Herbie Murray
When it comes to sleeping bags, size and fit are crucial factors in determining warmth and comfort. A sleeping bag that is too small will compress the insulation, creating cold spots, while one that is too large will be cumbersome and difficult to warm up. The ideal sleeping bag should have just enough room to allow the occupant to move around comfortably while minimising excess space that would require heating up. The length, shoulder girth, and hip girth are key considerations when selecting a sleeping bag that provides the perfect balance of comfort and warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Men’s sleeping bags come in two standard lengths: regular (up to 6 feet) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches). A short version is sometimes available, which usually fits people up to 5 feet 6 inches. Women’s bags also come in regular and long, with varying measurements across brands. |
| Shoulder girth | Most men’s sleeping bags have a shoulder girth between 60 and 64 inches, while women’s bags are slightly narrower, ranging from 56 to 60 inches. |
| Hip girth | Men’s sleeping bags typically have a hip girth of around 58 inches, while women’s bags are wider, up to 60 inches. |
| Hood size | A bigger hood provides more space, while smaller hoods are better for preserving body heat. |
| Temperature rating | Choose a bag with a temperature rating lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. |
| Insulation type | Down vs. synthetic insulation. Synthetic insulation is more efficient and dries faster than down, which loses its insulating properties when wet. |
| Packed size and weight | Important considerations if carrying the bag in a backpack. |
| Zipper placement | Choose a bag with a zip opening on the opposite side of your leading hand for easier access. |
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Sleeping bag length
Firstly, it is important to consider your height when choosing a sleeping bag length. A sleeping bag that is too short may be uncomfortable, while one that is too long may result in excess space that needs to be warmed. Men's sleeping bags typically come in two standard lengths: regular (for individuals up to 6 feet tall) and long (for individuals up to 6 feet 6 inches). A short version is sometimes available, accommodating individuals up to 5 feet 6 inches in height. Women's sleeping bags also offer regular and long options, usually accommodating heights up to 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 10 inches, respectively, though these measurements can vary by brand and style. It is recommended to choose the shortest sleeping bag that fits your height to optimise warmth and minimise weight.
Secondly, the type of sleeping bag you require will influence the appropriate length. Mummy-style sleeping bags, for instance, are designed to fit the body more snugly, and thus, height becomes a more critical factor. The shape of the bag, whether rectangular, semi-mummy, or full mummy, will also impact the length suitability. Rectangular bags are the most common due to their ease of use and ability to be combined with another bag of the same size and brand. Semi-mummy bags are narrower at the feet and have a partial headpiece that can be left open or tightened, while full mummy bags are lighter and more compact, making them popular for backpacking.
Finally, the temperature conditions you plan to use the sleeping bag in will influence the preferred length. In colder weather, a longer bag can be advantageous as it allows you to store temperature-sensitive items, such as electronics, fuel, water, clothing, or boot liners, within the bag to keep them warm. Conversely, for three-season use or warmer conditions, a bag that closely fits your height is generally recommended to optimise warmth retention and weight.
When selecting a sleeping bag, it is essential to consider the trade-off between comfort and warmth. A snug-fitting bag will retain heat more effectively, but a roomier bag may be preferred for restless sleepers or those who feel confined in tighter spaces. Additionally, factors such as shoulder girth and hip girth can influence the overall comfort and fit of the sleeping bag.
In summary, choosing the right sleeping bag length involves considering your height, the type of bag, temperature conditions, and your personal comfort preferences. It is recommended to prioritise a close fit to maximise warmth and minimise weight, especially in milder temperature conditions. However, in colder weather, the benefits of extra length for storing items and added comfort may outweigh the slight loss of warmth efficiency.
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Shoulder girth
The shoulder girth of a sleeping bag is a critical factor in determining the overall comfort and warmth of the bag. It is the measurement of the top, horizontal circumference of the bag, which corresponds to the sleeper's shoulders and upper back. An adequate shoulder girth provides ample space for comfortable arm movement and ensures that the bag is not too tight or restrictive.
Ideally, the shoulder girth should allow for a slight air gap between the sleeper's body and the bag's fabric, as this trapped air is what gets warmed by the body to insulate and keep the sleeper comfortable during cold nights. A bag that is too tight at the shoulders will result in a cold spot as the filling gets compressed and loses its ability to trap insulating air.
On the other hand, too much space at the shoulders can also be detrimental. Excessive space means more air to warm up, which can lead to unnecessary heat loss, especially if the bag is too large for the sleeper's body size. Therefore, it is essential to find the right balance when choosing a sleeping bag regarding its shoulder girth.
The ideal shoulder girth will vary depending on the sleeper's body size and sleeping style. For example, side sleepers tend to require more space at the shoulders to accommodate the arm position, while back sleepers might prefer a slightly narrower girth to minimize excess space. It is also worth noting that the shoulder girth can affect the overall length of the sleeping bag. A wider girth might provide extra length, which could be beneficial for taller individuals or those who prefer a more spacious feel.
When considering the shoulder girth of a sleeping bag, it is essential to examine the bag's overall design and features. Some bags offer adjustable straps or drawstrings at the shoulders, allowing for customization to suit different body types and preferences. Additionally, the type of insulation and the temperature rating of the bag should be taken into account, as these factors will influence the effectiveness of the bag in maintaining warmth, regardless of the shoulder girth.
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Hip girth
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider its hip girth, or the circumference of the sleeping bag across your hips. This is a key factor in determining the warmth and comfort of the bag. A bag that is too big will allow heat to escape, while a bag that is too small will restrict your movement and compress the insulation, reducing its effectiveness.
The hip girth of a sleeping bag differs primarily based on whether it is designed for men or women. Most men's bags feature a hip girth of around 58 inches, while women's bags are often slightly wider, with a hip girth of up to 60 inches, to accommodate wider hips. However, it is worth noting that most bags have standardized hip girth circumferences, and the difference between men's and women's bags may not be significant.
To determine your preferred hip girth, it is recommended to test out several sleeping bags of different dimensions. This will help you find the right balance between comfort and warmth. You can also measure your hip circumference and use this as a guide to choose the right sleeping bag size. It is generally recommended to choose a bag that is one size longer than your height to allow for some extra room.
The shape of the sleeping bag also plays a role in determining the hip girth. Mummy bags, for example, have a snug fit that tapers towards the feet, making them the warmest option. On the other hand, rectangular bags offer more room to move around but are less efficient at retaining heat.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right hip girth for your sleeping bag is to try out different options and consider factors such as your height, body size, and the temperature rating of the bag.
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Temperature rating
The EN (European Norm) and ISO ratings systems are standardised tests that use a heated mannequin fitted with temperature sensors to represent a sleeping person. The mannequin is dressed in a base layer and placed inside the sleeping bag on top of a closed-cell foam sleeping mat inside a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, the sensors record the results, which are used to calculate the temperature ranges and limits. EN 13537 offers four different temperature ratings to help guide users as to the warmth of a sleeping bag: EN Upper Comfort, EN Comfort, EN Lower Limit, and EN Extreme.
The ISO test provides three temperature thresholds: a Comfort rating, a Limit rating, and an Extreme rating. The Comfort rating is based on the air temperature at which the "average female" can sleep comfortably through the night. The Limit rating is based on the temperature at which the "average man" can maintain his thermal equilibrium in a curled-up position. The Extreme rating gives an idea of how cold the air could be before there's a serious risk of death from hypothermia.
In addition to the standardised EN and ISO tests, some manufacturers use their own independent rating systems. For example, Big Agnes uses its own rating system, while Marmot only publishes one temperature, which customers assume is the lower limit. Most testing is based on a person wearing a base layer and socks, but this doesn't account for individual variations in metabolism, body fat, and other factors. Therefore, sleeping bag temperature ratings are more or less just a rough estimate.
Sleeping bags are also often rated by season. One-season sleeping bags are designed for summer camping and backpacking, with night-time temperatures above 5° Celsius/centigrade (C) or approximately 40° Fahrenheit (F). Two-season sleeping bags are designed for slightly cooler nights in spring and summer, with a temperature range of 0 to 5°C (or approximately 30 to 40°F). Three-season sleeping bags are for colder nights throughout spring, summer, and autumn, when temperatures might dip just below freezing (down to -5°C or approximately 20°F). Four-season sleeping bags are designed for winter use when there is frost or snow on the ground, and night-time temperatures will drop to around -10°C or approximately 15°F.
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Insulation type
The insulation type of a sleeping bag is a critical factor in determining its size, weight, and performance. Sleeping bags typically use either down or synthetic insulation, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Down insulation is made from animal feathers, usually goose or duck, and offers a high warmth-to-weight ratio. It is lightweight, highly compressible, and durable, retaining its insulating properties for decades with proper care. Down insulation is generally more expensive and requires more maintenance. It can also be less effective in humid or wet environments, as it may “wet out” and lose its insulating properties when saturated with water.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is typically made from polyester fibres and provides a more affordable option. It is easier to care for and performs better in wet conditions, as it retains its insulating properties when wet or damp. Synthetic insulation is generally heavier and bulkier than down for a comparable warmth level, and it may not compress as well, impacting the overall size of the sleeping bag.
Some sleeping bags also utilise hybrid insulation, combining synthetic and down insulation to achieve the best performance characteristics of both types. Additionally, the construction of the sleeping bag, such as the distribution of insulation and the use of baffles or other techniques, plays a crucial role in the bag's performance and overall size.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the intended use, climate, and budget. For dry climates, down insulation is ideal, while synthetic insulation may be a better choice for humid or wet environments. The weight and compressibility of the insulation will also impact the overall size and packability of the sleeping bag, especially for backpacking or mountaineering purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
The right size sleeping bag for you will depend on several factors, including your height, the temperature rating of the bag, and your personal preference for a snug or roomy fit. It's important to consider the length, shoulder girth, and hip girth of the bag to ensure a comfortable and warm night's sleep.
Sleeping bags typically come in three standard sizes: small (5 feet 6 inches), regular (6 feet), and long (6 feet 6 inches). However, it's worth noting that there may be slight variations among brands and styles, especially when it comes to bags designed for women or children.
A snug-fitting sleeping bag can help retain body heat more effectively by minimising the amount of air space around your body. This reduces the volume of air you need to heat up and keeps the warmth from escaping when you shift or roll over. However, a snug fit may not be comfortable for everyone, especially restless sleepers.
A roomier sleeping bag provides more space to move around, making it ideal for restless sleepers or those who feel claustrophobic in tighter spaces. The extra space at your feet can also accommodate clothing, footwear, or other items you want to keep warm, which is particularly useful for winter camping trips.
