Sleeping bag shape Which do you prefer??

[Moondog55]

There are several so called standard shapes for sleeping bags.
Rectangular
Tapered
Mummy
Tulip
Extreme tulip

I have very long legs and wide shoulders with long arms, my preference is for the least common these days; the Extreme tulip shaped bag.

most of the sleeping bags I have tried on lately have too much room around the legs and no room around the shoulders and I need to be able to cross my arms to sleep comfortably.
What are your thoughts on the matter and are manufacturers making the bags we actually want; in my case nobody does as a standard bag.
In the same manner why do I have to buy a bag with a zipper in the wrong place? I am extremely glad to see some people putting the zipper back where it belongs in the centre of the chest; where do you prefer the zip/ if you have to have a zipper that is??

My current bag is an old J&H Ultralight Flouro a zipperless Extreme tulip bag made for high mountain use.

900 loft down and a kilo total and cut so a down suit will fit inside; so not actually warm on its own as there is a big volume of air needing to be warmed up first.

[gayet]

You obviously need to get a custom made bag - manufacturing is most efficient on a standard set of sizes but as we aren't all within the standard size range, we either compromise and get the 'best fit' or its a bespoke effort. It isn't worth making a vast range of one-off sizes and specs in the hope enough different people will want the particular specification in that particular size. Simply a matter of economics really. Each alteration to the 'standard' incurs a manufacturing cost above the standard - and demand declines as the cost rises. If demand for a particular spec is sufficient to justify the alterations at the increased cost or sufficient to mitigate the increased setup then it is worth the manufacturers effort.

[Moondog55]

While I do personally need a custom bag it seems that design follows most economical manufacturing; not customer best needs at the moment.
Paddys used to do a great range of tulip shaped bags; I had a Brindabella for many years until it was stolen when my vehicle was broken into.
but what style bag do you prefer??

[gayet]

I have a rectangular bag with side zip - right side if I recall - down fill but probably 0c at best. I have had it for about 10 years so am a bit vague on its ratings now. I also have a mummy bag, also down fill, and rated at -10. left side zip. I quite like the side zips as I don't get the cold neck and sternum then, although a cold spine isn't unknown - I am a side sleeper.

Yes design does follow most economical manufacturing, because in recent history demand has been price driven rather than 'perfect fit' driven. As the ease of manufacturing changes improves there will be greater scope for spec driven variety (customer best needs) to increase. This will possibly be limited by the best use available of given materials - a shape and layout that leaves significant wastage of material will still be higher cost than a more efficient layout, with minimal waste.

[Bronski]

I'm a convet to Exped's Dreamwalker bag. I never minded the restrictive nature of my mummy bag on my lower body, but I have never got used to having my arms trapped inside the bag. I love sleeping in this bag with my arms free out the arm holes, and if I'm sleeping in cold conditions, I wear my light down jacket on, inside the bag, to keep my arms warm. Sounds like the dreamwalker might suit you, it's zipped down the middle front, has a tapered shape, it's got some other cool features too (only thing is it's not ultra-lightweight, but still reasonalble). Search for dreamwalker on youtube, there's a few cool videos about it. If anything, if you get a custom bag made, you could poach a few of the ideas from the dreamwalker.

[phan_TOM]

Semi rectangular for me,

I find that I need the extra space to be comfortable and the mummy bags just make me feel claustraphobic/tangled up. Even though they are lighter, pack smaller and are probably more efficient I just can't make them work and I did try a few when I was looking for a new bag...

Completely agree gayet, I have a pretty average build, 177cm tall and 78kg, which helps with purchasing most things, I almost feel sorry for short/tall/stocky/thin people sometimes because I guess manufacturers design for the 'regular' body shapes and sizes for economical reasons, It sounds like you require custom gear to me moondog, but at least you can be sure that it will be a good fit!

I have a WM Sycamore which fits me great and is very similar in internal shape and size to my old army issue Sunshie Ellis Fairydown bag but it only weighs 900g compared to 2.5kg or so for a similar tempoerature rating. As for the zips the old army bag had a centre zip which zipped down to around the knees and was a design that I liked a lot as it never seemed to get in the way when I rolled around. The Sycamore has two zips (see an earlier post of mine) and has many options for temperature control as well as being able to be opened up as a quilt, which wouldn't work as a centre zip. I love it in my hammock.

[Moondog55]

My very first extreme cold bag was an EGGE " Esquimo Expedition " Centre zip and I loved it, it was designed from the start as a double bag system and the half sac fitted inside perfectly
Sadly i believe EGGE are no longer, they were using 800 loft down and super tight, light weight nylon shells as far back as the 1970s, i have at the moment an old Swiss Army sleeping bag that I am keeping as a design guide in case I ever get the skill to make my own, centre zipper
I made the mistake of not buying a replacement EGGE bag when mine died while climbing in Scotland in the late 70s.
Bushgear used to be the Australian distributors of EGGE gear ( and Raichle ) back in the 1970s My ex-wife got the half sac but I am told she lent it to some-one and it was never returned

[Macca81]

None of the above.
I use a quilt with an enclosed footbox.
It is semi custom, in that it came from one of the cottage manufacturers in the US and they make to order, as such you can request modifications. Mine only has extra fill and different straps, but i know that they also can change the sizing if you ask them.

[etrangere]

Semi rectangular

[Drifting]

semi-rec, and I'll carry extra weight to have it!

[rogo]

I'm a convet to Exped's Dreamwalker bag. I never minded the restrictive nature of my mummy bag on my lower body, but I have never got used to having my arms trapped inside the bag. I love sleeping in this bag with my arms free out the arm holes, and if I'm sleeping in cold conditions, I wear my light down jacket on, inside the bag, to keep my arms warm. Sounds like the dreamwalker might suit you, it's zipped down the middle front, has a tapered shape, it's got some other cool features too (only thing is it's not ultra-lightweight, but still reasonalble). Search for dreamwalker on youtube, there's a few cool videos about it. If anything, if you get a custom bag made, you could poach a few of the ideas from the dreamwalker.

Wow I love this concept. Not light...how heavy? My current set up around 1.5kg. I am not gram counting too much so as long as this is not heavier then all is good.
I have a mummy bag and I toss and turn all night long and get really tangled. I also sleep mostly with my arms above my head and on my stomach so this might be a great bag for me.

[rogo]

I'm a convet to Exped's Dreamwalker bag. I never minded the restrictive nature of my mummy bag on my lower body, but I have never got used to having my arms trapped inside the bag. I love sleeping in this bag with my arms free out the arm holes, and if I'm sleeping in cold conditions, I wear my light down jacket on, inside the bag, to keep my arms warm. Sounds like the dreamwalker might suit you, it's zipped down the middle front, has a tapered shape, it's got some other cool features too (only thing is it's not ultra-lightweight, but still reasonalble). Search for dreamwalker on youtube, there's a few cool videos about it. If anything, if you get a custom bag made, you could poach a few of the ideas from the dreamwalker.

Wow I love this concept. Not light...how heavy? My current set up around 1.5kg. I am not gram counting too much so as long as this is not heavier then all is good.
I have a mummy bag and I toss and turn all night long and get really tangled. I also sleep mostly with my arms above my head and on my stomach so this might be a great bag for me.

[corvus]

I use a Warmth Unlimited Tundra (made in Poland) Mummy bag 3/4 zip box foot 860cui Goose Down weight 920 g Water resistant shell, temp rated -5 comfort -10 extreme , very good value and a plus that they use "ethical down " sourced from old birds nesting areas and not as a by product of the food trade or water blasting
corvus

[Bronski]

I'm a convet to Exped's Dreamwalker bag. I never minded the restrictive nature of my mummy bag on my lower body, but I have never got used to having my arms trapped inside the bag. I love sleeping in this bag with my arms free out the arm holes, and if I'm sleeping in cold conditions, I wear my light down jacket on, inside the bag, to keep my arms warm. Sounds like the dreamwalker might suit you, it's zipped down the middle front, has a tapered shape, it's got some other cool features too (only thing is it's not ultra-lightweight, but still reasonalble). Search for dreamwalker on youtube, there's a few cool videos about it. If anything, if you get a custom bag made, you could poach a few of the ideas from the dreamwalker.

Wow I love this concept. Not light...how heavy? My current set up around 1.5kg. I am not gram counting too much so as long as this is not heavier then all is good.
I have a mummy bag and I toss and turn all night long and get really tangled. I also sleep mostly with my arms above my head and on my stomach so this might be a great bag for me.

I have a dreamwalker 650 in medium size, it's 1.2kg. It's rated to -6°C.

[andrewbish]

Hi Moondog.

Get/make a quilt, then you can adjust the cover to suit.

[Moondog55]

Nope; tried a quilt and could not stay warm.

[Macca81]

what sort of quilt and where was you cold? Thus far i have been no colder in a quilt than a bag, and i am much more able to regulate heat when the weather is warmer.

[Moondog55]

First quilt I tried was a cheap microfibre from K-mart, and if a quilt is allowed a footbox then at least 3 of my old sleeping bags qualify.
I always woke up with cold knees

[MartyGwynne]

Hi there, this thread has just given me the best thoughts I have had for a long time (my opinion only) with regards to sleeping bags.
I am thinking of a lightish weight down pants slightly oversized and same with jacket.
I hate being zipped up tight such as in a mummy bag they seem to be too restrictive for my restless sleeping. I sleep on my back for a while then my side, other side and end up face down and repeat the process till the birds call (or nature).
I currently use a very lightweight synthetic bag which is rectangular not much more than a quilt I guess.
I ned to go shopping at the snow shops as there should be a few specials on the go at the moment.
Marty.

[Macca81]

First quilt I tried was a cheap microfibre from K-mart, and if a quilt is allowed a footbox then at least 3 of my old sleeping bags qualify.
I always woke up with cold knees

so, sleep in an old sleeping bag with the zip unzipped

http://www.nunatakusa.com

[Moondog55]

Doesn't work for me Macca.
I know what I need, I wasn't actually asking for advice on the matter; I was just interested in everybody elses take on the subject.

[andrewbish]

Hey - don't give up on quilts just yet, Moondog!

How about this one?!

quiltnana.jpg (28.67 KiB) Viewed 6518 times

Nice and wide. Natural fibers. Stylish design. Only downside is the slight nana smell.

[ULWalkingPhil]

As of today, I'm using a quilt. Purchased from one of the cottage industries in America. It's 900 fill Down, rated to -7 and weighs 598 grams. Takes up very little pack space when stuffed into it's stuff sack.

Has a footbox I can unclip with a drawstring at the end of the footbox. Can be used as a blanket.

[Genesis]

I prefer a rectangular due to the extra space when I was in Qld, however I now own a mummy due to there smaller size, weight and warmer temps for the colder TAS climate.

Genesis

[wayno]

rectangular in summer, cooler, opens up actross the bottom at the feet if you need to cool down
in cooler weather mummy for better warmth. not to everyones taste but definitely warmer for it's weight,

[Genesis]

I prefer a rectangular due to the extra space when I was in Qld, however I now own a mummy due to there smaller size, weight and warmer temps for the colder TAS climate.

Genesis

Just upgraded to MONT Brindabella XL, Semi-Rect. From all I have read and been told this should be a great bag for TAS Walking.

Genesis

[Giddy_up]

Just purchased and sent back a Mont Prolight 250. Blurb on the web said it was 160cm shoulder circumference but based on my measurements it was outside measurement not internal. Have just purchased a Mont Bell UL SS Down Hugger #3, we shall see how that goes.

My preference is Semi Rectangular MD, but "size is everything"

[Onestepmore]

If you're going to use a bag, as opposed to a quilt, doesn't it make more sense to have the zip located underneath you, rather than at the side, or the top? Negates the need for a filled zip tube to reduce heat loss. The least warm part of the bag is below you, where the down is compressed and therefore has the least amount of insulative warmth.
I like mummy bags if I use a bag, and prefer the spiral cut like Mont Bell Super Spiral to allow me to tuck my legs up without it pulling. If I'm with hubby on a double mat then down double quilt is the best we've ever slept.

[Moondog55]

It's funny but when using a zippered bag, [almost all my winter bags have been zipless] I prefer a centre zipper. always have done and with proper sewing and a decent draft tube no colder than any other zipper system I have used, but a LOT quicker to exit in a hurry if needs be.