Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed for different purposes. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the activity it will be used for, the expected weather conditions, and personal preferences for weight, packability, warmth, and comfort. While temperature ratings provide a useful guide for comparison, they are based on an average sleeper and may not account for individual variations in clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and other factors. Therefore, it is generally recommended to select a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than the expected low temperature to ensure warmth and comfort. In warm weather, nylon sleeping bags are recommended as they remain cooler and dry faster. Sleeping bag liners can also be used to add extra warmth, while in very warm weather, one can opt to sleep in just the liner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature ratings | Are estimates and not exact. Lab-tested temperature ratings are indicated by "EN" or "ISO". |
| Sleeping bag fabric | Nylon is recommended for warm or humid weather. |
| Sleeping bag shape | Rectangular, semirectangular, and mummy are the three basic shapes. Rectangular bags offer more room, while mummy bags are more snug. |
| Sleeping bag type | Camping bags are roomier and heavier, while backpacking bags are lighter and more compact. |
| Weight | The lighter the sleeping bag, the better for backpacking. |
| Compressibility | Sleeping bags for backpacking should be as compressible as possible while still being warm enough. |
| Comfort rating | The temperature at which the average cold sleeper would be comfortable. |
| Limit rating | The temperature at which the average warm sleeper would be fine. |
| Extreme rating | The temperature at which you could prevent hypothermia. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are estimates
The International Standards Organization (ISO) oversees bag testing, and the test method is similar to the previous EN bag test. Standardized laboratory tests produce a rating range for each sleeping bag, with two temperature ratings within that range: the comfort rating and the lower limit rating. The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable, and it is typically used for women's bags. The lower limit rating is always lower than the comfort rating and indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable. This rating is typically used for men's bags.
It's important to note that not every sleeping bag has an ISO or EN rating. The test standard is not valid for bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags. Brands might also choose not to obtain ISO testing for bags intended for mild conditions or casual use. In these cases, the "temperature rating" spec is likely the brand's estimate and should be used as a rough guideline rather than a direct comparison to other bags.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's essential to consider the temperature rating in addition to other factors. Sleeping bags are typically rated for different seasons, with one-season bags designed for summer camping, two-season bags for spring and summer, three-season bags for spring, summer, and autumn, and four-season bags for winter use. It's also important to check the weather conditions before your trip and choose a sleeping bag with a rating suitable for the expected temperatures.
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Lab-tested temperature ratings
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are based on standardised tests conducted in certified laboratories. The tests provide an 'even playing field' between brands, allowing for objective comparisons between different models from the same brand and across brands.
The test protocol involves placing a heated test mannequin, dressed in standardised base layers, inside the sleeping bag, which is then placed on an insulated sleeping pad in a cold chamber. Measurements are taken at multiple points on the mannequin's surface to determine how much energy per given area is required to maintain standard skin temperature. These measurements are then compared to standard reference sleeping bags.
Three ratings are calculated: comfort rating, lower rating, and extreme rating. The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a standard woman can sleep comfortably for eight hours. The lower rating is the temperature at which a standard man can sleep comfortably for eight hours. The extreme rating is a 'survival' rating that does not rule out frostbite.
It's important to note that temperature ratings are estimates and may not perfectly match real-world comfort levels due to various factors that the lab tests cannot account for. These factors include differences in people's clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and food intake. Additionally, not all sleeping bags have an ISO or EN rating, as the test standard does not apply to bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags.
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Sleeping bag comfort rating
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are a complicated topic. The comfort rating of a sleeping bag is the temperature at which a standard female can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position. This is based on data that shows that the "average woman" will feel colder than the "average man" in the same bag. The comfort rating is used for women's bags, while the lower limit rating is used for men's bags. The lower limit rating is always lower than the comfort rating and indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable.
It's important to note that temperature ratings are just estimates, and real-world comfort may differ from lab-tested temperature ratings due to various factors that a lab can't simulate. These factors include differences in clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and food. Therefore, it's recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a comfort rating that is slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter.
When using temperature ratings to shop for a sleeping bag, look for lab-tested temperature ratings indicated by "EN" (European Norm) or "ISO" (International Standards Organization) ratings. These ratings provide a standardized way to compare sleeping bags from different brands. However, not all sleeping bags have these ratings, especially those designed for extreme cold or children's bags.
To increase the comfort range of your sleeping bag, consider using liners and reflective pads, which can add 10-15 degrees of warmth. Additionally, it's important to choose an appropriately insulating sleeping pad to use with your bag, as it provides insulation from the ground.
As a general rule, if you tend to sleep cold, choose a warmer bag and consider adding a few degrees to the comfort rating. Conversely, if you sleep warm, you can avoid extra weight by looking at the lower limit ratings. Ultimately, the comfort rating of a sleeping bag is a personal preference, and it's essential to consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting one.
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Weight, packability, and warmth
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the balance between weight, packability, and warmth. If you're going to be backpacking, you'll want a lightweight and compressible sleeping bag that still provides adequate warmth. The weight of a sleeping bag is an important factor, especially if you'll be carrying it in your pack for extended periods. Aim for a weight of 2 lbs or less if possible. Lighter bags tend to be more expensive, so choose the lightest option within your budget.
The packability of a sleeping bag refers to how easily it can be compressed and packed down. If you're backpacking, you'll want a sleeping bag that can be packed down to a small size to save space in your pack. Sleeping bags with low denier shell fabrics and high fill power down offer the best compressibility, but they come at a higher price.
When it comes to warmth, it's crucial to consider the temperature ratings of the sleeping bag. The temperature rating indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will provide adequate warmth. However, it's important to remember that temperature ratings are estimates and may not accurately reflect your comfort level in the outdoors. Individual factors such as clothing, metabolism, and sleeping pad can also affect your warmth.
To balance weight, packability, and warmth, look for a lightweight and compressible sleeping bag with a temperature rating suitable for your expected conditions. If you're camping in warm or humid weather, nylon is a good choice as it remains cooler and dries faster. You can also consider using a sleeping bag liner, which adds extra warmth while still being cooler than a full sleeping bag.
Additionally, consider the shape of the sleeping bag. Rectangular bags offer more room to move around but may not retain heat as well as semi-rectangular or "mummy" shaped bags. The "mummy" shape provides a snug fit, sacrificing roominess for increased warmth and reduced weight. Ultimately, the ideal sleeping bag will depend on your specific needs and budget, balancing weight, packability, and warmth for your intended activities.
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Sleeping bag shapes
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The three basic shapes are rectangular, semi-rectangular or modified mummy, and mummy.
Rectangular sleeping bags provide ample room for both legs and arms to stretch out. Some rectangular bags can be completely unzipped and used as blankets or comforters. They are ideal for warm-weather camping as they do not retain as much heat as other shapes. They are also a good option for campers who prioritise comfort over warmth.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags, also known as modified mummy or barrel-shaped bags, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They are structurally similar to mummy bags but do not conform tightly to the body's contours. These bags are suitable 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 boost warmth and reduce weight. They have a slim cut and a contoured hood that can be cinched tight for added warmth. The overall fit is snug, and you typically roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Mummy bags are ideal for backpackers as they are lightweight and maximise heat retention, making them suitable for bitterly cold conditions.
In addition to these three basic shapes, there are also double sleeping bags designed for couples. These bags are typically rectangular and double the width of a standard bag. They can also be found in other shapes like barrel and mummy. Kid-sized sleeping bags are also available in various shapes, including mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular, and often feature fun prints, patterns, and colours.
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Frequently asked questions
The first thing to consider is what activity you need a sleeping bag for. Are you camping in the front-country, or backpacking for an extended period? Are you mountaineering, or packrafting? The weight, shape, and features of sleeping bags are often best suited to specific end-uses.
Sleeping bags for recreational camping sometimes use old-school fabrics like cotton and flannel, which can be nice in cooler temperatures. For warmer or more humid weather, nylon will remain cooler and dry faster. If it's very warm, you may want to skip the bag and just sleep in a sleeping bag liner, which can also be used to add extra warmth in colder weather.
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are estimates based on lab testing. A sleeping bag liner is placed under the bag, and a test dummy inside the bag is dressed in base layers. The ratings are useful for making a direct comparison between sleeping bags from different brands. However, real-world comfort will probably differ due to variables such as clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and more. Most bags are rated with a comfort rating, a limit rating, and an extreme rating. The comfort rating is for cold sleepers, the limit rating is for warm sleepers, and the extreme rating is where you could prevent hypothermia. It's recommended that you choose a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest nighttime temperature you expect.
