Don’t be fooled by Kilimanjaro’s location on the equator. It can become very, very cold at night. It is important to have a warm sleeping bag – rated to zero degrees or warmer. Which sleeping bag is the best?
While there are many great sleeping bags on the market, most are also pretty expensive. For our featured best sleeping bags, we chose those that were warm enough for the job, but did not cost a fortune. Because your sleeping bag is carried by porters on Kilimanjaro, we were not as concerned about the weight as we would be for self-supported trips. Therefore we have selected the cheaper, but heavier synthetic bags over the lighter, more pricey down bags.
Our best advice would be to rent a bag from your outfitter if you do not anticipate using it again. Our second best advice would be that if you do decide to purchase, buy the warmest bag possible. It is far better to have a bag that is too warm than too cold.
Note that sleeping bag models do change constantly. However, the fundamental construction and quality of sleeping bags stay fairly consistent. Therefore, comparable bags within each brand and price point will exist every year.
Our warmest synthetic water-repellent bag, with unique Lamina construction -30 F/-34 C. A warm synthetic bag with Thermal.Q insulation is both compressible and durable. Welded Lamina construction enhances loft and eliminates cold spots. Soft polyester lining wicks away moisture and lightweight nylon shell repels water. Full-length durable #8 zipper has double sliders for ventilation.
Retail cost: $320
Weight: 5 lbs. 6 oz.
A warm, affordable, and water-repellent synthetic bag, with unique Lamina construction for ultimate warmth -15 F/-26 C. A warm synthetic bag with Thermal.Q insulation is both compressible and durable. Welded Lamina construction enhances loft and eliminates cold spots. Soft polyester lining wicks away moisture and lightweight nylon shell repels water. Full-length durable #8 zipper has double sliders for ventilation.
Retail cost: $280
Weight: 4 lbs. 9 oz.
Our premium synthetic bag, ultra lightweight for gram counting backpackers 0 F/-18 C. Engineered to be the lightest and warmest synthetic bag available. Water-repellent Thermal.Q insulation and welded Lamina construction enhances loft and eliminates cold spots. Ultra-lightweight wind resistant shell makes for a great wet weather option. Single ¾ length #3 zipper and performance mummy cut maximizes thermal efficiency and minimize weight.
Retail cost: $220
Weight: 3 lbs. 14 oz.
The Trestles 0 is a reliable all-purpose bag for everything from weekend camping to days on the trail. SpiraFil high loft insulation, wave construction, insulated collar, second side zip, hang loops and 3D hood. It will keep you warm and comfortable, while a long list of features gives you everything you’d expect from 40 years of crafting sleeping bags.
Retail cost: $149
Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz
5. Built to perform on cold nights without breaking the bank, the Cosmic 0⁰ mummy bag provides a high degree of warmth, comfort, and durability. Equally at home in the frontcountry as it is in the backcountry, this versatile bag provides a great night’s sleep in almost any situation.
Retail cost: $115
Weight: 5 lbs. 1 oz.