Rectangular VS Mummy Sleeping Bags

Rectangular VS Mummy Sleeping Bags

While tents supply you with shelter from the outside elements while camping and serve as your home away from home, choosing the right sleeping gear can mean the difference between a great nights sleep and enduring another wakeful night being cold or uncomfortable. With so many different sleeping gear to choose from it is often difficult for those new to tent or even camper camping to know which is the right sleeping gear for their needs. While it would take several articles to fully discuss all the variables of the different types of bags, a quick comparison between rectangular and mummy bags should get you started in the right direction.

Mummy Bags

Mummy bags are designed to fit close to the body. When you occupy the bag and pull up the hood to the bag you resemble a mummy which is how this sleeping gear earned it’s name. Wider at the shoulder area it tapers towards the foot of the bag. Due to it’s design it is the warmest of the sleeping bags because it holds in your body heat. The insulated hood also allows you to cover the back, sides and top of your head to keep your body heat from escaping through your head which is where most body heat is lost.

Mummy bags roll up small and are lightweight making them ideal for backpacking, mountaineering and climbing. They are also great for people who enjoy winter camping in a tent.

However, people who are claustrophobic sleepers often find even the mummy bags that are designed to flex a little too constricting for comfortable use.

Rectangular Sleeping Bags

Rectangular sleeping bags are much more roomy than mummy bags. They do not hold your body heat in as well as do mummy bags. (although there are rectangular bags made for extremely cold temperatures.) They are also considerably bulkier and heavier than mummy bags making them less attractive for backpackers who must carry all their camping needs on their backs. However, these bags are perfect for warm weather car camping and can be used for spring and summer as well.

Rectangular sleeping bags are comfortable and less confining than are mummy bags and are designed for different temperatures making them useful for anyone who finds a mummy bag too confining.

Most families who prefer summer car camping use rectangular bags although people with thinner blood and those who get cold more easily may well prefer a mummy sleeping bag even in summer.

When considering which type of sleeping bag to buy for you or your family members take into consideration whether they twist and turn through out the night. You should also consider if you need extra warmth even on nice nights as well as whether they like to feel like they have able room or like to feel snug when sleeping. Also be sure to check for the temperatures these bags are designed for. Bags designed for temperatures 40 degrees and above are usually the best choice for spring and summer camping while winter campers are going to want a bag designed for temperatures as low as possible.