How To Choose Rectangular Vs. Mummy Sleeping Bag
When you’re considering sleeping bag shapes, the biggest question is the difference between rectangular vs mummy sleeping bags. It can be difficult to make the best choice for you if you don’t know what makes them different.
In this post, we’ll cover several different areas to consider when you’re deciding on which sleeping bag to use for your camping trip.
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Rectangular Sleeping Bag vs. Mummy Sleeping Bag
In basic terms, the shapes of these two sleeping bags are what makes them different.
A mummy sleeping bag is shaped like a mummy: wider at the shoulders and tapers down towards the feet. It typically has a hood to go around your head as well. The shape is designed for optimal body temperature regulation.
Rectangular sleeping bags are shaped as a long rectangle. The top is the same width as the bottom.
Both sleeping bag shapes have their pros and cons. You need to consider your camping trips and which shape is going to be the right sleeping bag for you.
When you’re shopping for a good sleeping bag, you should always consider these factors:
- Type of Insulation
- Temperature Rating
- Comfortability
- Weight (especially if you’re backpacking)
- Packability
- Versatility
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Type of Insulation
No matter which shape of sleeping bag you choose, you need to consider which type of insulation it is filled with.
In general, all sleeping bags are filled with either synthetic insulation or down (goose feather) insulation.
Characteristics of Synthetic Insulation:
- Less expensive than down insulation
- Dries quickly if wet and can be washed
- Insulates even while wet
- Hypoallergenic
- Wears down over time and will need to be replaced sooner
Characteristics of Down Insulation:
- Down insulation weighs less than synthetic insulation
- Holds in body heat better
- Should not get wet & needs special washing
- Down insulation packs down tighter
- Will last a long time
- More expensive
Sometimes you can find a synthetic/down blend for your sleeping bag insulation. This option might be the best of both worlds, but they’re not as common to find.
You can always find rectangular & mummy sleeping bags with either down or synthetic insulation. You’ll want to consider which insulation is best for you based on your camping circumstances.
Temperature Rating
Temperature rating is the biggest factor to consider when choosing the right type of sleeping bag.
Whether you’re camping in freezing temps or summer months, you want to use the proper temperature rating. You don’t want to be freezing all night in the wrong sleeping bag. But you also don’t want to feel like you’re sweating all night during warm weather.
Because of this, sometimes people will choose to have multiple sleeping bag options eventually. This will give them more opportunities to camp whenever they want without having to worry about properly regulating body temperature.
In the meantime, let’s decide which shape sleeping bag is best for your climate.
Temperature: Rectangular Bag
The rectangle sleeping bag is not going to keep you as warm as the mummy sleeping bag. There are several design reasons that this bag isn’t the best option if you are camping in a colder climate.
The shape of the rectangular sleeping bag will allow for heat to escape around your head. This will make it harder for you to keep warm and regulate your temperature in cold weather.
If you are sleeping in a warmer climate, the rectangular sleeping bag is a great option. It will help your body heat escape on hot nights. It also doesn’t trap the heat around your head like a mummy sleeping bag does.
Temperature: Mummy Bag
The mummy shape on mummy-shaped bags is ideal for a colder temperature range. The shape is designed to maintain your temperature throughout the night.
It keeps your body heat in with minimal heat loss. There are typically special designs around the mummy sleeping bag that will help hold in heat as well.
You will usually find a draft collar around the neckline of the sleeping bag. This is an extra layer of protection to keep your body heat contained around your lower body.
There is even a draft tube that is used on most mummy sleeping bags. This is a special lining that outlines the zipper of the sleeping bag.
Zippers can be a huge area where warm air escapes, but with the draft tube you’ll be able to hold your heat in more easily with less chance of cold spots.
Temperature Rating Conclusion
If you need a sleeping bag to sleep at the lowest temperature, then you should go with mummy-shaped bags.
If you sleep in a more moderate or warm climate, then the rectangular sleeping bag is your best option.
You might be able to find a rectangular sleeping bag that is rated for a low temperature, but typically you’ll want to wear a warm beanie or something else to keep your head warm through the night too.
Comfortability
The comfort level of your sleeping bag is just as important as the temperature rating. Camping is not going to be very fun if you consistently get a bad night of sleep.
You need to consider the differences between the rectangular sleeping bag and mummy sleeping bag when it comes to a good night of sleep.
Comfort: Rectangular Bag
Rectangular sleeping bags have a lot of great options when it comes to comfort.
First, you’ll typically find more variety in the materials used for rectangle bags. They might be lined with polyester, wool or flannel. This can give you a more cozy night of sleep depending on your personal preferences.
Secondly, you’ll have more space for wiggle room with the wide design of the rectangular bag.
You can move your legs around with plenty of room compared to the mummy shaped bags. Even the regular length of a rectangular sleeping bag is more comfortable for a tall person than a mummy bag.
Thirdly, if you’re a side sleeper, the shape of this bag is a better option for you. You can turn from side to side more easily with this shape of bag.
Comfort: Mummy Bag
The mummy sleeping bag does not offer as much comfort when it comes to room inside the bag. The mummy shape is designed for you to mainly sleep on your back.
If you’re not a back sleeper, you might find it hard to turn over on your side in the tight space.
Also, it’s hard to squeeze into a regular size mummy bag if you are tall. You’ll most likely need to opt for the extra long length of a mummy sleeping bag, which can cost more.
Mummy bags are comfortable in the sense that they’ll keep your body temperature regulated.
They also have the extra cushioning under your head, so if you don’t have an adequate pillow, it helps to give you some more comfort.
Comfortability Conclusion
When it comes to comfort, the rectangular sleeping bag is probably your best option. This is based on if you can keep warm enough in it.
The rectangular sleeping bag is more spacious for you to move around in while you sleep.
The mummy sleeping bag has less space and might be harder to get comfortable in if you’re tall.
The mummy sleeping bag does have the extra cushion under your head, but overall it is probably going to be harder to get a good night of sleep in if you don’t find the right size for you.
Weight
Weight is another aspect to think about when you’re shopping for a rectangular vs mummy sleeping bag.
Weight might not be as important if you are just car camping. But it can make all the difference when you’re packing for your backpacking trip. You want to make sure your pack doesn’t weigh too much to hike around with.
Weight: Rectangular Bag
In general, rectangular bags will weigh more than mummy bags. The full shape of a rectangle means more materials.
These materials will probably weigh more than a mummy sleeping bag.
If you really want a rectangular sleeping bag, but need to keep your weight low, then you should consider buying a down bag.
Down insulation weighs less than synthetic and packs up more tightly.
Weight: Mummy Sleeping Bag
The mummy sleeping bag is made of less material, which means it will weigh less than the rectangular sleeping bag.
Also, mummy sleeping bags are typically designed for backpackers in mind. This means the design is meant to keep the weight low so backpackers can easily carry this bag in their backpack.
Weight Conclusion
When it comes to weight, the mummy sleeping bag will be your best choice. Mummy sleeping bags are shaped with less material and designed to weigh less than a full, rectangular sleeping bag.
You can always consider the type of insulation your bag has when watching the weight. Down insulation will weigh less than synthetic sleeping bags.
Pack Size
The size that your sleeping bag packs down to is another thing to consider when you’re choosing your sleeping bag shape.
Pack size is especially important for backpackers, but you also want to be careful not to have a huge, bulky sleeping bag when you’re packing for an overnight camping trip.
Learning how to properly roll up your sleeping bag will make a big difference on the pack size no matter which type you go with.
Pack Size: Rectangular Bag
The pack size of a rectangular sleeping bag is always going to be larger than a mummy bag.
The shape of the rectangular bag takes up extra space when rolled up. If you have a down sleeping bag, it will pack up a little more compactly, but overall the size of this shape bag will take up more space compared to the mummy bag.
Pack Size: Mummy Bag
Again, the mummy bag is typically designed for backpackers. This means that the way they pack down is going to be smaller than a rectangular sleeping bag.
Because mummy sleeping bags use less material and have a smaller profile, they pack up more tightly than the rectangular sleeping bag.
Pack Size Conclusion
The design of the mummy sleeping bag is going to pack down more compactly than a rectangular sleeping bag.
Based on the different sizes & variations of both bags, there might be some variation of pack size. But overall, the mummy bag will have a smaller pack size.
If you need your pack size to be really small, then you need to consider using down insulation. It compacts down more easily than synthetic insulation.
Versatility
The last component to consider when buying a rectangular vs mummy sleeping bag is the versatility.
What are your options for adaptability & changes when it comes to these types of sleeping bags?
Versatility: Rectangular Bag
You actually have a lot of options when it comes to a rectangular sleeping bag. We already discussed that it usually comes in more fabric material options than the mummy.
You can also use it unzipped in several ways. You might unzip it to create a blanket to lay on. You could also unzip it and use it as a comforter.
You could even zip two together to make a two-person sleeping bag if you don’t already have one of the double bags to sleep in.
Versatility: Mummy Bag
There aren’t many options with the mummy bag when it comes to versatility. You can unzip the bag to give yourself a little more air flow.
You can also sleep with your head on top of the hood instead of inside of the hood.
These are really your only options with the mummy sleeping bag when it comes to versatility.
Versatility Conclusion
The rectangular sleeping bag gives you a lot more options than the mummy sleeping bag. There are more fabric options & more ways to use it when unzipped.
If you need the ability to change your sleeping bag up while you’re out camping, then you might consider getting a rectangular sleeping bag.
Another Sleeping Bag Option
If you are having a hard time deciding between a rectangular sleeping bag vs mummy sleeping bag, then there might be another option for you.
There is another shape of sleeping bag called semi-rectangular sleeping bags. This is a hybrid between the mummy design with a more rectangular shape around your body.
They aren’t as commonly made, so they might be harder to find. But at least you know there is another type of bag out there for you!
Types of Camping
Depending on which type of camping trip you are going on, you’ll want to determine the right shape for you.
If you are car camping or tent camping in moderate temperatures, then a rectangular sleeping bag is a great choice.
If you’re backpacking, hammock camping, or sleeping in colder temperatures, then you’ll most likely want a mummy sleeping bag.
Our Favorite Sleeping Bag
We really love our Kelty sleeping bags. They are mummy shaped with synthetic insulation. They pack down nicely & keep us warm in the winter.
If you easily get hot when you sleep, you might want to go with a higher temperature rating like this one. We have bags that are rated for 20 degrees and sleep very comfortably at the 30-65 degree range.
Final Thoughts
Nobody can tell you what the best sleeping bags are because there are so many variables to consider. You need to choose the right bag for you based on your camping conditions.
In general, the mummy sleeping bag is better for colder nights and backpacking trips due to their small profile & low weight.
While the rectangular sleeping bag is great for tent camping & moderate to warm weather due to their shape and ability to be unzipped all the way.
Both the rectangular sleeping bag and mummy sleeping bags are great options as long as they fit your needs. You just need to consider the temperature rating, comfort level, weight, pack size, & how versatile each bag is for you.
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Basic Camping Packing List
If this is your first time camping, or you need a refresh, then here is a free download for our Basic Camping Packing List. It is a full list of the basic items you need to bring for a successful camping trip.
