You must already know that as a side sleeper, you favor your sides when sleeping.
Amongst other things, sleeping on your side has been proven to have health benefits and has been considered to be pretty good.
If you have heartburn, snore, or frequently have indigestion, then side sleeping can actually help reduce and possibly eliminate them after a long period of time.
It could be that you already have knowledge of the above which is why you are searching for the best ultralight sleeping bag for side sleepers.
Well, this article aims to provide you with the right answer to your query.
We’ve painstakingly gone through the web to outline the top 5 items in this category.
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Quick List of the Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag For Side Sleepers
What are the Common Types of Sleeping Bags?
Briefly, we’re going to tell you about the various types of sleeping bags you can find out there and we’ll help you know if they are best fit for side sleeping.
Here’s our list of sleeping bags for outdoor activities.
The Mummy Sleeping Bag
If you’re hiking during the cold season, then the mummy sleeping bag will not be a bad choice.
These style of sleeping bags maximizes insulation (retains heat) by enclosing your body almost like a body suit.
Although they are perfect for a cold season hiking or camping, they are not recommended for side sleepers as they provide little to no allowance for movement.
Elephants Foot Sleeping Bag
Trying to save space and pack light on a hike? The elephant’s sleeping bag will duly suffice.
These are designed to be more or less freer than the Mummy sleeping bag.
Although they fit less on the upper body (shoulders and chest) and have no zip, they are still restrictive for side sleepers.
Quilts
Quilts are lightweight half-sleeping bags. When using a quilt you would need a good pad below to prevent catching a cold from cold surfaces. compared to the other two sleeping bags mentioned, the built is a perfect pick for a side sleeper as it has no zipper restrictions and can be very wide.
Rectangular Sleeping Bag
These styles of sleeping bags are the classics of sleeping bags and most suitable for side sleepers too!
They have sufficient space for all sorts of movements while still providing comfort and some warmth.
Other types of sleeping bags include;
- Double sleeping bag: Suitable for side sleepers but provides less warmth.
- Zipless sleeping bag: These are lightweight and not a bad option for side sleepers.
- Semi-rectangular sleeping bags: These are warmer than rectangular sleeping bags but do have more space for your legs. They aren’t a bad pick.
- Square Sleeping bag: They’re suitable for side sleepers but not as warm as the mummy sleeping bag. They can be heavy to pack!
- Barrel-shaped sleeping bag: Provides the space of rectangular bags without compromising on warmth. Definitely suitable for side sleepers.
The Importance of having The Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Side Sleepers
SLEEP QUALITY
It has been proven that sleeping with your side helps you to sleep comfortably and proffers some health benefits.
To be accurate, sleeping on your left side.
As I wrote in the introduction part of this article, sleeping with your side in a sleeping bag can help you to reduce heartburn, snoring, indigestion, and other acid reflux symptoms.
PROTECTION
Compared to sleeping on the trail exposed, using a sleeping bag helps to protect you from insects and animals that are found in the wild.
I know you’d already know this, or would agree with me on this.
What to Look out for when Choosing Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Side Sleepers
SHAPE
The sleeping bags with the best shape for side sleepers are the Rectangular-shaped sleeping bag and the mummy-shaped sleeping bag.
These types of sleeping bags are wider at the bottom and at the shoulder area. This is exactly what side sleepers need because this allows you to turn as you want without restriction.
ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT
There’s a difference between lightweight and ultralight. When it comes to sleeping bags, I consider nothing over 3 lbs as Ultralight.
I can’t emphasize this enough. Hitting the trail with a heavy sleeping bag is a Big NO!
And if you can recall, this is one of the main reasons for this article.
COMPRESSIBLE
I bet you don’t want to hit the trail with a huge, baggy, disturbing load.
Hence, you opt for a compressible bag. You should be able to pack your sleeping bag down to its smallest size, portable enough for you to carry around.
Compression straps and stuff sacks can do this.
ADEQUATE WARMTH
According to greenbelly, you should build in the “20-degree rule of comfort. That is, you should add 20 degrees to the manufacturer’s claim for a comfortable night’s sleep.
The reason behind this is that whatever rating the manufacturer of a sleeping bag gives, it is the survival rating. Therefore to be comfortable add 20 and get a higher rating bag.
We applied this in the product listing.
It will also interest you to know that the warmth needed in your sleeping bag for comfort is produced by your body. What a sleeping bag does is trap this heat and should not allow a way of escape.
TEMPERATURE RATINGS
There’s what we call the THERMAL MANIKIN TEST – it is a scientific model of knowing if a sleeping bag has enough insulation according to the EN Standards.
The Standard temperature ratings are; comfort, upper limit, lower limit, and extreme.
Note: Temperature ratings are misleading. Therefore to keep warmth as earlier stated you can decide to increase it by adding layers to yourself.
Wearing a sweatshirt and other materials can do the trick.
SPACIOUS INTERIOR/DIMENSION
Narrow sleeping bags is a big NO! But there’s a need for balance because you’ve to consider weight and compression.
Striking the balance can be a bit difficult. Spacious sleeping bags don’t cause restlessness but allow you to move freely within their confines. This is what side sleepers need.
Therefore, to get the right bag, you have to consider its length, and width.
About the bag’s length, you must, first of all, know your actual length to be able to determine the length of the bag you can rightly fit in.
About the bag’s width, knowing your hip measurement or shoulder girth can help in this regard.
Once you’ve known your measurement, you can opt for a bag with extra width.
EASY ENTRY AND EXIT
This is important only if you will be coming in and out of your sleeping bag frequently.
OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER
I will only give a line or two here. Because too much information causes too much analysis which can lead to paralysis.
FILL POWER:
This number ranges from 600 to 950. It determines the quality of the insulation in terms of warmth.
DOWN OR SYNTHETIC INSULATION
Synthetic insulation is heavier, less warm, and baggy compared to down feathers.
ZIPPERLESS
Ultralight sleeping bags are going zipperless. Even those for side sleepers too.
STORAGE
Keeping your sleeping bag in storage for a long period gradually reduces its effectiveness.
PAD LOOPS AND SLEEVE
The padded loop does not allow your sleeping pad from slipping off because it secures it from doing so while a padded sleeve is an added insulation.
DRAFT COLLAR
It’s a hoodlike insulation attached to the neck region of a sleeping bed.
Top 5 Ultralight Sleeping Bag for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a sleeping bag that is spacious enough for them to roll onto their side for good night sleep.
There are bags which are suitable for people who sleep on their backs too.
For such reasons, we have lined up a few sleeping bags for side sleepers to choose from.
NEMO siren 30 siren sleeping bag
Nemo
This Nemo sleeping bag is easy to sleep in and is super comfortable.
They are made with cotton and nylon and are sure to bring down the temperature in any condition.
This sleeping bag comes with a padded liner, making your sleeping bag stick in place and does not let it move. .
PROS
- Easy lining for tie-down action.
- Will not move out of place at night.
- Is extremely warm and spacious.
CONS
- Is a little expensive and has limited shipping
Coleman Sleeping Bag
Coleman
A mummy-shaped sleeping bag which allows the user to be comfortable and sleep in a fixed position.
Your legs will fall perfectly in place while you’re sleeping.
This has a zipper on both sides and has thermal insolation to avoid any heat escape from the sleeping bag.
The good of the sleeping bag can be shut or left open according to the temperature.
PROS
- Easy for side sleepers.
- Open headspace.
- Does not allow excessive cold air.
CONS
- Doesn’t compress well enough
NEMO Fort 35 Sleeping Bag
NEMO
A great sleeping bag for side sleepers.
This bag allows the sleeper to have enough space in the arms and legs for the sleeper to move around comfortably.
They can easily have a good night’s sleep.
This can be zipped and unzipped for the user to let their body breath and to maintain airflow.
An easy-breezy sleeping bag is ideal for the warmer months.
PROS
- Zipper on both sides
- Is quickly ventilated
- Spoon shaped.
CONS
- Since this is a little on the warmer side, it would not be suggested to use in summers.
Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag
Sea to Summit
A compact sleeping bag which allows the sleeper to sleep in peace and have comfort.
These are the same old mummy-shaped sleeper, but they are in no way uncomfortable.
This gives great insulation and maintains a great airflow throughout the night.
These sleepers are great for carrying around since they are super light.
PROS
- Easy and light.
- Maintains a breezy environment.
- Compact.
CONS
- Not at all recommended for warm nights.
Marmot Phase 20
Marmot
A simple sleeping bag allows you to sleep sound and clam throughout the night.
The sleeping bag is great for a cold night and can manage to keep you warm throughout.
The shape keeps you cozy and has a great foot warmer for extra heat.
PROS
- Good feet warmer.
- Keeps you in place
- easy to handle.
CONS
- The zippers on this one close a little too tight.
NEMO Disco 15 & 30
NEMO
Another one of NEMOs classic sleeping bags gives you a great night’s sleep.
These bags are insulated but ensure ventilation to maintain proper airflow and keep you warm yet breezy.
It’s made in a classical spoon shape while having insulation at the feet, making it easier for anyone to keep their feet warm.
The hood is made comfortable and is easily adjusted according to the person’s needs.
PROS
- Does not let you get hot.
- Good ventilation
- Warm feet insulation.
CONS
- Does not come with a padded sleeve.
Nemo Riff Down Sleeping Bag
Brand name
A breathable sleeping bag allows the user to sleep in comfort but not be overheated inside the cocoon sleeping bag.
This is the spoon NEMO sleeping bag, which has a tucked blanket on the top and has a warm shoebox, with an included ventilation system that maintains a warm environment.
PROS
- Keeps you warm and ventilated
- Is lightweight.
- Has a waterproof show box.
CONS
- A little expensive.
Conclusion
These are a few side sleeper bags that may give you what you’re looking for; these allow you to have a sound sleep, and some of them can be used on summer days.
Most of these are great for winter hiking sessions and keep you warm all around.
The foot warmers add an extra touch, which provides you with more comfort and ease.
FAQ
Can you sleep on your side in a sleeping bag?
This entirely depends on how your sleeping bag is designed.
A loose-fitting sleeping bag like the zipless sleeping bag or a more open-space sleeping bag like the rectangular sleeping bag better supports free movements compared to the mummy sleeping bag.
So you can sleep on your side in a sleeping bag styled to accommodate movements.
Is sleeping on the side good for the lungs?
Generally, sleeping on the side causes no known damage to the lungs. And research has shown that sleeping on the side can help prevent major respiratory issues such as collapsed lungs.
So, there’s no fear to discover you’re a side sleeper.
What is a sleeping bag?
If you’re conversant with outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking, you must understand the need for rest during prolonged periods of these activities.
After a while on the hiking trail, especially when it gets dark and dangerous, you will need to find a resting place.
This is where a sleeping bag comes in. It provides the comfort of a resting surface as much as outdoors can give and protects you from creeping animals. Aside from protection, sleeping bags also provide warmth during a cold night.
How can I sleep in a sleeping bag?
Depending on the brand and style of sleeping bag you buy, the manufacturer’s instructions will guide you on how to set up your sleeping bag.
When your bag is properly set up, all you need do is wear it up, open and enter or lie and cover over. Get cozied up and enjoy your sleep.