Barrel Sleeping Bags: 
The Best Types of
 All-Purpose Sleeping Bags

Barrel sleeping bags are a great compromise between rectangular sleeping bags and mummy sleeping bags.  

Because they have some of the advantages of both barrel and rectangular bags, they may be the BEST choice for many families.

Barrel Sleeping Bags

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Some barrel bags resemble mummy sleeping bags.

North Face Sleeping Bag

Others are more like rectangular sleeping bags.

Coleman Brazos Sleeping Bag

Any in-between bag is a barrel bag. They are known by a number of other names, too:

tapered bag (or "taper")

hybrid bag

semi-rectangular bag

Advantages of barrel sleeping bags

Comfort

A barrel bag is roomy and comfortable. You can roll over and move around in a barrel bag. You can't in a mummy bag!

Many children (and lots of adults) find mummy bags too confining. They prefer the freedom of a hybrid bag.

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Weight

A barrel bag is lighter than a comparable rectangular bag.

Size

It's less bulky to pack than a rectangular bag, too.

Disadvantages

Warmth

Since a barrel bag has more empty space for your body to heat, it is not as warm as a comparably sized mummy bag. Click here to learn how mummy sleeping bags keep you warm.

If you are looking for a cold weather sleeping bag, you'll probably choose a mummy bag.

Weight

A barrel bag is heavier than a comparable mummy bag.

Features to consider

Attached hood

A barrel bag may or may not have an attached hood. I don't think you need one. If you are going to camp when it's cold enough for a hood, you really should have a mummy bag.

Boxed foot

This just means that the end of the bag has a circular panel, like the end of a tin can. It allows you to lie on your back and wiggle your toes in comfort.

Ability to open flat

Most barrel bags can open nearly flat (though not as flat as a rectangular bag).

This means that they can be used as extra blankets or comforters.

Ability to be zipped together

Barrel sleeping bags that zip together are handy. As long as they don't have hoods, any two barrel bags with the same type of zipper can be attached.