Here you have our list of best sleeping bags for car camping from top brands in this industry, in a variety of styles and shapes and with all possible temperature ratings.
When it is about car camping, I normally rather use a camping quilt or a double sleeping bag, rather than a standard sleeping bag. This because I feel claustrophobic in sleeping bags.
But some items here in the list can indeed be open and used as a blanket as well, and you have really unique and versatile bags included. If you are new in this activity, just to stress that the brands presented here are among the best known in this industry.
Best car camping sleeping bags – my list
The sleeping pads in the list are ordered alphabetically, so this is not ranking. It would be impossible to rank them because they are so different.
- ALPS Mountaineering Blaze -20 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Alps Mountaineering Fusion 40 Sleeping Bag
- ALPS OutdoorZ Redwood -25 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag
- Browning Camping Klondike -30 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag
- Browning Camping McKinley -30 Degree Sleeping Bag
- Browning Camping Side-by-Side 0 Degree Double Sleeping Bag
- Coleman All-Weather Multi-Layer Sleeping Bag
- Coleman Autumn Glen Big & Tall Sleeping Bag
- Coleman Autumn Trails 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
- Coleman Big Basin 15 Big and Tall Adult Sleeping Bag
- Coleman Big Bay 20 Big & Tall Contour Sleeping Bag
- Coleman Brazos Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
- Coleman Heritage Big and Tall Sleeping Bag
- Coleman Sun Ridge 40F Warm Weather Sleeping Bag
- Exped MegaSleep Duo 25 Sleeping Bag
- Guide Gear Canvas Hunter Extreme Sleeping Bag -30
- Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag
- Kelty Kush 30 Degree Synthetic Fill Car Camping Sleeping Bag
- NEMO Ramsey 15 Sleeping Bag
- REDCAMP Cotton Flannel Sleeping Bags for Camping
- Sea to Summit Amplitude Down 5F Sleeping Bag
- Sierra Designs Frontcountry Bed 35 Degree Sleeping Bag
- Teton Sports Celsius Regular Sleeping Bag
- TETON Sports Polara 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag
Here are a few data about each of the sleeping pads from the list above. Please follow the links for more.
1. ALPS Mountaineering Blaze -20 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag
So here you have a very typical mummy-style bag, sand this means the comfort it offers is a bit limited. But this is a thermally efficient construction which you will need for car camping in extremely cold conditions. So if you need a bag for such weather situations, no need to think twice.
Its temperature rating is impressive -20 F (-29 C), and you have synthetic insulation. They build it in two sizes, so the weight of the regular size is 6 lb 12 oz (3.06), and its dimensions are 80 x 32 inches (203 x 81 cm).
2. Alps Mountaineering Fusion 40 Sleeping Bag
Here you have a unique design without zippers, and the number 40 indicates its temperature rating in F, so this is a bag for up to two seasons in the warmer part of the year.
If you have versatility in mind, this is one of such bags, with its 2 lb 2 oz (964 g) of weight this is a very light item and you can carry it in the pack as well.
There is one more unique detail here, you have a dual fill, down on the top part, and synthetic on the bottom. Above all, it is surprisingly affordable for all its features.
3. ALPS OutdoorZ Redwood -25 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag
This ALPS OutdoorZ Redwood -25 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag is with an impressive temperature rating of -25 F (-32 C) and this is achieved by several kilograms of its synthetic insulation. But the bag itself is 100% cotton and the liner is cotton flannel.
So this is a very pleasant yet heavy-duty oversized bag built to last and to protect you in any weather conditions. As you realize, it is rectangular and it offers lots of space, its dimensions are 80 x 38 in (203 x 97 cm). But note also this is a heavy and bulky item, it weighs 13 lb (5.9 kg). You will want to know that it is very affordable.
4. Browning Camping Klondike -30 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag
This Browning Camping Klondike -30 Degree Flannel Sleeping Bag is with the official temperature rating is -30 F (-34 C) so this is a true cold-weather sleeping bag. It is included also in my list of extreme cold sleeping bags.
The shell is pure cotton and the liner is pleasant cotton flannel. The insulation is synthetic, and the bag is hooded. This all reflects in its weight which is 15 lb (6.8 kg). The size is 92 x 38 inches (234 x 97 cm).
5. Browning Camping McKinley -30 Degree Sleeping Bag
This Browning Camping McKinley is designed for extreme conditions and you realize this from the temperature rating which is -30 F (-34 C). This is a relaxed rectangular design, incredibly comfortable but equipped with everything needed for such extreme conditions. Observe its massive hood as one of these elements.
You have synthetic insulation here and the bag is heavy with its 12 lb 12 oz (5.78 kg). It is built in one size and the dimensions are 90 x 36 inches (229 x 91 cm). This is an incredible value/price combination.
6. Browning Camping Side-by-Side 0 Degree Double Sleeping Bag
The reason for having this double bag here is that this is a 5-in-1 system. You can use it as its name suggests, as a double bag, but you can unzip two of its sides and use them as two single sleeping bags. Of course, each of these two halves can be used as a blanket as well. So this is an incredibly versatile construction.
The bag is built in the best tradition of this brand, it is strong, durable, and reliable. The insulation is synthetic and its official temperature rating is 0 F (-18 C). This is also a heavy item as it is, it weighs 12 lb 14 oz (5.84 kg), and a bigger part of it, precisely 140 oz (4 kg) is its insulation.
7. Coleman All-Weather Multi-Layer Sleeping Bag
The Coleman All-Weather Multi-Layer Sleeping Bag is incredibly versatile. The word multi-layer means that you have 3 bags that fit in each other. All of them can fully open as blankets. This gives 14 possible combinations that you can use in all weather conditions, this explains the name.
The bag is rectangular type and there is no hood. It is machine washable, and the weight is 12.55 lb (5.7 kg). Its overall dimensions are 79 x 36 inches (201 x 91 cm).
8. Coleman Autumn Glen Big & Tall Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag weighs 6.6 lb (3 kg) and its dimensions are 81 x 39 inches (206 x 99 cm). The packed size is appropriate so this is why it is here in the list of car camping sleeping bags.
They built it in two versions with the temperature ratings of 30 F (-1 C) and 40 F (4 C). So this is a reliable rectangular synthetic 3-season car camping bag. It is machine washable. It is also in my list of best rectangular sleeping bags.
It has an inner pocket, a ZipPlow snag-free patented feature, and their Roll Control design. You will want to know it is incredibly affordable.
9. Coleman Autumn Trails 30 Degree Sleeping Bag
The dimensions of this sleeping bag are 81 x 39 inches (206 x 99 cm), and its weight is 9.1 lb (4.13 kg). On the other hand, its official temperature rating is 30 F (-1 C). With such features it is great for a 3-season car camping.
The bag is pleasant cotton and flannel construction with inner synthetic insulation. It is machine washable. This is why I have added it to my list if best cotton sleeping bags. The zipper goes all the way around, and it can be fully unzipped. It can also be zipped to another bag.
10. Coleman Big Basin 15 Big and Tall Adult Sleeping Bag
This Coleman Big Basin 15 Big and Tall Adult Sleeping Bag weighs 7.98 lb (3.6 kg) so this is why you would not want to carry it anywhere, but it is perfect for car camping. The picture shows that this is a rectangular and very comfortable synthetic bag with a hood. Just see its size, the dimensions are 92 x 39 inches (233 x 99 cm).
The official temperature rating is in its name so this is indeed a true 3-season bag. You have an offset quilt construction, and the zipper is with detail that they call the ZipPlow zipper design, there is a guide that pushes fabric away from the zipper’s teeth. You will want to know that the price is very moderate.
11. Coleman Big Bay 20 Big & Tall Contour Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag is available in two shapes and in two temperature ratings, so you have 4 options to choose from. The weight of the version in the picture is 4 lb 14.4 oz (2.2 kg), so it is a bit heavy for the trail but excellent for car camping.
The insulation is synthetic, the bag is hooded and reliable, and with a great soft fleece footbox design which they call the Cozy Foot. It is ISO tested and suitable for 3 seasons camping. The lower limit ISO is 21 F (-6 C). You have their standard ZipPlow patented zipper. The length fits users of up to 77 inches (196 cm).
12. Coleman Brazos Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
This bag is incredibly affordable, and it is warm enough for a 3-season camping. Its comfort temperature rating is 30 F (-1 C). The bag is all-synthetic and machine washable.
You have their ZipPlow snag-free patented design, a Fiberlock insulation construction, and it can be zipped to another bag. The weight is 4.1 lb (1.86 kg) so this is why it is not for the trail, and I have added it here in the group of car camping sleeping bags.
13. Coleman Heritage Big and Tall Sleeping Bag
This Coleman Heritage Big and Tall Sleeping Bag is what its name says, a really large rectangular bag suitable for 3-season car camping.
The bag comes with a synthetic insulation and a pleasant flannel liner. It is easy to maintain and keep clean because it is machine washable.
The weight is 9.19 lb (4.17 kg) so you realize why it is in the list here, and the mentioned dimensions are 84 x 40 inches (213 x 102 cm). The official temperature rating is 0/10 F (-18/- 12 C).
14. Coleman Sun Ridge 40°F Warm Weather Sleeping Bag
Coleman Sun Ridge 40°F Warm Weather Sleeping Bag is what its name says, a bag for summer camping. With its weight of 4.3 lb (1.95 kg), this is not something to carry on the trail, so this is why it is in the list here.
You have a simple but pleasant and comfortable synthetic sleeping bag that is also machine washable, and above all incredibly affordable. The dimensions are 75 x 33 inches (191 x 84 cm).
15. Exped MegaSleep Duo 25 Sleeping Bag
The reason for having this Exped MegaSleep Duo 25 Sleeping Bag here in the list is similar to the Browning Camping Side-by-Side double bag. This is again something incredibly versatile and unique, a lightweight 5-in-1 system.
This implies that its two sides have two different temperature ratings, and you can unzip them and have 2 sleeping bags with different ratings for different climates. You can also use them as separate blankets.
The insulation is synthetic and the bag is nicely packable and lightweight for a double-wide bag, it weighs 64.2 oz (1820 g). As mentioned, you can use only one side of it as a single sleeping bag, and this is then an ultralight option. Please follow the link for more.
16. Guide Gear Canvas Hunter Extreme Sleeping Bag -30
When you see the size and weight of this Guide Gear Canvas Hunter Extreme Sleeping Bag -30, you realize why it is here in the list. The total weight is 13.4 lb (6.08 kg), and you have 9 lb (4.1 kg) of synthetic insulation alone which is a 6D blended siliconized hollow fiber fill.
The bag is a pleasant cotton and flannel fabric combination. It comes with a great temperature rating of -30 °F (-34 °C), it is large and rectangular but it is hooded. It is also very bulky.
17. Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag
With this Kelty Galactic 30 Sleeping Bag you get a very pleasant bag with a down 600 fill. Note that it is also lightweight enough to be carried even on a shorter tour, the weight of the regular version is 2 lb 10 oz (1.2 kg).
You can unzip it and use it as a blanket, and you can zip it to another bag of this type and create a double sleeping bag. So this is a versatile bag. It is built in several different sizes, for men and women.
The rating is 30 degrees, but it has no hood and it is rectangular, this is why I have included it in my list of best 2-season sleeping bags.
18. Kelty Kush 30 Degree Synthetic Fill Car Camping Sleeping Bag
This is a new sleeping bag on the market, they launched it for the season 2020. From the picture, you realize it is a rectangular bag, but you can open it completely and use as a blanket as well. In addition to this, it comes with a great stuff sack so you can roll it up and use it as a pillow.
As its name suggests, this is a car camping item that weighs 4 lb 6 oz (2 kg), and the temperature rating will depend on how you use it, as a bag or as a blanket. Officially, this is 30 F (-1 C) degrees, and you have what they call the CloudLoft synthetic insulation.
19. NEMO Ramsey 15 Sleeping Bag
There a couple of reasons for adding this NEMO Ramsey 15 Sleeping Bag here. The first is that it is very light, so this is something you can carry on the tours from your car camping basecamp. The regular size of this bag weighs only 2 lb 7 oz (1.12 kg) and this is great in view of its excellent temperature rating 15 F (-9 C). The insulation is a 650-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic down.
On the other hand, although this is a sort of a mummy-style bag, it has some extra features that add to its overall comfort that mummy bags normally do not have. So, you have vents on the chest zone, this is what they call Thermo Gills, there is also a waterproof foot box, and you have a blanket fold visible in the picture above.
20. REDCAMP Cotton Flannel Sleeping Bags for Camping
This REDCAMP Cotton Flannel Sleeping Bag for Camping is pleasant and comfortable, you have cotton insulation and a very pleasant flannel liner. It weighs 4.6 lb (2.1 kg), so this weight is the reason for having it here in the list.
The official temperature rating is 50 F (10 C). Because of its design, I see it as suitable for 2 seasons and it is included in my list of best 2 season sleeping bags. A compression sack included, and the price is simply incredible.
21. Sea to Summit Amplitude Down 5F Sleeping Bag
They build this bag in three sizes, so the R size weighs 3 lb 1.2 oz (1395 g) and it is a bit heavy to carry in the pack but this is still possible of course. As you realize, it is hooded and it is also EN tested. The temperature rating is 5 F (-15 C) so this is a 3-season-plus sleeping bag.
It is also RDS certified and you have a down 750+ fill. It comes with YKK zippers and with a lifetime guarantee. A compression bag is included.
22. Sierra Designs Frontcountry Bed 35 Degree Sleeping Bag
This Sierra Designs Frontcountry Bed 35 Degree Sleeping Bag is totally unique zipperless design with quite a number of features. It is roomy and I think it is a great option for car camping. Note that it weighs 4 lb 6 oz (1989 g), so this is not something you would carry, but this is doable on shorter tours.
It comes with an integrated pad sleeve that keeps the pad in place when you turn during the night. You also have a feet vent. The insulation is synthetic and the comfort rating is 37 F (3 C). Note that they build it in two sizes, and it is also very affordable.
Note that they have launched yet another series with a different temperature rating and in several sizes, so check this Sierra Designs Frontcountry Bed 20 Duo Queen Size to see more.
23. Teton Sports Celsius Regular Sleeping Bag
It is hard to find a sleeping bag that could match the popularity of this Teton Sports Celsius bag. The picture above shows two of them just to realize how different fabric they may have and also to demonstrate that you can zip them together. But this is indeed a single sleeping bag and they built it in many different sizes, and they have very different temperature ratings as well.
So the Celsius Regular is with the temperature rating -18 C (0 F) and it weighs 5 lb (2.27 kg), its dimensions are 80 x 33 inches (203 x 84 cm). This is a very affordable bag.
24. TETON Sports Polara 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag
The TETON Sports Polara 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag is an incredibly versatile modular 4-season set of 2 bags. It can be used in multiple configurations, I am showing this can be 10 in total, simply incredible.
You have a great temperature rating of 0˚F (-18 ˚C). This is a bag with synthetic insulation and this is reflected in its weight that is 6.5 lb (2.95 kg).
The bag is rectangular as you realize from the picture, without a hood, and its dimensions are 82 x 36 inches (208 x 91 cm) and the packed size (L x D) is 17.5 x 12 inches (44 x 30 cm).
How to choose your sleeping bag for car camping
As you realize, this list of best sleeping bags for car camping includes a variety of very different options so the question is how to choose. There are several important different aspects to consider:
Versatility: You have seen that some of them are sleeping systems that offer various configurations, so this is something worth considering. Some are heavy and definitely not suitable for carrying in the pack, but I have included a few options that you can take on the trail.
Comfort: You might want to consider options that offer more space, or those that can be open and used as blankets. In my case, for sleeping in the car this is usually warm enough and this is the most comfortable option.
Warmth: If you are like me then no mummy bag is ever comfortable enough. However, for cold-weather camping, nothing can match such a design. In any case, you have a huge range of possible temperature ratings here in the list, this is indicated for each of the bags above.
Price: Some of the bags are incredibly affordable, you will realize this if you follow the links. Normally, sleeping bags with quality down fill are always far more expensive.
If you need more options, just check under the category Sleeping Bags. You might want also to read my text about sleeping bags down fill vs synthetic fill. You will need a sleeping pad if you sleep in the tent next to your car, so check this list with car camping pads.
Thank you for reading. This list will be updated whenever I find something worth adding here. So bookmark this text and visit occasionally.
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