My sleeping bag is too tight

[falconbrother]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight. She zipped me up in it and I was about to bust out of it. Once we stopped laughing we decided we needed to find another option.

I need a compact bag that’s not too hot that my shoulders will fit in. A large regular is too small.

Suggestions please and thanks in advance.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Look for a quilt maybe? I mean mummy to me means no bueno.

On the camino I like to take this one... it's warm enough for indoors, and has a full length zipper so I can turn it into a quilt.

Seamless Down Hugger 800 Thermal Sheet Long

Features a multi-use design to allow use as an ultralight sleeping back, a quilt in warmer...

www.montbell.us

 

[nycwalking]

Search for extra wide sleeping bags for men on Amazon, REI, and other websites.

Buen camino.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Both of the above are great suggestions.
I too personally use a quilt as it helps me significantly with regulating my temperature ( I'm a warm sleeper).

Many sleeping bags come not only in extra wide but also with full length zips meaning you have the best of both worlds.

 

[Flog]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight.

A bigger one, maybe??

 

[linkster]

Cocoon Travel Sheet – I use a rectangular silk travel sheet that has a pocket pillow insert. The rectangular shape is not as constricting as a mummy sheet. The pillow pocket insert allows me to use the pillow from an albergue if provided. Otherwise, I improvise a pillow with my drybag and some extra clothing like my puff jacket.

Revelation Sleeping Quilt – I use a 40° down quilt with a zippered foot box. The footbox can be zipped if it is cold to create a quasi mummy bag or the foot box can be unzipped to allow the quilt to lay flat. I place the quilt inside my travel sheet. This prevents the quilt from ending up on the floor overnight because it is light and slick. I can adjust the quilt easily to regulate my sleep temperature by pushing it to the side, covering up, and zipping the footbox. I also think placing the quilt in my travel sheet reduces the temptation for someone to borrow it.

Dry Bag – I use a dry bag to pack the travel sheet and quilt. It keeps them dry and compartmentalizes my gear.

 

[Luka]

I have a similar problem. I am moving a lot in my sleep, have restless legs syndrome and my body temperature changes all the time during the night. So in a sleeping bag I feel locked up. I now use a rectangular sleeping bag that I can zip open completely and use as a blanket. That works best for me.

 

[Lexicos]

Me too, same as Luka. A light quilt that zips up on one side which can be used either way. Works perfect.

 

[Ctshagr]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight. She zipped me up in it and I was about to bust out of it. Once we stopped laughing we decided we needed to find another option.

I need a compact bag that’s not too hot that my shoulders will fit in. A large regular is too small.

Suggestions please and thanks in advance.

Buy another one and zip both together.

 

[Luka]

Buy another one and zip both together.

Sounds like heaven, but that would double the weight

 

[Dani7]

I have a similar problem. I am moving a lot in my sleep, have restless legs syndrome and my body temperature changes all the time during the night. So in a sleeping bag I feel locked up. I now use a rectangular sleeping bag that I can zip open completely and use as a blanket. That works best for me.

Which one do you use? I’ve been looking for one for early spring use.

 

[David]

I seem to spin in my sleep so if I use a mummy bag I end up as a trapped coil! Also have hot feet - so I use a rectangular that is double zipped so opens at the foot end.

I don't know how big you are - I am 5' 10" and 180lbs and am very happy with my bag. Fully unzips to make a throw or bedspread, can have foot open for cool feet, inbuilt zipped fold-away mosquito (bed bugs!!) net and weighs 900 gms (32 ozs). Choice of lefthand or righthand zip.
Temp - comfort 7c/45f .. Low 2c/36f.
Made by Snugpak who make items for our (UK) military and also sell to the public - have used it for years and love it - oh, is really cheap and comes in a compression sack so packs up small too!

Jungle Bag WGTEOlive / Standard / Left Side Zip

A sleeping bag for tropical conditions that packs smaller than a coconut! When it’s hot and humid outside, and biting insects fill the night sky, you need a performance sleeping bag that takes care of you. We’ve designed the Jungle Bag WGTE with just the right weight of Travelsoft insulation to...

snugpak.com

 

[Luka]

Which one do you use? I’ve been looking for one for early spring use.

I have this one for summer:

https://www.amazon.com/Naturehike-Ultralight-Sleeping-Bag-Lightweight/dp/B0C7R82XR3?tag=casaivar02-20

For winter I use an older (much heavier) one. I don't recall where I bought it. Most likely in the Netherlands.

 

[Bob P]

Just as a test, unzip all but the foot area and use your bsg as a quilt to see if you find it comfortable. If so, then buy a light quilt.
I first discovered quilts in 2018 on the Camino. My bag was too hot, I had been reading about quilts and decided to try using open bag as a quilt. I now have 2 temperature rated quilts and one old bag.

 

[@Ditts]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight. She zipped me up in it and I was about to bust out of it. Once we stopped laughing we decided we needed to find another option.

I need a compact bag that’s not too hot that my shoulders will fit in. A large regular is too small.

Suggestions please and thanks in advance.

Do you need one at all at that time of year? I gave my sleeping bag away in Pamplona to someone who needed it so did the whole of the rest of the Frances without one. I get cold easily but really was only a bit chilly once. I just put more clothes on to go to bed. That was April / May 2023. Just a thought.

 

[Bothydave]

Just use your present bag as a quilt. Most places provide at least paper sheets so pull the bag over you and be done. Night!

 

[falconbrother]

I have this one for summer:

https://www.amazon.com/Naturehike-Ultralight-Sleeping-Bag-Lightweight/dp/B0C7R82XR3?tag=casaivar02-20

For winter I use an older (much heavier) one. I don't recall where I bought it. Most likely in the Netherlands.

I ordered this one. We’ll see.. Thanks a bunch!!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Years ago I cut the zipper and hood off my expensive down bag.
I left the foot box, turning it into a very comfortable blanket.
I love it and have used it every Camino since.
It is lightweight and plenty warm.

 

[Drifter]

The Zpacks liner comes in "Broad", which is 65 inches.
summer-quilt-winter-liner

 

[henrythedog]

1. A former colleague relocated from the US to London. His wife sorted out the trivia about moving house, schools, visas and so on.

His sole responsibility was the dog.

He arrived at the airport with the pooch and a transit crate and after some debate was denied boarding.

‘Dog was too big for the crate’ was his explanation.

Crates, and sleeping bags, come in different sizes.

2. Another good friend is an amateur helicopter pilot. I don’t know what machine he has, but it’s not huge.

He invited his brother in law to travel as a passenger and (apparently) had to calculate the load distribution based on the weight of the occupants

Virtually crashing on takeoff he concluded that his passenger was less than fully honest about his weight.

HtD. Built for comfort, not for speed.

 

[snale]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight. She zipped me up in it and I was about to bust out of it. Once we stopped laughing we decided we needed to find another option.

I need a compact bag that’s not too hot that my shoulders will fit in. A large regular is too small.

Suggestions please and thanks in advance.

Don't take one. There are lots of threads on whether one is necessary or not and the type of accommodation one is expecting to stay in. On the Frances at that time of year you can get by with a silk liner. Only private albergues seem to issue blankets these days. Or lose weight (haha).

 

[David]

Don't take one. There are lots of threads on whether one is necessary or not and the type of accommodation one is expecting to stay in. On the Frances at that time of year you can get by with a silk liner. Only private albergues seem to issue blankets these days. Or lose weight (haha).

I disagree - a few years ago I was there April and it became SO cold, and then wet, maybe 3C (37F) .. during the day and at night I wore everything I had with me and still could never get warm (as had packed for normal April weather) - eventually, at Logrono, I became really ill and had to go home - so it isn't the month, it is the weather forecast that is important as even a couple of weeks later in May there could be a cold cold surprise.

 

[hikentravel1234]

I have a similar problem. I am moving a lot in my sleep, have restless legs syndrome and my body temperature changes all the time during the night. So in a sleeping bag I feel locked up. I now use a rectangular sleeping bag that I can zip open completely and use as a blanket. That works best for me.

I want freedom of leg movement, so no mummy bag for me!!

 

[Drifter]

The Zpacks liner comes in "Broad", which is 65 inches.
summer-quilt-winter-liner

The Summer quilt is only 10 ounces and packs down a little larger than a Nalgene bottle.
If it's cold, combine a silk liner with the Summer Quilt.
If it's warm, just use the silk liner.

 

[Drifter]

I want freedom of leg movement, so no mummy bag for me!!

Something like the EE Convert Quilt will open up.
A 50 degree regular/regular is a little over 14 ounces.

 

[Joynz]

In 2023, I used a down sleeping quilt from Aliexpress. Only 440g and not expensive. It was easily warm enough for April.

By summer, you are more likely to need just a sleeping sheet (I use the Sea to Summit silk/cotton rectangular one,)

Or just use your too-narrow sleeping bag fully unzipped.

 

[Sidknee]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight. She zipped me up in it and I was about to bust out of it. Once we stopped laughing we decided we needed to find another option.

I need a compact bag that’s not too hot that my shoulders will fit in. A large regular is too small.

Suggestions please and thanks in advance.

Hola @falconbrother

Having just completed the CF (again) in July last year, my experience was that I didn’t need a sleeping bag. I only used a sleeping bag liner (cotton-silk blend).

I carried “The Lazy Bear” Down Camping Blanket. As my mates kept reminding/asking me was I carrying just to fill my backpack?

If you’re staying in Albergues, they get very warm at night with everyone's sleeping in close quarters. Even in O Cebriero it was very warm in the Municipal Albergue.

If you’re in private accommodation, they usually have blankets etc..

Personally, at that time of year I would only be taking a sleeping bag liner. If on that odd night you think you’ll be cold, wear some socks to bed and maybe an extra T-shirt.

You’ll save the grams.

Buen Camino

 

[DeansFamily]

We carry liners and lightweight single fleece "throw" blankets that are very cheap to purchase from variety stores (A$5 at Big W) for the warmer months on the Camino. To pack them down, we use the compression bags from our colder months sleeping bags. They are super lightweight, surprisingly warm and pack nice and small.

 

[DwainS]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight. She zipped me up in it and I was about to bust out of it. Once we stopped laughing we decided we needed to find another option.

I need a compact bag that’s not too hot that my shoulders will fit in. A large regular is too small.

Suggestions please and thanks in advance.

I bought a summer sleeping bag for my May 18 to June 28 Camino Frances in 2023. I left it at home and just went with a silk liner. I don't like being cold so I was a little worried about leaving it behind. I never came close to being cold. Some nights I was too warm. Just wore a T-shirt and lightweight walking shorts while sleeping as I don't like wearing my walking cloths to sleep in. But if you feel you need it then take it. I stayed in private albergues and pensions and they were plenty warm. I didn't stay at municipal albergues so I don't know how warm or cold they are.

 

[benny aumala]

If your sleeping bag has a zipper, you can use it another way.
Zip the footbox, but not upper part. You can use it as a quilt.
Plenty of room.
Try this with your bag. Maybe you do not need to buy a new one!

 

[Frankybaby66]

1. A former colleague relocated from the US to London. His wife sorted out the trivia about moving house, schools, visas and so on.

His sole responsibility was the dog.

He arrived at the airport with the pooch and a transit crate and after some debate was denied boarding.

‘Dog was too big for the crate’ was his explanation.

Crates, and sleeping bags, come in different sizes.

2. Another good friend is an amateur helicopter pilot. I don’t know what machine he has, but it’s not huge.

He invited his brother in law to travel as a passenger and (apparently) had to calculate the load distribution based on the weight of the occupants

Virtually crashing on takeoff he concluded that his passenger was less than fully honest about his weight.

HtD. Built for comfort, not for speed.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Most of the time camping and backpacking I would be using my mummy bag as a quilt anyway. Have it zipped up at the feet so the feet don't sneak out and handling the rest of the body is easy.

 

[Rick Davidson]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight. She zipped me up in it and I was about to bust out of it. Once we stopped laughing we decided we needed to find another option.

I need a compact bag that’s not too hot that my shoulders will fit in. A large regular is too small.

Suggestions please and thanks in advance.

Another option is just don’t zip it up. Just put your legs in and use the upper like a blanket. Temperatures are not a huge issue in May/June.

 

[Bob P]

I've shared this before, but can't remember string. This is my "go-to" lightweight quilt for not so cold usage. Small, 17.5oz., inexpensive.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/675668288/hotfoot-series-hammock-top-quilt-700?ref=share_v4_lx

I'll be carrying it in April. One April Francis trip I had a 0 degree C night in a Privado that refused to stoke the fire!!! "wood cost too much"

 

[Bob P]

I mean small pack size, I'm 5-11, 200 lbs. Quilt is plenty big enough

 

[Frankybaby66]

Hi folks. My wife and I are walking the Camino Francis in late May till early July. We tried the summer sleeping bag tonight. Hers fits her but, mine is way too tight. She zipped me up in it and I was about to bust out of it. Once we stopped laughing we decided we needed to find another option.

I need a compact bag that’s not too hot that my shoulders will fit in. A large regular is too small.

Suggestions please and thanks in advance.

I take a 'king camp' travel blanket with me which I find more than adequate.
( Parador hotels are OK, but sometimes only your own bedding will do )