13 Best Sleeping Bags for Big Guys

Camping entails leaving the day-to-day comforts at home. However, it doesn’t mean you need to squeeze into a too-tight sleeping bag simply because you want to experience the great outdoors. Finding a good sleeping bag is difficult enough when you’re “standard-sized,” but it can be downright frustrating if you’re a bigger or taller person like is. As big people, it can be tough to find a size that fits our needs, whether it’s clothes, mattresses, or even sleeping bags. Luckily, there are many best sleeping bags for big guys available today that come in wider and longer varieties, apart from the standard dimension ones, of course. So, manufacturers now finally acknowledge that campers do come in all sizes and shapes!

What’s more, such sleeping bags are not just long and wide but also roomy. We spent three seasons looking at some amazing products, and now we have a list of our favorites – so you don’t have to break your heads. Jump ahead to see our picks as well as our handy guide to buying them.

Big Agnes Anvil Horn (650 DownTek) Sleeping Bag

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The Big Agnes Anvil Horn (650 DownTek) Sleeping Bag is one of the best larger sleeping bags we’ve ever slept in. This bag kept us cozy and warm, no matter how far we were from the trailhead, thanks to the supernova warmth due to the premium 650-fill power down. What’s more, the generous, semi-rectangular cut mimicked our bed at home and didn’t feel like a typical mummy bag. Like other bags from the brand, the Anvil Horn 15 boasted a list of creature comforts that made sleeping within it a pleasure. These include a puffy collar that prevented sleeves and drafts for a pillow and a 30-inch-wide pad. Moreover, the jacket-like hood allowed us to easily wear the bag even when we were sitting up, ensuring warmth always. The best bit? Despite all the bells and whistles, the Anvil Horn 15 still packs to a watermelon’s size.

Dirtbag Dreams had a lot of good things to say about this bag – check out the detailed review here.

• Shape Semi-rectangular
• Shoulder girth: 80 in/6.6 ft
• Hip girth: 71 in/5.9 ft
• Temperature rating: 15F/-9C
• Weight 3.06lbs/1.4 kg

Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag

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Best for year-round backpacking. The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag was perfect for us even when the snow started flying around. This sleeping bag was practically a sleep sack for us, complete with loads of down fill and a tapered mummy shape that kept us toasty even in subfreezing temperatures. What’s more, the full-length draft tube running along the zipper’s length maximized coziness and minimized cold spots. However, one of the best features of this sleeping bag is its packability. Even in the wide sizes, it packed down to the size of a cantaloupe and weighed less than 3 lbs! And when paired with a backpacking pad, it made for one amazing winter-friendly sleeping system. Check out the details of this sleeping bag on the official product page.

• Shape Mummy
• Shoulder girth: 64 in/5.3 ft
• Hip girth: 56 in/4.6 ft
• Temperature rating: 15F/-9C
• Weight 2.3 lbs/1 kg

Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Sleeping Bag

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We finally felt like we fit in with the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Sleeping Bag. This bag was a lightweight and efficient version of regular-sized bags. For one, it maintained the traditional mummy shape to cut weight and bulk but expanded the hip and shoulder circumferences. So even though it packed down small, weighing just 3 lbs, it had enough inner space for a 2X camper. What’s more, this lean and clean sleeping machine boasts HL-ElixR Micro synthetic insulation, which slashed the weight by almost a complete pound. Another upgrade from its predecessor is the softer shell material and ripstop polyester lining. Wrapping up the features is the water resistance, and that too at a wallet-friendly price.

• Shape Mummy
• Shoulder girth: 76.5 in/6.3 ft
• Hip girth: 7.15 in/5.9 ft
• Temperature rating: 32.2F/0.1C
• Weight: 3 lbs/1.36 kg

Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag

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Best semi-rectangular. The Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag is one of the best big semi-rectangular bags we’ve seen. In fact, if we couldn’t drag our beds to the campground, then this is the next best thing. There are a lot of things we love about this Big Agnes sleeping bag. For one, this ultra-spacious, feature-rich sleeping bag has a 74-inch hip girth. So, we didn’t have to adapt our 2X body to fit in this bag while still ensuring a luxury fit. Moreover, the shoulder circumference is just as palatial, more than 6 feet around. And thanks to double zippers that allowed us entry from each side, we could flip the top down, just like our comforter at home.

On cool nights, we could even use the two top hand pockets to pull the bag snug around us like a cocoon, like a blankie! The best thing was that we could sneak a pillow into a specific sleeve within the hood, thus securing a cushion underneath our heads.

This sleeping bag’s dimensions and multitude of features mean it isn’t all that light or packable. (One tester grumbled that the sleeping bag couldn’t fit in his motorcycle panniers, even when packed away in its included 20-inch stuff sack.) But that’s the trade-off for lavish living.

Check out Enwild’s detailed YouTube video review of this sleeping bag.

• Shape: Semi-rectangular
• Shoulder girth: 80 in/6.6 ft
• Hip girth: 74 in/6.1 ft
• Temperature rating: 20F/-6C
• Weight: 4.75 lbs/2.15 kg

BISINNA XXL Sleeping Bag

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The BISINNA XXL Sleeping Bag is one of the largest sleeping bags on this list and a very comfortable one. For one, it’s made from hollow cotton and 190T polyester, complete with a skin-friendly sponge lining that’s particularly suitable for sensitive skin. Hence, we were able to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing night’s sleep after a long day of trekking on the trail. What’s more, it’s also waterproof and weighed only 3.2 lbs, making it very easy for us to carry. Aside from the measurements being suitable for large and tall people and peeps who turn in their sleep, like us, this bag can also be used for three seasons. Wrapping up the features is the fact that it came equipped with a drawstring and Velcro.

• Shape: Rectangular
• Shoulder girth: 39.4 in/3.3 ft
• Hip girth: N/A
• Temperature rating: 50-68F/10-20C
• Weight: 3.4 lbs/1.5 kg

Coleman Big Basin Sleeping Bag

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Best budget. Since we were on a budget, we ended up with the affordable and yet huge Coleman Big Basin Sleeping Bag. This spacious Xl-sized sleeping bag with a rectangular design was perfect for heavier people in our group and those who move around a lot when they sleep. In fact, the rectangular shape ensured that we didn’t feel constricted inside it. Thanks to the pull cord hood, we were able to seal our faces and protect them from the strong, cold winds. Moreover, the hollow polyester insulation retained heat as close to our bodies as possible. In fact, the durable zipper even has a Thermolock draft tube that kept the heat from escaping through the zipper. Finally, this bag can easily be rolled up and carried in a backpack. It’s no wonder that this is one of the best cold-weather sleeping bags.

• Shape: Rectangular
• Shoulder girth: 39 in/3.2 ft
• Hip girth: N/A
• Temperature rating: 15F/-9C
• Weight: 7 lbs/3.2 kg

Kelty Cosmic 0 Down Sleeping Bag

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Best widest. If you’re looking for an XL-sized winter camping sleeping bag, look no further than the Kelty Cosmic 0 Down Sleeping Bag. It’s not just one of the best sleeping bags for fat guys but is also one of the best winter sleeping bags. This bag got the job done but didn’t cost us a bomb either, priced at just 180 USD. For one, the Kelty sleeping bag boasted an ISO rating. Since we sleep cold, we liked that the collar kept us warm and trapped the heat within, keeping us toasty all night long.

We also liked the 50D polyester taffeta lining and the 550 fill down. The combination felt extremely soft against our skin, allowing us to sleep even better despite the cold. In fact, that’s what makes this bag one of the best sleeping bags if you’re planning to hike Kilimanjaro. But we loved the most the wide shoulder and hip girths measuring at least 5 ft! In fact, this is one of the widest bags on this list and hence, a favorite.

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• Shape: Mummy
• Shoulder girth: 64 in/5.3 ft
• Hip girth: 60 in/5 ft
• Temperature rating: -17C/0F
• Weight: 4.5 lbs/2 kg

NEMO Disco Down Sleeping Bag

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The NEMO Disco Down Sleeping Bag is an excellent option for large guys like us who love going backpacking. This lightweight sleeping bag weighed just over two lbs and boasted a roomy design, making it a favorite with the tall and huge community. It’s easy to pack and carry, too, as it’s no bigger than a few rolled-up sweaters when packed. So, it easily fit in our backpacks, and we were able to carry it on our person.

Moreover, the Disco is 100% waterproof, from the 650 hydrophobic down insulation filling to the nylon shell lining. If that wasn’t enough, the down is RDS-certified and has been 100% ethically sourced too, making it perfect for us eco-conscious peeps. But one of the most unique features of this bag was the spoon-like shape. It allowed extra room at our elbows and knees, allowing us to get comfortable on our sides too.

• Shape: Classic spoon
• Shoulder girth: 66 in/5.5 ft
• Hip girth: 59 in/4.9 ft
• Temperature rating: 15F/-9C
• Weight: 2.1 lbs/0.9 kg

Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F Ultralight Sleeping Bag

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We probably paid the most for a sleeping bag ever with the Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F Ultralight Sleeping Bag, but it was worth it as this sleeping bag really does do it all. It’s very warm for beginners and is perfect for three-season use. What’s more, it packs down very small, so much so that it felt like taking a spare jacket along rather than an entire sleeping bag.

The lack of weight and bulk was great for us, especially since it was due to the 800-fill responsibly sourced down. It was warm and came coated with waterproof treatment, thus keeping us toasty even when it got damp. Wrapping up the features is the outer fabric made from 100% recycled nylon and the integrated straps that allowed us to attach it to our camping mat. So, that basically meant no rolling onto cold groundsheets or turning over at night.

• Shape: Mummy
• Shoulder girth: 57 in/4.75 ft
• Hip girth: 56 in/4.6 ft
• Temperature rating: 20F/-6C
• Weight: 2.19 lbs/1 kg

Big Agnes Dream Island (Fireline Eco) Sleeping Bag

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Best double sleeping bag. We have yet another Big Agnes product on this list. This time, it’s the Big Agnes Dream Island (Fireline Eco) Sleeping Bag. We were in a conundrum, whether to take two single or a double sleeping bag for yourself and your partner – and this sleeping bag is the answer. Not only was this bag romantic and allowed us to cuddle together, but it also kept us comfortable and warm. Most double bags are bulky and compromise on the design, but not Dream Island, which had the same tech and thought as single bags from the brand. So, it was not just warm but also had great design quirks, such as an integrated coupler for the two sleeping mats within. Hence, they could be securely lashed together and then also attached to the bag. 

“We’re cuddlers, and we wanted to take that habit backpacking too, but without sarificing on comfort or getting our toes cold! The Dream Island let us do so, and worked like an absolute dream.”

WOW Travel

What’s more, the double hood even had a divider in the middle so each of us could cinch our side closer individually for a cozier sleep. And if either sleeps warm and the other one cold, then this is a huge blessing! (great when one of you sleeps warm and the other cold).

• Shape: Rectangular  
• Shoulder girth: 126 in/10.5 ft
• Hip girth: 118 in/9.8 ft
• Temperature rating: 20F/-6C
• Weight: 7.2 lbs/3.2 kg

Sierra Designs Night Cap 20

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Are you a hot sleeper or a side sleeper? We think you’ll love the Sierra Designs Night Cap 20 Sleeping Bag. We aren’t keen on the confines of the usual mummy sleeping bags, and that’s why we love this inventive zipless option from the Californian brand. They’re not only boldly done away with a zipper altogether, but they’ve also replaced it with a crossover integrated quilt instead. We could wrap it around us, tuck it in, and even sit down on cold nights. What’s more, we loved its nifty design quirks, such as the sleeve that we could slide our camping mat into and prevent ourselves from rolling off it. We particularly loved the foot vent that works well as an anti-draught flap to cool our feet down. Wrapping up the features is the pillow sleeve that prevented it from slipping out when we’d wriggle around. 

• Shape: Mummy
• Shoulder girth: 62 in/5.1 ft
• Hip girth: 58 in/4.8 ft
• Temperature rating: 20F/-6C
• Weight: 3.08 lbs/1.4 kg

Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag

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The Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag is perfect for warm-weather and first-time campers and also people like us who love car camping. This versatile and roomy sleeping bag is made from lightweight polyester with synthetic Cloudloft insulation that worked perfectly when we slept inside our car. What’s more, we even unzipped this bag and used it as a blanket, while others zipped two Kelty Catenas together and created a double-wide sleeping bag! Besides being roomy enough for restless sleepers like us, this bag is very durable. Plus, it boasted an anti-snag, anti-draft zipper that allowed us to easily slip in and out of it. While we don’t recommend it for the freezing cold, it’s a great bag for a casual camper in 50s Fahrenheit temperatures.

• Shape: Rectangular
• Shoulder girth: 67.7 in/5.6 ft
• Hip girth: N/A
• Temperature rating: 30F/-1C
• Weight: 3.9 lbs/1.77 kg

Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 Sleeping Bag

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The name says it all, doesn’t it? Behold the Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 Sleeping Bag. If you tend to toss through the night or sleep on your side, then this ergonomically contoured bag is the one for you. It features body-mapped FireLine ECO synthetic insulation that alleviated pressure points at the feet and hips. So, it moved along with our bodies when we rolled from side to side, thus always staying optimally warm as we settled and resettled over and over. Moreover, the loft insulation and the PFC-free water-repellent finish kept us warm and dry even when the bag itself got wet. The best bit? The bag gets extra eco-friendly points as it’s made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. The helpful insulated jacket-style hood is wrapped up the features that could keep a pillow in place.

• Shape: Mummy
• Shoulder girth: 61 in/5.1 ft
• Hip girth: 58 in/4.8 ft
• Temperature rating:
• Weight: 2.2 lbs/1 kg

Our Verdict!

The fact that sleeping bags now come in XL sizes is so cool, as we’ve seen in the list above. That said, we’ve curated a specialized list depending on the best features of the best products.

• Best for year-round backpacking: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag
• Best semi-rectangular: Big Agnes Echo Park 20 Sleeping Bag
• Best budget: Coleman Big Basin Sleeping Bag
• Best widest: Kelty Cosmic 0 Down Sleeping Bag
• Best double sleeping bag: Big Agnes Dream Island (Fireline Eco) Sleeping Bag

How To Choose The Best Sleeping Bags for Big Guys?

Shoulder girth

One of the most important things we considered when shopping for a larger sleeping bag was the shoulder girth. Basically, the circumference of the bag’s top fits around our shoulders. Sleeping bags designed for average or smaller people won’t zip entirely around broad shoulders, which prevents heat retention. We measured our shoulder circumference by measuring the outer, broadest part to get the most accurate fit. Since we didn’t want the bag to fight us too tightly, we looked for sleeping bags with shoulder girths wider than ours. 

Height

Another factor when it comes to choosing larger sleeping bags is the length, which directly corresponds to the height too. Accurately measuring our height first allowed us to filter and look for bags that fit us with a few inches to spare. Remember that most standard sleeping bags are regular-sized, which means that they’ll fit people measuring around 6’0”. So, if you’re taller, then you’ll want to look for taller sleeping bags. 

Weight

We often tend to forget about how much our sleeping bags weigh. We only realized this when we’re forced to carry very heavy sleeping bags on our trips, with our backs taking the brunt in the long run. In this case, we looked for lightweight sleeping bags that don’t sacrifice heat retention either. 

Design

Most sleeping bags feature either rectangle or mummy designs. While mummy bags fit tightly and retain heat, the lack of wiggle room means that it’s not great for peeps who can’t sleep on their backs. Rectangle bags, on the other hand, might not be as warm as mummy ones, but they’re better for peeps who move around a lot or sleep on the side.  

How long is an XL sleeping bag?

XL sleeping bags are usually 86.6 x 31.6 inches, which is more than enough for even slightly larger adults to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Is it better to have a bigger sleeping bag?

While sleeping bags for fat people can be bigger and will allow them to move freely, they might not be the best option for smaller- or average-sized people. It will waste heat, reducing its effectiveness.

What are the five types of sleeping bags?

The five most common types of sleeping bags are semi-rectangular, rectangular, double, mummy, and kid-sized.