Heated sleeping bags are something of a middle ground between camping styles. Some consider camping a mettle-proving experience. A chance to show toughness, and oneness with the elements. These people will bring a sleeping bag, usually stuffed into a bag the size of a fist, and lay it on the cold ground of the tent with grim satisfaction. Others enjoy camping, but don’t consider actual physical discomfort a crucial part of the experience. These people might bring an air mattress.
A heated sleeping bag may finally bridge that gap. It’s not half as bulky or heavy as an air mattress, but gives you more of a cushion against the elements with a comfort as familiar as electricity. It’s the kind of idea you wish you’d had first, so simple yet so luxurious.
Get a feel for your favorite kind of heated sleeping bag here. Many are simple, using the renowned “mummy” shape that effectively retains heat while adding to it a small battery and charging system reminiscent of an electric blanket. Others bring specialized fabrics and run a higher price tag.
Below are eight of the top heated sleeping bags.
1) Antarctica Gear Heated Sleeping Bag: $89.99
Five heating areas are distributed across the shoulder, back, hip, and feet for optimal coverage. At seven and a half by three feet, this heated sleeping bag is plenty of room for a single person, with a rectangular design that makes it easier to move around in than with a mummy. Made of polyester, it comes in black and has three heating settings: low, medium, and high. On a cold night, we’d take this one out of the tent for some added comfort by the fire.
2) Mantuole Heated Sleeping Bag: $69.99
The Mantuole heated sleeping bag has five heating areas distributed from the top to the bottom of the bag for even warmth throughout. The charging system is compatible with any 5V/2A USB power supply, so you should be able to charge with even a cellphone charger, power bank, car phone charger, or whatever’s convenient around camp.
The waterproof polyester provides solid peace of mind, while the temperature rating of down to 30 degrees means this bag’s appropriate likely for every season but winter. Mummy-shape with plenty of room within.
3) Kings Trek Heated Sleeping Bag: $59.99
The Kings Trek heated sleeping bag charges fast — within four to six hours, and lasts up to 14.5 hours, depending on the setting you’re running it at. The battery also turns off automatically at 131 degrees Fahrenheit, the better for safety and to keep you from overheating. We particularly like the fleece lining of this heated sleeping bag, which makes it especially cozy on a cold winter night. Rated for all seasons.
4) OneSource Heated Sleeping Bag: $103.70
Made with a synthetic insulation that promises to retain warmth even when wet, the OneSource Heated Sleeping bag has four heat settings for optimal comfort. Utilizing a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it’s a one size fits all sleeping bag with an adjustable hood, complete with pocket for an extra-snug pillow. We love the quilt-like construction and reinforced shell that prevents any incidental ripping.
5) Heated Sleeping Bag Liner: $55.99
Here’s a slightly different product — it’s not a heated sleeping bag, it’s a heated sleeping bag liner, made of cotton flannel, that can supplement your existing sleeping bag. Made to fit most sleeping bags, it’s 74 by 23 inches, and the perfect addition if you find yourself a bit chilly on most trips but otherwise love the feel and function of your existing sleeping bag. It works too as a sleeping pad or seat cushion, either while camping or wherever else you might need a slightly warmer caboose.
6) AGEMORE Heated Sleeping Bag: $79.99
The AGEMORE heated sleeping bag is a mummy style sleeping bag, complete with the drawstrings to tighten the fabric around your head on a cold night. Add to that the five piece heating elements, which you can set at three levels, and you’re looking at a very cozy night’s sleep.
Rated for all seasons, you charge this one with a USB (5V/2A), which includes most regular cell phone chargers or power banks. And it may sound trivial, but it comes with the rare interior pocket to hold on to your phone or headlamp while you sleep — a thoughtful touch that keeps us feeling taken care of even in our slumbers.
7) Axcuds Lightweight Heated Sleeping Bag
The Axcuds lightweight heated sleeping bag puts it all in the name: this baby is lightweight and heated, excellent for all kinds of cold weather hiking and backpacking situations. The heating function contains five pieces throughout the bag, and that’s in addition to the “double-filled technology” of the bag in and of itself. Rated for all seasons, it’s out of stock at the moment — but you’ll want to keep an eye out for when it comes back. We love that it’s machine washable.
8.) Mummy Sleeping Bag: $59.99
The Mummy Sleeping Bag fully embraces the mummy form—this is a bonafide sarcophagus, with four heating units that go straight down the bag from back to foot. According to the manufacturer, three temperature settings hold up against a temperature as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes with a money-back guarantee, but we think you’re going to like this one. With everything it’s got going for it, it’s also among the most affordable on the market.