View Full Version : Does One Inch Matter?
doritotex
03-29-2011, 15:56
I am buying a new sleeping bag, I'm a 5'6" woman who wants to save weight and $....can I buy a regular size bag rated to 5'5" or will I feel cramped and have to sleep with my knees bent? Does that inch smaller really matter or should I buy a long bag?
I think it matters. You'll want that extra room. You won't feel tight, about to stretch/move around and get in/out easier. It will make the $ you are already spending worth it, and you'll like it more. How much of a difference in price?
skinewmexico
03-29-2011, 16:02
Your feet may compress the insulation in the foot of the bag and make a cold spot. Only you can tell.
If you walk far enough each day perhaps you will become an inch shorter. If the place has a return policy try it out at home and see if it works for you.
Try it before you buy it! I'm sure any outfitter or an REI would be happy to assist you.
been there done that. fit fine in the store when it was warm and had been hanging for a while but after it was cold and in a stuff sack it shrank enough to make my head and feet cold.
Skidsteer
03-29-2011, 16:42
Shouldn't this be in the female forum?
doritotex
03-29-2011, 17:18
Thanks, I'm not really worried about the extra $, I'm trying to go lightweight. I thought that I could save a few ozs. But I don't want to sacrifice comfort or warmth!! I hate having cold feet! I'll go with the longer bag.
LoneRidgeRunner
03-29-2011, 17:29
If you walk far enough each day perhaps you will become an inch shorter. If the place has a return policy try it out at home and see if it works for you.
Don't know how old the OP is but I have gotten nearly two inches shorter since high school. Was 5 11..now barely 5 9 and a half. But it's not from hiking. We all get shorter with age due to vertebrae compression..etc...But I got out of high school in 1972..Don't know if the OP wants to wait that long to fit her new bag or not. I'd get the one that fits now.. The price shouldn't be that much different..
JokerJersey
03-29-2011, 17:42
Man, the thread was a let down after the title. Lo and behold, a woman asking if one inch matters...too funny. :banana:banana
Seriously though, I'd get the bigger bag, then again, I like room to move around at night.
LoneRidgeRunner
03-29-2011, 17:48
Man, the thread was a let down after the title. Lo and behold, a woman asking if one inch matters...too funny. :banana:banana
Seriously though, I'd get the bigger bag, then again, I like room to move around at night.
Good one Joker..yep..you would think a woman would know..huh?? :banana
Be careful- if the long bag is too long, your feet will be cold. There can simply be too much space to have to heat up.
markmack
03-29-2011, 18:35
does anyone think it is ironic that a woman is asking a bunch of men if an inch matters, isnt it usually men asking a woman this question?
I am buying a new sleeping bag, I'm a 5'6" woman who wants to save weight and $....can I buy a regular size bag rated to 5'5" or will I feel cramped and have to sleep with my knees bent? Does that inch smaller really matter or should I buy a long bag?
girlfriend. every inch matters.
oh, and you'll want the longer bag, too. i promise.
Nearly Normal
03-29-2011, 19:51
I'm glad to see a bit of humor back on this site. It's been suppressed far too long.
Ashevillian
03-29-2011, 19:54
If you sleep on you side with a even a slight curl in you knees, it will be fine, if you are a back sleeper fully extending you legs, go for the longer bag. I am 6'1" and sleep on my side so I am comfortable in a 6'0" bag.
wvgrinder
03-29-2011, 19:57
I hope so. It's all I've got. :D
kayak karl
03-29-2011, 20:01
Shouldn't this be in the female forum?
im right behind you on this :D
wrongway_08
03-29-2011, 20:02
Get the bigger one, you'll only save a few ounces .... not worth the comfort loss.
I'm 6'0" and my first sleeping bag was a "regular" length men's Marmot Pounder Plus which some internet sources said was good for those up to six feet tall and other sources said was good only to 5'10". So I fretted about that for a while. Finally bought the regular instead of the large (good up to 6'6") and it fit fine. I'd say I have at least an inch of extra space to spare and I'm really glad I did not buy the large and have to heat up all that extra space.
bwendel07
03-31-2011, 19:08
im right behind you on this :D
Well then Karl may know if the extra inch matters.
Couldnt resist sorry
Get the bigger bag, I tried one sized to fit someone 5' 8" & I'm only a shade over 5' 7", yea, there were times it was just too short, usually as mentioned above when I was laying flat on my back. It was more noticeable when it was cold out.
camper10469
04-01-2011, 09:20
It only seems to matter to women.
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