Introduction
 This sleeping bag
buying guide is a general
overview of types of sleeping bags, features of sleeping bags, sleeping
bag care, and tips on how to be more comfortable in your sleeping bag.
There are several key features to consider when purchasing a sleeping
bag. The most critical features to consider are the style,
the shell, the lining, the fill, and the temperature rating.
Style
Sleeping bags basically
come in two main styles,
rectangular and mummy. Rectangular bags usually cost less and
offer more room, but are heavier and don't offer as much
warmth. Mummy bags cost more, hug your body, are lighter and
offer more warmth. Some rectangular bags taper as they go to
the feet or are rounded at the base. Not a true mummy bag
these offer a compromise between the two styles.
 Mummy
Mummy bags are wider at the shoulders and taper down the sides to your
feet, hugging your body. The tapered design of a mummy bag
gives it a performance advantage. Be removing the unused
space around your body, you have a smaller volume for your
body to warm. Mummy bags may also have hoods and draft collars, which
will help prevent warm air from escaping from the bag. The
tapered shape of a mummy bag uses less material and less fill,
resulting in a lighter bag. Mummy bags may be too tight
fitting for larger individuals, and others may not like the tight fit
of a mummy bag.
 Rectangular
A rectangular bag resembles a rectangle when rolled out. The edges are
90 degrees (square). Rectangular sleeping bags tend to be
heavier thanr mummy bags, and due to the extra volume inside the bag
they are not as thermally efficient. The rectangluar shape is
not as effective and preventing warm air from escaping the sleeping
bag. Rectangular sleeping bags typically are less expensive than mummy
bags, and because they are considered roomy, are more comfortable for
larger people.
Hybrid(Semi-Rectangular)
Hybrid bags combine the shape of mummy bags with rectangular bags. They
are also called tapers and semi-rectangular sleeping bags.
They resemble a rectangular bag but taper down slightly as they go
toward the feet and will typically have a rounded foot area.
The removed space means lighter weight and less volume to keep warm at
night. Hybrid sleeping bags offer a good balance of price,
weight and warmth.
Overbags and Bivy
Sacks
Overbags are used with a sleeping bag to extend the
temperature range of the sleeping bag when additional warmth is needed.
Overbags can also be used in warm
conditions as a light sleeping bag. Overbags
may also be used to supplement the waterproof abilities of a sleeping
bag.
Bivy Sacks
Bivy sacks are different. Typically waterproof and made of a
breathable material, a bivy sack is used when sleeping under the stars,
in extreme wet conditions, or winter camping. Both overbags
and bivy
sacks (you may hear these terms interchanged) increase the range of use
of your bag, but cut down on how well the materials breathe.
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