Ashwin Lewis
When it comes to sleeping bags, the fit is crucial for a good night's sleep. A sleeping bag that is too tight can be uncomfortable and restrictive, while one that is too loose can lead to a chilly night. The key is to find a balance between snugness and comfort. The primary purpose of a sleeping bag is to provide warmth, and a snug fit helps retain body heat. However, it should not be so tight that it feels constricting or uncomfortable. The ideal sleeping bag will be just roomy enough to allow for comfortable movement while minimising excess air space, as this air will need to be heated by your body, wasting valuable warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Opt for the shortest length that fits to minimize extra room and maximize warmth. |
| Shoulder girth | Ranges from 56 to 66 inches. A difference of 4 inches can significantly impact roominess. |
| Hip girth | Consider the circumference of the bag across the hips. |
| Fit | Should be snug to minimize air space but not so tight that it's uncomfortable. |
| Packed size and weight | Important considerations if fitting the bag into a backpack or carrying it long distances. |
| Temperature rating | Choose based on the expected temperature range for your activities. Options include one season, comfort, extreme, and season ratings. |
| Shape | Mummy bags are tapered at the feet and better retain heat, while rectangular bags provide more space to move. |
| Additional features | May include zip baffles, zip covers, hoods, draft collars, inner pockets, compression straps, and sleeping bag liners. |
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Sleeping bag length
The length of a sleeping bag is an important factor to consider when choosing one. The general rule is to opt for the shortest sleeping bag that fits your body to minimise extra space at the feet, which can be useful for storing clothes and footwear. However, if the bag is too short, it may feel constricting and cause discomfort, especially for restless sleepers.
The ideal sleeping bag length will depend on your height and build. Most regular sleeping bags are designed for individuals under 6 feet tall. If you're taller, consider a long-length sleeping bag, which typically measures 220 cm in length. These longer bags are available in both regular and mummy styles.
Mummy bags are tapered at the feet, following the natural contour of the body, and are designed to retain heat efficiently while minimising bulk. They are a good choice if you want a snug fit and don't mind the restricted movement they may cause.
On the other hand, rectangular bags offer more space, making them ideal for those who prefer to stretch and move freely while sleeping. They are similar to a typical bed shape and can be fully unzipped to create a duvet or zipped to another identical bag to form a double bag.
It's worth noting that the shoulder girth, or the circumference of the bag across the shoulders, also plays a crucial role in comfort. Most men's sleeping bags have a shoulder girth between 60 and 64 inches, while women's bags are typically narrower, ranging from 56 to 60 inches. The right balance between comfort and warmth depends on your personal preference and tolerance for confined spaces.
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Shoulder girth
Most men's sleeping bags have a shoulder girth of between 60 and 64 inches, with some models as narrow as 58 inches or as wide as 66 inches. A 60-inch shoulder girth will feel snug for most males of a standard build, while a 64-inch bag will feel pleasantly roomy. Women's sleeping bags are usually slightly narrower across the shoulders, with a shoulder girth ranging from 56 to 60 inches.
The easiest way to determine your preferred shoulder girth is to try out several sleeping bags of different dimensions to find the measurement that best balances comfort and warmth for you personally. Bag makers usually list a "girth" measurement for a bag, which measures its circumference at the widest point, usually the shoulders. Girth specs from vendors are generally accurate within a +/- 5% range. However, if the bag is too wide, it will be cold, and you will have to use it like a quilt. Ultralight bags tend to be narrower, which helps reduce the overall size and weight of the bag.
If you have broad shoulders, you may struggle to find a mummy bag that is roomy enough in the shoulder area. Some bags that offer a wider shoulder girth include the Marmot Wasatch (63 inches), the Feathered Friends Penguin (64 inches), and the Western Mountaineering Badger (66 inches).
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Hip girth
The hip girth of a sleeping bag is the circumference of the bag across the hips. The better a sleeping bag fits, the warmer it will be. This is because a proper fit minimises the amount of air space around your body, which reduces the amount of air you need to heat up and keep warm. It also limits the amount of warmth that escapes when you shift or roll over.
However, there is a trade-off between warmth and comfort. While a snug fit will keep you warmer, it can be uncomfortable for those who feel claustrophobic or who move around a lot in their sleep. Restless sleepers may prefer a roomier bag, which will be slightly less warm but will allow for more movement.
The ideal amount of room in a sleeping bag is subjective and depends on your tolerance for being confined. The best way to determine your preferred hip girth is to test out several sleeping bags of different dimensions to find the right balance of comfort and warmth for you.
It is also important to consider the length of your sleeping bag. Generally, you should opt for the shortest sleeping bag that fits you to minimise extra room and maximise warmth. However, having some extra room at the bottom of the bag can be useful for storing clothes or footwear, especially on winter camping trips.
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Comfort range
The comfort rating of a sleeping bag refers to the optimum temperature range in which you will feel warm and comfortable when sleeping in a curled-up position. The comfort rating is usually a range of about 10 degrees, for example, 0˚C to 10˚C or 10˚C to 20˚C. It is recommended that you do not use a sleeping bag if the temperature climbs five degrees below or above this comfort range.
The comfort rating is one of the two types of warmth ratings for sleeping bags, the other being the season rating. The comfort rating is a few degrees above the comfort limit for a man, as women tend to feel colder than men. The extreme temperature rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you alive, but it is not meant for regular use.
The comfort rating of a sleeping bag is influenced by its shape and features. Mummy bags, for instance, are designed to retain as much heat as possible and are best for carrying in a rucksack. They have a snug-fitting shape that tapers at the feet, mirroring the natural contour of the human body. This tapered shape removes excess bulk and reduces pack size, but it also means that the bag sits close to the body, which may be uncomfortable for those who like to stretch and move in their sleep. Rectangular bags, on the other hand, offer more room to move around and can be unzipped to turn into a duvet or zipped together to form a double bag.
Sleeping bags with a hood, a draft collar, or a zip baffle can also increase the comfort rating by reducing heat loss. A shaped hood with a draw cord closure, for instance, can be pulled tight against the face for added warmth, while an insulated draft collar at the base of the hood helps prevent body heat from escaping and keeps out the cold around the neck and shoulders. An insulated zip baffle helps reduce heat loss through the zipped area, and a zip cover prevents the zip from coming undone when asleep.
Other features that can enhance the comfort of a sleeping bag include inner pockets for storing valuables, compression straps to reduce the packed size, and sleeping bag liners that add extra warmth, improve hygiene, and prolong the life of the sleeping bag.
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Sleeping bag liners
A sleeping bag should be snug, but not so tight that it's uncomfortable. The basic idea is to minimise the amount of air space around your body to retain warmth. However, restless sleepers or those who feel claustrophobic in tight spaces may prefer a roomier bag, which is slightly less warm but can provide a better night's sleep.
Liners come in a variety of materials, including silk, fleece, microfiber, and wool, each offering different benefits. Silk liners, for example, are lightweight, breathable, and easy to pack, while fleece liners can provide extra warmth. Some liners are designed specifically for colder conditions, like the THERMOLITE Reactor Extreme, while others focus on moisture management, like the Breeze liner, which wicks away moisture in warm and humid conditions.
When choosing a liner, comfort is key. Liners should be stretchy and easy to care for, with many options being machine washable. They can also add versatility to your sleeping bag, allowing you to use it in different conditions and extending the temperature range. Liners don't need to be the same shape as your sleeping bag, as many stretch to fit various shapes and sizes.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeping bag should be snug enough to minimise the amount of air space around your body, as this reduces the amount of air you need to heat up and retain warmth. However, it shouldn't be so tight that it becomes uncomfortable, especially if you tend to move around a lot in your sleep.
The most important factor is the fit of the bag. The length of the bag should be such that your feet reach the end without compressing the insulation. The shoulder girth, or the circumference of the bag across the shoulders, is also important. Most men's sleeping bags have a shoulder girth between 60 and 64 inches, while women's bags are usually narrower, ranging from 56 to 60 inches. Additionally, consider the purpose and conditions in which you'll be using the bag. The temperature rating, shape, weight, and packed size are all key factors in choosing the right sleeping bag for your needs.
Temperature ratings for sleeping bags typically include a comfort rating and an extreme rating. The comfort rating indicates the optimum temperature range where you will feel warm and comfortable, while the extreme rating is the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you alive without frostbite or other temperature-related ailments. It's important not to use a sleeping bag outside its comfort range, which is typically about five degrees above or below the specified range.
Look for features such as a shaped hood with a draw cord closure, an insulated draft collar, and an insulated zip baffle to minimise heat loss. Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are best for retaining heat, while rectangular bags offer more room to move around. Sleeping bag liners can add extra warmth and improve hygiene. Additionally, consider using a sleeping mat or roll mat underneath your sleeping bag to provide insulation from the ground.
