How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking
REI Co-op Helio Sack 50 Sleeping Bag
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With just enough insulation for warm weather, the REI Co-op Helio Sack 50 sleeping bag is great for travel, backpacking and bike touring. Or, slip it inside another bag on cold nights.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Fill
Recycled polyester fibers (bluesign® approved)
Temperature Rating (F)
50 degrees (F)
- Recycled polyester shell, lining and insulation
- Long side unzips into a quilt; short side-zip works as both a vent and an armhole
- Relaxed mummy shape won't cramp your sleeping style
- Differentiated drawcords (1 round, 1 flat) let you adjust the hood and neck easily in the dark
- Durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the recycled polyester shell resists moisture and stains
- Included stuff sack compresses for packing; mesh expansion allows for breathable storage
- 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
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Backpacking Sleeping Bags| Best Use | Backpacking Camping Bikepacking |
|---|---|
| Temperature Rating (F) | 50 degrees (F) |
| Temperature Rating (C) | 10 degrees (C) |
| Shell | Recycled polyester (bluesign® approved) |
| Zipper Location | Right |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| Fill | Recycled polyester fibers (bluesign® approved) |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Lining | Recycled polyester (bluesign approved) |
| Sleeping Bag Shape | Mummy |
| Shoulder Girth (in.) | 62 inches |
| Hip Girth (in.) | 56 inches |
| Stuff Sack Size | 7 x 8.5 inches |
| Stuff Sack Volume | 3.5 liters |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials 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
A thousand uses
Flyover2 years ago
Sitting here in 32 degree weather by the backyard firepit wearing these bags realizing they’re now 12 years old (back when they were called Travel Sacks and rated 55 degrees) and looking not to replace these (they’ve got another decade in them yet) but just to get one for our growing son. I’m astonished these bags are not getting better reviews. We’ve used these: summer backpacking, bike touring, car camping, marshmallow roasting in the backyard, outdoor concerts, emergency layer when roadtripping, bag liner for winter camping to extend our main bags’ temperature range, hosteling/hut to hut trips overseas, post swim layer at the beach, etc. When they first came out there was nothing else like them on the market. Now there are some other options but honestly I still don’t think there’s anything with as much versatility (Armholes! Quilt mode!) and functionality at this price point. (Go ahead and spill your coffee on it, it’s synthetic—still warm and washable unlike our down bags that we have to baby.) Yep, it’s a cheap, synthetic summer layer, that’s exactly the point! It’s not a 3 season bag, folks, but honestly we use them more than any other piece of gear we have.
Flyover
IN
29 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Did not live up to its 50° promise
Emilyincalifornia4 years ago
I was excited to find a very lightweight sleeping bag for summer camping in Southern California, where I live. However, on our recent trip this weekend, where the temperatures got down to 60° at night, I was cold in this bag — even when wearing socks, pants, a shirt, and a light down jacket. I think it is optimistic to call it a 50° bag. It is more like a sleeping sheet.
Emilyincalifornia
Santa Barbara, CA
18 people found this review helpful
Chris
Charlotte, NC.
Good Sleeping Bag
2 years ago
Have used 3 times since purchase a few weeks ago. The bag is very light and packs down small. As others have stated in their reviews, it's not a particularly warm bag, but it wasn't designed to be so. The zipper has given me some trouble, namely getting hung up when zipping closed, but it has always came loose after some wiggling. Pretty average for a zipper I'd say. The bag is just about the perfect dimensions for me, however. It hugs tight, but not constrictive. I can still sleep on my side comfortably, and a pillow tucks nicely into the hood. It's a great sleeping back for warm weather camping and for use in a hammock.
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product
Michaluna
Fairfax VA
Teen uses this bag all the time!
3 years ago
My 15 year old loves this bag; bought ours a couple of years ago. She uses it once a month or more for tent camping or backpacking in spring, summer, or early fall. For campouts below 55 degrees at night; she sometimes uses this bag as a liner in conjunction with a heftier bag… Her Scoutmaster tells the scouts that the temperature listing on any bag is for SURVIVAL (NOT COMFORT) and one should take a bag rated 10 degrees above coldest expected nighttime temperatures. In other words if your bag is rated for 50 degrees it will be comfortable for Nightime temps down to 60 degrees, and you will survive at temps down to 50 degrees.
Age:Under 18
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Andy
Great value for summer bag
2 years ago
Got this for a cheap light(ish) summer bag. Previously just used a bag liner for summer in lieu of a bag but would often get cold in the pre dawn hours. This bag helps keep in body heat without smothering you. Also unzips all the way (ala elightened equipment revelation) to make a blanket. I love this! This means could be used to cover 2 people. Also, having drawstrings for both the hood and neck opening allows you to seal the openings to maximize warmth when you need it. I found this bag comfortable down to 60 degrees. Once it dips into the 50’s I’ll fo to my 30 degree sown quilt. For the money, this is a very versatile and lightweight piece of gear.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Flyover
Indiana
A thousand uses
2 years ago
Sitting here in 32 degree weather by the backyard firepit wearing these bags realizing they’re now 12 years old (back when they were called Travel Sacks and rated 55 degrees) and looking not to replace these (they’ve got another decade in them yet) but just to get one for our growing son. I’m astonished these bags are not getting better reviews. We’ve used these: summer backpacking, bike touring, car camping, marshmallow roasting in the backyard, outdoor concerts, emergency layer when roadtripping, bag liner for winter camping to extend our main bags’ temperature range, hosteling/hut to hut trips overseas, post swim layer at the beach, etc. When they first came out there was nothing else like them on the market. Now there are some other options but honestly I still don’t think there’s anything with as much versatility (Armholes! Quilt mode!) and functionality at this price point. (Go ahead and spill your coffee on it, it’s synthetic—still warm and washable unlike our down bags that we have to baby.) Yep, it’s a cheap, synthetic summer layer, that’s exactly the point! It’s not a 3 season bag, folks, but honestly we use them more than any other piece of gear we have.
Age:45–54
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Greggers
Good value but not for 50 degree weather
2 years ago
I used this for a 10 day bikepacking trip in Mexico. It's designed well enough. It packs down well. I can't give it 5 stars because it's just not a 50 degree bag. It's basically a midweight fleece sheet. The main photo on this website is misleading as the photo makes it look more "puffy". It's in no way puffy. This is more of a 60 degree bag, with some clothes on. Again; designed well, good value, but not rated correctly. Overrating sleeping bags isn't okay.
CrashGordon
North Carolina
Great bag for the money.
3 years ago
I have had the sleeping bag five years and camped with it multiple times. I have used it all the way down to 30° but it holds up well to its 50° rating. It works well with a liner and is super light so it washes up and packs up very easily. Make sure to use with a sleeping pad or you will feel every rock and lose all your body heat to the ground. I purchased a long because I am 6 foot tall and I wanted the extra room. I have not had any problems with the zippers on both of my bags.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
abbi
good for all nature experience-bike,hiking,camping
1 year ago
I got this sleeping bag when I was browsing for warm weather sleeping bags, and I saw this one. At first, I thought nothing was special about this bag, but I decided to take a look anyway because it was put in the category of 'warm weather sleeping bags.' I saw the price was about half of my cold weather sleeping bag, which was a good thing considering it was about 120$. So I looked at the video, and I thought that it was a great deal and what I was looking for! I looked at the reviews, and to me, some of them were petty. It clearly told the people saying things like, 'not good for cold weather' and hating on the sleeping bag that it was good for warm weather, not cold. But I was not too hesitant to buy this sleeping bag. It is comfortable, lightweight, keeps you pretty cool at night and is good quality! Nothing super special, but what I was looking for. I recommend this product!
Age:18–24
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Tennessee
Upgrade to lightweight
1 year ago
As a Backpacker, I wanted a lightweight sleeping bag. On my previous trips I carried my old bulky fleece lined nylon bag. The Helio Sack 50 fit perfectly. Easy to pack, very lightweight and comfortable for camping.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
David
Gilbert, AZ
Very, very light!
2 years ago
It's not fluffy like the picture shows, LOL. It's very slim and light. I don't know if they pump it full of air for the pics or what!
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
allen
brooklyn, ny
small, light but not warm when it's 60°F at night
1 year ago
i agree w/ the other reviews that say it's not a 50°F sleeping bag. at 60°F it was cold, even w/ PJs on, i even wore jeans the next night and could feel the cold air on my legs in the early morning. i'd say it's good to 70°F at night, maybe 65°F if you layer up. the rei trailbreak 30 can be too warm on summer nights, but not when it gets cold at night.
Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
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