I don’t like mummy sleeping bags

[Kathy F.]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

 

[SeñorJacques]

You are not alone! Part of my aversion to packing a sleeping bag for my upcoming Camino next month (!) has to do with the fact that practically all of the truly "lightweight" or "packable" ones I come across are mummy style and I would much rather wear my fleece jacket to bed or even shiver all night than feel uncomfortably bound by one of them.

I will be packing a sleeping bag liner and fleece blanket (of which more elsewhere) as my sleeping solution but would be curious to know if there are indeed viable rectangular options available.

 

[ranthr]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

I hate mummy sleeping bags. My first camino sleeping bag was a very lightweight Bergans with a ziplock that made me use it as a cover as well on top of my silkliner. Been with me on several caminos until I bought one antibedbugs sleeping bag which is not a mummytype, that I have carried with me but never needed.
To day I would bring a treated silkliner and a bag I have made of 2 bedbugssheets to put outside the linen.
And for cold evenings I rather put on a wool shirt or tights that I carry anyway.

 

[davebugg]

For quite a while now I've used backpacking sleeping quilts. I have several designed for specific uses, like one use for winter mountaineering, or one used for summer time backpacking at low elevations and for a camino pilgrimage.

 

[dougfitz]

And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

No and no. I use a rectangular or semi-rectangular bag. On the few occasions that I have had to use a mummy bag, I have been unable to easily move around during the night to get comfortable. There is a weight disadvantage, but I accept that.

 

[J Willhaus]

You could try a square silk liner with a down throw inside? I have also used an Army Poncho liner pinned together to make a square bag. Cheap, soft, and super comfy.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

I can't stand mummy bags either..I feel waay too constricted.
Here is my response to a similar thread recently;
I suggest you look at the Mont Bell range. I have the Ultralight Down Spiral Hugger which weighs under 500gms & compresses to be comfortably held in my open hand. It fully unzips to form a blanket which is how I use it...I don't like being confined in a mummy bag! The temperature grading is 10 degrees C making it ideal for summer.
Along with season, budget is another consideration...I paid $149 for mine making it the most expensive gear item I own but it has served me well.
Good luck in your search.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

There. I said it.

Same here. I hate waking in the night having turned on my side, lying on the zipper.

 

[ils]

I'm with you. I just bought a NatureHike one from AliExpress. Not sure about the quality as it hasn't arrived yet, but it's lightweight and it fully unzips, so you can use it as a blanket. I believe it's adequate for warmer months. Comfort temperature is supposed to be 15℃/ 59℉. Here's the link and a review. It was U$30, so I thought it was worth a try. I'm going camping this weekend and hopefully will get to test it in colder conditions than what I believe I'll find during the Camino.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am not a fan of mummy bags either. I tend to sleep with one leg/knee pulled up to my chest, then eventually switch sides and pull the other leg up, tossing back and forth. Mummy bags get all twisted up and make me feel too constrained.

 

[nycwalking]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

I don’t like mummy bags either.

Try Costco.

Sometimes they have lightweight rectangular bags on offer.

 

[RussB]

Snugpak jungle sleeping bag works for me

 

[Kanga]

I have a silk liner with a stretchy panel down the sides. Makes a huge difference. I put my down quilt inside the silk liner.

 

[auburnfive]

What brand of down quilts have any of you used and recommend?

 

[Anhalter]

Sea to Summit features the "Traveller" down sleeping bag, which is still reasonably light and more rectangular. Also can be opened like a blanket and is available in 2 length and 2 warmth ratings.
Personally i wouldnt use a quilt because i like something between me and the bed...

Traveller Daunenschlafsack & -decke

Traveller Ultraleicht ✔ Daunenschlafsack und Daunendecke für dein nächstes Abenteuer ✔ Klimaneutraler Versand mit DHL GoGreen ✔ Jetzt online kaufen bei Sea to Summit! ⛺.

www.seatosummit.de

 

[Aidan21]

I hate sleeping bags period.... I find them very restrictive as I like to spread out all over the bed as I never like to lie in the one place too long (not sure what happens when I am asleep). So I use a moderately sized micro fibre blanket, e.g. see:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08RW8SGGW/?tag=casaivar-21

Mine folds up tightly and is roughly the same volume as that of a sleeping bag and is no heavier. I have freedom of movement. If I am too warm I can throw it off me and if it is too cold I can wear something extra. Works very well for me.

 

[biloute]

If you want something on the same quality and performance level as a down sleeping bag, you might try a backpacking quilt. Enlightened Equipment, Cedar Ridge Outdoors, UGQ… They’ll definitely be more expensive than a microfiber blanket or something from Costco, though

 

[Former member 92300]

Haha... I don't love them - but I have gotten used to them. The shape of the bag isn't as important as the weight and warmth temperature of bags. Obviously rectangular bags will be slightly heavier than mummy shaped. Another weight factor is - can you find a rectangular bag in down? Which is the most lightweight type of bag? That could be a problem if you are trying hard to keep pack weight down. That said - they do make some pretty lightweight down blankets if you can find one that is the right price, weight, shape for this type of hike. You could also go with a down backpacking quilt - though those tend to be pricier.

If you get a down blanket - you can place it inside of your sleeping bag liner to help keep it on you.

The other options are to go synthetic material - they just weight more and are much less compressible. Therefore they add some weight and take up more space inside your pack.

OR... you could suck it up and try your best to learn to sleep in a mummy bag. But if you don't want to do that - there are plenty of other options!

 

[CatPhillips]

Sea to Summit features the "Traveller" down sleeping bag, which is still reasonably light and more rectangular. Also can be opened like a blanket and is available in 2 length and 2 warmth ratings.
Personally i wouldnt use a quilt because i like something between me and the bed...

Traveller Daunenschlafsack & -decke

Traveller Ultraleicht ✔ Daunenschlafsack und Daunendecke für dein nächstes Abenteuer ✔ Klimaneutraler Versand mit DHL GoGreen ✔ Jetzt online kaufen bei Sea to Summit! ⛺.

www.seatosummit.de

I love this Sea to Summit sleeping bag. I've carried it on every Camino (8, depending on how you count them). You can spread it out flat like a blanket or just zip up the bottom end a little bit to keep your feet warm and to keep it from sliding off during the night. Highly recommended.

 

[Copper Image]

What brand of down quilts have any of you used and recommend?

I bought one from Alpine Outfitters, a small company in Texas. They have a website.

 

[JerryStroebele]

Consider slitting down the side of a lightweight bag, leaving a small foot at the end. Resewing the sides is required, of course. Buen Camino

 

[Tim-F]

Not all mummy bags are equally constricting. For example RAB Solar bags are wider than Vango Ultralight. I'm hoping that my RAB will suit me well on my upcoming Camino.

Also, in my experience, temperature comfort ratings are very optimisitic.

 

[William Clune]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

No worries, a mummy bag is not required. Any good outdoor store will have many choice...do not buy a too big bag, you will be sleeping inside. My bag is about 4 in in diameter x 7 inches when compressed.

 

[William Clune]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

A mummy bag is not required. Any good outdoor store can show you many small, lightweight bags. Don't buy a too heavy bag, mine is 4in x 6in when compressed.

 

[benny aumala]

Something like this:

Naturehike Lw180 Ultralight cotton Sleeping Bag

Naturehike Mini Ultralight Envelope cotton Camping outdoor Sleeping Bag. Rectangular envelope design,split joint into double sleeping bag; Lightweight breathable fabric, soft and comfortable, suitable for early summer, summer and early autumn.(Size:205 X 85 cm / 80.7*33.5 in)

www.naturehike.com

Use it as a blanket or quilt.
My fafourite except in winter.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Something like this:

Naturehike Lw180 Ultralight cotton Sleeping Bag

Naturehike Mini Ultralight Envelope cotton Camping outdoor Sleeping Bag. Rectangular envelope design,split joint into double sleeping bag; Lightweight breathable fabric, soft and comfortable, suitable for early summer, summer and early autumn.(Size:205 X 85 cm / 80.7*33.5 in)

www.naturehike.com

Use it as a blanket or quilt.
My fafourite except in winter.

That's the one I use...I love it for Caminos! Perfect for me.

 

[taigirl]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

Me neither. Hate them. Took straight light weight sleeping bag.

 

[Keith H]

What brand of down quilts have any of you used and recommend?

Enlightened Equipment Revelrion has been great. Definitely not cheap but I love my 2.

 

[Keith H]

Not all mummy bags are equally constricting. For example RAB Solar bags are wider than Vango Ultralight. I'm hoping that my RAB will suit me well on my upcoming Camino.

Also, in my experience, temperature comfort ratings are very optimisitic.

Temperature ratings are often the ‘you won’t die but you’ll be very uncomfortable’ measureme too rather than ‘this will be comfortable sleeping at x degrees’. I think @davebugg has talked about this before.

 

[Antananarivo]

As other have suggested here, I bought from Enlightened Equipment the following down blanket - it weights 0.322 grams:
Revelation Custom
(Down Type: 950, Temperature: 50°F (10°C), Length: Regular, Width: Wide, Add Draft Collar: No, Outside Fabric Options: Midnight Blue 7D, Inside Fabric Color: Graphite 7D)

Not cheap but like you, I don't like mummy sleeping bags.

 

[Richo]

I can't stand mummy bags either..I feel waay too constricted.
Here is my response to a similar thread recently;
I suggest you look at the Mont Bell range. I have the Ultralight Down Spiral Hugger which weighs under 500gms & compresses to be comfortably held in my open hand. It fully unzips to form a blanket which is how I use it...I don't like being confined in a mummy bag! The temperature grading is 10 degrees C making it ideal for summer.
Along with season, budget is another consideration...I paid $149 for mine making it the most expensive gear item I own but it has served me well.
Good luck in your search.

I think that might be the way I'll go as well, for my next Camino. I bought a 900 gram mummy type bag a few years ago. One of my worst purchases. I like the fact that you can use your bnag as a blanket, which is what I will probably do.

 

[Richo]

I think that might be the way I'll go as well, for my next Camino. I bought a 900 gram mummy type bag a few years ago. One of my worst purchases. I like the fact that you can use your bnag as a blanket, which is what I will probably do.

Tassie, I just had a look online - this bag is also a mummy type, right?

 

[Moorwalker]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

You are not tho only one. I started using a quilt for backpacking a very long time ago, way before you could buy camping quilts so I made my own. There is no need for a zipped sleeping bag, just wrap a fleece blanket or quilt around you.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I prefer the option of a zippered sleeping bag for coziness to let no chilly air in as I toss and turn while sleeping. At other times I choose to unzip it part way if I feel too warm and throw my leg out to cool down. I feel I have more options with a sleeping bag.

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Tassie, I just had a look online - this bag is also a mummy type, right?

Yes @Richo, it tapers but as you can see by the pic, not as restrictive as others. The big bonus is the zippering...if I want to use it as a sleeping bag rather than a blanket, I can just zip the side & leave the foot 'open' for more freedom of movement.
As a spring/summer walker, I leave the whole thing unzipped & just lay on one half & pull the other over me.
My caution would be the sizing...from memory they do come in different sizes so a tall or large-ish framed person should go for the biggest size or it would get squeezy as a sleeping bag.
There's also no hood...perfect for me as a 'don't restrict me' person!
Happy hunting...it's a big decision & the choices out there can be daunting.

 

[RussB]

I bought one from Alpine Outfitters, a small company in Texas. They have a website.

I have Alpkit

 

[WisTom]

Check the company Enlightened Equipment out of Minnesota in the US. They make lightweight down quilts, which have a greater temperature range than mummy bags, are less restrictive, and much more versatile. Mine weighs less than a pound and takes little room in my bag. Highly recommended.

 

[linkster]

I use an Enlightened Equipment Revelation 40° Quilt. I put it in my Cocoon Silk Travel Sheet. The quilt is very light and the nylon is slick. It keeps it from falling on the floor. I just push it to the side in the silk sheet if I do not need it.

 

[Barbara]

I use a combo of a down quilt (thin, not all that warm) and a honcho poncho which I can open out or not. It's also good to wear in the evenings and early morning trips to the toilet. Multi use is good. The two together pack up no heavier or bigger than most mummy bags.

 

[Phoenix]

You might Google the term "woobie" or "surplus woobie."

 

[Barbara]

That was interesting. Pretty much what I have, knee length, warm, light and resists some rain. A new word learned....

 

[svanada]

You are not alone! Part of my aversion to packing a sleeping bag for my upcoming Camino next month (!) has to do with the fact that practically all of the truly "lightweight" or "packable" ones I come across are mummy style and I would much rather wear my fleece jacket to bed or even shiver all night than feel uncomfortably bound by one of them.

I will be packing a sleeping bag liner and fleece blanket (of which more elsewhere) as my sleeping solution but would be curious to know if there are indeed viable rectangular options available.

 

[taigirl]

I'm with you. I just bought a NatureHike one from AliExpress. Not sure about the quality as it hasn't arrived yet, but it's lightweight and it fully unzips, so you can use it as a blanket. I believe it's adequate for warmer months. Comfort temperature is supposed to be 15℃/ 59℉. Here's the link and a review. It was U$30, so I thought it was worth a try. I'm going camping this weekend and hopefully will get to test it in colder conditions than what I believe I'll find during the Camino.

I have been looking at those in Australia - A$59. They look very thin. I will be interested in what you think.

 

[svanada]

I have been looking at those in Australia - A$59. They look very thin. I will be interested in what you think.

I have tried it at home and I like it Very much I use it on a daily basis as a blanket in the sofa. But… I’m short 158 cm. Eventually I bought a mummybag to be able to cuddle in a little bit more.

 

[SeñorJacques]

@svanada, that photo you posted looks interesting! Is there a link to product information?

 

[dailycamino]

There. I said it.
I toss and turn during the night and get tangled up with the bag wrapped around my feet. I’m not proud of it.
I’m thinking of getting a new, lightweight bag for my next adventure. My trusty old rectangular bag has seen better days.
Anyone have a good resource for a rectangular/squared off sleeping bag? Lightweight, packs small, good for a spring/fall Camino?
And am I the only one who can’t figure out how to sleep comfortably in a mummy? Do I need to develop a new skill set?

You can get inexpensive lightweight square sleeping bags at Walmart. I was surprised by how light and warm it was. Probably Ozark brand but not sure.

 

[ils]

I have been looking at those in Australia - A$59. They look very thin. I will be interested in what you think.

It just arrived yesterday. I'll probably bring it while camping this weekend, but they are indeed very thin. It packs small and light. I tried at home and felt hot after a minute but the temperature outside was 23 °C, even though it was a clouded afternoon. I have to say though, my dog loved it. I'm thinking about buying one just for her

 

[Roscoe]

I'm with you. I just bought a NatureHike one from AliExpress. Not sure about the quality as it hasn't arrived yet, but it's lightweight and it fully unzips, so you can use it as a blanket. I believe it's adequate for warmer months. Comfort temperature is supposed to be 15℃/ 59℉. Here's the link and a review. It was U$30, so I thought it was worth a try. I'm going camping this weekend and hopefully will get to test it in colder conditions than what I believe I'll find during the Camino.

I bought the same, based on the recommendation of a friend. How do you find it?

 

[Former member 94614]

i recommend the snugpak jungle bag. it's rectangular, it zips all the way around or just the feet, it's warm, it's lightweight, and it even has bug netting which is optional that you can zip onto its hood if you end up sleeping outside.
I froze my butt off with a sleeping bag liner during April and May last year- even wearing sll my clothes and jackets. many pilgrims like to sleep with the windows open no matter what! The snug pack is only about 60 bucks on Amazon. it's a great deal!

 

[Kanga]

i recommend the snugpak jungle bag. it's rectangular, it zips all the way around or just the feet, it's warm, it's lightweight, and it even has bug netting which is optional that you can zip onto its hood if you end up sleeping outside.
I froze my butt off with a sleeping bag liner during April and May last year- even wearing sll my clothes and jackets. many pilgrims like to sleep with the windows open no matter what! The snug pack is only about 60 bucks on Amazon. it's a great deal!

This bug netting is ideal if you want to encase yourself and create a complete shield against bedbugs.

 

[Pafayac]

I do not understand what you call a mummy sleeping bag ?
I am using this one:

AIR PREMIUM - Boutique Lestra Outdoor

Ultra léger, ultra compressible, AIR PREMIUM est un sac pour les randonneurs avides de légèreté qui recherchent avant tout l'efficacité. Son isolation due à un duvet avec un pouvoir gonflant de 800 Cuin est exceptionnelle pour un sac aussi léger ! Le sac idéal pour la randonnée estivale. 14˚C...

www.lestra-outdoor.fr

It is quite light (410g) and sufficient to sleep outside in summer, and inside in winter with a silk liner....

 

[Kathy F.]

I do not understand what you call a mummy sleeping bag ?
I am using this one:

AIR PREMIUM - Boutique Lestra Outdoor

Ultra léger, ultra compressible, AIR PREMIUM est un sac pour les randonneurs avides de légèreté qui recherchent avant tout l'efficacité. Son isolation due à un duvet avec un pouvoir gonflant de 800 Cuin est exceptionnelle pour un sac aussi léger ! Le sac idéal pour la randonnée estivale. 14˚C...

www.lestra-outdoor.fr

It is quite light (410g) and sufficient to sleep outside in summer, and inside in winter with a silk liner....

Yes. That shape bag is, where I am from, a mummy sleeping bag. I guess the shape looks like an Egyptian mummy coffin?

The more usual sleeping bag shape is rectangular.

I have since found a "spoon shaped" sleeping bag designed for side sleepers like me and is, hands down, the most accommodating shape I've ever used. To say it is my new "go-to" is an understatement.

Unfortunately, it may be too bulky for a Camino but the shape is perfect for me.

I will find the sleeping bags of my dreams!!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I will find the sleeping bags of my dreams!!

Look into backpacking quilts, often rectangular in shape. The bottom is thin because the separate pad supplies the insulation (and padding too of course). Mattresses supply this on camino. The webpage below has introductory information.

Best Lightweight Backpacking Quilts 2023 - Outdoors Magic

Favoured by thru-hikers and ultra-light backpackers, quilts are a popular alternative to traditional sleeping bags. Here’s 6 of the best options out there.

outdoorsmagic.com

When backpacking I would typically open my mummy bag most of the way and sleep directly on the pad unless it got too cold.

 

[ils]

I bought the same, based on the recommendation of a friend. How do you find it?

It actually surprised me. Sleeping bag noise generally bothers me a bit, but maybe because this one is thinner than I'm used to, it wasn't that bad. I tried it in 17℃ weather and it was warm, too warm even. I had to keep pushing it off my leg to get some cold air. Overall, I think it will be fine for spring, but way too warm for summer.