Our top sleeping bag for couples picks
| Sleeping Bag Model | Rating | Fill Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klymit KSB | 30ºF | Down 650 | 5.0lbs / 2.3kg |
| Big Agnes Sentinel 30 | 30ºF | Down 650 | 3.5lbs / 1.6kg |
| The North Face Eco Trail Double 20 | 20ºF | Polyester | 7.5lbs / 3.4kg |
| Exped MegaSleep Duo 25 | 25ºF | Polyester | 4.4lbs / 1.9kg |
| NEMO Tango Duo | 30ºF | Down 650 | 2.7lbs / 1.2kg |
| Big Agnes Dream Island 15 | 15ºF | Polyester | 7.5lbs / 3.4kg |
| Therm-a-Rest Vela Double 20 | 20ºF | Down 650 | 2.9lbs / 1.3kg |
Klymit KSB
- Temperature Rating : 30ºF / -1ºC
- Fill Material : Down 650
- Weight : 5.0lbs / 2.3kg
For summertime camping trips where comfort is key, the Klymit KSB Double Sleeping Bag is a top choice.
This sleeping bag is packed full of 650 fill down for an ideal warmth-to-weight ratio. It also boasts synthetic fill toward the bottom of the bag to help add a bit of water-resistant warmth for your feet, just in case water happens to make its way into your tent.
For added protection from those chilly summer nights, this sleeping bag has baffling throughout to prevent the down from clumping up in one spot. It even features a large hood that can be separated to create two hoods – one for each camper.
Finally, the top of the Klymit KSB Double Sleeping Bag can also be completely removed to convert the bag into a full-sized down comforter on warm nights.
What we like
- Large hood can be separated into 2 individual hoods.
- Convertible. Can be converted into a down comforter.
- Hybrid fill. Small amounts of synthetic insulation for water-resistance.
What we don't like
- Heavy for a down summer sleeping bag.
Big Agnes Sentinel 30
- Temperature Rating : 30ºF / -1ºC
- Fill Material : Down 650
- Weight : 3.5lbs / 1.6kg
With the Big Agnes Sentinel 30, you get fine-tuned performance and exceptional comfort inside a spacious backcountry sleep system.
Featuring 650 fill DownTek insulation, which is water-repellent for use in wet environments, this sleeping bag offers an exceptional warmth to weight ratio. In fact, it’s among the lightest and most packable summer-weight double sleeping bags on the market at just 3.5lbs (1.6kg).
Inside the sleeping bag’s hood, there’s a PillowBarn system that helps to keep your pillow in one place throughout the night. It also has a Flex Pad Sleeve that can securely attach the sleeping bag to a sleeping pad of nearly any width so you don’t have to worry about falling off your pad at night.
For added comfort, the Big Agnes Sentinel 30 also has a Free Range Footbox to create ample wiggle room for your feet.
What we like
- Water-resistant down. Perfect for use in wet environments.
- Packable. One of the lightest and most compact options.
- Sleeping pad integration provides extra comfort at night.
What we don't like
- Pricey for a summer sleeping bag.
The North Face Eco Trail Double 20
- Temperature Rating : 20ºF / -7ºC
- Fill Material : Polyester
- Weight : 7.5lbs / 3.4kg
Bringing the comfort of home into camp with you, The North Face Eco Trail Bed Double 20 is a spacious sleeping bag for shoulder-season adventures.
Boasting an eco-friendly construction with nearly all recycled materials, this sleeping bag is an affordable choice for environmentally-conscious campers. It features polyester fill that’s rated to 20ºF (-7ºC) for use during chilly nights throughout the spring and fall.
It has a large, rectangular shape, which provides plenty of interior wiggle room at night. The sleeping bag’s two large zippers also provide easy entry and exit.
Inside, The North Face Eco Trail Bed Double 20 also has a set of internal pockets. That way, you can keep your phone, headlamp, and other important gear close by at all times.
What we like
- Environmentally friendly. Made with recycled materials.
- Spacious. Rectangular shape for added wiggle room.
- Internal pockets provide gear storage.
What we don't like
- Bulky. Heavy weight and large packed size.
Exped MegaSleep Duo 25
- Temperature Rating : 25ºF / -4ºC
- Fill Material : Polyester
- Weight : 4.4lbs / 1.9kg
Versatile to the core, the Exped MegaSleep Duo 25 is a solid option for campers that enjoy outdoor adventures, regardless of the weather conditions.
Exped designed this sleeping bag to accommodate campers in temperatures as cold as 25ºF (-4ºC). However, it can be quickly converted into a 40ºF (4ºC) sleeping bag just by flipping it over.
Additionally, while this bag is designed for 2 people, it can be separated into 2 individual bags for maximum versatility while camping. When used as one sleeping bag, this model also has draft tubes along each zipper to prevent cold air from getting inside.
Rounding off the Exped MegaSleep Duo 25’s list of great features is its Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified fabrics. These fabrics are sustainably produced, provide next-to-skin comfort, and are free from chemicals or allergens.
What we like
- Convertible design creates a 25ºF-40ºF minimum temperature range.
- 2-in-1 construction can be separated into 2 sleeping bags.
- Sustainable construction. Certified to Oeko-Tex 100 standards.
What we don't like
- No hood. Hoods are ideal for colder temperatures.
NEMO Tango Duo
- Temperature Rating : 30ºF / -1ºC
- Fill Material : Down 650
- Weight : 2.7lbs / 1.2kg
Designed specifically with weight-conscious backpacking couples in mind, the NEMO Tango Duo Sleeping Bag is an ultralight double camping solution for remote adventures.
Crafted with a 20D ripstop nylon shell for weight savings and an interior 30D nylon taffeta lining for next-to-skin comfort, this bag offers an excellent mix of portability and coziness at night.
This sleeping bag also has a 650 down fill that’s Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified to ensure that all materials used to create it are humanely sourced throughout the supply chain.
When it comes to comfort while sleeping, the NEMO Tango Duo Sleeping Bag has a backless design, which eliminates insulation on the underside for weight savings that don’t compromise on warmth. As a result, it also packs down into a tiny 14”x10” (36x25cm) stuff sack for easier transport to and from camp.
What we like
- Eco-friendly. Made with responsibly sourced down.
- Highly portable Ultralight and compact for transport.
- Durable. Rugged ripstop nylon shell for frequent use.
What we don't like
- Expensive for a summer sleeping bag.
Big Agnes Dream Island 15
- Temperature Rating : 15ºF / -9ºC
- Fill Material : Polyester
- Weight : 7.5lbs / 3.4kg
The Big Agnes Dream Island 15 is a reasonably-priced solution for two campers that are looking to enjoy the great outdoors during the winter months.
This sleeping bag is packed with Big Agnes’ proprietary FireLine Max synthetic fill, which is 50% recycled insulation that’s great for environmentally-conscious campers. Moreover, FireLine Max fill is a mix of hollow and solid polyester fibers that provide a great blend of loft, warmth, and comfort while you sleep.
Thanks to its integrated pad coupler system, this bag can securely attach to either 1 double-wide or 2 single-wide sleeping pads for maximum versatility. That way, you don’t have to worry about sliding off your sleeping pad in the middle of the night.
To ensure that everyone gets the warmth they need, the Big Agnes Dream Island 15 has a large hood system for added comfort at night.
What we like
- Recycled insulation offers a mix of warmth and comfort.
- Large hood for added warmth on cold nights.
What we don't like
- Bulky when packed.
Therm-a-Rest Vela Double 20
- Temperature Rating : 20ºF / -6ºC
- Fill Material : Down 650
- Weight : 2.9lbs / 1.3kg
Crafted for those cold, wet nights, the Term-a-Rest Double 20 is an ultralight 4 season quilt-style sleeping bag for adventurous couples.
It features top-of-the-line 650 fill-down insulation that’s treated with Nikwax for use in wet environments. Thanks to this treatment, this sleeping quilt absorbs up to 90% less water and can dry out up to 3 times faster than other hydrophobic down fills, all without the use of chemicals, like PFCs.
This quilt is made with warmth in mind, with a baffled construction that works to minimize cold spots. It also has full-perimeter side baffles that stop cold air from entering the bag at night.
The Therm-a-Rest Vela Double 20 packs down to a minuscule 9” x 16” (23 x 41cm), which is among the smallest pack sizes you’ll find for a winter-weight double sleep system.
What we like
- Ultralight. One of the lightest and most packable options.
- Water-resistant down. Perfect for use during the shoulder season.
What we don't like
- Quilt-style design can be difficult to get used to.
Double Sleeping Bags Buying Guide
There are plenty of great double sleeping bags out there, so it’s critical that you know what to look for before you buy.
Here are 6 key features of double sleeping bags to consider as you shop.
Temperature rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag denotes the lowest temperature that a specific model can be used at. This gives you an idea of which season is most appropriate for camping with a given sleeping bag.
Here are some general temperature rating ranges to know:
- +15ºF or Lower. Models rated to under 15ºF (-9ºC), like the Big Agnes Dream Island 15, are best for wintertime use.
- +15ºF to + 30ºF. Sleeping bags designed for 15º to 30ºF (-9º to -1ºC), such as the Exped MegaSleep Duo 25, can work well for summer, spring, or fall use in chilly areas, but are generally too warm for mid-summer.
- +30ºF and Higher. Any sleeping bag rated above 30ºF, including the Klymit KSB Double Sleeping Bag, is crafted for summertime use in warm environments.
However, keep in mind that a sleeping bag temperature of, for example, 20ºF rating doesn’t mean you’ll be very comfortable in that bag at 20ºF. Instead, you’ll be just barely warm enough to get through the night.
So, it’s best to get a model that’s rated to 10º to 15ºF (5º to 8ºC) warmer than the lowest temperature you expect on your trip.
Type of insulation
Sleeping bag insulation has a direct impact on the performance of your sleep system in the real world. There are two types of insulation; down and synthetic.
Down insulation
Down insulation, such as what’s found in the Big Agnes Sentinel 30, is often considered the gold standard in outdoor gears because it offers excellent warmth to weight ratio. That means a down sleeping bag can offer much more insulation than a synthetic model of the same weight.
When it comes to down insulation, quality is measured in terms of fill power. Fill power simply is a measure of how much loft down has, with a higher fill (e.g. 900) providing more warmth per gram than a lower fill (e.g. 650).
Down with a higher fill is warmer per gram, so manufacturers can create a lighter sleeping bag that’s very warm when using a high fill down.
Of course, this comes with a higher price tag but is worth it if weight savings are your top priority.
The downside to down insulation is that it is not effective at keeping you warm when wet. While some models, like the Therm-a-Rest Vela Double 20, have down that’s treated to be water-resistant, if the bag gets completely soaked, it won’t keep you warm.
Read More : Guide to Down Fill – How Much You Really Need?
Synthetic insulation
Synthetic insulation, such as what’s found in The North Face Eco Trail Bed Double 20, is a budget-friendly alternative to down. Although synthetic is bulkier and heavier than down of the same volume, it is more effective at keeping you warm when wet.
Most synthetic insulation is made from polyester fibers.
Some synthetic technologies, like the FireLine Max synthetic insulation found in the Big Agnes Dream Island 15, combine different types of fibers to create a better warmth-to-weight ratio without a drastic increase in price.
Size and dimension
Interestingly, double sleeping bags are often larger than two single sleeping bags put together. This is because they offer a bit more wiggle room for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling claustrophobic
Most double sleeping bags are at least 70” wide and 70” long, which is enough space to fit two people that are under 5’8” tall.
However, some models, like the Therm-a-Rest Vela Double 20 are 80” long, which is perfect for campers that are up to 6’ 6”.
Additionally, some bags, like the NEMO Tango Duo Sleeping Bag, are 80” wide for extra wiggle room and personal space as you sleep.
While having a larger sleeping bag might seem ideal from a personal space standpoint, keep in mind that larger bags often weigh more. You’ll also want to compare the size of your double sleeping bag with the interior size of your tent, as you may need a 3 person tent to accommodate a sleep system of this size.
Outer shell materials
Sleeping bags are designed with two standard types of outer shell materials, namely nylon, and polyester.
This is how they perform on a camping trip.
- Ripstop nylon. Ripstop nylon shell fabrics, such as those found on the NEMO Tango Duo Sleeping Bag, are strong, durable, lightweight, and highly packable. As you can imagine, such a great combination of features often comes at a high price.
- Ripstop polyester. Polyester is a commonly used shell fabric on budget-friendly double sleeping bags where cost is the main priority. As a fabric, ripstop polyester is durable, but it is bulky and heavy when compared to nylon.
In addition to these shell fabrics, many companies apply a DWR coating to the outside of their sleeping bags. DWR, or durable water repellent, helps to prevent water from seeping through the fabric so it won’t affect the warmth of your sleeping bag.
However, with the exception of some sleeping bags designed for extreme winter conditions (e.g., -20ºF/-28ºC or under), you generally won’t find sleeping bags that have fully waterproof shells. This type of shell is great if you’re going to sleep directly on the snow, but it’s too bulky, heavy, and expensive for most camping trips.
Packed size and weight
The vast majority of double sleeping bags will weigh more than a single sleeping bag made from the same materials and rated to the same temperature because double sleeping bags are inherently larger.
For the most part, double sleeping bags are between 4 to 8lbs (1.8 to 3.6kg) in weight, with winter bags almost always being heavier than those designed for summer use.
Additionally, down double sleeping bags, like the NEMO Tango Duo Sleeping Bag, are almost always going to be lighter than synthetic alternatives with the same temperature rating.
This is because down has a better warmth-to-weight ratio, so less down can be used to achieve the same amount of warmth as synthetic fill.
Read More :
Extra features
For added functionality, many sleeping bags come with extra features that provide warmth and comfort while outside.
These are some of the most common options you can look out for :
- Hoods. While hoods are very common on single sleeping bags, they’re less common on double bags. That being said, hoods, such as those found on the Klymit KSB Double Sleeping Bag, are ideal if you’re camping in cold conditions as our heads can get very chilly in the night.
- Stash pockets. Stash pockets, such as those in The North Face Eco Trail Bed Double 20, are small gear storage areas inside a sleeping bag where you can place a phone, headlamp, or earplugs for easy access throughout the night.
- Draft tubes. Draft tubes are found on some sleeping bags like the Exped MegaSleep Duo 2. They are basically long tubes of insulation that are placed around a bag’s zipper. These add a slight amount of weight to your pack but are great at blocking out cold air that often sneaks through your zipper at night.
FAQ
Should I get a single or double sleeping bag?
If you want to cut down on weight and cost, but don’t mind cuddling with your tent mate, then a double sleeping bag is a sure bet. Otherwise, single sleeping bags provide more personal space while camping.
Is a 3-season sleeping bag warm enough in the winter?
3-season sleeping bags are not warm enough for winter use in cold places like Denali National Park or Rocky Mountain National Park. However, in places with warm winters, like Everglades National Park, 3-season bags are sufficient.
Can you zip two sleeping bags together?
So long as two sleeping bags have zippers of the same size, you can often zip them together. Some models are actually built to be zipped together, however, this is often the heavier option when compared to a double sleeping bag.
Gaby Pilson
Gaby is a professional mountain guide with a master’s degree in outdoor education. She works primarily in the polar regions as an expedition guide, though she can be found hiking, climbing, skiing, sailing, or paddling in some of the world’s most amazing places when not at work.
