I Tested 6 Heated Sleeping Bags: You Shouldn’t Buy THIS ONE

By: Ashley Vitiello | [lmt-post-modified-info]

Every recommendation we make has been used, tested, and expertly selected by us. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.

Have you ever spent HOURS next to a campfire warming yourself up before you crawl into bed? Only to slide into an ice cold sleeping bag that’s like cuddling a snowman?

Or perhaps you’ve woken up in the early morning with a slight chill that you can’t shake? You wiggle, you squirm, you put the bag up to your ears, but you’re just slightly cold no matter what.

Been there, done that, and I didn’t even get a lousy T-shirt.

Don’t you wish you could just press a button and get a little extra warmth no matter where you are?

Because now you can!

A heated sleeping bag is the HOLY GRAIL of camping gear.

No more nights spent envying the warmth of your bed at home. No more wishing you had brought another blanket.

Get ready to TRANSFORM your camping experience from ice age to tropical paradise.

Pro tip: These heated sleeping bags could act as a GREAT heated sleeping bag liner. If you don’t feel like they are thick enough for the cold nights you encounter, simply slide them into another sleeping bag for even more warmth and coziness!

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AT A GLANCE: All the Heated Sleeping Bags We Tested

Editor’s Choice – Mantuole Heated Sleeping Bag

Specs

  • Battery life: Battery not included
  • Max Temperature: 131°F
  • # of Heat Zones: 5
  • Dimensions: 7.5 x 3 feet
  • Weight: 3.6 lbs.
  • Max Height: 6.8 ft. tall

Pros

  • Most Affordable
  • Packs down quite small
  • SUPER LONG lasting battery

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a battery

The Mantuole Heated Sleeping Bag is simply the best of the best. It FAR outperformed all the other heated sleeping bags in all the categories we tested.

It does everything so well that there’s no competition.

It’s definitely THE BEST if you want to be as cozy as a cat lounging in a sunbeam.

Plus, the Mantuole Heated Sleeping Bag is a budget-friendly gem that doesn’t skimp on warmth. It’s the perfect solution if you want to keep your bank account as cozy as you will be sleeping in this bag.

It’s the mac ‘n’ cheese of the outdoor world. Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-comforting.

This bag understands that not everyone wants to spend a small fortune to avoid turning into a chilly human popsicle overnight.

On the downside, the Mantuole bag doesn’t come with a portable battery. On the upside, this puts the POWER IN YOUR HANDS.

Use a battery pack you already have. Or purchase one that has enough juice to power the sleeping bag AND your phone.

We found that 20,000mAh was plenty (up to 14 hours runtime), but upwards of 30,000 mAh could be EVEN BETTER (Up to 20 hours runtime). See the chart below.

This bag isn’t just a piece of camping gear. It’s your ticket to elevating your camping experience from basic to BLISSFUL.

Most Luxurious – Antarctica Gear Heated Sleeping Bag

Specs

  • Battery life: up to 9 hours
  • Max Temperature: 131°F
  • # of Heat Zones: 5
  • Dimensions: 7.5 x 3 feet
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs.
  • Max User Height: 6.8 ft. tall
  • Machine washable

Pros

  • Heats up LIGHTNING FAST
  • Included battery lasts a long time
  • Rectangle shape is roomy enough for wiggles

Cons

  • On the more expensive side, but it’s worth it!

The Antarctica Gear Heated Sleeping Bag is a CLOSE SECOND behind our Editor’s Choice.

I wish we could select them both as #1 because this bag has just as many great features as the bag above.

Perhaps the biggest difference is that this one comes with a battery (unlike some of the other options on this list *cough* *cough*). And with that included battery you can get up to a WHOPPING 9 hours of heat time.

This battery is like the Energizer bunny went to a Tony Robbins seminar – it just keeps going and going. Which is perfect for weekends away from wall outlets and electric hookups.

Here are some of our other favorite features:

  • The three heat settings let you choose between “just warm” and
    is-this-the-freakin-Sahara?” to customize your sleeping bag temperature.
  • It’s machine washable because adventure should smell like campfire and pine trees, not middle school boy’s locker room.
  • A semi-rectangular shape gives you the freedom to wiggle and sprawl. Because not all of us are aspiring Egyptian royalty.
  • The included battery has circuit protection so your cozy cocoon doesn’t turn into a shocking experience. Because the only sparks we want at camp are from the campfire.

If your budget is a little more flexible, this is the PERFECT option for you!

Honorable Mention – Sportneer Heated Sleeping Bag

Specs

  • Battery life: up to 14.5 hours
  • Max Temperature: 122-130°F
  • # of Heat Zones: 5
  • Dimensions: 7.2 x 3 ft.
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs.
  • Max Height: 6.8 ft. tall

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Affordable price tag

Cons

  • Zipper at feet
  • Thin fabric

The Sportneer Heated Sleeping Bag is the equivalent of a budget airline – it gets you where you need to go, but don’t expect extra legroom or complimentary peanuts.

It’s not a showstopper, but it’s not the show ruiner either.

It has several heating zones and multiple heat settings just like the sleeping bags above.

BUT the fabric is way too thin to actually be warm and we don’t love the zipper at the feet.

If it’s cold enough to need a heated sleeping bag, why would we want to open up the foot compartment and freeze our toes even more?

Because of these features, we recommend either the Editor’s Choice Mantuole or the Luxurious Antarctica Gear instead.

Please Don’t Buy This One – Coleman OneSource

Specs

  • Battery life: up to 4 hours
  • Max Temperature: 107°F
  • # of Heat Zones: 2
  • Dimensions: 82” x 32”
  • Weight: 4 lbs. 11 oz.
  • Max Height: 6ft. 2in.

Pros

  • 1 year warranty
  • 4 heat settings
  • Packs down small

Cons

  • AWFUL battery life
  • Proprietary expensive battery

Every list needs a ‘don’t buy this one’ option, and the Coleman OneSource Heated Sleeping Bag volunteers as tribute.

It’s the equivalent of a movie sequel that nobody asked for – it’s there, it’s pricey, and it leaves you wondering, “Why, though?

The battery life is so short, you might wonder if it’s there for decoration.

And the maximum temperature is more lukewarm than hot.

You can tell this sleeping bag was designed by an outdoor gear company because of features like Coletherm® insulation for heat retention and a Thermalock draft tube to prevent heat loss through the zipper.

But for being designed by an “outdoor company”, you kinda have to wonder, Would a REAL outdoor company actually put something on the market that was THIS BAD?

But the real kick-in-the-groin is the high price tag. They are going to sell something this under-par AND overpricedNo thanks.

For the money, you’re way better off with our Editor’s Choice. It’s higher quality, higher rated, and has a better design than the Coleman.

Best Heated Sleeping Bag Liner – Mantuole Heated Sleeping Bag Pad

Specs

  • Battery life: Battery not included
  • Max Temperature: 131°F
  • # of Heat Zones: 5
  • Dimensions: 6’5” x 2’
  • Weight: 2 lbs

Pros

  • Use with any portable power bank
  • Exceptional battery life
  • Practically dirt cheap

Cons

  • Battery not included

Do you have a sleeping bag that’s been your loyal companion on many a camping trips? And you aren’t looking to buy an entire new sleeping bag?

But you are looking for something MORE. Something that will elevate your camping experience to a whole new level without the need for a full upgrade.

Look no further than this heated sleeping bag liner and pad.

Simply place this liner inside your sleeping bag and lay on top of it. Press the button and let the five heat zones enwrapped in flannel fabric bring you a sense of newfound warmth.

It’s the perfect Robin to your Batman. In the form of a sleeping bag liner that takes your sleeping bag to a whole new level.

Now you can have all the benefits of a heated sleeping bag without having to fork out the cash for a new one.

P.S. – It still has an impressive battery life even though the battery isn’t included. Use the chart below to see how long this pad can last with your battery.

Luxurious Heated Sleeping Bag Liner – Antarctica Gear Heated Sleeping Pad

Specs

  • Battery life: up to 8 hours
  • Max Temperature: 131°F
  • # of Heat Zones: 5
  • Dimensions: 6.5 ft. x 3 ft.
  • Thickness: 1.2 inches
  • Weight: 2.3 lbs.

Pros

  • Heats up LIGHTNING FAST
  • Battery included

Cons

  • Higher price tag, but the quality is worth it!

I like my sleeping bag liners like I like my milkshakes – THICK.

Except I am WAY warmer than a milkshake when I use this Antarctica Gear Heated Sleeping Bag Liner.

But the 1.2 inch thickness just goes to show the quality of this luxurious option for anyone who has a flexible budget and a desire for a warmer night’s sleep.

It’s not expensive. But it’s not as affordable as the Mantuole Heated Sleeping Bag Liner above.

HOWEVER, the quality is well worth the increased price tag.

You’ll be extremely happy with this upgrade!

How We Tested, Reviewed, And Rated These Heated Sleeping Bags

We take product research and testing VERY SERIOUSLY.

We spent countless hours finding the best heated sleeping bags and taking them outdoors to put them to the test.

We do it so you don’t have to. You can rest assured knowing that you’re purchasing the best of the best.

First, we spend a lot of time on the computer. We SCOUR the depths of the internet for the best brands and most highly rated options.

Next, we either buy the sleeping bag or work with the brand to get it for a discount (don’t worry – we remain unbiased no matter how we procure the product).

Then we took all the sleeping bags camping. Did I feel a little ridiculous taking SO MANY bags with us? Well of course it did, but that’s okay!

We tested every aspect of each bag throughout the next few camping trips. This includes:

  • how comfortable the sleeping bag or pad felt
  • if the fabric repels or sticks to dirt and debris
  • the overall quality of the materials
  • how warm or hot the bag felt
  • battery run time
  • battery recharge time
  • and overall perceived happiness with the product

WHEW, THAT’S A LOT.

Finally, we assembled all our thoughts into this article. We try to make it easy to read and user-friendly.

Comparison Table

Use this comparison chart to see the main differences between the top choices above.

 

Mantuole
Antarctica Gear
Sportneer
Coleman OneSource
Mantuole Bag Liner / Pad
Antarctica Gear Bag Liner / Pad
Max Temp
131°F
131°F
131°F
107°F
131°F
131°F
Battery life
Battery not included (14 hrs. with 20k mAh)
Up to 9 hours
Up to 14.5 hours
Up to 4 hours
Battery not included (14 hrs. with 20k mAh)
Up to 8 hours
Dimensions
7.5 x 3 ft.
7.5 x 3 ft.
7.2 x 3 ft
6.8’ x 2.6’
6’5” x 2’
Best Features
Best All Around
Most Luxurious
Honorable Mention
Don’t Buy This One
Best Heated Sleeping Bag Liner
Luxurious Heated Sleeping Bag Liner

Heated Sleeping Bag Buyer’s Guide – Things to Consider

We’re here to help if you find yourself staring at the chairs above, not knowing which one to pick.

This buyer’s guide breaks down some of the features we looked at during testing.

We hope it further explains the different features and which sleeping bags stand out for each. That way you can know what to look for in an AWESOME sleeping bag that best suits your needs.

Feel free to contact us or leave a comment below if you need more assistance.

Sleeping Bag vs. Sleeping Pad: A Cozy Conundrum

You’ll find several heated sleeping bag options on the list above AND a couple of heated sleeping pads.

So which one should you choose?

It’s like choosing between vanilla and chocolate ice cream – both are delightful, but it really boils down to personal taste.

The BEST choice is the one that suits your needs.

There are pros and cons to each option, so let’s break them down. Remember, the only wrong answer is forgetting your marshmallows for the campfire.

Heated Sleeping Bags: An All-in-One-Cocoon

Heated sleeping bags are like the Swiss Army knives of cozy snoozing at the campsite.

They’re an all-in-one solution for chilly nights.

They’re perfect for those who prefer a straightforward, no-fuss approach to camping warmth.

Pros

  • Simplicity: it’s a one-stop-shop for warmth
  • Portability: easy to carry and pack down
  • Variety: comes in various shapes and sizes to cater to different sleepers

Cons

  • Price: likely more expensive than liners or pads
  • Quality: generally lower quality than a bag designed by an actual outdoor gear company

Heated Sleeping Pads / Liners: For Customizable Comfort

On the other hand we have heated sleeping bag liners or pads. They’re like the secret sauce that turns your regular sleeping bag into something fancy from that French Restaurant down the street (You know the one, where the plates couldn’t feed a baby bird and they have 4 dollar signs on Yelp).

They’re the add-ons, the upgrades, the DLCs of your camping experience.

And they’re perfect for those who love a bit of customization in their sleeping arrangements—without all the dollar signs.

Pros

  • Versatility: Use them with your existing gear, on a couch, or even in your camp chair.
  • Customization: Elect to use it (or not) based on the weather that night.
  • Cost-effective: Generally cheaper than buying a new sleeping bag

Cons

  • Extra gear: you have to carry an additional item
  • Setup: requires a bit more effort to get things just right

Power Source: The Juice Behind the Warmth

The lack of an included portable battery pack isn’t as much of a deal breaker as we first thought.

It was one of the things we took into consideration. BUT it’s not THAT important.

Why not?

Because the POWER is in your hands either way.

Either you have the power to choose your own battery bank (or use one that you already own). Or you can enjoy the ease of a heated sleeping bag that includes everything you need right inside the box.

The only battery-related feature we didn’t like was the Coleman OneSource Battery.

It’s a great option if you already have Coleman OneSource gear or if you want to grow into that line of products. (But I really don’t see why you would—Please don’t.)

But for most people, the Coleman option is more hassle than it’s worth. The battery is quite expensive to buy more. And you basically need to buy more because the battery life is SO SHORT.

Battery Life: Longevity for the Win

The length of the battery life is WAY MORE IMPORTANT than the presence (or lack thereof) of an included battery.

I would rather have to provide a battery and it last forever rather than have an included one that lasts only a few hours—ANY DAY, hands down.

Hence why our Editor’s Choice doesn’t come with a battery. BUT it does outlast other bags with a similar size power bank.

And this is more important if you’re spending multiple nights away from electricity.

Luckily, even the blankets that don’t come with a battery do include a chart that shows their battery life compared to the battery size.

You can use our comparison chart above to see the differences between all the blankets and heating pads.

But if battery life is your priority, know that both the Mantuole heated sleeping bag and Mantuole heated bag liner outperform their competitors. But they don’t come with a battery (which is a good thing)

Max Temperature: Who Falls Short?

The third feature to consider is the max temperature of the heated bag.

Luckily most of the options above have a very similar max temperature: 131°F.

This is the PERFECT temperature to stay toasty warm even on those chilly nights.

However, there is only one option on this list that falls short of this toast level….

I’m sure you can guess which one, the Coleman OneSource.

With a maximum temperature of 107°F, it’s almost funny that it’s the same price as the Antarctica Gear Bag, and DOUBLE the price of the Mantuole — Yeah, but it really isn’t actually funny.

Otherwise, any of the other recommendation on our list provide plenty of warmth that ranges up to 131°F.

Best Value for Money

You don’t need to be an extreme couponer to afford a great heated sleeping bag. No binder full of coupons or strategic plan of attack through a store’s aisles.

Our Editor’s Choice Mantuole heated sleeping bag is a great choice if budget is a concern for you.

If that’s still too much, then consider getting the Mantuole heated sleeping pad instead. It provides a similar amount of warmth for even less money.

There are some seriously great options if you don’t want to spend a pretty penny on something high-end.

On the other hand, you can also get something awesome if you have a flexible budget.

Both the Antarctica Gear heated sleeping bag and sleeping pad are slightly more expensive. BUT they’re both worth the upgraded cost for the features they offer.

A Note About Safety

A heated sleeping bag is an AWESOME piece of camping gear. I couldn’t recommend it more.

BUT it’s worth mentioning that this is NOT an easy excuse to skimp on high quality gear when it matters.

If it’s THAT COLD that you need something like this for survival, you’re doing it wrong.

These sleeping bags and pads are simply for comfort. They’re for getting rid of a slight chill or for heating your sleeping bag before you crawl into bed.

If it’s cold enough that you’re concerned about being freezing cold, then you either need better gear or you shouldn’t be camping in that weather.

Conclusion

Remember, the goal is to find what works best for you. Whether you choose a full-fledged heated sleeping bag, a versatile liner, or even a trusty heated blanket as an alternative.

Each option has its own charm. Like characters in a story each playing their part to keep you warm under the starlit sky.

With all of the awesome products above, the perfect warm and cozy solution is waiting for you.

FAQ's

K
L
Is there such a thing as a heated sleeping bag?

Yes, heated sleeping bags do exist!

We’ve selected several options for you to choose from, and they’re all the best ones currently available on the market.

They use portable battery packs to provide hours of heat using coils built into the top of the sleeping bag.

K
L
What is the best warmest sleeping bag?

While you can purchase expensive down sleeping bags for cold weather, you could also get heated sleeping bags that use a portable battery bank and heat coils to warm the user for several hours on one charge.

This would be one of the warmest options for sleeping bags you could use, especially if you layered it with a thicker sleeping bag and used the heated one as a bag liner.

K
L
What is a heated sleeping bag liner?

A bag liner is a thinner piece of fabric that goes inside your sleeping bag as an additional layer to keep warm.

A heated version would have built-in coils that connect to a portable battery pack, which would then provide heat for several hours on a single charge.

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Why Trust Know Nothing Nomads?

Since 2017, Know Nothing Nomads has cemented itself as the “approachable experts” in everything camping, hiking, and adventuring in the Great Outdoors.

With over 60 years of experience in the outdoors, we don’t just talk about outdoor gear or recommend a good hiking trail.

We USE the gear we talk about. We’ve hiked 1000’s of miles and camped 1000’s of nights in the wilderness.

We don’t just know a few things about the outdoors — WE EAT, SLEEP, AND BREATHE IT.

We are not journalists from a magazine telling someone else’s stories from behind a computer. We are the ACTUAL outdoorsmen that those people write about. 

We are not a “gear lab” that runs tests on gear in life-like conditions. We are the seasoned, “trial-by-fire” experts who have taken the gear into the wilderness and USED IT. Read about our gear testing process here

We started Know Nothing Nomads to share our passion and expertise with our readers to inspire, educate, and enable you to explore the outdoors in the way that we have. And you will be more equipped and capable than ever before with the knowledge you gain here guiding you along the way.

And the best part? We are real people that LOVE our readers and this community. If you need anything or have a question about any of the things we have to write about, just reach out. Normally, one of us can respond within 24 hours, sometimes within minutes.

You should also know that advertising does not influence our gear reviews in any way, shape, or form, and it never will.

While we always focus our attention on gear that stands out to us—sometimes we discover that things aren’t up to our standards. This is exactly why we will always talk about the downfalls and compromises that we find while we are testing anything (If we find any).

About The Author

Ashley is an adventurous soul who loves all things nature, especially warm sunshine, wildflowers, scenic snacking, and mushrooms. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast who has spent years enjoying time outside doing things like hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
Her goal with Know Nothing Nomads is to make these hobbies easily accessible through knowledgeable content and how-to's based on all the stuff she's learned on her journey. If she isn't writing an article, she's probably in a forest looking at big mountain views and tiny pieces of moss on the side of the trail.

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Hey there!

We are Derek and Ashley of Know Nothing Nomads. Whether it is hiking, camping, or just generally being outside, we love it. We are so happy that you have found our little blog and hope that you stick around a while. Feel free to contact us with any questions or get in touch with us on social media!

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