Gina Johnson
A good night's sleep is essential, especially when you're in the great outdoors. Choosing the right sleeping bag can make all the difference to your comfort and warmth. There are several factors to consider when measuring for a sleeping bag, including length, width, and shape. The bag should fit snugly around your body, but not too tightly, as this can reduce warmth and comfort. It's also important to consider the temperature rating of the bag, the type of insulation, and additional features such as hoods, zips, and stash pockets. In this guide, we will explore these factors in detail and provide tips on how to measure and select the perfect sleeping bag for your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Sleeping bags are available in different lengths for men and women. The length of a sleeping bag is crucial for maintaining warmth. Generally, the bag should be a few inches longer than the user. |
| Width | The width of the bag in the torso area is also important. The shoulder girth, or circumference of the bag across the shoulders, typically ranges from 56 to 66 inches. |
| Shape | Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular. Mummy bags are tapered towards the feet and are more fitted, making them warmer and lightweight. Rectangular bags are non-tapered and provide more room, but are less efficient at retaining heat. Semi-rectangular bags are a hybrid of the other two shapes, offering a balance between warmth and comfort. |
| Temperature Rating | The temperature rating indicates the lowest temperature the bag is designed for. It is important to choose a bag with a rating suitable for the expected temperatures. |
| Insulation Type | Sleeping bags can have down or synthetic insulation. Down bags are lighter but take longer to dry, while synthetic bags are cheaper but heavier. |
| Weight | The weight of a sleeping bag depends on the materials used. Lightweight bags use high-quality insulation, while heavyweight bags tend to be synthetic. |
| Hood | The hood of a sleeping bag helps retain heat. It should fit comfortably around the head and move with the user's head movements. |
| Zipper | Sleeping bags have zippers on the right or left side. A two-way zipper allows for easy ventilation. An insulated zip baffle and a zip cover help prevent heat loss. |
| Extras | Some sleeping bags have additional features like stash pockets, pad compatibility, and adjustment options. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag length
The length of a sleeping bag is crucial when selecting one to purchase. Sleeping bags are typically available in three sizes: small, regular, and long. Small sleeping bags are designed for individuals up to 5 feet 6 inches tall, while regular sleeping bags cater to individuals up to 6 feet tall. The long option is suitable for people up to 6 feet 6 inches in height. It's recommended to choose the shortest bag that comfortably fits your body to minimise excess space, which would require more energy to heat.
When measuring for a sleeping bag, it's important to consider not just your height but also the space needed for your body to fit comfortably inside. Your body will reduce the effective length of the bag, so it's crucial to select a bag that's slightly longer than your height to ensure a proper fit. For example, an individual who is 6 feet tall should opt for a long-size bag, which is typically 90 inches long, rather than a regular-length bag.
To ensure a comfortable fit, it's recommended to pay attention to the distance between your toes and the bottom of the sleeping bag. There should be a small gap between your toes and the end of the bag to allow for comfortable movement. Additionally, consider the shoulder girth, which refers to the circumference of the bag across your shoulders. For men, this typically ranges from 60 to 64 inches, while for women, it usually falls between 56 and 60 inches.
The shape of the sleeping bag also influences the length and overall fit. Mummy bags, for instance, are tapered towards the feet, providing a snugger fit that maximises warmth by minimising the air gap between your body and the insulating wall of the bag. Rectangular bags, on the other hand, offer more room and are less restrictive, making them a popular choice for warm-weather camping. Semi-rectangular bags offer a hybrid design, providing additional warmth compared to rectangular bags while still allowing for more comfort and space.
Lastly, when selecting a sleeping bag, it's essential to consider the temperature rating, which indicates the lowest temperature the bag is designed to withstand while keeping you warm and comfortable. This rating is crucial for ensuring you stay warm enough during your outdoor adventures.
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Shoulder girth
Most men’s sleeping bags have a shoulder girth ranging from 60 to 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 standard build, while a 64-inch bag will offer a pleasant amount of room. Women’s sleeping bags usually have a slightly narrower shoulder girth, typically ranging from 56 to 60 inches.
The best way to determine your ideal shoulder girth is to test out different sleeping bags. This will help you find the right balance between comfort and warmth. Ultralight bags, for instance, tend to be narrower, reducing the overall size and weight of the bag.
It is important to remember that the length of a sleeping bag is also crucial. To maximise warmth, opt for the shortest bag that fits you without compressing the insulation around your feet. However, having some extra room at the bottom can be advantageous as it allows you to keep clothes or footwear inside the bag to stay warm.
In addition to shoulder girth and length, other factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag include its temperature rating, type of insulation, weight, and shape. The temperature rating should be lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. The type of insulation, whether down or synthetic, will impact the weight and warmth of the bag. The weight of the bag is influenced by the materials used and the amount of insulation, with lightweight bags using high-quality insulation that is lighter in weight. Finally, the shape of the bag, such as mummy, rectangular, or semi-rectangular, will affect its warmth, weight, and comfort.
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Bag shape
The shape of a sleeping bag is an important factor to consider when purchasing one. The three basic shapes of sleeping bags are mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular. The mummy bag is the most popular shape and has a snug fit that tapers toward the feet, making it the warmest option. This shape allows for the least amount of air between you and the insulating wall of the bag, meaning there is less air to heat. Mummy bags are lightweight and pack easily, making them ideal for backpacking or technical adventures that require packability. They are also available in left and right-handed versions, which can be zipped together to create a double bag. Rectangular sleeping bags are non-tapered designs that are less efficient at heating but offer more freedom of movement. They are best suited for indoor use, caravanning, and summer camping. If comfort is your priority over warmth, a rectangular bag is a good choice. Semi-rectangular bags are a hybrid between the mummy and rectangular shapes, offering a balance of warmth and comfort. They are suitable for fair-weather camping and shorter backpacking trips.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the style of camping you plan to do and your personal preferences for comfort and warmth. The mummy bag is ideal for backpacking due to its lightweight and packable design, while the rectangular bag provides more comfort and freedom of movement for indoor or summer camping. The semi-rectangular bag is a versatile option for those who want a balance of warmth and comfort. It is important to select a bag that fits your body snugly to minimize excess space, as this requires more energy to heat.
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Temperature rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is an important factor to consider when choosing one. The rating you choose will depend on the temperature you are comfortable sleeping in and where you will be using the bag.
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are estimates based on lab testing. A test dummy inside the bag is dressed in base layers, and a sleeping pad is placed underneath the bag. This protocol ensures that all bag tests are done the same way, but it cannot account for variations like differences in people's clothing and gear, body types, changing weather conditions, etc. Therefore, when you use your sleeping bag outdoors, its comfort level will probably differ from its tested temperature rating.
There are two main standardized tests that produce a rating range for each sleeping bag: ISO (International Standards Organization) and EN (European Norm). ISO is the new standard, and most brands now send their sleeping bags to independent test labs that assign bag temperature ratings using this method. The older EN standard is still useful for making direct comparisons between bags from different brands. Both standards assign two temperature ratings within a range: a comfort rating and a limit rating.
The comfort rating is the temperature at which a "standard woman" would be comfortable sleeping in a relaxed posture. The lower limit rating is the temperature at which a "standard man" can sleep for eight hours in a curled-up position without shivering. In other words, the comfort rating is the optimum temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable, and it is the temperature rating used for women's bags. The lower limit rating is a few degrees above the comfort rating and is used for men's bags.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is generally recommended to select one with a temperature rating lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. This is because you can always open up the bag to cool down when conditions are warmer. However, it is important to note that temperature ratings are just estimates, and the actual comfort level of a sleeping bag may differ depending on various factors, such as the type of sleeping pad used, the fit of the bag, and individual differences in people's sleeping habits and preferences.
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Weight
When it comes to measuring for a sleeping bag, weight is a crucial factor to consider. The weight of your sleeping bag will depend on various factors, including the type of insulation, the temperature rating, and the length of the bag.
Firstly, let's talk about insulation. Down insulation, made from the insulating plumage of geese or ducks, is the lightest type of insulation available. It is extremely lightweight, compressible, and provides excellent warmth. However, down insulation performs poorly when wet, as it loses its insulating properties. On the other hand, synthetic insulation retains some of its insulating properties when wet, but it is generally heavier and less compressible than down. Synthetic insulation is also much cheaper, making it a cost-effective option. When deciding between down and synthetic insulation, consider the conditions you'll be sleeping in and your budget.
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag also affects its weight. Warmer bags designed for colder temperatures will have more insulation, making them heavier. Lighter bags with higher temperature ratings are better suited for hot weather and mild climates. It's important to choose a bag with the necessary temperature ratings to ensure your safety and comfort in different conditions.
The length of the sleeping bag can also impact its weight. As mentioned earlier, opting for the shortest length that fits your body will help minimize weight while maximizing warmth. Longer bags will have more fabric and insulation, making them heavier. Additionally, consider the shoulder and hip girth of the bag, ensuring it fits snugly without being too tight.
Most sleeping bags today weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. However, the complete sleep system, including the sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow, will typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. Ultralight backpackers often aim to keep their entire sleep systems under 4 pounds, especially when travelling in warmer climates. Remember that the weight of your sleeping bag should be considered alongside other factors, such as comfort, performance, and insulation type, to ensure you get a good night's sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of the sleeping bag is crucial. It should be a few inches longer than your height to maintain warmth and comfort. The width in the torso or shoulder girth is also important. The shape of the bag is another factor to consider. Mummy bags are tapered towards the feet and are more fitted, making them warmer, whereas rectangular bags are less restrictive.
Get inside the bag and zip yourself in. Check that there is a little space between your toes and the bottom of the bag. Your feet should not be pushing against the end and compressing the insulation, as this will make the bag less warm.
The direction of the zip is important. Choose a bag with a zip opening on the opposite side to your leading hand. A two-way zip is useful for ventilation. The hood of the bag should fit comfortably around your head and move with you as you roll. You should also consider the temperature rating of the bag, which indicates the lowest temperature the bag is designed for.
