We tested the best dog sleeping bags on the market according to price, weight, warmth, packability, and durability. Read on to see how they performed, which one is best for your canine, and get some buying advice.
Table of Contents
Best Dog Sleeping Bags
The best Dog sleeping bags are:
- Best Overall Dog Sleeping Bag: RUFFWEAR Highlands™ Sleeping Bag
- Warmest Dog Sleeping Bag: NUNATAK Bivy v.2
- Best Budget Dog Sleeping Bag: OUTRAV Dog Sleeping Bag
- Best Lightweight Dog Sleeping Bag for Cuddling: BARKERBAG
- Most Durable Dog Sleeping Bag: HURTTA Outback Dreamer ECO Dog Sleeping Bag
- Best Dog Sleeping System for Multiple Dogs: DOG HELIOS Trail-Barker
The product comparison table below is sortable. Click the arrow in the heading cell to sort the models by preferred spec.
| MODEL | WEIGHT | MATERIAL | FILL | PRICE | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. RUFFWEAR HIGHLANDS Sleeping Bag | 1 lb - 2 lbs 2 oz | 75D Polyester with DWR outer, 40D Nylon with WR inner | Synthetic | $99.95 - $139.95 | 9/10 |
| 2. HURTTA Outback Dreamer ECO Dog Sleeping Bag | 0.8 oz - 1 lbs 3 oz | 100D Polyester | Synthetic & Heat Reflective | $113 - $146 | 8/10 |
| 3. OUTRAV Dog Sleeping Bag | 10.55 oz | Polyester | Synthetic | $24.95 | 8/10 |
| 4. NUNATAK Bivy v.2 | 7.6 oz - 1 lb 5 oz | 15D DWR outer, 20D Silnylon Waterproof inner | Down (900 Fill Power) | $260 | 8/10 |
| 5. BARKERBAG | 9.7 oz - 1 lb 3 oz | Nylon | Synthetic down | $67 - $89 | 8/10 |
| 6. DOG HELIOS Trail-Barker | 1 lb 6 oz | Polyester-Cotton and Nylon | Synthetic Polyurethane Foam | $99.99 | 8/10 |
| 7. LIFEUNION Dog Sleeping Bag | 1 lb 8 oz | Polyester | Synthetic & Fleece | $32.95 | 8/10 |
| 8. VEGAPOP Dog Sleeping Bag | 2 lbs | Polyester | Synthetic & Fleece | $25.99 - $35.99 | 8/10 |
| 9. CHUCKIT! Travel Dog Sleeping Bag | 1 lb 1 oz | Nylon, Suede | Synthetic | $44.99 | 8/10 |
Best Overall Dog Sleeping Bag
Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag
Price: $99.95, $139.95
✅ Warm
✅ Packable
✅ Durable
❌ Expensive
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1 lb 6 oz, 2 lbs 2 oz
- Fabric Denier: Shell: 75 denier cire polyester with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish / Lining: 40 denier nylon with WR (Water Repellent) finish
- Fill: Synthetic
Ruffwear is a staple when it comes to quality dog gear, and the Highlands Sleeping Bag is no exception. It’s also one of the most packable dog sleeping bags we tested, thanks to the included compression sack.
Our favorite thing about this sleeping bag is its durability. The thick 75d polyester on the outside holds up to a decent amount of abuse. We like this dog sleeping bag for spring, summer, and fall camping. If you are in temperatures consistently below freezing, you will want to add a pad below them.
RUFFWEAR makes one that fits into an integrated pad sleeve. It also features some water resistance. Our only gripe is the price, which is the third most on our list. But if you want a dog sleeping bag that’s light enough for backpacking and durable enough for outdoor use, the Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag is our best overall pick.
Most Durable Dog Sleeping Bag
Hurtta Outback Dreamer ECO Dog Sleeping Bag
Price: $113, $124, $146
✅ Durable
✅ Warm
✅ Lightweight
❌ Expensive
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 0.8 lb, 1 lb 2 oz, 1 lb 3 oz
- Fabric Denier: 100D Polyester
- Fill: Synthetic & Heat Reflective
We like that the HURTTA Outback Dreamer takes an innovative approach by using two types of insulation in their sleeping bag. There is an inner layer of synthetic insulation, and the lining is made of a heat-reflective material that works similarly to a space blanket. This makes it one of the warmest options on our list.
The ECO fabric is made from over 80% recycled material, so we were a bit skeptical of the longevity. However, this was the most durable of our review. Even during the day, we found it worked great as a dog bed, and we never had to worry about tossing it down on the ground. Just try to make a bit of an effort to keep it dry. It has a DWR coating but is not fully waterproof.
The price is the second highest on our list, but if you want a durable option that will last, the Hurtta Outback Dreamer Eco Dog Sleeping Bag is a great option.
Best Budget Dog Sleeping Bag
Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag
Price: $24.95
✅ Best Budget
✅ Lightweight
✅ Good in wet conditions
❌ Less warmth
❌ Less durable
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 10.55 oz
- Fabric Denier: Polyester
- Fill: Synthetic
The Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag is a fully waterproof bed that is a great option in wet and mild conditions. We found the insulation to be thin, but if temperatures stay above freezing, there is plenty of warmth for your puppy.
A bonus to the waterproof materials is it’s very easy to clean. The materials used aren’t particularly durable and won’t last nearly as long as other options. We can’t help but love the low price of $25, the least expensive on our list. And the 10.55-ounce weight makes this one of the lightest sleeping bags for dogs we tested.
This dog sleeping bag bed is deceptively small, so make sure to size it accordingly; it won’t work for dogs over 60 lbs. The Outrav Dog Sleeping Bag is our pick for the best budget dog sleeping bag.
Best Premium Dog Sleeping Bag
Nunatak Bivy v.2
Price: $260.00
✅ Ultralight
✅ Warmest dog sleeping bag
✅ Packs down small
❌ Expensive
❌ Not as durable
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 7.6 oz, 9.7 oz, 1 lb, 1 lb 5 oz
- Fabric Denier: 15D DWR outer - 20D silnylon waterproof inner
- Fill: Down (900 Fill Power)
Nunatak is known in the backpacking community as the creator of beautifully crafted ultralight gear. The Dog Bivy v.2 is no different. This is the lightest, warmest, most compressible dog sleeping bag on the market. If you want an ultralight sleeping bag for your dog that matches your own, the Nunatak Dog Bivy v.2 is our top pick.
The waterproof silnylon inner and 900-fill power down make this the warmest option on our list and also the most packable. In fact, Nunatak says there is equal insulation to a 35F sleeping bag for humans.
This sleeping bag is a piece of high-performance ultralight gear and comes with drawbacks of such. Durability is an issue with the thinner nylon shell, and at $260, this is by far the most expensive sleeping bag for dogs we tested. But if you are looking for your ultralight backpacking kit or are heading out on a thru-hike, look no further.
Best Lightweight Dog Sleeping Bag for Cuddling
Barkerbag
Price: $67, $79, $89
✅ Very light
✅ Warm
✅ Good for cuddling
❌ Not all dogs will like the shared bag
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 9.7 oz, 13 oz, 1 lb 3 oz
- Fabric Denier: Nylon
- Fill: Synthetic down
The Barker Bag is an excellent option for those that want to snuggle with their dog. This innovative design zips onto your sleeping bag. Your dog has their own designated sleeping bag off your side while still having the option to cuddle.
We found that synthetic insulation does a good job of keeping your dog warm, and since you can share some body heat, this is a warm option. The neck tube that allows your dog’s head to stick out keeps it warm too, but it may take a bit of practice before your dog is comfortable with it. It repels a bit of water but should be treated similarly to your sleeping bag, so try to keep it clean and dry.
Sizing: The sizing is for the size of dogs and the size of their head. Also, make sure to select the correct zipper, R and L refer to which side of the zipper you have on your sleeping bag. While the number corresponds to the size, check on the back of the zipper pull; there will usually be a number.
Best Dog Sleeping System for Multiple Dogs
Dog Helios Trail-Barker
Price: $99.99
✅ Durable
✅ Best for multiple dogs
❌ Costs more than average
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1 lb 6 oz
- Fabric Denier: PU Coated Polyester-Cotton and Nylon
- Fill: Synthetic Polyurethane (PU) Foam
The Dog Helios Trail-Barker is a synthetically insulated sleeping bag that works well for most of the year. The outer shell is PU-coated ripstop nylon and does a decent job of resisting water, and we found it surprisingly durable. The inner is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about your wet dog turning the sleeping bag into a sponge. The inner eventually wet out, but we didn’t feel water soak through.
A unique feature of the Trail Barker is that you can zip together multiple sleeping bags if you have a few dogs joining you. We should mention that this sleeping bag won’t fit large dogs; 60 lbs is the limit. We don’t like that this is a little more expensive than average and doesn’t pack down super small.
The Other Noteworthy Models
Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag
Price: $32.95
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Durable
✅ Easy to clean
❌ Less warm
❌ Less packable
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1 lb 8 oz
- Fabric Denier: Polyester
- Fill: Synthetic & Fleece
The Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag is an inexpensive option for light usage and milder temperatures. We found most of the insulation comes from the fleece liner as the synthetic fill is very thin. The fleece is incredibly durable and can easily be washed. In fact, we found this dog sleeping bag bed the easiest to clean. We do like that it can be fully unzipped, creating a big fleece blanket your dog can lay on.
Lifeunion claims it is waterproof, but we would say it’s water-resistant as water will eventually soak through. Due to the large packed size, it’s a much better option for car camping rather than backpacking, and since it’s fleece, it won’t compress very much. The quality doesn’t match up to some of the higher-priced options, but for occasional use, we think it’s hard to go wrong with the Lifeunion.
Vegapop Dog Sleeping Bag
Price: $25.99, $31.99, $35.99
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Durable
✅ Easy to clean
❌ Less warm
❌ Less packable
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 2 lbs
- Fabric Denier: Polyester
- Fill: Synthetic & Fleece
The Vegapop Dog Sleeping Bag is a near-identical clone of the Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag. However, the Vegapop offers 3 sizes while the Lifeunion only offers large sizes. The materials and stitching are identical. If you have a small or medium-sized dog and are looking for an inexpensive fleece option, this is your best bet.
Like the Lifeunion, we found this is an easy-to-clean and durable option. We’d recommend it for car camping only. It’s not packable and weighs a fair bit, thanks to the fleece lining.
Chuckit! Travel Dog Sleeping Bag
Price: $44.99
✅ Lightweight
✅ Large size
❌ Less warm
KEY SPECS
- Weight: 1 lb 1 oz
- Fabric Denier: Nylon, Suede
- Fill: Synthetic
We like the Chuckit! Travel Pillow Dog Bed for warmer climates as it isn’t a sleeping bag, it is a sit-on-top dog bed. With a ripstop nylon floor and a soft suede-like top material, we found it durable enough for outside use too.
We like the generous sizing; dogs up to 70 lbs should fit on this bed. And as just a bed rather than a sleeping bag, it’s a bit easier to size too. It does include a stuff sack, but if you are heading out on a backpacking trip, you might want to use a compression sack to cinch it down.
We should mention it is not very water-resistant, so it’s best for warmer, drier environments. The biggest drawback for us is lower warmth thanks to the sit-on-top design.
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing
Price
Dog sleeping bags can range from $25 to $260+. Like sleeping bags for humans, price is largely a factor of materials and design. Inexpensive dog sleeping bags use heavier, cheaper materials and feature a basic design. Premium ones are made of expensive ultralight materials, down fill, and designed to pack down small.
Dog sleeping bags that provide the greatest value:
Affordable dog sleeping bags:
Premium dog sleeping bags (most expensive):
Weight
The weight of the sleeping bag will range depending on how warm you want it and what kind of application you use it for. On the ultralight side of things, there are options in the 8oz-16oz range which will be down-filled. Most will weigh between 1-3 lbs and use synthetic or fleece insulation.
The Lightest dog sleeping bags:
Warmth
Warmth comes from the type of insulation used in a dog sleeping bag. For the backcountry, we recommend either a down or synthetic fill.
Down comes at a premium price but can’t be beaten for warmth. It is measured in fill power, with 900 being the top end.
Synthetic fills are durable and provide good warmth when wet. Other materials, like fleece, are heavy and best for the front country or short backpacking trips. Make sure the sleeping bag has extra insulation from the ground as well.
The warmest dog sleeping bags:
- NUNATAK Bivy v.2
- RUFFWEAR HIGHLANDS Sleeping Bag
- HURTTA Outback Dreamer ECO Dog Sleeping Bag
- BARKERBAG
Other Things to Consider
Durability
Most outer materials will be nylon or polyester. Regarding durability, nylon is more durable but does cost a bit more. Durability is associated with fabric deniers. The higher the denier, the more durable it is.
While it can be tricky to find the denier sometimes, some companies will have it listed. If you are looking for an ultralight option, something around 20d will work. If you are looking for durability, go for something over 40d.
Waterproof / Water Resistance
A lot of dog sleeping bags claim to be waterproof, but frankly, they aren’t. While polyester and fleece are great materials that don’t absorb much water, it doesn’t mean it will keep water from soaking through.
True waterproofing requires a coating, typically Polyurethane or PU. For nylon sleeping bags if they are silnylon this means silicone has been impregnated into the nylon, making it waterproof. Both of these coatings can wear off, so they may need to be reapplied with some time.
Chuckit! Dog Sleeping Bed.
Size and Space
Just like a human, sizing the correct sleeping bag is essential, and most of the models tested will have several sizes. To find the correct size, look at how your dog sleeps, are they curled up or sprawled out? Round sleeping bags work great for dogs that curl up, while rectangular shapes work best for dogs that sprawl out.
If you are in-between sizes, size up. Most sleeping bags are designed for your dog’s head to be outside of the sleeping bag.
Packability and Compressibility
If you are taking your dog on a backpacking trip, packability will likely be a key feature. Down is unbeatable when it comes to packability, followed by synthetic. Many of the sleeping bags will come with a stuff sack, but if you are really trying to compress it, nothing beats a designated compression sack.
Washability
Any dog accessory is going to get dirty, so having something that can be easily washed is essential. Most of the sleeping bags are machine washable but be careful when drying them, in fact, we suggest air drying most of them unless they are down.
Comfort
Comfort is highly subjective in dogs, just like in humans. When assessing comfort for your dog, start by considering what types of materials and styles of beds and blankets they like to sit on at home and work from there. Dog sleeping bags with lush padding and extra fill will generally be the most comfortable for dogs.
Vegapop Dog Sleeping Bag.
Versatility
When choosing a dog sleeping bag, look for a bag that can be used like a traditional sleeping bag and can partially or fully unzip. Having this versatility will help your dog get comfortable in whatever way is best for them. It will also give you and your dog flexibility to use the bag in a larger range of weather conditions.
WHEN TO USE A DOG SLEEPING BAG
At what temperature does your dog need a sleeping bag? Most dogs need a sleeping bag (or some insulation) when the temperature drops below 40F (this is the general rule of thumb).
If you have a shorthaired dog that isn’t as acclimatized to cold weather, this might be 45F, while a husky or other dogs with robust undercoats might be below 32F. If your dog is a puppy or a senior, they will get cold more easily.
Hiking and playing are very different than trying to sleep. While your dog might not need a jacket during the day, they will cool down when they stop moving.
OPTIONS FOR DOG SLEEPING SYSTEMS
1. Sharing a sleeping system with your dog
Sharing a sleep system with your dog can be warm and cozy, but it can make for a long night if your furry friend is tossing and turning all night. Either way, make sure to take care of your gear, as human sleeping bags and pads aren’t designed for sharp nails. Sleeping bags can tear and inflatable pads can pop.
If you are set on sharing your gear, make sure your dog is clean and dry. We also suggest using a cover for your inflatable pads. Some cool gear for sharing a sleep system is the Barker Bag which lets you zip your sleeping bags together, and the Nemo Pawprint which is the protective sheet for inside your tent.
2. Getting your dog its own sleep system
If you are going on an extended trip, frequently camp with your dog, or are going to be experiencing more inclement weather, a separate sleep system for your dog is the way to go. Most sleeping bags will have a pad and a blanket incorporated into one.
If you are sleeping on snow, you will usually need to add a bit more insulation below them. The backpacking-specific designs pack small and can usually be carried by your dog.
Tips for sleeping with your dog:
- Clean their paws before getting in the tent- Nobody wants a wet, muddy, dirty tent floor. If your dog wears booties, leave them in the vestibule.
- Dry them off- dog hair can hold tons of moisture which will increase the condensation in your tent and make everyone feel colder. Do your best to dry them off before getting into the tent.
- Protect your gear- no matter what, protect your nice gear. A thin sheet works great to protect sleeping bags and pads while your pup is still roaming around the tent. Otherwise, keep it stored if they are coming and going from your tent.
DOG SLEEPING BAG ALTERNATIVES
Some sleeping bag alternatives are blankets and jackets. Using a blanket for your dog is a good option but make sure they have something under to help them retain that heat. Dog jackets can also work but make sure that it is dry and clean before heading to bed. A wet jacket won’t be nearly as warm, and a muddy one can make a giant mess in your tent.
Or make your own sleeping bag! How to make a sleeping bag for a dog? A sleeping bag for a dog can be made easily by modifying one of those inexpensive down blankets from Costco into a small sleeping bag for your furry friend.
650-Calorie Fuel
