Sleeping bags are designed for solo snoozing. But what if you want to cuddle up with your sweetie while camping?
Can two people fit inside a single sleeping bag?
I’ve tried it many times, with mixed results. Here’s what I learned about the dos and don’ts of doubling up in a sleeping bag.
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My First Attempt at Sleeping Bag Spooning
The first time I tried to squeeze into a sleeping bag with my boyfriend, it was a disaster!
We were 20-something college students on a backpacking trip with friends. Excited to finally have some “alone time” in our tent, we zipped ourselves into my mummy bag rated for subzero temps.
At first, it felt cozy to be wrapped up together like human burritos. But after about 10 minutes, our body heat turned the sleeping bag into a sweltering sauna. We were dripping sweat, sticking to each other like glue.
Every move caused the slick nylon fabric to twist and turn, trapping limbs in uncomfortable positions. To make matters worse, the bag was so tight that anytime one of us shifted, the other got knocked and jostled.
Needless to say, it was a long, sleepless night. In the morning, we emerged looking haggard and cranky. Not exactly the romantic experience we’d envisioned!
Sizing Matters
After that miserable night, I realized size matters when it comes to sharing a sleeping bag.
My solo mummy bag was great for one, but way too snug for two. For couples camping, I learned that a sleeping bag for two people needs to be substantially larger than a single-person bag. Most “double” sleeping bags are roomy rectangles rather than tapered mummies.
This shape allows you to sprawl out without encroaching on your partner’s space. When shopping for a two-person sleeping bag,
look for a size wide enough to fit two average-sized adults with extra wiggle room. Dimensions of 35-40 inches wide x 75-80 inches long are ideal. This gives you each 18+ inches of personal space—no more feeling smushed!
Spooning vs. Spreading Out
Another key factor is sleeping position. My boyfriend and I originally envisioned staying toasty by spooning all night in the sleeping bag.
But in reality, it’s hard to hold one position for hours. During the night, you’ll likely toss and turn and need to stretch out.
A two-person bag gives you room to sleep in your usual style instead of forced cuddling.
Some nights we’d start out snuggling then roll apart to sprawl out in our own corners.
Other times we’d sleep face-to-face with legs intertwined. Having the flexibility to adjust positions and the freedom to spread out made sharing a sleeping bag much more comfortable.
The More, the Merrier.
While most “double” bags sleep two adults cozily, some extra-large rectangular bags claim to fit even more people.
But is bigger better? I tested some oversized bags meant to sleep up to 4 campers.
While the dimensions were big enough, these mega-bags had their issues. Added room inside the bag allows more cold air pockets to form.
More bodies means more body heat, but also more moisture. This can lead to interior condensation and dampness.
Plus, someone inevitably gets stuck with the dreaded zipper seam down the middle.
For the best balance of comfort and temperature control, I found that two campers per sleeping bag is ideal. More than that is a crowded compromise.
Bonding Under the Stars
At the end of the day, sharing a sleeping bag is about keeping each other warm in both body and spirit.
With the right gear—a spacious two-person sleeper bag in a breathable, water-resistant fabric—you can enjoy safe and cozy sleep under the stars.
No need to tough it out in a cramped mummy sack. Snuggle up close or spread out and dream—the choice is yours.
Just being together doing something you enjoy magnifies the pleasure. Sleeping bag or not, that’s what makes the experience special.
So can two people share a sleeping bag? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s a double bag roomy enough for a comfortable night’s rest. With the right gear, you’ll be warm in each other’s arms from dusk to dawn.
