Sleeping Bags--shapes and sizes

Square bags, mummy bags, double bags . . . "Which one is right for me?" Yes, sleeping bags come in different shapes and, also, different sizes. You want to remember that comfort and warmth depend on having enough room, but not so much that your body can't heat up the inside. You want to be able to stretch out comfortably with a little room left at the bottom. Too much room, and your feet will remain cold.

Let's take a look at size:

• Regular: up to 5' 8" (68 inches)
• Large: up to 6' 2" (74 inches)
• Extra Large: up to about 6' 6" (78 inches)

These are the common, sizes, but with people growing taller, more companies are taking that into consideration and should list the heights.

Just like test driving before buying, crawl in the bag before you buy! It may be hot out, but zip it up and check for comfort. Make sure you can move around, sit up, turn and zip or unzip it. Then check out how easily it rolls up and compresses.

Shape

• Mummy bags do create a picture, don't they? Well, you will have that mummy shape once you get wrapped up in one of these close-fitting sleeping bags. Very importantly, mummy bags save on weight, bulk, and most importantly keep you efficiently warm by retaining heat. Sometimes I am not sure whether my family are still sleeping or not until I see a nose poking out of the opening in the hood. A great bag for backpackers (especially those who cut off tags to save weight). Just remember, don't try to turn in the sleeping bag, but rather turn the whole bag like a cocoon. The bag becomes an extension of your body, so try it out before you buy to avoid potential claustrophobia.
• Semi-mummy bags are cut a little larger for those who want the mummy shape and all the heat, weight, and space saving qualities but just need a little more room.
• Rectangular bags remain my favorite family camping bag for summer weather. They can be zipped together for couples and give plenty of room and comfort. They weight a lot more, have more bulk, but we use them when those concerns don't matter. On cool nights, we simply throw on an extra blanket and wear a sweatshirt to bed.