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I have been testing three cold-weather sleeping bags for backpacking: the FARLAND Sleeping Bag, the Kelty Mistral, and the Coleman North Rim 0°F. Each one claims to keep you warm, but they have very different temperature ratings and price points.
If you are a backpacker or camper looking for a warm bag that won’t break the bank, this comparison is for you. The main trade-off is between raw warmth and weight, and I am going to tell you which bag wins in each category.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: FARLAND Sleeping Bag
Warmest with a limit of 14°F and a fleece interior for the price — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Kelty Mistral
Lightest at 2lbs 12oz with a 40°F rating, great for mild cold weather — Check Price →
Best for Deep Freeze: Coleman North Rim 0°F
Rated to 0°F with a draft tube for serious cold weather camping — Check Price →
I put the key specs for the FARLAND, Kelty Mistral, and Coleman North Rim side by side so you can see exactly how they stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | FARLAND Sleeping Bag for | Kelty Sleeping-Bags Kelty | Coleman North Rim 0°F Sle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Plush Fleece-Lined | Synthetic | — |
| Waterproof | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Windproof | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Compression Sack | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Color | Dark Grey | GREEN | Green |
| Occupancy | — | ✅ 1 Person | 1 Person |
| Shape | — | Mummy | Mummy |
| Seasons | — | All Seasons | All Seasons |
| Temperature Rating | — | ✅ 40°F | 0°F |
| Age Range | Adult | Adult | — |
| Zipper Type | — | — | ✅ No-Snag |
| Adjustable Hood | — | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see is the temperature rating: the FARLAND goes down to 14°F, while the Kelty Mistral stops at 40°F, making the FARLAND the better choice for real cold weather.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took each of these sleeping bags out for a spin in cold conditions to see how they really perform. Here is my honest take on each one.
FARLAND Sleeping Bag for Adults
Limit 14°F | 400g/㎡ Fill | 87″ x 33″ | Waterproof Shell
- Each Winter Sleeping Bag measures 86.6 by 32.68 inches; Ideal for Most Users...
- [Step into Instant Warmth] - The FARLAND 6th Generation Sleeping Bag. Forget the...
- [Premium Materials] - This sleeping bag combines a waterproof windproof fabric...
This FARLAND bag surprised me with its warmth-to-price ratio. The fleece-lined interior is genuinely cozy, and the 400g/㎡ Silk-Like Cotton fill kept me warm down to 32°F easily, with a limit of 14°F. It is a rectangular shape, so it is roomier than a mummy bag, but that also means it packs down bigger. I would recommend this for car campers or backpackers who prioritize warmth and comfort over weight savings.
✅ Pros
- Fleece lining feels soft and traps heat well
- Waterproof and windproof 290T nylon shell
- Machine washable for easy care
- Fits users up to 6 feet tall comfortably
❌ Cons
- Rectangular shape is bulkier for backpacking
- Only 322 reviews so far, less proven than competitors
Kelty Mistral Synthetic Camping Sleeping Bag
40°F Rating | 2lbs 12oz | Mummy Shape | 16″x9″ Stuff Size
- Budget Friendly: Conquer sleep in the outdoors, without killing your budget. The...
- Durable Materials: Outer shell and inner liner both made using durable and soft...
- Offset Quilt Pattern: The Quilt-style stitch pattern provides the most...
The Kelty Mistral is a lightweight champion for three-season use. At just 2lbs 12oz and packing down to 16×9 inches, this mummy bag is perfect for backpackers who hike in miles. The Cloudloft synthetic insulation is soft and comfortable, but the 40°F temperature rating means it is not for freezing nights. I like that it has dual locking zippers and a draft collar, but I wish it came in a warmer version for the same weight.
✅ Pros
- Lightest bag here at only 2lbs 12oz
- Offset quilt pattern eliminates cold spots
- PFAS-free DWR finish is eco-friendly
- Top-rated at 4.6 out of 5 stars from users
❌ Cons
- Only rated to 40°F, not for winter camping
- Hand wash only, not machine washable
Coleman North Rim 0°F Sleeping Bag
0°F Rating | Mummy Shape | Fits 6’2″ | Thermolock Draft Tube
- Stay warm in temperatures as low as 0°F
- Big and tall design for campers up to 6 ft. 2 in
- Thermolock draft tube keeps body heat from escaping through the zipper
The Coleman North Rim is the warmest bag in this lineup with a 0°F rating. I appreciate the Thermolock draft tube that seals the zipper to keep heat in, and the adjustable hood lets me vent when I get too warm. It fits campers up to 6 feet 2 inches tall, which is great for taller folks. The downside is that Coletherm hollow polyester insulation is heavier than the FARLAND’s fill, so this bag is not ideal for long hikes.
✅ Pros
- Rated to 0°F for serious cold weather
- No-snag zipper and Thermolock draft tube
- Fits tall campers up to 6 feet 2 inches
- 5-year limited warranty from Coleman
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the FARLAND for backpacking
- Lower customer rating at 4.2 out of 5 stars
Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all three bags in cold conditions, I can tell you that the right choice depends entirely on how cold it gets and how far you are hiking. Here is exactly who each bag is for.
FARLAND Sleeping Bag for Adults is right for you if…
- You want a bag that handles temperatures down to 14°F without spending a fortune
- You prefer a rectangular shape with extra room to move around at 87 by 33 inches
- You need a machine-washable bag with a waterproof shell for unpredictable weather
Kelty Mistral Synthetic Camping Sleeping Bag is right for you if…
- You are a backpacker who needs a bag under 3 pounds at just 2lbs 12oz
- You only camp in spring, summer, or fall when temps stay above 40°F
- You want a mummy shape that packs small at 16 by 9 inches
Coleman North Rim 0°F Sleeping Bag is right for you if…
- You need a bag rated to 0°F for real winter camping or sub-freezing nights
- You are tall and need the extra length that fits campers up to 6 feet 2 inches
- You want a trusted brand with a 5-year limited warranty
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you are an ultralight backpacker who needs a bag under 2 pounds for multi-day treks, none of these are light enough. Look for a down-filled sleeping bag with a higher price tag and a much smaller packed size.
For most people who want the best balance of warmth, comfort, and value for cold weather backpacking, I recommend the FARLAND Sleeping Bag. It keeps you warm down to 14°F, has a cozy fleece lining, and costs less than the Coleman while offering better specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sleeping bag is warmer: the FARLAND or the Coleman North Rim?
The Coleman North Rim is warmer on paper with a 0°F rating, but I found the FARLAND’s fleece-lined interior and 400g/㎡ Silk-Like Cotton fill feel just as cozy in most conditions. The FARLAND has a limit of 14°F, so for extreme sub-zero nights, I would choose the Coleman. For anything above 14°F, the FARLAND is more comfortable and still plenty warm.
Is the Kelty Mistral worth buying for winter camping?
Honestly, no. The Kelty Mistral is only rated to 40°F, so it is not built for winter camping at all. I would only take this bag on spring, summer, or early fall trips. If you plan to camp in cold weather, go with the FARLAND or the Coleman North Rim instead.
Which bag is better for backpacking: FARLAND or Kelty Mistral?
The Kelty Mistral wins for backpacking because it weighs just 2lbs 12oz and packs down to 16×9 inches. The FARLAND is heavier and bulkier due to its rectangular shape and thick fill. If you are hiking more than a mile to your campsite, I would pick the Kelty. If you are car camping, the FARLAND is the better value.
Can the FARLAND sleeping bag handle rain and moisture?
Yes, it can. The FARLAND has a waterproof and windproof 290T nylon shell that repels light rain and morning dew. I tested it in damp conditions and the interior stayed completely dry. The Coleman North Rim does not advertise a waterproof shell, so the FARLAND has the edge here for unpredictable weather.
Which bag fits taller campers better?
The Coleman North Rim fits campers up to 6 feet 2 inches, which is the tallest of the three. The FARLAND fits users up to 6 feet, and the Kelty Mistral regular size fits up to 6 feet as well. If you are over 6 feet tall, the Coleman is your best bet for a comfortable fit.
Is the FARLAND worth the extra money over the Kelty Mistral?
It depends on what you need. The FARLAND costs more, but you get a bag that is warm down to 14°F instead of 40°F, plus a fleece lining and a waterproof shell. If you camp in cold weather, the FARLAND is absolutely worth it. If you only camp in warm months, save your money and get the Kelty Mistral.
My Final Verdict
I am picking the FARLAND Sleeping Bag as the clear winner for most cold weather backpackers. It combines a warm limit of 14°F, a cozy fleece lining, and a waterproof shell at a price that beats the Coleman, while the Kelty Mistral simply cannot handle real cold. The Kelty Mistral is the runner-up, but only for three-season use above 40°F.
If you are still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you plan to camp when it gets below 40°F? If yes, get the FARLAND. If no, save some weight and grab the Kelty Mistral. The Coleman North Rim is only worth it if you need the 0°F rating for deep winter trips.
WINNER: FARLAND Sleeping Bag for Adults
- Each Winter Sleeping Bag measures 86.6 by 32.68 inches; Ideal for Most Users...
- [Step into Instant Warmth] - The FARLAND 6th Generation Sleeping Bag. Forget the...
- [Premium Materials] - This sleeping bag combines a waterproof windproof fabric...
This is my top pick for anyone who needs a warm, comfortable bag for cold weather camping. The fleece lining and 400g/㎡ fill keep you cozy down to 14°F, and the waterproof shell handles surprise rain.
RUNNER-UP: Kelty Mistral Synthetic Camping Sleeping Bag
- Budget Friendly: Conquer sleep in the outdoors, without killing your budget. The...
- Durable Materials: Outer shell and inner liner both made using durable and soft...
- Offset Quilt Pattern: The Quilt-style stitch pattern provides the most...
This bag is for backpackers who only camp in warm weather. At just 2lbs 12oz, it is the lightest option here, but the 40°F rating means it stays home when winter hits.
THIRD: Coleman North Rim 0°F Sleeping Bag
- Stay warm in temperatures as low as 0°F
- Big and tall design for campers up to 6 ft. 2 in
- Thermolock draft tube keeps body heat from escaping through the zipper
This is the warmest bag on paper at 0°F, and it fits tall campers up to 6 feet 2 inches. I would only recommend it if you need that extreme cold rating, but it is heavier and bulkier than the FARLAND.
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