Miya Pearson
When it comes to sleeping bags, size matters. A sleeping bag that's too small will be uncomfortable, while one that's too large will be inefficient at retaining heat. Sleeping bags are sized by their length, so this should correlate with your height. Most bags come in regular and long sizes, with some also offering a short option. The weight of a sleeping bag is also an important factor, as it will determine how easy it is to carry and pack. The shape of the bag is another consideration, with mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular bags available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the girth of the bag at the shoulders and hips is important for comfort, with men's and women's bags differing in these areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Sleeping bags come in different lengths, including small (5 ft. 6 in.), regular (up to 6 ft.), and long (6 ft. 6 in. or more). The length of a sleeping bag is vital as it determines its shape. |
| Weight | Sleeping bags can be lightweight or heavyweight. The weight depends on the materials used inside the bag. |
| Shoulder girth | The circumference of the sleeping bag across the shoulders. Most men’s sleeping bags have a shoulder girth of 60-64 inches, while women’s bags are slightly narrower, ranging from 56-60 inches. |
| Hip girth | The circumference of the sleeping bag across the hips. Men’s bags usually have a hip girth of around 58 inches, while women’s bags are wider, up to 60 inches. |
| Temperature rating | Choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating slightly lower than the typical low temperatures expected on your trip. |
| Insulation type | Down or synthetic. Down is lighter and more compact but loses its warmth when wet. Synthetic bags are heavier and bulkier but provide warmth even when wet. |
| Shape | Mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular. Mummy bags are the most popular as they are form-fitting and provide the most warmth. Rectangular bags offer more space but have more dead space. |
| Fit | A sleeping bag should fit snugly but not too tightly that it becomes uncomfortable. A bag that is too loose will lose warmth. |
| Extra features | Stash pockets, pad compatibility, hoods, etc. |
| Gender | Men's, women's, and unisex sleeping bags are available. Women's bags are shorter, narrower at the shoulders, and wider at the hips. |
| Height | Sleeping bag sizes are usually regular, long, and children's. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag length
Sleeping bags are sized by their length, and this length should correspond with your height. For example, a sleeping bag that is labelled as "6 feet" will actually measure roughly 6-foot 8-inches long, giving a 6-foot-tall person the extra room needed for a correct fit. This extra room is important because when we lay flat, our spines decompress, our feet fall forward, and our bodies spread out.
Sleeping bags typically come in two standard lengths: regular and long. A regular-sized sleeping bag fits people up to 6 feet tall, while a long-sized sleeping bag can accommodate people up to 6.5 feet tall. Some companies also offer a short version for people with a height of around 5 feet 6 inches. Women's sleeping bags are typically offered in the same two sizes, with the regular fitting people up to 5 feet 4 inches, and the long fitting people up to 5 feet 10 inches.
It is important to remember that the bag should be some inches longer than you, to maintain adequate warmth and offer a comfortable space to move freely. However, if the bag is too long, it will be harder to keep your feet warm due to the excess space.
The shape of your sleeping bag should reflect the style of camping you are planning on doing. Mummy bags are the most popular shape, as they are lightweight, pack down easily, and are the warmest option due to their snug fit. Rectangular bags are very comfortable but usually have a lot of dead space, and semi-rectangular bags offer a balance between the two.
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Shoulder girth
To determine your preferred shoulder girth, it is recommended to test out several sleeping bags with different dimensions. This will help you find the measurement that best suits your needs. Keep in mind that most ultralight bags tend to be narrower, reducing their overall size and weight.
When it comes to men's sleeping bags, the shoulder girth typically ranges from 60 to 64 inches. However, some models can be as narrow as 58 inches or as wide as 66 inches. For men of standard build, a 60-inch shoulder girth will feel snug, while a 64-inch bag will provide a more spacious experience.
Women's sleeping bags usually have a slightly narrower shoulder girth, generally ranging from 56 to 60 inches. This is because women's bags are designed to fit the average woman's contours, with narrower shoulders and wider hips.
It's important to strike a balance between comfort and warmth. While a snugger fit will retain heat more effectively, a roomier bag will provide more freedom of movement and alleviate any feelings of claustrophobia. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and tolerance for confinement.
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Hip girth
The hip girth of a sleeping bag differs primarily by gender. Most men's bags have a hip girth of around 58 inches, while women's bags are slightly wider at up to 60 inches to accommodate wider hips. However, this difference is not significant as most bags have standardised hip girth circumferences.
To determine your preferred hip girth, it is recommended to test out several sleeping bags of different dimensions. A sleeping bag that is too tight may cause discomfort, while one that is too loose may result in reduced warmth due to excess air space. Therefore, finding the right hip girth is essential to balancing comfort and warmth.
The shape of the sleeping bag also affects the hip girth. Mummy bags, the most popular shape, taper towards the feet to maximise warmth and minimise weight. In contrast, rectangular bags offer more room to move around but are less effective at retaining body heat, making them a poor choice for cold weather camping.
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Weight
The weight of a sleeping bag is an important factor to consider, especially if you're going to be carrying it in a backpack. The type of insulation is the primary factor in the weight of a sleeping bag. Advanced synthetics and high-fill-power downs deliver greater warmth for less weight than less efficient fills. Down insulation is the lightest insulator, and while it is more expensive, it cuts down on bulk. If you don't mind a little extra weight, synthetic bags are a good option as they are more affordable and insulate better when wet.
The shape of a sleeping bag also affects its weight. Mummy bags are cut to the contours of the human body, being narrow around the feet and legs, wider around the hips and shoulders, and with a hood. This shape minimises materials to maximise packability and weight savings, making it the most popular choice among backpackers. Mummy bags are, however, not ideal for those who sleep on their sides or toss and turn throughout the night. Ultralight bags are also known for having heavily tapered designs, which can be uncomfortable for some. Rectangular bags are non-tapered and therefore less efficient at heating, but they provide more freedom of movement and are a good option if comfort is your main priority. Semi-rectangular bags are a hybrid between the mummy and rectangular shape, providing a good balance of warmth and comfort.
The size of a sleeping bag also affects its weight. Generally, the smaller the bag, the lighter it will be. It is important to consider the length of the bag in relation to your height. A sleeping bag should be slightly longer than your height to allow for a correct fit, as when we lay flat, our bodies spread out. It is also important to minimise excess space, as this requires more energy to heat. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the shortest bag that fits you to maximise warmth and minimise weight.
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Temperature rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is one of the most important factors to consider when buying one. The rating gives you a baseline for comparison, but it is impossible to definitively say that a specific sleeping bag will keep you warm down to a specific temperature. This is because of individual differences in body shape, size, age, metabolic rate, muscle mass, and sleep patterns. Other factors that determine how warm you sleep include what you eat, when you eat, how much you drink, what you wear, and how accustomed you are to sleeping outdoors.
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are estimates, and it is important to understand how they are calculated to make an informed purchase. Lab testing involves placing a test dummy, dressed in base layers, inside the bag, and placing the bag on a sleeping pad. The dummy is heated, and the amount of electrical energy needed to maintain its temperature is measured as the air temperature is lowered. This process is repeated to determine the bag's thermal resistance. While this protocol ensures that all bag tests are done the same way, it cannot account for individual differences in clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and diet.
There are three main rating categories: international standards from EN or ISO, trustworthy homebrew ratings (usually from cottage companies), and ratings from untrustworthy companies who cheat the system. The EN/ISO standards include the Upper Limit, Comfort, and Lower Limit ratings. The Upper Limit rating is the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration, with the hood and zippers open and arms outside the bag. The Comfort rating is the temperature at which a standard female can sleep comfortably through the night in a relaxed position. The Lower Limit rating is the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking. The ISO 23537 test, recognised globally, uses a heated manikin with temperature sensors in a climate-controlled room on a standardised mat. The manikin wears standard pyjamas and a cold-weather mask to measure the power needed to maintain warmth in a cold room.
The ISO test provides three temperature thresholds: Comfort, Limit, and Extreme. The Comfort rating is based on the air temperature at which the "average female" can sleep comfortably without curling up for warmth. The Limit rating is based on the temperature at which the "average man" can maintain thermal equilibrium without curling up, but he may still be expending energy shivering. The Extreme rating is where there is a risk of health damage to a "standard woman" by hypothermia. It is important to note that these ratings are not precise and are meant to provide a general guideline.
When choosing a sleeping bag, select one with a temperature rating lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. This is known as the “20-degree” rule—if you'll be in 0-degree temperatures, get a bag rated for -20 degrees. It is also recommended to check the weather and leave a safe margin between expected nighttime lows and your bag's rating. Additionally, consider the type of insulation (down vs synthetic), the R-value of your sleeping pad, and the features you need, such as adjustment options and stash pockets.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping bag sizes are usually Regular or Long, with some companies offering a Short option. The Regular size is for people up to 6 feet tall, while the Long size is for people up to 6 feet 5 inches or 6 feet 6 inches. Women's sleeping bags are typically shorter, narrower at the shoulders, and wider at the hips.
The best way to determine your preferred shoulder girth is to test out several sleeping bags with different dimensions. Shoulder girth is the circumference of the sleeping bag across the shoulders, and it can range from 56 to 66 inches.
Hip girth is the circumference of the sleeping bag across the hips. Hip girth varies based on whether the bag is designed for men or women. Most men's bags have a hip girth of around 58 inches, while women's bags are often wider, at 60 inches. To determine your preferred hip girth, try out different models.
If your height is close to the upper limit of a size range, it is recommended to try both that size and the next size up to determine which you prefer. However, a sleeping bag that is too long will be harder to warm, so it is generally recommended to choose the smaller of the two sizes.
A properly fitting sleeping bag should wrap around you snugly to minimize air space and maximize warmth. However, it should not be so tight that it becomes uncomfortable. Roomier bags may be preferred by restless sleepers or those who feel claustrophobic in tighter spaces.
