Most traditional camping bags stick to synthetic fill for cost savings, but lofty down clusters offer a premium feel and warmth that polyester just can’t match. And as we’ve come to expect from Kelty, the Galactic is solidly built and priced pretty affordably at $170, which is around $30 less than REI’s similarly intentioned Hunkerdown above. Each year we add a few new pieces of camping gear to make our trip more comfy. This year, I focused on finding the perfect sleeping bags for camping. We just used bedding from home but I don’t like lugging that around and it doesn’t pack up as conveniently as sleeping bags.
But in the end, we don’t see the zipper-less concept completely taking over the market. Put simply, the in-and-out convenience and ability to use the bag as a blanket with a full-zip sleeping bag is the better answer for most campers. Drifting off to dreamland is better than even when you have one of our Coleman (R) sleeping bags! Colorado-based Kelty has been in the camping business for a long time, and we like what they’ve come up with in the Galactic 30. What makes this bag unique is its combination of quality 550-fill-power down with a rectangular shape.
For those looking to travel fast and far, or for those traveling into alpine terrain, a lighter-weight bag makes that possible. A bag in the 3- to 4-pound range can be used for backpacking, and these models are often more comfortable to sleep in, but they also take up more space and add weight to an already heavy pack. Anything above 4 pounds is generally best for car camping and recreational use.
You pay a steep premium at $320, but the versatility does help justify the cost—no need to purchase (or store) a separate bag for backpacking. Choose the Coleman 2-N-1 30 Degree Sleeping Bag to stay warm and cozy in the outdoors. This sleeping bag is machine washable, so you can easily clean it at home to ensure your bag stays in the best condition. It has a built-in pillowcase, so have a designated pocket to hold a pillow, supporting your head and neck while you sleep. This sleeping bag has a 30°F temperature rating, which is recommended for cold summer nights or springtime use, keeping you warm in temperatures above freezing. It features Thermolock technology, which includes an extra layer of insulation along the zipper, reducing heat loss through the opening.
In terms of dimensions, they’re typically roomier than standard mummy bags (particularly at the shoulders and hips) but not overly generous like some rectangular models. All in all, semi-rectangular bags typically offer a good mix of comfort and weight, shaving away excess material while still providing enough space to roll around during the night. For instance, Nemo’s Disco 15 and Forte Endless Promise 20 have roomier fits than most traditional mummy bags, with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows. Kelty’s popular Cosmic Down 20 has been a mainstay in their lineup for years and remains a popular choice among campers and backpackers alike. For starters, you get a respectable weight of 2 pounds 10 ounces, which is the lightest three-season option on our list (Kelty’s own Galactic 30 below weighs around the same but is far less versatile).
And if the bag has a tough exterior shell, you can use it as an outdoor picnic blanket in a pinch. Some bags, like The North Face’s One Bag, feature unique warmth-tailoring systems that allow you to customize the amount of insulation depending on conditions. To be sure, most of these additions won’t be deal-breakers for many, but they can be helpful in deciding between similar models (and we’ve called them out in the write-ups above whenever possible). Anyone have any experience wit coleman canopys, as a budget option? We don’t camp a lot, but we live in CA, so being forced from our home is always in the back of our mind (earthquake, fire, etc). When it comes to packed size, the Brazos lands right in the middle out of all of the bags we tested.
The shipping costs are based on the volume and weight of the shipment. If you would like to have an indication of the shipping charges, please feel free to ask for a quote. In the end, it all comes down to what you need and what you’re willing to spend. We feel the Coleman Brazos is a great bang for your buck that allows infrequent campers to enjoy the pleasure of spending a night under the stars. We also found the No-Snag patented zipper plow does an excellent job at preventing snags. We found that the manufacturer’s Fiberlock Construction really did prevent insulation from shifting and moving after the bag had been extensively used.