3-season sleeping bags

Trail's guide to choosing the right one

VANGO NITESTAR 375 £50

As long as you don't have to carry your sleeping bag far, there’s no need to bust your bank balance as this low-priced bag will keep you warm and cosy while camping. It’s made from synthetic insulation and is rated as warm down to -8 deg C. However, the drawback is that the weight and packed size is pretty big, so carrying this in a rucksack when backpacking is not as straightforward as higher-priced bags. But being synthetic means its performance won’t dip as drastically as a down bag if it gets damp. Also, you get a good shoulder baffle, a great hood and a soft, slightly brushed, polyester lining, which all adds up to this feeling very warm and cosy.

VITAL STATS Insulation Single hole, siliconised, hollow fibre Lowest comfort limit -8 deg C Packed size 30x30cm Weight 2299g

SNUGPAK SOFTIE 9 HAWK £120

This is a well-priced bag for backpacking. It benefits from a Paratex nylon shell and lining, which is durable, resists water quite well and is quick to dry. It is not quite as warm as other bags, though, and you don't get a shoulder baffle to lock in the heat. But the hood and main opening can be adjusted reasonably easily to fit around you, although the fit is not quite as neat as the higher-priced options. The weight and packed size are not the lowest but are acceptable for backpacking, while the price tag is far more affordable than the absolute best bags. Overall it‘s a good option for backpacking on a budget that competes well with higher priced ones.

VITAL STATS Insulation Snugpak Softie Premier (100% polyester) Lowest comfort limit -5 deg C Packed size 26x20cm Weight 1566g

RAB IGNITION 4 £160

This sleeping bag has a comfort temperature rating of -7 deg C, rather than -5 deg C of some lower-priced options. The insulation is synthetic with a ripstop nylon shell, so this will resist dampness better than down bags and the shell should be durable in regular use. You get a shoulder baffle with its own drawcord to help lock in the heat without having to fully tighten the hood. The general fit is neater and more easily adjusted than lower priced options and overall it feels far more cosy.

VITAL STATS Insulation Pyrotec polyester microfibre Lowest comfort limit -7 deg C Packed size 24x45cm Weight 1719g

CRITERION ULTRALIGHT 350 £200

For longer distance backpacking, reducing the weight in your rucksack is essential and that’s where this bag wins hands down. At just 793g it‘s packed with goose down and has a Pertex Microlight nylon shell. However, the Ultralight is not as warm as heavier or higher-priced bags and it’s important to keep it dry to maintain its insulation performance. Both shell and down are not the best at resisting moisture compared to higher-priced designs. There is no shoulder baffle and the size of the bag is smaller than others, which is great for a snug fit but might be too cosy for some.

VITAL STATS Insulation 680 fill power down Lowest comfort limit -3 deg C Packed size 23x18cm Weight 793g

MONTANE DIRECT ASCENT £300

To reduce the weight and packed size of a sleeping bag you need high-quality insulation with great ability to trap warm air pockets. This bag uses 800 fill power down, rather than the 600 used in lower-priced bags. The outer is made from Pertex Quantum nylon, which is a tad heavier and more durable than the lightest Pertex fabrics but with more water resistance to help keep that down dry. You also get a shoulder baffle and a hood that fits remarkably well, thanks to a volume adjuster that cinches it in to really hug your head. You even get a hood peak if you fancy some tent-free bivvying under the stars.

VITAL STATS Insulation 800 fill power down Lowest comfort limit -5 deg C Packed size 25x21cm Weight 1051g

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT FIRELIGHT £420

The ultimate in performance! What sets this apart is the design: you get the EXL system of stretch seams on the top half of the bag to eliminate dead air space around the body, leading to increased warmth. The shell is made from a new Plasma nylon that is described as one of the lightest downproof fabrics on the planet by the manufacturers. There is no shoulder baffle, though and, like any down bag, you do need to make sure you keep it dry to maintain optimal performance. Of course, at this price, this is a considered purchase – but it's hard to better.

VITAL STATS Insulation 800 fill power down Lowest comfort limit -6 deg C Packed size 20x18cm Weight 888g