Colin Snow
When it comes to choosing the right size of sleeping bag, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the length of the bag should be suitable for your height, with options typically including “regular” and “long” sizes. The bag should be long enough to accommodate your full height without compressing the insulation at the head or foot of the bag, as this can reduce warmth. However, a bag that is too long can also lead to wasted space and reduced thermal efficiency. Secondly, consider the shoulder girth, or the circumference of the bag across the shoulders, which affects comfort and warmth. Similarly, the hip girth, or the circumference of the bag across the hips, is an important consideration, especially when choosing between men's and women's sleeping bags. Finally, the shape of the sleeping bag, such as rectangular or mummy-style, will impact both comfort and thermal efficiency. A wider bag provides more room to move around but may sacrifice warmth, while a bag that is too narrow can restrict movement and cause discomfort. It's important to find a balance between comfort, weight, and thermal efficiency when selecting the right size of sleeping bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | Choose a length that fits your height as closely as possible. Men’s sleeping bags come in two standard lengths: regular (up to 6 feet) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches). |
| Shoulder girth | The circumference of the sleeping bag across the shoulders. Try out several bags to find the best balance between comfort and warmth. |
| Hip girth | The circumference of the sleeping bag across the hips. Men’s bags are usually around 58 inches, while women’s bags can be up to 60 inches to accommodate wider hips. Try out different models to find your preferred hip girth. |
| Weight | The weight of a sleeping bag depends on its insulation and shape. More efficient insulations deliver greater warmth for less weight. Lighter bags are crucial for alpine objectives to minimize pack weight and space. |
| Temperature rating | Choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating suited to your intended use. |
| Insulation type | Synthetic insulation is more affordable and performs better in wet conditions, but it may be bulkier and heavier than down. Advanced synthetics and high-fill-power downs deliver greater warmth for less weight. |
| Shape | The shape affects comfort and thermal efficiency. Wider bags offer more room to move around but may be less warm. Mummy bags are the lightest traditional sleeping bags, but they may be too tight for some people. |
| Additional features | Features such as hoods, stash pockets, and anti-snag zippers can improve comfort and functionality. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag length
The length of a sleeping bag is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing one. The general rule is to choose the shortest sleeping bag that fits your height without compressing the insulation at the head or foot of the bag. This will help to maximise warmth by minimising extra space around your feet. However, if you plan to store extra gear or clothing in your sleeping bag, you may want to size up.
The weight and bulkiness of a sleeping bag are also influenced by its length. Longer and wider bags tend to be heavier, which is an important consideration if you plan to haul your bag around in a pack. In contrast, ultralight sleeping bags are often thin and made of lightweight materials like nylon, which is cooler and dries faster in warm or humid weather.
The intended use of the sleeping bag will also determine the appropriate length. For three-season use, a bag length that closely fits your height is recommended. However, in cold weather, a longer bag may be preferable to accommodate temperature-sensitive items. Additionally, if you are a restless sleeper, a roomier bag may be more comfortable, even if it sacrifices some warmth.
Finally, it is worth noting that sleeping bag dimensions vary based on whether they are designed for men or women. Men's sleeping bags typically come in regular (up to 6 feet) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches) lengths, while women's bags are generally shorter, narrower at the shoulders, and wider at the hips to accommodate the average woman's contours.
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Sleeping bag shape
The shape of a sleeping bag is an important factor in determining its thermal efficiency and overall comfort. The bag's shape also influences its weight, which is a crucial consideration for backpacking trips.
Rectangular sleeping bags are a popular option for recreational camping. They can be fully unzipped and used as blankets, or zipped together with another rectangular bag to create a double bag, ideal for couples. However, these bags are often heavier and bulkier, making them less suitable for backpacking or hiking.
Mummy bags are the lightest traditional sleeping bags. They are designed to fit close to the body, maximising heat retention. However, they may be too confining for some people, especially those who move around a lot in their sleep. Additionally, a mummy bag that is too tight will restrict airflow, impacting the bag's performance.
Semi-rectangular bags offer a middle ground between mummy bags and rectangular bags. They are designed to save weight without compromising comfort. For example, the NEMO Spoon bag features an hourglass shape that accommodates side sleepers' knees.
Quilts are a newer option for backcountry sleep systems. They recognise that the filling in the bottom of a traditional sleeping bag gets compressed and loses its insulating properties when someone lies on it. Therefore, quilts only provide insulation on top.
When choosing a sleeping bag shape, it is essential to consider the intended use. For activities like mountaineering or backpacking, a lightweight and compact sleeping bag is crucial. In contrast, comfort and affordability may be more important factors for car camping or front-country camping.
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Sleeping bag insulation
Sleeping bags are available with different types of insulation, and the type you choose will depend on the conditions in which you plan to use it. The insulation type is the primary factor in the size of a sleeping bag when it is packed into its stuff sack.
Down insulation comes from the underbelly of ducks and geese and is a natural insulation layer that sits underneath their protective outer feathers. Down has the highest warmth-to-weight ratio and is very compressible, but it requires more maintenance and can get wet and lose its insulating properties. The quality of down is measured by its loft or "fluffiness", which is the amount of space each down filament takes up. The higher the loft, the higher the quality of down. High-fill-power down has a better warmth-to-weight ratio and will be more compressible.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made of polyester, which looks similar to cotton candy. Synthetic insulation is usually cheaper and easier to care for than down. It works when wet and is more breathable, making it more forgiving in extreme temperatures. However, synthetic insulation can be heavy and hard to compress. Branded synthetics, such as Thermolite®, retain their loft for longer than generic synthetics. The construction of synthetic insulation also affects its performance, with basic bags using flat layers of insulation and higher-quality bags using layers sewn diagonally over one another, which is called "shingling". Sea to Summit bags feature a unique construction called WaveLoft™ that creates curves of insulation to trap extra air.
Hybrid insulation blends high-quality down with loose-fill synthetic insulation. This type of insulation combines the ultralight warmth of down with the moisture resistance of synthetic materials. Hybrid sleeping bags can get wet and will still stay lofted, ensuring that you have a warm sleeping bag at the end of your trip.
The shape of a sleeping bag also affects its thermal efficiency. A bag that is too wide will reduce optimal heat retention, while a bag that is too narrow will compress the insulation, creating cold spots. A sleeping bag with a length that closely fits your height will help ensure that you are not wasting energy warming empty air, keeping your head and feet warm. If you need to stash extra gear in the footbox, size up.
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Sleeping bag temperature rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag. The temperature rating indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. Sleeping bag temperature ratings are typically assigned by independent test labs, which use standardised tests to determine the rating. The most common standards are the EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Standards Organization) ratings. These ratings provide a useful way to compare sleeping bags from different brands.
It's important to note that temperature ratings are estimates and not precise measurements. The tests used to assign temperature ratings simulate how a sleeping bag is used, with a test dummy dressed in base layers placed inside the bag. However, these tests cannot account for individual variations, such as differences in body type, clothing, gear, and sleeping habits. Therefore, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing a sleeping bag.
There are typically three rating categories: international standards from EN or ISO, trustworthy homebrew ratings from smaller companies, and ratings from untrustworthy companies that may cheat the system. The EN and ISO standards include the Upper Limit, Comfort, and Lower Limit ratings. The Upper Limit rating indicates the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration, with the hood and zippers open. The Comfort rating, typically used for women's bags, indicates the temperature at which a standard female can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position. The Lower Limit rating, typically used for men's bags, indicates the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
When choosing a sleeping bag based on temperature ratings, it's recommended to consider the coldest conditions you anticipate and select a bag that will keep you warm at or below that temperature. It's also a good idea to choose a bag with a comfort rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to ensure you stay warm. Additionally, consider the shape and size of the bag, as a bag that fits close to your body will retain heat better than a wider bag.
Finally, it's worth noting that sleeping bags with higher temperature ratings, such as those designed for extreme cold, may not carry EN or ISO ratings. These bags are tested using different methods, and it's essential to trust the manufacturer's ratings and reviews when choosing a bag for extreme conditions.
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Sleeping bag weight
The weight of a sleeping bag is an important factor to consider when choosing one, especially if you are going backpacking or hiking. The weight of a sleeping bag is determined by its insulation and shape.
The type of insulation is the primary factor in determining the size of a sleeping bag when it is in its stuff sack. More efficient insulations, like advanced synthetics and high-fill-power downs, deliver greater warmth for less weight. Down insulation is the lightest insulator, but it is more expensive. Synthetic bags are a good option if you don't mind carrying a little extra weight, as they are more affordable and insulate better when wet.
The shape of a sleeping bag also impacts its weight. A bag that is too wide will not retain heat efficiently, whereas a bag that is too narrow will compress the down, creating cold spots. A bag that is just big enough to fit your height without compressing any down in the footbox or hood will help ensure you are not wasting energy warming empty air.
If you are looking for a sleeping bag for freezing temperatures, you may want to size up to make room for extra clothing, water, electronics, or boots. However, this will increase the weight of your bag. If you are looking for a three-season bag, you can likely size down to save weight.
Some other ways to save weight include using a quilt instead of a traditional sleeping bag, as this will save insulation weight from being squished underneath your body. You can also look for bags with a streamlined shape and light and lofty down insulation to minimize heat loss.
It is important to consider the trade-off between a bag's warmth and its weight. The warmer the bag, the heavier and bigger it will likely be. A good target for a three-season bag is around 3 lbs with a temperature rating of 20°F or EN Comfort 32°F. This will cost around $200 and is a good compromise between weight and warmth.
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Frequently asked questions
The size of your sleeping bag depends on several factors, including your height, the weather, and the type of camping you plan to do. Generally, you want to opt for the shortest length sleeping bag that fits you to maximize warmth. Men’s sleeping bags typically come in two standard lengths: regular (up to 6 feet) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches). Women's sleeping bags are usually shorter, with more room at the hips. If you're camping in the mountains, you'll want a bag with good heat retention, but if you're camping in warm weather, you'll want a bag that remains cool and dries quickly.
If you're backpacking, you'll want a sleeping bag that's lightweight and easy to carry in your pack. The weight and shape of your sleeping bag depend on its insulation and temperature rating. More efficient insulations, like advanced synthetics, deliver greater warmth for less weight. Mummy bags are the lightest traditional sleeping bags, but they may be too tight for some people.
For mountaineering, you'll want a lightweight and compressible sleeping bag that's easy to haul around. Sleeping bags for mountaineering are often made of thin, ultralight nylon fabric to minimize pack weight and space. They also typically have a waterproof or breathable membrane to deal with condensation.
For couples' camping, you can get a double bag designed for two sleepers, which is the most efficient way to keep warm. Rectangular sleeping bags can also be zipped together to create a double bag. Just make sure the zippers are compatible—one bag should have a left-hand zip, and the other should have a right-hand zip.
