Mummy Vs. Rectangular Sleeping Bags: A Comparison

The primary difference between a mummy and a rectangular sleeping bag is the shape but it’s the function that distinguishes the two. A mummy bag tends to be much warmer because of the fact that it fits so much closer to the body and you can cinch it down. You can zip yourself up and it closes down and your only face is sticking out. Some people may find it a little uncomfortable because they’re too narrow but for a colder climate, this is ideal because you want that heat retention. Mummy bags also tend to pack small so if you’re a backpacker, this a great option for you.

Rectangular or square sleeping bags, on the other hand, provide plenty of room for your legs and arms to starch out. Some people find it more comfortable because of its shape or you can even unzip it and use it as a comforter. The downside is, they are heavier than mummy bags and do not pack down small. So if you’re a backpacker, this option may not be ideal for you. You may have also heard the term semi-rectangular sleeping bags also known as “modified mummy” or “barrel” shape. It includes a variety of shapes. They offer a range of options that compromise between warmth and roominess.

Which one is right for you?

When choosing a sleeping bag, it’s important to keep in mind that the shape of the bag is crucial for the type of activity you’ll be doing. For example, if you’re planning a backpacking trip, consider a lightweight mummy-style bag because while backpacking, you’ll be carrying weight mostly on your shoulders. On the contrary, for car camping or family camping when weight is not crucial, you could choose a heftier rectangular bag that can provide more room for you to sprawl or you can completely unzip it and use it as a blanket.

The following are a few things to consider when deciding between the sleeping bag’s shapes:

Weight

Even for backpacking, you can choose the coziest, roomiest, and warmest sleeping bag out there but at the end of the day, you’ll be carrying some extra weight on your back. So you need to strike a good balance between weight and warmth. A typical sleeping bag weighs between 1 to 3 pounds depending on the manufacturer, features, and type of insulation. Also, budget sleeping bags like REI Co-op Trailbreak, do not pack down small.

Roominess

Mummy bags are a little narrower at the feet and wider at the shoulders than rectangular bags. They are the most efficient bags when it comes to heat retention. So if you’re backpacking and weight is a major concern, a mummy bag is the right choice for you. In contrast, rectangular bags give you a lot more space for comfort but they tend to be heavier. This feature makes them a good option for car camping and family camping.

Warmth

As I already mentioned, the warmth of a sleeping bag is associated with its shape. The mummy bags fit your body well; like at your feet and shoulders and retain heat well. Rectangular bags fold over your body and they’re great for car camping but they may be too heavy for backpacking.

Packed Size

Premium down sleeping bags pack down super small and it’s a big selling point for manufactures. You can also pick a compression sack to take advantage of the small stuffed size potential of the bag. On the other hand, synthetic bags don’t pack small and they’re not even close to down. So if pack size is one of your concerns, consider a down bag.

Mummy Vs. Rectangular Bags: Comparison Table

FEATUREMUMMYRECTANGULAR
WeightUsually lightweight but that depends on the type of insulationUsually heavy
RoominessNot very roomyVery roomy
WarmthThey’re the most heat efficientYou lose some warm air at shoulder and large foot-box is not ideal for heat retention
Packed sizePacks down super small if you get a premium down bagLarge pack size
VersatilityNot much versatileSome bags can be completely unzipped and you can use them like a blanket
HoodYes, comes with hoodNo hood option
PriceThe high-end models tend to be more expensiveYou can get a decent bag at an affordable price
Best useBackpacking and UL backpackingCar and family camping

Conclusion

Mummy bags are the most commonly thought of sleeping bag’s shape when it comes to what to get and they are the kind of tried and true options while a squarer cut bag provides more room for your feet to kick around. However, the mummy shape has a pretty narrow foot-box and they’re classic for a reason that they’re very efficient in keeping people warm and you don’t waste a lot of extra space inside therefore having to have your body spend more energy keeping that space warm.