Big Agnes Sandhoffer 20

Big Agnes has the sleeping bag game on lock, from entry-level bags to ultralight top-of-the-line options. The Sandhoffer 20 straddles the spectrum: it’s got an entry-level price point, but it’s also relatively lightweight and compactable given the price, not to mention it’s equipped with Big Agnes’ sleeping pad system, which our test team absolutely loves. Plus, the shape of the bag is mummy-like for a cozy night in lower temperatures, but it’s still roomier without being overly boxy or inefficient. Similar in weight and lower in price to the Klymit KSB 20, our previous top pick for entry-level backpacking, the Big Agnes Sandhoffer 20 is our team’s new recommendation in this category.

Pros:

Our testers loved everything about this bag, from the insulation and the roomy interior to the integrated sleeping pad sleeve and the rad color scheme. Zippers were robust, and allowed for one-handed use in the middle of the night sans headlamp. The cut of the bag was a huge selling point for our test crew: it’s not claustrophobic and it has a roomier leg area that active sleepers will love. One tester noted that the “drawstrings that cinch the hood closed tightened predictably and allowed for quality stargazing.”

Cons:

Simple, well-designed, warm, and reasonably priced, we didn’t have many negatives to point out on this bag. As one tester mentioned, “I keep trying to find negative qualities, or sub-par elements associated with this bag, but I can’t.” If we have to nitpick, our main complaint would be that it could be more packable—that said, if it were, you would either lose the cut of the bag, which we loved, or Big Agnes would have to use a 700 or 800-fill down, which would bring up the price.

Favorite feature: Easily our favorite feature is the integrated sleeping pad sleeve, which keeps the bag from sliding off your pad in the middle of the night.

Tester Comment: “The integrated sleeping pad sleeve was a real game changer. I’m a side sleeper and I often find myself rolling around the tent throughout the night trying to realign myself on the sleeping pad.”

Bottom line: Though not the most packable or the lightest option out there, it’s very warm and makes for a solid pick for first time backpackers or those looking for a warm bag on a budget.

Key Attribute: Performance