While it is important to keep packability in mind when shopping for sleeping bags, comfort should always come first. The best rectangular sleeping bags are lightweight and compact. They provide enough moving space for you to avoid feeling trapped inside a cocoon.
Whether you are hiking long distances or setting off for a weekend of lakeside camping, a good night’s sleep is essential to keep you active and moving during the day. Rectangular sleeping bags tend to be slightly bulkier than their mummy-shaped counterparts. However they are ideal for those who enjoy some extra space during their sleep.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best rectangular sleeping bags available out on the market today. We will account for seasonality, price, materials and more.
For a complete analysis of all backpacking sleeping bags, check out the buyer’s guide Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags.
Quick Answer - The Best Rectangular Sleeping Bags
- Feathered Friends Spoonbill UL
- Nemo Forte 35
- Big Agnes King Solomon 15
- NEMO Disco 15
Comparison Table - Best Rectangular Sleeping Bags
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Insulation | Temp Rating | Weight | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feathered Friends Spoonbill UL | Down | 20 F | 2.3 lbs | $929 | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Nemo Forte 35 | Synthetic | 40 F | 2.1 lbs | $160 | 4.7 | Read Review |
| Big Agnes King Solomon 15 | Down | 15 F | 4.3 lbs | $430 | 4.7 | Read Review |
| NEMO Disco 15 | Down | 25 F | 2.7 lbs | $300 | 4.6 | Read Review |
| Name | Insulation | Temp Rating | Weight | Price | Rating | Review |
Temp ratings refer to the EN or ISO Comfort rating.
Weight and price are shown for the regular size.
Reviews - The Best Backpacking Rectangular Sleeping Bag
Feathered Friends Spoonbill UL
Specs
- Fill Weight: 23.0 oz
- Insulation: Down
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- Shape: Semi-rectangular
- Volume: 17.0 L
- Temp Rating: 20 F
- Fill Power: 950
Features
- Ergonomically designed hoods with separate draw cords
- Integrated collar and hood for each user
- Dual draft tubes
BEST DOUBLE SLEEPING BAG
The Feathered Friends Spoonbill UL is a two-person sleeping bag for couples who want to lighten their load.
What we love the most about the Spoonbill UL is it gives couples the warmth and intimacy of being in the same bag without having to give up comfort. There are two hoods and two collars that can be adjusted and a zip on each side so you don’t have to worry about bothering your partner when you get in and out. Feathered Friends trimmed unnecessary insulation from the bottom part of the bag and the floor is made of a super lightweight Dyneema fabric. All of this results in a warm, lightweight and comfortable sleeping bag.
One of the downsides of the Spoonbill is it’s not great for couples who want to cuddle because of its two separate hoods. Another consideration is its price tag is pretty crazy, however if you consider the price of two premium sleeping bags, it might be worthwhile. It also loses major points when it comes to versatility. If one of you decides to go on a solo trip, you’ll need a different bag.
Nemo Forte 35
Specs
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Shape: Semi-rectangular
- Temp Rating: 40 F
Features
- 80% postconsumer recycled content.
- Unique Spoon™ shaped bags offer more room at the elbows and knees, allowing side sleepers to shift positions comfortably throughout the night.
- Waterproof/breathable foot-box withstands tent condensation, keeping feet warm and dry.
The Nemo Forte 35 is an affordable synthetic sleeping bag that has plenty of room for those who love to sprawl out. This bag is a great option for mild weather adventures where you don’t have to travel too far to get to your campsite.
What we love the most about this bag is its spacious dimensions. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a narrow mummy bag, you’ll love the Forte’s hourglass shape that is wider at the shoulders and feet and slightly tapered at the hips. This design is perfect for side sleepers or people who tend to move around a lot at night. We also loved what NEMO calls thermo gills, they are zips that let the insulation spread apart which is great for warm summer nights.
The biggest drawback of this bag is its weight and pack size. At 2lbs 2 oz, it’s not the best choice for long distance backpacking but is manageable for overnight trips. The Forte uses Primaloft synthetic insulation which has its pros and cons. It doesn’t pack down as small as down but it is far more affordable.
If you love the idea of this bag but wish it had down insulation, check out the Nemo Disco line.
This sleeping bag also comes in a 20 degree version.
The Nemo Forte also comes in a women’s specific version in both 20 degree and 35 degree versions.
Big Agnes King Solomon 15
Specs
- Insulation: Down
- Weight: 4.3 lbs
- Temp Rating: 15 F
Features
- Flex Pad Sleeve attaches to your pad like a fitted bed sheet.
- Pillow Barn keeps your pillow tucked in tight all night.
- Mesh storage sack and nylon stuff sack included.
The Big Agnes King Solomon 15 is a roomy doublewide sleeping bag that is perfect for couples who are tired of zipping two bags together.
What we love the most about this bag is how warm and cozy it is. Big Agnes claims it’s like your own bed in the backcountry and we have to agree. We also appreciated the well thought out design of the King Solomon 15. It has vertical baffles that help keep the insulation in place instead of bulking up on one side. It also has a pad sleeve on the bottom to prevent your sleeping pads from slipping out from underneath you and your partner in the middle of the night.
One of the downsides to an extra spacious bag like this one is it tends to trap a lot of dead air making it not as warm as a snug bag. If you tend to get cold at night, consider adding a thermal liner. Another nitpick with this bag doesn’t work well with narrow sleeping pads, so if you decide to go for the King Solomon, you might want to consider getting a double pad as well.
NEMO Disco 15
Specs
- Fill Weight: 22.0 oz
- Insulation: Down
- Length: 72 inches
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
- Shape: Semirectangular
- Volume: 07.2 L
- Temp Rating: 25 F
- Stuff Sack Size: 9 x 12 inches
- Fill Power: 650
Features
- 650-fill-power down
- Full-length, 2-way zipper
- External draft collar
BEST SLEEPING BAG FOR BIG GUYS AND TALL PEOPLE
The Nemo Disco 15 is a roomy backpacking sleeping bag that was designed for comfort. The Disco is our top choice for big and tall guys (and ladies) who might feel claustrophobic in a typical mummy bag. It’s also another great option for side sleepers.
What we loved the most about the Disco is its spacious dimensions. This is thanks to what Nemo calls their Classic Spoon shape, which makes the bag wider in the elbows and knees. We also loved the Therma-gills which are vents that allow you to fine-tune the temperature without having to unzip the bag. This feature makes it a more versatile bag that could be comfortable to use in warmer temps.
The biggest drawbacks of the Nemo Disco are it’s on the heavier, bulkier end when it comes to backpacking sleeping bags. The weight and packsize penalty come with the extra fabric needed to make this roomy bag. So, if you are a bigger guy or gal or you just like to sprawl, and you don’t mind hauling extra weight, the Disco 15 might be the best option for you. If the weight is a big concern for you, check out the Nemo Riff 15, it’s not only lighter but also more packable. One more downside is the wider design is that cold pockets of air can form in the empty spaces, something to consider if you are a cold sleeper.
This sleeping bag also comes in a 30 degree model.
The Nemo Disco also comes in a women’s version which is available in 15 degree and 30 degree options.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING THE BEST RECTANGULAR SLEEPING BAGS
TEMPERATURE RATING
The first thing to consider when buying a sleeping bag is in what conditions you will be using it in. The temperature rating of a sleeping bag will determine how comfortable you’ll be able to sleep in different temperatures, so it’s an important thing to consider before making your purchase.
Summer sleeping bags with a rating of 37°F and up provide the minimum amount of insulation for warmer climates. They are normally lightweight and easily packable, but not ideal in wet or cold environments.
Three-season sleeping bags with a rating between 20°F and 32°F are versatile and suited for traveling in spring and autumn as well as summer. This category of sleeping bags usually offers more features than simple summer bags. These can be hoods and draft tubes to fight the cooler temperatures of the high mountains.
Winter sleeping bags have a rating of less than 20°F and are designed to protect you from the cold in the most frigid environments, including snow. Because of the added layer of insulation, they tend to be heavier and occupy more space in your backpack. However, if you plan to camp in alpine environments, they are an essential piece of equipment you can’t avoid taking with you.
INSULATION TYPE
Sleeping bags can be made with synthetic insulation or down insulation. The first category are usually cheaper and continue to offer protection against the cold even when wet, since synthetic fibers do not absorb water from either rain or moisture.
Down insulation is made from duck or goose feathers. On top of being lightweight and highly compressible, it offers more effective protection against the cold. The downside of down sleeping bags is that they do not absorb water and tend to cost more than those with synthetic fill.
WEIGHT
If you are planning to hike for long distances with all your gear on your shoulders, the weight of the sleeping bag is something that should definitely be checked before buying. Ultra-lightweight sleeping bags are designed for thru-hiking and backpacking, however, the convenience of carrying a small amount of weight usually comes at a high price.
The weight of a sleeping bag often depends on the amount and type of insulating material. Down sleeping bags are lighter than synthetic bags, and summer sleeping bags are lighter than three-season and winter bags.
PACKED VOLUME
The amount of space a bag will occupy in your backpack is important. A lightweight sleeping bag isn’t necessarily also compressible, so make sure you know the volume of the bag when it is packed down. Volume is measured in liters. If you want to reduce bulk to a minimum, you should look for a sleeping bag that doesn’t occupy more than three liters of space.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
Draft tube
A component of the sleeping bag that runs along with the zippers and is filled with insulating material, designed to prevent cold air from entering the bag while you are sleeping.
Hydrophobic
A water-repellent material.
Duck or goose down
The soft plumage of ducks or geese, used as the insulating material in sleeping bags to protect you against the cold.
Synthetic insulation
Polyester fibers used in sleeping bags to insulate the interior against cold air. Synthetic materials do not absorb water and are usually cheaper than down.
Sleeping bag shell
The outer layer of a sleeping bag, normally built of water-repellent nylon.
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For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads