Last updated on February 9th, 2023 at 05:27 pm
There’s nothing more coveted than a good night’s sleep at the end of an all-day adventure. A good night’s sleep starts with a great sleeping bag. So, we’ve put a number of bags to the test and have outlined the absolute best sleeping bag for hot weather in the post to follow.
Our Favorite Sleeping Bags for Summer Are...
We’ve spent lots of time comparing many summer bags to see how efficient they are during the hotter months. And, there were a few that really grabbed our attention:
The Best Overall: Western Mountaineering Mitylite
Our Favorite for Backpacking: REI Helio Sack 50
Best Budget Option: Kelty Tuck
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so read our detailed reviews below of these and a few others to determine the best one for you.
Comparison Table of Sleeping Bags for Hot Weather
First, we’ve placed our top 6 contenders into the table below for quick and easy reference.
As you can see from above and likely from your searching, most sleeping bags look incredibly similar while ranging in price from $80-500. However, it’s the materials, features and insides that matter. We explore these differences in our in-depth reviews below.
1. Western Mountaineering Mitylite
Firstly, our favorite overall for hot weather is the Western Mountaineering Mitylite.
At 1 lb 10 oz, the Mitylite lives up to its reputation and packs down to almost nothing.
Additionally, it can unzip into a quilt/matress or attach to other bags if sleeping in tandem.
Furthermore, the Mitylite packs down compact while offering plenty of space to get comfortable. And, with its 0.9 oz ripstop shell and 12 oz of down fill, it can up to years of abuse.
Superb Quality
Importantly. the Mitylite is constructed with a proprietary ExtremeLite Fabric.
Undoubtedly, this bag is built to last.
Proudly made in San Jose, California, USA, the MityLite utilizes 6″ Interlocking Draft Tubes filled with 3″ of loft.
Plus, alongside each zipper is Dacron stiffening tape to prevent snags. In fact, the Mitylite utilizes very high quality YKK zippers which open in two ways for more options.
Additionally, the MityLite features high quality 850+ fill power down.
This adds substantial loft and fluff for a comfortable sleep surface.
Plenty Of Interior Space
Next, we love that the Mountaineering MityLite has plenty of room to stretch and stay cool.
With 75 inches of length and a 62 inches shoulder girth, the MityLite offers plenty of space.
Additionally, it features 59″ at the hips and 46″ at the feet giving you plenty of room for side sleeping.
Plus, the double zipper mechanism lets you ventilate the bottom of the bag to prevent overheating and add extra foot space.
Water Resistant
Finally, the Western Mountaineering MityLite’s tight ripstop weave resists water and has a Durable Water Repellent finish.
As a result, this is a welcomed addition for those damp and humid environments, rainy nights, or morning dew.
Overall, the fabric weight is less than 1 oz per square yard and holds up well with reasonable maintenance and care.
Pros and Cons of the Western Mountaineering Mitylite
Mitylite PROS
- 40°F temperature rating
- Moderate interior space
- Ultralight weight at 1 lb 10 oz
- Full #5 YKK zippers
- Two-way zipper
- Fully unzips for a great cross breeze
- Can be used as an insert or comfortable mattress
- Packs down into 6″ x 12″stuff sack
Mitylite CONS
- Expensive
- Some believe the stuff sack is too small at 6×12
Who is The Mitylite Perfect For?
Overall, the Western Mountaineering MityLite is the perfect bag for any summer camper that can afford it. Ultimately, there are no complaints about this bag other than its price. Just remember, you get what you pay for.
2. REI Helio Sack 50
Next on our list is the REI Helio Sack 50, our favorite for backpacking.
As the name suggests, it has a 50°F temperature rating which makes it a cooler option at camp.
Plus, it comes in regular or long sizes, which are great for tall campers.
Additionally, being recently updated, it now has a recycled polyester shell, lining, and insulation.
All things considered, the REI Helio Sack 50 is a quality summer sleeping bag at a very affordable price. Which is rare for anything in the backpacking world.
Furthermore, the Helio Sack 50 has plenty of ventilation to keep you from overheating. It also features the Durable Water Repellant to keep you dry.
Long Side And Short Side Zippers
First, we love the Helio Sack for its long-sided and short-sided zippers. For instance, the long side completely unzips the bag into a large quilt.
And, when the bag is closed, the reversible zipper lets you open the footbox for some airflow at your feet.
Whereas, the short side functions more like a vent to keep you cool and comfortable up top.
Different Sizing Options
In addition, there are two different sizing options to choose from with the Helio Sack 50 and both are very lightweight.
For instance, the regular length is 1 lb 10 oz and 72″ long with 62″ at the shoulders and 56″ at the hips.
Whereas, the long version is 1 lb 12 oz and 78″ long with the same shoulder and hip measurements.
Eco-Conscious
Last but not least, if you’re environmentally conscious like we are, you’ll love the Bluesign certified materials.
REI goes out of its way to conserve resources in order to protect the environment.
In fact, REI is working with top-of-the-line product standards concerning recycled content, consumer and environmental safety, and transparent processes within this Bluesign Certification.
Pros and Cons of the REI Helio Sack 50
Helio Sack 50 PROS
- Excellent price point
- 50°F temperature rating
- Eco-Friendly
- Super lightweight at 1 ln 10 oz
- Two size options for taller campers
- Full zipper
- Durable Water Repellent
Helio Sack 50 CONS
- Can be snug around the waist
- Zippers can snag around the top
Who Will Love The Helio Sack 50?
Particularly, we love the Helio 50 because of its lightweight and small pack size, which makes it great for backpacking. The DWR is also an added bonus to keep you dry, especially when traveling with it outside your pack.
3. Kelty Tuck
Additionally, our favorite budget option, the Kelty Tuck is designed with an extra 1½” from head to toe, the Kelty Tuck features ThermaPro insulation and a 75-denier polyester shell.
Not only do hikers love the Kelty Tuck for its comfort and its durability, but also for its phenomenal price.
Footbox Ventilation
First, the Tuck footbox not only provides plenty of extra room, but it also features a zippered vent.
The additional venting at its foot allows adequate airflow while you sleep and gives you sufficient temperature control.
75-Denier Polyester Tafetta
In addition, The Tuck is highly durable and made to last many seasons.
In fact, Kelty’s Polyester Tafetta fabric is highly durable, rugged, and resistant to abrasions, wear, and tear.
Made to imitate soft, luxurious silk, this tight-knit fabric resists sagging and stretching all while providing you extreme comfort.
Additionally, the synthetic ThermaPro insulation allows your bag to dry faster in wet-weather situations.
It provides sufficient heat retention as well for cooler nights and even features UV resistance.
Extra Space for Stretching Out
Without a doubt, sojourning in the wilderness can offer an abundance of challenges, and hikers understand that space is limited. As hikers, we often forgo comfort out of necessity.
For this reason, we love the added pillow feature for providing additional comfort without adding additional weight.
Furthermore, the added pillow fill means one less thing you have to pack.
Pros and Cons of the Kelty Tuck
Kelty Tuck PROS
- Extremely affordable
- 40°F temperature rating
- Very roomy for active sleepers
- J-zipper
- Regular and long options
- Footbox venting
- Built-in pillow
- Very durable
Kelty Tuck CONS
- Quite heavy and bulky at 2 lbs 7 oz
- Zippers can snag
Who Will Love The Kelty Tuck?
The Kelty Tuck is the perfect bag for hikers that are also active or restless sleepers. In fact, the Kelty Tuck is a great option for any hiker that doesn’t want to sacrifice creature comforts. All in all, the Kelty Tuck is a great affordable option for the budget and comfort conscious.
4. Sea to Summit Spark
Next, we have the Sea to Summit Spark, which is an amazing ultra-light option.
Weighing less than 1 lb, this mummy-style bag features a 10-denier nylon shell and 7-denier liner for durability.
Moreover, the Spark also utilizes unique vertical baffles with sewn-through construction around the chest to maintain down positioning.
Sewn-through construction is essential for keeping your down in place and preventing heat loss on cooler nights.
However, the Sparks ultra light construction and breathable materials make it a serious contender for peak season camps.
850+ Loft
Most importantly, we love the Spark’s RDS Certified 850+ Loft goose down that makes this bag feather-light. In fact, it’s capable of compressing to a minuscule size.
As any experienced hiker can attest, this is especially important when washing your bag. Without the sewn-through construction, your bag is pretty much worthless the first time you wash it.
How ever, for hot weather, we like its breathability and ability to wick body heat.
Ultralight Construction
In addition, for the weight conscious, when every ounce matters, we appreciate the ultra-lightness of the Spark. It’s the perfect choice for brisk and agile expeditions, thru-hikes, or even bike packing.
Weighing in at just 12 ounces, the Spark is one of the lightest bags on the market.
Additionally, it packs down to the size of a softball making it small enough for any type of outdoor adventure.
Ultra Dry Down Water Repellent Treatment
Along with the 850+ Loft comes the Ultra Dry Down Water Repellent Treatment.
The loft undergoes a hydrophobic treatment that causes the down to repel water.
Unfortunately, it’s not waterproof, but it will absorb water at a much lower rate than untreated down.
Consequently, this trademark method practically eradicates the effects of humidity and dampness by preventing internal condensation, as well as external moisture.
Thus, the spark is able to keep campers cool in summer and comfortable in the cold.
Pros and Cons of the Sea to Summit Spark
Sea to Summit Spark PROS
- Ultralight at 12 oz
- Superb 850+ loft
- Easily compressible, packs down to size of softball
- Water Repellent Treatment
- Breathable
- Comfortable, plush mattress-quality
Sea to Summit Spark CONS
- Expensive
- No additional venting features
Who Would This Sleeping Bag be Perfect For?
The Sea to Summit Spark is the perfect bag for minimalist hikers engaging in fast-paced, peak-performance excursions.
5. Marmot Micron 40
Another great option for hot weather is the Marmot Micron 40. We love that it features lightweight, but cushiony 650-fill power goose down.
Campers love the full-length zipper for blanket conversion and limitless ventilation.
Additionally, with a hip girth of 57.9 inches, the Marmot fits campers up to 6′ 6″ and only weighs 1.6 pounds.
EN Tested 40°F Temperature Rating
Most importantly, we love that this bag is EN Tested with a 40°F temperature rating.
Which is important if your summer camping includes chilly nights, like those in desert regions.
For those that may not know, the EN rating, or European Norm, is one of the most reliable in the industry.
It ensures that you know exactly what temperatures your bag can sustain before heading out into the wilderness, and provides a reliable measurement to compare each sleeping bag against.
Down Defender Treatment
What’s more, the Marmot Micron 40 is treated with Down Defender, a hydrophobic coating applied that makes down resist moisture.
Subsequently, it makes the down function more like a synthetic material in damp conditions keeping you warm and dry.
We found that this also helps keep humidity out while remaining breathable.
Moreover, the “Always Summer” bag sports sewn-through baffles to keep the down in place eliminating any dead spots.
Warm When Needed, Great Ventilation When you Don't
Finally, we like that the Micron 40 has an insulated draft tube behind the zipper to maximize warmth.
Plus, it features a cinchable hood and collar to seal your body heat in, providing full temperature control.
However, it also features a full-length wrap-around zipper on one side and a short zipper on the other.
These dual zippers allow you to vent both the footbox and chest area for optimal temperature control on hot nights.
Pros and Cons of the Marmot Micron 40
Marmot Micron 40 PROS
- Compact
- Lightweight at 1 lb 9.6 oz
- Dual zipper ventilation
- Internal stash pocket
- Resists moisture
- 40°F temperature rating
Marmot Micron 40 CONS
- Pricey compared to some
- Zippers can stick
Who Would This Unit be Perfect For?
Hikers looking for an all-purpose summer bag will appreciate the Micron 40 “Always Summer” sleeping bag. For those that don’t mind packing a little more weight, this bag is decent for the trails and gives you a little more room to spread out. Without a doubt, the Marmot Micron 40 is a well-rounded bag to meet all your summer needs.
6. Big Agnes Anvil Horn
Last but not least, the Big Agnes Anvil Horn features 69″ of shoulder room and 49″ in a vaulted footbox.
In addition, the Anvil Horn features 650-fill DownTek and Bluesign-approved chemistry.
Campers love the Anil Horn’s free-range hood and footbox, internal pillow barn, and hood drawcord for maximum comfort.
Integrated Flex Pad Sleeve
First, the Anvil Horn utilizes a unique integrated FlexPad sleeve.
To illustrate, it’s like having a fitted sheet affixed to the bottom of your sleeping bag.
For instance, the FlexPad sleeve attaches directly to your sleeping pad preventing you from sliding off in the middle of the night.
As a matter of fact, it works with both 20″ and 25″ pads creating the ideal sleep system.
Two-way, Full-length, Anti-snag, Locking Zippers
Additionally, the zippers are completely adjustable.
In fact, the Anvil Horn’s zips can be fully open, fully closed, or anywhere in between.
This provides easy access both in and out of the bag, as well as fully adjustable ventilation.
So, you won’t have to worry about fighting with zippers in the middle of the night, and can maintain complete comfort.
Jacket Style Hood And Pillow Barn
Lastly, The Anvil Horn can take you through additional seasons, or offer great flexibility in the shoulder seasons.
For instance, the Anvil Horn features a jacket-style hood with an internal cinch mechanism.
Similarly, there’s a ‘no draft’ collar and wedge that allows you to block out unwanted cold air. Simply cinch the cords and tighten the hood and collar to your desired comfort level.
Finally, the Anvil Horn features a useful little ‘pillow barn’ sewn into the hood.
Here, it holds your pillow in place preventing it from sliding around during the night.
Pros and Cons of the Big Agnes Anvil Horn
Big Agnes Anvil Horn PROS
- Rectangular-shaped bag
- 650 fill DownTek
- Dual zipper ventilation
- FlexPad sleeve keeps you on your pad
- ‘Pillow barn’
- Eco-friendly
Big Agnes Anvil Horn CONS
- Quite heavy at 2 lbs 15 oz
- Only offers 0-30°F temperature rating
- Pricey
Who Would This Bag be Perfect For?
The Big Agnes Anvil Horn is a great option for those hikers wanting to incorporate a universal sleeping system. The FlexPad sleeve and pillow barn feature creates a unique sleep system that prevents slipping and sliding during the night. Additionally, the dual zipper control, jacket-style hood, and ‘no draft’ collar give you full temperature control.
Other Great Bags that Almost Made or Top 6:
What Makes a Great Sleeping Bag for Hot Weather?
When dealing with hot summers, the best bags are those that keep you comfortable without overheating. For instance, we use the following criteria to judge bags and root out the best sleeping bag for hot weather:
- Temperature Rating: Normally, campers are searching for a warm sleeping bag, as it becomes a necessity when camping in fall and winter. So, you’ll see almost all bags boasting that they keep you comfortable below 20 °F. That being said, a lot of product reviews will share their disappointment in a bag’s performance in cold temps. We like to use bags rated for 40 °F or higher. And, when fall rolls around, they can be put inside a lower temp bag for added insulation.
- Interior Space: Additionally, a great hot weather sleeping bag will have ample interior space for you to stretch out or sleep on your side. Extra room also helps keep you cool.
- Lightweight: Not only will a lighter weight be easier to travel with, but it also means less insulation. Lightweight sleeping bags will be better for hot temperatures.
- Mummy vs Quilt Style: Mummy style bags are those that have a hood, which cradles your head for added insulation. Whereas quilt styles have an open top, which helps let out heat. We find quilt styles to be better for hot weather. But, if you’re ok with folding the mummy-style hood down as a pillow, they work just fine for summer camping.
- Full Zip: Opt for a full zippered bag, so you have the option to unzip to let some heat out.
Regardless of the sleeping bag you choose, be sure to wear sport performance clothing for even more moisture wicking and a cooler sleep. We like poly-blends and never go to bed in dirty clothes which promotes heat retention.
Sleep Better in Your Winter Camp
Camping in the heat of summer doesn’t have to be a miserable experience.
With the right sleeping bag, you get solid temperature control that keeps you cool when it’s hot. More importantly, though, it can still keep you warm when the nighttime temperatures drop unexpectedly.
We all love comfort, and camping in hot weather is no exception. In fact, most people still enjoy sleeping under covers, even in the summer, especially when the bugs are out.
Don’t let the summer heat ruin your chance to enjoy some great outdoor adventuring!
About the Author
Sarah Sampsell
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