Category: Sleeping Bag

Best sleeping bag: The best sleeping bags from $30

The right sleeping bag should offer the perfect blend of cosiness and warmth for a good night’s sleep. Here’s our pick of the best.

Whether you want a sleeping bag for backpacking in the Himalayas or for rather tamer caravan trips in the UK, you’ll need to find the right one to ensure a decent night’s kip. Perhaps you only need one for occasional use at this year’s festivals – or maybe you want a stand-out double one to share with your significant other in the great outdoors.

Should you buy down or synthetic? Right or left hand zip? Rectangular or mummy shape? And then there’s the price tag, which can range from just a few quid up to over a grand. Whatever your needs, we’ve got it covered – not only in terms of which features to look out for, but our top recommendations.

How to buy the best sleeping bag for you

How do I choose the right season and temperature ratings?
To help quickly compare sleeping bags, they are roughly classified by season ratings one to four. Season one bags are made for summer camping, when the weather is mild, as well as for indoor use. Season two bags are ideal for late spring to early autumn temperatures. Season three bags are made for autumn and winter weather but not frost. And season four bags are designed to keep you toasty on cold, frosty and even snowy winter nights.

Meanwhile, temperature ratings are split into the ‘comfort’ rating and the ‘extreme’ temperature. The former is the optimum temperature at which you’ll feel warm and comfortable – meaning that if the bag is used in temperatures below that rating, you’ll probably get cold. The ‘extreme’ temperature rating (on more technical bags) refers to survival conditions – in other words, the limit at which the bag will keep you alive without frostbite and suchlike.

But don’t just think about the air temperature. Also consider how much you personally feel the cold, what clothing you intend to sleep in and what will be underneath you. In particular, remember the inner bag – not only does it add about half a season to the rating (too hot in summer? simply use the inner bag on its own), but it also keeps your sleeping bag clean and easier to wash, thereby increasing your bag’s lifespan and hygiene. If in doubt, go for a warmer sleeping bag than you think you’ll need – and that goes particularly for women, who tend to feel the cold more than men.

What about size, weight and shape?
If you’re only ever going to transport your sleeping bag in the spacious boot of your 4X4, you may not mind if your sleeping bag is on the bulkier, heavier side. But if you’ve got to backpack around the mountains with it, a tiny, lightweight option may be more tempting. In this case, be sure to check the packed size and weight.

In terms of shape, traditional sleeping bags are rectangular, with a zip that goes round two sides. The benefits of these are that they’re spacious and can be opened up to use as a blanket. But on the downside they don’t tend to retain the heat all that well – meaning that they’re best suited to caravanning, summer camping and indoor use, while mummy-shaped ones are better for more serious camping and people who feel the cold. Mummy-shaped ones also tend to weigh less.

How about the materials?
Down is the best filling for warmth-to-weight ratio, heat retention and temperature range – meaning that you can use it in both warm and cold conditions. Sleeping bags made from down also tend to last longer and are easier to pack up in small bags.

While synthetically insulated sleeping bags are usually heavier and bulkier, they are generally better at keeping you warmer when it’s wet or humid – as well as drying out quicker – and they are easier to clean and generally a good deal cheaper. And for people who are allergic to down, synthetic will be their only choice.

What do I need to consider about the zip?
Is the zip in the most practical place and does it work smoothly without sticking? Do you want it to be left or right hand opening (if you’re right handed, choose a left-hand bag and vice versa – and if you’re buying two that may need to connect together, buy one of each)? Do you need a two-way zip (good for easy opening when you need ventilation)? And do you want the zip to be full-length or only go half-way? Some bags have an insulated zip baffle behind the zip, which will stop the cold getting in, while others have a zip cover to stop it coming undone while you’re asleep.

The best sleeping bags to buy

1. Snugpak Softie 9: The best all-round sleeping bag

This is the most versatile sleeping bag – that doesn’t cost a bomb – which we have come across. While officially three-season, you can easily transform it into a four-season one by adding a Snugpak liner (available separately) and you can also make it bigger by buying Snugpak expander panels. It’s got a reinforced foot that means you can sleep with your boots on – good for nights when you need to be on guard or get up at a moment’s notice. The hood with drawstring works wonders for warmth and Snugpak throws in a free pillow (only with the lime green version though) if the hood doesn’t suffice for supporting your head. We were also impressed with the quality of the stitching – a problem with many sleeping bags at this price.

Key specs – Type: 3 season; Comfort temperature: -5°c; Extreme temperature: -10°c; Filling: 100% polyester; Weight: 1.5kg; Pack size: 19 x 21cm; Warranty: 1 year

2. Urban Escape Mummy Sleeping Bag: The best sleeping bag for festivals

If you want a no-frills, budget sleeping bag for under £15 that won’t fall to pieces after just one summer and will keep you cosy but not clammy, then this gets a big thumbs up from us. Unlike many in this price range, it’s double layered with decent stitching and the hood (which you can tighten using the drawstring) will help keep you warm, as well as adding some cushioning under your head. The internal security pocket is a nifty feature that will keep your valuables safe – a boon at festivals – and the zip isn’t prone to snagging. But give yourself a bit of time to fit it back in the bag after use, and don’t expect it to be much cop on very cold nights.

Key specs – Type: 2-3 Season; Comfort temperature: Not stated; Filling: 60% siliconized hollowfibre filling, 40% monofibre filling; Weight: 1.7kg; Pack size: Not stated, Sleeping size: 230 x 80cm; Warranty: 1 year

3. Rab Neutrino 800: The best sleeping bag for serious backpacking

This is the daddy of all sleeping bags, in our opinion – but with this price-tag, you’ll have to be a seasoned traveller to even think about buying it. Remarkably lightweight, given the warmth it brings on the coldest of nights (we’re talking -20° C), the goose down filling is also nice and lofty – an extremely welcome feature at the end of hard day’s walking. The zips glide like a knife through butter, never sticking, and we also like the internal collar at the base of the hood and hood draw cord – both handy for extra warmth when required. Whether you’re climbing mountains or trekking through the Rockies, you can say goodbye to cold spots at night and hello to a feeling of duvet-like snugness that will leave you fresh as a daisy the following morning, when you can also compress your bag with notable ease. Oh and the Polygiene odour control treatment works a treat too – for which anyone sharing your tent may be particularly grateful.

Key specs – Type: 4 season; Extreme temperature: -20° C; Filling: 800FP European Goose Down / Rab® fluorocarbon free Hydrophobic Down; Weight: 1.22kg; Pack size: 24 x 33cm; Warranty: Lifetime

4. Outwell Cardinal Double: The best double sleeping bag

In days gone by, a double sleeping bag usually meant zipping together two single ones, often fumbling about in the dark cursing the snagging zips that would never seem to marry up. Today, there’s all manner of genuinely double options that feel almost as roomy as your double duvet back at home. This one will set you back a bit more than many, but it even feels like a duvet, thanks to the soft-touch polyester microfibre shell with polycotton lining, lofty filling and zip-less front entry point with duvet cover. We also love the built-in pillows and foot zip in case you get hot and sticky on warmer nights. And while we were dreading trying to fit so much fabric into the compression bag, we found it surprisingly easy.

Key specs – Type: 3 season; Comfort temperature: 7℃; Extreme temperature: -12℃; Filling: Isofill Premium; Weight: 4.6kg; Pack size: 52 x 52 x 26cm; Warranty: 2 years

5. Robens Pamir 250: The best lightweight sleeping bag

You’ll hardly know you’re even carrying this around, thanks to it being ultralight and extremely compressed when in its storage sack. As such, it’s a fabulous sleeping bag for fast action summer outdoor adventures, without compromising on quality. Indeed, it boasts a soft, light and strong shell, along with nylon taffeta lining for comfort and a luxurious duck down filling – as well as full-length insulated zip baffle for extra warmth. Features that help keep it light include the auto-lock half-way centre zip (which still allows easy access) and tapered profile down in the leg area (which also helps improve insulation). And although the sleeping bag itself is less efficient in wet weather, the roll-top carry bag will protect the down in transit. It should last you a very long time too.

Key specs – Type: 1-2 season; Comfort temperature: 11℃; Extreme temperature: -6℃; Filling: 90% down, 10% feathers (700FP); Weight: 590g; Pack size: 30 x 14cm; Warranty: 2 years

REI Co-op Joule Women’s 3-season Mummy Sleeping Bag Review

This REI Co-op Joule Women’s Sleeping Bag has a dry weight of 2 pounds, 2 ounces for the “regular” length. Extreme backpackers will be scandalized by this heaviness!

A sleeping bag equipment review must be for the best features and the delights of this important piece of hiking.
And it does not hurt when there is someone who has money for the sleeping bag with her hard earned money and then threw it in a backpack for weeks of outdoor adventure.

If you agree with this assessment of a trustworthy sleeping bag equipment, they are right with us!

in stuff sacks (Grey Mist)

 

After a thorough research of my options, I settled on the REI Co-op Joule Women’s 3-Season Mummy Sleeping Bag.

As always, I simply share knowledge about trails with all those who need it in this review of sleeping bags.

If you are a geek of science, you will notice that the name “joule” is a nod to a unit of energy dissipated as heat. Subliminal advertising, perhaps? That made me laugh!
If the intelligent name is passed in front of you, do not be afraid. There are many other ways to understand what is important in this review of sleeping bags.

Let’s start.

Antisnag zipper and contoured hood (Grey Mist)

 

How warm is it?

I guess heat is your first choice in a sleeping bag. This is the first thing I want to know when I read a review of the sleeping bag gear.

Why do I calculate the “top importance” of heat?

After a long day on the trail, you have to sleep deeply to face the trail again in the morning.

Throwing and rotating and shaking in a cold sleeping bag is not an option.
That’s why I searched for a bag that was rated “three seasons”. Embracing in a hot sleeping bag toast from spring to fall is one of my top priorities as a backpacker.

This REI Co-op Joule Sleeping Bag is rated at 23F (European Standard) which is -5C, but I warn you to accept any number of sleeping bag layer with a bit of skepticism.

Why?

Because your conditions might be a little different from the test conditions.

If you sleep in wet and cold conditions, the bag might not work as well as when the wind does not blow.
If you bring back in the wet and exhausted bag, your central temperature might not be the task of completely warming the bag.

In addition, women’s bags are valued differently than men’s bags, and at different stages of life, women run “warmer” (menopause or pregnancy) or “colder” than women who have tested the bags.

Bottom line: add a few degrees to the temperature index, somewhere around 28 degrees F (or 32F, freezing, just to be extra safe).

If you know that you only camping in dry and dry conditions, do not bother with this bag – this is an excessive victim.

The bag is uniquely constructed to ensure you will have a cool night:

Style “Mom”, ie conical across the torso and legs, wider at the top; this traps the heat against your body and does not waste the body heat by warming up the “empty” space;
Coated duck (fill 700) to create “loft” – think of it as waterproof insulating spaces;
Vertical and horizontal defects for thermal efficiency. This creates a feeling of “wrapped in a blanket” that I love.
The water-repellent 700-fill-power duck in this sleeping bag really does the trick!
Winter flood with snow piled on rocks like fluffy pillows
The Joule sleeping bag is not designed to withstand winter conditions.

 

How heavy & bulky is it?

Every sleeping bag alarm clock must respond to this important hiking problem.

After heat, weight is the most serious concern.

Lugging along a very heavy but warm sleeping bag is a mistake, I see a lot of women. You have to find a balance between the weight and the heat that suits you.

This REI Co-op Joule Women’s Sleeping Bag has a dry weight of 2 pounds, 2 ounces for the “regular” length. Extreme backpackers will be scandalized by this heaviness!

There are other sleeping bags that are lighter, so if you need ultra-light hiking equipment, do not look at this bag.

Also, if you are a really small woman, the normal length could be too much for you. At 5’3 “, I find it just for my needs because the extra fabric is used to cushion my legs and feet while I sleep.

This bag does not pay extremely small – about 6 liters.

However, using this compression bag and good planning, it moves well in my package without accumulating too much space.

I can live with weight-vs- heat exchange, for sure.

 

How comfortable is it?

The REI Co-op Joule Women’s 3-Season Mummy Sleeping Bag is lined with ripstop nylon.

I have really come to appreciate nylon ripstop during my hiking career, and here it is especially valuable to prevent tears and nicks in the fabric.

Why? Because feather loss will degrade the bag’s ability to keep you warm.

In a tent it is almost impossible to avoid sharp edges, grain, roots of trees and rocks, so a durable fabric is really important.
But again, there is always tape!
The outside of the bag is nylon taffeta. It’s a bit on the slippery side, makes rustle sounds when you move, and maybe not play well with your sleeping cushion.

However, in a small tent, where are you going to slip?
And will not you have a symphony of sounds to enjoy the outside of the tent? Hooting owls, rushing streams, whispering wind … or the force of the wind rage (ha!).
There are waterproof fabric panels that are “breathable”, which is a good way to allow moisture to come out of the bag without accumulating on your body.

They were placed lower in areas where women are the cooler, following the design of “wider frames and narrower shoulders” that mark a woman’s sleeping bag.

I had no problem falling asleep in this bag.

I am a lateral sleeper when I first drift, a sleeper in the middle of the night. I’m not sure how a stomach sleeper would be good.
The right zipper was in the right place for a quick exit. It has not yet blocked!

I bring it because, sitting with a muffled zipper in a cold tent, trying to undress it by a projector, is NOT FUN.
The hood is a nice feature because even though I sleep in a fleece hat (unless it’s really, really warm on the outside), I like the option of added softness and warmth around my neck.

Another idea: knit additional clothes into the hood, like a pillow.

Differentiated hood and neck drawcords (Grey Mist)

The pivotal question for a sleeping bag gear review:

What price is it?

This is where things take an interesting turn in this review of sleeping bags.

The price is a mobile target for a hiker:

A beginner hiker is all about the price: the cheapest price usually wins.
But more miles connect you on the trail, and the longer the rains you sit in your sleeping bag in your loyal tent, the longer you enjoy a long-term relationship with your hiking gear.
Cheap = fast decision and short life.

Paying more is a commitment to your comfort and safety, as well as your investment in assuming the equipment.

If you will only be a few hikes that require a sleeping bag, buy a cheaper bag.
But if you are looking for a bag that will withstand many years of difficult use, this bag is the case.

 

How reliable is it?

A sleeping bag should keep you warm and provide a good environment for sleeping.

This bag achieved both goals, even when the weather was stormy and the inside of the tent was soggy. No trembling for me!

The “coated polymer” filler appeared to stand against wet cooling and accidental water spills (Hey! You are trying to pour cold water from your metal water bottle into your mouth in the middle of the night without Moon).

The waterproof exterior was greatly appreciated when I found myself wound up against the diving wall with rain.

Transporting the equipment from the rain quickly decreases the tent real estate!
Like muddy and wet boots near the door.

 

Sleeping Bag Gear Review:

Image result for REI Co-op Joule Sleeping Bag

I recommend this REI Co-op Joule Sleeping Bag for you if you:

  • plan three season hiking trips where moisture is a given,
  • don’t count every last ounce of weight,
  • are an average sized woman, and
  • appreciate sleeping warm without having to wear lots of layers.

Loving the color pink is a bonus!

Remember, you sleep with your eyes closed 🙂

5 Best Budget Sleeping Bag For Autumn Camping

A sleeping bag can mean the difference between a happy comfort or a long and unhappy night. It can even help you avoid deadly hypothermia if you are cold and wet when in outdoors.

Follow these tips to choose the best backpacking budget sleeping bag for your next adventure and check out your favorite designs.

 

KNOW YOURSELF

If you are warm-natured, get a budget sleeping bag rated about 10 degrees lower than the lowest temperatures you typically encounter on your camping. If you are cold-natured, get a budget sleeping bag rated 20 to 25 degrees lower than the coldest nights you hope.

KNOW YOUR BUDGET FOR THE SLEEPING BAG

Sleeping bag prices can vary from $50 to $500, it depends on some elements such as:

 

INSULATION

There are two main types of insulation: down, which is natural, and synthetic, which is man-made. Generally, the down sleeping bag is warmer, lighter and easier to pack, but it’s more expensive and requires extra care. The biggest downside to down is that it loses its ability to keep you warm if it becomes wet.

Synthetic insulation is less expensive than the down sleeping bag, requires little care and retains its warmth if the bag gets wet. Synthetic sleeping bags are heavier than downs, but they remain the best choice for routinely wet adventures.

To blur the line, you can now buy water-resistant down, which retains its ability to trap heat when wet. Still, even saturated water-resistant down loses some of its ability to trap heat, and you might have trouble drying out any bag in prolonged wet weather.

If you might get wet, don’t bring a down sleeping bag – it loses its warmth and dries really slowly. Use down when you’ll definitely be covered and make sure your bag is wrapped carefully when you are carrying it in your pack – in case it rains while you’re on your way to your destination! That said, down rules. Much lighter and smaller than synthetic.

For Choosing your hiking sleeping bag: down or synthetic, please check here.

One neat idea is to buy a $40 silk down mummy bag liner. The thing adds 10 degrees to your existing bag and it means you can make a summer bag into a fall bag. The silk liner is only about as big as two teenagers fists and weights very little. It also keeps your sleeping bag cleaner as it is totally washable.

Kelty Dualist 20 (Starting at $139.95, kelty.com): This hybrid-insulation mummy delivers big value for its small price. It combines 550-fill water resistant down as an outer layer of insulation with synthetic insulation next to your body. This helps keep the bag lightweight while still trapping heat when wet. It is, however, heavier and bulkier than more expensive bags. Available in two lengths. 3 lbs., 3 oz.; rated 33° F (comfort) to 22° F (limit)

 

WEIGHT

This matters when you’re outdoor camping, but not so much when you’re RV car. Lighter, higher-quality insulation costs more, but you can trim weight and bulk simply by buying the best bag on a budget for the conditions. You can see my another article about Sleeping Bags under 3 lbs in 2017.

 

TEMPERATURE RATING (What’s the Mean of Temperature Ranges of A Sleeping Bag?)

You’ll notice labels with ratings like -10 degrees or +30 degrees, which tell you the lowest temperature at which most people will be comfortable cold weather sleeping in that particular bag. Price is affected by both the quality and amount of insulation, so the price goes up as rating goes down.

Our inside troop joke is that your bag temperature rating is the temperature the manufacturer states you won’t freeze to death. I recommend a bag liner for any bag; increases the rating another 10 degrees or so.

 

SHAPE

Image result for sleeping bag shape

QUILTS VS MUMMY BAGS – Down quilts have steadily gained in popularity over the past few years, especially among ultralight backpackers. The reasoning is simple: down quilts provide the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any backcountry sleep system. They do this by cutting out the ineffective down that’s normally compressed under your body in a mummy bag. With a quilt, you’ll sleep directly on your pad and it feels similar to a down comforter. Quilts don’t have hoods, so it’s important to pack a warm hat or hooded clothing (puffy coat) for chilly evenings. Most quilts have pad attachment straps to help hold in heat, but mummy bags work better in cold/windy conditions because they’re less drafty. I prefer the flexibility, weight, and comfort of quilts when nighttime temperatures are above freezing (32°F) and mummy bags when temps dip below freezing.

 

CONSTRUCTION

Less expensive — yet lightweight — bags have sewn-through baffles, which can create cold spots along seams. Higher-quality horizontal baffles are typically warmer. Other high-quality construction upgrades include a draft tube (along with the zipper), a collar (inside the hood) and a no-snag zipper guard.

It is my belief that every person (not just Scouts) should have a best budget backpacking sleeping bag for the money that goes down to 0 degrees. If it is too warm, you can just unzip it a little. Sooner or later, you will need that lowest temperature rating, and your life may depend on it. The lower the rating, the more days of the year that you can go camping later. I consider a

The lower the rating, the more days of the year that you can go camping later. I consider a 40-degree bag is just about useless. It gives you a false sense of security but still costs money. Also, you can add quite a bit of warmth by wearing an oversized hooded sweatshirt or a ski-cap at night.

You need to keep your head and neck warm to be able to go to sleep. Mummy bags will definitely keep you warmer, you just have to get used to the restricted area around your feet and the bag closing in around your face. Get a bag that is a little extra long and it feels a lot better. I couldn’t care less about a light-weight sleeping bag or a highly compressible sleeping bag. About 99% of the camping is done within 50′ of a car. Warmth is the most important thing.

Get what you can afford for the best budget sleeping bag. You can still get outside with an inexpensive bag — which is what’s most important, right? If and when you have the dough for a budget sleeping bag for the money, your wilderness adventures will be a little more luxurious.

 

CARING FOR YOUR BAG

Properly cared for, a good sleeping bag can last 10 to 20 years. Body oils can compromise insulation, so you should always sleep in clean base layers. Post-trip, hang the bag to dry for a day or two, and then place it in a big storage sack and keep in a dry place. If your bag gets really dirty or starts losing loft, follow manufacturer instructions for washing it. I have wrote the article about washing a down sleeping bagand sleeping bag repair.

 

 

10 Best Budget Sleeping Bag

 

1. Coleman North Rim Extreme Weather Sleeping Bag ($48.41 on Amazon)

As Coleman says,  it sleep comfortably, even when it’s 0° F outside, in the Coleman North Rim Mummy Sleeping Bag with a polyester rip-stop cover and polyester lining. It’s designed to keep you warm from top to bottom. The drawstring-adjustable hood surrounds your head to keep you warm. A special quilting construction eliminates potential cold spots. The full-length draft tube blocks heat loss through the zipper, and a box-shaped foot gives you extra room to move your feet. When you’re done, it’s easy to put it away in the stuff sack. The North Rim Adult Mummy Sleeping Bag fits heights up to 6 ft. 2 in. and is machine washable.

Product Features

– For temperatures 0° F to 10° F.

– Designed for heights up to 6 ft. 2 in.

– Polyester rip-stop cover and polyester lining.

– Box-shaped foot for added room to move.

– Semi-sculpted drawstring-adjustable hood helps lock in heat.

– Quilting construction eliminates potential cold spots.

– Thermolock full-length draft tube prevents heat loss through the zipper.

– Two-way no-snag patented zipper plows fabric away from the zipper.

– Unzip the bottom for extra ventilation on warmer nights.

– Stuff sack for quick and easy storage.

– 5-year limited warranty.

Reviews

On my first camping trip with this bag, the low temperature during the night was supposed to be around 40 degrees. As this is supposed to be a 0-degree bag, I thought I would test how warm it is by not wearing any warm clothing to bed. I got a little cold during the night, but I warmed back up once I pulled the drawstrings tight. I really like that there are two separate drawstrings–one right below your neck to keep most of your body warmth in, and a second around the hood to keep your head warm. I haven’t had a chance to use the Coleman North Rim Mummy Sleeping Bag again yet, but I imagine you could keep pretty warm in colder temperatures (maybe not quite 0 degrees), especially if you actually wear something warm to bed. I know people complain about the difficulty of packing up mummy bags. I didn’t find this one very difficult to stuff, but I have a fair amount of experience with this type of bag. Overall, for the price, I think this sleeping bag is hard to beat.

 

PROS: hood keeps your head warm
Chest baffle holds in heat
Foot area not too confining
Warmest sleeping bag I’ve ever owned–well worth the extra space and weight

CONS: zipper does not bind up but very difficult to get zipped up
Takes some effort to get back into stuff sack
A little more confining than a standard bag but still adequate for me (5′ 8″ tall, 250 lbs, broad shouldered)

 

 

2.  Hyke and Byke Snowmass 0 Degree Down Sleeping Bag ($149.99 on Amazon)

Hyke and Byke Snowmass 0 °F Down Sleeping Bag

This Direct-to-Consumer premium quality ultralight 0 Degree mummy duck down sleeping bag for backpacking is the lightest, most compressible bag with the highest quality available.

Professionally designed for thru-hiking, backpacking, and camping, this bag boasts superior weight-to-warmth ratio and the ultimate sleeping bag for saving space and weight.

Stay Warm as a result of duck down insulation capabilities and waterproof fabrics – the microscopic air clusters found in down feathers creates “loft” that traps heat and keeps you warm from 10 to 40 degrees.

Hike Farther with one of the lightest 0 degree mummy down sleeping bags available (weighs barely over 4 lbs).

Long Lasting Durability from ultralight water repellent 400T 20 D ripstop nylon fabric liner with two YKK zippers, wide shoulders and large footbox, snag-free velcro, drawstring, horizontal baffles, and compression stuff sack case for storage included. Comes in size Regular or Long (Tall / XL).

SPECIFICATIONS

– Material/Design Features: 400T Rip-Stop Nylon Fabric, heavy duty YKK zippers, horizntal designed baffles, responsibly sourced 550 fill power 90/10 premium quality duck down! Regular – 4.08 lbs & Long – 4.30 lbs

– Dimensions: Size Regular bags are 78″ long, 28″ wide at the shoulders, 22″ wide at  the hips, and 11″ wide at the toe box (bottom). Regular size bags fit: 6′-1″ and below. Also, the shoulder girth is 59″. Our Long size bags have 64″ of shoulder girth. The dimensions of the size Long bags are 87″ long, 32″ wide at the shoulders, 26″ wide at  the hips, and 14″ wide at the toe box (bottom). Long size bags fit: 6′-2″ to 6′-6″.

– Compressed Size: This down sleeping bag compresses to 11 inches long and 8 inches in diameter.

– Compression Sacks: designed to be lightweight, but also tough. Sack body – ultralight water repellent 400T 20D ripstop nylon fabric. Sack top and bottom compression panels – 210D PU-coated nylon. 4 point compression straps are HD black nylon webbing and the connected quick-release black thermoplastic buckles

First of all, it was a bargain to purchase as compared with similar down bags. I purchased the long version and was very pleased that it fit my 6′ 3″ & 230 lb. frame (though I think I’m probably near the bag’s capacity for a good fit). I appreciate the extra room, both length and extra width space, inside the long version of the bag and I have been comfortable inside with the mummy bag fully zipped on a freezing cold night. I have used it four times now, in different tents, in a hammock and in different temperatures. I woke up one morning with frost on the outside of the bag but toasty inside (using an insulated sleeping pad). If the outside temperature is greater than 50-degrees, you probably won’t want to fully zip this bag. It is also as compact a winter bag as I could want and I plan to use it for a winter backpacking. I would have given it five stars but for just a couple issues. First, it should come with a large cotton storage sack and I understand that Hyke and Byke has plans to introduce one soon. Second, this bag will go back in the stuff sack but it took me 30 minutes by myself to get it back in the first time. Maybe there’s a learning curve and hopefully I’ll improve with practice. But overall I’d say this is a great investment for cool weather camping and I am very grateful to own this sleeping bag.

 

3. Ohuhu Double Sleeping Bag with 2 Pillows and a Carrying Bag ($49.99 on Amazon)

  • HIGH QUALITY: Crafted with high quality material (water resistant 210T polyester shell + T/C lining + 300G /M2 3D cotton filling) for soft, warm, comfort
  • 2 IN 1 USE: Use it has two separate sleeping bags or connect the two together and combine it into one large bed for two. Zippers on both sides for easy entry and exits
  • 4 PIECE SET: Comes with two small pillows and one carrying bag
  • WARM & COMFORTABLE: Withstands weather of up to 23°F ( -5°C). Stay warm and cozy even when it’s 32°F~ 50°F (0°C ~10°C)
  • PORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Fits snug into the carrying bag for quick and convenient portability

5.   Coleman Autumn Trails 30 Degree Sleeping Bag (From $61.73 on Amazon)

  • Big & Tall (39″x81″); fits most people up to 6’4″
  • 5 pounds of Coletherm insulation keeps you comfortable down to 30º F
  • Coleman’s ComfortSmart Technology ensures a comfortable, durable, high-quality sleeping bag
  • No Snag Pattanted zipper
  • Coleman Wrap ‘N’ Roll storage system.

Excellent replacement for a 30 plus year bag. Had a hard time finding the duck outer shell, many are made of taffeta, a lousy alternative. Makes the bag noisy and slippery, difficult to roll up after use. Also had somewhat difficult time finding this temperature range that has the flannel lining, another plus in my opinion. Anticipate using this bag as long as it’s predecessor.

 

Thanks for reading.

How To Choose The Size Of Your Sleeping Bag?

The majority of sleeping bags are now available in 2 or 3 different sizes. How to know what size to choose? Too narrow, it will be uncomfortable and too big, you may be cold …?

 

Let us consider today the ideal size of a sleeping bag. Most manufacturers offer sleeping bags of different sizes. Often one sees the mentions “170cm, 180, 190cm, 200cm, 215cm, 230cm or Short, Regular, Long”. But to what do these values correspond? This is what we will try to describe in this article.

A good sleeping bag at the right size for a good night's sleep!
A good sleeping bag at the right size for a good night’s sleep! 

Why have a sleeping bag suited to its size?

The lower you go in temperatures, the more you need a good quality sleeping bag, and the more the manufacturer’s expertise is accurate. You may hear of queen size sleeping bag and king size sleeping bag.

In very low temperatures, the sleeping bag, like the tent, becomes a real tool of comfort if it is adapted, but an instrument of survival if it is badly chosen, with sometimes serious consequences (frostbite, hypothermia, etc.). .).

The tent and the sleeping bag are two determining elements in cold conditions. Photo credit: Vaude.
The tent and the sleeping bag are two determining elements in cold conditions. 

The temperature of the sleeping bag (comfort, comfort limit, survival), the choice of the lining (feather or synthetic), the quality of the packing are important parameters to be taken into account when going bivouac.

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The size is also another important criterion.
Here are some examples :

  • if we chose a sleeping bag a little fair, we will tend to curl her legs (so less rest). If it is desired to unfold them completely, it is possible to come into abutment at the bottom of the bag, and thus to compress the compartments of the feet or even touch the wall of the tent with the foot of the sleeping bag. In this case, the sleeping bag does not allow enough insulating power on the feet, with the consequences this entails: one has cold feet.This is also valid for the hood of the sleeping bag, so for the head sometimes too much.
  • If one chooses a sleeping bag too big, besides carrying weight and extra volume for nothing, your body will have to produce more heat to heat the largest volume due to the sleeping bag too large. Same as in the preceding case, a loss of heat and a more or less white night ensues.
  • When choosing a sleeping bag adapted to its full size, it is possible to put in a relaxed, relaxed position and having sufficient space at the level of the hood and at the level of the feet so as not to compress the feather or synthetic compartments. Even for those who put small material at the bottom of the bag (battery, cell phone, water bottle, camera, etc.), there is usually enough room to put them. If we are between two sizes and we have a lot of material to put at the bottom of the bag (ski boots, mittens, thermos, gas cartridges, etc.), then we will go over the top size.
The right size, both for the foot and head. Here a Mountain Hardwear Pinole 20 sleeping bag.
The right size, both for comfort on the feet, as well as for the head. Here a Mountain Hardwear Pinole 20 sleeping bag.

The lengths of a sleeping bag(tent sizes and capacity)- What size sleeping bag should I buy.

Some manufacturers communicate on the inside length of the sleeping bag (mostly) but some rarer communicate on the outside lengths. Be sure to check the advertised dimension. Maybe you heard of full-size bed tent canopy.

For information, here is a summary table of the correspondences of interior/exterior sizes of a sleeping bag:

Inside length
of the sleeping bag		 Length
of the sleeping bag
about 170cm about 200cm
about 185 / 190cm about 215cm
about 200cm about 230cm

If you measure less than 1.65m: Size S (short).

Not to mention the sleeping bags dedicated to children, if one makes less than 1.65m, it is generally advisable to pass on the sizes of sleeping bags indicated SHORT in 170cm of interior length.

If you measure between 1.65m and 1.80m: Size Reg (regular)

If you are between 1.65m and 1.80m, it is generally advisable to pass on the sizes of sleeping bags indicated REGULAR in 190cm of interior length.

If you measure more than 1.80m: Size L (long)

If you make more than 1.80m, you then go on the sizes of sleeping bags indicated LONG in 200cm of inside length.
Generally, these lengths of sleeping bags are suitable for people up to 1.95m. 
For cold temperatures in mountaineering, high altitude trekking or expedition, more and more templates between 165cm and 180cm choose long sizes to be able to slip down jackets, slippers, gas cartridges, batteries at the bottom of the bag in order to maintain them warm.
In mild temperatures, many walkers between 175cm and 180cm also choose Long sleeping bags but this time for reasons of comfort in order to benefit from more space 🙂

 

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What about the amount of filling?

Logically, at equal temperatures, it would take more packing in a 200cm model than for a model in 190cm. Indeed, this is generally the case, but think about checking anyway! 🙂

Note: a specificity of sleeping bags SIR JOSEPH. The “women” models in 170cm have the same amount of filling as the models “men” in 190cm, for more heat.This being to relativize because, on average, there is a difference of 5 to 6 ° C in the eel of temperature between a man and a woman. So this same amount of denser packing will serve to blur this gap.

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With the Sir Joseph sleeping bags, the amount of filling of a 190cm and preserved in a model “women” in 170cm!

Our opinion Montania

“… More and more manufacturers are proposing the same sleeping bag in different sizes, adapted to the morphology of each and every one. And that’s a very good thing.

The state of fatigue, the altitude, the hydration, the stress of the race to come, there are already enough criteria that will make one sleep more or less well. So do not add because of a sleeping bag not suited to our size!

Whether it is a bivouac under a tent on a hike, on a turn during a mountaineering race, during a distant trek, it is better to prefer the comfort of a good night restorative to attack the shape the following day 🙂 »

Photo: Col du Midi, Mont Blanc massif, Nicolas Defretin.