Best Budget Sleeping Bags Under $100

A good sleeping bag doesn't require dropping $300. If you're car camping or just getting into the hobby, there are solid options under $100 that won't leave you shivering. We looked for bags with real temperature ratings, durable materials, and enough versatility to handle three-season camping.

Coleman North Rim: Best Overall

The Coleman North Rim is the reliable choice for most car campers. Rated to 40°F, it handles spring through fall trips without issue. The 21.6 oz synthetic insulation doesn't compress as much as down, but that means it maintains warmth even when damp — a real advantage in unpredictable weather.

At 5 lbs, it's not backpacking weight, but for a car-camping bag under $90, the durability speaks for itself. Coleman backs this with a solid reputation for field performance. The rectangular cut gives more foot room than mummy bags. Not the warmest for winter, but honest about its 40°F limit.

Price: $89.99. Weight: 5 lbs. Best for: Three-season car camping, family trips.

Ozark Trail Basic: Budget Pick

Walmart's Ozark Trail line gets overlooked, but their basic synthetic bag at $59.99 is one of the best values under $100. The 20°F temperature rating means you're actually set for cold nights, not just cool ones. That's serious capability for less than a tank of gas.

The polyester shell is thin, which keeps weight down to 4.4 lbs. Don't expect luxury insulation quality, but synthetic will dry faster than down if you get it wet. The mummy shape is snug — good for heat retention, less comfortable if you move around at night. This is the right bag if you want temperature versatility on a real budget.

Price: $59.99. Weight: 4.4 lbs. Best for: Budget-conscious campers, transitional seasons, anyone avoiding synthetic down.

Coleman Brazos: Best for Spring and Fall

If you camp mostly in mild months and space is tight, the Coleman Brazos compresses to backpack size and sits at the right price point. The 45°F rating is honest — good for 50-70°F nights, marginal below that. At 4.2 lbs packed down, it fits in small tents or gear bags.

The trade-off is obvious: less insulation means less warmth. But for shoulder-season car camping or as a lightweight supplemental bag, it's practical. The compact pack size and low price ($79.99) make it a sensible second sleeping bag to have around. Not a winter option, but that's fine if you're hiking in July.

Price: $79.99. Weight: 4.2 lbs packed. Best for: Warm-season camping, lightweight backpacking, travelers with limited pack space.

ALPS Mountaineering Ultralight: Best for Backpacking

At under 3 lbs and $99.99, this is the only bag here designed specifically for backpacking. The 20°F rating is real enough for spring hiking, and the weight matters when it's on your back. ALPS uses a taffeta shell that reduces bulk without sacrificing durability.

The mummy cut is snug and efficient with heat. This isn't a roomy bag for sleeping around, but that's not the point. You're paying for performance in a lightweight package. It sits right at the $100 ceiling, which means it's worth stretching the budget for if backpacking is your focus.

Price: $99.99. Weight: 2.9 lbs. Best for: Backpacking, thru-hiking, any trip where weight counts.

What Temperature Rating Actually Means

Temperature ratings on budget bags are typically "comfort" ratings, not "survival" ratings. A 40°F bag keeps you comfortable at 40°F, not just alive. Below that number, you'll be cold. Don't buy a 40°F bag for winter camping hoping it works at 20°F — it won't.

Synthetic insulation performs better than down when wet, but down compresses smaller and lasts longer. All the bags here use synthetic because they're cheaper and more practical for budget camping. That's a reasonable trade-off at this price point.

When Not to Buy Any of These

If you camp only in summer or sleep hot, save money with a Coleman basic camp quilt for $30-40. They work fine for July camping and take up almost no space. If winter camping is your goal, none of these bags are adequate — you need a 0-20°F rated bag, and that's a different budget conversation.

Car camping in warm months and willing to compromise on features. Get a Coleman. Backpacking and weight matters. Get the ALPS. Shoulder-season trips and you want versatility. Get the Ozark Trail. Pick the one that matches your actual camping, not the camping you think you'll do.