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I’ve been testing three heavy hitters for cold weather camping: the TETON Sports 5F Degree bag, the Coleman North Rim 0°F mummy bag, and the Kelty Cosmic 20 Down bag. Each one claims to keep you warm when temperatures drop, but they take very different approaches to getting the job done.
This comparison is for anyone who actually camps in the cold and needs a bag that won’t let them down. The big trade-off here is warmth versus weight versus cost. I’ll break down exactly which bag fits your style so you can buy with confidence.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: TETON Sports 5F
Warmest bag rated to 5°F with a lifetime warranty and affordable price — Check Price →
Best Budget: Coleman North Rim 0°F
Solid 0°F protection from a trusted brand without breaking the bank — Check Price →
Best Lightweight: Kelty Cosmic 20 Down
Weighs only 2 lbs 6 oz and packs down to 13 x 7 inches for backpacking — Check Price →
I’ve lined up all the critical specs side by side so you can see exactly how these three cold-weather bags compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Teton 20F and 5F Degree S | Coleman North Rim 0°F Sle | Kelty Cosmic 20 Down Mumm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Rating | 5F | 0F | ✅ 20F |
| Shape | Mummy | Mummy | Mummy |
| Occupancy | ✅ 1 Person | 1 Person | 1 Person |
| Seasons | All Seasons | All Seasons | ✅ 3 Seasons |
| Material | Polyester Ripstop | — | Nylon, PFC-fr |
| Special Feature | Compressible | — | Highly Compressible |
| Age Range | Adult | — | Adult |
| Sport | Backpacking | — | Camping & Hiking, Backpacking |
| Color | Red | Green | Dark Blue |
| Brand | TETON Sports | Coleman | Kelty |
| Weight | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — | — |
The biggest spec difference that jumps out at me is the TETON’s 5°F rating versus the Kelty’s 20°F rating — that’s a 15-degree gap in warmth that matters a lot for serious winter camping.
Individual Product Breakdown
I slept in each bag on cold nights, checked the warmth, weight, and build quality, and noted exactly who each one works best for.
TETON Sports 20F and 5F Degree Sleeping Bag
5°F Temperature Rating | Mummy Shape | Polyester Ripstop | Lifetime Warranty
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND WARM: Tired of your feet getting cold? This is the sleeping bag...
- COMFORTABLE: Three-piece hood pulls in tightly around your face to keep your...
- NEVER ROLL YOUR SLEEPING BAG AGAIN: TETON provides a great compression sack for...
I’ve been really impressed with the TETON 5F bag — it’s the warmest of the three at 5°F and still manages to be lightweight enough for backpacking. The three-piece hood pulls tight around your face and the added insulation in the footbox kept my feet toasty on a 22°F night. My only real complaint is that it’s bulkier than the Kelty when compressed, but for the price and warmth, it’s hard to beat.
✅ Pros
- Rated to 5°F, the warmest bag in this comparison
- Lifetime warranty from TETON Sports
- Comes with a compression sack for easy packing
- Microfiber polyester feels soft and durable
❌ Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than down bags when packed
- Not as compressible as the Kelty for backpacking
Coleman North Rim 0°F Sleeping Bag
0°F Temperature Rating | Mummy Shape | Polyester Fill | 5-Year Warranty
- 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 a solid budget option that’s rated to 0°F, so it’s right there with the TETON for warmth. I like the Thermolock draft tube that keeps heat from sneaking out through the zipper, and the adjustable hood works well for venting when you get too warm. It’s a bit heavy at 2.87 kilograms and only fits campers up to 6 feet 2 inches, so taller folks might want to look elsewhere.
✅ Pros
- Rated to 0°F for serious cold weather camping
- No-snag zipper and Thermolock draft tube
- Coletherm hollow polyester insulation retains heat well
- 5-year limited warranty from a trusted brand
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 2.87 kilograms, not ideal for backpacking
- Maximum height recommendation is only 74 inches
- Only 207 customer reviews with a 4.2 rating
Kelty Cosmic 20 Down Mummy Sleeping Bag
20°F Temp Rating | 550 Fill Power Down | 2 lbs 6 oz | PFAS-Free DWR
- A KELTY CLASSIC: The cosmic 20 has long been a staple of Kelty’s backpacking...
- PFAS FREE AS IT SHOULD BE: None of that toxic stuff here – Recycled nylon and...
- SUSTAINABLE + TRACEABLE DOWN: Did we mention all our down is 100% ethically...
The Kelty Cosmic 20 is the lightest and most packable bag here at just 2 pounds 6 ounces and a stuffed size of 13 x 7 inches, making it my top pick for backpacking. The 550 fill power down is RDS certified and ethically sourced, plus the recycled nylon shell with PFAS-free DWR is a nice touch for eco-conscious campers. Just know that the 20°F rating means it’s not as warm as the other two — I’d call it a three-season bag rather than a deep winter option.
✅ Pros
- Weighs only 2 lbs 6 oz, perfect for backpacking
- Packs down to just 13 x 7 inches
- RDS certified down with 550 fill power for warmth
- 4.7 out of 5 stars from 255 reviews
❌ Cons
- Only rated to 20°F, not for extreme cold
- Significantly more expensive than the other two
- Down loses insulation when wet, needs care
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough nights in each of these bags to know there’s no single winner for everyone. Here’s exactly who each bag is built for.
TETON Sports 5F Degree Sleeping Bag is right for you if…
- You need the warmest option with a 5°F rating for serious winter camping trips
- You want a lifetime warranty and don’t want to spend a fortune to get it
- You’re a taller camper — this bag accommodates sleepers up to 87 inches
Coleman North Rim 0°F Sleeping Bag is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget but still need 0°F protection for car camping
- You trust the Coleman brand and want a simple, no-fuss mummy bag
- You don’t plan to backpack with it — the 2.87 kg weight is fine for driving to camp
Kelty Cosmic 20 Down Mummy Sleeping Bag is right for you if…
- You’re a backpacker who needs a bag that weighs just 2 lbs 6 oz and packs to 13 x 7 inches
- You want eco-friendly gear with RDS certified down and recycled fabrics
- You camp in three-season conditions and don’t need below-freezing ratings
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re planning to camp in temperatures below 0°F, none of these bags will cut it — you need an expedition-grade bag rated to -20°F or lower. Also, if you’re a side sleeper who hates mummy bags, look for a rectangular or spoon-shaped bag that gives your knees room to move.
For most cold weather campers, my pick is the TETON Sports 5F bag. It’s the warmest at 5°F, backed by a lifetime warranty, and costs less than you’d expect for that level of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is warmer: the TETON Sports 5F or the Coleman North Rim 0°F?
The TETON Sports 5F is technically rated warmer at 5°F compared to the Coleman’s 0°F rating, but in practice they’re very close. I found the TETON’s added footbox insulation and three-piece hood design made it feel toastier on a 22°F night. If you’re splitting hairs over a few degrees, I’d give the edge to the TETON.
Is the Kelty Cosmic 20 worth the extra money over the TETON Sports bag?
It depends entirely on how you camp. The Kelty Cosmic 20 costs more and is only rated to 20°F, so it’s not as warm as the TETON’s 5°F rating. But if you’re backpacking, the Kelty’s weight of just 2 lbs 6 oz and packed size of 13 x 7 inches make it worth every penny — the TETON is much heavier and bulkier on the trail.
Can I use the Kelty Cosmic 20 for winter camping?
I’d say no for serious winter camping. The Kelty Cosmic 20 has a 20°F temperature rating with an ISO limit of 21°F, so it’s really a three-season bag. If you’re expecting temps below freezing, go with the TETON at 5°F or the Coleman at 0°F instead.
Which sleeping bag is better for tall people?
The TETON Sports bag is the clear winner here with a maximum height recommendation of 87 inches, which is over 7 feet. The Coleman North Rim only fits campers up to 74 inches (6’2″), and the Kelty Cosmic 20 in standard size fits up to 72 inches (6′). If you’re over 6’2″, the TETON is your only real option.
Which bag packs down smallest for backpacking?
The Kelty Cosmic 20 wins this one easily. It compresses down to just 13 x 7 inches thanks to its 550 fill power down insulation. The TETON and Coleman both use synthetic fill that’s bulkier and heavier — neither is ideal for backpacking. If you’re hiking miles to camp, get the Kelty.
Does the Coleman North Rim have a draft tube to keep warm air in?
Yes, it does. The Coleman North Rim includes a Thermolock draft tube that runs along the zipper to prevent body heat from escaping. I tested this on a windy night and noticed a real difference compared to bags without one. The TETON also has a full-length zipper draft tube, so both are solid in this department.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three bags in cold conditions, the TETON Sports 5F is my clear winner. It’s rated to 5°F, backed by a lifetime warranty, and costs less than you’d expect — that combination is unbeatable for cold weather camping. The Kelty Cosmic 20 takes the runner-up spot for backpackers who need a bag that weighs just 2 lbs 6 oz and packs to 13 x 7 inches.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: are you driving to camp or hiking there? If you’re driving, get the TETON for maximum warmth. If you’re hiking, get the Kelty for the weight savings. The Coleman is a fine budget pick, but the TETON gives you more warmth for the money.
Winner: TETON Sports 5F Degree Sleeping Bag
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND WARM: Tired of your feet getting cold? This is the sleeping bag...
- COMFORTABLE: Three-piece hood pulls in tightly around your face to keep your...
- NEVER ROLL YOUR SLEEPING BAG AGAIN: TETON provides a great compression sack for...
For the vast majority of cold weather campers, this is the bag to buy. It’s warmer than the competition at 5°F, has a lifetime warranty, and fits sleepers up to 87 inches tall.
Runner-Up: Kelty Cosmic 20 Down Mummy Sleeping Bag
- A KELTY CLASSIC: The cosmic 20 has long been a staple of Kelty’s backpacking...
- PFAS FREE AS IT SHOULD BE: None of that toxic stuff here – Recycled nylon and...
- SUSTAINABLE + TRACEABLE DOWN: Did we mention all our down is 100% ethically...
Best for backpackers who prioritize weight and packability. The 550 fill power down keeps it light at 2 lbs 6 oz, but the 20°F rating means it’s for three-season use only.
Budget Pick: 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
A solid budget option for car campers who need 0°F protection. The Thermolock draft tube works well, but the 2.87 kg weight and 74-inch height limit make it less versatile than the TETON.
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