Best Outdoor Gear for Plus Size People of 2024
plus size backpacks, wide sleeping bags & well cushioned sleeping pads, supportive boots and sandals
The author in her element: hiking! Photo courtesy of Gabi Reyes-Acosta
October 12, 2023
Home > Gear Reviews > Apparel > Women’s
I’ve written for Treeline Review before about how difficult it is to find plus size outdoor clothing made for camping and hiking. The need for plus size footwear, backpacks, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags is just as important to get you outside safely but also support your body in the ways it deserves to be supported.
There's a gap between the needs that plus-size consumers are openly asking the outdoor industry to address and what the outdoor industry is currently offering. That gap isn't just with outdoor clothing. It extends to tents, sleeping bags, and other gear necessary for safely exploring the outdoors. Companies aren’t developing sleeping pads, backpacks, and other essential items for bodies beyond a size 14—or, often, a size 12—bodies that have different contours, curves, and needs.
Here, I’ll talk about my recommendations for the camping and hiking gear that fits and supports plus-size bodies–items that I've found through trial and error. The best plus size outdoor gear celebrates that we all deserve to get outside and to feel comfortable and safe while doing so.
Looking for a plus-size hiking pant, leggings, base layer, rain jacket, or other plus size clothing for hiking? See my guide to The Best Plus Size Outdoor Clothing or The Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing.
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PLUS SIZE GEAR LIST
| CATEGORY | MODEL | SIZES | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAY PACKS AND BACKPACKS | |||
| Day pack | Gregory Packs Plus Size Arrio | Hips/waist up to 60" | $100 |
| Backpacking backpack | Gregory Kalmia 60 | Hips/waist 36-60" | $310 |
| Backpacking Backpack | Osprey Ariel 55 with Aether (men's) belt | Hips/waist up to 50" | $300 |
| Backpacking Backpack | Osprey Ariel 65 Extended Fit | Hips/waist up to 60" | $320 |
* Prices reflect MSRP. See our Deals Page for discounts available. Updated daily.
Why we need plus size gear
There is nothing like a night spent cozying up in a sleeping bag under the stars or in a tent–hearing the sounds of the wind in the trees, the smell of the outdoors filling the tent. In the chilly air, pulling oneself closer into the sleeping bag can be one of the most comforting feelings in the world. As I grew older, I started purchasing sleeping bags and pads to meet needs beyond backyard campouts or temperate summer overnights. I soon learned that many technical sleeping bags and pads were simply not made for my larger body.
The first sleeping bag I used while working as a camp counselor, where I was going to live in the bag for nearly three months, barely zipped around my hips. I had gone to an outdoor store in May and had been advised that the bag would keep me warm for the long summer spent outside. I thought nothing of size or shape, and didn’t tell anyone out of shame that the mummy shaped bag barely zipped around my hips and wide shoulders.
In the years since then, I have bought, borrowed, and used dozens of sleeping bags. I’ve carried bags on backpacking trips that were designed for car camping and were far heavier than the ones my friends used; because I had yet to find a lightweight bag wide enough to keep me warm and comfortable on the trail. The same went for sleeping pads, as many of the most lightweight closed cell foam pads provided almost zero support or comfort beneath my body as I slept.
I have learned that it is a fact that my body, a size 20/22 in women’s clothing, was larger than the gear I was using. Instead of viewing this as a shortcoming on my part I instead felt frustrated at the lack of gear made for me and for others like me. Plus-sized or extended-sized gear, much like plus-size clothing, can be difficult to come by and can feel disheartening for those of us who do not see ourselves reflected in the brands we turn to to help us access the nature we love.
Luckily, in the years since my first sleeping bag purchases, brands have started creating bags and pads in wide and extended sizes. While there are still far too many brands who are still not creating gear for fat and plus size bodies, there are now options that make the outdoors more accessible. Below are my recommendations for sleeping bags and pads to help you get outside, stay warm, and enjoy nature with comfort.
The author Gabi Reyes-Acosta is an outdoor enthusiast, former outdoor trip leader with the Girl Scouts, and a plus size outdoor advocate. Photo courtesy of Gabi Reyes-Acosta
About My journey
My body is a fat body, and it is Brown. I own these two identities, and my existence in them is a journey longer than any trail I'll ever hike. I shouldn't have to deal with any special hardship when outdoor clothing my body for camping and backpacking—my primary ways of engaging with the outdoors.
Over the years I've bought and returned countless hiking clothes, plus size activewear, and outdoor gear that wasn’t designed for my body. I've also scoured internet forums for posts from other plus size hikers to learn which outdoor brand may have outdoor gear designed for us and to find gear options that work.
I've learned a lot in my research and experiences with plus size hiking clothes and outdoor gear, and it's important to spread that knowledge so that others don't have to struggle.
For all the talk of body positivity and all the inspirational images on Instagram, the outdoor industry has not yet caught up to the needs of plus size hiker-folks who want technical outdoor clothing, but are not yet able to consistently find it.
There is still a huge gap when it comes to hiking clothing and outdoor gear items: what's made for people whose bodies conform to social norms is often more functional and more stylish than what's made for people whose bodies are "different" in some way.
Whether you are a beginner looking to take up camping and hiking, or an experienced adventurer looking for some new outdoor gear that will work better in a variety of outdoor activities, these are my recommendations for building your outdoor gear closet.
In this guide, I focus on gear for plus size adventurers, with recommendations on what's best in regards to sizing, support, fabric, and suitability for hiking, camping, and backpacking.
DAY PACKS AND BACKPACKING BACKPACKS
The author hiking in the Gregory Packs Arrio 22, one of the first day packs specifically designed for fat and larger-bodied folks.
I had to scour the internet to upgrade to a pack specifically made for day hikes. I wanted a pack that was relatively lightweight and reflective under a headlamp, with lots of pockets and the ability to hold my hydration bladder.
After deciding on some possible options, I went to REI, ran my hands over all the colorful mesh and nylon, got excited for the trips I’d take with my bag—and an hour later, left embarrassed at the hope I’d initially felt before learning what I wanted didn’t fit. I tried on lots of daypacks that day, and could not find a single one that could close around my waist—and many were also tight on my broad shoulders.
Within the last few years, several brands including Gregory, Osprey, and Granite Gear have made packs for bigger bodies. This applies not only to day packs but also to backpacking backpacks, which need to be sized to carry more and heavier equipment with stabolity. I am currently testing these packs and will update this guide as I test them.
I also recommend looking into waist belts, found online, which could help make daypacks more accessible.
Sizes: 2X to 6X
Fit Design: extended length shoulder straps and hip belts, fit revisions to accommodate larger body shapes and sizes
Max carry: 15 lbs
I am a sentimental person. I cried when I first saw promotional photos and videos of fat and larger-bodied folks wearing hiking daypacks and backpacking packs. When I first got into hiking and adventuring outdoors, there were no options for technical hiking day packs made specifically for me. The waist belts were often too small, and arm straps often cut into my shoulders and armpits. The bags themselves sat uncomfortably high along my broad back, making for uncomfortable carrying as the miles passed.
The Gregory Packs Arrio, which I purchased this year within days of the bags being released, is part of the first-ever plus-size hiking pack line.
The bags, ranging from daypacks to overnight backpacking packs, made for all bodies and identities, were made in partnership with Jenny Bruso of Unlikely Hikers. A bag should not feel radical, but in a world where I have never been able to clip the waist of a bag from any major outdoor brands, it changes everything.
GREGORY PACKS ARRIO 22 PLUS SIZE DAY PACK
The author in the Arrio 22, which is a day pack that is sized just right for water, extra shoes, sunscreen, snacks, a first aid kit, and several small items.
The Arrio is 22L, a good size for the countless day hikes I took it on this summer. It fits my hydration bladder, a pair of Tevas, sunscreen, snacks, a first aid kit, and other small items. The pack body is 210D Honeycomb CryptoRip HD Nylon with PFC-Free DWR and withstood many scrapes along granite boulders and rough tree bark.
The waist fits folks with up to 60" waists and feels roomy and comfortable. While I could not find waist measurements for Gregory’s non-plus-size version of the Arrio, comparable bags like the Osprey Sirrus 24 fits waists up to 44”.
Gregory Packs Arrio backpack plus sizing is visible beyond just the waist belt.
Most daypacks are similarly sized in their waist limitations. The Arrio’s plus sizing is visible beyond just the waist belt. It can be seen in the shoulders, where the straps sit wider at the neck, and in the armholes cut generously enough to accommodate large arms.
When the chest belt is clipped, the straps sit comfortably on the chest instead of digging in, which I experienced with many hiking packs. The mesh back panel has comfortable webbing that kept me cool in the height of summer. The Arrio, and the rest of the Gregory plus line, is well worth the price points that hover around $80+ for day and backpacking packs. I hope to collect the rest of the line, and I can see myself using them for years.
Sizes: 2X to 6X
Fit Design: extended length shoulder straps and hip belts, fit revisions to accommodate larger body shapes and sizes
Max carry: 45 lbs
I cannot describe the feelings of excitement, validation, and affirmation that I felt when I first learned that Gregory Packs would be developing plus-sized backpacking and daypacks. These feelings did not dissipate as I walked the Skyline Trail, winding through open meadows and redwoods, my pack moving comfortably with me as I gained elevation.
I tested the Gregory Kalmia 60 in the SM/MD Plus size, though sizes range from XS/SM+ to SM/MD+. According to Gregory Packs’ website, this sizing is comparable to 2-6X in clothing sizes. The Kalmia is a woman’s bag, so it’s important to note that the hip belt sizing is not consistent between the men’s and women’s sizing, and make sure that you have measured your torso length. If you can physically try the pack on in-store, I would recommend it. That way, you can make sure that you are wearing the correct size in your bag.
GREGORY PACKS KALMIA 60 BACKPACKING PACK PLUS SIZE
If you go to a store, come prepared as some staff at outdoor gear retailers are not trained to fit bigger bodies where weight is carried differently, or even aware that these plus-sized bags exist. I attempted to try them on at the REI Flagship store in Seattle, but the employees in the bag section did not know that Gregory Packs carried plus-sized gear, and the bags were not easy to find on the rack. This is just a small instance of the difficulties that plus-sized consumers face when searching for gear, and it’s important to note this in case you attempt to go to a physical store.
Back to the main event: the bag. The bag is made of recyclable material that is water repellent and strong against the thorny bushes and rough trees I passed through. The ventilated back panel felt comfortable and helped me stay cool.
The pack’s max carry weight is 45lbs, and it weighs 4.7lbs. While it is not the lightest pack on the market, it is perfect for folks who are new to backpacking or even experienced backpackers who are not ultralight and are only doing a few nights out on the trail at a time.
I found an abundance of adjustable features at the shoulder, waist, torso length, and in many other spots. The bag sat comfortably on my hips, and the weight distributed comfortably across my back. A full-length side zipper makes for easy unloading, and adjustable attachment loops help with trekking poles or ice axes.
I will admit that it is tough to measure this backpack against competitors simply because there are none. I have been backpacking for years with an Osprey pack (below) fitted with a men’s belt to fit around my waist. I remember feeling embarrassed, watching the helpful employees at the store brainstorm how to get a pack to fit me as if my body was not made for that store, and by extension, not made for the outdoors.
With Gregory breaking through to brick and mortar stores with plus-sized bags, consumers can access gear that keeps them safer and more comfortable in nature.
I never thought I would get tears in my eyes watching the promotional videos with Jenny Bruso of Unlikely Hikers and other fat and plus-sized hikers, walking through the forest with bags that strapped comfortably to their bodies, but I did. If you are interested in starting to backpack, no matter what that means for you, I heartily recommend this bag.
Fits waist/hips: 30-55 inches (with Aether hipbelt), extended sizing hipbelt fits up to 70"
While researching backpacks for longer trips, I wondered what was the point if nothing would fit me? Would I never get to go backpacking because my body was too big for all the bags? Plus-size folks shouldn’t have to ask these questions, but this is the reality of the current outdoor gear market.
When I walked into REI a few years ago, I was very lucky to receive help from someone who was non-judgmental and invested in helping me find something that worked for me. A 55L bag was the perfect size for me as someone who does multi-day journeys into the backcountry—it’s not too big, not too small.
I tried on several bags with waist belts that did not close around me—until I put on the Osprey Ariel. The trick that got this pack to fit? Swapping out the women’s hip belt for a men’s hip belt from the men’s version of this model, the Osprey Aether. I’m widest at my waist and hips, and men’s sizing tends to be more inclusive than women’s sizing. If you find that women’s backpacking hip belts—or backpacking packs more generally—don’t fit you, it might be helpful to go into a retailer and ask to try on a men’s.
OSPREY ARIEL 55
In The Osprey Ariel somewhere in Sierra National Forest. The Ariel fits me well and the Anti-Gravity system makes all the loads I’ve carried feel easy.
The Ariel itself works for me, and the Anti-Gravity system makes the weight inside feel much lighter. It took some adjusting to get it to fit—and someone at a retailer should be able to help you with this—but once it did, I haven’t experienced any chafing on my hips or at my shoulders. The most I’ve carried in this bag is 40lbs, and it didn’t feel that heavy! Both the Osprey Ariel and Osprey Aether are winners in our Best Backpacking Backpacks guide for their ability to handle especially heavy loads, so we think that it can handle even more weight if necessary.
At a little over 5 lbs, this isn’t the pack for you if you want to get into ultralight backpacking, but if comfort is more important to you than weight, the Osprey Ariel is a great pick—and swapping out the hip belt can make it more accessible.
Osprey recently launched an Extended Fit line that includes longer shoulder straps and longer sternum straps. The Ariel 65 and Aether 65 are available in Extended Fit. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to test them out yet so can't speak about how they fit. Also, the Extended Fit line isn't available at every retailer for trying on. However, the whole Extended Fit line is available on the Osprey website.
The Nathan VaporAiress 3.0 7 L is one of those gear items I did not know I needed, and now wish I had been using for years. It comes up to a size 1X-3X (the range is one size), making Nathan the only brand that carries vests in women’s plus sizes. The 1-3X size is a new addition for Nathan, expanding to plus-size runners who are often overlooked and not represented. I love that Nathan is making this vest for larger bodies, as we are often left out of running spaces and gear.
NATHAN VAPORAIRESS 3.0 7L
I found the VaporAiress to fit me well, with my bust and my sternum fitting with inches to spare on the adjustable chest straps. The VaporAiress, in the 1X-3X size, fits sternum sizes 41”-50” and busts from 45”-51”. Although I did not test it, if you were looking for extra inches, Nathan also makes the VaporAir in the “men’s” sizes, which fits sternum sizes 48”-58”.
In my initial testing I ran during the midday heat, and found the bag to feel lightweight and breathable. My favorite features are the pockets, which are plentiful and accommodate my phone, wet wipes, chapstick, and two gels. The external front pockets fit my Hydrapak Flux 1 L and would likely fit gloves or other small items.
The back features a 2 L bladder that was difficult to open at first, but after some practice was easily opened and used. I liked the feel of the mouthpiece, as some bladders can have weird sizing or plastic tasting mouthpieces.
The fit of the vest overall is what makes the Airess worthwhile. Nathan’s Adaptive Fit sizing system was customizable, and the body mapping was evident, especially as I ran. In regards to running vests, body mapping is the design of a piece of gear/clothing that identifies spots of heat retention and releases heat in other areas. Body mapping of a vest like the VaporAiress results in a wearing experience that is breathable where it needs to be on my body.The vest did not budge as I ran over hills and down rocky trails, and I found no evidence of chafing or uncomfortable rubbing.
While gear can often feel restrictive, with small straps that cut into the body, the VaporAiress had limited small straps that came in contact with my body and I felt comfortable as I moved. I cannot wait to take this vest on many more runs and hikes and add lots of mileage to it.
Sleeping pads
Sleeping pads can be easy to overlook but are often the key to a warm and comfortable night’s sleep. When purchasing a sleeping pad as a fat person, I am paying attention to a few major factors: the R value, the width of the pad, and the thickness of the pad.
The R-value in terms of sleeping pads is essentially the measurement of the pad’s thermal resistance, using a scale from 1-7. The higher the value, the more effectively it will resist heat transfer/loss between your body and the cold ground beneath for better insulation. The R-value of the pad is especially important to know when choosing a bag for the conditions one plans to sleep in, specifically during colder months when the ground is chilly. Keep in mind that higher R-value pads are often thicker, denser, and heavier, so finding a balance of a comfortable pad that is not too heavy or bulky should you decide to backpack is important.
In regard to size, many sleeping pads are also categorized similarly to sleeping bags, in lengths such as long and regular, and widths such as wide, regular, or extended. Check the measurements of the varying lengths and widths to ensure that you are not sleeping on a pad that is too narrow. Many companies are still not creating enough pads in wider widths for large bodies, but the ones on this list are all in wide sizes and are made for varying purposes and conditions.
The pad’s thickness, separate from its insulating properties in regard to R-values, is also important to consider and be aware of when picking a sleeping pad. Having a larger body means I am usually heavier than the testers and designers who created the pads, so ensuring that a pad can support my weight and is thick enough to not deflate or get flattened is vitally important.
I used to be ashamed of the fact that many closed cell foam pads, which are often the lightest options for backpacking, felt like nothing beneath my weight. I’ve spent many nights feeling like the pads beneath me were not even there due to inability to properly distribute my weight.Now when I purchase a pad, I make sure to not purchase ones that are ultralight or ultra thin, as they cannot typically support me. That being said, make sure to test any pad you decide to buy before hitting the trail, as some of the thinnest pads that are not comfortable to me may work well on others.
Best Overall Sleeping Pad: NEMO QUASAR 3D INSULATED AIR SLEEPING PAD
The Nemo Quasar is my new go-to sleeping pad for backpacking and camping. I spent over 2 weeks cumulatively on it this summer, backpacking in the Sawtooth National Forest, car camping in Grand Teton National Park, and car camping again in Stanislaus National Forest, sleeping both in the tent and directly on the ground.
The Nemo Quasar we tested on a backpacking trip.
It comes in Long Wide, Regular Wide, and Regular sizes. The Regular and Long Wide pads are both 25 inches wide while the Regular width is 20 inches.
Nemo Quasar left and REI Camp Dreamer XL on the right.
I tested the Regular wide (25 inches) and did not struggle with fitting on the sleeping pad while resting on my back or my side. The pad is 3.5 inches thick and remained firmly inflated over the course of four nights, only needing a small amount of air over the course of the days. When turning, sitting up, and tossing frequently in my sleep I never felt as if I was touching the ground.
NEMO QUASAR 3D INSULATED AIR SLEEPING PAD
The pad is ever so slightly curved, more of an overall rectangular shape than a tapered one. Its body mapped baffles felt supportive of my body, especially as a side sleeper. The 30 denier ripstop polyester held up well and felt thicker than other pads tested on this list, holding up well to my dog’s nails as she walked over it at night. Like the other pads, Nemo has provided a pump sack for inflating, but I did not find blowing up the pad to be challenging. The pad packs down to 9 x 5 inches for the Regular Wide and weighs 1 lb 14 oz, which is light enough for my casual backpacking and frequent car camping needs.
The Nemo Quasar pad is excellent for three season outings.
The R-value of the Quasar is 3.3, so I would not be using it in temperatures lower than the mid 20s or 30s without additional insulation underneath, but for three-season outings I feel confident that it would be adequately insulated.
Best for Camping: BIG AGNES Q CORE DELUXE
The Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe is an insulated air sleeping pad (as opposed to a foam pad) that is 3.5 inches thick and provides for a firm but not uncomfortable sleeping experience. I tested it in the Long Wide size, which measures out to 78 x 30 x 3.5 inches. Thirty inches for a sleeping pad is on the wider size, which I learned from testing different pads, and I found it perfectly wide enough for me to sleep on my back and on my side. The Long wide size is very long, so ensure that it can fit in the Big Agnes sleeping bag sleeve if you choose to use a Big Agnes sleep system. As a pad for all bags though, even those without sleeves, it works extremely well.
BIG AGNES Q CORE DELUXE
The Big Agnes QCore sleeping pad with the Big Agnes Echo Park bag.
The Q Core Deluxe is not a lightweight sleeping pad, but on shorter backpacking trips I would be happy to carry the extra 2 lbs 9 oz so that I could have a good night of sleep. My body weight is in the mid 200’s, and did not feel like I was close to coming into contact with the ground beneath me when sleeping on my side. The bag’s R value is 4.3, which I found to be effective in my mild summer camp outs at 6,000 feet with lows in the mid to upper 40’s.. If I were to snow camp with this pad, I would likely add a closed cell foam pad beneath to ensure warmth.
The Big Agnes Q-Core Pad tucks into the Big Agnes Echo Park sleeping bag.
Priced at $174.73 on REI’s website (currently on sale!) it was more than I had paid for the pad I usually use, the Klymit Static V, but it provided significantly more insulation, comfort, and space.
Upon first testing, I slept on the pad for four consecutive nights, only requiring a small amount of extra air on the third night. Inflation was straightforward, and Big Agnes supplies an included upcycled pad inflation sack that attaches to the pad and can aid in inflating the pad. The inflation sack was clumsy to use at first, but with some practice I found it to be helpful with inflating the pad. After a long day hike, I appreciated the help of the inflation sack and the ability to give my lungs a break. I am generally in favor of manually inflating overall, and still found myself using my lungs to finish inflation because it felt easier and quicker to do so. The Long Xtra Wide size is quite big, so it took about 10-15 minutes to inflate using a combination of the inflation sack and manually blowing into the pad. I found it to be more difficult to inflate than I would prefer, especially if I were tired after a long hike, but it was not impossible. All in all, the Q Core felt like sleeping on a much larger air mattress, and felt wide enough for me to sleep almost as well as I do at home.
Best for car camping: REI CAMP DREAMER XL
I have always been jealous of those who go car camping with air mattresses, the kind that are thicker than 6 inches and feel like one has brought their mattress from home into their tent. Unfortunately, I have never been able to use one as I don’t like to carry the weight while backpacking or have it take up too much space in my car. Additionally, these types of mattresses are almost always too big for my tents, which tend to be smaller and more narrow, so I have long given up the dream of sleeping so luxe as a camper. That is, until I tested the REI Camp Dreamer XL.
REI CAMP DREAMER XL
The REI Campdreamer XL pad while car camping.
The Camp Dreamer XL feels like a full-size blow-up air mattress in the form of a 4-inch-thick self-inflating pad, with a soft polyester fabric that feels almost like a blanket or top sheet. The Dreamer XL has an R-value of 6.6, making it a great winter and fall camping pad that I plan to use as the year goes on. It is 32 inches wide, wider than all other pads on this list, and feels extremely spacious.
The top and bottom of the Dreamer XL is made from recycled fabrics and has a generously sized rectangular shape. Keep in mind that this is a true car camping/short distance camping pad, as it packs down to 11 x 30 inches and weighs 6 lbs 6 oz, much larger and heavier than any other pad that was tested.
When paired with the Big Agnes Echo Park sleeping bag, I felt like I could have lived in the tent all summer. No matter the position, I felt no contact with the ground beneath me. Inflation was simple–I let the pad self inflate for several minutes before using the provided inflation bag. The entire process took less than 7 minutes.
Oddly enough, the Camp Dreamer XL is currently unavailable on REI’s website. For comparable pads, look to the NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad XL or the Exped MegaMat 10. If the Camp Dreamer XL were to come back in stock, I would highly recommend this pad for plus-size people who are looking for a truly luxurious sleeping experience.
Best Budget Pad: REI HELIX
The REI Helix aligns with REI brand offerings in terms of quality, ease of use, and approachable pricing. The Helix is an air pad that comes in Regular, Regular Wide, and Long Wide sizing, making it one of the few options on this list that does not limit the wide lengths/widths to long sizes and is thus more accessible to shorter folks who also need wider sizes. The three sizes hover above 1 lb, with the Long Wide weighing 1 lb. 13 oz. at the heaviest and the Regular sitting at 1 lb. 5 oz. The Regular Wide weighs 1 lb. 10 oz, making it an ideal pad for most backpacking and camping uses.
REI HELIX
REI Helix sleeping pad with the REI Trailmade bag.
At 3 inches thick, it’s less thick than the Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe but also more versatile, with an R-value of 4.9 that makes it ideal for cold weather camping. Both the Regular and the Long Wide sizes are 24 inches wide and the design is tapered rather than square. I found the tapering to not be too narrow, and the 24-inch width was wide enough for me to not feel like my shoulders were off the ground.
The Helix is $111.29 but is usually $159 when not on sale, and I found the wide sizes to be in stock and easily able to try out in local REI stores, which I highly recommend. I appreciate the gridded weld pattern of the pad which felt soft to the touch. As a side sleeper, I did find other pads on this list to be more comfortable and did feel as if my hip pressed into the ground occasionally, but others who sleep differently or distribute their weight differently may not have this issue.
The Helix is a solid option for plus-size campers and backpackers, especially for those who do not need long lengths in their gear and are looking for a wide sleeping pad that is still lightweight enough for packing in their sleep system.
I used the Klymit Static V for many years. It’s an amazing pad for the price, both durable and comfortable. While it isn’t a pad for serious winter camping, I found it to be comfortable in the Sierras in September and coastal California in December. I was always afraid of it popping, but I never had an issue or needed to patch it, and I used it on a variety of surfaces.
KLYMIT STATIC V
I’m a side sleeper, and sometimes inflatable sleeping pads will “bottom out” when you sleep on your side, leaving little cushion or warmth between your side and the ground. I rarely woke up cold, and never had aches and pains with the Klymit Static V.
It inflates in about two minutes of huffing and puffing, and packs down to the size of a Nalgene, making it good for both the trail and car camping.
This pad is fairly narrow, though, so I wouldn’t recommend this pad for folks who are wider or broader. The insulated version is available as the Static Insulated V Luxe, which is a wide version up to 30", but it costs more because it is insulated.
The author on a camping trip where a sleeping bag is necessary. Finding suitable plus sized sleeping bags for camping and backpacking can be a challenge.
SLEEPING BAGS
When it comes to sleeping bags, there are countless options in shape, size, temperature rating, and materials to choose from. All of these factors come into play and need to be considered when choosing a bag. Summer car camping trips, where one is walking short distances from the car to the campsite, can allow for a larger bag with a temperature rating that is higher when nights are not cold. A late fall backpacking trip would require a smaller bag to avoid lugging heavy gear over long distances; one that is lighter and more compact to fit in your pack with a lower temperature rating to ensure warmth at night.
When looking for a sleeping bag, take into consideration these major factors:
Fill Type
Shape
Weight
Size (Width and Length)
Temperature Rating
I go into detail on what to look for in a sleeping bag below.
Best for Backpacking: NEMO DISCO
The Nemo Disco is a bag I have been wanting to test for years. It’s cute, highly rated and recommended online and by people in my life who camp and backpack, and is shaped differently than other mummy bags on the market.
At 3 lbs 1 oz, it sports the Nemo Classic Spoon™ shape, which is made wider than a traditional mummy and made to better accommodate side sleepers. The Disco fits shoulder girths up to 62 inches and hip girths up to 58 inches. While it is not the widest bag on this list, it is a high quality bag that can fit smaller plus sizes folks, such as folks who wear up to 24/26 in women’s clothing sizes. I say this because even though the Disco zipped up for me, it was snug. I would hazard that if I were a few inches wider in the hips and stomach area it would not zip up. All bodies are shaped differently though, so I highly recommend trying on this bag at an outdoor retailer to see if it can work for you.
NEMO DISCO DOWN SLEEPING BAG
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
The author in the Nemo Disco sleeping bag.
There are many features about the Disco that I love, especially the Thermo Gill™ vents on top of the bag that allow for releasing body heat. I kept these vents open at all times while using the bag, and I suspect that keeping them open adds an additional inch or so to the overall size of the bag. In the beginning of my sleep cycle I am often overly hot, so having the ability to vent out heat while preventing cold drafts is a useful feature.
The Nemo Disco in the Gregory backpacking pack.
My favorite thing about the Disco was the footbox, which is waterproof to prevent condensation from tent walls that often leave us with wet bags in the morning. I adore when a company solves a problem that I had never known could be solved and had just planned to live with forever, as seen with the waterproof footbox.
The Nemo Disco sleeping bag has Thermo-gills for extra venting.
The Disco has a down fill and comes in 15 and 30-degree options. I tested the 30-degree bag in areas with low 40-degree nights, and did not struggle with feeling cold spots. On the third night though, I did end up fully unzipping the Disco and using it as a makeshift quilt, since I felt too compressed inside the bag as it is almost too small for me.
There is so much to love about the Disco: it’s compression and packability, comfortable down insulation that didn’t seem to lose its loft, and the details such as the waterproof footbox and ThermoGills. If the bag were made with a few extra inches of girth it could be accessible to many more body sizes, but as it is made now I would recommend that any larger person who is looking to purchase a Disco try it out first to ensure that it can not only zip up, but do so comfortably and with room to spare.
Best Quilt: SEA TO SUMMIT CINDER DOWN QUILT
Testing the Sea to Summit Cinder Down Quilt was the first time I had ever tested a quilt for camping and backpacking, and I can’t believe it has taken me this long to do so. The Cinder is amazing–warm and soft while simultaneously wide and accommodating of my own body size. Quilts are a great sleep system for plus-sized adventurers, as they are not as constricting and enclosed as traditional bags.
SEA TO SUMMIT CINDER DOWN QUILT
The Cinder, like many backpacking quilts, comes equipped with straps to secure to your sleeping mat and a drawstring at the foot end to enclose the footbox for warm toes at night. I paired the Cinder with my Nemo Quasar pad and it worked well. It comes in 35 and 50-degree options, so it is not ideal for late fall or cold nights, but I found the 35-degree quilt to keep me warm on 40-degree nights in the Tetons.
The Cinder will likely become my new go-to for backpacking, coming in at only 1 lb 11 oz and extremely packable at a compressed weight of 5.7 liters. It’s a down bag, made from 750+ loft ultra dry down that protects the quilt from condensation. Additionally, the quilt’s shell is waterproof and breathable. I tested this by sleeping outside of the tent for two nights, and woke up with condensation on the outside of the bag that did not permeate through.
The quilt can also be attached to any Sea to Summit sleeping bag with quilt lock buttons, can be worn as a quilt around camp, and can keep one comfortably warm at night as the main sleep system. The versatility with a quilt like the Cinder cannot be matched with a traditional sleeping bag.
As mentioned before, the quilt is also well suited for larger bodies. It comes in Long and Regular lengths, with the long measuring at 67 inches at its widest point and the regular measuring 59 inches at its widest point. Unlike a sleeping bag, these extra inches are maximized as the fabric lays on top of the body, only curving under to attach to the pad. With a sleeping bag, 67 or 59 inches can feel smaller around large hips, as the inches are being stretched along and underneath the body.
Sea to Summit Corus quilt compressed next to the author's foot for size comparison.
Essentially, a quilt is inherently made larger than sleeping bags and thus fits a wider range of bodies. My partner, who is a men’s size 3X with a 50 inch chest, 46 inch waist, and is 6’3”, found the Cinder (in the long length) to fit well over him at night and was long enough without bunching under him as he turned in the night.
The Cinder is $289 and is an ideal option for those who are willing to invest in a sleep system that they can use for both backpacking and car camping. Other backpacking quilts from Sea to Summit and Therm-a-Rest, such as the Corus are similarly priced or even higher. REI’s version, the Magma, is currently only available in the short length. I can’t wait to take the Cinder on more backpacking and camping trips in the future.
Best for car camping: BIG AGNES ECHO PARK
The Big Agnes Echo Park feels like bringing a bed to the woods. It’s plush and roomy, making for a comfortable sleeping experience. The bag is big, weighing 4 lbs 12 oz, and FireLine synthetic insulation (made from 50% post-consumer recycled content) keeps you warm well into 20 degree nights.
BIG AGNES ECHO PARK
The author with the Big Agnes Echo Park sleeping bag.
This bag comes in Long Wide size, so it is not suitable if you are short (under 5’8” I would say). I am 5’9” and also let my partner, who is 6’2”, test the bag, and both of us found the bag to work. If you are shorter than 5’8” you run the risk of sleeping cold as the bag will be too large and will not maintain heat effectively.
At $199 the bag is not the most inexpensive synthetic car camping bag on the market, but I find the price to be consistent with the high quality of products made by Big Agnes. Additionally, it is roomier and larger than any other bag I have found or tested.
The Big Agnes Echo Park sleeping bag is so comfortable, we use it at home.
I would use the Echo Park as a basecamp bed, and did for several days this summer in the Tetons. It’s heavy and bulky, making it suitable for car camping and not a good fit for those looking for backpacking sleeping bags.
After long days, I loved climbing into the Echo Park. As a sometimes hot sleeper, I found the double zipper entry to be helpful as it allows for extra ventilation and it provided extra room when I slept on my side. The Echo Park is part of a Big Agnes sleep system, so keep this in mind as the bottom of the bag has a sleeve that is made to join the pad underneath, preventing sliding off of the pad in the middle of the night.
The Big Agnes Echo Park with both sides unzipped.
The shape of the bag is perfectly suited for larger bodies, roomier and wider than a mummy bag. While roomy, it doesn’t bunch when turning over frequently, and the hand pockets in the top corner of the bag allow for it to be pulled over the shoulders like a comforter in a bed.
The wide width is the real star of the show for me when it comes to the Echo Park. It fits up to 78 inches, with a 74-inch hip girth and an 80-inch shoulder girth. For reference, most clothing in sizes 6X-8X have 74-inch hip sizes, making the sizing of this bag more accessible for large bodies than almost any other sleeping bag on the market.
Additionally, the bag can be zipped off and turned into a quilt or a mummy bag with the use of the Park Bag Wedgie. The Wedgie is also an accessory that provides even more room to the bag, adding an additional 9 inches to the bag. The Echo Park is my favorite car camping bag I have ever used, and is sized well enough to fit adventurers of many sizes.
Best Budget Bag: REI TRAILMADE
Several years ago I drove to REI immediately after a backpacking trip, frustrated that I had been sleeping cold for days and was exhausted as a result of it, all because my bag was too tight and barely closed around me, the insulation stretched too thin. At REI, I bought the REI Joule, an amazing bag that came in Regular Wide size. That bag is unfortunately not carried by REI anymore, and since then I have yet to find an REI sleeping bag that comes in a Regular Wide (as in, not Long and thus better suited for shorter people). Despite this, REI is still making bags in Wide sizes, though they are limited to Long Wide which fits up to 78 inches.
REI TRAILMADE
The author in the REI Trailmade sleeping bag.
Like the Echo Park Big Agnes, the Long Wide is better suited for taller individuals and those 5’8”/5’7” or shorter may risk losing warmth if they chose this bag as there will be extra room that doesn’t heat efficiently. That being said, the Long Wide REI Trailmade is a solid bag, and a cost effective one at only $99. The Trailmade is bulky, better suited for shorter overnight backpacking trips or car camping. It is not the lightest bag on the market at 3 lbs 15.9 oz for the Long Wide and 3 lbs 4.6 oz for the Regular (not Wide). I found it to compress down larger than I would prefer for a backpacking bag, but for shorter trips it would suffice.
Close up on zipper on REI Trailmade.
The fill is recycled polyester that I found to be comfortably water resistant when sleeping in dewy conditions and slept warm down into 35-degree nights. The zipper is the only feature I don’t truly like about the bag as it can snag, but if I am careful with how I zip I find that it doesn’t get caught. The Trailmade has other great features though, with an external zip pocket that fit my headlamp for easy grabbing in the dark.
The Trailmade is a “relaxed mummy” shape according to REI’s website and I found that to be accurate when testing. The footbox is narrow like a traditional mummy bag but the hip area to the hood looks and feels wider than a typical mummy bag, providing more room for side sleepers.
Footbox on the REI Trailmade bag.
The Long Wide size fits a shoulder girth of 70 inches and a hip girth of 66 inches, which I found to comfortably zip up and not feel too tight. The Regular sizing (I don’t love, by the way, that many outdoor brands use the word “Regular” for their standard size as it denotes that anything larger is irregular, but I digress) fits a shoulder girth up to 62 inches and a hip girth of to 58 inches. If I were to buy this bag in an REI, I would only be able to fit into the Long Wide as far as hip girth goes, so be sure to try on the bags in the store if you are considering the Regular size.
Overall, the Trailmade is an excellent beginning camping and backpacking bag for plus sized people who want a lower price point. It shouldn’t be purchased as a bag for long overnight backpacking trips, but it was solidly made and I found the Wide size to fit me, and would likely fit those who are 1-3 sizes larger than me as well (potentially up to a 4X in clothing size).
HIKING FOOTWEAR
HIKING BOOTS
For me, comfort starts and ends at my feet. If my feet are cold, wet, or hurting, every mile feels like a million. I recommend that a plus-size hiker choose a hiking boot or sturdy sandal available a wide option. Here are the models that work for me. Treeline Review also has an article on The Best Hiking Boots and The Best Lightweight Hiking Boots if you’re looking for a different style.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
While hiking shoes are also an offer as you search for footwear, I always recommend hiking boots for heavier bodies—they’re built for better support over long distances. Purchasing the men's and women's Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof boots felt like I was taking a big step toward becoming the hiker I knew I could be. I love how versatile they are—not overly heavy while backpacking, but rock-solid for day hiking. They work with a variety of outdoor activities.
In Big Basin Redwoods State Park in my Merrell Moab 2s. I have done many creek crossings and climbs in this park with these boots, and despite their somewhat clunky appearance, they’ve always felt supportive and kept me comfortable. Photo by Gabi Reyes-Acosta
Their above-the-ankle length is both supportive and aesthetically pleasing. My favorite part about the build? They come in wide sizes, which is a rarity in hiking boots. The footbed has supported my high arches (and plantar fasciitis) under my size 20 body up every steep trail I’ve hiked. And while I don’t wear orthotics, the Moab 3’s looser fit and wide sizing would likely leave enough room if you needed them.
I first tested the waterproofing on the Moab 3s by hiking 12 miles at Point Reyes National Seashore, crossing creeks, and letting the ocean roll up my toes. My feet came out dry, and since then I’ve worn these boots to hike in low snow, stand beneath waterfalls, and trudge through the rain.
The Merrell Moab 3 is a winner in our guide to Best Lightweight Hiking Boots.
MERRELL MOAB 3 MID WATERPROOF BOOTS
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
HIKING SANDALS
As with hiking boots, I recommend that a plus-size hiker choose a sturdy hiking sandal available in a wide option. You can read more about sandals for hiking in our Best Hiking Sandals guide. Here are the models that work for me.
Chacos Z/Cloud
I live in these sandals. The men's and women's Chaco Z/Cloud are perfect for lounging around camp (preferably with socks), going on a light hike, or scrambling over rocks and gravel. They’re also perfect in water, making creek walking and lake swimming easier and more comfortable than going barefoot. Chacos also come in wide sizes, ideal for fat folks with wide feet who are also in need of hiking sandals. Personally, I’m obsessed.
CHACOS Z/CLOUD
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
I spent a whole day doing short hikes in Yellowstone National Park with my Chacos, and the sturdy footbed never failed me. Sometimes I look at my Chacos and I think, “How did I ever live without you?” Photo courtesy Gabi Reyes-Acosta
I have an older version (the Chaco Z/Volv) that's now been discontinued. The new Chaco Z/Cloud version has a softer footbed that adds extra cushioning compared to Chaco's standard offerings like the men's and women's Chaco Z/1. The Z/Cloud is thicker and the footbed is more molded than the old Z/Volv.
Some people use the Chacos Z/Cloud to hike longer distances, but they lack the ankle support I need to hike anything longer than 3 miles, especially on steeper surfaces. Chacos are also not suitable for me to bring as a camp sandal while backpacking, as they feel like a heavier weight to add to my overall backpacking load than I would prefer to carry.
Overall, however, I have found these to be more solid and supportive—without weighing me down—than other outdoor sandals.
Chacos are winners in our The Best Hiking Sandals and our Best Camp Shoes for this reason: they're that comfortable.
The Big Agnes Echo Park sleeping bag comes with a sleeve to attach to a sleeping pad.
What to look for in a bag
FILL TYPES
When choosing a bag, just like choosing outdoor clothing, it’s vital to know the materials, or fill, that make up the bag. At the core, there are two main choices when it comes to bag fill: down or synthetic.
DOWN INSULATION
Down is natural, made from the plumage of waterfowl. It provides the same sort of insulation it provides to birds to humans, trapping heated air and providing warmth when in a sleeping bag.
There are other important factors to consider when looking at down bags, such as loft, which looks at the volume that is taken up by the weight of the down. A higher loft (or fill power) yields a bag that is more efficient at trapping and retaining air and heat, resulting in a bag that has a smaller weight of down needed to fill the bag and a lighter overall bag. For those who are not going on thru-hikes or needing an ultralight bag, I find considering factors such as loft to be a lower priority. Overall, I focus on looking at the weight of the bag and going from there.
SYNTHETIC INSULATION
Synthetic bags are made of insulating materials that are human made and don’t occur in nature, and are generally less pricey than down bags. They can also dry faster and remain drier for longer than down bags. A main drawback of synthetic bags in my opinion is with weight–I often find them to be less compact for packing and heavier on the trail. Synthetic bags have come a long way though, and many higher end synthetics are now made with premium insulation that mimics the lower weight and warmth of down.
WEIGHT
Sleeping bags range in weight, and choosing a bag that is too heavy can end up feeling miserable on backpacking trips where every ounce counts. In general, I look for bags that are no larger than 3 lbs at the maximum for a bag I plan to take backpacking. If I am choosing a bag solely for car camping or short walks to a site, I am less concerned about the weight (within reason) and more interested in the fill type and shape.
As a non-thru-hiker, the bags on this list are largely suited for shorter term backpacking trips and car camping trips. If you are on the hunt for an ultralight bag, my recommendation would be to research the width and length of the bags, and potentially look into camping quilts, like the Sea to Summit Cinder Down Quilt that I tested and loved.
WIDTH
As a plus-size outdoors person, the width of the sleeping bag was the most important factor for me. Although this is a list of sleeping bags and pads and not dresses or pants, it is helpful to measure yourself and know your waist and shoulder measurements when searching for a bag. Some bags are listed as wide or extended size but may still not be wide enough to accommodate someone with larger hips or wide shoulders, like myself. Conversely, some bags may not be listed as wide or extended sized but are still made larger and able to fit for a variety of body sizes and shapes. It is vital to get a bag with a few inches of extra material around you, as you may end up feeling cold spots where the bag is stretched tightly over hips, shoulders, or the waist.
My first bag purchase as an adult was a Marmot Trestle 15 degree synthetic mummy bag, which had a hip girth of 57.1 inches and felt tight and cold against my hips as I slept on my side. In contrast, the REI Trailmade 20, which is included on this below, has a 66-inch hip girth in the Long Wide size.
Length is also an important factor, as testing these bags showed me that many wide widths are only available in “Wide/Long,” meaning that the length of the bag is longer/taller than most bags available off the shelf. Make sure to not get a bag that is too long, as too much extra room in the sleeping bag can result in a cold sleeping experience because it means more space inside the bag for you to warm up.
Close up on temperature rating on the Big Agnes Echo Park sleeping bag.
TEMPERATURE RATING
It is important to check the temperature that the bag is rated at, including the comfort temperature which is often provided on the bag’s label or website. If a bag advertises as being rated at 20 degrees, know that you may not be toasty at that temperature when out in the field. Temperature and comfort ratings vary depending on one’s own body and comfort level as well, but the rating is still an important guide to use when choosing a bag.
My main sleeping bag, the now discontinued REI Joule which came in a wide width, was rated at 21 degrees. I use it throughout the year but would add a liner if I were to sleep in temperatures below 25 degrees because I know that I can sometimes sleep cold. For strictly summer camping, or if you live in a very temperate climate, a 30 or 40-degree bag should suffice.
See our other guides on backpacking sleeping bags and camping sleeping bags for more on what to look for, insulation, temperature ratings, and more.
Testing the Big Agnes Echo Park sleeping bag with the Q Core Deluxe pad.
HOW WE TESTED
I am used to not feeling reflected in the outdoor gear and clothing that I seek to purchase, used to items not fitting, zipping, or being too thin to bear my body weight.
I tested the items on this list for an entire summer–sleeping outside in conditions ranging from wet and humid to cold and dry, through weather conditions ranging from early summer snow to the calm of temperate mountain nights. For all pads and bags I spent time ensuring that the gear not only fit me, but did so in a way that provided enough space and allowed for movement and comfort through the night. I hope that the gear and tips on this list allows for even more nights spent under the stars.
Locations I tested:
Sawtooth NF, ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock, Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla
Grand Teton NF, ancestral hunting grounds and lands of the Newe Sogobia (Eastern Shoshone), Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, Shoshone-Bannock, Tséstho’e (Cheyenne)
Stanislaus National Forest, ancestral lands of the Washoe, Miwok, Me-Wuk (Central Sierra Miwok)
THE NEED FOR INCLUSIVE OUTDOOR GEAR
Once you have these essential items—footwear, backpacks, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags—dialed into your liking, you’ll have the foundations of a gear library that not only gets you outside safely but also supports your body in the ways it deserves to be supported.
I know that searching for gear that works for a plus size person is difficult, draining, and more discouraging than it ever ought to be. I also know that my legs have carried me to so many amazing places. My stomach has nurtured me through every long day on the trail. And my broad shoulders have carried so many heavy loads — in the backcountry and in the wider world. However long it may take me, I know that I can hike these miles because of my size—not despite it.
Until the outdoor industry catches up to this mindset—like Gregory Packs is starting to, thanks to the Unlikely Hikers community — we’ll still be reading articles like this one and talking to other fat friends about what outdoor gear worked for them and didn’t. We’ll also still be hitting the trail, making the approach, and climbing into our kayaks.
Trees and dirt and sky don’t care about the size of our calves or the girth of our stomachs, and I hope that plus-size folks remember that. I also hope that these recommendations help you on your adventures, no matter where they take you.
WHy you should trust us
The author Gabi Reyes-Acosta is an outdoor enthusiast, former outdoor trip leader with the Girl Scouts, and a plus size outdoor advocate.
“My body is a fat body, and it is Brown. I own these two identities, and my existence in them is a journey longer than any trail I'll ever hike. I shouldn't have to deal with any special hardship when outdoor clothing my body for camping and backpacking—my primary ways of engaging with the outdoors.
Over the years I've bought and returned countless hiking clothes, plus size activewear, and outdoor gear that wasn’t designed for my body. I've also scoured internet forums for posts from other plus size hikers to learn which outdoor brand may have outdoor gear designed for us and to find gear options that work.”
You can read all of Gabi's stories on their author page.
