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In most survival situations, you may find yourself without shelter for three full nights. What happens if disaster strikes in the middle of winter? You will not be able to make it through three winter nights without some means of shelter and staying warm.
This is where survival sleeping bags come in. These bags are specifically designed to keep you warm so that you can tough out any survival situation. Read on to learn more about these awesome products.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Survival Sleeping Bags
- OUR TOP PICK: Kelty Tuck 22F Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag
- RUNNER-UP: Snugpak Tactical Series 2 Sleeping Bag
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag
Comparison of the Best Survival Sleeping Bags
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Are All Survival Sleeping Bags the Same?
Many survival sleeping bags are similar, but there are some slight differences in how they are constructed. For example, some sleeping bags incorporate down lining, while others rely on suede.
Down tends to be warmer, but suede tends to be more durable. Some survival sleeping bags also have additional benefits, such as interior pockets or an included compression bag in order to get your bag down to the smallest size possible, while some bags just stick to the basics of keeping you warm and comfortable.
How to Choose a Sleeping Bag for Survival
Here are some of the most important qualities to keep in mind when hunting for the best survival sleeping bag:
Warmth
Any quality sleeping bag will have a formal rating of the lowest temperature it can withstand and still keep you warm. Look into the lowest potential temperatures you could experience in a survival situation for where you live, and then invest in a bag that can hold up to those temperatures.
Compactability
As essential as a survival sleeping bag is, it is not the only thing that is going to be necessary to keep you alive in a survival situation. You do not want to get a bag that is huge and takes up so much space in your survival bag, you barely have room for anything else. Find a bag that can easily compact down to a small size.
Comfort
Any survival situation is guaranteed to be extremely stressful. Why compound that with making yourself uncomfortable while you are trying to rest and refuel? Find a sleeping bag that is as comfortable as possible so you can get some shuteye.
Review of the Best Survival Sleeping Bags
Now that you know a bit more about what makes a good survival sleeping bag, let’s check out some actual products:
Best Overall:
Kelty Tuck 22F Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag
Pros
Cons
The Kelty Tuck 22F Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag is the premiere survival sleeping bag you will be able to find on the market today.
It has a number of features that set it apart from its competitors. It can be zipped up from the inside and from the outside, and its zipper configuration makes it so that you can kick your feet out of the bag to avoid overheating in warmer weather, but still stay sheltered.
It has an inner pocket for holding on to things you would not want to lose in the middle of the night. It also comes with tabs so it can easily be strapped to an air mattress to provide additional warmth. Beyond survival scenarios, it is also extremely versatile. It can be used for both tent camping and hammock camping as well.
Bottom Line
The Kelty Tuck 22F Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag is our best overall choice for a top notch survival sleeping bag. Just know that at 22 degrees, you will be able to survive, but you will not exactly be comfortable.
Runner-up:
Snugpak Tactical Series 2 Sleeping Bag
Pros
Cons
The Snugpak Tactical Series 2 Sleeping Bag is a close second when it comes to our choice for the best survival sleeping bag on the market, just inches behind the Kelty Tuck 22F Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag. If you are looking for a bag that will keep you warm without making you break out into a sweat, this is your best choice.
Its suede inner lining will last longer than a down one and is much more breathable, so it will work for both extremely hot and extremely cold temperatures. It also has an inner footbox that is lined with nylon instead of suede, so you can sleep with your shoes on in order to be as prepared as possible in a survival situation.
It comes with an included compression sack and is easy to roll up, with straps to tighten everything down. And when it is fully compressed, it will pack down to about the size of a volleyball, so you will not need to worry about it taking up a ton of space inside your survival bag.
Bottom Line
The Snugpak Tactical Series 2 Sleeping Bag is a great survival sleeping bag that is our runner-up choice for best overall survival bag. Just know that if you do choose to sleep without shoes, make sure to wear warm socks since the footbox can get a little chilly.
Best for the Money:
Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag
Pros
Cons
If you are trying to find yourself a survival sleeping bag that will enable you to remain alive in extreme conditions, but will not totally destroy your wallet under normal conditions, you will find it in the Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag. Its name says it all – this bag will be able to keep you warm no matter what!
Users report sleeping in this bag even in the middle of a snowstorm and still feeling warm and cozy. It can be zipped up from the inside, so if you are out in a survival situation all by yourself (which we sincerely hope is never the case for you!), you will not require any assistance to zip this bag up.
And best of all, the area of the bag designed for your feet is better insulated than the rest of the bag, to compensate for your feet usually being the coldest part of your body. No more cold toes!
Bottom Line
The Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag is a fantastic survival sleeping bag for the money you will spend. Keep in mind that it is a bit bulkier than some of the other bags on this list, though.
Most Compact:
TETON Sports ALTOS Mummy Sleeping Bag
Pros
Cons
If you need to find yourself a survival sleeping bag that is guaranteed to keep you warm no matter what, but will take up the absolute bare minimum of space inside your survival pack, the TETON Sports ALTOS Mummy Sleeping Bag is the choice for you!
This bag will keep you feeling warm and toasty even when you wake up to your entire camp being covered in frost. And all that warmth does not come at a price of feeling cramped all night – the ALTOS bag feels much more roomy than other mummy bags.
Its double zipper pull makes for an easy zipping experience with no snags at all. It comes with an included compression bag, and the sleeping area has an interior pocket for storing items. There really is not much for you to dislike about the TETON Sports ALTOS Mummy Sleeping Bag.
Bottom Line
The TETON Sports ALTOS Mummy Sleeping Bag is a great sleeping bag that will compress down to the smallest size possible, so small it will blow your mind! Some users report that they see loose down feathers poking out, though.
Best for an Emergency:
SE Survivor Series Emergency Sleeping Bag Kit
Pros
Cons
If you are most interested in a lightweight, hardy survival bag that is easy to carry and you can just leave inside your survival pack year round, the SE Survivor Series Emergency Sleeping Bag Kit is the absolute best option for you.
This is not to say that this sleeping bag is not hardy or versatile enough to also withstand regular use as a normal sleeping bag for taking along on camping trips, because it could definitely serve that purpose as well.
But for sh*t hits the fan kind of situation, this is the bag you are going to want to always have in your survival pack. It will work much better than the typical emergency blanket would when it comes to keeping you warm in extreme temperatures.
Bottom Line
The SE Survivor Series Emergency Sleeping Bag Kit is the best sleeping bag for you in emergency situations. Just know that, unlike many of the other bags on this list, this bag is not water resistant.
How to Wash a Sleeping Bag
No matter if you are using your sleeping bag just for survival purposes, or for regular camping trips, there is going to come a point when you need to clean it. It is always preferable to spot clean your bag instead of fully washing it, as this is more likely to decrease its longevity.
You can spot clean your bag with a paste made of soap and water, and a toothbrush to apply it. The dirtiest part of your bag is typically the area around your head where oils can accumulate.
But if your bag needs a full wash, follow the instructions it came with. Most bags are easily cleaned by a typical washer and dryer, though they do take a very long time to become fully dry.
Conclusion
Survival sleeping bags can really make it or break it when it comes to whether or not you are able to come through an intense situation alive. Make sure you take the time to check and see what the coldest possible temperatures are in the area in which you live, and invest in a survival sleeping bag that will be able to keep you warm and comfortable even for a night in one of those coldest times. We guarantee you will not be able to go wrong with any of the awesome survival sleeping bags we have reviewed above!