Bags
1. Therm-a-rest Alpine Down Blanket
On summer camping trips, we often find a warm sleeping bag to be overkill. Weighing in at just 1 pound, 5 ounces, the Alpine Down Blanket does away with the zipper that we normally unzip on a summer night and it snugs around a Therm-a-rest pad. When it does get chilly, the 700-fill down puffs up to keep you cozy.
Best For: everything from car camping with the family on warm nights to light-and-fast backpacking trips
$240; cascadedesigns.com
2. Mountainsmith Kenosha 20
At just under $100, the Kenosha is the best deal we found in quality sleeping bags. While not as light as some we tested, this 20-degree synthetic bag got the job done.
Best For: everything but fast-and-light missions
$99; mountainsmith.com
3. Big Agnes Fria
Featuring Big Agnes’ slip-in sleeping pad system,this women’s bag is sure to keep you cozy. That’s thanks to a baffled, flow-optimized insulation system that keeps the down evenly distributed and heats those cold toes on chilly nights
Best For: women
$220; bigagnes.com
4. Sierra Designs Pyro 15 – EDITOR’S CHOICE
With insulation bulked up where the body needs it most (toes, chest) this is one toasty bag. Ripstop nylon makes it sturdy enough for expeditons.
Best For: cold nights and serious trips
$250; sierradesigns.com
