Summer and fall in Colorado’s high country are prime seasons for sleeping outside, and while we love synthetic options for quick-dry and affordability benefits, there’s nothing quite like slipping into a down mummy bag to rest and recover in the backcountry.
All three of these down picks are lightweight and versatile, easy to pack tightly and carry with you, but also awesome to throw in the car for an impromptu overnight. They also all offer a range of temperature ratings, so you can prepare for everything from a balmier desert evening to a frigid morning frost.
Outdoor Vitals Summit Sleeping Bag
With its ultralight and compressible design, this Outdoor Vitals sleeping bag is made for backpacking and camping trips. I recently tested the bag on an overnight on the West Rim in Zion National Park, and the warm-to-weight ratio is truly impressive. Insulation options range from -15 degrees to 30 degrees Fahrenheit — even at the highest end (most warmth), the cost-to-benefit value of this sleeping bag is the best on this list. $245-$355
Patagonia Fitz Roy Sleeping Bag
Enjoy all kinds go camping with this 800-fill power down sleeping bag from Patagonia. It’s lightweight and sewn Fair Trade, so you can truly feel good about bringing it into the backcountry for your next overnight. I’ve loved it on hut trips and van camping, and it’s my go-to because the cozy comfort it offers is memorable. An internal chest pocket keeps essentials warm and easily accessible, and the sculpted footbox prevents down from shifting and creating cold spots. $399-$559
Therm-a-Rest Parsec Sleeping Bag
This signature sleeping bag from Therm-a-Rest is filled with a highly compressive 800-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, so it absorbs 90% less water and dries three times faster than untreated down. The bag syncs with your sleeping pad as it has connectors that wrap around it. For those who get cold feet, the extra down in bag base really helps to bring the heat. The pack sack offers compression straps which is ideal to prepare for packability. $389.95-$619.95