Best Dog Sleeping Bags of 2025
August 14th, 2025
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Can you get away without having a dedicated dog sleeping bag? Maybe. But will you and your pup be much more comfortable with a dog sleeping bag? Absolutely.
Adding a dog sleeping bag to your dog camping gear list will extend the lifetime of your own gear, and will ensure you and your dog both get quality sleep outdoors—a must if you’re planning on hiking, running, or swimming with your furry friend the next day.
While not all dogs need a sleeping bag, many dog breeds would benefit from one on chilly camp nights, and especially while winter camping. If you have a Husky, a Malamute, a Samoyed, or another northern breed with a dense double coat built for snow, you can probably skip the sleeping bag. However, if you have a breed that isn’t so densely coated, your pup may get cold on camping trips.
Related: Best Dog Beds
Collies don’t always need sleeping bags, but when they’re out of coat in the summer, extra warmth from a dog sleeping bag like the Happy Trails bag doesn’t hurt for cold alpine camping trips. Photo by Jae Thomas
Single-coated dogs like bully mixes, Dalmations, Beagles, GSPs, Viszlas, Dobermans, and many sighthounds don’t have an insulating undercoat the way that double coated breeds do. Dogs who have thin coats and are used to sleeping inside in climate controlled spaces will rest better and stay warmer with a dog sleeping bag. Because no one wants a cranky overtired dog on an outdoor adventure.
The sleeping bags in this review were all rated based on their packability, warmth, durability, dog-friendly design, and ease of use. I tested all of the following dog sleeping bags with my two dogs and a few of their friends to find the ones that are worth a spot on your dog’s outdoor gear list.
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Comparison table
| DOG SLEEPING BAG | TREELINE AWARD | WARMTH (0-5) | PACKABILITY (0-5) | AVAILABLE SIZE(S) | WEIGHT(S) | INSULATION | MSRP(S) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffwear Highlands | Best Overall Read why |
4 | 4 | 25.2 x 33.5"/ 28.3 x 43.3" | 1.6 / 2.2 lb. | Synthetic | $100/ 140 |
| Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag | Best Budget Read why |
3.5 | 3 | 45.2 x 29" | 1.8 lb. | Synthetic | $35 |
| Happy Trails PNW Tahoma | Best for Backpacking Read why |
5 | 5 | 27 x 35”/ 51 x 44” | 0.7/ 1.3 lb. | Duck down | $69/ 79 |
| Wilderdog Sleeping Bag | Best for Camping Read why |
3 | 3 | 36 x 28" | 1.8 lb. | Synthetic | $64 |
The winners
Best overall dog sleeping bag: Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
Subjective warmth rating (out of 5): 4
Subjective packability rating (out of 5): 4
Weight: Medium 1.6 lbs, Large 2.2 lbs
Dimensions: Medium 25.2”x33.5”, Large 28”.3x43.3”
Packed size: Medium 12”x5”, Large 14”x6”
Material/Insulation: 75D polyester shell with DWR (bluesign® approved), 120 g post-consumer recycled polyester insulation, 40D nylon lining with DWR (bluesign® approved)
What we liked: Ultra compressible stuff sack, very warm, durable outer, space to slide a compatible sleeping bag in the bottom, best shape for dogs to curl up in
What we didn’t like: Zippers are thin and somewhat fragile, no size for smaller dogs
The Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag sits at the intersection of packability, durability, and warmth.
It’s great for car camping, but isn’t overwhelmingly big if you want to take it on a backpacking trip with your dog. The medium size narrowly fits in the large pocket of Ruffwear’s Palisades backpack, so you could even have your dog carry their own sleeping bag (or you can check out these other dog backpacks for hiking we’ve tested and reviewed).
Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
This bag is quite durable, and passed our lab-style durability tests with ease. It didn’t fray or tear during testing, even with dogs who dig/nest before getting comfortable. The only durability issue that I experienced during testing is that the zipper on my medium-sized bag popped off of the track during a camping trip. The zippers on these sleeping bags are thinner than other options I tested, which is great because it saves on bulk and weight, but not so great if you’re rough on your gear.
This would normally be a durability red flag, but I’ve had this specific sleeping bag (and used it quite regularly) for over five years. It was one of the first things I bought for my dog, Miso, when I adopted her. (I’ll be taking this bag to my tailor to fix the zipper.)
The stuff sack on the Highlands sleeping bag has a great design, and allows you to really crank down the outer compression straps to get the bag into the smallest possible size. I also love the oval shape of this bag—it’s the only product on this list that really feels tailored to dogs’ natural sleeping positions.
In our lab-style warmth test, this bag came in second to the down option, and anecdotally on trips, I found it to keep my dogs very warm. I also love that it has a sleeve on the bottom to add on the matching Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Pad for extra cushion and ground insulation.
I’ve had this dog sleeping bag for five years and used it on numerous camping trips, backpacking trips, cross-country road trips, and even used it as a dog bed in a tiny New York apartment for a few years. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it again if I got another dog.
Best budget dog sleeping bag: Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag
Subjective warmth rating (out of 5): 3.5
Subjective packability rating (out of 5): 3
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Dimensions: 45.2"x 29"
Packed size: 12.2”x6.7”x6.7”
Material/Insulation: Polyester outer, fleece lining, synthetic fill
What we liked: Inner polyester lining keeps dogs warm, budget-friendly price
What we didn’t like: Only one size, awkward rectangular shape, not super packable; zipper isn’t totally sealed at the bottom, so it will leak heat
This budget-friendly dog sleeping bag is surprisingly durable and fairly warm for the price. The nylon outer didn’t fray or snag in our durability tests, and it performed just under the Wilderdog sleeping bag in our lab-style warmth test. The inner fleece lining does a lot of work in keeping dogs warm, even though the fill isn’t as lofty as other options on this list.
Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag
The zipper on this sleeping bag covers three of four sides, so you can fully unzip it and use it as a blanket for your dog if they don’t want to be inside a zipped up bag.
At $35, this bag is almost half the price of the next lowest price dog sleeping bags. It’s bulky when packed, so isn’t the best pick for backpacking or car camping when space is a concern. Folks who don’t need a high performance dog sleeping bag or who will only use it a few times a year would likely be happy with this option—if your dog fits in it.
A big downside is that this bag only comes in one size. Dog sleeping bags, like human sleeping bags, are only as good as retaining body heat as the fit allows. With only one size available, you run the risk of your dog’s bag being too big to properly keep them warm.
The rectangular shape is a bit awkward for dogs, similar to other rectangular bags on this list. Generally during testing, we found that the oval shaped dog sleeping bags were most comfortable and offered the best overall fit for our tester dogs.
Best dog sleeping bag for backpacking: Happy Trails PNW Tahoma dog sleeping bag
Subjective warmth rating (out of 5): 5
Subjective packability rating (out of 5): 5
Weight: Medium—11 oz, Large—1.3 lbs
Dimensions: Medium 27”x35”, Large 51”x44”
Packed size: 6.5”x6”
Material/Insulation: 20D rip-stop nylon shell and lining with DWR coating, 80/20 duck down fill
What we liked: Very warm; lightweight and packable; cozy, lofty feel
What we didn’t like: Stuff sack ripped during first use
If you’re looking for a lightweight but ultra warm dog sleeping bag, the Happy Trails PNW bag is the way to go. Though it features comparable dimensions as other options we tested, it packs down to nearly half the size of the next smallest dog sleeping bag, and weighs less than half of all the other options on this list, too.
Happy Trails PNW Tahoma dog sleeping bag
The fill is 80/20 duck down, (meaning that the insulation is comprised of 80% duck down and 20% feathers) with a fill power of 530. For reference, most budget/beginner down sleeping bags for humans have fill powers around 550 (like the Kelty Cosmic Down). Dogs generally don’t need as much warmth as humans since they have a layer of insulating fat and fur and sleep curled up to preserve body heat, so a 530-fill power dog-specific sleeping bag is quite impressive.
In our warmth tests, this sleeping bag outperformed every other one on the list, only losing 1.9 degrees of heat. On chilly alpine nights during a backpacking trip, it kept my short-coated dog, Miso, toasty. The design is quite lofty and feels cozy, and Miso enjoyed burrowing and snuggling up in this bag.
The wide zipper opening makes it easy to get your dog in and out of the bag, and the zipper is good quality. During testing, it never got stuck or snagged the bag, thanks to a protective piece of nylon on one side of the zipper that helps prevent snags.
The main cons of this bag are the durability and the shape of the bag itself. One of the straps on the compression sack popped off during the first backpacking trip I took it on, so it can no longer be compressed down to its smallest size. I wish that the stitching on the compression straps were more heavily reinforced so you can crank it down to the smallest size possible without worrying about them breaking.
In our lab-style durability test, this bag performed the worst of the pack, but this was somewhat expected, similar to lightweight backpacking gear for humans where durability is often sacrificed for a lightweight design.
In terms of shape, the rectangular design of this sleeping bag is a bit too square for dogs’ natural sleep positions. Miso would sometimes be sticking out of the bag during testing, whereas she’d be comfortably inside the bags that were more oval in shape.
Overall, for regular backpackers who travel with their dogs, the Happy Trails PNW Tahoma dog sleeping bag is a good option. The lightweight, super warm design is well worth the cost—just be gentle on the compression sack when you’re packing it.
Best dog sleeping bag for camping: Wilderdog Sleeping Bag
Subjective warmth rating (out of 5): 3
Subjective packability rating (out of 5): 3
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Dimensions: 36"x28"
Packed size: 16”x10”
Material/Insulation: Water-resistant polyester outer shell, cotton lining, synthetic fill
What we liked: Lofty, comfortable design; sturdy zipper; durable outer
What we didn’t like: Only one size; not as warm as other options
The Wilderdog sleeping bag is exceptional quality. The ripstop polyester outer is the most durable of all the sleeping bags we tested, and it truly feels like a product you’d buy and have for years.
Wilderdog Sleeping Bag
Even with digging and nesting from tester dogs and the formal durability testing, this bag still looks brand new. It also features a thick zipper that was the sturdiest of all the options we tested. It’s evident this sleeping bag was designed with dogs who are hard on their gear in mind.
Though this sleeping bag wasn’t the warmest in our lab-style tests, it performed well enough to recommend it as a three season bag, especially for dogs who don’t get really cold at night. I was surprised that this bag wasn’t warmer, as it’s very lofty and feels plush and high quality. The soft inner lining gives it an extra cozy feel.
This is another bag that unfortunately only comes in one size. It’s also bulky even when packed into the included stuff sack, so it’s best suited for car camping and overlanding where tight space constraints aren’t a big concern.
Other dog sleeping bags we tested
Snowpeak Dog Ofuton Sleeping Bag
Subjective warmth rating (out of 5): 4
Subjective packability rating (out of 5): 2
Weight: 2.9 lb
Dimensions: 23.6 x 25.6"
Insulation: Synthetic
The Snowpeak Dog Ofuton is a plush dog sleeping bag for the poshest outdoor dogs. It’s made of an outer woven layer, a fluffy synthetic inner, and unzips fully to become a dog bed when not in use as a sleeping bag.
Snowpeak Dog Ofuton Sleeping Bag
The Dog Ofuton performed similarly to the Ruffwear sleeping bag in our warmth tests, though it was less durable than other options due to some minor pilling on the outer during durability testing.
This is a bulky sleeping bag option, and even the small size was the biggest of the pack when packed into its stuff sack. The Dog Ofuton is truly a glamping pick for folks who don’t mind weight or size and value comfort.
At $150 for the small size and $160 for the large size, this is the most expensive dog sleeping bag on this list. I’d recommend it most for small breeds and thin-coated dogs who like to be cozy, like Italian Greyhounds and Whippets.
Why your dog needs a sleeping bag
Not all dogs necessarily need sleeping bags, but they can be beneficial for most dogs.
When I go camping or backpacking with my dog Miso, I usually bring along a lightweight fleece sweater or dog jacket for her depending on the weather, as well as a sleeping bag. Her coat is short and thin, and she gets visibly cold (and sad) if I don’t have proper gear for her.
Dogs who lack double coats aren’t as efficient at insulating themselves as their densely-coated counterparts, and a dog sleeping bag is the best way to ensure your pup is comfortable in cold temperatures. It provides insulation from the cold ground if you’re sleeping in a normal tent, and offers warmth and heat retention.
Dogs with double coats, however, may not need the warmth a dog sleeping bag provides. My Rough Collie, Dashi, is happy to sleep on top of a sleeping bag. Her thick double coat keeps her warm even in chillier weather.
Dog sleeping bags aren’t just for warmth, though. They give a dedicated place for your dog to sleep, and can save some wear on your own gear during camping and backpacking trips.
If your dog is happy to sleep in or on top of their sleeping bag, you’ll help ensure your own sleep system lasts longer, since you won’t have sharp nails or muddy paw prints on your gear. It’ll save the bottom of your tent from scratches and tears caused by dog nails, too.
What to look for in a dog sleeping bag
Down insulation is especially cozy for dogs who like to be warm. Photo by Jae Thomas
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Most dog sleeping bags have synthetic fill, but there are a few down options on the market. Down bags will be lighter and easier to pack than their synthetic counterparts, so if you’ll be backpacking with your dog, a down bag will save space in your backpack (or their dog backpack, if your pup carries their own gear). Down sleeping bags are also warmer, but if your dog has a decent amount of coat and you’re not winter camping, a synthetic bag is plenty warm enough for them.
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If your dog sleeps curled up in a ball, a round or oval sleeping bag will contour to their body the best and will help keep heat in. A dog sleeping bag should only be slightly bigger than your dogs’ size in their most common sleeping position. Any bigger, and it won’t be as efficient at keeping your pup warm (similar to human sleeping bag sizes).
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For backpacking, a down sleeping bag will save you weight and pack room. Synthetic-fill dog sleeping bags are bulkier and heavier, but still pack down relatively small for car camping. Choose an option with an included stuff-sack if you need a space-saving solution.
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Dog sleeping bags can get stinky—especially on multi-day backpacking trips. If your dog loves to get dirty and smelly while in the outdoors, choosing an option that’s machine washable makes cleaning much easier.
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If you’re camping in humid or rainy environments, a water-resistant bag will keep your pup dry, even if the inside of your tent gets a little damp. Waterproof or water-resistant bottoms on dog sleeping bags will also make them suitable as travel beds for outdoor lounging or other adventures.
Fully waterproof bags, depending on the material, may create a non-breathable environment for your pup on the inside, trapping moisture from their body heat and encouraging a smelly environment.
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A zipper that covers at least half the bag will be easier to get your dog in and out of, especially if they don’t burrow into a closed bag on their own. Though a full-bag zipper is easiest to get your dog in and out of, it’ll make the sleeping bag bulkier and less packable. A neck hood is helpful for trapping heat inside the bag in cold conditions.
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During testing, the synthetic bags seemed to be sturdier than the down option. If you have a dog who digs at their bedding or is rough on their gear, choose a more durable (synthetic) option.
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Some bags have dog-specific features, like attachment points for dog sleeping pads, or a hood or drawstring at the opening to trap heat in while your dog is curled up.
When to use a dog sleeping bag
Dashi doesn’t always need a sleeping bag, but during the summer when she sheds her coat, warmth is welcome if we’re camping in cold places. Photo by Jae Thomas
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Synthetic dog sleeping bags work well for tent and car camping. They’re packable enough to throw in the car, but are cheaper and more durable than down options.
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If you only have room for a few dog things in your backpacking pack, a sleeping bag is worthy of the space. Choose a down option to save on weight—they’re more easily packable if your dog will be carrying their own bag in a dog backpack, too.
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Choose a bag that’s water resistant if you’ll be using it for outdoor lounging. A waterproof or resistant bottom will keep the inside of your dog’s bag clean and dry, so it doesn’t get smelly. If you’ll be using it for cold-weather hangs around the fire pit, your dog will appreciate the warmth. During warm weather, the bag acts as a nice bed that your dog can lay on top of.
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If your dog doesn’t sleep in bed with you regularly (or you’re traveling somewhere that doesn’t allow dogs on the furniture), a dog sleeping bag is a compact travel bed in a pinch. It doesn’t require any setup other than taking it out of the bag, and gives your pup a dedicated spot to rest.
Care and maintenance tips for dog sleeping bags
There are a few things you can do to preserve your dog’s sleeping bag. Keep your pup’s nails short and try not to let a wet, muddy dog into their sleeping bag so you don’t need to wash it as often. Proper washing and storage will also keep your pup’s bag in top condition.
Always follow manufacturer suggestions when washing and drying your dog’s sleeping bag—just as you’d wash your sleeping bag. Some dog sleeping bags can’t be machine washed or can only be washed in front-load washing machines.
If your bag is machine washable, most brands will recommend washing it on your machine’s gentle cycle in cold water. For synthetic-fill bags, use unscented laundry detergent if possible—dogs can be sensitive to scented options and may not want to get in the sleeping bag if it smells strongly of laundry soap. If you have a down bag, use down wash, like Nikwax Down Wash Direct to keep the fill in good condition.
After washing, dry your dog’s sleeping bag on low or no heat with drier balls to fluff it up. Storing the sleeping bag out of the compression sack in a larger cotton or mesh storage bag will keep the fill’s loft and ensure that the bag stays warm for your pup for many seasons.
If your dog’s sleeping bag is hairy after a trip but doesn’t necessarily need a wash, use a lint roller or a non-abrasive dog hair remover like the Chom Chom to remove stray fur.
How we researched and tested
I tested these bags with Miso, my 5 year-old Border Collie mix, and Dashi, my 2 year-old Rough Collie. I tested the bags with dogs who were the appropriate size for each, since a bag that’s too small for the dog is uncomfortable, and one that’s too big will lack warmth.
Dashi was fairly compensated in treats for her testing efforts. (Pictured here in the Lifeunion dog sleeping bag) Photo by Jae Thomas
I tested each bag on various car camping trips, backpacking trips, and on short outings to local breweries. I noted how warm each bag seemed to keep my dogs, how easy it was to get them in and out of the bags, how they performed in the wash post-trip, and how packable each one was.
I tested the objective warmth of each sleeping bag through a simulated lab test. I heated water to 102 degrees (within the range of dog body temperature) and poured it into a Nalgene before wrapping the bottle in the sleeping bag. I measured the water temperature after 15 minutes and noted how much heat the water had lost.
I also performed waterproofness tests by spraying each bag with a water hose, tested all of the zippers thoroughly, and checked durability by letting my dogs dig on top of each bag as well as rubbing them on asphalt to simulate wear and tear over time.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Jae Thomas has camped and backpacked with her two dogs, Miso and Dashi, everywhere from Colorado to the Oregon Coast, and more. With one short-coated dog who easily gets cold and one double-coated dog who easily overheats, Jae has tried and tested numerous dog sleep systems in search of the perfect ones for her two very different dogs.
Jae Thomas is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Colorado. She graduated from the New York University journalism program in 2020, and has written and edited commerce content for publications like Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appetít, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae shares her life with two dogs: mixed breed Miso, and Rough Collie, Dashi. Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, Fast CAT, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
