loft up to 7 inches deep and are especially dense around the hood and foot box for added coziness. A big tube of down runs around the collar as well as along the inside of the zip to seal in all the heat and block out any drafts.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? This down sleeping bag is not cheap and costs several hundred dollars. This isn’t the most expensive option out there by any means… quality costs money. Weighing just under two and a half pounds, this is not the most lightweight or compact but it scores better than most other down sleeping bags and can be compressed smaller than advertised for people with smaller backpacks.

What is the down like? The 850 FP down is not hydrophobic and so is not treated to withstand moisture as some others are – but this is intentional. Untreated down is much loftier than treated down and so coupled with the MF shell, this bag offers amazing breathability without losing heat. One thing I have learned about Western Mountaineering down sleeping bags is that they underpromise and overdeliver.

VERDICT: The Antelope sleeping bag from Western Mountaineering is, in our opinion, the best all-around down sleeping bag out there today. If you are okay with it not having hydrophobic down then you will benefit from the ridiculous amount of loft this bag has. Ultimate comfort and warmth.

NEMO Sonic 0 Degree Down Sleeping Bag

Best 0-Degree Down Sleeping Bag

• COMFORT RATING: 14° F / -10° C
• EXTREME RATING: 0° F / -18° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 3 lbs 4 oz / 1,470 g
• DOWN FILL: 1 lb 11 oz / 770 g
• PACK SIZE: 13.5 x 9.5 in / 34 x 24 cm
• MATERIALS: 800 FP Hydrophobic Down, 100% Recycled Nylon

The NEMO Sonic 0 Sleeping Bag is the new and improved version, updated in 2022, with better baffles and a ventilation system. One of the best down sleeping bags for 4-season use because the temperature range can be controlled with the internal zips. The two gills on top have a mesh lining and so you can’t reach your hands through if that’s what you were thinking.

How warm and comfortable is it? Rated for 4-season use down to temperatures well below freezing you can comfortably use this down sleeping bag to around 14° F. It is important to get the correct size because of the way the shoulders contour inwards. This adds an unbelievable amount of comfort and warmth, along with the chunky neck baffle and zip bolsters, when it’s so cold all your water bottles are frozen.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? The NEMO Sonic is a little bit cheaper than the WM Antelope above but it still costs several hundred dollars. Again, it is worth it if you want the best. At over 3 lbs this is still very lightweight for such a warm-down sleeping bag however I do suspect that having the extra zippers adds a few ounces. When fully compressed it will easily sit sideways at the bottom of a smallish backpack.

A feature we love to see is the reinforced foot box and hood which is extra waterproof in case you ever touch the walls of your tent with condensation. It also means you can hop around in your bag without getting out.

What is the down like? 800 fill power down is used for the insulation which has also been hydrophobically treated to repel water and retain thermal properties when wet. 27 ounces of down is used which accounts for just over half of the total weight. It is PFC-Free and 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified for peace of mind.

VERDICT: The NEMO Sonic 0 is possibly the best multi-season down sleeping bag because of the temperature control. It is also one of the comfiest and warmest thanks to the shape and amount of down stuffed inside. We highly recommend this to anyone serious about camping or backpacking.

Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag

Best Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag

• TEMPERATURE RATING: 40° F / 5° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 12 oz / 340 g
• DOWN FILL: 6.3 oz / 180 g
• PACK SIZE: 1.5-liter Volume
• MATERIALS: 850 FP ULTRA-DRY Down, 10D Nylon Shell, 7D Nylon Liner

The Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag is the one you want if your primary objective is to save as much weight as possible. The Spark comes in 5 different variations including summer (50°F), warm weather (40°F), 2-season (28°F), 2.5-season (18°F), and 3.5-season (5°F) options. The one I like for ultralight adventures is the Spark 1 which is the warm-weather version that I used on a 7-day section hike last year.

How warm and comfortable is it? Sometimes, in order to stay lightweight you have to sacrifice a bit of comfort and warmth. The S2S Spark 1 has far less fill in comparison to a winter-down sleeping bag and the loft is only an inch or so compared to the Western Mountaineering Antelope’s extra deep 7 inches. I’m not going to lie, it feels thin.

Even though it feels thin, it will keep you warm in most summer night temperatures down to about 40-45° F. I have used mine in spring and fall too but with the addition of wearing clothes to sleep in and a sleeping bag liner.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? While the Spark 1 is less than half the price of most high-end down sleeping bags, that is only because it has half the amount of goose down inside. The Spark 5°F costs over $500 at the time of writing this however that is still hundreds of dollars less than others.

You can’t really get much more compact than this down sleeping bag. It is no bigger than a 1.5-liter bottle of water and weighs less than two iPhones. This will fit inside a small rucksack along with a bivvy bag to make it one of the most lightweight sleeping systems out there for camping.

Is it durable? The outer shell and liner are made from ultralight ripstop nylon which is a little see-through as it is so thin. But don’t think it isn’t tough. It is. It doesn’t have a reinforced foot box like the NEMO Sonic does so I don’t go hopping around in it but I don’t worry about ripping it ever.

VERDICT: The Spark 1 Ultralight Sleeping Bag from Sea to Summit is designed for those multiday hikes in the summer months where staying lightweight is the aim of the game. It is well-priced and can be combined with a sleeping bag liner to improve its temperature range. So small it would fit in most jacket pockets.

Outdoor Vitals Summit 15°F Sleeping Bag

Best Down Sleeping Bag for Backpacking

• TEMPERATURE RATING: 15° F / ° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 1 lb 15 oz / 880 g
• DOWN FILL: 19 oz / 540 g
• PACK SIZE: 11 x 8 in / 28 x 20 cm
• MATERIALS: 800 FP Hydrophobic Down, 10D Nylon Shell

The Outdoor Vitals Summit Sleeping Bag is incredibly well-rounded in terms of warmth, comfort, durability, and value for money. It comes in fourth different versions from -15° F to 30° F but for most backpackers who are traveling, the 15-degree bag above is ideal for 3 seasons.

How warm and comfortable is it? Straight away you might notice the central zip and multidirectional baffles. The verticle strips of down help to keep your entire upper body warm while the horizontal baffles at the bottom make sure your feet don’t get cold. The foot box has an ergonomic design that also helps keep your toes warm.

The zip makes getting in and out easy but it does make it more difficult to control the temperature in smaller increments. Inside each side of the zip is a full box baffle that prevents heat loss and draughts. This works really well. What I am not so much of a fan of is the DIY neck baffles that require you to velcro them shut. Still.. better than no neck baffle.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? The best way I can describe Outdoor Vitals Summit sleeping bags are above-average quality for below-average prices. I wouldn’t call them budget but I also wouldn’t say they are high-end either. Well worth the money though. The zip is an awesome YKK design I haven’t seen before and seems to deliver on its promise of not snagging.

It weighs under two pounds and although the storage bag is about 18 x 18 inches wide it can be compressed down to almost half that size using the straps. To retain loft you should try and store the bag uncompressed when possible but it is useful to be able to pack it down so small to fit in your backpack. 

What is the down like? The 800+ fill power down makes up almost two-thirds of the total weight and feels like you get your money’s worth. It lofts up nicely The down has a DWR treatment to help it repel water and is IDFL-sourced and RDS-certified to support fair animal welfare.

VERDICT: The Outdoor Vitals Summit Sleeping Bag is perfect for backpackers and campers who want something in the middle range in terms of price. The hood is too small to fit a pillow in and you need to make sure you get the correct length bag for your height but apart from that this bag is very impressive.

Marmot Teton 15 Women’s Down Sleeping Bag

Best Women’s Down Sleeping Bag

• COMFORT RATING: 15° F / -9° C
• EXTREME RATING: 0° F / -18° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 3 lbs 10 oz / 1,640 g
• DOWN FILL: 2 lbs 4 oz / 1,020 g
• PACK SIZE: 8.3 x 17.7 in / 21 x 45 cm
• MATERIALS: 650 Fill Power Duck Down, 20D Mini-Ripstop Nylon

The Marmot Teton 15 women’s sleeping bag has the same innovative design as the men’s Sawtooth. The way the top folds back like a quilt and the lower foot box vent means that you can use this all year round. Versatility is what makes this one of the top-rated down sleeping bags for women.

How warm and comfortable is it? You may already be aware that women’s down sleeping bags are rated slightly differently from men’s down sleeping bags. Firstly, the comfort level is always higher by around 7-10 degrees for women and instead of season ratings, you just get a temperature range in most cases.

This sleeping bag is amazing for cold nights in a tent but can be unzipped on all sides in summer to keep cool. The hood is nice and wide to fit a small pillow inside and the shape allows you to roll over without restriction.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? The women’s Marmot Teton Down bag is good value and definitely on the lower price end compared to others. It is able to be cheaper because instead of the most expensive European goose down it uses duck down. It also doesn’t use the same ultralightweight performance materials either and is one of the heavier bags in this guide.

At over 3.5 lbs it weighs more than 3 times more than some others. The large compression sack measuring nearly 18 inches long is also very bulky if packing it inside your bag.

VERDICT: The Teton 15 Sleeping Bag from Marmot is the best women’s down sleeping bag for all seasons of the year. We love the versatility, warmth, and comfort of this down sleeping bag but the pack size and weight are the major downsides. Everyone who tries this bag loves it.

Rab Neutrino 600 Down Sleeping Bag

Most Comfortable Down Sleeping Bag

• COMFORT RATING: 10° F / -12° C
• EXTREME RATING: -32° F / -26° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 2 lbs 3 oz / 990 g
• DOWN FILL:  1 lb 5 oz / 600 g
• PACK SIZE: 15.5 x 10 in / 39 x 25 cm
• MATERIALS: 800 FP Hydrophobic European Goose Down, 20D Pertex Quantum Pro Shell

The Rab Neutrino 600 is one of the most comfortable down sleeping bags I have ever slept in. It comes in 5 different versions for different temperatures with this one being rated for 10° F. It is also available in a regular or long, extra wide, and with the option of the zip on either side. No other sleeping bag offers this kind of variety for the same sleeping bag.

How warm and comfortable is it? You can choose between multiple temperature ratings, different lengths, widths, and the amounts of down used. All of these different options allow you to choose a sleeping bag that is almost tailor-made for your needs.

On top of this, its shape of it already lends itself to comfort and warmth. The narrow foot box keeps your feet so warm you might have to crack the zip while the wide upper gives plenty of space to roll over or sleep on your side.

This bag has a Rab sleep rating of 10° F but the EN Comfort Rating of 23° F – this just means that Rab was a bit more generous than the EU committee. The extreme rating is -32° F but even though I don’t doubt you could use this bag well below freezing, I find -32° F hard to believe for such a lightweight down sleeping bag.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? Rab is a British company that is similar to Patagonia in many ways – they are very ethical, started by a climber, high-quality materials… For less than $500 (at the time of writing) this down sleeping bag is extremely good value. It has been around for a long time and has been improved many times over the years.

At just under a kilogram in pack weight, we would consider this very lightweight for its warmth rating. One downside with such loft down is that it is still quite bulky even when compressed down.

What is the down like? It comes in a range of different fill weights with 600 being the second warmest (600 represents the 600 grams of down inside). The feather down itself is treated to repel water and retain loft even if it gets a bit wet from condensation. Rab is very proud of their ethically sourced European goose down that is certified cruelty-free (RDS Standards) so you can feel good knowing the geese are happy.

VERDICT: The Neutrino 600 down-filled sleeping bag from Rab is super cozy and comfortable to sleep in freezing conditions. It utilizes a water-resistant and breathable Pertex shell for amazing moisture protection and the down is hydroponically treated to work even if wet. There is nothing bad to say about it and with so many size variations you are sure to get an excellent fit.

Western Mountaineering Versalite Sleeping Bag

Best 3-Season Down Sleeping Bag

• TEMPERATURE RATING: 10° F / -12° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 2 lbs / 905 g
• DOWN FILL: 20 oz / 565 g
• PACK SIZE: 8 x 15 in / 20 x 38 cm
• MATERIALS: 850 FP down insulation, 

The Western Mountaineering Versalite Sleeping Bag is the perfect blend of warmth, comfort, weight, and high loft. It is the heaviest and warmest in the ExtremeLite Series with 20 ounces of 850+ FP down. The ExtremeLite Series is Western Mountaineering’s lightest sleeping bag range (all under 2 lbs) designed for thru-hikers and backpackers who need the best warmth-to-weight ratio they can get.

How warm and comfortable is it? The bag is rated down to 10° F however it does feel far warmer than other bags with the same rating. I would not hesitate to use this in mild winter conditions with either a sleeping bag liner or some base layers for extra warmth. The wide shoulders do allow for you to wear more bulky clothing inside if you wish and I have worn a down jacket inside it before when reading before bed.

There is a full-length box baffle that runs along the inside of the zip to prevent any heat loss and also means you never brush against a cold zip at night. Also, the sewn-in neck baffles prevent any heat loss through the top of the bag. An amazingly warm and comfortable down sleeping bag, of that there is no doubt.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? If you checked out the cost of the Antelope MF Sleeping Bag further up then the price of this one will not come as a surprise. Even though it is expensive, I see it as an investment for the next 10 years and justify it by comparing it to the cost of a hotel. I think it is worth it but I wouldn’t recommend anyone take out a loan to get one.

The 2 lb weight is impressively low for a sleeping bag that will absolutely keep you warm down to 10° F. Pack size is also very good and be compressed further than the 8 x 15 inch recommended size if you need. An often overlooked but awesome feature is the no-catch zip which has a strip of material on the inside to prevent it from ever catching – works better than any other.

What is the down like? The loft is insane, sitting at around 12 inches tall just laid out on the ground (6-inch loft). When you pull it out of the stuff sack the down feathers instantly start expanding until it looks as though it is about to burst at the seams. You get a storage sack included as well which is where you should store it to avoid compression damage over time.

62.5% of the total weight is made up entirely of goose down which is why it lofts up so much. It is not hydroponically treated but as we explained before, the reason for that is to retain maximum loft.

VERDICT: The Western Mountaineering Versalite Sleeping Bag is the best 3-season down sleeping bag for alpine adventures and backpacking. It has little water resistance so it is really important that you keep it dry (I often pack a bivvy bag just in case). If you want a down sleeping bag for 3-season use that you can occasionally use in winter temps then this is it. 

Enlightened Equipment Convert Sleeping Quilt

Best Summer Down Sleeping Bag

• TEMPERATURE RATING: 50° F / 10° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 15.31 oz / 434 g
• DOWN FILL: 7.34 oz / 208 g
• PACK SIZE: 13 x 5.5 in / 34 x 15 cm
• MATERIALS: 850+ FP Down Insulation, 10D Ultralight Nylon Shell

The Enlightened Equipment Convert Sleeping Quilt Sleeping Quilt is perfect for summer camping when being lightweight matters. This hybrid down quilt can be zipped up and cinched at the bottom to transform it into a hoodless sleeping bag. You can choose between a range of temperatures with the 50-degree option above being the lightest.

How warm and comfortable is it? For the summer months in most countries and altitudes, a quilt is perfect to either just drape over the top of you or clip around your camping mat. The Convert Quilt Sleeping bag also has a full-length zip so you can use it in three different ways to suit the situation.

You can completely customize how you want your quilt with things like the fill power of the down, temperature rating, short, regular, long, or wide. You can also add neck baffles to help seal in the heat on cooler nights. As you might expect from such a lightweight down sleeping bag quilt, it isn’t very thick but thanks to the high fill power it lofts up very nicely.

If you are the kind of person who likes to sleep with their feet out of the bed this open-bottom design is perfect. You can wrap up warm inside and then poke your feet out to help regulate your temperature.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? I believe that most of the Enlightened Equipment down sleeping bags and quilts are made to order from Winona, Minnesota. They are reasonably priced for their quality.

Weighing under a pound makes the Convert Quilt Sleeping Bag a favorite among thru-hikers and it will also pack down way smaller than the 6-liter stuff sack if compressed.

What is the down like? You can choose between 850+ FP down and 950+ FP down when ordering which is some of the highest lofting in the industry. There is no hydroponic treatment on the down so you really need to keep it dry. It is 100% ethically sourced and RDS certified in case you were wondering.

VERDICT: The Enlightened Equipment Convert Hybrid Quilt is the best down sleeping bag for summer because it weighs so little and can be used in three different ways depending on how hot it is at night. Enlightened Equipment specializes in quilts for lightweight hikers but I believe this is the only one that fully converts into a sleeping bag. Check them out below.

The North Face Inferno Double Sleeping Bag

Best Double Down Sleeping Bag

• COMFORT RATING: 25° F / -3.9° C
• EXTREME RATING: 15° F / -9° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 3 lbs 2 oz / 1,420 g
• PACK SIZE: 10 x 16.5 in / 25 x 42 cm
• MATERIALS: 800 FP ProDown Hydrophobic Insulation, 15D Recycled Nylon Coated with Aluminized X Reflex Treatment

The North Face Inferno Double Sleeping Bag is the best down-filled double sleeping bag out there. It incorporates the mummy bag shape for improved performance and warmth. Perfect for keeping both your feet warm.

What makes it so good for traveling or hiking with your partner is the weight and pack size. It is comparable to many single synthetic sleeping bags and so is incredibly lightweight and efficient for packing in a backpack. The arrangement I have with my partner is that I carry the tent and she carries this.

How warm and comfortable is it? Many double sleeping bags are envelope shaped or don’t have such articulated individual hoods. The Inferno Double Down Sleeping Bag however is designed for maximum warmth and comfort as well as for being lightweight. If you appreciate the qualities of down then you and your partner are going to love this.

It is rated for 15 degrees Fahrenheit however you might want to wear a few layers of clothing at that temperature. You can easily use this for three seasons of the year without any additional sleeping bag liners or clothing. It can be a little too warm in summer because it doesn’t have a full-length zip to stick your feet out of.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? This is the most expensive sleeping bag in this guide and it isn’t for the faint-hearted. You can get much cheaper down sleeping bags like the OmniCore Designs Multi Down Double but this is nowhere near as warm. If you are camping in remote locations or altitudes then get the North Face Inferno Double or stick to two single bags.

If you are working as a team of two and trying to save as much weight as possible then this double down sleeping bag is impactfully lighter than carrying two sleeping bags of comparable warmth. Even though this sleeping bag is smaller than two singles, it is more difficult to pack as it takes up a lot of your backpack space.

VERDICT: The Inferno Double Sleeping Bag from The North Face is one of a very small selection of sleeping bags with down filling. It seems that many double-down sleeping bags become discontinued or are always sold out. Grab this one while you can and make the most of camping as a couple.

REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 Sleeping Bag

Best Budget Down Sleeping Bag

• TEMPERATURE RATING: 20° F / -6.6° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 3 lbs 12 oz / 1,700 g
• DOWN FILL: 1 lb 3.4 oz / 550 g
• PACK SIZE: 9 Liter Volume
• MATERIALS: 600 FP Duck Down Insulation, Recycled Polyester Shell with DWR Treatment

The REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 is one of the best budget down sleeping bags for camping. If you don’t have a big budget but really want a down-filled sleeping bag then this might be an excellent option. It costs less than $150 (at the time of writing) and will keep you warm down to 20 degrees.

REI has a number of down sleeping bags that are all very budget friendly compared with other similar options and the quality is up there. Another reason to look into this sleeping bag is that it uses ethically sourced down as well as Bluesign-approved sustainable fabrics.

How warm and comfortable is it? I think the comfort you get in this rectangular down sleeping bag is better than most mummy bags if you like to sprawl your legs out or are an active sleeper who rolls over a lot. The oversized hood will fit most backpacking pillows inside and still cover your forehead from the cold.

The bag is rated for temperatures down to 20° F but if the temperatures drop below 30° F you might want to think about adding a sleeping bag liner. For three seasons of the year, this bag is all you need and in summer you can open the full wrap-around zipper for more breathability or turn it into a down quilt instead.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? The HunkerDown sleeping bag is extremely good value and especially when it is on offer like it is at the moment. It isn’t the lightest or most compact but I have a feeling this is because the shell and lining are thicker than 10D nylon. The benefit of this is that it is extra durable and has a water-resistant coating to protect the fill.

What is the down like? There is a lot of down inside this sleeping bag, 19.4 ounces to be exact. It feels plush and heavier than others, using 600 FP down instead of a warmer and loftier 850+ FP means that you need more of it to achieve the same thermal properties. The down is RDS certified (as all down should be).

VERDICT: The REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 Sleeping Bag is perfect for campers on a budget. It lofts up nicely and is very warm and comfortable on a cold night inside your tent. The compromises you make with a cheap down sleeping bag like this are weight and pack size – comfort and warmth are very good.

Feathered Friends Condor YF Sleeping Bag

Best Rectangular Down Sleeping Bag

• TEMPERATURE RATING: 10° F / -12.2° C
• TOTAL WEIGHT: 3 lb 8 oz / 1,588 g
• DOWN FILL: 2 lbs / 910 g
• PACK SIZE: 15 x 7.5 in / 38 x 19 cm
• MATERIALS: 900+ FP Goose Down Insulation, Pertex YFuse Shell, Pertex 20D nylon Taffeta Lining

The Feathered Friends Condor YF Sleeping Bag is our favorite rectangular down sleeping bag for cold-weather camping. It has some of the highest lofting down in the industry and they are generous when filling the baffles. Pertex fabric is used on the shell and lining for maximum water resistance but the down is not treated to retain maximum loft.

A super chunky down-filled draught tube runs the entire length of the zip to seal in any heat and the removable hood is a fantastic idea that works very well. The benefit of the rectangular shape is that you can completely unzip it like a quilt or attach it to another to make a double. The sacrifice you have to make though is that the wider fit means more weight and bulk.

How warm and comfortable is it? Available in three different temperature ratings with the 10° F version above being the warmest, you can save money and weight with the lighter versions but the 10° F is best if you sleep cold. You can use this down sleeping bag for winter camping in many countries but if the nighttime temperatures drop below freezing you should have some additional insulation like a wool liner or base layers.

The wide shape is perfect for side sleepers with plenty of space to spread your legs out. It has an interior circumference of 64 inches which is really wide and is available in a long or regular length which also makes this a great down sleeping bag for big and tall people.

Is it good value, lightweight, and compact? The Condor YF Sleeping Bag is not cheap. It is another sleeping bag that costs several hundred dollars. But Feathered Friends makes some of the finest down sleeping bags in the world and they are experts at it. If quality and reliability are important to you then the price is about what I would expect.

Apart from being incredibly comfortable and warm, it doesn’t stand out for being lightweight or compact. If you get this sleeping bag then you are getting it for the warmth, comfort, and extra leg space.

VERDICT: The Condor YF from Feathered Friends is one of the best rectangle down sleeping bags available today. The high loft and generous filling are two reasons to buy this as long as you are ok with the pack size and weight. My favorite thing to do in summer is unzip it to use as a large down quilt on warm nights.

Are Down Sleeping Bags Worth It?

Down sleeping bags are absolutely worth the money if you do a lot of camping or backpacking. When trying to save weight and stay warmer, down is the way to go. I must admit it would be hard to go back to carrying a synthetic fill sleeping bag on a multi-week thru-hike.

Yes down bags can cost upwards of seven times as much as a synthetic sleeping bag of the same warmth rating but they can save you several pounds of weight and won’t take up half the space of your backpack. There is nothing quite like sleeping in a down sleeping bag when it’s cold and it doesn’t take long before you can feel the down starting to warm up around you.

Down Fill Power Explained

Down Fill Power (FP) is the measurement unit used to describe the loft and general quality of downy feathers. Fill power represents the number of cubic inches that one ounce of down will expand to. The higher the fill power is, the better the down is.

A down sleeping bag with higher fill power will technically keep you warmer than a down sleeping bag with the same amount of lower fill power down. So if you want an ultra-warm sleeping bag that weighs as little as possible, look for 850+ FP down fill.

You may notice that the best down sleeping bag brands mostly use European and especially Hungarian goose down. This is because Hungarian goose down has some of the highest fill power on the planet and can be sustainably sourced by high-end producers.

Hydrophobic Down Explained

Hydrophobic down is down that has been treated with chemicals to repel water. This helps the down retain loft, maintain thermal properties, and dry much faster than untreated down if it gets wet. As you can see by the image below, hydrophobic down hates being wet and will do whatever it can to avoid absorbing any moisture.

Guide to Down Sleeping Bags

Our recommendations are based on real-life experience and were shortlisted from over 40 other down sleeping bags that didn’t make the cut. Some of them have been around for a while and others are completely new to the market.

It was hard to whittle down to just 13 choices. Western Mountaineering alone has at least five different down sleeping bags that I would be happy to use for backpacking in cold climates. So does Sea to Summit and many other brands.

Here are the features that had the biggest influence on our selection:

Warmth Ratings

Warmth ratings are one of the most important specifications of any sleeping bag. The purpose of a sleeping bag is to keep you warm and the easiest way to ensure it will is to check the weather forecast and nighttime temperatures for the place you will be camping – and then match your sleeping bag to that.

We explain how fill power can be used to determine the quality of the down further up the page and we have spoken a lot about season and temperature ratings in this article if you want to learn more.

Weight

The major benefit of down sleeping bags is that they are so lightweight. For backpackers, hikers, and wilderness campers who carry all their gear in their bags, having a lightweight sleep system is super important. Down offers the best warmth-weight ratio of any fill type which means it is warmer and lighter than any other type of sleeping bag with the same amount of fill weight.

Pack Size

Down sleeping bags can be compressed down to an incredibly small size to make packing them in your backpack easier. When fully lofted, many down sleeping bags look absolutely massive but as soon as you start to feed them into a stuff sack they squeeze down to the size of a water bottle. When you have to carry 7 days of supplies of food as well as all your other camping gear on a remote trek, backpack space is at a premium.

Fill Weight

Fill weight is important because it tells you how much down has been used to stuff your sleeping bag. Something I always like to look for is what percentage of the total weight is made of pure down feathers. This isn’t always helpful but it can be helpful when trying to make a tough decision.

Fill weight is different from fill power. Fill power is how much the down lofts up, and fill weight is the actual weight of down materials used in the production of your sleeping bag.

Moisture Resistance

We look for two things when considering the weatherproofing of a down sleeping bag; the outer shell material and whether the down has been hydroponically treated. If the outer shell is made from a branded fabric like Pertex or Gore Wind Stopper that tells us that it is protected from the outer elements. If it isn’t branded it can still resist water if it has a DWR treatment.

When it comes to the down, even though water-resistant down has many benefits – you can’t beat the loft of untreated down. Because this is quite a big topic we compare the pros and cons of hydrophobic down further down the page. 

Shape and Size

Many down sleeping bags are available in a range of sizes from short, regular, and long to wide or double sizes. Getting a good fit is more important than you might think and can even help save you money if you’re short.

With shape, you basically have the mummy shape which is the most efficient, and then the rectangular shape which offers the most interior space. There are benefits to both and you can even get some down sleeping bags that are somewhere in between which are called semi-rectangular bags. If you want warmth and less weight, get a mummy bag shape.

Value

Down sleeping bags are shockingly expensive when you start looking at the high-fill power winter options. We didn’t even list some of the most expensive expedition sleeping bags rated down to temperatures of -40° C as these can cost over a thousand dollars. Still, if you want the best you have to pay for it.

You can get budget-down sleeping bags for less than $200 but these are mostly for warm weather. The good value options start around $300 and the high-end choices will cost around $600 – $750. That is just how much materials and manual labor goes into making them.

Pros and Cons of Down-Filled Sleeping Bags

Given the choice between synthetic fill and goose or duck down for sleeping bags, we would opt for down fill which has a better warmth-to-weight ratio. Synthetic fill has its advantages too but being heavier and bulkier than down makes it harder to pack and carry in a backpack. Here are the benefits of both

Benefits of Down Sleeping Bags

• Lightweight
• Very Warm
• Compact

Down sleeping bags are more lightweight and compact than insulated sleeping bags when packed and also loft up more when in use. Down is one of the best natural insulators when dry and has an almost unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio.

Downsides of Down Sleeping Bags

• Hard to Wash
• Requires Treatment to Work When Wet
• Expensive

The two main disadvantages of down sleeping bags are that they can be affected by moisture if untreated and they are expensive. DWR treatments to the shell and hydrophobic treatment to the down can solve this issue but can result in less lofty insulation. The downside of cost is just one you have to accept if you want the warmest type of sleeping bag.

Hydrophobic Down vs Untreated Down Sleeping Bags

You may notice that some of the top-rated down sleeping bags do not use hydrophobic down even though they cost several hundred dollars. This isn’t a money-saving incentive. When kept dry, untreated down retains its full natural loft whereas treated down can lose some of its ultrafine properties. The question is, can you be sure it won’t get wet or damp?

Benefits of Hydrophobic Down Fill

• Keeps you warm when wet
• Dries up to 17 times faster
• Absorbs up to 90% less water
• Less clumping when wet

One of the main drawbacks of sleeping bag down is being vulnerable to moisture. Hydrophobically treated down seems to solve that problem very well. The chemical treatment that is applied to down to make it water resistant is more of a repellant. It hates water.

If for any reason your hydrophobic down sleeping bag gets wet, it won’t instantly clump together and stop working. The performance will be reduced but you will at least be able to stay warm. Moisture can come from anywhere – sweating, condensation on the tent wall, a leak in the roof, or a spill from your water bottle. Hydrophobic down is the safer choice if there is a chance you may get wet.

Benefits of Untreated Down Fill

• Higher loft
• More lightweight
• Better warmth-to-weight ratio
• Less clumping when dry

Untreated raw down retains all its natural properties so long as you can keep it dry. It has a higher loft and is marginally more lightweight than down without any chemicals stuck to it. Because it stays loftier without clumping it has the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any insulation material available today. Simply unmatched by synthetic filling.

Are Down Sleeping Bags Good for Summer?

You can get down sleeping bags for summer or winter. Summer sleeping bags are incredible because they pack down so small and can weigh less than a pound. If you try and use a winter-down sleeping bag in summer you are going to get very hot. What I do in this situation is unzip the bag completely and use it as a quilt so I can stick my legs out.

How Long Will a Down Sleeping Bag Last?

Like all outdoor gear, the more you use it the faster it wears down. Down sleeping bags can last for decades if cared for properly, stored correctly, and used infrequently. If on the other hand, you sleep in it every night then it might only last 5 or 6 years before the down gets squashed down and maybe even started to lose some through damage.

Do Down Sleeping Bags Lose Loft?

The more times you compress your down sleeping bag into its stuff sack, the longer you leave it compressed, and the more you use it, the faster it will lose its full loft. Over time, as fibers get squashed together they become entangled which leads to clumping. The more clumping you get there more thin spots of insulation you will have.

It is important to store any down sleeping bag in a storage sack instead of a compression stuff sack. I personally have a wardrobe full of down sleeping bags all hung over coat hangers with moth guards hung on either end of the rail. This will ensure your sleeping bag down will retain maximum loft.

Do Down Sleeping Bags Smell?

Down sleeping bags do not smell any different from synthetic sleeping bags. Sometimes, if you have a strong sense of smell, hydrophobically treated down can have a slight whiff of chemicals but for the most part, down is completely scentless.

We hope you found this guide to the best down sleeping bags helpful and informative. Let us know your thoughts below.