What to look for

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings

Most three-season campers are covered by a bag rated 25°F to 30°F. If you're camping in the shoulder seasons, heading above treeline, or sleeping cold by nature, look at 15°F or 0°F bags. The Traveller Bag and Blanket is the warm-weather option if you mostly camp in summer - rated 30°F to 50°F, it packs light and doubles as a blanket.

Down vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags

Down bags (the Spark, Ascent, and Altitude) are lighter and compress better - the right choice for backpacking trips where pack weight matters. Synthetic bags (the Traverse, Trailhead, and Venture) hold warmth even when damp, dry faster, and cost less - better for car camping, shoulder-season trips, and anywhere wet weather is likely.

For sleeping pads, air pads like the Ether Light XT and Comfort Plus are lighter and pack smaller. Self-inflating pads like the Comfort Deluxe are thicker and more durable - better for base camp or when you're not counting every ounce.