Gina Johnson
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider its length. The length of a sleeping bag can impact its warmth, weight, and comfort. A sleeping bag that is too short may not keep you warm, while one that is too long may be cumbersome and heavy. The ideal sleeping bag length should fit your height as closely as possible, allowing for some extra space for comfort and to store temperature-sensitive items in cold weather. The shape of the sleeping bag also matters; mummy-style bags are designed for height, while rectangular bags are roomier but less heat efficient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | The length of a sleeping bag is important for warmth and comfort. The bag should fit your height as closely as possible without compressing the down in the footbox or hood. Men’s sleeping bags typically come in two lengths: regular (up to 6 ft) and long (up to 6 ft 6 in). A short version is sometimes available, fitting up to 5 ft 6 in. Women’s bags also come in regular and long, usually up to 5 ft 4 in and 5 ft 10 in, respectively. |
| Shoulder girth | This is the circumference of the bag across the shoulders. Most men’s bags range from 60 to 64 inches, while women’s bags are slightly narrower, ranging from 56 to 60 inches. A bag with a smaller shoulder girth will feel snugger, while a larger girth will feel roomier. |
| Hip girth | Hip girth is the circumference of the bag across the hips. Most men’s bags have a hip girth of around 58 inches, while women’s bags are often wider, up to 60 inches, to accommodate wider hips. |
| Temperature rating | Choose a bag rated slightly lower than the typical low temperatures you expect. The rating is based on a person wearing long underwear and socks and sleeping on an insulated pad. |
| Type of insulation | Choose between down and synthetic insulation. Down is often more lightweight, while synthetic may be more durable and suitable for certain climates. |
| Weight | Consider the weight of the bag, especially if backpacking. The quality of insulation and the cut of the bag affect weight. Compare weights of bags with the same temperature rating. |
| Extra features | Consider features like draft tubes, draft collars, anti-snag zippers, stash pockets, and pad compatibility. A hood adds warmth but may feel confining. |
| Sleep system | If sleeping with a partner, consider zipping two bags together. Bags designed for couples are also available, offering more space and comfort. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag length should closely fit your height
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's essential to consider its length in relation to your height. Opting for a bag that closely fits your height is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, a snug fit ensures that you minimise the amount of air space around your body. This, in turn, reduces the volume of air you need to heat up and maintain warmth. It also limits the amount of warmth that escapes when you shift or roll over inside the bag.
However, it's important to strike a balance between a close fit and your comfort level. While a tighter-fitting bag can enhance warmth, it may also feel restrictive to some sleepers. If you tend to move around a lot or experience claustrophobia, a roomier bag might be preferable, even if it results in a slight decrease in warmth. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by your personal preference and tolerance for confined spaces.
When selecting a sleeping bag, it's recommended to choose one that matches your height as closely as possible. This ensures optimal warmth without causing discomfort. Men's sleeping bags typically come in two standard lengths: regular (for individuals up to 6 feet tall) and long (for those up to 6 feet 6 inches). A short version is sometimes available, accommodating people up to 5 feet 6 inches in height. Women's bags also offer regular and long options, usually accommodating heights up to 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 10 inches, respectively, though these measurements can vary slightly between brands and styles.
It's worth noting that if you're planning to use your sleeping bag in cold weather, you might consider sizing up. This extra length can provide space for temperature-sensitive items like electronics, fuel, water, clothing, or boot liners. Additionally, if you're a restless sleeper or feel uncomfortable in confined spaces, a slightly longer bag can offer more room to move around without significantly compromising thermal efficiency.
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A bag that's too short is uncomfortable and cold
When it comes to choosing the right sleeping bag, length is one of the most important considerations. While a sleeping bag that is too long can be uncomfortable and cumbersome, a bag that is too short can be even worse.
A bag that is too short will likely be uncomfortable, as you will not have enough room to move around and get into a comfortable position. This can be especially problematic if you are a restless sleeper or feel claustrophobic in tight spaces. Additionally, a bag that is too short may not provide adequate coverage for your head and feet, leaving you feeling cold. As one user on Reddit put it, "A too-short bag is miserable. Doesn't keep you warm."
Another issue with a bag that is too short is that it can compress the insulation, creating cold spots, especially at the shoulders or hips. This is because the down or synthetic fill in the bag needs room to loft up and create air pockets that trap body heat. If the bag is too short, the insulation will be compressed, reducing its ability to retain heat. This can be a serious issue, especially in colder temperatures.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is generally recommended to opt for the shortest length that fits your height comfortably. This minimizes extra space that your body needs to heat up and helps retain warmth. However, it is important to strike a balance between a snug fit and having enough room to move around comfortably, especially if you are a restless sleeper.
In cold weather, some people prefer a bag with extra length so they can store temperature-sensitive items, such as electronics, water bottles, or extra clothing, to keep them warm. This can also help take up space in a bag that might otherwise feel too roomy. Ultimately, the right length for your sleeping bag will depend on your personal preferences for comfort and warmth.
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A bag that's too long is inefficient and heavy
A bag that is too long is inefficient and heavy. The basic idea behind choosing the length of your sleeping bag is to minimise the amount of air space around your body. This reduces the amount of air you need to heat up and keep warm. The closer the fit, the warmer the bag will be. A bag that is too long means you will be wasting energy warming up the empty air around your feet. This is inefficient, and it also means you are carrying unnecessary weight.
The length of your sleeping bag is the most important factor when it comes to sizing. It is recommended that you opt for the shortest length sleeping bag that fits you. This will maximise the warmth around your feet and save weight. For three-season use, it is recommended to choose a bag length that most closely fits your height. If you are looking to keep the weight of your bag down, you should be able to size down comfortably into a regular length bag. If you are taller, say 6 feet, and want to be able to move around more freely, you can size up.
The shape of a sleeping bag also plays an important role in its thermal efficiency. While a roomy bag might feel more comfortable, you will lose some of the optimal heat retention that comes with a bag that fits close to your body. A bag that is too narrow, on the other hand, will compress the down in your sleeping bag, creating cold spots. The ideal bag strikes a balance between comfort, weight, and thermal efficiency.
The temperature you can expect to encounter on your excursion will also determine whether you need a longer or shorter bag. If you are using your bag in cooler temperatures, a longer bag will allow you to cover your head comfortably. In freezing temperatures, a longer bag can also be useful for keeping clothing, water, electronics, and boots warm. However, if thermal efficiency is your priority, a shorter bag will be more effective at retaining heat.
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The bag should be snug but not too tight
The shape of a sleeping bag plays a role in your comfort and thermal efficiency. A roomier bag may feel more comfortable, especially if you toss and turn at night, but you will lose some of the optimal heat retention that comes with a bag that fits close to your body. A bag that is too tight may also cause discomfort, especially if you are a restless sleeper.
The length of the bag is the most important factor when it comes to fitting a sleeping bag. Generally, you want to opt for the shortest length that fits you to minimise extra room and maximise warmth around your feet. If you are a cold sleeper, you may want to size up to allow for extra space to store temperature-sensitive items like electronics, fuel, water, clothing, or boot liners.
The shoulder girth of the bag is the circumference of the sleeping bag across the shoulders. Most men’s sleeping bags have a shoulder girth of 60 to 64 inches, while women’s sleeping bags are usually slightly narrower, ranging from 56 to 60 inches. The hip girth is the circumference of the bag across the hips, and this dimension 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, up to 60 inches, to accommodate wider hips.
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The shape of the bag affects warmth and comfort
The shape of a sleeping bag is an important consideration when choosing one to buy. The closer-fitting a bag is, the warmer it will be, as there is less air space to heat up and keep warm. A bag that fits too tightly, however, may be uncomfortable for some, and a bag that is too narrow will compress the down filling, creating cold spots. A bag that is too large will be less warm, as there is more air to heat, and the warmth will escape more easily when you move around.
The ideal bag should fit as closely as possible without compressing the down filling. The length of the bag is the most important factor, followed by the shoulder girth and hip girth. The length should match your height as closely as possible, and bags are usually available in regular and long sizes. A bag that is too short will be uncomfortable and cold, but a bag that is too long may also be undesirable, as it will be heavier and there will be more air to heat. If you are planning on using the bag in cold weather, a longer bag is preferable, as it will allow you to cover your head, and you can store extra gear in the footbox to keep it warm. If you are using the bag in warmer weather, a shorter bag will be preferable, as it will be lighter and there will be less air to heat.
The shoulder girth of a bag is the circumference of the bag across the shoulders. Most men's bags measure between 60 and 64 inches, and most women's bags measure between 56 and 60 inches. A bag with a shoulder girth of 60 inches will feel snug for most men, while a bag with a girth of 64 inches will feel roomy. The hip girth of a bag is the circumference of the bag across the hips. Most men's bags have a hip girth of around 58 inches, while women's bags are usually wider, measuring up to 60 inches. The easiest way to determine your preferred shoulder and hip girths is to test bags of different dimensions.
The hood of a sleeping bag also adds warmth by trapping heat that would otherwise escape from your head. A properly fitting hood will wrap comfortably and naturally around your head, without feeling too tight. Once cinched, it should move with your head as you roll from side to side.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of the sleeping bag you need depends on your height and the temperature you will be sleeping in. For three-season use, it is recommended to choose a bag length that most closely fits your height. If you are a cold sleeper, size up for extra warmth. If you are a warm sleeper, you can size down. For cold weather use, choose a length that gives you extra space to store temperature-sensitive items.
The better a sleeping bag fits, the warmer it will be. A bag that is too short will be uncomfortable and will not keep you warm. A bag that is too long will be less thermally efficient as you will need to warm up the extra space.
Men’s sleeping bags come in two standard lengths: regular (up to 6 feet in height) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches). A short version is sometimes available, which usually fits people up to 5 feet 6 inches. Women’s bags also come in regular and long, with the measurements varying slightly by brand and style, but usually up to 5 feet 4 inches and 5 feet 10 inches, respectively.
