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The lengths listed on the sleeping bags are from the bottom of the bag to the top of the "body" portion of the sleeping bag. meaning up to, but not including, the hood. Measure your height when standing from the floor to your chin, plus a couple of extra inches of space. If your feet are pressed against the bottom of the sleeping bag, it could be difficult to keep them warm during the night. If you will be placing a few items, most likely wallet, purse, phones, GPS devices, cameras and other valuables (no food, please!) at the foot of the sleeping bag, add a few more inches to your toe-to-chin height.

There is no point in buying a bag that is much longer than your toe-to-chin height, as the extra space will just increases weight, pack space, and cost while requiring you to warm a larger amount of dead space in your bag with your valuable body heat. If you do not mind a tight fit, you can save weight and pack space with a relatively narrow bag. Because narrower bags require less fill, they are often less expensive than a comparable, wider bag. As much as twenty-five percent of your body heat is lost through the top of the head, and that is why sleeping bags come with hoods, insulated in the same way as the sleeping portion of the bag. If you do not use the hood, try keeping a wool cap on your head when sleeping, as this will allow less heat to escape.

Cost is a major factor in selecting sleeping bags, as down filled sleeping bags will cost significantly more than synthetic filled sleeping bags, will take up more room on your knapsack's frame, and can be quite heavier than synthetic filled bags. Sleeping bags come with a temperature rating, but take this very lightly, as there is no industry standard; one company's sleeping bag rated at -10 degrees Fahrenheit may be warmer than another company's bag rated at -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Select your sleeping bag based on the uses that you intend it for, and the cost that you can afford.

Enjoy your camping, hiking and/or wilderness adventures. Bringing the proper equipment will ensure your comfort, and make the hiking more pleasant. Enjoy your stay in the great outdoors!

Learn more about this author, Marc Phillippe Babineau.
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