Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag Size
Sleeping bag sizes are determined by length and width, with different shapes offering distinct advantages for various camping scenarios. A properly sized sleeping bag allows you to sleep comfortably without excess material that adds weight and bulk, while still providing enough room to move and turn during the night. The three main sleeping bag shapes are rectangular, mummy, and semi-rectangular, each with specific dimensions and use cases that affect warmth, weight, and comfort.
Length is the most critical dimension when selecting a sleeping bag. A bag that is too short forces your feet against the end, compressing insulation and creating cold spots. A bag that is too long has excess material at the foot that your body cannot warm efficiently, also reducing comfort in cold weather. Most manufacturers offer regular and long sizes, with regular fitting users up to 6 feet tall and long accommodating users up to 6 feet 6 inches. Some brands also make short or petite sizes for smaller adults and children.
History and Standards in Sleeping Bag Sizing
Modern sleeping bags evolved from wool blankets and quilts used by early campers and military personnel. The mummy bag shape was developed in the 1960s for mountaineering expeditions where weight and warmth were critical. Rectangular bags remained popular for car camping and casual use because they offer more room to move and can unzip fully to serve as blankets. The semi-rectangular or barrel shape emerged as a compromise, providing better thermal efficiency than rectangular bags while offering more shoulder and hip room than mummy bags.
Temperature rating standards were inconsistent for decades, with each manufacturer using different testing methods. The European Norm EN 13537 standard, introduced in 2005, established consistent testing for comfort, lower limit, and extreme ratings. In 2017, the international ISO 23537 standard replaced EN 13537, providing the same testing framework worldwide. These standards help consumers compare bags from different brands, though individual comfort varies based on metabolism, clothing, and sleeping pad insulation.
Common Sleeping Bag Sizes Explained
A rectangular sleeping bag in regular size measures approximately 75 inches long and 33 inches wide at the shoulders, offering generous room for side sleepers and restless sleepers. These bags typically weigh 3 to 5 pounds and pack to about 14 by 8 inches, making them suitable for car camping but too bulky for backpacking. Double rectangular bags measure 60 inches wide and accommodate two people, though most couples find separate bags more practical for different temperature preferences.
A mummy bag in regular size measures about 72 inches long with a shoulder width of 26 inches, tapering to a narrow foot box around 16 inches wide. This shape minimizes weight and packed size while maximizing warmth by reducing the interior air volume that your body must heat. Mummy bags designed for backpacking weigh 1.5 to 3 pounds and compress to 8 by 6 inches or smaller. Long mummy bags add 6 inches of length and slightly more width, typically weighing an additional 4 to 8 ounces.
Semi-rectangular bags split the difference with regular sizes around 75 inches long and 30 inches wide at the shoulders, tapering moderately to the feet. These bags weigh 2.5 to 4 pounds and pack to about 11 by 7 inches, making them viable for backpacking when weight is not the primary concern. This shape is popular for three season camping where comfort matters but extreme weight savings are not necessary.
How to Choose the Right Sleeping Bag Size
Start by measuring your height and adding 6 to 10 inches for a comfortable fit. If you are 5 feet 10 inches tall, a 6 foot or 72 inch bag is the minimum length, but a 75 to 78 inch bag provides better comfort and room for a pillow inside the hood. Taller individuals should prioritize long sizes even if they fit technically in regular bags, as the extra length prevents compressed insulation at the feet.
Consider your sleeping position and whether you move frequently during sleep. Side sleepers and active sleepers benefit from wider bags like rectangular or semi-rectangular styles, while back sleepers who remain still can use narrower mummy bags without feeling confined. If you tend to sleep cold, choose a bag with less interior volume to warm up faster, but if you sleep hot, opt for a roomier bag with better ventilation features like a two way zipper.
Size Comparisons and Practical Differences
The difference between regular and long sleeping bags is usually 6 inches in length and 1 to 2 inches in shoulder width, which adds 4 to 8 ounces of weight and increases packed size by about 10 percent. This trade off is worthwhile for tall users but unnecessary for average height campers. A short or petite bag saves similar weight and bulk for users under 5 feet 6 inches, though these sizes are less commonly available.
Width variations have a larger impact than many campers realize. A mummy bag with 26 inch shoulder width feels snug and restrictive if you are broad shouldered or prefer to sleep with arms crossed, while a 30 inch semi-rectangular bag provides noticeable freedom of movement. A 33 inch rectangular bag allows turning side to side easily and accommodates thick clothing layers for winter camping. Each 2 inches of additional width adds roughly 6 to 10 ounces and increases the air volume that your body must warm.
Regional Variations and Seasonal Considerations
Temperature ratings guide sleeping bag selection based on climate and season. A summer bag rated to 35 degrees Fahrenheit works for warm weather camping but lacks insulation for spring and fall nights that drop below freezing. A three season bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit handles most conditions from late spring through early fall in temperate climates. Cold weather and winter bags rated to 0 degrees or below are necessary for winter camping and high altitude expeditions.
Insulation type affects size and performance. Down insulation provides the best warmth to weight ratio and compresses smaller than synthetic insulation, making it ideal for backpacking. A 20 degree down bag might weigh 2 pounds and pack to 7 by 5 inches, while a synthetic bag with the same rating weighs 3 pounds and packs to 10 by 7 inches. Synthetic insulation costs less and retains warmth when wet, making it better for humid climates and paddling trips where bags might get damp.
Practical Tips for Sleeping Bag Size Selection
Try on sleeping bags in a store if possible, lying down fully and checking whether your feet reach the end and whether your shoulders feel constricted. Wear the clothing you plan to sleep in, as thick layers require additional bag width. Bring your sleeping pad to test compatibility, especially with mummy bags that have narrow foot boxes that might not accommodate wide pads.
Check the hood design and adjustability, as a properly fitted hood seals around your head to prevent heat loss. The hood should cinch snugly without gaps but not press against your face. Women specific sleeping bags have shorter lengths, wider hips, narrower shoulders, and extra insulation in the foot box to match typical body proportions and metabolism differences. These bags provide better fit and warmth for most women compared to unisex designs. Finally, consider that sleeping bag dimensions are interior measurements, so add a few inches to account for insulation loft when comparing sizes to your sleeping pad or tent floor area. A well chosen sleeping bag size enhances sleep quality and ensures you stay warm and comfortable through the night.