There is no question that one of the most important pieces of gear that you'll own as an outdoor enthusiast is a good sleeping bag. After all, if you plan on doing any extended camping or backpacking trips, getting a good night's rest is crucial to your enjoyment. Today, there are literally hundreds of different sleeping bags to choose from, which can make it difficult to know which one is the best bag for you at times. To help us sort through this quandary, Popular Mechanics has posted its picks for the best sleeping bags of 2020, well ahead of the start of the spring camping season.
One of the best things about this rundown of new sleeping bags is that it doesn't just offer up a list of the editor's favorite options. Yes, you'll find some good suggestions for sleeping bags that can be used in a variety of places and situations, but the article dives a bit deeper too. Here, you'll find some quality advice on what to look for in a sleeping bag, including how the different shapes of the bag impact performance, what types of insulation work best in which environments, how to properly store a bag when not in use, and what you should know and understand about temperature ratings. In other words, this isn't just a list of bags to have on your shopping list, but also an informed buyer's guide.
But let's face it, we all want to know what sleeping bags get the nod from the Pop Mech team, particularly if you happen to be in the market for a new bag. All told, there are five different products that make the cut, falling into different categories including "best synthetic", "best three season", and "best value." I'll let you discover exactly which sleeping bags earned those awards, but I will tell you that the "Editor's Choice" as the top option went to the Nemo Rave 30, which was lauded for its shape and warmth.
As with all things outdoor gear related, there are always new products coming soon. These are a good overview of some of the best sleeping bags available at the moment, but you can bet there will be some new ones hitting store shelves before spring fully arrives. If you can hold out until then, chances are you'll get last year's models at a good discount. Or, you may just find a new one that performs even better.
