How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 Sleeping Bag - Men's
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The men's REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 sleeping bag gives the right balance of warmth, packability and weight for those breaking into backpacking and everything that comes with it.
Shop newer versionKey Details
Fill
Water-resistant polyester
Temperature Rating (F)
20 degrees (F)
- Water-resistant synthetic fill keeps insulating in damp conditions
- Comfortable mummy shape gives you freedom to move while you sleep
- 3-panel hood contours closely to your head to keep out cold air
- Face muffler and full draft tube keep out cold air
- Differentiated drawcords (1 round, 1 flat) let you adjust the hood and neck easily in the dark
- Offset quilt construction gives even coverage with no cold spots
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the polyester shell resists moisture and stains
- Included stuff sack compresses for packing
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
Temperature ratings are intended as a guideline to help you compare products, rather than a guarantee of warmth, since many different factors contribute to your comfort while you sleep. Our backpacking bags are rated for temperature according to an independent testing protocol: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 23537. Testing is based on a person wearing one base layer and a pair of socks, sleeping on an insulated surface with a minimum R-value of 5.38.
Each bag then gets 2 ratings: the Comfort rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "cold sleeper" comfortable, and the Lower Limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "warm sleeper" comfortable. For REI Co-op brand nongendered sleeping bags, we provide an overall temperature rating that falls between the Comfort and Lower Limit ratings.
View the REI Co-op Trailbreak Product LineView all REI Co-op Backpacking Sleeping BagsEach bag then gets 2 ratings: the Comfort rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "cold sleeper" comfortable, and the Lower Limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average "warm sleeper" comfortable. For REI Co-op brand nongendered sleeping bags, we provide an overall temperature rating that falls between the Comfort and Lower Limit ratings.
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Tested Lower Limit | 18 degrees (F) - ISO |
| Tested Comfort | 29 degrees (F) - ISO |
| Temperature Rating (F) | 20 degrees (F) |
| Temperature Rating (C) | -6 degrees (C) |
| Shell | Polyester |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| Fill | Water-resistant polyester |
| Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
| Shoulder Girth (in.) | 62 inches |
| Hip Girth (in.) | 56 inches |
| Stuff Sack Size | 9 x 16 inches |
| Stuff Sack Volume | 15 liters |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Great bag on a budget!
Andrew5 years ago
Received free productI have been setting up an off-grid homestead in the remote mountains of Idaho since late July this year. Starting with bare forest, I've been camping out while setting up infrastructure. I have been very happy to have this bag in what's become one of the coldest Falls on record, getting down to 8F one night, and the first September snow in recent memory.
I am a (what some would consider extreme) hiker, rock/alpine climber, splitboarder, kayaker and all around natural world enthusiast. I recently gave up my corporate life to live "in the woods".
This bag reminds me of an updated version of my first sleeping bag, an REI Polar Pod 25.
I backpacked with that bag and it served me well for years, and is still serving a friend well!
My go to 3-season bag is and REI Igneo I bought the first year they were out. No, it will never be for sale. It's a piece of gear I plan to "ride the wheels off".
The Trailbreak feels like something between that old Polar Pod and my Igneo. Both the inner and outer fabrics feel much better to the touch and less...synthetic?...yes. And I appreciate the cheery ember colored inner fabric on cold and cloudy days, it reminds me of a warm fire.
Speaking of synthetic, the insulation has really come a long way. The old stuff felt heavy and clumpy and hard to compress, this stuff feels a lot more like down. In terms of compression, the Trailbreak is similarly somewhere in the middle between the Polar Pod and Igneo.
One upping the Igneo, the Trailbreak feels more roomy, especially for a side sleeper like me, and has a generous footbed that fits a hot nalgene well. Key for the 20 rating.
Bottom line: you'll never get my Igneo from me, but I paid $330 for that. The Trailbreak is closer to the Igneo than the Polar Pod, and coming in around the hundred dollar mark (what I paid for my old Polar Pod) makes it a good value in my book.
AndrewReceived free product
ID
34 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Quality bag, terrible zipper
Roger Wilco5 years ago
This is a bag of considerable quality, for the price. The fabric is more comfortable than most synthetic liners, and the insulation seems to nail the balance between comfortable in warmer weather and warm in colder weather, although I've only tested this down to 50F. The fit is a little snug. My two star rating all boils down to the absolutely infuriating zipper and design. When it doesn't snag on fabric the teeth itself will not en/disengage due to the angle of the pull. Not one time was I able to exit this bag without help from my partner, which is insane. If this bag cost $50 more dollars and gave you a YKK with a snag guard it'd be a no-brainer, but a sleeping bag you may not be able to get out of without destroying us a bad purchase at any price.
Roger Wilco
Minneapolis
32 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
NBNY
NYC
Three years, still excellent.
3 years ago
I'm mainly reviewing this to reply to bry1215. The first night I used it I had the same experience: I struggled for more than an hour to get it to zip up. Then, finally, the zipper budged, and since then I've never had a problem. Yes, the zipper gets stuck on fabric frequently, but it very easily and quickly gets unstuck. Now a question: I remember this being an EXTREMELY warm bag, at first. Now it's warm enough, but so warm as I remember it being in the beginning. Is it true that constantly keeping it in the sack (when I'm not using it) degrades the "loft"? Just wondering whether I can still trust it in below-freezing weather....
Yes , I recommend this product
Mockingbird
Texas
Buy bargain. Win big.
3 years ago
Don’t link the word bargain with cheap. And if you do then what the hey are you doing sleeping in the woods anyway. I didn’t want or felt that I needed a 1000 Swedish tortilla warmer so my head turned to this bag. I’m a warm sleeper as it is but I’ve heard horror stories from Yellowstone. So I nabbed this. I’ve never had a bag that kept my feet warm. Ever. I sleep on my back. No pad. This things cozy. It was 30 out and I had to unzip to let some cool air in. Now if that don’t make ya think I don’t know what will. I’m happy. My feet were happy. Big win.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
Roger Wilco
Minneapolis
Quality bag, terrible zipper
5 years ago
This is a bag of considerable quality, for the price. The fabric is more comfortable than most synthetic liners, and the insulation seems to nail the balance between comfortable in warmer weather and warm in colder weather, although I've only tested this down to 50F. The fit is a little snug. My two star rating all boils down to the absolutely infuriating zipper and design. When it doesn't snag on fabric the teeth itself will not en/disengage due to the angle of the pull. Not one time was I able to exit this bag without help from my partner, which is insane. If this bag cost $50 more dollars and gave you a YKK with a snag guard it'd be a no-brainer, but a sleeping bag you may not be able to get out of without destroying us a bad purchase at any price.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'2"
No, I do not recommend this product
Anonymous
Great Bag- Solved all of my problems
2 years ago
I bought this bag on a recent trip to the White’s in NH in the beginning of October this year to see the foliage. I was camping outside in state parkes. I had a Bean’s down 32F bag, which was not nearly enough. I stopped at REI in North Conway and met a great sales associate who drew my attention to this bag. Truthfully, the first night I slept in it I immediately noticed a clear difference and was warm all night, in only a base layer and socks. And, it was on sale, AND he even gave me a $20 credit towards a larger stuff sack to keep it in when I am not using it for camping. As usual, great Value; great quality and function too. REI is the best. Tim Fleming~ State College, PA
eli38
Decent Bag
5 years ago
This was my first 'backpacking' bag ever and it certainly did the job. The lowest temperature I've used it in might have been 15 degrees or so and I slept like a baby. Very warm and comfy. Although, ever since unboxing this bag I have had major problems with the zipper getting caught. I'm not sure if this is just my bag in particular, but I have found myself frustrated trying to get out in the morning or in the middle of the night. If I could, I would more accurately rate this bag 3.5 stars for the zipper. Also keep in mind that this bag has synthetic insulation, meaning it will not compress down very small. It takes up a significant amount of space in my 48 Liter bag, but this is to be expected by any synthetic bag really. Cheers!
Age:18–24
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
NoloContendere
Spokane, WA
Nice and warm, but lousy zipper!
4 years ago
I've owned a number of REI sleeping bags and always been pleased with them. This one is decently warm and comfortable, but the zipper is absolutely terrible. Unlike my previous bags, this one is equipped with a cheap zipper that constantly catches on the fabric and refuses to zip all the way up. If only my son hadn't melted a hole in my old REI bag that had a high-quality YKK zipper! I really wish REI wouldn't cut corners in this way.
Age:45–54
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product
DenverFlyGuy
Castle Rock, CO
Good Budget Bag
5 years ago
First of all, for those leaving lower reviews, consider the quality for the price. Also, you should be hanging out bag when you aren’t using it, not using the stuff sack. The stuff sack wasn’t small enough for me so I just got a compression sack and cinched it down to make it even smaller. the bag itself is very comfortable and perfect for my size (5’ 10”). At 3lbs 7oz it’s not an ultra light but fits my semi-ultra-light pack perfectly. I really like the blue and orange colors and the sale price is unbeatable for a 20 degree bag Of this quality
Yes , I recommend this product
Sam K
Reno
Good for the price!
2 years ago
Not gonna lie I did find this half off but would pay full price after buying. Overall it’s a decent bag. I can sleep in it down to about 30 degrees with long johns and a vest on. I’m 5’11” and I definitely should’ve gotten the long. I fit into the regular but would be more comfortable in a longer bag. Also not great for side sleepers. Overall though a good option for people with larger backpacks and works well car camping too. The materials do seem rather durable. 10 nights in and no issues, but the zipper does snag from time to time. The pocket for your phone is rather large and a plus as well. The one thing I will say is if you care about weight savings a lot I would look elsewhere, this is definitely not Ultralight.
Age:18–24
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
Dustin33
Florence, KY
excellent for the price
4 years ago
I've used this bag a couple of times now. I'm a hammock camper, so hopefully this helps someone. Coldest temp I've slept in was 25 degrees and I was bordering on the edge of being uncomfortable. This was with insulated top and bottom with a polyester pullover and a thick toboggan. My hammock had a 3 season underquilt rated down to 40 degrees. The hammock fits in a 15L stuffsack and can get quite small for a cheaper synthetic sleeping bag. I am 6'1'' 180Lb and I have the Long, and I actually found it to be a bit to long for me.
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
Tony
Received free product
Mpls/St. Paul
Great bag to sleep in comfort.
5 years ago
The Trailbreak 20 is an awesome sleeping bag. It is comfy and warm. I used it in wet and cold (19 degrees at night) weather and it worked great and kept me toasty. It's designed very well. I really appreciate the 2 pockets, especially the one on the inside so I don't have to get a cold arm to get a headlamp. Even the baffle works great. I couldn't feel a draft like you can in other bags. I only had 2 challenges. I'm a bigger guy (2XL) and this bag is tapered in the knees and a little tight in the shoulders (for me) - but noting a bag expand can't fix. If you're XL or smaller this is a relaxed fit bag you'll have plenty of room. The other thing was that the zipper seemed to catch every once in a while at first, but it wasn't chatting on material. If I pulled to quickly it seemed to catch on the next tooth of the zipper, but was easily freed and zipped. Usual great design and quality from another fine REI product.
Yes , I recommend this product
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