Herbie Murray
When it comes to sleeping bags, loft refers to the volume taken up by the down in the bag, otherwise known as fill power. It is a measurement of the fluffiness of the bag, which is important as the more loft a sleeping bag has, the more air it traps, and the warmer it is. Loft is usually measured in inches or centimetres, and can vary depending on the section of the bag, with the hood/neck, torso, legs, and feet all having different lofts. Sleeping bags with continuous baffles, where down can be shifted up, will have a higher loft than those with fixed baffles. The length, shoulder girth, and hip girth of a sleeping bag are also important factors in determining its warmth and comfort.
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What You'll Learn
Measure the maximum loft for the top half of the bag
To measure the maximum loft for the top half of a sleeping bag, it is important to understand the role of baffles. The baffles in down sleeping bags are designed to control where the down is placed and to stop it from shifting around, creating cold spots. For fixed baffles, the maximum loft for the top half of the bag is simply the top measurement (the bottom is ignored).
For continuous baffles, the maximum loft for the top half of the bag is measured after shifting the insulation up from the bottom. This is because, with continuous baffles, the down can be shifted up to achieve a greater loft on the top half of the bag. It is worth noting that some sleeping bags have a combination of vertical baffles in the torso and horizontal baffles in the lower half, which keeps the insulation in place as you move around.
When measuring the maximum loft for the top half of the bag, it is important to use a standard measurement system, such as inches or centimeters. This allows for comparisons across different brands and products. It is also important to consider the warmth rating of the bag, assuming an "average" sleeper wearing a base layer, dry, well-fed, and rested, sleeping inside a tent. This will help determine the required loft for the top half of the bag to achieve the desired warmth.
Additionally, the loft of a sleeping bag can be affected by its construction. For example, the ratio of down clusters to feathers can impact the loft, as the feathers provide structure for the down clusters to loft under the weight of the shell materials. The type of baffle can also make a difference in the loft and overall warmth of the bag. Box baffles, sewn-through construction, and overlapping baffles are all designed to suit different temperature ranges.
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Measure both double side and single side
When measuring sleeping bag loft, it is important to consider both the single and double sides of the bag, especially if the top and bottom down distributions differ. This provides valuable information about the relative warmth of the bag. Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring both sides:
Measuring the Double Side
- Start by identifying the type of baffles in your sleeping bag. If your bag has fixed baffles, the bottom insulation is ignored, and you will only be measuring the loft on the top side.
- For continuous baffles, you will need to shift the insulation up from the bottom to achieve the maximum loft on the top.
- Once you have determined the maximum loft, use a measuring tape or a ruler to measure the thickness of the insulation. Measure from the top of the sleeping bag to the highest point of the loft.
- Ensure you measure in inches or centimetres, as this is the standard unit for sleeping bag loft.
Measuring the Single Side
- For the single side measurement, you will focus on just one side of the sleeping bag. Choose a specific section, such as the hood/neck, torso, legs, or feet.
- Measure the thickness of the insulation at that specific point, again using inches or centimetres as your unit of measurement.
- It is recommended to take 2 to 3 measurements at different parts of the bag and then calculate an average to get a more accurate sense of the bag's overall warmth.
By considering both the double and single sides of the sleeping bag, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of its loft and warmth capabilities. Remember that the more loft a sleeping bag has, the more air it can trap, which is essential for keeping you warm during cold nights.
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Measure at the hood/neck, torso, legs, and feet
Sleeping bags have different lofts in different sections, including the hood/neck, torso, legs, and feet. Here's how to measure the loft at each of these areas:
Hood/Neck
The hood of a sleeping bag is designed to trap heat that would otherwise escape from your head. A properly fitting hood should wrap comfortably and naturally around your head. It should not feel too tight, and once cinched up, it should move with your head as you roll from side to side. The loft of the hood is typically measured at the highest point, from the base of the hood to its apex. This measurement helps determine the amount of insulation provided by the hood, contributing to the overall warmth of the sleeping bag.
Torso
The torso section of the sleeping bag covers the length of the body from the shoulders to the hips. To measure the loft at the torso, you can take measurements at different points along this length. Start by measuring at the shoulders, then move down to the chest, and finally, measure at the hips. These measurements will vary depending on the design and shape of the sleeping bag, but they provide an indication of the overall insulation provided along the torso area.
Legs
The leg section of the sleeping bag is designed to accommodate the lower body, and the loft measurement here is crucial for assessing warmth. Measure the loft at the widest part of the leg area, usually around the upper legs or thighs. This measurement will help determine the amount of insulation provided for the legs, ensuring that this vulnerable area stays warm during cold nights.
Feet
The footbox or the bottom of the sleeping bag is another critical area for warmth retention. Measure the loft at the feet section by assessing the depth of the insulation directly above or below the feet. A higher loft in this area indicates more insulation, which is essential for keeping your feet warm. It's worth noting that while a shorter sleeping bag maximizes warmth around the feet, some people prefer having extra room to store clothes or footwear inside the bag, especially during winter camping trips.
By taking these measurements at the hood/neck, torso, legs, and feet sections of the sleeping bag, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the bag's loft and overall warmth capabilities.
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Measure length, shoulder girth, and hip girth
To measure the length of a sleeping bag, you can measure from the top of the hood to the bottom of the bag.
Shoulder girth is the circumference of the sleeping bag across the shoulders. To measure this, you can measure the circumference of your shoulders with your arms at your sides. This will give you an idea of the shoulder girth that will be comfortable for you. For men, sleeping bags with a shoulder girth of 60-64 inches will generally be comfortable, with narrower options available for those who prefer a tighter fit. Women's sleeping bags usually have a shoulder girth of between 56 and 60 inches.
Hip girth is the circumference of the sleeping bag across the hips. This dimension varies depending on whether the bag is designed for men or women, with men's bags typically measuring around 58 inches and women's bags offering more room for the hips, with measurements up to 60 inches.
It is important to remember that the most effective way to determine your preferred girth measurements is to try out several sleeping bags of different dimensions. This will help you find the perfect balance between comfort and warmth.
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Measure the mummy shape against a roomier bag
Mummy sleeping bags are known for their tapered design, narrowing from the shoulders to the feet, and often come with a hood. This design reduces excess space inside the bag, minimising the air that your body needs to warm up, and increasing thermal efficiency. This makes them a good option for cold weather. However, they can be uncomfortable for those who like to sleep on their sides or change positions during sleep.
Rectangular sleeping bags, on the other hand, offer a more spacious interior, allowing for greater freedom of movement. They lack the tapered design and hood of mummy bags, providing a uniform width from head to toe. While this makes them more comfortable for some, it also means there is more internal space for the body to heat, making them less efficient at retaining warmth. Rectangular bags are a good choice for camping in mild weather or for use in cabins and RVs.
When measuring the mummy shape against a roomier bag, it is important to consider the trade-off between comfort and warmth. Roomier bags, such as rectangular bags, offer more space to move around, making them ideal for restless sleepers or those who suffer from claustrophobia. They are also a good option for side sleepers or those who prefer to stretch out and change positions during sleep. However, the larger amount of material and insulation in roomier bags makes them heavier and bulkier, which can be a disadvantage when packing for situations where weight and space are critical factors.
To make an informed decision when comparing the mummy shape to a roomier bag, it is recommended to test out several bags of different dimensions to find the perfect balance of comfort and warmth for your individual needs. Key measurements to consider when fitting a sleeping bag include length, shoulder girth, and hip girth. Additionally, the hood of the sleeping bag plays a significant role in warmth retention, as it traps the heat that would otherwise escape from your head. A properly fitting hood should wrap comfortably around your head and move with you as you roll from side to side.
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Frequently asked questions
Loft is a term that refers to the volume taken up by the down in a sleeping bag. It is a way to measure the fluffiness of the bag and is also known as fill power. The more loft a sleeping bag has, the more air it traps, and the better it is at keeping you warm.
Loft is usually measured in inches or centimetres. It is recommended that you take 2 to 3 measurements at different parts of the bag and then average them to get a sense of how warm your bag is. The maximum loft for the top half of the bag should be measured, allowing for bags with continuous baffles where the down can be shifted up.
The three most important size dimensions to consider when fitting a sleeping bag are length, shoulder girth, and hip girth. The key test for length is to get inside the bag and fully snug up the hood. If your feet are pushing against the end of the bag and compressing the insulation, the bag is too short and will be less warm.
