How to choose the best outdoor sleep system: sleeping bags, sleeping pads & camp pillows
A good night’s sleep can make or break a multi-day hike— you could be trekking through the most stunning mountains in the world, but if you’re cold, uncomfortable, and sleep-deprived, it’s hard to enjoy any of it.
Over the years, I’ve tested everything from ultralight summer setups to -20°C down bags on snowy alpine expeditions, and I’ve learned what gear matters most when it comes to comfort, warmth, and weight. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to choose the best sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow for your next adventure— plus tips to make any setup warmer without spending hundreds of dollars or adding a ton of bulk.
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Check out my outdoor gear guides for the best:
TL;DR: best outdoor sleep system for backpacking & mountaineering ↯
SLEEPING BAGS
😴 best for cold-sleepers: Feathered Friends Murre ES 0 (women’s) / Snowbunting EX 0 (men’s)
😴 best lighter/cheaper alternative: Sea to Summit Spark 0
😴 best for couples: Sea to Summit Spark 15 Double
😴 best for side-sleepers: Nemo Riff 15 (women’s) / (men’s)
😴 best budget-friendly: REI Co-op Magma 15 (9 sizes)
🔥 best way to add up to 15°C extra warmth: Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Liner
SLEEPING PADS
😴 best ultra-light pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
😴 best cold-conditions pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
😴 best upgraded pad for poor sleepers: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad
😴 best upgraded pad for couples: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Tent Floor Pad
🔥 best way to add insulation: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Foam Pad
CAMP PILLOWS
😴 best overall pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium
😴 best ultra-light pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight
😴 best max-comfort pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Deluxe
Choosing a sleeping bag
There are HEAPS of sleeping bag options out there, from ultralight summer quilts to burly alpine mummy bags. Choosing the right one depends on the temperatures you expect, how cold you sleep, and how much weight you’re willing to carry!
More than any pad or pillow, it’s my sleeping bag that really dictates how I’m going to sleep on a hike (because I’m a human ice cube at night). Even when the temperatures are well above the comfort rating of my sleeping bag, I’m wearing multiple pair of pants and socks, layering 3 jumpers, and sleeping in my gloves just to stay warm.
If this sounds like you, finding the right sleeping bag will involve a bit of extra weight in your pack and a lot of extra money, but it is just not worth the alternative of shivering through every single night of an 8-day hike in the Alps when you should be resting and recharging. Invest in quality gear upfront and it will take care of YOU for years to come!
Here are some of the most important considerations in choosing a sleeping bag:
Insulation: down vs synthetic fill
The insulation in your sleeping bag determines how warm it is, how much it weighs, and how well it performs in different conditions— I personally prefer down insulation in ALL instances.
- Down (goose/duck): warmest for the weight, compresses small, but loses insulation if wet— I use a -18°C Feathered Friends down mummy bag for backpacking and alpine trips, which is fluffy, warm, and very durable
- Synthetic: retains warmth when wet, often cheaper, but heavier and bulkier for the same warmth
Down fill power
Down bags are rated with a “fill power” number (e.g. 700, 800, 900)— this refers to how much loft or “fluffiness” the down has, effectively better quality feathers that offer more warmth for the same weight and size.
A 900-fill bag will be lighter and pack smaller than a 700-fill bag with the same warmth rating, but it’s usually more expensive. If you’re prioritising weight savings or pack space (especially for alpine trips), go for 800+ fill.
Warmth rating
Sleeping bags are typically rated using both a comfort and a limit temperature– the comfort rating is the one that actually matters for most hikers!
Unfortunately, there’s poor standardisation between brands and sometimes these ratings can be misleading. When you see a number in the sleeping bag name (e.g., Sea to Summit Spark 15), it might represent the comfort OR the limit depending on the manufacturer, so it’s super important to read the actual specifications (and compare to your typical use-case) before purchasing a bag. Remember, it’s better to err too warm rather than too cold!
- Warm weather bag: comfort rating 5 to 10°C
- 3-season bag: comfort rating 0 to -10°C
- Alpine / winter bag: comfort rating -15°C or lower
🏕️ ONE SLEEPING BAG TO RULE THEM ALL
I’m a massive proponent of less-but-better gear— if you’re not buying multiple sleeping bags, you can afford to spend more to get the absolute best quality (from outdoor brands with amazing lifetime warranties)! Years ago, I got rid of all my sleeping bags and invested in ONE fantastic, top-of-the-line bag from Feathered Friends that I use for everything from casual summer backpacking to high-elevation mountaineering. And I’ve never looked back!
I run very cold and it massively impacts my sleep in the outdoors, so if you can relate, I highly recommend investing in just one sub-zero bag and using this for every season. Better to be a little warm than too cold!
🔥 ADDING WARMTH TO AN EXISTING SLEEPING BAG
Instead of buying a new bag for colder conditions, you can easily adapt your existing sleeping bag for sub-zero temp with a thermal liner like the Sea to Summit Reactor, which can add 5–15°C of warmth depending on your setup! I used this inside of my -18°C Feather Friends bag at 6,000m on Aconcagua and comfortably weathered -25°C in my tent.
Sleeping bag shape
The shape of your sleeping bag has a huge impact on comfort, weight, and warmth. A snugger shape means less dead air for your body to heat up, but too tight and it might feel claustrophobic— especially for side sleepers or those who toss and turn. It’s all about finding a balance between efficiency and personal comfort!
- Mummy bags: tapered at the feet and legs, which makes them the lightest and warmest, but can feel restrictive until you get used to it— this is what I’d recommend for most backpackers and I personally love my Feathered Friends Murre ES 0 Women’s Sleeping Bag (-18°C)
- Spoon-shaped (e.g. Nemo): ideal for side sleepers who shift a lot in the night, this new style is roomier at the hips/knees but doesn’t add all the unnecessary bulk of a rectangular bag— James has been loving his Riff™ Men’s 15 Down Sleeping Bag (-10°C)
- Rectangle bags: best for car camping, this old-school style is really not efficient or compact enough for backpacking
Sleeping bag size
Sleeping bags usually come in short, regular, and long lengths to accommodate different heights. Using the right size ensures your bag stays warm— if it’s too big, you’re carrying more weight and bulk than necessary; if it’s too small, you’ll end up cold around the neck or cramped at the feet. Always check the manufacturer’s sizing guide to find your best fit.
As a rough guide:
- Short: best for hikers under 165cm / 5’5” — I’m exactly 5’5″ and I got a short bag to help save on space/weight while maximising warmth
- Regular: fits most hikers 165–180cm / 5’5”–5’11”— this still works well for James, even though he’s 6-foot
- Long: great for anyone taller than 180cm / 6’0”
🤷🏻♀️ MENS VS WOMENS BAGS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Men’s and women’s sleeping bags aren’t just different sizes— there are also meaningful differences in shape and insulation distribution that can have massive implications for warmth and comfort. Women’s bags are usually shorter (to match a shorter torso), narrower in the shoulders, and wider in the hips. They also tend to include extra insulation in the footbox and core to account for colder sleep patterns.
If you’re a cold sleeper, have a smaller frame, or find regular bags drafty or hard to warm up, a women’s-specific bag might actually be a much better fit— regardless of your gender!
*Our favourite sleeping bags
Whether you’re prepping for a snowy summit camp or just want something warm and comfy for your next summer backpacking trip, here are a few of our top sleeping bag picks for every adventure:
👉🏼 Heading out on a multi-day backcountry trip? Check out my ultimate OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING packing list or the ultimate multi-day MOUNTAINEERING packing list
Best for cold-sleepers: Feathered Friends Murre ES 0 (women’s) / Snowbunting EX 0 (men’s)
Hand-filled in Seattle with ethically-sourced premium goose down and built for performance, this bomber 900+ fill goose-down bag has been my go-to for nearly a decade, on everything from overnight backpacking trips to high-elevation alpine expeditions. Unbelievably warm, durable exterior that seals out moisture, and surprisingly compressible (1.3kg women’s short; 1.4kg men’s regular). These are rated to 0°F / -18°C and that is a true comfort rating, not a lower limit. This is 1.5x as heavy as the next alternative, but is the absolute warmest bag on this list.
Shop at Feathered Friends:
Best lighter/cheaper alternative: Sea to Summit Spark 0
For ultralight alpine or shoulder-season missions, these 850+ fill-power down bags strike a near-perfect balance of weight (<850g) and warmth. While not as robust or warm as Feathered Friends (zero is the limit, comfort is only -10°C), they’re ideal if you need a lighter or more compact setup with a minimal compromise to warmth.
Best for couples: Sea to Summit Spark 15 Double
A quilt system or double sleeping bag can be an awesome upgrade for a couple— sharing of body heat often makes these bags the absolute warmest option (and it’s still under 1kg!)! I used a Therm-a-Rest Quilt for many years, but it’s since been discontinued, so this double bag from Sea to Summit is the best alternative.
Best for side-sleepers: Nemo Riff 15 (women’s) / (men’s)
Spoon-shaped bags with extra room at the knees and elbows— perfect for side sleepers or anyone who hates feeling constricted. James uses the Riff 15 (comfort: -10°C) and loves the extra wiggle room without sacrificing warmth. Great for 3-season use and far more comfortable than most mummies.
Shop at REI:
Shop at Backcountry:
Best budget-friendly: REI Co-op Magma 15
Available in 9 sizes to customise your fit (short narrow, long wide, etc), this budget-friendly down option with impressive warmth-to-weight performance (comfort: -10°C; weight: 900g to 1.3kg). Packs down small and comes in both men’s and women’s sizing. Great for beginner backpackers or those upgrading from synthetic!
Best way to add warmth: Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme
If your sleeping bag isn’t quite warm enough or you want to stretch it into shoulder season, the Reactor Extreme liner is a game-changer. For less than $100 and 360g, it adds up to 15°C of extra warmth, packs down super small, and is the best way to stay warm in extreme conditions without investing in a whole new sleeping bag!
Choosing a sleeping pad
A good sleeping pad provides both insulation and cushion, and it’s one of the easiest ways to improve your comfort outdoors— without a proper pad, you’ll lose heat straight into the ground, and without enough cushion, good luck getting any rest! There are lots of pad styles, from ultralight foam mats to insulated inflatables, so it’s all about balancing your personal comfort with your pack weight.
Dimensions: length, shape & size
Sleeping pad dimensions impact both comfort and weight. Here’s how to choose:
- Short (120cm): ultralight and packs to the size of a raw cookie dough roll (!!), but only extends to mid-thigh, so you’ll need to sleep with a pack or extra layers under your legs— I switched to a Short (4-foot) Therm-a-Rest NeoAir a few years ago, and I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s been an awesome way for me to save weight and space (which I then “spend” on a warmer/heavier sleeping bag)
- Regular (183cm): good balance for most hikers
- Long/wide: great for side sleepers or anyone who rolls around a lot— James uses a Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Long-Wide and it’s about 3x larger/ heavier than my pad, but he loves it and sleeps poorly on anything smaller
- Double pads (e.g. tent floor pads): ideal for couples on relaxed backpacking trips where weight isn’t a major concern, these cover the full tent floor and offer maximum comfort for snuggling— at around 500g per person, they aren’t even that much heavier than 2 mid-weight pads!
R-value (pad insulation)
The R-value tells you how well a pad insulates from the cold ground— this is especially important for winter trips, snow camping, or high-elevation expeditions where the elements are the enemy.
- R < 2: summer use only
- R 2–4: 3-season backpacking
- R 4+: winter or alpine use— my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir has an incredible weight to warmth ratio (R ~4.5), and I’ve used it everywhere from glacier camping on the summit of Mt Baker to high camp on Aconcagua during my solo expedition (well, with a 2nd foam pad…)
🔥 2-PAD SYSTEMS: WHEN TO DOUBLE UP
In extreme conditions, the best way to beef up your existing sleep system and add extra insulation without investing several hundred dollars into a NEW pad is to add a basic foam mat under your existing pad. This is how I adapted my short Thermaest NeoAir for camping at 6,000m on Aconcagua— I picked up a foam mat for just $20 from a local gear shop in Mendoza and it supplemented my set-up perfectly, keeping me cozy well into sub-zero temps and heavy winds on my solo expedition.
*Our favourite sleeping pads
Whether you’re heading out on an ultra-light backpacking trip or hunkering down at base camp, here are our top picks for sleeping pads to cover all bases:
👉🏼 Packing for a multi-day backcountry trip? Check out my ultimate OVERNIGHT BACKPACKING packing list or the ultimate multi-day MOUNTAINEERING packing list
Best ultra-light pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
R-value: 4.5 | Weight (reg): 369g / 13oz
My go-to lightweight, tapered pad for every trip— unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio, packs smaller than a Nalgene, and offers just the right amount of cushion for a good night’s sleep. I personally use the Short version that extends to mid-thigh (at 197g, this 4-foot pad is the ultimate hack!!), but the Regular is still incredibly light with an R-value that works well for 3-season and mild alpine trips.
Best cold-conditions pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad
R-value: 7.3 | Weight (reg): 454g / 1lb
A beefier version of the XLite with serious winter performance at just 90g more. Highly recommended for alpine camping or snow conditions where extra insulation is essential. Tapered, still impressively light and compact given the warmth it provides!
Best upgraded pad for poor sleepers: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad
R-value: 4.8 | Weight (long wide): 800g / 1.9lb
About 3x larger + 2x heavier than the NeoAir in a comparable size, but a worthwhile upgrade for side sleepers or those who need more comfort to get a proper sleep outdoors. Comes in 5 sizes, all with a rectangular shape, and has slightly more plushness than the NeoAir— James loves the Long Wide version!
Best upgraded pad for couples: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Tent Floor Pad
R-value: 4.3 | Weight (doublewide): 1.05kg / 2lb5oz
Designed to cover the entire tent floor, this pad is ideal for couples who want max comfort and don’t mind the weight. Not for ultralight missions, but amazing for backcountry basecamps or chill summer trips where comfort is more important than grams (split between 2, it’s a reasonable 500g per person)
Best way to add insulation: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Foam Pad
R-value: 2.0 | Weight: 284g / 10oz
A superlight closed-cell foam pad that works well as a supplement under inflatable pads in extreme cold— add warmth and insulation without purchasing a whole new pad! I would personally never use this on its own, but ultra-light fast packers and thru-hikers love a classic Z-Rest.
Choosing a camp pillow
Once you’ve sorted your bag and pad, a proper pillow is the final piece of the puzzle. It might seem like a luxury item, but a supportive, comfortable pillow can dramatically improve your sleep, especially on longer trips. Inflatable camp pillows have come a long way in the last few years, and the best models weigh under 100g and pack down smaller than a lemon.
*Our favourite camp pillows
There’s not too much to consider here beyond the size/weight and comfort of a given pillow. Hands down, my favourite camp pillows are from the Sea to Summit Aeros series, which offers an ultra-light version, mid-size option, and deluxe choice depending on your personal preferences.
Best overall: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium
Soft-touch, curved shape, and super supportive, this is the ultimate camp pillow with the best balance of size/weight and comfort. Packs down to the size of a lemon and is amazingly plush! I’ve used this for many years, and even when my pillow wore out, Sea to Summit replaced it for free. Comes in Regular + Large.
Best ultra-light pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight
Smaller and lighter than the Premium without the same plush surface, but still comfy enough. Packs to egg size, ideal for those who are counting every single gram. This was my original camp pillow and I do like it, but ultimately found that the Premium was a necessary upgrade for me.
Best max-comfort pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Deluxe
Even bigger and cosier than the Premium, with a more traditional rectangular pillow shape. Best for car camping or hut trips when weight doesn’t matter.
Sleep is the unsung hero of every great trip—and a smart sleep system means you’ll actually get it. From alpine climbs to breezy summer trails, investing in the right combination of bag, pad, and pillow will keep you warm, rested, and ready for whatever the trail throws at you next. I hope this guide has helped you find your perfect system!
TL;DR: best outdoor sleep system for backpacking & mountaineering ↯
SLEEPING BAGS
😴 best for cold-sleepers: Feathered Friends Murre ES 0 (women’s) / Snowbunting EX 0 (men’s)
😴 best lighter/cheaper alternative: Sea to Summit Spark 0
😴 best for couples: Sea to Summit Spark 15 Double
😴 best for side-sleepers: Nemo Riff 15 (women’s) / (men’s)
😴 best budget-friendly: REI Co-op Magma 15 (9 sizes)
🔥 best way to add up to 15°C extra warmth: Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Liner
SLEEPING PADS
😴 best ultra-light pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
😴 best cold-conditions pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
😴 best upgraded pad for poor sleepers: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad
😴 best upgraded pad for couples: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Tent Floor Pad
🔥 best way to add insulation: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Foam Pad
CAMP PILLOWS
😴 best overall pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium
😴 best ultra-light pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight
😴 best max-comfort pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Deluxe
Explore more outdoor gear guides on brookebeyond
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- How to choose the best tent for backpacking & mountaineering
- How to choose the best outdoor sleep system: best sleeping bags, sleeping pads & camp pillows
- How to pack food for multi-day backcountry adventures: our tips for maximising calories & minimising weight
