Products You May Like
Do you love to go camping with your family or your partner? If you do, then you’ve probably experienced the nightly “I-want-to-snuggle-but-we-can’t” thing that happens when everyone is confined to their own sleeping bag. I know I like to cuddle, especially when it’s chilly outside. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to get a double sleeping bag. Unlike a single sleeping bag, a double sleeping bag is big enough for two.
When I first presented my partner Ryan with the idea of a double sleeping bag, his reaction was that it sounded hot and too confining. Luckily, many of the newer two person sleeping bags allow for freedom of movement, flexibility to air out each side, and can even save weight in your backpacking setup.
Here are the best double sleeping bags including cozy two-person options for couples and families.
Best Double Sleeping Bags at a Glance
Best Two Person Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Accomplice
The Enlightened Equipment Accomplice Two Person Quilt is an awesome ultralight double quilt for backpacking that I use on every trip with Ryan. It’s my personal favorite two-person sleep system for backpacking. Available with temperature ratings between 0°- 50°F and different sizes and colors, I love that you can totally customize the quilt to fit your needs.
I find the Accomplice Quilt to be very warm and spacious. It doesn’t feel tight because each of us can access our own side and move around freely, just like at home. First, we strap our sleeping pads together using the provided straps, and then the quilt attaches to those straps. If one of us gets hot in the middle of the night, we can simply unhook each side as needed to provide better airflow. For more insulation, you can add on a lightweight hood for your head.
Be forewarned – there are a couple of things that differentiate a quilt from a sleeping bag. Quilts do not have zippers or built-in hoods and are meant to be paired with a proper sleeping pad to provide insulation and warmth underneath you. The idea behind this is to cut weight and space in your backpack. In this case, this 2-person quilt weighs less than 2 separate 1-person sleeping bags together, which is why I highly recommend this for backpacking.
Key features:
- Ideal Activity: backpacking
- Weight: 1-3 lbs (depending on temperature rating and add-ons)
- Temperature rating: 0-50F
- Insulation Type: 850 fill down
- Responsible Down Standard certified
- Ultralight nylon shell with Durable Water Repellant finish
- Handmade in Winona, Minnesota
Pros:
- Ultralight
- Customizable
- Compresses easily
Cons:
- Requires a proper sleeping pad for maximum warmth
Check price: Enlightened Equipment
Best Hypoallergenic Option: Exped MegaSleep Duo 25/40
You’ve got a lot of options with this feature-packed hypoallergenic sleeping bag. The Exped MegaSleep Duo 25/40 double sleeping bag is a complete 4-in-1 sleep package with four different configurations, including multiple temperature ratings.
We love this bag because all the materials that come in contact with your skin are left untreated without harmful chemicals and allergens, and have been tested and certified to contain no harmful substances. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, this is the double sleeping bag for you!
At just 4 lbs, this is also an ultralight backpacking two person sleeping bag when you consider it’s just 2 lbs per person. It compresses down to about 14 liters whole, or you can separate it into two bags for half that compression size. Each side of the bag is insulated and rated for different temperatures, 25°F and 40°F. So, you can just flip the bag over if the temp changes. The insulation is lined with quick-drying microfiber and the interior fabric is nice and soft next to your skin.
Key features:
- Ideal Activity: backpacking, car camping
- Weight: 4 lbs (regular) – 5 lbs (long)
- Temperature Rating: 25-40F
- Insulation Type: synthetic (polyester)
- Three sizes available: double (70 inches), medium double (76.8 inches) and long double (77 inches)
- Oeko-Tex® 100 Standard certified: no harmful substances and produced sustainably
Pros:
- Ultralight
- Oeko-Tex® 100 Standard certified against harmful chemicals
- Easy to flip for temperature comfort
Cons:
- Summer-only bag (chilly below 45 degrees)
Check price: REI / Backcountry
Most Versatile: The North Face Dolomite One Duo
The North Face Dolomite One Duo sleeping bag has an interchangeable 3-layered temperature system, making it the most versatile double sleeping bag option. The lowest temperature rating you’ll get with the 3-layer setup is 15°F, but if that’s too warm ditch one of the layers and make it 30°F bag, or if you’re stargazing in the summertime opt for the single 50°F layer.
Each layer is lined with soft material for comfort and features a watch pocket for quick go-to items. This 3-in-1 is the ultimate double sleeping bag for car camping that would be suitable for all your 3-season adventures.
Key features:
- Ideal Activity: car camping
- Weight: 8 lbs 13 oz
- Temperature Rating: 15-50F
- Insulation Type: synthetic (30% post-consumer recycled polyester)
- Two sizes available: regular (78 inches) and long (84 inches)
Pros:
- Versatile temperature control with 3 layers
- Good in cold weather
Cons:
- Layers do not fully detach from the bag
Check price: Backcountry / Moosejaw
Most Comfortable: NEMO Jazz Luxury Duo
The NEMO Jazz Luxury Duo Sleeping Bag is as cozy and luxurious as the name implies. There’s a comfortable amount of space for two people and it’ll keep you nice and warm even in cold weather. It comes with a fleecy-soft integrated sheet that’s removable so you can wash between camping trips to keep your sleep set up nice and clean. This two person sleeping bag also has a hood which is a nice, cozy addition that will keep you warmer when temps drop.
If you want to feel like you’re sleeping in the comfort of your own home, the Jazz Luxury bag is the perfect option.
Key features:
- Ideal Activity: car camping
- Weight: 8 lbs 10 oz
- Temperature Rating: 20F
- Insulation Type: Stratofiber™ polyester synthetic
- Durable Water Repellent finish
Pros:
- Fleece liner is ultra-soft and removeable for easy washing
- Great for sleepers who run cold
Cons:
- Bulkier than other options
Check price: Moosejaw
Eco Friendly Pick: The North Face Eco Trail Bed Double 20
The North Face Eco Trail Bed double sleeping bag is eco-friendly and made out of all recycled materials. This two person sleeping bag has a soft fleece interior that will keep you and your partner nice and comfy on your next camping trip.
This no-frills bag has the basics you need like zippers on both sides so you can each get in and out easily and an interior pocket for essentials.
Key features:
- Ideal Activity: car camping
- Weight: 7lbs 6oz (regular)
- Temperature Rating: 20F
- Insulation Type: recycled polyester synthetic
Pros:
- Made from all recycled materials
- Great value for price
Cons:
- Not a cold weather bag
Check Price: Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
Best Value: Stoic Groundwork Double Sleeping Bag
The Stoic Groundwork double sleeping bag is one of the most budget-friendly double sleeping bags and is super versatile. It can be unzipped into two separate sleeping bags in case you’re going camping solo, and at less than $150 it’s a pretty good deal. It’s made with soft fabric to keep you cozy and has an exterior water repellent finish to wick off moisture.
Key features:
- Ideal Activity: car camping
- Weight: 6lbs 1.6oz
- Temperature Rating: 20F
- Insulation Type: Synthetic
- Durable Water Repellent finish
Pros:
- Great value for price
- Zips into two separate bags for more versatility
Cons:
- Summer bag only (chilly below 45 degrees)
Check Price: Backcountry
Best 3-Season Option: Klymit KSB Double Sleeping Bag
The Klymit KSB is an ultra-cozy two person sleeping bag option with well thought out design features. The bottom half of the bag is insulated with synthetic polyester which stands up better to moisture than down, and the top half is down which provides maximum warmth and comfort. The baffle at the top will keep your head warm on cold nights, and the four-way zipper allows you to remove a layer when it’s toasty, making this a great three-season double sleeping bag.
Key features:
- Ideal Activity: backpacking, car camping
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Temperature Rating: 30F
- Insulation Type: 650 fill down top, synthetic insulation bottom
- Responsible Down Standard certified
- Durable Water Repellent finish
Pros:
- Built-in head hood for extra warmth
- 4-way zipper allows you to shed the top layer easily
Cons:
- Accompanying sleeping pad fit is small
Check Price: Backcountry
Best Budget Option: Ohuhu Two Person Sleeping Bag
Now, if you’re really just looking for something super simple and super cheap, I get it – you just need something to sleep in and that’s it. Enter: the Ohuhu double sleeping bag! For less than $50, it has raving reviews from campers that were warm and comfortable snuggling with their companion all night. And, you can split it into two bags if you need a single sleeping bag.
The Ohuhu works best in above-freezing temperatures. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly double sleeping bag for warm weather camping trips, this is a good contender. It could also work on short backpacking trips, but I suggest separating it into two pieces to lighten the load and share the weight, otherwise, 6 pounds is pretty heavy to carry on your back.
Key features:
- Ideal Activity: warm-weather backpacking or car camping
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Insulation Type: 3D cotton
Pros:
- Cheapest two person sleeping bag
- Zips into two separate bags for more versatility
Cons:
- Summer bag only (chilly below 50 degrees)
Check price: Amazon
Factors to Consider When Buying a Two Person Sleeping Bag
Before we get into the details, it’s important to understand how sleeping bags work. Your body’s metabolism creates and emits heat to balance your internal temperature. So when you’re inside a sleeping bag, it traps that heat and creates an insulating layer around you. Since small spaces have less air to heat, it’s easier to maintain a comfortable temp. That’s why it’s best to get a sleeping bag that fits your body for maximum efficiency and warmth.
Sleeping Bag Temperature Rating
All sleeping bags have a temperature rating based on the comfortable sleeping temperature of the average sleeper; these ratings are further broken down into “comfort” and “lowest-limit” ratings. The comfort rating is the average temperature a “cold sleeper” would feel comfortable in and the lowest-limit rating is the average temperature a “warm sleeper” would feel comfortable in. Keep this in mind if you tend to run especially warm or cold at night.
These temp ratings classify the sleeping bag for use in summer, 3-season, or winter (4-season). So, you need to think about where and when you’ll use your bag. Generally, a 3-season double sleeping bag should be suitable for most people unless you plan to be in sub-freezing temps.
Aside from temperature ratings, there are several other factors that affect how warm or cold you feel, like your sleeping pad, clothing, weather (wind, humidity), and your metabolism. But the ratings are a good way for you to compare products and their warmth potential.
It’s smart to get a sleeping bag that will stand up to the lowest expected temperatures of most of your trips, and maybe even 5-10° colder. You can always unzip your bag or sleep without it if you’re hot, but there’s not much you can do if you’re cold except layer on more clothes.
Sleeping Bag Shape
You’ll encounter a few different shapes on your search for the best 2-person sleeping bag: mummy, semi-rectangle, and rectangle. Each shape has some benefits and will make a difference in your comfort and warmth.
Mummy sleeping bags are designed for reduced weight and maximum warmth because there’s less space to heat. Since you’re wrapped up like a mummy, the idea is that the bag moves with you as you move and it holds in heat, but it can feel restrictive for some sleepers.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags are a combination of mummy and rectangle. Mummy on top and rectangle on the bottom, so you get warmth and roominess.
Rectangular sleeping bags have more room to stretch and tend to have zippers all the way around, but there’s more empty space which could mean more cold air getting in.
Sleeping Bag Insulation Material
Sleeping bags are insulated with either down or synthetic materials and there are some significant differences between the two.
Down is generally warmer, more lightweight, and able to compress smaller which is especially a consideration if you’re looking for a double sleeping bag for backpacking. Down sleeping bags last a long time and are pretty durable, but don’t do well in damp, wet conditions. In addition, down is generally plucked from ducks or geese which isn’t exactly animal friendly. All of the double sleeping bags recommended here that do contain down are certified to the Responsible Down Standard which ensures the down is sourced as humanely as possible.
Synthetic materials on the other hand will continue to insulate when damp. They also dry fast and tend to be less expensive than down. However, sleeping bags made with synthetic materials don’t generally compress as small as those made with down, which is something to consider if you’re looking for a compact sleeping bag for backpacking.
Looking for a 1-person sleeping bag? Be sure to check out our top picks.
Are you a solo-sleeper or snuggling-snoozer? Have you tried any double sleeping bags? Let us know in the comments below!
