Will the Barkerbag work with my sleeping bag? In the vast majority of cases, YES! This is assuming the following things (click on the links below for explanatory photos):
It is a mummy bag (meaning, the zipper goes down one side and not around the bottom of the bag.)
The zipper can be opened completely and separates, meaning, you zip it all the way down to the bottom and the two sides of the zipper can be detached from each other.
The zipper is a coil zipper, not a toothed zipper.
To determine what model of BarkerBag is right for you, we will need to know the handedness of your zipper, which has nothing to do with which side of your bag the zipper is on. Lay your sleeping bag down with the head away from you, and the foot towards you. Unzip it all the way and separate the two sides of the zipper. If the pulls are attached to the left side, you need a left insert BarkerBag. If they are attached to the right side, you will need a right insert version of the BarkerBag.
Another way to check is to pull up the slider at the bottom so you can see the tips of the zipper. One of them will have a raised bump which keeps the sliders from disconnecting from that side. Whichever side it’s on is your handedness; the photo below shows the bottom of a left insert zipper.
Finally, you’ll need to measure the size of the zipper:
First, zip it closed. It helps to pinch the sides so you can accurately see how wide the coils are. #8 zippers will be a little over 7mm, while #5 and #7 zippers will measure about 6mm. You can also measure the flat side of the slider: #8s will be about 9mm, and #5s and #7s will be about 7.5mm.
If it is not a #8, there are a few clues to help you determine if it’s a #5 or #7. First off, #5s are a whole lot more common than #7s.
Secondly, I have only found one brand of #7 zippers, and they are all right insert. They are produced by YCC, who, mercifully, stamp those letters on their pulls. YKK, on the other hand, does not produce a #7, so if it is about 6mm and is marked YKK, it’s a #5. Many zippers of various brands will also have the number stamped either on the underside of the slider, or on its nose, so look for that as well.
I know it sounds complicated, but you’ve only got to do it once to enjoy years of snuggling with your pup, and we are here to help! If you aren’t sure, send a photo to sales@barkergear.com and we will help you sort it out. We are experts on zipper configurations, and BarkerBag guarantees we will get you a setup that works with your sleeping bag, or your money back!