Ashwin Lewis
When it comes to sleeping bags, there are many different types, each designed with specific purposes and conditions in mind. The type of sleeping bag one chooses depends on factors such as temperature, weight, bulk, durability, and personal preference. Here is an introduction to the five most common types of sleeping bags: rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, double, and kid-sized. Each of these bags offers unique benefits and drawbacks, catering to various needs and situations encountered during camping or backpacking trips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people | Single, double |
| Shape | Rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, barrel, square |
| Zipper | Yes, no |
| Hood | Yes, no |
| Stash pocket | Yes, no |
| Stuff sack | Yes, no |
| Insulation | Synthetic, down |
| Size | Standard, women's, children's |
| Temperature rating | Warmer, colder |
| Weight | Lightweight, heavy |
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What You'll Learn
- Mummy sleeping bags are tapered to reduce heat loss and are lightweight, making them ideal for backpacking
- Rectangular sleeping bags are traditional, spacious and versatile, but don't retain as much heat
- Double sleeping bags are designed for two people and can be rectangular, barrel-shaped or mummy-style
- Backpacking sleeping bags are lightweight and compact, designed to reduce weight and bulk
- Kid's sleeping bags are smaller, often colourful and decorated, and may have built-in pillows or pockets
Mummy sleeping bags are tapered to reduce heat loss and are lightweight, making them ideal for backpacking
Mummy sleeping bags are designed to maximise warmth by minimising the amount of air space around your body. Their tapered shape reduces heat loss and they are lightweight, making them ideal for backpacking. The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 is a popular mummy bag for backpackers.
The mummy bag's fitted shape provides maximum heat retention, keeping you warm in bitterly cold conditions. The bag is designed to be snug, with a narrow shape that means you roll over with the bag rather than inside it. This makes it less comfortable for some people, who may prefer the extra space of a rectangular bag. Mummy bags are also more expensive than other types of sleeping bags.
The hooded mummy bag is especially good for retaining warmth, but it's important to get the right length to avoid discomfort. Mummy bags are usually lighter than other shapes, and their excellent weight-to-warmth ratio makes them a popular choice for backpackers.
When choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking, it's important to consider weight and packed size. Mummy bags are a good choice for this, as they are lightweight and have a streamlined design. They are also durable, making them suitable for almost year-round use.
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Rectangular sleeping bags are traditional, spacious and versatile, but don't retain as much heat
Rectangular sleeping bags are the traditional sleeping bag shape, with a rectangular design and a straight cut. They are versatile and spacious, making them a good option for car camping or family camping. They are also ideal for those who like lots of room when they sleep, or for restless sleepers who like to toss and turn.
Rectangular sleeping bags can be unzipped and used like a comforter, which is useful if you get too hot or if the weather is unexpectedly muggy. They are not as good at retaining heat as other sleeping bags, such as the semi-rectangular or mummy-style bags, due to their larger size and lack of a hood. They are therefore more suitable for warm-weather camping.
If you want the comfort and space of a rectangular sleeping bag but with better insulation, you could consider a barrel-shaped sleeping bag. These have a tapered shoulder area and footbox, which reduces dead air, and sometimes come with a hood to maximise insulating properties.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider factors such as temperature, weight, bulk, and durability. For example, if you're car camping, you can choose a heavier, roomier, and cozier bag, whereas if you're backpacking, you'll want to minimise weight and bulk.
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Double sleeping bags are designed for two people and can be rectangular, barrel-shaped or mummy-style
Double sleeping bags are designed for two people and are ideal for couples who want to sleep together. They are usually rectangular, but double the width of a typical sleeping bag. Some double sleeping bags also unzip completely to make two single sleeping bags, increasing their versatility.
Double sleeping bags can also come in other shapes, such as barrel and mummy styles. The rectangular shape provides plenty of space for tossing and turning, but is not renowned for its insulating properties. The barrel shape, or semi-rectangular shape, offers a compromise between warmth and roominess. The tapered shoulder area and footbox decrease dead air, and they sometimes come with a hood to further maximise insulation.
The mummy-style sleeping bag is designed to optimise insulation by cocooning the body while minimising weight and bulk. The tapered, streamlined fit maximises heat retention, making it ideal for colder conditions. Mummy bags are usually lighter than other shapes, but the snug fit means there is less room to move around.
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Backpacking sleeping bags are lightweight and compact, designed to reduce weight and bulk
Backpacking sleeping bags are designed to be lightweight and compact, reducing weight and bulk to make them easier to carry. They are usually made of synthetic or down insulation and have a streamlined design. Backpackers often opt for mummy-style sleeping bags, which are tapered and snug, cutting down on weight and maximising heat retention. Mummy bags are lighter than many other sleeping bag shapes, making them a popular choice for backpackers. They are also designed to boost warmth, with a snug fit that means you roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Mummy bags are often hooded, which can make them warmer, and they are a good choice for colder climes.
Some backpackers, however, prefer a looser fit, and square sleeping bags offer more wriggle room. Square bags are similar to mummy bags but without the tapered shape, and they are less efficient at retaining warmth. They require more fabric, which means more weight, but they are a good, affordable option for warm-weather backpackers. Semi-rectangular bags are another option, providing a balance between warmth and roominess. They are well-suited to cool-weather camping and give extra shoulder room, making them a good option for side sleepers.
For backpackers, the key consideration is weight, and backpacking sleeping bags are designed to be as light as possible. The Western Mountaineering MegaLite, for example, is a premium model that weighs just 1.5 pounds, making it ideal for backpackers. For those who want to save even more space and weight, a zipless sleeping bag might be an option. Zipless bags offer a roomier take on the traditional mummy style, and they are favoured by fastpackers.
When choosing a backpacking sleeping bag, it's important to consider the temperature rating and insulation. A bag with a good warmth-to-weight ratio is essential for keeping you warm on cold nights, and down insulation is often perceived as more comfortable because it's lighter.
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Kid's sleeping bags are smaller, often colourful and decorated, and may have built-in pillows or pockets
Sleeping bags are designed to provide warmth and comfort for wilderness sleepers. They come in various shapes and sizes, with different features depending on their specific applications. One of the five common types of sleeping bags is designed for kids.
Kids' sleeping bags are simply shorter, smaller, and more affordable variations of adult sleeping bags. They are designed for children, so they are often colourful and decorated with characters. These sleeping bags may also come with built-in pillows or pockets, adding to their appeal for young campers.
The size of a kid's sleeping bag is an important consideration. They are typically shorter and more compact, making them ideal for children who might otherwise feel overwhelmed in an adult-sized bag. The smaller size also makes them easier to pack and carry, which is beneficial for families going on camping trips or outdoor adventures.
When choosing a kid's sleeping bag, it's essential to consider factors such as temperature rating, weight, bulk, and durability. While colourful designs and decorations might be attractive to children, it's also crucial to select a bag that will provide adequate warmth and comfort during their outdoor adventures.
In addition to the standard features, some kid's sleeping bags offer unique elements like built-in pillows. This feature can enhance the comfort of the sleeping bag, providing a soft and supportive surface for children to rest their heads. It eliminates the need for a separate pillow, making the sleeping bag a more convenient and compact option for camping trips.
Pockets are another handy feature found in some kid's sleeping bags. These pockets provide a secure place for children to store small items, such as a torch, a small toy, or other personal belongings. This adds a level of practicality to the sleeping bag, ensuring that essential items are easily accessible and safely stored during their outdoor exploration.
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