How Heavy Is a Backpacking Sleeping Bag?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking sleeping bags are designed to be lightweight and compact, allowing hikers to carry them with ease during long treks. But just how heavy are they?

Backpacking sleeping bags can vary in weight depending on their design, materials, and size. Generally, the lighter the sleeping bag is, the less insulation it will provide. For example, some ultralight backpacking sleeping bags may weigh just over a pound but may not provide as much warmth and comfort as a heavier sleeping bag.

The weight of a backpacking sleeping bag is also determined by its temperature rating. Sleeping bags with higher temperature ratings tend to be heavier due to the additional insulation needed to keep you warm in colder temperatures. For instance, a 20°F rated down-filled sleeping bag could weigh up to 3 pounds or more.

The shape of your backpacking sleeping bag will also affect its weight. Mummy-style bags are designed to contour around the body and are narrower than rectangular-style bags. This helps reduce overall weight but may not be as comfortable for side sleepers.

Conclusion:

Backpacking sleeping bags can range from under 1 pound for ultralight models all the way up to 3 pounds or more for higher temperature rated models. The type of insulation used, temperature rating, and shape all play a role in determining how heavy a particular backpacker’s sleeping bag will be.