Kelty - Women's Cosmic Synthetic 20

I love my Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20F

For casual three-season camping around 0°C, synthetic’s way easier on the wallet. Marmot Trestles or Kelty Cosmic Down alternative bags hold up fine, and you don’t freak out about melting water or sweat ruining insulation.

I have the kelty cosmic down 20 and it it fantastic. Also about half the price of the ones you mentioned.

I second the Kelty Cosmic 20. Great lightweight down bag for the price!! I’m from SLC and camp/backpack in the Uintas constantly and it has never let me down and always been warm enough (even in a hammock)

My first budget backpacking sleeping bag was a Kelty Cosmic 20. It was way heavier than I expected. A friend let me use their Naturehike Sleeping bag (not sure on specific type) and it was way lighter and more compact. I still use the Kelty for car camping, but it no longer goes on backpacking trips with me. My next upgrade will be an ultralight quilt. I got a used Gossamer Gear pack 55L off eBay that I love! I started with a Naturehike CloudUp 2 tent which was fine for the price, I have since upgraded to a Tarptent Double Rainbow (also used on eBay). Depending on the distance and weather, I will still take the Naturehike tent sometimes even though it is heavier. I like that you can use it without the rain fly on a nice night and just have the mesh top so I can see the trees and stars. My first pad was a Klymit pad from Amazon for $40. It works fine for warm weather. I upgraded to an Exped Duo 3R last year since I now usually backpack with my daughter or girlfriend and a 2P pad seemed easier. I also have two Nemo Switchback pads that I will carry on some hikes. I put them under my pad in the tent to prevent any punctures in my Exped and to give a little more insulation on colder nights. They are also great to pull out and use as a pad around camp when we are lounging before going to bed. Unfortunately, UL gear and spending an arm and leg kinda go hand in hand. All of my inexpensive gear was great to get me started, but over the last few years, I have been replacing them with lower weight, higher quality, and hence more expensive options. Along with being heavier, the cheaper stuff is just, cheaper. The biggest thing I have noticed is the zippers don't glide as easy on my cheap gear. This can be a huge annoyance when trying to zip your tent or bag.

As others have said, 80 dollars is a pretty low budget. If you want lightweight and compact you’ll probably want down, but the best budget-friendly, three-season down bag I know of is still around 180 dollars new (Kelty Cosmic 20). You might check out REI Resupply for gently used gear to get the price down a bit. Unfortunately, down is just expensive and backpacking gear in general is expensive. :-(

Holy bageebus that's a 3lb sleeping bag. That is ludicrously heavy. Even the Kelty Cosmic 20 at $169 is 2lb 3oz. But beware the temperature ratings -- you want that 20F (+/-5F) to be closer to the "comfort" rating while the Kelty is rated at 20F but in fact has a "Lower Limit" of 21F. Get a down bag if you can. You don't need synthetic in the Sierra in summer. If I'm staying below about 10000' in elevation and it's July or August and the weather all looks very warm I *have* used a 30F but in general I use a 20F all summer long.

I love my Kelty Cosmic Down 20. It was budget friendly, especially for a down bag. It is a mummy style bag but is roomy enough. I am 5'11" and 230 lbs. I use an 11L compression sack for it while traveling. I have had it down into the high 30s and could have gone a little colder.

I've used both the Kelty Cosmic Down 20 and the Sea to Summit Ascent series. For the price, the Kelty Cosmic is honestly hard to beat if you’re on a budget. It's warm, decently light, and has held up for me after a few seasons already. The Sea to Summit is nicer overall with better materials and features, but for most backpackers starting out, the Kelty does the job nicely and won't break the bank.

Oh, totally get what you mean about versatility, being able to open it up quilt-style is a game changer on warmer nights. I’ve definitely done the “foot out of the bag” dance too many times before I discovered those features, haha. Have you checked how the zippers hold up over time with the Sea to Summit? That’s one thing I was a bit nervous about, but so far mine’s doing fine.

Kelty Cosmic 20 is the typical response for budget, good and light enough for most. Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20° Sleeping Bag is a synthetic bag that's very similar in size, weight and warmth to the Kelty but might be cheaper depending on where you're located.