As far as I can tell there are several types. Silk, cotton, and nylon parachute silk. I know from past experiences that a mummy shape will not work for me. I would need a rectagular shape at the bottom of the bag in order to move during the night and still feel comfortable. I will be using the sack for European hostels for a 6 week tour. I am a man standing 5'10" and of average weight. The average bag I see advertized is approximately 86" X 36" but they do come in larger sizes. I am wondering if this would work or would I need a larger sack? Does anybody have experience with several types of sacks? Is silk TOO slipery to sleep on? Is cotton TOO rough? Is nylon parachute silk TOO hot? Price is not as important as function. Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, John
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
I doubt you'll come across a hostel where you'll need a sleep sack... in fact, many hostels now won't allow them, fearing the transmission of bedbugs. However, in the days when I carried a sleep sack with me, I just purchased a large double bedsheet from my local store, folded it in half, and sewed up the bottom and 3/4 of the way up the open side.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
My experience with hostels is that they won't allow sleeping BAGS. While most don't charge for linen anymore, some still do. A sleeping sack or sown up sheet counts as linen, again, only in my experience.
I use what's labeled as a sleeping bag liner.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2356 posts
I have Rick's silk sleep sack - not mummy style (click on "travel store" above and you'll find it. My only complaint is that I tend to get wrapped up in it too easily, as I'm petite and there's a bit more fabric than I need. But it's comfy, lightweight, and I don't think you'd go wrong.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you live near a military surplus store, try the current standard issue sleeping bag. They are designed to comfortably fit anyone, no matter the height. They also have detachable layers for different climates. The whole set up compresses down to the size of gallon milk jug.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
We brought sleep sacks and used them only once. Even that time was because we were lugging them and felt like we should use them at least once.
It's harder to find a hostel that doesn't include free linen now than one that rents linen or requires a sleep sack.
If you have to have one, go with silk. It's significantly lighter and packs way smaller. It's also natural fiber so will breath, unlike a nylon bag, and keep you a lot more comfortable.
Posted by
Reston, VA, USA
809 posts
I'm a 5'10" woman of average weight, and I found Rick's silk sleep sack worked very well for me last year. I did end up fighting it occasionally - I tend to roll around a lot and had to straighten out the tangles a few times. The silk was both lightweight and breathable. Cotton would probably be comfortable, but I couldn't stand dragging all those extra ounces around. Six weeks - have a wonderful time!