Evie Summers
Padded sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm. The warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised as its temperature rating, which is supposed to indicate the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you warm enough to sleep. However, there are many factors that influence how warm a sleeping bag will keep you, such as the type of shelter you're in, the sleeping surface beneath you, your metabolism, and the type and quality of your sleeping pad. Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy, each offering different levels of warmth and roominess. Mummy-style sleeping bags, for example, have a snug fit to boost warmth and reduce weight. Backpacking sleeping bags are generally lighter and more snug, while camping bags offer more room to move around. Sleeping bags with additional features like a waterproof shell, a snug-fitting hood, and extra zippers can also provide more warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Warmth | The warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised as its temperature rating, which is the lowest temperature at which the bag should keep you warm. However, many companies choose their own temperature ratings, making it difficult to compare between companies. |
| Backpacking bags are usually rated according to an industry-standard EN test, which provides a more consistent measure of warmth. | |
| The warmth of a sleeping bag depends on several factors, including the type of shelter, the sleeping surface, the type and quality of the sleeping pad, and even your metabolism. | |
| Sleeping bags with down insulation are generally warmer but more expensive. Synthetic insulation is more affordable and insulates when damp. | |
| Mummy-shaped sleeping bags boost warmth by having a snug fit, while rectangular bags offer more room but less warmth. | |
| Sleeping bags with draft-blocking details, snug-fitting hoods, extra zippers, and stash pockets can add more warmth. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
The warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised as its temperature rating. This is supposed to be the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you warm enough for sleeping. However, in reality, it's not that simple. Many companies choose their own temperature ratings, so comparisons between companies can be difficult. Most backpacking bags are rated according to an industry-standard EN test, which provides a more consistent measure of warmth. The ISO (International Standards Organization) also oversees bag testing, with a method almost identical to the EN test.
Lab-tested temperature ratings are useful for making direct comparisons between bags from different brands. The EN and ISO standards include using a heated mannequin wearing light clothing and a well-insulated pad. The three key ratings are:
- Upper Limit: the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration, with the hood and zippers open, and arms outside the bag.
- Comfort: the temperature at which a standard female can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
- Lower Limit: the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
The comfort rating is used for women's bags, as data shows that the average woman will feel colder in the same bag as the average man. The comfort rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable. The lower limit rating is always lower than the comfort rating and is used for men's bags. It indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable.
It's important to remember that temperature ratings are estimates, and lab testing can't account for all variables. For example, differences in clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and metabolism can all affect how warm a bag feels in practice. Therefore, it's a good idea to choose a bag with a comfort rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter.
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Sleeping bag insulation
The warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised as its temperature rating. However, in reality, many factors determine how warm a sleeping bag will keep you. These include the sleeping bag's insulation, the type of shelter you're in, the sleeping surface beneath you, the type and quality of your sleeping pad, and even your metabolism.
Sleeping bags are generally insulated using either down or synthetic materials. Down is a natural insulation layer that sits underneath ducks' and geese' protective outer feathers. These light and fluffy 'filaments' trap lots of insulating air for very little weight. The quality of down is measured by loft—the amount of space each down filament takes up. The higher the number, the higher the loft, and the higher the quality of down. High-fill power down has a better warmth-to-weight ratio and will be more compressible. Anything above 600FP (fill power) should be excellent quality down.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is essentially a polyester mass that looks a lot like cotton candy. Branded synthetics (such as Thermolite®) retain their loft for much longer than generic synthetics. The way the layers of synthetic insulation are built into the sleeping bag will affect how well it can loft up. Basic synthetic bags use flat layers of insulation, while better-quality bags use layers sewn diagonally over one another (called shingles). Sea to Summit bags have a unique construction that creates curves of insulation to trap extra air; this is called WaveLoft™. Synthetic insulation works when wet and is easier to take care of, cheaper, and a little more breathable than down. However, it can often be heavy and hard to compress.
Hybrid insulation is also an option, blending high-quality down with loose-fill synthetic materials. This type of insulation provides the ultralight warmth of down with the moisture resistance of a full synthetic.
When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the climate you'll be using it in, the weight you're willing to carry, and the features that are important to you, such as zippers, cords, and buckles. For example, if you're expecting wet weather, synthetic insulation may be a better choice than down. If you're looking for a lightweight option, ultralight sleeping bags are ideal, often using thinner materials and skipping extra features to cut back on weight.
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Sleeping bag shapes
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The three most common shapes are rectangular, semi-rectangular or barrel-shaped, and mummy-shaped.
Rectangular sleeping bags are the most traditional and well-known shape. They provide ample room for legs and arms to stretch out and are ideal for those who prioritise comfort over warmth. They are a common choice for warm-weather camping as they do not retain as much heat as other shapes. Some rectangular bags can be completely unzipped and used as blankets or comforters. Rectangular bags are also available in double sizes for couples, although these tend to be heavier and bulkier.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags, also known as barrel or modified mummy-shaped, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They are generally more slender than rectangular bags, with a rounded top and slight tapering at the bottom. This shape is well-suited for cool-weather camping when conditions are chilly but not extremely cold. They provide extra shoulder room and are a good option for side sleepers.
Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are designed to maximise warmth and minimise weight. They have a slim cut and a snug fit, following the contours of the human body. They usually come with a contoured hood that can be cinched tight for added warmth. With this shape, you typically roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Mummy bags are lighter than other shapes and are popular among backpackers.
In addition to these basic shapes, sleeping bags for children are also available. These are simply shorter and smaller versions of adult bags and often come in fun prints, patterns, and colours. Ultralight sleeping bags are another option, designed for those who want to keep their packs as light as possible. They usually have a mummy or quilt shape and are ideal for multi-day backcountry trips and thru-hikes.
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Sleeping bag features
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the features that will impact your warmth and comfort. Here are some key features to look out for:
Insulation and Temperature Rating
The insulation and temperature rating of a sleeping bag are crucial factors in determining its warmth. Sleeping bags use either down or synthetic insulation. Down-filled bags, such as those with goose down, offer exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios and are ideal for winter trekking and climbing. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, may compress less and prevent the fabric from twisting. The temperature rating indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag should keep you warm, but it's important to note that this can vary between companies. Look for bags with EN-ISO 23537 standard ratings for more accurate comparisons.
Hood and Draft Collar
A good hood is essential if you tend to feel cold or camp in colder climates. A well-designed hood will help retain warmth and protect your head and neck from the cold. Additionally, a draft collar around the neck area can prevent cold air from entering the bag.
Zipper and Draft Tubes
A zipper that runs smoothly is important for comfort and convenience. Look for features like a no-snag strip along the zipper to prevent annoying catches. Draft tubes along the edge of the bag, as seen in the Teton bag, help prevent breezes from entering through the zipper.
Footbox and Shoulder Girth
A narrower footbox and shoulder girth can eliminate drafty dead space, reducing the amount of air inside the bag that needs to be heated. A contoured footbox can also help keep your feet warm by reducing empty space.
Sleeping Pad Compatibility
Consider the type of sleeping pad you'll be using with your sleeping bag. Some bags, like the ultralight ones, are designed to be used in conjunction with a sleeping pad for added warmth. Bags may also have features like a pillow sleeve or pillow pockets to hold your pillow or folded-up layers in place.
Additional Comfort Features
Other features that enhance comfort include drawcords at the shoulders and hood to reduce heat loss, stash pockets for valuables, and Velcro tabs to secure the zipper. If you're a side sleeper, look for a bag with the zipper on the back rather than the front for added comfort.
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Sleeping pad combinations
Sleeping pads are an important component of a camping sleep system, and they can significantly impact how warm you sleep. Sleeping pads are available in three basic types: air pads, self-inflating pads, and closed-cell foam pads. Self-inflating pads are a combination of open-cell foam insulation and air. They are comfortable and reasonably compact, and you can adjust their firmness by adding or releasing air. However, they are heavier and more expensive than simple foam pads.
When choosing a sleeping pad, it is important to consider your intended use, whether it be backpacking, car camping, winter camping, or other outdoor activities. The warmth of a sleeping pad is measured by its R-value, with higher R-values indicating greater warmth. For winter camping, a true four-season pad such as the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme is recommended. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol and the Nemo Switchback are closed-cell foam pads that can be added underneath an inflatable pad to increase the R-value of your sleep system by 2.
For car camping, the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad is a popular choice. This self-inflating pad is 3 inches thick and has extra foam with an air pocket on top, providing increased comfort and preventing the pad from bottoming out overnight. It has an R-value of 6, making it more than twice as warm as some backpacking pads. For backpackers, the Nemo Quasar 3D Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a good option as it is supportive yet still light enough to carry. It has an R-value of 3.3 and comes with customized baffles that contour to your body.
When pairing your sleeping pad with a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the temperature rating of the bag and the R-value of the pad. Using a warm sleeping pad in combination with a sleeping bag can help to increase overall warmth. Ultralight sleeping bags, for example, are designed to be used in conjunction with a sleeping pad and weather-appropriate clothing. Mummy-shaped bags can help save weight as they reduce volume and pack smaller. Sleeping bags with additional padding, such as the Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Sleeping Bag, can provide extra warmth.
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Frequently asked questions
Padded sleeping bags can be warm, but the warmth of a sleeping bag is often advertised as its temperature rating, which is supposed to be the lowest temperature at which the bag should be able to keep you warm. Many companies choose their own temperature ratings, so there can be limited comparison between companies. Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are designed to boost warmth and cut weight, with a snug fit so you roll over with your bag rather than inside it.
The warmest sleeping bags are usually bags designed for camping, which offer plenty of room to move around in. The Western Mountaineering MegaLite and the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite are recommended for backpackers seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and warm bag. The Teton is also designed to warm up colder sleepers, with a narrower footbox and shoulder girth than unisex bags, eliminating drafty dead space.
Ultralight sleeping bags are very lightweight, ideal for multi-day backcountry trips and thru-hikes. To cut back on weight, they often use a narrower cut and thinner materials, and some skip the zippers, cords, and buckles. Ultralight bags are designed to be used in unison with a sleeping pad and weather-appropriate clothing.
