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2024 Best sleeping bags for mountain expeditions and extreme cold [updated]

Sleeping bags are one of the most essential gears when venturing out on your big mountaineering missions. Not just any sleeping bag but the ones that are built for extremely cold and wet conditions. A sleeping bag in itself is not enough, as they do absorb the cold from the grounds below. Foam pads or for extra comfort, inflatable sleeping pads (super light versions) when climbing a big mountain are a must.

Mind you, sleeping bags built for the extremes, are not cheap and you should expect to spend somewhere from $700 - $1500 USD (or hire one from us 🙂, exclusively to Namas climbing members only). If you are planning your next expedition like Mt. Everest, Manaslu, Cho Oyu, G2, Himlung Himal, Baruntse, Cholatse, Ama Dablam, etc any extreme high altitude expeditions, then you can surely expect extremely windy and cold climbing days. Expect them to be one-time purchases. If they are taken care of properly they can last you well for the next 3 - 5 years. Your sleeping bag is the first thing you want to snuggle and wrap around you when you go inside your tent, then follow the warm cup of hot water or tea. Below are some of the best down suits we can recommend for any climbers who are preparing for their 6000M to 7000M - 8000M+ expeditions.

Mountain Hardwear - Phantom Goretex -40C/-40F

MHW Phantom sleeping bags (Back in production again for -40 C/F) are built for the extremes and are well-known to mountaineers. They are built for serious alpine expeditions. An ultra-warm reprieve from frigid mountain conditions, it remains light and compressible for streamlined expeditions and alpine-style pushes. We have tested and used MHW phantom sleeping bags in the past during our Ama Dablam expeditions and the Goretex layer certainly keeps the moisture out while retaining the internal heat when you are inside the sleeping bags. This is a solid option to consider.

Price: $979 (USD)

Best for Baruntse peak, Himlung Himal, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, Mt. Nun Expeditions

Features

  • Weight: 3 lb 7.4 oz / 1571 g

  • Temperature: -40C/-40F

  • 850-fill goose down insulation for optimal warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility

  • Gore-Tex WINDSTOPPER® fabric is breathable, highly water-resistant, windproof, and ideal for severe conditions

  • Expedition mummy cut efficiently adds space to allow for gear storage in freezing temps

  • Lightweight but durable #5 zipper with anti-snag for easy entry and exit

  • A shaped draft collar blocks the escape of heated air from inside the bag

  • Oversized down-filled face gasket extends into the hood to comfortably block drafts

  • Contoured foot box follows natural foot position for maximum warmth and comfort

  • Vertical side wall baffles for added warmth and maximum loft

  • Glow in the dark, reflective zipper pull

  • Nylon compression sack and mesh storage sack included

  • Oversized zipper draft tube prevents cold spots along the zipper

  • Fabric: 20D Nylon Taffeta

  • Fabric Body: 100% Nylon

  • Insulation: 850-fill Goose Down RDS Cert/Fluorine Free

This is hands down one of the best sleeping bags. Our team has been using Kailas sleeping bags on all our major 7000M and 8000M expeditions and they have been a solid choice. It may be a bit snug if you are a very tall person but these sleeping bags are exceptionally breathable, waterproof, and warm.

Price: $1267 (USD)



Best for: Mt. Everest 8848M, Manaslu 8163M, Makalu 8463M, Himlung Himal 7126M, Baruntse peak 7129M or any winter expeditions.



Features

  • Weight: 1.52 Kg

  • Temperate: -30C

  • 850 Down fill

  • DWR treatment keeps the down and feather dry

  • Filled with high-quality 850FP European goose down

  • Zippered foot box for excellent temperature management

  • Baffle construction evenly keeps the down in place

  • Primaloft insulation at the back, hip, and calf for better pressure resistance and added warmth

  • Magnetic closure at collar for convenience and durability

  • The soft brim of the hood offers extra protection

  •  Insulation: 90% white goose down Primaloft

  • Shell: 20D ultralight down fabric

  • Lining: 20D nylon fabric

  • Recommended Use: Alpine climbing

Polar ranger is Therm-a-rest lightest, down sleeping bag for high-performance in the extreme cold. Winning the award at backpacker magazines editor choice award this sleeping bag is built for extremes and is built for temperatures up to -30C.

Probably the coolest and most handy design is the cut-up for the arms so that your sleeping bag is still wrapped up around you even when you are freeing up your arms. It absorbs 90% less water and dries 3x faster than untreated down—a big plus on long trips where periodic drying is required. The ultralight shell and soft liner are made from planet-friendly GRS-certified 100% recycled nylon.

Price: $750 - $800 (USD)

Best for Baruntse peak, Himlung Himal, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, Mt. Nun Expeditions

Features

  • 800-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™: PFC-free and absorbs 90% less water and dries 3x faster than untreated down.

  • Responsible Down Standard Certified: Certification that ensures the waterfowl in the down supply chain are treated humanely.

  • Snorkel Hood: Designed to allow for easy breathing and to ventilate exhaled moisture to preserve loft; magnetic closure keeps cross-drafts at bay and eases entry/exit.

  • Side Vents: Allow for external arm use and customizable temperature control; overlapping draft tubes prevent cold spots when closed.

  • SynergyLink™ Connectors: Ultralight straps create a secure bag-to-sleeping pad connection that optimizes the comfort and thermal efficiency of your entire sleep system.

  • Compression sack and storage sack included.

Pajak - Radical 16H (-45C to -73C)

Engineered for winter Himalayan expeditions, the Radical 16H sleeping bag delivers premium performance and innovative design. Its stacked, offset H-shaped baffle construction eliminates cold spots while the 900FP Polish white goose down provides unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio. Weighing only 1500g, the compressible Radical 16H packs down to an impressive 50:1 ratio for easy portability. Integrated waterproof inserts shield the hood and footbox from moisture while the Infrared Reflection Layer (IRL) retains up to 50% of body heat. Dual zippers allow versatile venting and the snag-free T-bar puller grants effortless access even while wearing gloves. Built in Poland from top-tier materials, the Radical 16H sleeping bag withstands extremes down to -73°C, making it the warmest option in its weight class. For winter Himalayan pursuits, this thoughtfully engineered bag offers reliable, lightweight warmth.

Best for: Mt. Everest 8848M, Manaslu 8163M, G2 8035M, Cho Oyu 8201M , Baruntse peak 7129M, or any winter expeditions.

Features

  • Weight: 1.5 Kg

  • Temperature: -31C comfort. - 45C Limit. -73C Extreme limit.

  • 900 Fill RDS Polish white goose down filled

  • The award-winning design

  • 50:1 compression rate

  • Equipped with PAJAK's own Infrared Reflection Layer (IRL)

  • GELANOTS Ultra Light Rip Stop Shell

  • Internal/external hang loops

  • Inside pocket

  • Non-blocking zipper

With an award-winning design, the Sonic down mummy sleeping bag is Nemo equipments warmest 800+ fill sleeping bag designed for big mountain days. With next-generation Thermo Gill™ vents and a new multistage zipper system that dramatically increases the usable temperature range of the bag and allows fine-tuning of comfort from within the bag. The design does look very good indeed and we love the arm opening design too.

With a lower temperature rating of -18C, this sleeping bag will be perfect for your 6000M+ expeditions to Lobuche East & Island Peak, Ama Dablam, or Cholatse Expedition, or even at the lower 7000M peaks such as Himlung Himal, Barutunse, Pumori, or Nun Kun Expeditions.

Price: $550 USD

Best for Baruntse peak, Himlung Himal, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, Mt. Nun Expeditions

Features

  • Weight: 3 lb , 2 oz / 1.42 kg

  • Temperature: -18C

  • Overstuffed with premium 800 FP hydrophobic down that is PFC-Free and 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, ensuring humane treatment and traceability throughout the supply chain.

  • The award-winning design is updated for even greater warmth retention and adjustability across temperatures.

  • Updated design incorporates 100% recycled, bluesign® approved shell and liner fabrics.

  • Updated Thermo Gills™ extend the comfort range with a new multistage zipper system.

  • Redesigned Toester™ waterproof/breathable foot box utilizes a layer of synthetic insulation to protect the down and deliver maximum toastiness for toes.

  • An offset zipper creates a thermally efficient seal while an updated profile secures warmth closer to the body.

  • Protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty.

Conquer frigid conditions with the CWM -40° Sleeping Bag - Long, the ultimate defense against bone-chilling cold. This heavyweight bedroll thrives in environments as freezing as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring toasty warmth even on the most extreme adventures. Stuffed with premium 800-fill-power down insulating feathers and shielded in waterproof Pertex® fabric, this bag barricades the elements to keep you exceptionally warm and dry. Getting in and out is a cinch thanks to dual side zips plus a center zipper. When only the most extreme warmth will suffice, trust the Men's CWM -40° Sleeping Bag to fend off the harshest cold.

Price: $949 (USD)

Best for Mt. Everest 8848M, Manaslu 8163M, Makalu 8463M, Himlung Himal 7126M, Baruntse peak 7129M or any winter expeditions.

Features

  • Filled and finished with certified 800-fill-power goose down in Rohnert Park, CA

  • Pertex® Shield fabric with waterproof, windproof, breathable membrane

  • Internal hood and draft collar cord cinch to prevent heat loss

Just as the company name suggests Mountain equipment is a straightforward brand committed to making the best gears and equipment for mountain use. Amongst their range of sleeping bags, Redline -45C is their warmest sleeping bag. Suitable for the very coldest conditions encountered during Polar expeditions. This is one of the lowest claimed numbers (-45C) amongst the competing sleeping bags that are out there in the market.

Price: $1099 - $1139 (USD)

Best for: Mt. Everest 8848M, Manaslu 8163M, Makalu 8463M, Himlung Himal 7126M, Baruntse peak 7129M or any winter expeditions.

Features

  • Weight: 1980g / 69.8oz

  • Temperature: -45C/-49F

  • 1282g of 90-10 Russian Goose Down with a minimum fill power of 800

  • GORE® THERMIUM™ 10D outer shell is durably light, highly breathable and rain-resistant

  • Expedition fit with EXL® system is both roomier and has improved loft and thermal efficiency

  • V chest and foot baffles & Trapezoid main body baffles

  • 7 baffle low volume anatomically shaped hood

  • 6 baffle anatomically shaped and offset foot-box

  • Full-length Gemini™ zip baffle and integrated neck collar with Lode Lock™ closure

  • Inner pocket for keeping essentials warm and dry

  • Supplied with waterproof roll-top stuff-sack and storage cube

  • 100% Polyamide outer/inner, ePTFE membrane, Down fill

RAB Expedition 1400 Down Sleeping Bag (-40F)

British company RAB best known for their down products, The Expedition 1400 sleeping bag is their warmest sleeping bag which can with stanf temperatures as low as -40°C. Their expedition range sleeping bags are designed for use on expeditions to 8000m peaks and in polar environments.

Price: $1100 (USD)

Best for: Mt. Everest 8848M, Manaslu 8163M, Makalu 8463M, Himlung Himal 7126M, Baruntse peak 7129M or any winter expeditions.

Features:

  • Weight: 2070g/73oz

  • Temperature: -40°C /-40°F

  • 850FP European Goose Down with Nikwax Fluorocarbon-Free Hydrophobic Finish

  • Fabric Inner - Pertex® Quantum:,DWR 80/20,1cc,49g/m²,30d/30d,100% nylon

  • Fabric Outer - Pertex® Quantum Pro:,1000 HH,DWR 80/20,58g/m²,30d/30d,100% nylon 6 with Pertex® Pro coating

  • Close-fitting neck baffle design

  • Face baffle for improved hood fit

  • Mummy shape

  • Down clothing compatible (larger internal lining than other Rab® sleeping bags)

  • Left-hand zip only

  • Anti-snag zipper webbing tape

  • Internal collar and hood drawcord

  • Internal drawcords

  • Dry bag compression stuff sack

Nordic brand Norrnoa is best known for quality premium outdoor clothing and falketind is their warmest sleeping bag built for cold mountain expeditions up to -18.5C.

The sleeping bag is filled with RDS certified 800+ with HyperDry+DWR down with premium performance. By avoiding tube-like shapes in their design, Norrnoa claims they have decreased the risk of cold spot areas where too much room will prevent efficient insulation. Internally adjustable heat retention collar to keep the warmth locked in. The centered zipper enables easy entrance and exit and has a three-way function to optimize your venting options.

Price: $779 USD

Best for Baruntse peak, Himlung Himal, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Pumori, Mt. Nun Expeditions.

Feature

  • Weight: 4.16 oz/ 1.89 kg

  • Temperature: -18.5C

  • Certified 800+ fp down

  • 3-way adjustable full-length zipper

  • Inside front pocket

  • Durable water repellent treated material

  • Exterior hangloop

  • Adjustable hood

  • Reinforced hood and heel

  • Adjustable down collar

  • Mattress attachment loops

  • Oversized front placket

  • Compression bag included

  • Storage bag included

Sleeping bags mentioned above are some of the best in the market. Our suggestion would be sleeping bags that are upto -20C are perfect for your 6000M or even lower 7000M expeditions and anything below -30C that are suitable for 7000M to all 8000M+ expeditions or arctic expeditions. We do like the unqiue arm cut designs where it’s super comfortable when you do not want to get out of the warmth of your sleeping bag and just grab the water bottle or cup of hot water. You can rest assured of the performance when it comes to its utility and then it comes down to the brand you prefer, colors, styles, sustainability values, and reviews.

Conclusion

Choose the best one that’s out there in the market. With adventure brands innovating and developing high-quality down suits you have more options now. We have listed some of the best sleeping bags that are out there in the market today. We cannot stress this enough but quality (highest) matters. This is the last place on earth where you would not have adequate clothing gear. The game is extreme in the Himalayan altitudes so you’ll need the best of the best which are listed above.

Are you planning to purchase a sleeping bag for your next big mountain mission? Which one’s listed above would you prefer to have in your gear’s collection? Please comment below :)

Stay warm. Save the energy and do your sends.

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