When it comes to essential camping gear, few pieces are as crucial as a good sleeping bag, especially if you’re on the bigger side. Finding a sleeping bag that balances warmth, comfort, and weight can be challenging for tall or broader campers, and that’s without factoring in the variety of shapes and styles available. 

I’m 6’1 “, 250 lbs, and sleep on my side, which has meant a lot of trial and error in finding bags that don’t feel restrictive or leave me cold by morning. Recently, I tested two popular options: the Nemo Disco 15 (a mummy-style bag) and the Therm-A-Rest Corus 20 Quilt.

Sleeping Bags For Everyone

Both bags performed well, keeping me warm and offering enough space to sleep comfortably. But if you’re wondering whether to go mummy or quilt, let’s dig into the specifics of each and explore which one might be your best fit.

One of the biggest hurdles in sleeping bag shopping for a larger camper is finding the right size. For me, the shoulder width and length are essential. Many bags feel tight, and no one wants to feel squeezed in all night. For those with a larger frame, trying bags in person at a store like REI is invaluable. This isn’t an ad for REI; rather, it’s practical advice. In-store, you can lie down on a sleeping pad and zip yourself up, ensuring the fit before committing.

For big backpackers, bag selection is even more complex, as not all brands offer larger sizes or wider shoulder options. Even with generous dimensions, the style—mummy or quilt—can make a huge difference in comfort, as I found with the Nemo and the Therm-A-Rest.

Selecting a Sleeping Bag: Warmth, Weight, and Packability

Beyond just fit, several core factors came into play when I selected these bags:

1. Temperature Rating and Insulation – Late-summer and fall camping in the Adirondacks can dip below freezing at night, so I needed a bag rated for cooler temperatures. Both the Nemo and Therm-A-Rest are filled with 650-fill duck down, which offers a reliable warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility. The Nemo is rated to 15°F, with a tested comfort level around 27°F, while the Therm-A-Rest is rated at 20°F and tested for comfort at 32°F.

2. Weight – For backpacking, a lighter setup makes a difference, and here, the Therm-A-Rest shines at 1 lb 13 oz, a full pound lighter than the Nemo. This can be a deciding factor if you’re aiming for an ultralight pack.

3. Packability – Both bags pack down well. The Nemo compresses to 7.6L, and the Therm-A-Rest is similarly compact at 7.5L. This makes both viable for multi-day trips without taking up excessive pack space.

Nemo Disco 15 Sleeping Bag:

The Nemo Disco 15 is a mummy-style sleeping bag, a design traditionally known for maximum warmth. However, Nemo reimagined the mummy shape, giving it a more relaxed fit, allowing for side sleeping and a more spacious feel in the shoulders and legs. Here’s what I noticed:

• Temperature and Insulation: With a rating of 15°F and a tested comfort down to 27°F, this bag has solid cold-weather performance. The mummy design, coupled with 650-fill down, kept me comfortably warm, even on a night that dipped below the expected low.

• Footbox Warmth: One surprising feature was the well-designed footbox, which retained warmth impressively. This kept my feet comfortable through colder hours, something I wasn’t entirely expecting at lower temperatures.

• Weight and Packability: At 2 lbs 15 oz, it’s heavier than the Therm-A-Rest but didn’t feel bulky when packed. If you prefer the cocoon-like feel of a mummy bag and don’t mind the weight, the Nemo offers some added comfort features.

• Additional Features: This bag has zippered vents above the waist, which can be opened to release heat if the weather warms up. I didn’t need them this time, but they could be a plus for warmer nights. Plus, the headspace in the Nemo allowed me to bring a pillow inside the bag—keeping everything together felt practical and comfortable.

Therm-A-Rest Corus 20 Quilt:

The Therm-A-Rest Corus 20 Quilt offers a very different experience. Without the restrictive design of a mummy bag, it provided an open feel, especially for those who feel confined in traditional sleeping bags. Here’s how it measured up:

• Temperature and Insulation: Although rated to 20°F and tested to a comfort level of 32°F, the Therm-A-Rest held up well even as the temperature dropped to the low 30s. With some minor adjustments to cover my neck and ears, I stayed comfortable through most of the night, only starting to feel the chill by early morning as temps approached 30°F.

• Footbox Warmth: Similar to the Nemo, the Therm-A-Rest’s footbox insulation was better than expected, keeping my feet warm despite the open-top design.

• Weight and Packability: At 1 lb 13 oz, the Therm-A-Rest was noticeably lighter in my pack. This weight advantage makes the quilt a great choice for backpackers prioritizing an ultralight setup. It packs down similarly to the Nemo, so portability is about equal, but the lighter weight might make a bigger impact on long hikes.

• Open-Top Versatility: This quilt-style bag is ideal if you dislike being fully zipped in. I had enough length to snuggle into the quilt without feeling constrained. It provides excellent freedom of movement for side sleepers or anyone who likes to toss and turn. However, the lack of a hood or neck closure means that colder nights might require extra layering for full warmth

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, choosing between the Nemo and Therm-A-Rest will come down to preference and specific camping needs. If you love the coziness of a mummy bag and plan to camp in colder conditions, the Nemo might be worth the extra pound in your pack. It provides complete coverage and warmth, making it perfect for snug nights even in freezing temperatures. However, if weight is your top priority and you prefer a more open, versatile sleep system, the Therm-A-Rest Corus Quilt will likely be a better fit.

An insulated sleeping pad would have been beneficial on my trip in cold conditions, especially since the temperatures dropped lower than forecasted. Using a sleeping pad instead of a cot can trap warmth more effectively and reduce heat loss. If you’re expecting unpredictable temperatures, having both the right bag and an insulated pad can make a big difference.

Both the Nemo Disco 15 and the Therm-A-Rest Corus 20 Quilt are solid choices for big backpackers. The Nemo wins out on warmth and the security of a mummy design, while the Therm-A-Rest shines in portability and open-top flexibility. Whether you go with a cozy mummy bag or a spacious quilt, be sure to try it on for fit, check the specifications, and consider where and when you’ll be camping. Each option offers something unique for big backpackers looking for reliable comfort.