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Sleeping bags are an essential tool when backpacking and camping. From high-end products and trusted name-brand manufacturers such as Nanga and Snow Peak, to more accessibly priced products by individual retailers, there is a wide variety of options on the market. Not only that, but sleeping bags also come in many different shapes, the two most common types being the mummy or rectangular type. With the plethora of options available, it can be challenging to figure out which one is right for you.
To help you out, in this article, we gathered the 18 best-selling products on e-commerce sites popular in Japan like Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping, and tested them all.
We tested each product for the following:
Then, we chose and ranked the 9 best Japanese sleeping bags based on our test results. We also put together a buying guide to help you choose the best Japanese sleeping bags for a variety of needs, so keep on reading to learn more.
Yuta formerly worked in purchasing at an outdoor goods retailer, where he was responsible for purchasing fishing lures and planning and developing original products with outdoor brands. He's been camping for 22 years and is a certified outdoor instructor, preferring old-school solo camping trips using vintage gear. He's currently the editor for outdoor products at mybest, creating articles to help more people enjoy camping.
Here are five essential points to keep in mind when choosing a Japanese sleeping bag to purchase.
Since the quality of your sleeping bag directly affects the quality of your sleep, you want to choose one that is as comfortable as possible. As a result of our tests, we found that sleeping bags with a high volume of fill tended to be more plush and comfortable to sleep on.
Specifically, those with more than three pounds of fill felt the softest and plushest across the entire length of the bag. Those who want to prioritize sleeping comfort above all else should choose a sleeping bag with a weight of three pounds or more as a standard.
The two main types of filling used in sleeping bags are down, processed from duck or goose hair, and synthetic fiber. Both of these materials have heat retention properties. As a result of our tests, we found that the factor that most significantly affected heat retention was the amount of fill rather than the material of the filling itself.
As shown in the graph above, which shows temperature loss over a span of 10 minutes, we found that the temperature drop was minimal for sleeping bags with a larger fill volume regardless of the material. Sleeping bags with the best insulation had at least 2.5 pounds or more of filling.
Comparing products with about 2.5 pounds of filling with those with about 1.3 pounds of filling, there was a decrease in temperature of up to 12 degrees Fahrenheit. For those who want a sleeping bag with high heat retention, choose a product with at least 2.5 pounds of batting.
If down is the material used for filling, check the fill power in addition to the amount of down. Fill power is a unit that indicates how much air is held in the down. The higher the number, the higher the heat-retaining properties.
The products we tested were mainly 600 and 760 fill power products. The temperature change of products with the same amount of filling was compared, and as shown in the graph above, the 760 fill power tended to retain heat much better. For the best insulation among down sleeping bags, look for 760 fill power as a baseline.
There are two main types of sleeping bag shapes, mummy and rectangular types. Each has its pros and cons, so choose one based on your preferences. The image above shows each size type with the different filling material options available and a score is given based on a few criteria.
Mummy type sleeping bags are often lightweight, compact, and easy to carry around. They can easily be attached to a backpack, making them useful for camping while hiking or when going to outdoor festivals.
If you want to stretch your legs more, we recommend rectangular sleeping bags. They provide more space than mummy types and allow you to sleep feeling a bit less confined. That being said, they are less compact than mummy types, so we recommend them for use when you have more space, such as when you're car camping.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is essential to select one based on the climate in which you intend to use it. Most products will explain which climates they are best suited for, listing the temperature range for comfortable, lower-limit, and extreme case use. Check the comfortable range and make sure it matches your environment.
The comfortable temperature range signifies the outdoor temperature in which the sleeping bag will be most comfortable, and this varies from product to product. Check the lowest possible temperature of the climate you intend to use it in, and ensure that it is within the comfortable range of the sleeping bag you choose.
Montbell, Nanga, and Isuka are three of the leading manufacturers of sleeping bags. Below we will explain some of the characteristics of the products made by each of these makers.
Montbell (pronounced mon-bell) is a Japanese outdoor brand that primarily makes hiking equipment. They are known for having an abundance of variations of the same product. Variations in size, zipper type, and other features allow you to choose the one that is the perfect fit for you.
Further, they offer uniquely designed features such as the super spiral stretch system, which allows you to adjust the size of the sleeping bag, making it suitable for any body size or type. We recommend this brand for both newbies and seasoned veterans.
Nanga is a Japanese brand headquartered in Osaka which prioritizes making the best possible down for sleeping bags. Its down is processed domestically, and all of their products boast a fill power of 760 or above. Due to the brand's design ingenuity, their sleeping bags are fitted with both waterproofing and breathable capabilities.
Their products are made for both beginners and seasoned veterans, but note that because they are higher-end products, prices can be on the expensive side.
While we couldn't include Isuka's products in our list this time, we'd still like to highlight the benefits their products provide. Headquartered in Osaka, Isuka develops and primarily sells sleeping bags.
The brand focuses on sleeping comfort and its unique 3D structure makes for vertically spacious, comfortable sleeping bags. The bottom of the bags is made in an inverted trapezoid shape to give you more foot room.
In addition, the base of Isuka's bags is filled with more insulation material to improve heat retention. This is not a commonly found feature among other manufacturers. Since this brand specializes in sleeping bags mainly for mountaineering, we recommend their products for your next grand mountain adventure.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Snow Peak Separate O-futon Wide 1400BDD-104 | $389.88 High Mid | Versatile Sleeping Bag Comfortable to Use in All Climates With Great Insulation | ||
2 | LOGOS Corporation Round Wash Soft Touch Sleeping Bag -6 | $106.37 Mid | Sleeping Bag That Has Ample Cushioning but Is a Bit Bulky | ||
3 | BUNDOK Mummy Type Schlaf BDK-61 | $45.80 Low Mid | Spacious, Comfortable and Insulating Mummy Type Sleeping Bag | ||
4 | Nanga Aurora Lite 600DXN16DBK13 | $446.51 High Mid | Light and Portable Sleeping Bag With Smooth Interior but Less Cushioning | ||
5 | PUROMONTE Compact Down Schlaf DL602 | $336.16 High Mid | Compact, Portable Mummy Sleeping Bag but It Lacks Extras | ||
6 | Captain Stag Force Sleeping Bag 3UB-36 | $67.24 Low Mid | Sleeping Bag With Great Heat Retention Abilities | ||
7 | LOGOS Corporation Down Comfort Separator -6 | $229.43 Mid | Feature-Packed Sleeping Bag That’s Comfortable to Sleep in but Harder to Carry Around | ||
8 | Hawk Gear Sleeping Bag | $38.18 Low Mid | Comfortable Sleeping Bag With Lots of Space but Weak Heat Retention | ||
9 | Montbell Down Hugger 650 #3 | $188.47 Mid | Sleeping Bag That’s Compact and Lightweight but Doesn’t Retain Heat Well |
The Separate O-futon Wide 1400 is made by Snow Peak, a leading outdoor brand in Japan. The upper part of the body is detachable, so it can double as a sleeping pad at home, and can be used in a wide range of seasons.
Thanks to its considerable size, you can sleep comfortably and stress-free. With its down filling, the mattress sinks slightly under weight, but a large amount of filling provides good cushioning for the head and back. The bag also is wide, so you can easily turn over and shift around during sleep.
This sleeping bag retains heat exceptionally well, as we observed only a 10-degree Fahrenheit difference in temperature in our heat retention test. This sleeping bag isn't as portable as others, as it is slightly heavier and takes up quite a bit of space. Though it's suited for car camping, it may be a tight fit with all your other gear, so be sure to check in advance.
As for extras, the product is equipped with all of the features we were looking for except for the stretch system. In particular, the separation feature is rare amongst sleeping bags and is convenient since you can manipulate its size depending on the season.
With its large size, comfort, and heat retention abilities, this product would be the first choice for those who want to go car camping with family or friends.
The Round Wash Soft Touch Sleeping Bag -6 is from Logos Corporation, a leading Japanese outdoor brand headquartered in Osaka. Its outer fabric, made of finely processed polyester fiber, is light and feels comfortable to the touch.
It is spacious and roomy enough to lie down and stretch out in. The inside surface was smooth and pleasant to the touch, and you can toss and turn without getting your clothes caught. In addition, the thick fabric cradles the back and head, giving it a soft, pillow-like feel.
This sleeping bag also retained heat well, with a temperature change of only 12 degrees from the starting temperature, making it a comfortable option for the winter. One thing to note is that it is quite heavy and bulky when rolled up, so it is meant to be carried in a car. We recommend checking the storage space of your vehicle beforehand.
As for functionality, the sleeping bag is machine washable, stretchable, can connect to other bags, and is water-repellent.
Although it is a sleeping bag intended to fit one person, similar products can be connected to make it suitable for couples or family camping.
This mummy-type bag is from BUNDOK, an outdoor brand developed by Kawase. This sleeping bag features a double zipper that can be opened from both inside and outside the bag, and the bottom can be opened to allow for air flow and temperature adjustment.
Its spacious size made it comfortable without any feeling of tightness, and the texture of its soft fabric was favorable as well. On the other hand, there was a bit of dragging caused by friction while moving around inside. That being said, its thick fabric wraps around the head and back snugly, making it comfortable to lie on.
It performed well in our heat retention test, with a temperature change of only 8 degrees from the starting temperature. Its top-class heat retention will allow you to sleep comfortably even in winter. Compared to other sleeping bags, it is slightly heavier and not as compact when folded, so we recommend it for use when car camping.
In terms of extra features, it is machine washable and water-resistant, but didn't offer anything special, so it received average scores for functionality.
The Aurora Lite 600DX is made by Nanga, a Japanese company based in Osaka which mainly sells jackets and down sleeping bags. This product is characterized by its focus on high-quality materials and the use of originally developed waterproof and breathable fabrics and titanium surface treatments.
We liked its relatively roomy size and comfortable fit. In addition, the interior fabric is smooth to the touch, preventing friction and making it easy to turn over. On the other hand, the cushioning of the head and back was a little thin due to its low amount of fill, making it a little less comfy compared to thicker sleeping bags.
This product performed well in our insulation tests, with a temperature change of only 11 degrees from the starting temperature. With this insulation, you can use this sleeping bag year-round in various climates.
Its lightweight and highly compact design make it easy to carry around. It can be strapped on the back of a motorcycle, in the cargo area of a car, or even attached to a backpack without much difficulty. As for functionality, of the extra features we looked for, it only had water-repellent properties.
The Compact Down Schlaf is made by PUROMONTE, a domestic outdoors brand focusing primarily on tents and sleeping bags. This all-season model is suitable for year-round use in the mountains at a 6,500 to 9,800-foot altitude and can be opened at the base to air out your feet.
It is mummy-shaped to comfortably fit your body, and the inner fabric is smooth so you can turn over without getting your clothes caught. The head and back were fluffy and felt comfy to rest on, and it seems to have a high fill power.
It performed adequately in our heat retention test, with a temperature drop of 13 degrees from the starting temperature, making it suitable for use in any season. Although slightly heavier, it can be made very compact when stuffed, so it can easily be attached to or carried with your backpack.
As for functionality, it did not have any of the extra features we looked for, for which we unfortunately had to dock it some points in the overall score.
The Force Sleeping Bag 3 is from Captain Stag, a leading outdoor brand in Japan. This product is unique because it has a hook-and-loop fastener around the neck to keep heat from dissipating.
Although there was some tightness felt near the toes, the upper body was roomy, and testers thought that they could lie down relatively comfortably. Though there was some difficulty in turning over because of limited legroom, the head and back have thick, soft cushioning that was very comfortable.
Its temperature retention abilities were excellent, with only a 6 degree drop from the starting temperature, the best result among the products tested. It can be used in any season and will allow you to sleep comfortably, even in winter.
It was of average weight and size compared to other sleeping bags, and we experienced some difficulty when trying to attach it to a backpack, but carrying it on a motorcycle or in a car should be no problem. As for functionality, among the extra features we were looking for, this product only offered water-repelling properties.
The Down Comfort Separator -6 is from Logos Corporation, a leading Japanese outdoor brand headquartered in Osaka. This sleeping bag is characterized by the use of feather down for the comforter and reinforced synthetic fiber in the mattress, giving it both good structural support and maximum comfort.
It is envelope-shaped and spacious, allowing you to lie down as if it were a bed. In addition, the mattress section is quite thick and soft, which made it very comfortable to lie on. You will be able to relax and sleep easily without feeling the unevenness of the ground.
Its temperature retention abilities were average, with our tests showing a 14 degree temperature drop in 10 minutes. Cold air may flow through the gaps between the zippers on both sides and the feet, so we advise wearing some extra layers when using this product in the colder seasons.
Since it is heavy and bulky when rolled up, it should be transported in a car. However, in a vehicle with a small cargo area, this sleeping bag may occupy too much space, so we recommend that you check the storage space of your vehicle beforehand.
As for functionality, the product is machine-washable, has a stretch system, a connecting and separating function, and water-repellent treatment, meaning it checked all of our boxes. So, this sleeping bag was rated highly in terms of its functionality.
The HAWK GEAR Sleeping Bag was used in the popular anime "Laid-Back Camp" and gained notoriety for a while. It is a large mummy-type sleeping bag that has enough space for you to lie in comfortably. The interior is smooth and has little friction, so you can toss and turn in it easily, and it has a good amount of cushioning to feel soft on the head and back.
Its heat retention abilities weren't very good, with a temperature drop of 17 degrees from the starting temperature. This was one of the poorest results among the products tested. This product can still be used in winter, but some may feel coldness in their feet. Although it does not weigh much, its bulky size may make it difficult to attach to backpacks as well. For these reasons, we recommend it for car camping.
Of the extra features we looked for, only washing and water-repellency were offered by this product, giving it an average score in terms of functionality.
The Down Hugger 650 #3 sleeping bag is from Montbell, a leading mountaineering brand in Japan with many international fans. This sleeping bag features Mont-bell's proprietary Super Spiral Stretch system for elasticity and maximum leg comfort.
It provides a nice balance of comfort and roominess, so you can toss and turn with ease. However, the sleeping bag is not very thick, so the head and back lack cushioning, making it difficult to sleep comfortably.
We found that its heat retention was not so good, with a 23-degree temperature drop from the starting temperature, as shown in our tests. When used in winter, it will be necessary to wear additional layers of clothing to keep the toes warm. On the other hand, it is incredibly lightweight and small enough to carry in one hand, making it very easy to transport and attach to a backpack.
As for functionality, it had all of the features in our criteria except for the separation function. That means it's washable, has a stretch system, a connection function, and is water-repellent. We can say confidently that this sleeping bag is functional enough to be used in various situations.
We gathered the 18 best-selling products on e-commerce sites popular in Japan, like Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping, and tested them all. We rated the 9 best sleeping bags to be those that provided good insulation, were highly portable, and had convenient extra features. We looked at the standard versions of each product to judge them fairly.
We tested each product for the following:
The most important criterion for choosing a sleeping bag is whether it is comfortable to sleep in. We had a few of the editorial team members here at mybest try each of the sleeping bags and judge them based on the following points: overall size, ease of moving around in it, head fit, and back fit.
Insulation is another important factor when choosing a sleeping bag. For our tests, we warmed up the inside of each bag to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, placed the bags inside a chilly 32-degree room, and measured the change in temperature at the bottom of the bag over 10 minutes. The products which retained the temperature the best were rated highly in our insulation test.
A good sleeping bag should be highly portable, as you may need to fit it in your pack when camping or backpacking. For this test, we measured each product's weight and dimensions when compressed to its minimum size and gave an overall score based on lightness and compactness.
We checked to see if each of the products had any additional extra features such as the following:
To further enhance the comfort and insulation of your sleeping bag, lay a sleeping mat underneath the bag. The mat will provide an additional layer of comfort, block heat loss to the ground, and thus improve overall heat retention.
Another tip for improving insulation is to fill the sleeping bag with air. Simply spreading the sleeping bag out in advance will help air it out and provide a higher level of heat retention.
Sleeping bags are essential for camping, but you need more to be prepared to spend time outdoors! Check out our other articles on essential outdoor gear.
No. 1: Snow Peak|Separate O-futon Wide 1400BDD-104
No. 2: LOGOS Corporation|Round Wash Soft Touch Sleeping Bag -6
No. 3: BUNDOK|Mummy Type Schlaf BDK-61
No. 4: Nanga|Aurora Lite 600DXN16DBK13
No. 5: PUROMONTE|Compact Down Schlaf DL602
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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