Sizing a sleeping bag primarily involves considering your body measurements to ensure a comfortable and efficient fit.
To properly size a sleeping bag, you generally need to consider both length and width. While length is often based on your height, the width is typically determined by your body's circumference at key points like your shoulders and hips.
Determining Sleeping Bag Width
Based on expert recommendations, the ideal width for a sleeping bag is calculated using your shoulder measurement. This ensures you have enough space to move comfortably without excess fabric that could create cold spots.
- Measure Your Shoulders: Use a tape measure to find the circumference around the widest part of your shoulders.
- Add for Comfort: Take your shoulder measurement and add approximately 10 inches. This addition provides necessary wiggle room.
- Adjust Slightly: You can fine-tune this width by adding or subtracting an inch or two based on your personal preference for a snugger or looser fit.
For example, if your shoulder measurement is 54 inches, your ideal sleeping bag width would be calculated as follows:
| Body Part | Measurement | Adjustment | Ideal Bag Dimension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulders | 54 inches | + 10 inches | 64 inches |
Note: This same principle of adding 10 inches also applies to your waist measurement (taken at the hip) to ensure adequate space throughout the bag.
Choosing a bag with the correct width is crucial for:
- Comfort: Allows you to turn and shift position during the night.
- Warmth: A bag that is too large can have dead air spaces that are harder for your body to heat, potentially making you colder. A bag that is too small can compress the insulation, reducing its effectiveness.
Sizing for Length
While the width is vital for comfort and warmth efficiency, you also need to ensure the bag is long enough for your height. Sleeping bags are commonly offered in different lengths (e.g., Short, Regular, Long) to accommodate various body heights. Check the manufacturer's specifications for the recommended user height for each size option.
Selecting the right size sleeping bag based on both width and length ensures you get the best performance and comfort from your gear during your adventures.
