4 Best Sleeping Bags for Hammock Camping: Reviews and Buyers Guide [2023]

I think you will agree with me when I say that sleeping in a hammocks really loses its appeal if you are cold.

Hammock Sleeping Bags are a great way to stay warm and comfortable while camping and enjoying the great outdoors – without the need for the tent. A quality hammock compatible sleeping bag can be the difference between a good nights sleep or an angry camper the following day.

Depending on how cold the location is you are looking to sleep, a hammock sleeping bag by itself may be sufficient, or with the inclusion of a hammock pad or quilt, you have yourself a lightweight, portable, comfortable sleeping solution without the requirement for a tent.

In this article, I’ve reviewed the best sleeping bags for hammocks to cover cold and wet environments down to 0 degrees F, and up to moderate temperatures. All products come with minimum 4 star reviews and have high customer satisfaction so you can be confident on a great nights sleep. 

Reviews of the Best Sleeping Bags for Hammock Camping

The right hammock camping sleeping bag for you will depend heavily on the environment you are intending to use it. We’ve reviewed the top products for a range of climates to cut through the wide variety of hammock sleeping bags available. 

 
Best Hammock Sleeping Bag for Hikers Camping in Cold and Wet Environments 

Hyke & Byke Antero 0 Degree F 800 Fill Power Hammock Compatible Hydrophobic Goose Down Sleeping Bag with ClusterLoft Base

For a top of the range sleeping bag for hammock camping – this one is for you.

The hydrophonic down combined with the water resistant nylon mean you get all of the weight and warmth benefits of the down insulation, while maintaining its performance in the damper environments.

Without the need for a hammock under quilt and its lifetime warranty guarantee, you can be confident you will get what you pay.

Best Hammock Sleeping Bag for Campers in Cold Environments – Who Aren’t Hiking 

If you are driving to your camping spot but still want a great nights sleep, this hammock camping sleeping bag offers all the comfort features you need, without the price tag. 

Coleman 0°F Mummy Sleeping Bag – Cold Weather Camping

Offering top value for money, the coleman mummy sleeping bag is a great choice. The low temperature rating and additional insulation around the feet will have you enjoy the benefits of hammock camping without getting cold.

The additional insulation does come at a cost of weight and size though so may not be suitable for hikers. The bag is made of quality material that is soft on the skin and comfortable to sleep in.

Best Hammock Sleeping Bags for Hikers Camping in Moderate Temperature and Wetter Environments

If you don’t need the protection provided by a 0 degree F rated sleeping bag, a lighter weight bag may suit you better and will save you space and money. 

Winners Outfitters Mummy Sleeping Bag for 3 Season Camping

For a lightweight, portable hammock sleeping bag, this mummy bag from winner outftters is hard to go by. Incredible value for money, it is suitable for 3-4 season camping depending on your environment with multiple zippers for temperature control. It’s rated to 35^oF so will be suitable for many applications while maintaining affordability.

The Best Hammock Sleeping Bags for Hikers Camping in Moderate Temperatures

If you really are a good weather camper who loves to hike in warmer weather, ditch the heavy o degree bags and go for the lightweight, compact option.

Backpacking Sleeping Bag for Hiking and Camping

If you aren’t planning to take this up into the mountains or into the snow, this sleeping bag is perfect for the warmer weather campers. The lightweight, compact design makes it a great and affordable pick for backpacking or hiking and offers additional versatility as a quilt for the warmer environments.

How To Choose The Right Sleeping Bag For Hammock Camping

There are many factors to consider when deciding what the ideal sleeping bag is for you to get a comfortable nights sleep in your hammock. We’ve summarised the key ones to consider below. 

 

1. What Is Your Hammock Sleeping Environment

Probably the most important consideration when looking to buy a hammock sleeping bag is the environment you are looking to sleep in. Without the added protection of a tent, you will be at the mercy of nature with greater exposure to the wind, light, rain and the temperature variation.

It may not be possible to get a sleeping bag suitable for all operating environments, but I would recommend getting one that accounts for the coldest environment assuming that you may have other accessories such as hammock quilts and hammock sleeping pads to supplement your bedding needs. 

 

2. Temperature Ratings For Sleeping Bags

When looking at temperature ratings, consider the fact that temperature ratings are just a guide, and your warmth will vary depending on a range of variables. 

What else you are wearing, individual metabolism, hammock pad thickness and type, and sex (females generally sleep colder than males – not what you’re thinking) will all affect your feeling of warmth.

You will probably see a couple of commonly used ratings such as the EN (European Norm) or the ISO (International Standards Organisation).

In 2016, the ISO 23527-1 rating replaced the EN 13537 as the standard, however they are similar so you can treat them as the same when comparing sleeping bags. They define comfort and lower limit ratings as per below:

• “Comfort” = -9^oC / 16^oF (the temperature that a colder sleeping might feel comfortable)
• “Lower limit” = -15^oC / 5^oF (the temperature that a warmer sleeper might feel comfortable)

If you are looking for variation in temperature:

• You can get additional warmth through additional layered clothing, sleeping pads and hammock under quilts
• You can cool yourself by leaving the hammock sleeping bag partially or completely unzipped

 

3. Hammock Compatible Sleeping Bag Shapes

There are 2 main shapes of sleeping bags you will come across. These are:

The Mummy – Tight Fit

• While it may make you feel like an Egyptian king, the fact it is a tighter fit allows you to lock in the warmth. Also while you roll around in your sleeping bag, the bag will roll with you rather than turning inside it.
• If you are claustrophobic, it may cause you some issues being so restricted in movement.

 

The Rectangle – Loose Fit

• The more traditionally shaped bag, allows plenty of room for moving around, but may not be as effective at creating the insulated air bubble around you.

 

4. Insulation And Hammock Camping Sleeping Bag Filling

Generally the tradeoff for the bag filling comes down to your requirement for reduced weight, or increased warmth with a basic option of either Down or Synthetics.

• Synthetics – These cheaper alternatives are allergy friendly, and offer greater warmth if operating in wet or moist conditions. They are easier to clean, however don’t traditionally perform as well as down bags over the longer term and are also heavier and bulkier.
  • Great for campers who don’t have to carry their gear and operate in wetter conditions.

• Down – With the best warmth to weight ratios, down is the most efficient sleeping bag insulation with strong compressibility. Over time, it will also maintain its performance better than synthetics and with the addition of durable water repellent (DWR), it can dry faster and absorb less moisture in damp camping conditions.
  • Great for hikers in dryer conditions.

• Hydrophobic Down – Down which has been treated to allow it to absorb less water, maintain its fill power even with extended contact with moisture, maintains its insulative properties after washing and will dry faster.
  • Great for hikers in wetter conditions.

 

5. Sleeping Bag Price

Sleeping bag prices will vary both on their temperature ratings, as well as their composition. Indicative prices are below.

• Synthetics – Synthetic sleeping bags will cost up to around $50 USD
• Down – Down sleeping bags will start around $100 USD and vary with quality
• Hydrophobic Down – For the ultimate Hydrophobic Down Sleeping Bags, prices will start around $200 USD and increase depending on temperature ratings and fill power.

 

6. Other Points To Consider When Buying A Sleeping Bag For Hammocks

Other points to factor in to your decision include:

• Durability – Depending on your frequency of use, investment in sleeping bag with quality stitching and a durable zipper could be worthwhile. Some might even come with a warranty if you are a frequent user.
• Hood tightening – If you are operating in the colder environments, some sleeping bags offer hood tightening features to limit heat loss (and stop the icicles from forming on all of your face overnight)

 

• Size – For the taller campers, one size does not fit all so ensure you get one with a couple of extra inches in length that what you are. Everyone wants a couple of extra inches.
• Weight – We touched on this with the insulation, but if you are a hiker there are light weight and less bulky options available. You should also consider the size and weight of the hammock in a bag or backpack you will be taking with you to sleep on.

 

• Comfort – Depending on how fussy you are with your bedding, most sleeping bags should be fine for comfort if you are sleeping on a hammock, as long as the size / shape / warmth requirements are met
• Machine washable – most hammocks these days are designed to be washed in the machine, but it is worthwhile checking before making a decision

Tips to get a good night’s sleep in a hammock sleeping bag

So you’ve got your sleeping bag selection right for your trip, here’s a couple of other tips that might make your experience sleeping in a hammock go from great to amazing.

1. Know how to position yourself to sleep flat in the hammock

If you are new to hammock sleeping, it might surprise you that you can actually lay near flat in a hammock, and the solution is not to tighten the hammock so it’s flat before you get into it.

In fact if you tighten your hammock to get it flatter, you will find the hammock will wrap around you and will be tight and uncomfortable.

An alternative would be to buy a lay flat hammock, however they come with a bunch of additional weight and volume which makes them not ideal for hiking.

Laying flat in the hammock while you sleep is better for your back, and will make it easier for you to sleep on your side if that’s your preference. So… How do you do it?

Position yourself in the hammock on an angle. Once you are in the hammock, move your feet about 30 degrees off axis in one direction, then move your head 30 degrees in the other direction.

The result will have you laying flat diagonally across the hammock while comfortable, offering you a great night’s sleep that your back will thank you in the morning.

 

2. Consider using a Hammock Sleeping Pad

While hammocks are comfortable by themselves, Hammock sleeping pads area a great option to increase insulation, while adding extra support, comfort and stability.

 

3. Consider use of an emergency blanket if you get caught out

If you find yourself getting cold – an emergency blanket can find some much wanted warmth and will get you through until you can get a better sleeping bag for your environment.

What Is The Best Sleeping Bag for Hammock Camping?

If you are willing to pay a little more and are looking for a top of the range sleeping bag suitable for hiking in cold climates, the top of the range Hyke & Byke Antero 0 Degree F Hydrophobic Down sleeping bag is your best option.

For a cheaper option that maintains the warmth, however sacrifices the lightweight and portable attributes, the Coleman 0 Degree F Mummy Sleeping Bag is the pick of the bunch however it is less suitable for hiking than the Hyke & Byke.

If the temperature is less of an issue, the Winner Outfitters mummy sleeping bag and the Backpacking sleeping bag both offer great value for money for lightweight and portable hammock sleeping bags.