Best Sleeping Bags for Side and Stomach Sleepers (vs. Quilts)

[@Western-Mountaineering]

Greetings Backcountry Pilgrim_ Thanks for the awesome review of our TerraLite- we definitely appreciate it. A good night's sleep is crucial when you are in the backcountry, whether is a few nights out on a local trail or a few weeks in the Himalayas, and at WM it's our mission to deliver that comfort for all types of sleepers. Happy Trails, Western Mountaineering

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm honored, thanks for the comment!

[@ZzZ-qd1zo]

Oh wow, y'all are the GOATs! I've been experimenting with a bag with 0 fill on the bottom, just a sheet of MEMBRANE 7 ripstop nylon. Have you all tested anything like that in your labs? You get the ultralight benefits of a quilt, and with enough bottom fabric, the freedom of movement, but without spilling all your warm air every time you twitch.

[@CrunchyTire]

Heres what I do as a side sleeper: Roll around all night, cry some, take a leak, roll around some more, then get up and start my day.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Not false. LOL!

[@trevorsachs66]

Same here man. Try to jam my arm up into the hood under my pillow, cry a little more, figure out where I have down shift freezing my ass, sleep just that little bit more purely out of exhaustion, then get up and start my day. But hey that’s what we go for right.

[@timcg]

Sleeping pills work for me 😂

[@LBCblackboard]

😶😑😐😬😁😃😄😆😂🤣😭🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@LBCblackboard]

😶😑😐😬😁😃😄😆😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@rickmcallister9040]

Here’s a tip for side sleepers I discovered by happy accident. I was bushwhacking near dark. I found a narrow flat spot but it had a large rock partially buried right in the middle. So I dug out the rock which left a hole. I was so tired I just laid out my pad over the hole and crashed. Next day I realized I had no hip discomfort. The hole acted as a hip hammock. I dig a small hole the size of a basketball every time now. Zero hip pain even with foam pads😊

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Interesting hack!

[@millieblue5014]

Oh I gotta try this! Thank you for the tips!

[@natscat4752]

Oh wow! Thank you!

[@keven8047]

@@rickmcallister9040 no telling how many ankles those holes have broken lol

[@tommikkk1]

Thank you for this! Almost nobody covers these types of sleepers...

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Happy to do so!

[@JoaquinChea]

I’m a back, side, one leg or the other bent at the knee on my stomach virtually all over the place. I tried a quilt last season and it was so drafty as to be useless, I can’t stand mummy style so I’m on the hunt for a sleep system that will keep me warm and comfortable. Thanks for sharing.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

In a few weeks I should have a video out on the Zenbivy system. It's magic haha!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You might want to check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqrep-glL97a7M

[@lifetrail_hiking_mentoring]

I'm a 6.2 big guy who sleeps on my side, and I move around; I have a long Sea To Summit Trek III sleeping bag. I always have plenty of room to move around, I am very warm. I can unzip the whole bag when too warm or just the feet.

[@philippehamel57]

Your video gave me a great idea: I will sew a sleeping pad sleeve under my sleeping bag to be able to toss and turn, with the bag staying in place upright. Cheap and effective!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great idea for a cool DIY!

[@top0657]

Maybe you should consider just sewing some small loops on the sides of your sleeping bag and them make a separate pad sleeve that has some plastic hooks. Then you can just attach the sleeve to the bag with the hooks. I think this is less destructive in case the sleeve idea doesnt work, and you can also use the same sleeve with all your different sleeping bags just by adding the loops to all your bags.

[@JarradShaw]

Such Zenbivy design genius. Thank goodness he made his own company during this time ❤ And now we have an ultra light version of the Zenbivy 😊

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yup! I'm actually reviewing the new system right now. (Spoiler: It's totally rad!) :)

[@mirceaionescu960]

Man, I needed to hear this. Was completely convinced that quilts would work for me as a side sleeper, then remembered the last time I went camping with a fully unfolded sleeping bag to fit 2 people. Forgot how many times I would roll over and completely uncover my back in the process

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

With bags like these or the Zenbivy quilt bed, there's no reason to ever have that happen again! :)

[@davidstefani1]

Another thumbs up for the Terra lite. I too will sleep with my legs in the figure four positions. The larger width is perfect. Maybe I missed this, in the video, but the baffles are continuous so i can move more of the down to my sides and top leaving less underneath the flatten. It's an excellent bag.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@WolfPackM98c]

I went with that WM Terralite. I've now had the chance to use it a few times and absolutely love it. Top quality product. It has more room than needed for a wide pad and even with wide shoulders I can easily slip my arms to my sides and pull em back out without ever feeling trapped. The craftsmanship put into these bags leaves no question why they are so highly regarded.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good choice!

[@strangerous1313]

Dude! You're my SleepSystem SoulMate! I had pretty much decided to buy a quilt, even knowing the weaknesses you mentioned. But you have opened my eyes to those last options of wider bags and modified bags, which will serve me perfectly. I don't want to go thru buying several bags I won't like, so I will go straight to one of those. I see the value in your channel, and have subscribed. Thanks again, and see you on the trail!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Awesome man glad I could help!

[@SimonaKlačanová]

Thank you, you helped me so much! I am a newbie camper and I´ve got a bag that is the tight mummy shape, just because it had good price to quality ratio. During the night I have realized that I actually sleep on my side with my knee up, same as you, and ended up with the claustrophobic feeling and crying during the night. Then I realized that maybe quilts are the right choice for me as they are wider but I am terrified of getting cold drafts during the night, so I was hesitating. Your video has helped me so much! I really think that the Nemo is the right choice for me. Thank you so much!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

As a sleeping bag I like it a lot but if you want the ultimate best of all worlds, check out my Zenbivy video(s)!

[@LuskeyBowser]

You're the Man! I can't understand why its so hard to find sleeping options and reviews from all the know-it-alls, for a stomach sleeper. My back is killing me just thinking about an inflatable mattress on the ground. I don't know if this is going to work, but it's a good start in the right direction.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it helped! Sometimes people don't think niche gear is worth reviewing but as I get older this kind of stuff matters more and more. ;)

[@joachimlovin7308]

Was stoked when I found the SD Cloud some time ago, and have had a love relationship to is since our first night out.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Love at first sleep. Awwww! :)

[@suzannestroh3194]

You know, I love the Cloud 20. On a group trip this summer, it was the most requested bag. But the aesthetics are just so awful! Sierra Designs, please change the look of this bag. I don’t want to look like a Boy Scout. I’m a sophisticated adult who spends a lot of time sleeping outdoors and I want my bags to look as good as EE, WM and ZenBivy. And while you’re at it, please upgrade the down and lighten the Cloud 20. Thanks!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

@suzannestroh3194 Yeah SD isn't the best at color or pattern choices..:)

[@in2mtns]

Your intro about being a side/belly sleeper and slightly claustrophobic could have been my exact speech! I have used the 2023 version of the Zen Bivy Light bed. I actually like the full sheet better. I have the 25 degree bed and love it. It works well for me. I have had it down to the low 30’s and that was a little cold. But to 40 I have no complaints. I find that when it gets close to 40 if i stick the longer quilt edges into the hood that also make a big difference. May have to try the a buddies Sea to Summit on a few late season trips.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah I'm a Zenbivy convert myself!

[@in2mtns]

@@BackcountryPilgrimI just wish I had bought the 10 deg instead. Need something that can handle sub freezing temps for late and early season trips. May borrow that Sierra designs from a buddy and try it out.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

@in2mtns The SD is nice for varied temps and simplicity.

[@steviesteve750]

The sleeping pad sleeve is the gamechanger for those of us that toss and turn and fidget all night. Big Agnes, Sierra Design are the only two I know that have one. The Big Agnes Echo park / Diamond parks are humungous. I'm having a serious look at the Sierra Backcountry 650, it looks ideal for fidgets like me, though the Big Agnes bags all have a cool pillow barn that's really useful.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah I like mine a lot, great way to make a bag warmer but also more adaptable.

[@mobius9818]

Love my cloud 20 for its innovative design and thoughtful approach to comfort. Also inexpensive and light (under 2 pounds). My cat likes it too.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very nice!

[@americanclassicmetal7913]

I’m a big fan of my Big Agnus Anvil Spur. It attaches to the sleeping pad and is essentially a closed quilt, as there is no insulation on the back of the bag, additionally the zip runs all the way to my feet… but about that zipper, it can be a pain the butt. I’ve used in hunting in Alaska (Spring - May) and hiking the mountains of Utah (Fall - Sept/Oct) worked great.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I think you're the second to mention that one, I'll have to check it out! Thanks!

[@haydenwalton2766]

I agree. I think the best of all worlds is a bag like the anvil horn. no down underneath but no cold spots when tossing and turning. another big feature being that when you do toss and turn (as most of us do) the warm air trapped in the down is far less displaced, making it very efficient.

[@filmsbydiek7316]

I got the Nemo Disco 15 degree last year. Absolute game changer (for the better)! The hourglass shape is fantastic for multiple sleeping positions, and many great innovations since the last time I bought bags: the gills, the neck curtain, and the SNOWPLOW ZIPPER PULL, the thing rocks! I’m still keeping my eyes open for the perfect pillow, but so far a Costco box wine bladder with a piece of egg foam around it in a cotton tshirt pillowcase is working well.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Right on! Yeah I still love my Nemo. Let me know if you find the perfect pillow - that continues to slide me!

[@kennethprola5136]

Got a double wide pad from Big Agnes for trips with my wife. So much space to toss and turn and no gap between our pads. Best nights sleep I’ve had. Thinking a double wide quilt over the top might be the perfect solution!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Was it the 50" because I just reviewed that for a video that should be out in a couple weeks haha. Yes, double EVERYTHING!

[@TN-mb9rx]

Thank you for your video. I am also a side sleeper. Finding a good sleeping bag is not easy. You need a wide sleeping pad. I have now found one that is 30 inches 76 cm wide. It is too long for me. I had to make this compromise. After a long search, I ended up with a sleeping system from Zenbivy. I am very happy with it. Before that I tried a few sleeping bags and spent a lot of money on them. They were super flex or egg-shaped sleeping bags. But I wasn't satisfied with them either. I am a restless sleeper who often tosses and turns. Your videos are great. I like your videos very much. Greetings from Germany.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I just reviewed the Zenbivy light Ned and I agree 100%. One of the best sleeps I've ever had outdoors. Thank you for commenting!

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Agreed. There's a video "Sleeping Bag vs Quilt--Infrared Proof" on "Adventures In Reach"'s channel that clearly proves how many BTU's a quilt loses with movement and those BTU's have to be ginned back up by body heat. I think quilts are great for moderate conditions, but once you have to include a lot of add-ons to a quilt to get it to perform like a basic sleeping bag (baffles, strapping, etc...), you might as well get a sleeping bag from the start and besides, nobody is going to benefit from the quilt's "open" configuration in extreme cold. As a matter of fact, for the price of a competent cold weather quilt (which would probably be too hot for moderate conditions), one could get a good quality 3 season quilt AND a good quality extreme cold sleeping bag and ALWAYS sleep right.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah that seems to match my experience as well. :)

[@bzribee]

Thank you for this comparisons and the images of you using these. I"m looking for lightweight but also know that I sleep cold, and I sleep on my side. And I'm quite short. I bought a quilt thinking it was the answer but trying it out at home (no pad, on my bed) I realized it's absolutely not for me. It takes forever to get warm and every time I turn I get long lasting cold spots. So I was at a loss. Now I see other options for me (and realize that a zippered bag is essential for me to stay warm). Subscribed.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@mtadams2009]

This was a very informative video. I am a pretty active sleeper. I am older so going light is very important for me. I changed to a 20 degree Zpack quilt a few years ago and it works well. If it’s going to get near the 20 degree mark I pack my Montbell down pants and down sleeping booties. If it’s going to be very cold I leave the quilt and bring my Western Mountaineering sleeping bag. Quilts are great but sleeping bags are the way to go if it’s really cold. I like that WM bag you covered. I do a lot of long distance backpacking so I generally just pack the quilt and hope for the best. I am generally fine.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great options! And keeping things somewhat modular is always a good idea. :)

[@jtrourke667]

I've used the Klymit KSB20 XL down bag for 5 years now. At 82in x 40in (girth/circumference of 78in) with a 650-down fill and only 3lbs, this bag is roomy and warm. This is by far the widest single person mummy style bag I could find while also being a bit stretchy. As a bigger camper, this is a necessity. The bag has a dual direction zipper so you can open the bottom to stick a leg out while still comfortably wrapped at the torso. It also has toggles to sinch up the bag length to reduce the dead space in the foot box for shorter sleepers. By far the best bag I've used ever. 😀👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sounds great!

[@TheRealTomSelleck]

Going on a year with the Nemo Disco 15 and I’m a side/stomach sleeper. The bag is awesome. Plenty of room for me to stretch out inside of without the extra weight and size. I also will unzip the bag and use it as a quilt when it’s above 40°, it honestly doubles as a quilt with a foot-box. I paired mine with the Big Agnes Insulated 25”x72” pad with the larger side baffles. As a 6’ 190lb side sleeper I couldn’t ask for a better combo.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sounds perfect! Yeah I love my Nemo sleep system.

[@norocknrollfun]

How does it hold up in the cold? I have the Nemo Forte 35 and have been freezing in the mid 40s

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've been below freezing (not sure how much) and felt great!

[@patty109109]

Going in first backpacking trip soon. I bought the disco before seeing your vid-exactly because I thought it would help this. I tried it at rei and it is so much more roomy than a mummy bag.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great to hear!

[@boomersoutdoors8898]

The Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15 is a great bag for side sleepers. It has a sleeve for you pad and also a pillow barn for your pillow. It is a great mid range priced bag.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice! I like BA's stuff - I have the Copper Spur 2p and their 50" Sleep pad. Thanks!

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

I am a side sleeper with wide shoulders, I arrived at my perfect set up by attaching the pad straps on the side away from where I enter and exit the quilt, I lay with my back toward the strapped side ......which is the only place I ever got drafts or cold....and cover up facing the entrance side......everything works great....I can roll around and change positions....exit and enter and sleep warm with no drafts cause I am able to keep the quilt closed with my hands and arms on the side im facing.....the straps on just one side was a game changer for me....

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Interesting idea, thanks!

[@bananarama3624]

I have a design sleeping bag also with the hole in the bottom. I'm a stomach sleeper who loves to stretch out and move in my sleep, and my feet have somehow figured out how to sneak themselves out through the foothole whilst I'm asleep. Definitely given me a wake-up trying to figure out why my feet are feeling cold haha

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Ha! Maybe some wool socks? :)

[@beetooex]

My idea- sleep under a camping blanket or unzipped square sleeping bag that does the same job. Obviously lie on your sleeping pad too. Now put all of that inside a roomy and breathable bivvy bag. The bivvy bag is draught proof and the pad will keep it in place as you toss and turn. Simple and cheap and lightweight if you choose the components carefully. My UK setup is an Alpkit hunka XL bivvy bag, a Snugpak jungle blanket XL (folded for doubled thickness) and a Dutch army surplus self inflating mat. I mocked it up with tiny plastic crocodile clips to keep everything in place but I'll replace them with poppers now I've proven the concept.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Interesting! I like the idea!

[@beetooex]

So I finally got around to finishing this... it's awesome!!! If you're going to take a bivvy bag anyway just add some snap fasteners to the grosgrain around the collar and clip on your camping blanket of choice. It acts like a giant sleeping bag if you've got a wide one. So much room!

[@5ervalkat192]

I sleep like you do, Pilgrim. I too use a Nemo Disco, but though rated to 15, for me it’s good to about 40F. For colder weather, I use a Feathered Friends bag rated to 20F (comfort level). This past summer, I got a Zenbivy Light bed rated to 25, which I’ll use at 35-40F. It’s extremely comfortable…better than the Disco. Definitely recommend you try it.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm getting a lot of zenbivy recommendations guess that one is next!

[@robertmorgan8104]

Glad they are starting the be creative for side sleepers. I use The North Face Goliath. Super roomy and will mate as a double bag.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's a great feature - the NEMO Disco does that too. Love it!

[@dustinewyman1551]

I love my mummy sleeping bag, the MEC -7°C aquilina, but struggle to find a comfortable side position, so this year I got the Big Agnes Wedgie, which adds inches to my bag without me having buy a whole new bag!! I had to modify the zipper (right vs left zip) for it to work but I’m so happy with it

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

THAT IS AWESOME! I'd never seen one of those before, thank you! (For anyone curious: amzn.to/3VREHDU).

[@FireflygroupPro1]

Finally i found the best video about sleeping bags!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thank you! Glad this was helpful. :) BTW, I made this video before tyring the Zenbivy system and I am a convert - you might want to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooSadnielLtphNk

[@shadowoxj8153]

Nice! Thanks for this video. Although I found it a bit late (16 months), it's got great information for me. I've been using a Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15* for more than fifteen years and it's showing it's age. Big Agnes completely redesigned the Lost Ranger and it's nothing like my old bag and I'm not too keen on the new version. The Sierra Designs bag is very similar to the design of my old Lost Ranger that I like. And at just under two pounds, it weighs less than my old Lost Ranger.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah, it is too bad companies seem to redesign every year to keep people interested.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

A note on the UGQ quilts, although a little more expensive, you can get them in 900 fill. And they're semi-custom made in that you decide the fill amount, the colors, etc. I use them in conjunction with different pad straps and stay quite warm. I am though shopping for a bag to add to the adaptability of my system, so Thanks! for this vid.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yup I got the bandit and love it! But in certain conditions I just prefer the warmth security of the full bag. :)

[@kaimflyn]

Another bag I want to throw in the mix here is the Sea to Summit Ascent (men's) and Altitude (women's) series. I have the Altitude 15 and used to use the Disco 15 as my primary bag. I like the S2S bag because it has a lot of cool features: foot vent zipper, full length zipper on one side, 1/3 zip on the opposite side, extra insulation in the foot box, mix of horizontal and vertical baffles. It also has a wider hood and less plush draft collar for those who find the Disco a bit constricting like I did. I find the shape of this bag is a bit warmer than the Disco as well because there's less dead space for you to heat up. Highly recommend!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Wow that sounds great! Thanks for watching and for the tip!

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

Big Agnes Torchlight expands to sleep all positions I’m very obsessed with mine and highly recommend it!!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I think that one was mentioned earlier...at least two votes! :) Thanks!

[@woodchip2782]

I use a Sierra Designs Back Country Bed. They don’t make it anymore. It’s similar to the one you have except that the whole front panel flips down. I love it! If I have an emergency number one I can get out very quickly, not like the stupid, traditional sleeping bag with a stuck zipper that kept me prisoner and… well, you get the drift!😅

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've heard good things about that bed! I didn't realize it was out of production - I just started working with SD, I'll have to see if they are making something to replace it!

[@nekoneko292]

Sierra design cloud is great ( I have it for 2 years) and totally underrated by hiking community as never appears in any tops

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah I am surprised it doesn't get as much air time as others.

[@apleparulo3958]

Side sleeper and toss and turner here. I used an exped wallcreeper recently and was shocked how good it was for lots of movement, turning, etc. The arm sleeves are very useful too. Overall i was super impressed, and now hopeful i can get better sleep in the backcountry.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great! I'll check it out. :)

[@apleparulo3958]

@@BackcountryPilgrim exped dreamwalker is the newer iteration.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Ah, that helps thank you!

[@indycharlie]

First off , YES ! The very best thing for a side sleeper or one who changes positions during the night is .. A NON- mummy bag with a pad sleeve . I am a 72 YO ,past medic from RVN who has tried almost every brand , size and design through the years . The very best for me , unless it will be HOT at night , or below 15 is . My Nemo StartoLoft with Downtech . 25 " pad up to 4" will fit in the sleeve and you can change pads depending on the season . Plus add wearing wool or down pants / jacket in cold weather . I have 3 WM bags also , including the WM Cypress GWS Expedition for negative #'s winter sleeping . A GREAT cold weather , roomy bag at only 4lbs 14oz .

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

LEGIT gear! Thanks!

[@indycharlie]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Don't get me started on tents :D All my WM bags have been stellar !

[@marklytle7829]

I’ve had the same experience as you with my Nemo quilt, and it’s cuz I sleep like you do, on my side and twisting around doing, as my wife says,”seal flops” .

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Lol yeah it's hard for a quilt to handle those moves. :)

[@Cyclone546]

In the course of a night’s sleep, I’m both a side sleeper and stomach sleeper. I’m thinking I will need a wide sleeping pad and one of the bags you showcased here before I head out to camp this fall.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Both are worth it!

[@richardc6269]

The one thing I've heard is to have both. Expensive yes!! It seems to be full-proof.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Right tool for the right job and all that. :)

[@lifetrail_hiking_mentoring]

I'm a 6.2 big guy who sleeps on my side, and I move around; I have a long Sea To Summit Trek III sleeping bag. I always have plenty of room to move around, I am very warm. I can unzip the whole bag when it's too warm or just the feet. The way I move, I can't see how a quilt would keep me warm. You will also need to buy a liner to have over the mat, to sleep on. I'm able to sleep 10 or 11 hours per night with no trouble at all.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sounds like a great setup!

[@CodyMarnell]

You should a look at the Big Agnes Anvil Horn bags. Roomier than a mummy bag and with the sleeping pad sleeve. As a side/stomach/back sleeper I had a better night of sleep in this bag than I have even had in a mummy bag (or in the Nemo Forte, which I just replaced even though I liked it)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks! I like BA - I have the Copper Spur tent and a 50" pad for duo hiking, but I've never looked at them for sleeping bags.

[@rockymountainlockpicker9606]

I use a cheap Amazon bag rated somewhere around 45-60 degrees with a small down quilt as well as a foam sleeping pad. Done ok in temps as cold as -20 up in the Rockies many times with that setup and some care in choosing a camp in a naturally sheltered spot. oh and a couple had warmers in the socks helps

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very good! Yes, the sleeping bag is just one part of the sleep SYSTEM - and you can gain degrees in many ways!

[@TechProcess1]

Great video, exactly what I was looking for!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad you liked it!

[@BP-dm8ev]

Thank you for this video! I have a hard time in a sleeping bag for the same reason and I have been trying to figure out a new bag.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billb5732]

Wow, I sleep exactly the same way; on stomach, with one leg out. Never could use a mummy bag. I learned, decades ago, to use a rectangular bag as a quilt. Sheet or liner over the pad. It's pretty much like sleeping at home. I don't use the zipper at all unless it is very cold out. The spoon shape and, especially, the roomy Terralite, look interesting. But what is the advantage over a rectangular bag that is certain to be more versatile and comfortable? A few ounces of weight, maybe. The pocket for the pad seems so obvious. How come it is so rare? Although I have always used sleeping bags out of habit, I would probably be just as happy with a lightweight blanket and sheet. Thanks for discussing this; it's the first time I've seen anyone mention the topic. I suspected that I couldn't be the only person who sleeps that way, but I was beginning to wonder. :)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I think it's more about thermal efficiency. A blanket would have to be pretty large to seal up the interior air and then you've got material and insulation you're carrying but not using. I think once temps got to the lower end of a blanket's / bag's ability it would make a difference. I've done it too though!

[@billb5732]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Sure, efficient is good if you can sleep in it. But a bag isn't MUCH more efficient than a blanket. An unzipped rectangular bag is about the size of a twin blanket, which you can wrap around you. You know... like a quilt. You don't get drafts at home. Why? Because that extra size of a blanket mostly prevents them. (Well, plus your bedroom probably isn't 20F). Perhaps a bigger difference is fabric weight. You might get a light bag with 10d or 15d shell, but even a light blanket is more likely to have 70d-ish shell. For perspective, the weight difference between an expensive down bag and a $30 comforter is two pounds or less. For the budget-conscious, that might be just fine.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

For sure!

[@michaeldriggers7681]

I have the Nemo Sonic 0° sleeping bag. It is not spoon shaped like the Riff or the Disco, but it still has a more spacious design than most 0° mummy bags and the Sonic still has thermogills like it's little brothers.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice! yeah the Disco/Riff is very roomy, it'd be tough to get them down to 0 without way more insulation or shrinking the inner volume.

[@chrismeyer2963]

Do you feel the hood is restrictive though on the Sonic? The reason I ask is because I really like the Nemo bags with the extra room and the venting gills. However I am worried the hood seems too narrow. I need a 0° bag. Too bad they don't make the rift in a 0° option. The perfect bag for me would be the Rift in 0° and have a pad sleeve like the Big Agnes bags. Then you would have the perfect set up.

[@michaeldriggers7681]

@@chrismeyer2963 I'm sorry, but even though I own the Sonic, I usually sleep with my head out of the sleeping bag with the hood under my head. The few times I have used the hood, I didn't find it restrictive though.

[@chrismeyer2963]

​@@michaeldriggers7681 thank you for the response. I think maybe I just need to pull the trigger and try it out.

[@jakecolvin3167]

The cloud 20 is my favorite sleeping bag of all time, If they made that in all different temperature ranges I would buy everyone.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

SO great! I love the easy adaptability for no weight penalty!

[@vals6004]

What a informative nice video! Keep up the good work!!!! Also look at the sequoia from western mountaineering. I have the gws version and it is a blast

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

WM is great!

[@alanmohn4146]

I have the Nemo Forte 20 and at 6'2" and 220 lb I find the spoon shape has the room I need to sleep on my side. It has kept me warm at 25 degrees. I do agree the thermo gill are a great feature on warmer nights.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

They're making great stuff!

[@ahmedhumayun8512]

Excellent research, well said "a few extra ounces and a good night's sleep". I am buying the Nemo bag.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very good! You going with synthetic or down?

[@ahmedhumayun8512]

@@BackcountryPilgrim synthetic, I am rough with my gear

[@ahmedhumayun8512]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I am thinking of buying Disco 15 now. Is it possible to use this bag in sierras during the summer? (Yosemite, sequoia NP).

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Unless the weather gets too crazy it should be good in a warm sleep system. My 30 degree quilt has been fine in those conditions.

[@ahmedhumayun8512]

Thank you, I appreciate your advice!

[@suzannestroh3194]

Great info thanks! So interesting because it looks like we’ve been on parallel journeys. In addition to various WM bags, I also have both the Rift and the Cloud 20, in addition to EE quilts like the one shown at the beginning of your video. This year I’ve discovered ZenBivy and I’m getting great sleeps in the backcountry with my LightBed using an UL sheet. It absolutely cuts the drafts. I top it with my EE Revelation quilt (950 30 degree wide) in cold weather when I want the versatility of having a wearable quilt in camp. If I don’t need that, I’ll just bring my Rift. Have you tried ZB yet? Tell us your thoughts!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yep the parallel continues - I've pretty much converted to Zenbivy and have made two review videos on them! :)

[@garyhoffman1]

I use a Mountain Equipment Helium 800GT, the GT being the extra wide variant, with a Helium expansion baffle that adds 5 more centimeters. Super warm and wide enough to roll around in.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Sounds great! Expandability is a welcome feature in bags. :)

[@shawnr6117]

You can also use a tapered bag, more room than a mummy bag but smaller than a rectangular bag. Don't seem to be as common but you can find them. I have one (with a hood) that's comfort rated down to 1c , and it fits inside a rectangular bag without crushing the down .

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah there are definitely more options now than ever!

[@Rando-user-zm1fx]

I have the Terralite and the Cloud 35. And of course I'm a side and stomach sleeper and those are the two top-notch. For any hot/summer just go ahead and throw on your long johns and almost any random down blanket. Don't go for the high dollar down blankets, not worth it for hot weather.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah you can find them for very good prices instead of another bag, plus modularity is the best when it comes to giving gear!

[@marijeweterings]

Awesome video. I use the Sea to Summit Ascent 2 because it has also space and a flexible design with versatile zippers.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very nice!

[@goblinant]

I can also vouch for the Ascent Series

[@DevinAdint]

I wish there was a cross between the disco and the Sierra Design Backcountry. I like the spoon shape and larger hood of the disco and the zipperles quilt and pad sleeve while saving space with no insulation on the back top half.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thay would be rad!

[@carlw8072]

Also look at big Agnes torchlight series of bags as they have expandable sections that create s lot more room.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That one has been mentioned a few times, so i think you're on to something. Sounds like a cool bag!

[@supernoobsmith5718]

Very high quality video, great information! Strictly side sleeper here.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks!

[@MsPiapigen]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much for your reviews of the different options. The nemo bag looks interesting- so I'll check that out - and retire my claustrophobic mummy bag :)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I just spent two more nights in it and still love it!

[@mikegardiner3272]

Have the Nemo and hate it. No where near enough room at shoulders for side sleeping.

[@MsPiapigen]

Just a little update since I saw your video and got interested in the Nemo bag :) In general your video got me thinking a lot about how I actually like to sleep - and what other issues I have with a traditional mummy bag - other than I am a side sleeper. It occured to me, that I also love to sleep on my belly with my arms above my head hugging my pillow. In mummy bags there are never enough space for me to do that, which in colder nights force me to keep my arms in the bag - so I did not go ahead with the nemo bag after all. I have now ended up with a zenbivy ultralight system, which I love more than anything. I have so much space for my arms because of the big hood - and they are kept warm. So even though I did not follow any of your recomendations, your video got me inspired to give more thought to how I like to sleep - and now I have found the best solution for me, my tossing and turning and my arms - so thank you again :)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

@MsPiapigen You made the same call I did. :) I still use the Nemo for dual camping with my kids but for solo it's Zenbivy all the way!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Everyone has a preference until the temperature plummets .... then they go for sleeping bags. I went on a supposedly "mild" camp in Scotland, but then got rained on, sleeted on, snowed on, and the temp dropped far below predicted levels to -2c. Meanwhile I am there with my autumn sleeping system, damp clothes, and cold AF. Forget "quilts" and having a bit of your back exposed. I could feel where my hip was pressing into my mat because there was heat exchange. I could literally visualise my poorly closing seal on my outer because it was a blue line of cold down my body. When everything goes wrong, the one thing you can rely on to keep you alive is stripping off your wet clothes and crawling into your sleep system. Dont cheap out on that for the sake of losing a few grams of weight. I would personally train harder, so I got stronger, so I could carry more weight, JUST to carry a decent sleep system. When everything goes wrong your bag is going to be the only thing keeping you alive. ........quilts .... seriously?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Right tool for the right job, but sometimes you don't know what the job will be, and then you better have a tool that will work anyway!

[@Gunner662]

Seirra design is genius. That is my major issue with sleeping pad, sliding off the pad.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah that's a feature that everyone else needs to include!

[@Smashycrashy]

I’ve just started trail running / ultramarathoning instead of sleeping, just keep going and don’t sleep for a day or two. I haven’t worked out anything past that. I’ve yet to get a good night sleep on the trails so might as well keep moving. I hope one day to defeat the problem and get to sleep, until then I’ll keep it under 100 miles or so.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Well, that's one way to do it haha!

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

I've been using mummy bags as quilts since I was a kid. If it gets colder I just zip them up.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Many work well like that. :)

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Very clear and well presented thank you.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thank you very much!

[@tommyvslarsen]

Thank you for a great video. I was thinking that I was becoming an old and grumpy man since I didnt like sleeping in ordinary sleepingbags anh more

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it was helpful - but comfortable sleeping bags are no excuse for not becoming an old and grumpy man. :)

[@millieblue5014]

Thank you so much for sharing this great and informative video! Really appreciate it!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You are so welcome!

[@Colby168]

Great video. I have the Disco 15 and love it. It’s on the heavier side for light sleeping bags. Was looking into the Terralite as an alternative to shave off a pound as well as still have room to move around. Just a little concerned about warmth. Would you say the Terralite sleeps warmer than the Disco even though it’s a 25 degree? My Disco starts getting a little cold in the mid 30’s. I also believe you can order a Terralite overstuffed. Thanks.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The Terralite wasn't mine actually and I was just using it for form factor. WM does overstuff and I'd trust their ratings!

[@Synistercrayon]

I have tried the quilts. I would not give up my terralite for a quilt....ever

[@ChristopherDiViccaro]

What timing! I have a Terralite waiting for me to test (& 95% sure purchase) at my local mountain store. I started having a little thoughts after seeing the Cloud’s innovative features, but then here you come solidifying my choice at the end. Can’t wait to pick it up. I’m an active sleeper in all positions. I bring an Exped Ultra 3R Duo M because it’s the only thing I can sleep on. I’m 5’10”, 220+ with screws and plates in my pelvis and a bad leg from a previous motorcycle accident. At 72” long, 41” at the head and 32” at the foot, it allows me to spin freely in my Tarptent Double Rainbow Li. Quilts don’t work for me. Mummy’s def don’t work. The Terralite I think is going to be a dream. WM also has an extender that adds about 3” to the top of the bag and tapers down to the girth if I’m still feeling confined…we’ll see how it goes first.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You got some GREAT stuff! I think you'll love the bag. It's simple but basically perfectly made. :)

[@ChristopherDiViccaro]

Thank you, I’m always worried it comes across as bragging, it isn’t. I just don’t want to buy things more than once. There really weren’t many reviews of it here. I initially went in to try an Alpinlite…once I crawled in I felt like a sausage, but more importantly I was actually compressing the down from the inside out. The owner immediately recommended the Terra. I’ll come back when I have it. One thing I did notice, the quality of the bags are phenomenal.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I get it, see my In Defense of Expensive Gear video haha! Buy once, cry once.

[@ChristopherDiViccaro]

For those that care the dims of the terra are 6’0”, 65”/68”/42” shoulder/hip/foot. 1 lb. 13 oz. (18 oz. 850+ fill).

[@dalehilliard5535]

I have the terralite it is an awesome bag ..got mine from hermit's hut out of California took A-day and a 1/2 to get To Tacoma.. Mine has a 3 oz over stuff and is Just as roomy as a quilt inside without the drafts ,On the down Is side it does way 32 oz But it makes an awesome Winter bag.. And its quality build is something to Marvel over

[@trailheadjunkie]

I have both the Disco 15 degree and the Torchlight UL20 both are very comfortable but the Torchlight is more customizable with its design features and can almost be “spoon shape” as well. I use both depending on my trips because the Disco is a little on the heavier side.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I looked at the Torchlight, looks nice!

[@trailheadjunkie]

@@BackcountryPilgrimI can’t tell the difference in warmth between the two 🤷‍♂️ I bought the Torchlight last year on sale it’s an expensive bag for sure!

[@Notthatyouneedtoknow]

I have both also. I prefer the Torchlight because it feels warmer and cozier. Both are great for side sleeping and being restless.

[@melarch.5424]

I have Mont-Bell Down Hugger 800 #1 for those stretchy requirements (side sleeper with leg kick) and find it OK for most positions.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great! A good nights sleep is worth it.

[@flybyguy1450]

Would love to see you compare the big agnes anvil horn and the zenbivy light bed!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Tell them to send em over! :)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You might want to check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmqrep-glL97a7M

[@kennethstarr5545]

Western mountaineering Alpinlite Works like a quilt just unzip it and leave the down up You can do this with any bag. Not sure how anyone couldn’t figure that out as quilts don’t work for everything but I have never worried about using a bag for everything

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah this comes up often. It can get awkward with hoods but it isn't impossible. The bigger benefit with a quilt is weight. WM rocks!

[@utahagentz]

I'm getting the WM TerraLite. Been using Big Agnes Torchlight UL 30 and just not warm enough for Utah mountains, not side sleeper friendly as very little fill on underside of bag.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

WM is fantastic!

[@pauljames1873]

That was a quality review. Thank you!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad to be of service!

[@TheBekker_]

Not sure if it's available in the US, but Nordisk Gormsson Egg, is pretty awesome for a stomach sleepers

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I haven't heard of that company but I'll check it out! Thanks!

[@matthewshirley209]

Great video.I’m a side sleeper looking up upgrade my sleep system.Ever try the montbell downhugger? It’s a mummy bag that stretches.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

No I haven't. I'm not sure stretching would cure my claustrophobia as much but it'd be worth a try!

[@Trail_Trash]

I have the Nemo Disco and like the extra roominess of it, rei had it on sale for $168 so it was a no brainer to trade in my Nemo forte I had just bought few weeks earlier for the $50 refund and around 1lb weight savings, they currently have it for $223 low stock and discontinued

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice move!

[@dennisTHEmenac3]

Zenbivy is the GOAT sleep system. I’ve used the 10 degree bag down in the teens and zero issues with draft. Their sleeping pad with a 5 R- value is highly underrated in the backpacking community also. I average 15 miles a day across multiple days and a good night’s sleep is essential to continued peak performance . I’m exclusively a side and stomach sleeper and I’ve used/tested many other systems. None compare, not even close

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

So it's good then? :) That's an amazing testimony. Next time a sleep system is on the review list that's probably the one I'll try! Thanks!

[@WolfPackM98c]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Problem with the Zenbivy is that it’s a glorified quilt system at 2lbs for the 25* and like most quilts, the temp ratings are ambitious. 2lbs pretty much opens the door to dozens of sleeping bag options. At that point, the whole purpose of a quilt goes out the window and you are just using a stripped down bag for no reason because it all weighs the same.

[@WolfPackM98c]

​@@BackcountryPilgrim While I think it is a smart design for a quilt, it is backward engineering. You are essentially taking what began as a stripped down sleeping bag to save weight and adding in features (and weight) to make it less like a stripped down sleeping bag 🙃

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Lol! I may steal that line if I ever review one. :)

[@dennisTHEmenac3]

@wolfpac Do you own one or have you ever slept in one before ?

[@mcmick6294]

You missed the most important feature of the wm terralite; it has 2 zippers. The 2nd one goes around toe box allowing you to open only the foot if you have 🔥 feet.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good catch! Two-way zips are fairly common but this is an unusual feature!

[@gusvietnam5086]

Great video! I needed to see this! Thank you and just subscibed. 👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks!!!

[@Greg_M1]

Me too. Side sleeper. Good info. Thanks.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

We gotta stick together haha!

[@wad6216]

You do good reviews with detail. Watched some of your ones on back packs, Have you used the Gregory Focal pack at all?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

No I haven't. Gregory makes great stuff they seem underrated as a company to me.

[@genuser9758]

The Nemo Riff is not really a more premium product than the Disco. It's more of an ultralight version. It provides the exact same amount of insulation altogether but in a slightly thinner format thus technically increasing the gsm. So the Riff is higher gsm but it is NOT warmer from the weight used. The point of the riff is that it packs down a bit smaller than the Disco but that sacrifices some of the spaciousness and comfortability that comes with the Disco. To some, the thinner profile of the Riff might be a bit warmer though because there is less air around the sleeper's body due to the thinner profile making it slightly warmer like a mummy bag would. But, again, that sacrifices spaciousness and movement so it is up to each person what they want. I'm really skinny but I'm very happy with the size of my Nemo Disco, but I also have yet to see how warm it is on the trail.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The Riff uses 800 fill down, that's the biggest difference, it is also slightly less wide. Together they make for a smaller volume and much lower weight for the same temp rating. support.nemoequipment.com/hc/en-us/articles/23292383147924-This-versus-That-Disco-versus-Riff

[@genuser9758]

@@BackcountryPilgrim It's definitely not a "much lower" weight. The difference is roughly 100g/4oz. The difference is so small that you wouldn't actually be able to tell the difference when carrying it or even holding it in your hand.

[@hikebot]

WM alpinlite is great I can toss and turn within the bag zero drafts zero cold spots. Plus continuous baffles for temp regulation.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Awesome bags!

[@aranha9365]

I'm pure stomach sleeper, on a bed or on the ground. The only way I can sleep on my back (or side) is on a hammock, lights out, I wake up in the morning pretty much on the same position that I slept.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice! I squirm around a lot. I really need to try a hammock sometime!

[@antipsihoticpill]

OMG! Thank you so much! Cloud 20 solves (almost) all of my problems - I can sleep on the side or stomach, I'm not getting klaustrofobia attacks, I can pop out my RLS legs to cool down and stop twitching, and I think it's wide enough for my dog to sleep in a spoon next to me. :D BUT, I do have a problem with my hip hurting the next day. I always thought it's from hiking and pack weight, but recently I slept on my insulation pad indoors and the next day my hip hurted. Any advice on what kind of insulation pad is best for preventing hips hurting?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

First, I am so glad the Cloud 20 worked for you! Second, the best pads for support seem to be ones with a "quilted" or "dot" pattern rather than tubes. These work more like a home mattress and don't squish the air out from under pressure points as much. I'd look at the Nemo Tensor or the new UL pads from Zenbivy. Hope that helps!

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Solid information

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks!

[@luc1ferblack]

If like me you need it for motorbike camping so pack size is not so much an issue the 2 i would consider are eurohike adventurer 300XL on sale for about £40 and the beast sleeping pod which is huge again for about £40 im probably going with the beast as its just so much bigger than the eurohike 300xl but pack size will suck

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Volume is important to me as the bigger the backpacker the more it will weigh too. :)

[@pismorichy]

I owed the Disco it was warm but it bled feathers like a pig and the zipper broke after 30 times . Returned 2 others as well mountain hardwear and i cant even remember the 3rd . I finally went to a quilt and i totally agree that below 30 i got cold, im So damn frustrated, do i get the Enlightened Equipment zero or another bag? Im leaning towards a zero bag, Western Mountaineering or something that has a no question ask return policy, im a bit warn out with the whole process.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Man, that's rough. Western Mountaineering is the only bag company I've never heard anything but praise for, that may be the way to go. "Buy once, cry once." ;)

[@craig3401]

I sleep like you and have a cumulus quilt and found when I move gaps let cold in but the room to move is great then I found the mountain equipment helium GT range of sleeping bags the the GT are wider giving you more room and the quality is great and the prices are very reasonable.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That seems to be best for cold, I'll check those out!

[@apercrumbie7105]

Really helpful video, thank you. Which do you find comfier out of the nemo and the sierra designs bags?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The Nemo is my go-to unless I know it will be somewhat warm then I could go either way. :)

[@apercrumbie7105]

@@BackcountryPilgrim Thank you, that's very helpful! I mostly camp in the UK in Summer with some spring & autumn camping. My main priority right now is comfort so I think I'll go with the nemo. And thank you for responding - there aren't any stockists of these bags local to me so I have to rely on expert opinions and then order in!

[@HikerGal1]

Excellent and thorough reviews!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks Hiker Gal!