Best American Made Sleeping Bags: The Warmest & Lightest in the World
I’ve used a lot of different sleeping bags including some from Marmot, The North Face, REI, and Big Agnes and I have learned the hard way that sleeping bags made in the USA by Feathered Friends (Seattle, WA) and Western Mountaineering (San Jose, CA) are far superior. These are the best sleeping bags in the world. The design, quality of down, materials, weight, loft, comfort, accurate warmth rating, compressibility, stitching, and longevity are simply better. Unless you’re the occasional weekend car camper, I wouldn’t skimp on this essential piece of backpacking gear. I’ve learned to get the best and not have regrets later.
Why Trust Me?
I know how hard it is to find honest recommendations on American made gear. That’s why I started American Gear Guide which other sites are now copying. I take my recommendations seriously and only recommend the best of the best. Of course this is my subjective opinion but I’m confident that you won’t be disappointed. Here are a few reasons to trust me:
- I make independent recommendations based on personal experience (not paid to endorse a product).
- As an avid outdoorsman that reviews gear for a living, I also actually own and use all American made gear.
- My background includes 10 yrs working with the US Forest Service as a Hotshot Firefighter, Ranger, Wildlife Crew-Leader, and Forest Ecologist. I’ve been certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I’ve backpacked extensively throughout the USA and 34 countries including in the Middle East, Central & South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. See About page for more.
- I attend industry trade shows like Outdoor Retailer to stay informed on the latest innovative gear.
- I value continuous learning and self improvement, so I welcome your criticism. If you think I missed anything then please leave some helpful suggestions.
Best Sleeping Bags Made in the USA
20 Degree F
Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 20
The Hummingbird UL 20 is an incredible 20 F bag. The latest version sports 900+ down and a Pertex Endurance UL shell which helps it weigh slightly less than the Ultralite at only 1 lb 9 oz (reg). My good friend owns this bag and sings its praises. Read any review of the Hummingbird or Ultralite and you’ll rest assured, you won’t regret owning either bag. If needing extra space, the Swallow is a similar but roomier model and the Swift is wider still.
Last price observed: ~ $539
Western Mountaineering Ultralite
The Ultralite is a cozy 850+ fill down (guaranteed min. 850 fill but typically 900+) bag accurately rated to 20 degrees F and weighing in at just 1 lb 13 oz (reg). I find 20 F bags to be the most versatile 3 season bags, comfortable over a wide range of climates from alpine to desert. The Ultralite is a narrow and efficient mummy bag, if you’re shoulders are wider then I recommend the roomier but similar Alpinlite. I use an Ultralite for my personal bag and love it.
Last price observed: $540
Feathered Friends Tanager 20 CFL Sleeping Bag
When weight is your top concern, this is the bag. The Tanager exists due to requests from PCT and Appalachian Trail thru hikers. It uses the lightest 950+ down, Pertex Quantum ultralight fabric, and forgoes a zipper and hood to pare down its weight down to a crazy light 18.6 oz. Of course you’ll need to combine this with a hooded jacket in lower temps, which you’ll likely be carrying already.
Last price observed: ~ $399
30 Degree F
Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30
The Hummingbird Ul 30 is another ultralight wonder bag weighing practically the same as the Megalite at 1 lb 7 oz but having a slightly slimmer (and more efficient) cut. This bag is super warm with high lofting 900+ fill down. The Swallow is a more relaxed and wider fitting version that’s very popular. My 14 yr old FF Merlin (which is the precursor to the Hummingbird UL 30) still keeps me cozy on summer nights into the upper 30’s F and the new version uses improved materials.
Last price observed: ~ $459
Western Mountaineering Megalite
A super comfy 30 degree bag with premium 850+ fill down weighing in at 1 lb 8 oz. This bag has a little roomier cut that will be comfortable for a wide range of backpackers. As usual Western Mountaineering reports conservative warmth ratings; this bag could be used in even lower temps (depending on the individual).
Last price observed: $500
0 Degree F
Feathered Friends Snowbunting EX 0
I own this sleeping bag and with the help of wearing layers I comfortably slept down to -22 C (-9 F) according to the weather station at Gorak Shep, Nepal while trekking to Mt. Everest this past February, 2019. The outer fabric consists of expedition worthy waterproof/breathable Pertex Shield EX fabric made with rip-stop reinforcement. The inner fabric is Pertex 30 denier nylon taffeta that withstands up to sleeping with gear stored inside your bag to keep it from freezing. These fabrics combined with 900+ fill down gives the Snowbunting a technical edge in durability over the WM Kodiak with no weight penalty. The quality of this bag is simply phenomenal. Both the FF Snowbunting EX and Megalite weigh about 2 lb 14 oz.
Last price observed: $639
Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF
The Kodiak is another top quality 0 F bag which is filled with 850+ down and covered by Microlite XP microfiber with a taffeta lining that holds up to the abrasion of storing gear inside your sleeping bag (a must in winter camping). I have only heard positive things about the Kodiak (check out the Backcountry reviews) but have not had the chance to use it. The slightly heavier WM Kodiak Gore Windstopper uses beefier Gore Windstopper fabric that prevents wind gusts from cutting through you but comes at a significant price increase. Both the FF Snowbunting EX and Megalite weigh about 2 lb 14 oz.
Last price observed: $730
Expedition -25 F Sleeping Bags
Feathered Friends Ptarmigan EX -25
In February 2018, I tested a 3yr old (well used) Ptarmigan demo sleeping bag provided by Feathered Friends while backcountry skiing in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada as well as in my home range, the Wasatch Mountains. I slept in temperatures down to -20F and this bag kept me warm and dry. This is an excellent sleeping bag that performs on cold expeditions. The specs are: 3 lb 12 oz, with a waterproof/breathable Pertex Shield EX shell, and 900+ down.
Last price observed: $799
Western Mountaineering Puma Super MF -25
The super warm Puma should give you a good night’s rest at a chilly -25 F and comes with a wider shoulder girth to allow easy layering for truly cold nights. I haven’t tried this bag but have no doubt it performs well. The specs are: 3 lb 7 oz, with a water resistant/breathable Microlite XP shell, and 850+ down.
Last price observed: $925
The above left photo shows my demoed Feathered Friends Ptarmigan in Kootenay National Park, Canada used at -20F. Luckily there was no wind that night as I prefer to sleep under the stars. The photo to the right shows my ski camp in the high Wasatch Range, Utah with the FF Ptarmigan tucked inside my tent.
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