Evie Summers
When it comes to sleeping bags, size matters. A sleeping bag that's too small can be uncomfortable and won't keep you warm, while one that's too big can be unsafe, especially for babies and young children. Most kids' sleeping bags fit up to 5 feet in height, with some youth bags accommodating up to 64 to 66 inches. If you're taller than 5 feet, you might be too tall for a kids' sleeping bag, and it may be worth considering an adult-sized bag. However, it's important to remember that sleeping bag sizes can vary, and it's always a good idea to try them out before purchasing if possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal fit | Snug, not too long, not too short |
| Height | Most kids sleeping bags fit up to 60 inches (5 feet) in height, with some fitting up to 64-66 inches (5 feet 4 inches) |
| Warmth | A bag that is too long for a child may not provide enough warmth |
| Safety | The child's head should not be able to pass through the neck hole when the bag is zipped up |
| Size calculator | Some sleeping bag manufacturers offer a size calculator on their website to help choose the correct size |
| Shape | Rectangular bags are commonly used for kids as they are easy to get in and out of |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag shape and height
Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes, and it is essential to choose one that fits your height for a comfortable sleeping experience. The standard sleeping bag lengths for adults are "standard", "long", and "extra-long". The "standard" size is suitable for individuals up to 5'10" in height, while the "long" size is recommended for people over 5'10", and the "extra-long" size is for those taller than 6'4".
For children, sleeping bags are typically labelled as "Kids" or "Youth" and fit up to 60 inches, or 5 feet in height. A few "youth" bags can accommodate children up to 64 to 66 inches tall. It is important to ensure that the sleeping bag is not too long or too short for the child, as this can affect their warmth and comfort.
The shape of a sleeping bag also plays a role in determining its suitability for different users. The three most common shapes are rectangular, semi-mummy, and full mummy. Rectangular sleeping bags offer a roomier sleeping space and are commonly used for car camping or indoor use. They are easy to get into and can be zipped together to form a larger bag. However, their loose fit may reduce warmth, especially in outdoor settings.
Semi-mummy bags are narrower at the feet and have a partial headpiece that can be left open or tightened. They provide a balance between the roominess of rectangular bags and the warmth and weight advantages of mummy bags.
Full mummy bags are designed to fit snugly around the body, with a narrow cut at the feet and a hood at the head. They are typically lighter and more compact, making them popular for backpacking and outdoor adventures. However, they may feel restrictive for those who prefer more space to move around.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is recommended to consider your height, build, and sleeping position. For tall individuals, ensuring that the bag is long enough to accommodate your height is crucial to avoid discomfort and maintain warmth. For children, it is important to balance the desire for a longer-lasting bag with the need for warmth and comfort, as a bag that is too large can reduce its insulating properties.
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Sleeping bag warmth
Sleeping bags are designed to hold in your body's warmth. A sleeping bag that is too small will compress the fill and create cold spots, making it harder to stay warm. Conversely, a sleeping bag that is too big will have excess internal air space, making it harder to retain body heat. Therefore, it is important to choose a sleeping bag that is the right size for your body.
Most sleeping bags are designed for adults and come in standard lengths such as "Standard", "Regular", or "Long". Standard or regular sizes are typically suitable for individuals up to 5'10', while long sizes are recommended for taller individuals, such as those over 6 feet tall. Mummy-style bags, which are narrower at the feet and have a partial headpiece, are more affected by height than rectangular bags. When selecting a mummy-style bag, it is important to consider not only your height but also your sleeping position and body type. For example, if you sleep on your back, your feet will lay flat and add a few inches to your overall length.
In addition to size, the warmth of a sleeping bag is also determined by its temperature rating. Sleeping bags are typically assigned temperature ratings through standardized testing, such as the EN (European Norm) or ISO (International Standards Organization) tests. These tests involve placing a mannequin dressed in long underwear inside the sleeping bag and measuring the amount of electrical energy required to maintain its temperature as the surrounding air is cooled. The results are used to assign comfort, limit, and extreme temperature ratings to the sleeping bag. The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable, while the limit rating indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still be comfortable. The extreme rating gives an idea of the temperature at which there is a serious risk of death from hypothermia.
It is important to note that real-world comfort may not always match lab-tested temperature ratings due to various factors such as clothing, gear, body type, metabolism, and weather conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating that is lower than the expected nighttime lows and to consider your personal preferences and sleeping habits when making a selection. For example, if you tend to sleep cold, you may want to choose a bag with a higher temperature rating or consider adding extra layers or insulation, such as a fleece blanket or a wool blanket, to increase warmth.
When choosing a sleeping bag for a child, it is important to strike a balance between size and warmth. A bag that is too big for a child can reduce its warmth and lead to a cold night's sleep. Most kids' sleeping bags come in standard lengths of up to 60 inches (5 feet) or, in some cases, up to 64 to 66 inches. To increase the warmth of a larger bag for a smaller child, you can stuff clothes into the tail of the bag to reduce the internal air space. Additionally, be wary of inexpensive kids' sleeping bags from large department stores, as they may not provide adequate insulation for outdoor use.
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Sleeping bag sizing for kids
When it comes to sleeping bag sizing for kids, it's important to strike a balance between a bag that is snug and comfortable, but not too long or too short. This can be challenging as children grow quickly, and you may want a sleeping bag that lasts for more than one season. Most kids' sleeping bags come in standard lengths, with "Kids" or "Youth" sizes typically accommodating children up to 5 feet (60 inches) tall, while some "Youth" bags can fit children up to 64 to 66 inches tall.
It's worth noting that a sleeping bag that is too large for a child can reduce its warmth, leading to a cold night's sleep. To mitigate this, you can stuff clothes into the end of the bag to reduce the amount of internal air space. On the other hand, a sleeping bag that is too small can be uncomfortable and constricting, making it difficult to stay warm. It's important to ensure that your child's head cannot fit through the neck hole when the bag is zipped up, as this indicates that the bag is too big.
When choosing a sleeping bag for your child, consider their height and refer to the sizing guides provided by the manufacturer. Some brands offer size calculators on their websites, where you can input your child's height to determine the best size. It's generally recommended to buy a sleeping bag based on your child's age rather than choosing a larger size, especially for baby sleeping bags, as those that are too big can be unsafe.
If your child is approaching or experiencing a growth spurt, you may want to consider an adult-sized sleeping bag that will provide more room for them to grow into and potentially get more years of use. Additionally, if your child is taller, you may need to explore sleeping bags designed for adults or teenagers, as some children may outgrow the height limits of "Youth" bags.
It's worth noting that the shape of the sleeping bag can also impact the sizing. Rectangular bags are commonly used for camping as they offer more room to move around, while mummy-shaped bags are narrower at the feet and may have a partial headpiece that can be left open or tightened. The intended use of the sleeping bag, whether for indoor slumber parties or outdoor camping trips, will also influence the sizing and warmth requirements.
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Sleeping bag sizing for adults
Sleeping bags are sized by their length, and the correct length for your bag should correlate with your height. For example, a 6-foot-tall person should sleep in a bag that is roughly 6 feet 8 inches long. This is because when we lie flat, our spines decompress, our feet fall forward, and our bodies spread out. The bag should wrap around you as snugly as possible without being too tight or too loose, as this can cost you warmth.
The majority of kids' sleeping bags come in only a handful of standard lengths. Most bags labelled as "Kids" or "Youth" fit up to 5 feet in height, with a few "youth" bags fitting up to 5 feet 6 inches. If you are taller than 5 feet 6 inches, you will likely need an adult-sized sleeping bag.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the style of camping you will be doing. Backpacking bags are more lightweight and pack down smaller, while camping bags can optimise comfort, convenience, and price. Mummy-style bags are the most popular shape for backpacking as they have a snug fit that tapers towards the feet, making them the warmest option. Rectangular bags are commonly used for camping as they are easy to get into and provide a roomier sleeping space.
In addition to length, other important factors to consider when sizing a sleeping bag include shoulder girth, hip girth, and temperature rating. Shoulder girth refers to the circumference of the sleeping bag across the shoulders, while hip girth refers to the circumference across the hips. These dimensions can vary depending on whether the bag is designed for a man or a woman, with women's bags typically being wider to accommodate wider hips. Temperature rating is also important, as you want a bag that will keep you warm enough for the conditions you will be sleeping in.
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Sleeping bag safety
Sleeping bags are a great way to stay warm and comfortable while camping outdoors. However, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind, especially when using a sleeping bag for kids. Here are some tips for ensuring sleeping bag safety:
Size and Fit
It is important to choose a sleeping bag that fits well. A bag that is too small will be uncomfortable, and your feet hitting the end will compress the insulation, creating cold spots. Similarly, a bag that is too big will leave too much internal air space, making it difficult to stay warm. For children, it is essential to select a bag that is not too long, as this can reduce its warmth and lead to a cold night's sleep. Most kids' sleeping bags fit up to 60 inches or 5 feet in height, with some “youth” bags accommodating up to 64 to 66 inches.
Temperature Rating
Sleeping bags have temperature ratings that indicate their suitability for different weather conditions. A rating of around 30°F is generally recommended as it suits most spring and fall conditions while remaining comfortable during summer. However, individuals in colder climates may require a warmer bag, while a bag with a higher temperature rating may be more appropriate for summer camping in warmer regions.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Inexpensive kids' sleeping bags from department stores often lack sufficient insulation and are designed for indoor slumber parties rather than outdoor use. If using a sleeping bag for outdoor camping, ensure it is rated for the expected temperature range and provides adequate warmth.
Baby Sleep Sacks
For infants, sleep sacks or wearable blankets are recommended over loose bedding to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sleep sacks are designed to keep babies warm and safe during sleep. They are sleeveless, allowing for freedom of movement, and typically feature a zipper or snaps for easy dressing and diaper changes. If additional warmth is needed, a lightweight blanket can be used over the sleep sack, ensuring it only reaches the baby's chest and is tucked in firmly.
Suicide Safety
In certain contexts, such as psychiatric hospitals and detention centers, sleeping bags are used as suicide safety products. These specialized sleeping bags are designed to resist shredding and tearing, providing warmth and dignity to individuals at risk of self-harm.
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Frequently asked questions
Most kids' sleeping bags come in standard lengths, with a maximum height of 60 inches or 5 feet. A few youth bags can fit heights up to 64 to 66 inches.
If you're taller than 5 feet, you may be too tall for a standard kids' sleeping bag. However, youth bags can accommodate heights up to 66 inches, so check the specific bag's height limit.
Using a sleeping bag that is too small can be uncomfortable and reduce warmth. Your feet may hit the end of the bag, and there won't be enough room for the insulation to loft, leading to cold spots.
You can consider a women's or men's sleeping bag, which typically offer longer sizes. Women's regular-size bags are around 64 inches, while short versions of men's bags are usually 66 inches.
Yes, besides height, consider the shape of the bag (rectangular, semi-mummy, or full mummy), the temperature rating, and the purpose (indoor or outdoor use). Rectangular bags are roomier, while mummy bags are narrower and more lightweight.
