Best Sleeping Bags For Side Sleepers

From a value standpoint the Sierra Designs Cloud 20 is the number one value pick for men in 2024. This is due to the cost/performance ratio being the most balanced of all the sleeping bags reviewed. Filled with 419g of 800-loft DriDown carrying the Responsible Down Standard certification. It’s amazing that you get this level of fill for over a $100 less than the competitors. Plus it only weighs 1-pound 15-ounces!

Features & Design

The first feature you will notice about the Cloud 20 is Sierra Designs ditches the zipper. Instead, the “zipperless” design has a diagonal integrated comforter. Either tuck it in around your torso or throw it aside. Employing a comforter delivers unrestricted comfort for torsos of all sizes and shapes.

Trying to sleep in a claustrophobic tight mummy-style bag is terrible for side-sleepers. The reason for this is they use a fixed shoulder box shape. With the Cloud 20 the shoulder area can conform to the way you sleep. Since the design, is a modified mummy-style with an integrated quilt.

Shape wise, it tapers down below the hips. What’s different is at the mid-calf region, is a self-sealing slit or escape hatch for your feet. Allowing you complete freedom to cool down or toss and turn.

Underneath it has a sleeping pad sleeve to prevent roll-off and the hood has a single drawstring. Another bonus is the integrated shoulder pocket.

Comfort Performance

Like many sleeping bags the number is the name denotes the temperature rating. Thus, the Cloud 20 is a 20° F (Fahrenheit) rated sleeping bag. Although the industry-standard EN testing and ratings deliver a little better at a 15° F lower limit. The EN comfort rating for this model is 26° F or -3° C (Celsius).

Snuggling inside the bag is nice due to the 15D nylon rip stop lining which is soft to the touch. The comforter flaps feel like household bedding. Getting in and out of the foot box is easy and resealing does work. The hood fits snug, and I can fit a small pillow too.

Keep mind that the design of the sleeping bag doesn’t have insulation fill under your torso. Sierra Design did this to save weight, so you must use a sleeping pad to sleep comfortable outside.

Overnight warmth is great between 22 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 °C). Especially if you are an active side-sleeper. While the EN lower limit is 15° F, at that temperature, I prefer enclosed foot boxes to deter massive heat loss. Although warmth is subjective to the terrain you will use it in.

Downsides Of The Cloud 20

As I mentioned before, you have to use something to elevate you off the cold ground to maintain warmth in this bag. So expect to add the cost of an extra a sleeping pad. Having said that, this is a common theme with most of the models in this article.

Next, like many of the other models reviewed, the Cloud 20 comes with a stuff sack. One that uses a simple drawstring to close, which isn’t efficient in compressing the bag. To limit your frustration I would use an aftermarket stuff sack.

Another complaint is some customers found some baffles lost down distribution after washing. This type of downside is going to be user specific though. My tip, throw a couple tennis balls in the dryer. This helps keep the insulation from getting stuck at the bottom of the baffles. The final issue is the head opening feels small for some users.

Verdict

With a sub-zero EN rating, easy temperature regulation and low weight, this bag is the best value. It’s affordable for mid-range budgets and its innovative design has a devoted following. Just make sure to pair it with a four season sleeping pad.

For comfort minded campers who stay close to the trailhead, sleeping bag weight isn’t much of an issue. What matters is a warm nights sleep and for side-sleepers the more room the better. In 2024, the synthetic Nemo Forte 20 is the roomiest bag of the bunch. It accomplishes this with the classic spoon shape. This gives you more space at the elbows and knees. Bear in mind, to enjoy this amount of room, you have to accept that it’s going to be bulky and heavier than others.

Design Features

Where it lacks in weight savings, the Forte 20 excels in the fill and ventilation features. For insulation fill Nemo provides 822 grams of synthetic Primaloft RISE insulation. To explain, this translates to around a 650 FP down fill. This material contains 80% post-consumer recycled content that feels ultra-lofty.

To regulate ventilation, the Forte 20 uses a patented design called thermo gills™. These are small zippers at the chest which let you spread out the insulation. By exposing thin fabric the bag releases excess heat and keeps cool drafts out. In fact, this feature extends its usability in warmer climates than what it’s rated for.

Up at the top of the neck of the bag is Nemo’s “blanket fold” draft collar. This insulated flap serves as a cozy neck baffle that aids in sealing heat inside. Which is an awesome feature for protecting your face on chilly nights but can fold away on balmy nights.

The oversized hood has elastic draw-cords to cinch it down. Plus an integrated pillow pocket to stuff a jacket, headlamp or small pillow inside. Size wise expect the regular to fit users up to 6-feet tall while the long size fits users up to 6.6-feet tall.

For closures, it has a full-length double-slider zipper. Surrounding it there’s a unique y-shape material to help reduce snags. Behind this material is a full length draft tube. Nemo also designs the men’s and women’s models with opposite-sided zippers. This way you can zip two bags together into a double sized bag.

Warmth Performance

The big reason the Forte 20 is so warm is down to its luxurious dimensions and materials. Fitting a shoulder girth up to 64-inches, 60-inches at the hip, and expanding back to 62-inches at the foot of the bag. Its so roomy yet still retains the heat inside. Campers that like to side-sleep or are active tumblers will stay warm for most activities. The Nemo Forte 20 is a 20° F (Fahrenheit) rated sleeping bag. While the industry-standard EN ratings for comfort limit is 22° F (-6° C).

Moving on to the material quality. The outer-shell is a 30D Polyester and the inner lining is plush 20D Polyester Taffeta. On bare skin this sleeping bag feels ultra soft, albeit a bit noisy.

Being a synthetic insulated bag, its ideal for wet climates. Synthetic fill, even if it gets soaked, will maintain its loft and continue to keep you warm. Traditional down, when wet compresses and loses the ability to keep you warm.

Like I said in the beginning, this is a spacious bag. So no matter what type of side sleeper you are, there’s room to move.

Disadvantages?

Okay, now on to the caveats of the Forte 20, the biggest being the weight. Coming in at a whopping 3-pounds 2-ounces (1.42 kg), for the price this is a “hefty” downside. Add to this, the stuff sack/compressibility isn’t great either, nor is it water resistant. Do yourself a favor and buy a premium aftermarket stuff sack. At least it will shrink the packed size down more and keep the bag dry.

Second, the forte doesn’t feature a sleeping pad sleeve, which is weird. For those of use who are active sleepers, having this sleeve ensures the pad stays in place. Without it, you increase the risk of rolling off onto the cold earth.

The third downside is while the total shape is roomy, the foot box is actually a bit constrictive. Plus the insulation distribution in the foot box can get unbalanced over time.

Finally, an area prone to snagging is the tiny zippers on the “thermo gills” and pillow pocket. As well, the elastic draw-cords for the hood dangle into the bag. Some users complain of them irritating their faces while trying to sleep.

Verdict

If you’re searching for a mid-range priced 3-season sleeping bag the Forte 20 is a good option. At the size and weight I wouldn’t lug this model out backpacking in the back country. But for short distances or group camping, the warmth it delivers is worth its weight in gold.

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If you camp in the summer or need a sleep/warmth solution for festivals check this sleeping bag out. This is the Eddie Bauer Flying Squirrel 40, and it’s my pick for the most affordable sleeping bag for summer use. Imagine a flying squirrels “wing span” wrapping around your torso, that’s how it works. It opens wide which promotes movement, or wraps up tight. Inside it has 280 grams of water-repellent 850 StormDown insulation.

Emergency Warmth

Eddie Bauer designed this unique zipperless bag for their mountain guide team. It’s built for ultralight pack-able emergency warmth over a traditional sleeping bag. Yet consumers noticed for the low price it’s usable for other uses too. Such as mild weather/ summer camping, an emergency car kit, and for outdoor concerts. It has an EN limit rating of 42 F (5.56 C), and an EN Comfort rating of 49 F (9.4 C)

Don’t pick this one as a dedicated backpacking sleeping bag, its just not suitable for that type of use. The zipperless design tends to fall open at the chest/waist because the lining is slippery. Using 30 denier nylon lining does up the comfort but will slide around if you toss around in the night.

In contrast, at the bottom there are two tabs at the knee and an enclosed foot pocket. So the lower section of the bag will stay around your lower legs and feet. Length wise the Flying squirrel is 84-inches or 7-feet.

User Comfort

Sliding inside the first time your feet may feel claustrophobic. Near the upper calf are is the two wing-flaps, both are feather-light but lofty. It’s hard to compare this bag head to head against the other, sleeping bags in this article. However, for versatility it’s a standout. Plus this sleeping bag is super lightweight at 1-pound, 7-ounces, you’ll barely notice it.

The real magic of the Flying Squirrel kicks in at the 45 t0 55° F range. Especially if you want a hybrid of a sleeping bag and outdoor quilt. The distribution of the lofty StormDown insulation feels balanced throughout. For inactive sleeper it’s toasty when you wrap it tight around the body on chilly nights. Likewise, if you wear it loose like a blanket softly over the body on warm nights it keeps you cool but comfortable. In total, I like how its easier ventilate in summer compared to classic sleeping bags.

Packed Size

When it comes to packing the Flying Squirrel, you have two options. First, with moderate effort you can ram it into the stuff sack. Creating a cylinder shape that’s about 14-inches long by 6-inches in diameter. Second, if you are out and about, you can fold it down into the built-in foot box stuff sack. Doing so, packs it down to the size of a small briefcase.

Con’s Of The Flying Squirrel 40 Sleeping Bag?

The first problem with the Flying Squirrel, it’s a one-size-fits-all sleeping bag. If you’re short or lean this bag might be too cavernous to be comfortable. Next this bag is a hot climate or summer sleeping bag, don’t try using it under the limit rating. The third problem I have with it, is the foot box. Users with larger than average feet might feel “tied-in” which is a pain if you twist and turn while sleeping.

In fourth, is for the knees of active sleepers, the closure toggles can poke into you, ouch. Last but not least some buyers have made complaints of a chemical smell from insulation. I didn’t notice this but its something to consider if you have sensitive nostrils.

Verdict

Buy the Flying Squirrel 40 if you want an affordable, versatile warm weather sleeping bag. Its wrap-style is perfect for summer camping, concerts or chilling at the beach for an evening BBQ. Where it’s not suitable is testing its temperature limits, like during winter backpacking.

Receiving a design update last year with new contours, is the Nemo Disco 15 sleeping bag. For women in 2024, looking for comfort, plenty of wiggle room and innovative venting, it will meet your needs. Filled with 830 grams of responsibly sourced 650 fill power down. Its plushy, ultra packable, hydrophobic, and PFC-free. Rated to an EN Comfort level of 17 F (-8 C) and EN Limit to 15 F (-9 C), Nemo claims its warm enough for most winter camping. Although below 17 F these ratings aren’t precise.

While it may lack in precision temp ratings, it excels in releasing excess heat. It accomplishes this via Nemo’s “thermo-gill” ventilation. These are nifty zippers at chest level that allow you to push and spread out the fill. Which expose a thin fabric, to release sweaty heat while preventing cool drafts. This feature makes it a great option for 90% of your 3-season backpacking trips.

Construction

From the outside the Disco 15 has an outer-shell that’s a 30 denier nylon ripstop. This material resists tears and blocks out water, while remaining soft. Down at the bottom is a waterproof and breathable foot box. Made of 40D (denier) nylon ripstop OSMO™ it blocks tent condensation to keep feet happy and dry. Inside the bag is a lining made of 30D nylon taffeta that’s silky smooth.

To combat moisture issues from tent condensation Nemo treats their fill with Nikwax. Nemo claims it absorbs less moisture and dries quicker. For the women’s model, the largest concentration of this treatment is at the foot box. The reason for this is women tend to lose the most heat at their feet.

For side-sleepers, the Disco 15 has a balanced warmth-weight ratio without sacrificing space. The classic spoon shape is ideal since it provides a generous cut at the knees and elbows. More room to move is great for tummy, side or high knee sleepers who get tangled up in traditional mummy bags. In the real world, it’s roomy enough that I can roll to my side with ease. Plus I can extend both of my arms fit next to my body without having to fold them up against my chest. Size wise, a regular fits women up to 5′ 6″ (171 cm) and the long model fits up to 6′ (183 cm).

Advantages

Up top, the “blanket fold” draft collar at the neck for tucked-in comfort. Cradling your head is an insulated an oversized hood with cinch draw cord. Here you’ll also find the integrated pocket for storage or to fit a small pillow.

To zip it up, the Disco 15 uses a full-length double-slider zipper. So if you do get hot feet, you can up zip and stick them out of the bag. Adding more versatility, the men’s and women’s models have opposite-sided zippers. As a result, you can zip two bags into a double sized bag.

Weight & Packability

Weighing in at 3 lbs 1 oz. for the regular size, the women’s Disco 15 is not a lightweight bag. Adventurers who want a true ultra-light option should seek an alternative. Yet for campers or typical backpackers, a 3-pound sleeping bag with a 15 F limit rating is great.

Moving on to the packed size of the female-specific Disco 15, I’m impressed. With the included compression stuff sack, it compacts down to around 9 liters. So if you trek in the backcountry with a 70-liter backpack, you still have plenty of space for all your gear.

Any Other Downsides?

One issue is that larger or busty women may have an issue with closing up the Disco 15 zipper. Another downside is that some users actually find the foot box to be colder than intended. Next, the tiny zippers for the thermo-gill can snag. Finally, some buyers aren’t a fan of the color choice, but this is subjective.

Verdict

The Nemo Disco 15 for women offers good warmth distribution with innovative features. But weighs too much for the ultra-light crowd. Although for most women, the added value of warmth and roominess make up for the weight.

Continuing in 2024, the Sierra Designs Frontcountry Bed 20 is the best dual sized sleeping bags for car camping. I wouldn’t go on a long hike with this product, but it’s awesome for side-sleeping or storing in the van. This is the product to buy if you crave a hybrid quilt and sleeping bag insulated with synthetic fill. Bonus it comes with a vented foot box too!

Once you jump in, it’s like you’re sleeping in your bed at home, due to it being unique zipper-less and V-shaped. In fact the upper half is about 16-inches wider than the bottom half. Which is great for people who shift around onto their sides or tummy throughout the night.

Quality Construction

The first time you remove the Frontcountry Bed 20 from its stuff sack you’ll notice its novel form. Using creative folds, seams, and buttons, it’s devoid of objects that could poke you in the night. As a result this dual person sleeping bag offers a natural feel and look of household bedding. Like your bedding at home, this model is thick and heavy, weighing in at 8 lb, 5.5 oz / 3.78 kg.

On the exterior, is durable 30 denier polyester ripstop. To ensure softness there’s 68 denier polyester taffeta for the inner liner. The liner feels overstuffed and when inside I’m snug as a bug.

Another comfort-focused feature is the sleeping pad sleeve underneath. Buttons allow you to control the width of the sleeve to accommodate larger or smaller pads. I like not needing to worry about rolling off onto the cold ground with this sleeping bag.

If you have owned a quilt from Sierra Designs, you’ll recognize the next feature. Sewn into both sides of the top of the quilt are innovative insulated hand and arm pockets. These allow you to use your hand and forearm to anchor the quilt. As well as wrap it around your neck and upper body. I like how perfect they are to keep cold air drafts out all night.

At the bottom, you have the same self-sealing vented foot box as other offerings from Sierra. Tapering down from the top, there more than enough room for two people to poke out their feet on a warm night. Nothing’s worse than fumbling with a zipper in the middle of the night to vent your feet.

Drawbacks

The first draw back is the actual size of this sleeping bag. It’s a large bag, as such it’s definitely made for car camping. Like I said earlier, it’s heavier than others, as it weighs around eight pounds. At this weight there’s no way it’s good for backcountry camping.

Second, many users have an issue with the packed size. Sierra claims the rolled-up size is 14-iches wide by 23-inches long. But with the included stuff sack, compressing it down to the factory size is impossible. I would like to see some straps or a clip of some sort to aid with packing down this beast. Also do yourself a favor a get an aftermarket compression sack.

In third, after using this bag for a while, my wife noticed a lack of the insulation at the foot box. She solved this by wearing a pair of thick wool socks, but wasn’t impressed with having to do so.

Verdict

Other than frustrations with packing it up, I love the Sierra Designs Frontcountry Bed 20 sleeping bag. For two people or active sleepers, its toasty warm, with a ton of room to roll around. So, if car camping is in your future, this is the pick for you.

For the minimalist backpackers, thru-hikers, and mountaineering crowd, lightweight gear is paramount. In 2024, the Western Mountaineering TerraLite 25 is my top ultralight pick. It’s made in the USA and insulated with 850+ fill power premium goose down. This is a part of the ExtremeLite™ series from Western Mountaineering (WM).

As a matter of fact, the only other company in the same class as WM is a brand called Feathered Friends. The construction details and feather down quality from these two are absolutely unmatched. But for stomach or side sleepers I prefer the comfort the TerraLite 25 offers.

Like the other premium down bags from on the market, most are warm, lightweight and packable. Yet unlike the others, the TerraLite 25 is wider and perfect for resting on your side or tummy. In fact, its wide enough to get your arms inside and tuck up your knees, even for bigger users.

Wide Modified Mummy-Bag

The semi-rectangular shape of the TerraLite 25 is as roomy as it needs to be. Its large, but not too large that I can roll around and move my legs with ease. In the winter, you can use it down to below 20 degrees wearing a down jacket inside without constriction. The shape is wide in the chest/hips and tapers at the feet but is still wider that classic mummy-style bags.

Durability is of this backpacking sleeping bag is decent, the outer-shell is a 12 denier ripstop nylon shell. The whole point of this sleeping bag is to excel in compressibility and weight. As a result, you have to accept a few points lost somewhere. To help, the shell has great water resistance by adding a DWR (Durable Water Repellent). By placing a finish on the shell it blocks out condensation from tent walls. Plus, over time you can reapply this finish if it begins to wear.

Inside WM uses 15 denier nylon taffeta. On my bare skin it feels airy, plush and soft which is pleasant compared to others in this category.

Meanwhile, it uses a full-length dual zipper, so you can snake out your feet when it gets warm out. As well as mate to another sleeping bag to create a double bag. Another bonus is to completely unzip it to use as a quilt/comforter in a hammock. The big plus for the zipper is the wide tape facing it, this makes the zippers pretty much snag proof.

Superior Warmth Performance

WM also made some magic for how much warmth this bag retains. This is due to the continuous horizontal baffle construction it employs. To explain, the feather down insulation is inside continuous fabric tubes, or baffles. The baffles for the TerraLite 25 sit perpendicular to the length of the bag. Using this type of design allows you to move feathers to the top or bottom of the bag. For example, on cold nights you can shift feathers up to your chest to trap extra heat. The opposite is true for warmer nights, push it down to your calf and poke out your feet.

The main reason for the performance is the absolute quality of the insulation. This brand simply doesn’t cut any corners in production. Inside the TerraLite 25 is 850+ fill power goose feather down. This is the lightest and most compressible down available. The best quality down lasts longer at the original temperature range thus the value is there. The TerraLite boasts an EN limit rating of 22 F (-6 C) and an EN comfort rating of 20 F (-7 C).

Next, the insulated hood with adjustable draw closure keeps heat next to your face. I especially appreciate the 3-D down filled draft tube, it really helps to keep the cold out.

Beyond the shape and insulation quality, the other vital factor for this bag is the weight. It weighs under two pounds, but is no compromise in comfort. Plus it packs down to an impressive 7-inches by 13-inches, that is tiny!

Any Downsides?

The obvious con for some buyers is going to be the price, this is an expensive sleeping bag. But the reason for this is the material quality and weight. You simply can’t get a premium ultralight 3-season sleeping bag for cheaper.

Second, they don’t offer an integrated sleeping pad sleeve under the bag. While the TerraLite 25 doesn’t slide around much as I sleep, using a pad underneath is my preference. You should bring a sleeping pad with a good r-value to insulate you from the cold ground. For the purpose of being a lightweight backpacking bag though, losing the pad sleeve help drop the total weight. I classify this as more of a personal feature I wish it had, than an actual downside.

The last problem I have with this sleeping bag is the lack of a draft collar. If Western Mountaineering decide to add one, this sleeping bag would be perfection.

Verdict:

Buy the Western Mountaineering TerraLite 25 if you are a side sleeping ultralight enthusiast. Doing so gets you the best insulation, lightest-weight, the warmest sleep gear you could ever want.