Gina Johnson
Choosing a sleeping bag is a very personal decision, and there are several factors to consider when selecting the right one for you. The primary considerations are the bag's size, shape, and fit, which will determine its warmth and comfort. This is influenced by your height, the temperature you expect to encounter, your budget, and the type of activity you plan to use it for.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Backpacking bags are lighter and more snug; camping bags are roomier |
| Temperature | Bags should be rated for a temperature slightly below what you expect to encounter |
| Length | The bag should match your height, with a little extra room for comfort |
| Shape | Rectangular bags offer more room, while mummy bags save weight and space |
| Fill | Down bags are lighter and compressible; synthetic bags are cheaper and better for wet climates |
| Liner | A liner adds warmth and keeps the bag clean |
| Zipper | Three-quarter or half-zippers save weight and add warmth |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping bag length: Choose a bag that matches your height closely
- Width: Bags that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and lose heat
- Temperature: Select a bag rated slightly below the expected temperature
- Shape: Rectangular bags offer more room, while mummy bags save weight and space
- Weight: Backpacking bags are lighter, while camping bags are roomier
Sleeping bag length: Choose a bag that matches your height closely
The length of your sleeping bag is an important factor in retaining heat. The more extra space there is in the bag, the more energy you will need to expend to heat it. Therefore, it is generally recommended to choose a bag that matches your height as closely as possible.
Most sleeping bags come in two standard lengths: regular (up to 6 feet) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches). Some also come in a short version, which usually fits people up to 5 feet 6 inches. Women’s sleeping bags also come in regular and long sizes, but the measurements vary by brand and style, with regular usually accommodating people up to 5 feet 4 inches, and long up to 5 feet 10 inches. If your height is close to the upper limit of a size's "fits up to" specification, it is advisable to try both that bag and the next size up to determine which you prefer.
The key test for the right sleeping bag length is to get inside the bag and snug up the hood around your head. If your feet are pushing against the end of the bag and compressing the insulation, the bag is too small. A properly fitting bag will have enough space for your feet without compressing the insulation at the footbox or hood. This close fit will ensure that your head and feet stay warm, as it prevents warm air from escaping and being replaced by cold air.
However, there are some exceptions to the rule of choosing a bag that matches your height closely. If you are using your sleeping bag in cold weather and need to store temperature-sensitive items like electronics, fuel, water, clothing, or boot liners, it is advisable to choose a longer bag that gives you extra space. Additionally, if you are a restless sleeper, you may prefer a roomier bag that allows you to move your joints and roll over more easily, even if it means sacrificing some warmth.
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Width: Bags that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and lose heat
When choosing a sleeping bag, width is an important consideration. A sleeping bag that is too tight or too loose can be uncomfortable and can cause you to lose body heat. The width of a sleeping bag is referred to as its girth.
The girth of a sleeping bag varies depending on whether it is designed for men or women. Men's sleeping bags typically have a shoulder girth of between 60 and 64 inches, while women's sleeping bags are usually slightly narrower, ranging from 56 to 60 inches. The hip girth of a sleeping bag also varies, with men's bags typically measuring around 58 inches and women's bags offering a little more room, up to 60 inches.
It's important to find the right balance between comfort and warmth. A bag that is too tight may feel restrictive, while a bag that is too loose will allow you to move around too freely, causing you to waste heat. The best way to find your preferred girth is to test out several sleeping bags of different dimensions. This will help you find the right balance of comfort and warmth for your needs.
The shape of a sleeping bag also affects its width. Rectangular sleeping bags are the most common shape for recreational camping as they allow you to stretch out and sleep in a natural position. Backpacking bags, on the other hand, tend to be more snug to minimize pack size and weight.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the activity you'll be using it for. If you're camping, you may prioritize comfort and roominess, while if you're backpacking or mountaineering, you'll want to focus on finding a bag that is lightweight and packable.
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Temperature: Select a bag rated slightly below the expected temperature
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is one of the most important factors to consider when making a purchase. Sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm at a certain temperature, so it's crucial to choose one that matches the conditions you expect to encounter.
Sleeping bags are assigned temperature ratings based on standardized tests conducted by independent labs. The ISO 23537 test, for example, involves placing a heavily instrumented electronic mannequin inside the sleeping bag and measuring the amount of electrical energy needed to maintain its initial temperature as the air is cooled. This test produces three temperature thresholds: a comfort rating, a limit rating, and an extreme rating. The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a "cold sleeper" might feel comfortable, while the limit rating is the temperature at which an "average man" can maintain thermal equilibrium in a curled-up position without shivering or risking hypothermia. The extreme rating indicates the temperature at which a "standard woman" risks hypothermia.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's generally recommended to select one with a temperature rating slightly lower than the coldest conditions you anticipate. This is because you can always unzip the bag if you feel too warm, but you don't want to be caught in a bag that doesn't provide enough warmth. It's worth noting that temperature ratings are based on an "average sleeper," and individual factors such as metabolism, sleeping pad, clothing, humidity, and wind can also affect how warm you feel. Therefore, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast and subtract 10 degrees from the lowest expected temperature to ensure you stay warm enough.
In addition to temperature ratings, other factors can influence the warmth of a sleeping bag. The type of insulation, for example, can affect the weight and bulk of the bag, with advanced synthetics and high-fill-power downs providing greater warmth for less weight. The shape of the bag also plays a role, with rectangular bags offering more room to move around, semi-rectangular or "modified mummy" bags providing a compromise between warmth and roominess, and mummy bags designed for a snug fit to boost warmth and reduce weight.
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Shape: Rectangular bags offer more room, while mummy bags save weight and space
The shape of a sleeping bag is an important factor in determining its comfort and thermal efficiency. Rectangular sleeping bags offer more room, allowing users to stretch out their legs and arms, and providing more freedom of movement. This makes them ideal for people who move a lot in their sleep or prefer to sleep in different positions. Rectangular bags are also a good option for those who feel uncomfortable in the restricted space of mummy bags, especially when wearing additional layers. Additionally, rectangular bags are often less expensive than mummy bags, making them a more budget-friendly choice.
On the other hand, mummy bags excel in saving weight and space. Their tapered form, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, allows them to retain heat more efficiently by minimising the empty space that needs to be warmed. This makes mummy bags suitable for cold-weather camping, hiking, and mountaineering, especially when weight and space are at a premium. Mummy bags are also more lightweight and packable, making them a popular choice for backpackers and hikers.
While rectangular bags offer more room, they may take longer to warm up due to the larger volume of air inside. This can result in a noticeable decrease in comfort in colder climates. Conversely, mummy bags can feel restrictive to some users, particularly those who sleep on their sides or prefer to curl up in their sleep.
Ultimately, the decision between a rectangular or mummy-shaped sleeping bag depends on individual preferences and specific camping requirements. If you prioritise space and comfort, a rectangular bag might be preferable. However, if weight, packability, and warmth are more important factors, a mummy bag may be the better option.
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Weight: Backpacking bags are lighter, while camping bags are roomier
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the type of activity you'll be using it for. If you're going backpacking, you'll want a lightweight bag that can be easily carried in your pack. On the other hand, if you're car camping, weight is less of a concern, and you can prioritise roominess and comfort.
Backpacking sleeping bags are designed to be lightweight and pack down small. This is because backpackers need to carry all their gear, so minimising weight and bulk is crucial. The weight of a sleeping bag is determined mainly by its insulation and shape. Bags with advanced synthetic insulation or high-fill-power down provide greater warmth for less weight. Mummy-shaped bags, for instance, have a slim cut and a contoured hood, which helps to reduce weight while maximising warmth.
Camping sleeping bags, on the other hand, are known for their roominess. Rectangular-shaped bags, which are common for camping, offer plenty of space to move around. If you're car camping, you don't need to worry about fitting your bag into a pack, so you can choose a larger, more comfortable option.
It's worth noting that the weight of a sleeping bag is also influenced by additional features. Some bags have internal sleeves for pillows and sleeping pads, stash pockets for valuables, and anti-snag zippers. While these features enhance comfort and convenience, they do add a small amount of weight.
When deciding between a backpacking or camping sleeping bag, it's essential to consider your priorities. If weight and packability are your main concerns, a backpacking bag is ideal. However, if you prioritise roominess and don't need to carry your gear, a camping bag might be the better choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping bags are sized by their length, so the right size sleeping bag for you should correspond with your height. For example, if you are 6 feet tall, you should opt for a 6-foot sleeping bag. However, the bag will usually be slightly longer than your height to accommodate your body when lying flat.
If you toss and turn at night, a wider bag may feel more comfortable. However, you will lose some heat retention, as snug-fitting bags are generally warmer than loose-fitting ones. Therefore, you should aim to strike a balance between comfort and thermal efficiency.
Children's sleeping bags are simply shorter, smaller, and more affordable variations of adult sleeping bags. You will need to decide whether you want a bag that is insulated with down fill or synthetic fill.
When choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking, you should consider the weight and size of the bag. Opt for the lightest, most packable bag within your budget that will ensure a good night's sleep.
