Touring - Long or regular summer weight bag for 6' 1" body?

I am looking at getting a new summer weight bag. I'm 6' 1" so when I bought my current one, I purchased a long bag. It is a 20F synthetic and too bulky and heavy for my normal use which is short summer / fall tours.

I am right on that dividing line between a regular bag and a long bag. Any thoughts on which way I should go?

I'm 5'9" and used a women's bag (my wife's) for a season. I'm generally a side-sleeper and seldom stretch out, but if I tried to stretch out I'd feel the ends of the bag. That would lead to cold feet since I was compressing the insulation. That wouldn't matter as much for a summer bag.

When I got back to my regular size bag, it felt like a small waste of space and weight.

A regular hiking partner is 6'1/2" and he always uses a regular bag.

I always used a long even though I'm 5'10. I could stuff things at the bottom (wallet, a shirt, pants, etc) if need be. I wear a 13 shoe so having a few more inches helped as well.

My summer bag is a down travel sack (http://www.rei.com/product/746296/rei-travel-down-45-sleeping-bag) from REI. The bag is reasonably long for a person taller than me, but I doubt my partner would fit in it because it's tight around the shoulders on me, and I'm a 5'6" woman. His shoulders are a lot broader. I went with a 45F bag because I basically won't go camping except in nice hot weather.

For a summer bag, go with a regular and save a few ounces. It's unlikely that you'll ever really need the hood; so a less than ideal fit is more forgivable.

I have this bag (http://www.rei.com/product/830841/lafuma-manor-extreme-600-45-sleeping-bag-2012-special-buy). The Lafuma Manor Extreme. It's light, cheap and warm enough for most of my camping. I wouldn't trust it further than I could accurately predict the weather, but for three or four days in a predictable climate, it's great.

I've pushed it to the 30's, but I've been cold. In a full tent, with good site selection, and wearing all your clothes, it can be done. Under a tarp, in the wind, it's not as pleasant.

It depends. For some models the long also has a larger girth. The long is also a it heavier and sometimes a bit more expensive. I'd say try them on and go with the smallest one that is comfortable. Do allow enough room to wear a few layers of clothes inside it if you expect to extend the range by layering some clothing inside the bag.

imho - go with the longer bag. i'm an inch+ taller than you indicated - always enjoy the room to stretch out.

Ever consider a quilt? I bought one for my summer tour this year, thought I'd try it out. I got one from Enlightened Equipment. I hope it works out.

imho - go with the longer bag. i'm an inch+ taller than you indicated - always enjoy the room to stretch out.

+1. I am 6' 2". And, as noted, the L version may have more girth, which could be important if you have broad shoulders like I do. I once skimped on an REI brand bag that was a L and even it was tight in the shoulders.

Well it is done. I ordered the 6ft bag. It is a modified rectangle so I figure my head is going to stick out anyway.

Hope it works out for you. Personally, I would have gone with the longer bag (directing this more to other readers than OP, since OP already made a final decision) as it gives you room to stash your clothes at the bottom of the bag and still get your head under the covers if it gets cold. The advantage of having your clothes in the bottom of the bag is they stay warm and dry and you can put them on without ever getting out of the bag. If the bag is long and the night is hot, it's easy to unzip it a ways and leave your head and shoulders out in the night air, but it's darn uncomfortable trying to scrunch down to get your head inside a bag that is too short if the temps drop.

I realize I'm a bit late to make a suggestion for the OP but maybe someone else out there is in a similar situation.

I'm 6'3" and when I bought my bag was close to #400. I went to REI and tried out several bags for fit. Most felt like I needed to strip naked, oil myself up and get a running start and try to slide my way into the bag--they were a BIT tight. Ultimately I got the Big Agnes Buffalo Park (http://www.rei.com/product/811093/big-agnes-buffalo-park-40-sleeping-bag). It's rated to 40 degrees and is pretty roomy without begin TOO heavy. I went with the long version since I don't want to be cramped up when I sleep. I really like the Big Agnes philosophy on sleeping bags and this thing seems to be very well made.

I have used it for almost 5 years now--I admit I only camp with it a couple of times a year. Now that I am significantly smaller I still appreciate the length even if I don't necessarily need the extra girth.

Hope it works out for you. Personally, I would have gone with the longer bag (directing this more to other readers than OP, since OP already made a final decision) as it gives you room to stash your clothes at the bottom of the bag and still get your head under the covers if it gets cold. The advantage of having your clothes in the bottom of the bag is they stay warm and dry and you can put them on without ever getting out of the bag. If the bag is long and the night is hot, it's easy to unzip it a ways and leave your head and shoulders out in the night air, but it's darn uncomfortable trying to scrunch down to get your head inside a bag that is too short if the temps drop.

Keeping my clothes warm won't be an issue. This is a warm weather bag. As I mentioned, I already have a 20F bag and it is a long.

If you have a down coat, the bag can be really short..

I"m 6',1" and I am always happier with the "long" model. Just spent a couple of nights last weekend wishing I'd sprung for the longer QuarterDome tent, in fact. Too hot for a bag in Texas summer, but both of my sleeping bags are "longs" and I never regret it.

I always go for a long. Too many sleeps in discomfort. This is not a practice life and comfort is important to ME!
YMMV :)

Go to a store and try them out. I went to REI and I thought I would need a long (6 foot). The regular said up to 6' and the long for over 6'. In one brand I would need a long bag and the brand I bought the regular fit me fine.

I got the bag in. You guys were right, I should have gotten the long. It would probably work but I have great difficulty getting down inside the bag so the bag is behind my back. Plus the shoulders and chest are a bit tight.


I called to exchange it for the long and I can't believe it. They exchanged at the old sale price plus free shipping to me and free shipping on the return. I ordered from www.backcountry.com. I will be ordering from them in the future.

I wish they would make a bag for a mid size tall guy. Either you have to be slightly above average tall or a giant. Seems to be no in between. :)