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Why a Mummy Sleeping Bag is Better for Colder Climates

When it comes to camping and hiking, there are the staid and safe trails and sites, and then there are the really awesome wilderness options, that truly put meaning into ‘getting back to nature.’ If you’re a fan of the latter, however, you’re going to need some extra equipment, so that roughing it isn’t too hard! A mummy sleeping bag is one, and here’s why.

It Takes Up Less Space

Unlike traditional sleeping bags, that are pretty much square or rectangular, a mummy sleeping bag tapers from the head to the foot. That means it takes up less surface area in your tent. Since camping and hiking in extreme or remote areas means lugging your gear further, a lighter tent and pack can make a big difference!
It’s Better Insulated

While most ordinary sleeping bags are fine for your average campsite, if you’re heading to a colder climate, a mummy sleeping bag should be your first choice.

There are several reasons for this. First being that since the bag itself takes up less volume and area, it’s more heat efficient – meaning you retain more of the heat that would have been wasted on heating up your sleeping bag. The second most important is that they usually have shorter zippers, and since the zipper is the biggest insulation problem, where most of the heat escapes, that’s an important factor.

Cord Locks and Shaping Mean Warmer Feet and Heads
When it comes to heat loss, it’s the extremities of the body – the head and feet, that are the most vulnerable. Because the mummy sleeping bag is tapered, it’s better at trapping heat near your feet. That sorts out that problem.
As for your head, most bags come with a hood or cowl, with a drawstring, that helps to keep the heat from escaping through your head. With a pair of warm socks and a knit hat, you should find that you sleep quite comfortably in even the harshest of conditions.

What to Look For When Buying a Mummy Sleeping Bag
Because mummy sleeping bags are designed for harsher elements, your first indication of a great bag should be that it’s rated for a very low temperature.
You’ll want to look for a bag that has a durable covering, and an easy to wash lining and filler. Also note that some bags are designed for specific genders – so make sure you buy either a unisex option, or one designed for your gender!
Another interesting point to note with most mummy sleeping bags is that they don’t roll up. They are usually supplied with a bag, but because they’re quite bulky, and hard to roll, they’re simply stuffed into the bag. Great if you’re like me, and find rolling up a sleeping bag a tedious and annoying task!
As you can see, however, if your camping or hiking trips take you into colder climates, and you want to be sure that you’re going to sleep warm and comfortable, you can’t go wrong with a mummy sleeping bag.