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A durable, warm two-person sleeping bag designed with backpackers and bike packers in mind.
A durable, warm two-person sleeping bag designed with backpackers and bike packers in mind.
Survival rated to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (meaning it’s comfortable at 20 degrees and above), with synthetic insulation to ensure warmth in wet conditions. Packs easily into a stuff sack. And it holds up to rough multiday trips with little to no damage.
Still heavy at 8.2 pounds, though it’s lighter than other double bags at its insulation rating.
Tall campers, rejoice: Here’s a double bag designed for your long legs, at a very comfortable price.
Tall campers, rejoice: Here’s a double bag designed for your long legs, at a very comfortable price.
We liked that this bag easily unzipped into 2 separate bags when needed. An optional liner attaches quickly to 2 snaps. Insulation is just right for peak summer nights.
The detachable liner is too loose and can twist around restless sleepers.
This feature-rich, flexible summertime sleep system is a must-have for campers looking for cozy comfort.
This feature-rich, flexible summertime sleep system is a must-have for campers looking for cozy comfort.
Perfectly insulated for summer camping above 45 degrees, this bag is easy to pack, unpack and clean. We were impressed by the removable, washable inner liner and its massive California king width. Dual pockets keep pillows in place, and an optional hood cinches down to preserve warmth on chilly nights.
Zipper tends to catch easily on the protective draft tubes.
While a high-quality sleeping bag, you may wish to consider another option if you're planning on camping frequently in the cold.
While a high-quality sleeping bag, you may wish to consider another option if you're planning on camping frequently in the cold.
Lightweight and comfortable, with a silky inner lining. Comes with two pillows. High-quality and durable. Very water-resistant. Can be separated into two separate bags.
Hard to get the sleeping bag back into its storage bag. Material seems very thin, with little insulation.
An exceedingly popular queen-sized sleeping bag meant to handle below-freezing temps.
An exceedingly popular queen-sized sleeping bag meant to handle below-freezing temps.
Option to purchase bag with a 0°F rating or 20°F rating. Comfortably holds 2 average-sized adults. Includes stuffing sack for no-roll storage.
Customers were still cold at around 20°F. Weighs more than other bags.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Sometimes, together is better, which is when a two-person sleeping bag comes in handy. Double-sized sleeping bags are perfect for camping couples and some models can work as impromptu beds when guests stop by.
Like any outdoor gear, selecting the right two-person sleeping bag can be tricky, particularly if a long hiking trip is involved. Some two-person sleeping bags are down-filled and ideal for cold-weather camping, while others are lightweight and cool-sleeping, meant for summer nights under the stars. Each person’s preferences play a part, as does the camping location — whether that’s atop a mountain, in a heavily wooded forest, or out in the open desert.
Think about the camping situations in which your two-person sleeping bag will most often be used. Are you and your partner hiking on remote trails? Driving straight to the campsite and sleeping next to the car? Do you plan to camp all year round, regardless of the weather? You’ll need a two-person sleeping bag that is appropriate for the season and won’t weigh down your pack if you’re hiking.
A two-person sleeping bag is built much like a single-person bag, though it uses more material. The shell, or outer part of the sleeping bag, should be made of polyester or nylon that is durable enough to resist damage from gravel, twigs, leaves, and other debris. The shell should be treated with a water repellent.
The insulating layer of a two-person sleeping bag plays the most important role in keeping a couple warm. The fill material may be synthetic down or natural down from ducks or geese. A down/synthetic blend is a fill option that has a layer of synthetic insulation at the bottom of the shell and down insulation at the top of the shell. Synthetic fill doesn’t compress as much under pressure as down fill, so this combination can keep couples warm all over.
In some two-person sleeping bags, the inner lining is similar to the water-resistant shell. In casual camping bags, the inner lining may be a softer material for greater comfort.
Not much thought is given to a sleeping bag’s zipper – until it doesn’t work properly. Look for a good-quality zipper that opens and closes smoothly, especially when you’re inside the sleeping bag. A zipper guard will prevent the zipper from catching on the sleeping bag’s shell, while dual zipper pulls allow users to ventilate the bag at either end for more versatility.
The shape of a sleeping bag also plays a role in warmth and comfort. Rectangular two-person sleeping bags are best for couples who want to stretch out with plenty of room for their feet. They are ideal for summertime car camping.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags taper slightly from the head of the bag to the foot but not as dramatically as mummy-shaped sleeping bags.
Mummy-style two-person sleeping bag are rare because mummy bags conform tightly to the body, providing maximum warmth but less comfort and room.
A stash pocket is a small pocket, usually found on the interior of the sleeping bag, where couples can put a small flashlight, phones, earbuds, and other items that they may want to access quickly during the night.
The inner lining of a two-person sleeping bag may be made of cotton flannel or fleece for extra comfort. These materials add weight and don’t dry as quickly, but they provide cozy warmth.
A two-person sleeping bag may have two hoods built into the top of the bag. In cold weather, the hoods can be placed over the top of each person’s head and closed with a drawstring to conserve body warmth. In warm weather, they provide a little extra padding for the head.
While a rectangular two-person sleeping bag can usually be unzipped fully to fold out into a king-size comforter, some models unzip into two separate comforters – or even two separate sleeping bags.
Most two-person sleeping bags have straps that can be wrapped around the bag after it’s tightly rolled to hold it in place. The sleeping bag can then be placed in a drawstring storage bag. Also look for a small loop or strap near the foot of the sleeping bag that can be used to hang the bag on a hook, clothesline, or tree branch to air-dry.
The most affordable two-person sleeping bags are those rated for overnight temperatures of 35°F to 50°F. They use less fill of lower quality like cotton/synthetic blends, and they have comfort liners made of cotton flannel – all of which is fine for casual car camping. Prices range between $29 and $45.
Hikers and campers who need reliable warmth and comfort will find two-person sleeping bags rated for lower temperatures and containing higher-quality synthetic fill for between $50 and $120.
Surprisingly, the highest-priced two-person sleeping bags are not always rated for the lowest temperatures. The shell material, fill material, and the bag’s special features determine the price, which at the high end ranges from $130 to $340.
The ALPS Mountaineering Twin Peak +20 Double Sleeping Bag was a close contender for our top five thanks to its durable outer shell and rating of 20°F, perfect for shoulder season (early spring and late fall). The Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed Duo 35 Sleeping Bag caught our eye because of its unique zipper closure and its large side-by-side inserts on the bottom for sliding in sleeping pads. And the Chillbo Double Sleeping Bag has a fun and funky rainbow shell that’s almost as worth celebrating as its low price.
Q. Is it better to hang up a two-person sleeping bag for storage or keep it in a storage bag?
A. Both methods are good ways to store a two-person sleeping bag between camping trips. The important thing is to keep the bag open or loosely packed so that the inner insulation can recover and maintain its loft. That loft is what keeps you comfortable and warm, but only if it’s dry and air is able to get between the insulating fibers. Make sure the sleeping bag is clean and completely dry before storing it. If you aren’t able to hang it up to dry, stretch it out in an unobtrusive place for a couple of days before rolling it loosely into a breathable storage sack.
Q. Should I choose a four-season sleeping bag over a three-season bag?A. A four-season sleeping bag is designed to be much warmer and is rated for 0°F or lower. That’s an important advantage for winter campers, but summer campers will be extremely uncomfortable. A four-season bag is also heavier than a three-season bag. Unless you camp through the winter or during shoulder season, a four-season sleeping bag probably isn’t the best choice.
Q. Can I put a down sleeping bag in the washing machine?
A. As long as the manufacturer doesn’t explicitly advise against it, yes. For a two-person sleeping bag, you should opt for an extra-large washer or the commercial washing machines found at laundromats. Use a cleaning product specifically for down-filled gear, and wash on a gentle cycle with a low spin. When finished, squeeze out excess water. Add a couple of clean tennis balls to the dryer, which will break up clumps of wet down so the bag dries thoroughly. Dry on low, repeating cycles until the bag is dry.
Q. My two-person sleeping bag is about two years old, and water tends to soak through in spots. Should I replace it?
A. Try recoating the sleeping bag shell with water repellent before giving up entirely on the bag. First, wash and dry the sleeping bag completely. Then apply a spray-on water repellent made for outdoor gear. Another method is to use a “wash-in” water repellent – simply add the product to the wash cycle (make sure only the sleeping bag is in the washing machine), then wash and dry the bag per the manufacturer’s instructions. That may be all it takes to restore the sleeping bag’s water resistance.
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