13 Best Sleeping Bags for Kilimanjaro

When it came to climbing Kilimanjaro, one of the first questions we were asking was, “How cold does it get?” In the rainforest zone on the lower slopes, the temperatures at night were around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in the moorland and heath zone just above that, the nighttime temperatures would drop below freezing. And that was just day two of most climbing itineraries! Unless one’s hiking the Marangu route that has huts, it could get cold very quickly on Kilimanjaro as one would be sleeping in tents. Since we were camping, that’s how we began looking at a sleeping bag for Kilimanjaro.

After a long day on the arduous trail, our tent, and the sleeping bag, became our own private sanctuary to recover and rest. And since the weather up there is unpredictable, we chose warm sleeping bags that would work for all four seasons. What’s more, we also looked at temperature ratings, shapes, types of fill, and even weight while looking at sleeping bags. So, what are you waiting for? Here’s a handy guide to a sleeping bag for climbing the “Roof of Africa.”

Big Agnes Star Fire UL 20F Sleeping Bag

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The Big Agnes Star Fire UL 20F Sleeping Bag is one of the warmest sleeping bags we’ve ever been in. For one, this less-than-2-lb Star Fire UL punches above its weight when it was exposed to the elements, especially when we camped cold in a lake in Colorado. Even though it drizzled, it didn’t impact the bag’s 850-fill hydrophobic down or penetrate it, thanks to the PFC-free, DWR coating on the ripstop nylon Pertex shell. In fact, this material also lined the footbox’s interior! Plus, the down got toasty real quick, and we never felt a chill.

Even though the dimensions are on the smaller side, the warmth-to-weight ratio is excellent. The form-fitting hood embraced our heads even when the bag wasn’t cinched. And while half-zippers aren’t ideal for rising temperatures, it wasn’t snaggy and shaved off weight. Wrapping up the features is the 3-D anti-snag draft tube that prevents heat loss along the zipper.

• Temperature rating: -7C/20F
• Weight: 1.9 lbs/0.9 kg
• Shape: Mummy

Kelty Cosmic 0 Down Sleeping Bag

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Best value-for-money. The Kelty Cosmic 0 Down Sleeping Bag is not just one of the sleeping bags suitable for Kilimanjaro but is also one of the best winter sleeping bags. We wanted something that would get the job done but not cost a bomb, and this sleeping bag was perfect. While it weighs more than 4 lbs, this sleeping bag boasted an ISO rating.

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What’s more, the collar was specifically designed to keep us warm and trap the heat within, keeping us toasty all night long. However, what we liked the most about this sleeping bag was the 550 fill down and the 50D polyester taffeta lining. It felt extremely soft against our skin, allowing us to sleep even better despite the cold.

If you want to learn more, check out Enwild’s detailed YouTube video review of this sleeping bag.

• Temperature rating: -17C/0F
• Weight: 4.5 lbs/2 kg
• Shape: Mummy

Big Agnes Women’s Daisy Mae Sleeping Bag

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We have another Big Agnes on the list; this time, it’s the Big Agnes Women’s Daisy Mae Sleeping Bag. The brand has spent a couple of decades exploring the ins and outs of camping, and it shows in this bag. For one, the bag was warm and roomy, highly compressible, and space-saving. Secondly, the 650 DownTek fill is Bluesign-approved for antibacterial and antimicrobial protection and water-repellency. It even retained insulation when it began raining suddenly. The Free Range foot box allowed wiggle room for warmth, while the similar hood provided the freedom to lift our heads. Plus, the streamlined, rectangular shape offered lots of thermal regulation. All in all, this is an excellent lightweight sleeping bag for cold-weather conditions on the African mountain.

Check out more information about the bag on the official product page.

• Temperature rating: -17C/0F
• Weight: 2 lbs/0.9kg
• Shape: Rectangular

Marmot Trestles 15-degree Sleeping Bag

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Best for those who sleep cold. The Marmot Trestles 15 Degree Sleeping Bag is a classic synthetic-fill mummy bag that’s a nod to the brand’s history of designing industry-leading sleeping bags. You’ll love this heavy sleeping bag if you’re anything like us (i.e., if you freeze at the thought of being cold).

“We sleep very cold, so it was important for us to be extra-warm while climbing Kilimanjaro. And we couldn’t have found a lifesaver better than Marmot Trestles.”

WOW Travel

For one, it boasts two zippers, a quarter-length and a full-length one, which provided unmatched ventilation options. Plus, they made the bag very comfortable when we stayed in the tent for many days. Even though the 35 oz. insulation is heavy, thick, and not very compressible; it worked perfectly like a heavy blanket for us. We also loved the bulky hood design when cinched as we get cold in the head. The best bit? They also happen to be one of the best sleeping bags for women since women usually tend to sleep colder.

• Temperature rating: -9C/15F
• Weight: 4.75 lbs/2.1 kg
• Shape: Mummy

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Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 F Sleeping Bag

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Most color options. There are a lot of things we loved about the Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 F Sleeping Bag, whose quality is beyond excellent. This sleeping bag boasts an outer and inner nylon shell with horizontal baffles, allowing us to adjust the 650-fill power insulation. Moreover, the premium duck down fill offered excellent cushioning and warmth we’d never experienced before. We were also impressed by the ripstop, water-repellent nylon fabric build, and heavy-duty zippers, which ensured no snagging or tearing. Plus, the large foot box ensured comfort, as did the extra-wide shoulder area, which allowed the fit to not be so snug. Wrapping up the features is the grid design, which effectively and evenly retained heat once we were in, warming up quickly and staying that way.

The Funny Beaver has a lot of good things to say about this sleeping bag. Check out the detailed review.

• Temperature rating: -17C/0F
• Weight: 3-4.2 lbs/1.3-1.9 kg
• Shape: Mummy

TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Sleeping Bag

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The TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Sleeping Bag was the optimum hiking solution for the outdoor enthusiasts in us. This product has the qualities of a high-end sleeping bag but is also an affordable piece of gear. While we chose the 20F one, even the 0F one will help you stay dry and warm throughout the entire night. For one, the 40-D water-resistant ripstop nylon, PolarLite insulation, and brushed PolyFlannel provided warmth like no other. Secondly, the mummy hood allowed us to cinch down when we slept, while the taped anti-snag zippers allowed for self-ventilation whenever we needed. Finally, we also loved the internal sleeping bag pocket for stashing our valuables like our phones and wallets.

• Temperature rating: -17C/0F
• Weight: 2.9 lbs/1.3 kg
• Shape: Mummy

Rab Solar Eco Recycled Sleeping Bag

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Best eco-friendly. Rab’s newly-launched Solar collection is the brand’s first line of synthetic sleeping bags, and the Rab Solar Eco Recycled Sleeping Bag was our favorite. Despite being environmentally friendly, this bag feels luxurious. We loved the synthetic down that packed this plush, warm bag, which continued to insulate us when it got wet too. Plus, it dried quickly, too, and was designed to withstand temperatures as cold as -20C/8F too, as it could get that cold too on Kilimanjaro. Moreover, this mummy-shaped bag boasts an adjustable hood that gave our heads warmth and even had a dual-layer concertina blanket construction that trapped warmth and loft. Finally, the exterior is treated with DWR, thus repelling everything from accidental spills and rain-soaked tent walls to morning dew. 

• Temperature rating: -6C/20F
• Weight: 2.75 lbs/1.2 kg
• Shape: Mummy

SWTMERRY Sleeping Bag

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We were wary of Kilimanjaro’s extremes, as we wanted something to keep us warm at night but not overheat during the day. That’s why we loved using the three-season SWTMERRY Sleeping Bag. This sleeping bag is lightweight but was still warm enough to withstand the sub-freezing temperatures and keep us warm. What’s more, it came with a bottom zipper design with a separate zipper. So, when we felt like our feet needed some air, we’d stick them out while keeping the rest of the body warm. Plus, they came in a plethora of colors – the most we’d seen in sleeping bags, anyway! But what we loved the most was that these bags were very easy to wash in the machine. Rounding up the features is the compression sack with straps and the travel-friendly carry bag that came with the sleeping bag, making it hassle-free to store and carry.

• Temperature rating: -9 to 10C/15-50F
• Weight: 3 lbs/1.4 kg
• Shape: Rectangular

Hyke & Byke Quandary 15 F Sleeping Bag 

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We have another Hyke & Byke on the list; this time, it’s the Hyke & Byke Quandary 15 F Sleeping Bag. It’s the perfect cold-weather sleeping bag that boasts a WR 650-fill power duck-down insulation. But it was the revolutionary microscopic ClusterLoft base that kept us warm. What’s more, the outer and inner nylon shells with horizontal baffles allowed us to adjust the insulation as needed. Besides the superior weight-to-warmth ratio, the sleeping bag also is also water repellent due to the DWR coating, two large YKK zippers with anti-snag sliders, and a 400T 20 D ripstop nylon fabric liner. The best bit? It’s weight and space-saving, has a roomy foot box, and wide shoulders.

• Temperature rating: -9 to 10C/15-50F
• Weight: 2.7-2.9 lbs/1.2-1.3 kg
• Shape: Mummy

Klymit Wild Aspen 20F Sleeping Bag

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It’s incredible how Klymit’s managed to create sleeping bags that are warm, compact, and lightweight, and that too at a budget price point. And the warm and cozy Klymit Wild Aspen 20F Sleeping Bag is no exception. For one, the design of the sleeping bag made it feel like it was hugging us while we slept! Secondly, it comes with stretchable baffles that allowed for more freedom of movement while we were in it. It’s made from a micro-polyester, complete with a synthetic filling. Moreover, the material is soft, durable, and water-resistant, which protected the insulation and also provided extraordinary warmth. Wrapping up the features is the storage pocket on the inner left shoulder which allowed us to stash phones and wallets.

• Temperature rating: -6C/20F
• Weight: 2.5 lbs/1/1kg
• Shape: Mummy

Coleman North Rim Sleeping Bag

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The Coleman North Rim Sleeping Bag is an excellent mummy-style sleeping bag for camping in low temperatures. There are a lot of things we loved about this bag, such as the semi-sculpted hood that could be tightened with a drawstring to seal in the heat. So, we were able to keep our heads warm when we felt cold at night. What’s more, we liked that it unzipped from the bottom for extra ventilation around our feet on warmer nights. The sleeping bag also had a Thermolock draft tube, an insulated foot box, and a quilting construction for heat retention and warmth. Finally, the ZipPlow system plowed away the fabric, thus preventing snagging during zipping.

• Temperature rating: -17 to -12C/0-10F
• Weight: 6.5 lbs/2.9 kg
• Shape: Mummy

Hyke & Byke Katahdin 0F Sleeping Bag

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Our thru-hiking dream became a reality with the Hyke & Byke Katahdin 0F Sleeping Bag. This 0F sleeping bag from the premium outdoor gear brand was the perfect cold-weather sleeping bag for more reasons than one. Firstly, it boasts WR 625-fill power synthetic insulation. But, the revolutionary ClusterLoft base kept us warm, even in wet conditions. Since it was designed for thru-hiking, the lightweight sleeping bag boasted an excellent weight-to-warmth ratio. Plus, it even came with a sleeping bag stuff sack! The DWR coating made the bag water-repellent, keeping moisture at bay. Wrapping up the features are the baffles, the YKK zippers with the anti-snag slider, and the 400T 20 D ripstop nylon fabric liner.

• Temperature rating: -17 to -1C/0-30F
• Weight: 3.54 lbs/1.6 kg
• Shape: Mummy

Naturehike 0 Degree Sleeping Bag

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Sitting atop the list of the best sleeping bags for climbing the “Roof of Africa” is the Naturehike 0 Degree Sleeping Bag. This snug-as-a-bug bag was extremely lightweight, thanks to the brand’s CW290 upgraded goose-down, making it a must-own gear for every minimalist outdoors lover. The 800F/P white goose-down is not just incredibly soft but also very friendly to sensitive skin. If that wasn’t enough, it also retained warmth and is breathable. What’s more, the bag is comparable and sizable with a 15D 400T nylon exterior. A detailed sewing seam securing the waterproofing wraps up the features of this bag.

• Temperature rating: -35 to -20C/-31 to -4F
• Weight: 2.5 lbs/1.1 kg
• Shape: Mummy

Our Verdict!

While we loved all sleeping bags above, the ones below were just a notch above for their specific features:

• Best value for money: Kelty Cosmic 0 Down Sleeping Bag
• Best for those who sleep cold: Marmot Trestles 15-Degree Sleeping Bag
• Best eco-friendly: Rab Solar Eco Recycled Sleeping Bag
• Most color options: Hyke & Byke Snowmass 0 F Sleeping Bag

How To Choose The Best Sleeping Bags for Kilimanjaro?

Temperature rating

While some people tend to sleep warm, others, like us, tend to sleep cold. That basically means that while some feel cold at night, others get hot in the same conditions. Thus, someone who sleeps cold has to use a bag with a lower temperature rating than someone who sleeps hot. That said, we anyway looked for and recommend warmer bags to be on the safe side. That’s because temperatures can always be regulated by not using the hood, using the bag as a cover sheet, unzipping it fully or partially, or wearing less clothing while sleeping.

Different manufacturers also have ‘extreme’ and ‘comfort’ temperature ratings on their products. The former is the temperature when one can survive, that is, be alive. So, don’t consider this temperature as comfortable! The latter rating, on the other hand, is the temperature that most people will feel warm enough while they sleep. So, using sleeping bags suitable for Kilimanjaro at temperatures lower than the ‘comfort’ rating made us feel cold.

Material

Good quality sleeping bags are made from one of two materials, either polyester (synthetic bags) or goose or duck feathers (down bags). However, both serve the same purpose: to trap warm air within the bag.

• Synthetic sleeping bags – These are made from polyester fibers and usually use one of two technologies – continuous-filament fills or short-staple fills. The former uses thicker, longer filaments that make the bags more durable, while the latter is more densely packed, making them compressible, soft, and flexible.
• Down sleeping bags – This material is matchless and has a superior warmth-to-weight ratio. The fill-power of down speaks to its fluffiness or loft. The higher the fill, the more space it occupies. 
• Synthetic vs down – While down bags with the same temperature ratings as their synthetic counterparts will always be more compressible and lighter, they lose their warmth and take a very long time to dry when wet. Synthetic, on the other hand, retains its warmth even when it gets wet.

Denier

If the sleeping bag’s fabric is thinner and, thus, lighter, then the more expensive it is. This specification indicating thinness is called the denier (D). A high denier like 40D usually indicates a relatively heavy and thick fabric. On the other hand, nylon, with a low denier like 10D, is very lightweight and sheer. In fact, we could even see through it to the sleeping bag’s fill.

Shell and inner lining

Finally, we come to the fabrics in the sleeping bag’s inner lining and shell enclosing the bag’s fill. There are a variety of fabrics for linings and shells, like polycotton, taffeta, nylon, and polyester. Polycotton isn’t a good option for the wintry Kiliminajaro as takes time to dry. Tafetta, silk, nylon, and polyester are quick-drying and breathable, which is great for an inner lining as you don’t want the moisture to stay trapped within. Meanwhile, taffeta is a great but expensive choice, and silk, albeit comfortable, tears very easily. Also, most sleeping bag shells now come with a DWR finish (durable water repellent) finish, which extends the life of the bag and helps keep the user dry.

What kind of bag do you need for Kilimanjaro?

According to most users, mummy-shaped sleeping bags are best as the closer fit prevents cold spots from developing and provides better insulation.

How warm of a bag do I need for Kilimanjaro?

We recommend sleeping bags with temperature ratings of -18C/0F or warmer -29C/-20F. Also, get one with higher ratings if you tend to sleep cold.

What do you wear at night on Kilimanjaro?

That’s a long list, including a balaclava and beanie for the head, compression and thermal tops, bottoms, gloves, socks, and insulated jackets are just some of the things you’re going to need.