The Best Sleeping Bag For Motorcycle Camping (And 5 Easy Runners-Up)
It was a great day of motorcycling, and now you’re tired. You want a good night’s sleep to get your batteries recharged and prepare for what lies ahead. How well you sleep during your motorcycle adventure depends mainly on your sleeping bag. You want to make sure you pick the right one to meet your requirements. If this sounds like you, you have found yourself at the right place. We have compiled a list of the best sleeping bags for motorcycle camping with an additional guide on how to choose one.
There is no single “best” sleeping bag. What might be the best for you might not be the best for someone else. The “best” depends on your budget and requirements. With that being said, some sleeping bags are favorites among motorcyclists. Below is the list of these sleeping bags, starting with the best.
- REI Co-Op Igneo 17 Sleeping Bag
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X-Lite
- Quechua 0º Light Hiking Sleeping Bag
- The Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping Bag
- Teton Sports TrailHead Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag
- Montane Prism
Features like being warm, comfortable, and lightweight make all of these sleeping bags special.
There are reasons why these sleeping bags for motorcycle camping made it to our “best sleeping bags list.” Each of these sleeping bags will be discussed in detail in this article. So, continue reading below so you can make the right choice when buying a motorcycle sleeping bag.
Best Sleeping Bags for Motorcycle Camping
Sleeping bags can be expensive; hence, you must do your due diligence before paying for one. There are a few important factors you need to consider when buying a sleeping bag for yourself. And how much a motorcycle sleeping bag costs depends on how well these factors perform their function. Below is a list of the things you need to consider:
- The weight and the size of the sleeping bag
- The material it’s made of
- Temperature rating
We will discuss these factors in more detail in the later sections of the article.
While motorcyclists might want the best of the best when purchasing sleeping bags, it’s also essential that they consider their budget. The goal should be to buy a sleeping bag that provides the desired level of comfort and also doesn’t make you pay through the nose. Want the best ultralight motorcycle sleeping bag? Or the best double sleeping bag? We have our top picks that you can choose from for each of your requirements. So, let’s dig in!
REI Co-Op Igneo 17 Sleeping Bag
Features
● Weight: 1 lb. / 15 oz. / 879 g. This sleeping bag is just under 2 pounds, which makes it a good pick for those wanting a seriously good lightweight bag.
● Size: Regular, 72″ (183 cm). The REI Co-Op Igneo 17 comes in a standard size for men’s sleeping bags. However, the options of Long and Long wide are available for those who want extra room.
● Type: Mummy bag; tight around the body to help trap warmth. However, this isn’t the best option if you are someone who roles a lot when sleeping.
● Temperature Rating: EN Lower Limit 17°F, EN Comfort: 28°F. A three-season bag that serves you well in almost all temperatures. EN lower limit means that the bag is warm enough for use up to 17 degrees. The EN comfort rating is more realistically mentioned for cold sleepers.
● Water-Resistant: YES
Made using water-repellent ripstop nylon, the REI Igneo 17 is perfect for rainy conditions. It has waterproof panels on the hood, sides, and feet, making it one of the best water-resistant sleeping bags in the market.
The face muffler in the Igneo 17 keeps the cold air out, making sure you sleep as well as one can in a quality sleeping bag. The highlight feature of this bag is its lightweight, giving tough competition to other bags in the same price range. With that said, the Igneo 17 comes in only one color and only has one zipper on the left side.
Because it’s a three-season bag with overall features of special quality, the Igneo 17 is definitely worth the cash. With its amazing features and value for money, the Igneo 17 makes it to the top of our list of the best motorcycle sleeping bags!
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Face muffler
- Water-resistant
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Left zipper only
- Pricey
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X-Lite
Features
● Weight: 12 oz. / 340 g (Regular); considering the thickness, the NeoAir X-Lite is one of the best lightweight sleeping bags out there
● R-Value: 3.2; comfortable down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit
● Thickness: 2.5 in / 6.35 cm
● Packed Size: 9 x 4 in / 22.9 x 10.2 cm (Regular); comes in regular size for men’s sleeping bag.
When it comes to lightweight and compact sleeping bags, very few can beat the NeoAir X-Lite. Its 2.5 inches thickness makes sure you are comfortable when sleeping. This bag has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios (3.2), thanks to its internal baffle structure that reflects heat to keep you warm. Want to know why it’s a favorite amongst motorcyclists? The NeoAir X-Lite can pack down to as small as a 1-liter water bottle. Now that’s something exceptional, isn’t it?
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Warm for the weight
- Packs small
- Comfortable
- Versatile
Cons:
- Expensive
- Unstable edges as compared to other designs
Quechua 0º Light Hiking Sleeping Bag
Features
● Weight: 60.3 oz / 1700g; this bag might be slightly heavier when compared to others, but there’s no doubting its quality
● Packed size: 35 x 22cm
● Temperature rating: EN comfort 32F / 0C; EN lower/extreme limit: 23F / -5C; you can’t go wrong with the Quechua Light Hiking Sleeping Bag when motorcycling in relatively lower temperatures
The Quechua light hiking sleeping bag is a winner, thanks to its price point. You will be getting a quality bag with super valuable features without going heavy on your bank account. Don’t perceive this sleeping bag as a lower quality product because of its price. Let its features convince you about what the bag’s worth.
This bag uses a synthetic fill to keep you warm and comfortable. It is roomy, so taller guys can easily fit in and enjoy a restful night of sleep. While it’s not the lightest and smallest, you can get it to a decent size with a good compression sack.
As you would’ve guessed by the name, this bag is perfect for temperatures around 0C. Moreover, it has ¾ length two-way zips that allow you to ventilate.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Warm for the weight
- 2 zips
- Comfortable
- Baffle over the zip to prevent cool spots
Cons:
- Slightly heavier
- Not the smallest
Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping Bag
Features
● Temperature Rating: 30°F
● Weight: 6 lbs. / 2721.5 g.
● Filling: Polyester
● Stuff Sack Size: 12” x 15” in
The Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping Bag is the right option for you if you are riding double. It is slightly heavier for a sleeping bag, but it’s a double sleeping bag so the weight is justifiable. What makes it one of the most liked sleeping bags by motorcyclists who ride double is its price. It’s a lot cheaper than buying 2 or even 3 good-quality sleeping bags.
The Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping Bag is coated with dual water repellent, making you feel dry and cozy in damp conditions. What’s special about his bag is its compact carry, making it even smaller than carrying two individual sleeping bags. Furthermore, it has two separate foot zippers, allowing you to adjust ventilation as needed. In warmer temperatures, the bag can be separated into two quilts, so you can sleep unbothered by the heat.
Overall, the Rei Co-Op Siesta 30 Double Sleeping Bag is your go-to option when riding double. There aren’t many double sleeping bags that can beat this beast.
Pros:
- Good built
- Durable
- It can be converted into two separate sleeping bags
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Individual bags can be narrow for taller people
- Heavy
- No hood
Teton Sports TrailHead Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag
Features
● Size: Adult — 87" x 32" x 22"
● Fill material: Synthetic
● Weight: 2.90 pounds / 1350g
● Temperature rating: 20 F; comfortable till 20 degrees (good three-season pick)
Teton Sports TrailHead Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag is one of the safest, secure, comfortable and breathable sleeping bags out there, thanks to the material that it’s made of. The material also has a double-brushed liner that provides good air ventilation. The bag is water-resistant and causes no problems in damp conditions. Moreover, it also has polar light insulation; this makes sure you don’t face any skin irritations even if you have skin allergies.
The mummy hood makes sure your head is warm when you camp at a higher altitude in colder temperatures. The bag is quite roomy; if you are someone of an average height, you have got nothing to worry about. With that said, the bag is perfectly fine for people who are taller than average too. It folds down to 14.5" x 6.5" x 6.5", making it easy to pack and carry.
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Has a mummy hood
- Roomy
- Compact
- Comes with polar light insulation
Cons:
- Slightly heavier
- Weak zipper
Montane Prism
Features
● Weight: 46.5 oz / 1320g
● Pack size: 27 x 28cm
● Temperature rating: Comfort limit: 0C / 32F; Extreme limit: -16C / 3.2F
If you’re looking for durability, comfort, and a refreshing night of sleep, you can never go wrong with the Montane Prism sleeping bag. Its Primaloft Eco synthetic fill and a Pertex Micro Light Fabric make it a good choice for camping in damp conditions.
The Montane Prism comes with quality zips that glow in the dark to make it easier for you to use them. It also has two internal pockets. Additional features include a footbed to help with cold spots.
One downside to the Montane Prism is its large pack size. If you are a tall person, you might find the shoulder area a little tight. And of course, it’s expensive too; but with all these features, it’s definitely worth it!
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Two internal pockets
- A footbed
Cons:
- Expensive
- Slightly bigger pack size
How to Choose the Right Sleeping Bag?
Brands are making new and more advanced motorcycle sleeping bags at a rapid pace. There are hundreds of options out there, and picking the right one for yourself can be a real hassle. Therefore, we will be discussing a few considerations in detail before you purchase one for yourself. Some of the things to look at before you make your final call are:
- Weight of the bag
- Size of the bag
- Material that it’s made of: synthetic or down
- Temperature rating
Let’s talk about them one by one.
Weight
Choosing a sleeping bag of the right weight is essential. Make sure you pick one that doesn’t add too much weight. Lighter bags are easier to carry and manage. If you plan to hike with your sleeping bag, you must buy one that’s lighter in weight. Otherwise, it might be a hard task to carry it around, especially on difficult terrains.
Size
Look for a size that fits you the best. If you are tall, you should ideally be looking for a bag that’s roomy and has ample space, especially if you roll around during sleep. On the other hand, shorter people should find one that doesn’t have too much leg space. The quality of your sleep will depend on how comfortable you feel in your sleeping bag; hence, it’s important to choose after careful consideration of the size.
Material: Synthetic or Down
Both the materials are widely used and have their advantages and disadvantages. Down is more expensive than synthetic for several reasons:
● It has a better warmth to weight ratio
● Takes less space when packed down
● It is of better quality. Though there always are some exceptions.
However, Down doesn’t work very well in damp conditions. The material tends to collapse. Moreover, it also takes longer to dry, causing further problems. Synthetic material, on the other hand, tends to retain its thermal insulating properties in damp conditions. Synthetic material also dries a lot quicker than their Down counterparts. Overall, Down is the right choice for cold and dry places and synthetic for cold and damp places like most of Europe.
Temperature Rating
Temperature rating is critical to consider if you plan to camp at lower temperatures. Usually, you will see two types of ratings; comfort rating and lower limit. Comfort rating tells us the temperature up to where cold sleepers can sleep without facing any issues arising due to temperature. The lower limit indicates the temperature where warm sleepers can sleep comfortably.
Find out whether you are a cold or warm sleeper, and then pick the right temperature rating bag for yourself. Once done, you’re good to hit the road!
Final Thoughts
A motorcycle adventure is a big commitment and one where you can have great fun. But a lot depends on how well you rest at night to get cracking the next day. Yes, there are thousands of options you can choose from, but the above-mentioned best sleeping bags for motorcycle camping should make things easier for you.
Don’t shy away from reading the considerations mentioned above when shopping for a sleeping bag. Analyze your requirements, know your body, and pick the right motorcycle sleeping bag for yourself. Once you do, there’s nothing that can stop you from conquering your motorcycle adventure desires! Go well, and have fun!