How Small Should a Backpacking Sleeping Bag Be?

By Michael Ferguson

When you’re backpacking, you need the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. One of the most important pieces of gear is your sleeping bag.

Not only does it provide warmth and protection from the elements, but it also serves as a comfortable place to sleep. But how small should a backpacking sleeping bag be?

The size of your sleeping bag will largely depend on your body size, as well as the environment and temperatures you’ll be camping in. Generally speaking, the smaller your body is, the smaller your sleeping bag should be. This ensures that you don’t have too much excess material that could cause discomfort or create unnecessary weight in your pack.

For summer backpacking trips, you can probably get away with a shorter and narrower sleeping bag than you would for winter trips. This is because when temperatures are warmer, you don’t need as much insulation to keep warm at night.

When shopping for a sleeping bag, pay attention to the temperature rating. This rating tells you which temperature range the bag is designed for – usually between 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (7-1 degrees Celsius). If you plan on camping in temperatures above or below this range, make sure to pick one that’s rated for those temperatures.

In conclusion, when choosing a backpacking sleeping bag, consider your body size, the temperatures you’ll be camping in and look for one with an appropriate temperature rating. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and go with a slightly larger sleeping bag if there’s any chance of cold weather during your trip.