Miya Pearson
Sleeping bags are rated according to temperature thresholds to help guide users. However, the rating of a sleeping bag is not always an accurate indication of the comfort you will experience when using it. This is because the ratings are based on the assumption that the user is wearing a base layer, and other variables such as clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and diet are not taken into account. Therefore, it is important to understand how the ratings work and to consider other factors when choosing a sleeping bag for your specific needs.
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Sleeping bag temperature ratings
The EN (European Norm) rating scale, widely used in the sleeping bag industry, provides two temperature ratings: the Comfort rating and the Lower Limit rating. The Comfort rating, typically used for women's bags, indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable. The Lower Limit rating, used for men's bags, represents the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still be comfortable. These ratings are based on average users and should be used as guidelines.
To account for physiological differences between genders, the Comfort rating is used for women's bags, as women tend to feel colder in the same bag. These bags usually weigh more due to the additional insulation required to match the Lower Limit rating of other bags. On the other hand, men's bags use the Lower Limit rating, which is always lower than the Comfort rating.
When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the coldest conditions you anticipate. Select a bag that will keep you warm at or below that temperature. Additionally, pay attention to the season rating, which indicates the time of year for which the bag is most suitable. For example, a one-season bag is designed for summer, while a three-season bag can be used throughout spring, summer, and autumn.
It's worth reading reviews from professional gear testers who have experience with different bags. Other factors that influence sleeping bag warmth include the fit of the bag, individual differences in sleeping hot or cold, and the quality of your sleeping pad. Remember, the temperature ratings are not precise, so it's wise to choose a bag rated slightly warmer than the lowest temperature you expect.
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Season ratings
Sleeping bags are given season ratings to indicate their warmth and suitability for different conditions. Season ratings are used to indicate the time of year for which a sleeping bag is most suitable – corresponding to the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, or a combination of these.
A one-season sleeping bag is designed for summer camping and backpacking, where night-time temperatures will stay above 5° Celsius/Centigrade (C) or 40° Fahrenheit (F). They are also suitable for sleeping in a camper van or in bunkhouses, huts and hostels.
Two-season sleeping bags are designed for slightly cooler nights in spring and summer, with a temperature range of 0 to 5°C (or 30 to 40°F). They can also be used in milder autumn weather, or for people who sleep cold even in summer.
Three-season sleeping bags are designed for colder nights throughout spring, summer and autumn, when overnight temperatures might dip just below freezing (down to -5°C or 20°F). They are considered versatile and are used for a range of camping and backpacking adventures.
Four-season sleeping bags are designed for winter use, when there is frost or snow on the ground and night-time temperatures will drop to around 10°C or 15°F. They are optimised for cold conditions, which often makes them too warm for milder seasons. The term ‘five-season’ is sometimes used to indicate a sleeping bag designed for expedition or high-altitude use. These bags are suitable for extremely cold temperatures, ranging from -10°C down to -40°C (15°F to -40°F).
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Lab testing
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are determined through lab testing. The ISO 23537 test is the standard for determining the warmth of a sleeping bag. This test involves placing a heavily instrumented electronic mannequin, dressed in long underwear, inside the sleeping bag, along with a sleeping pad underneath. The air temperature is then gradually lowered, and the amount of electrical energy required to maintain the mannequin's initial temperature is measured. If a significant amount of energy is needed to keep the mannequin warm, it indicates that the sleeping bag is not very effective at retaining heat.
While this standardised testing method provides valuable insights, it is essential to recognise its limitations. The mannequin used in the test may vary slightly between labs, affecting how the sleeping bag's insulation is compressed and influencing the perceived temperature. Additionally, the mannequin may not accurately represent individual sleep patterns or real-world sleeping environments, including factors like diet, mindset, and sleeping positions.
To address these limitations, some companies have developed their own temperature ratings that combine scientific testing, field trials, and expedition testing. These alternative ratings aim to provide a more accurate indication of how warm a sleeping bag will keep users in various real-life situations.
It's worth noting that temperature ratings on sleeping bags are estimates and may not perfectly match your experience in the field. Real-world comfort can be influenced by various factors that lab tests cannot fully replicate, such as differences in clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and individual metabolism. Therefore, it's always a good idea to prepare for a range of temperatures and bring extra layers or blankets for added warmth if needed.
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Real-world comfort
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is an important factor to consider when choosing one. The ISO 23537 test is the best rating system for sleeping bags, despite some limitations. It involves placing a heavily instrumented electronic mannequin, dressed in long underwear, inside the sleeping bag, and then cooling the air temperature around it. The amount of electrical energy required to maintain the mannequin's initial temperature is measured, and these results are then correlated with real-world outcomes to predict the level of comfort a person can expect from the bag.
However, it's important to remember that these ratings are based on 'average' users, and there are many variables that a lab test cannot simulate. For example, differences in people's clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and diet can all affect how warm or cold someone feels in a sleeping bag. Therefore, real-world comfort may not always match the lab-tested temperature ratings. Individual preferences, metabolism, and age can also impact how warm or cold someone feels.
To ensure real-world comfort, it's recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating that matches the coldest conditions you anticipate encountering. Additionally, consider reading reviews from professional gear testers who have experience with different bags on the market. Other factors to consider include the shape, cut, fabric, packed size, and weight of the sleeping bag, as well as whether it is waterproof.
Season ratings are also used to indicate the time of year for which a sleeping bag is most suitable. For example, a one-season bag is designed for summer use, while a three-season bag can be used throughout spring, summer, and autumn. A four-season bag is designed for winter use, and a five-season bag is suitable for extremely cold temperatures and high-altitude expeditions.
It's worth noting that not all sleeping bags have an ISO or EN rating. These ratings do not apply to bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags, and brands may not choose to obtain ISO testing for bags intended for mild conditions or casual use. In such cases, the temperature rating is likely the brand's estimate and should be used as a rough guideline rather than a precise comparison.
To enhance your comfort, consider using a sleeping pad or liner in addition to your sleeping bag. These can provide extra insulation and help keep you warm, especially when used in combination with a well-rated sleeping bag.
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Reviews
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag, one of the most important factors is its temperature rating. While temperature ratings are a useful guide, they are only estimates, and the comfort level of a sleeping bag in the outdoors will probably differ from its tested rating. This is because there are many variables that a lab cannot simulate, such as differences in people's clothing, body types, and gear.
One user on Reddit recommends the "20-degree" rule, suggesting that if you will be camping in 0-degree temperatures, you should ensure your bag is rated for -20 degrees. Another user shares their experience of camping in -27-degree weather, staying warm and cozy in a -50-degree bag, although they did wear a balaclava to sleep.
It is worth noting that the temperature ratings on sleeping bags are not always accurate. One user on TripAdvisor mentions that they often feel cold at night, even when using a bag rated for 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). Similarly, another user on Reddit shares that they have a 25-degree Fahrenheit bag, but still felt cold when temperatures dropped to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, despite bundling up with extra layers.
To ensure a comfortable night's sleep, it is important to consider your own preferences and tendencies when it comes to sleeping temperature. If you tend to sleep warm, you may want to opt for a bag with a higher temperature rating, while if you tend to sleep cold, you may want to choose a bag with a lower rating. Additionally, it is recommended to use a sleeping pad or mat underneath your bag to provide extra insulation from the cold ground.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is also worth considering the ISO (International Standards Organization) or EN (European Norm) ratings. These lab-tested ratings provide a standardized way to compare temperature ratings across different brands. However, it is important to remember that these ratings are voluntary, and not all sleeping bags will have them.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping bag temperature ratings can be confusing and are based on the assumption that the average woman sleeps colder than the average man. It's important to check reviews and to consider the lowest temperature you'll be sleeping in. If you're a cold sleeper, pay attention to the bag's comfort rating.
The standardized testing used to assign temperature ratings provides three thresholds: a comfort rating, a limit rating, and an extreme rating. The comfort rating is the temperature at which the average woman can sleep comfortably through the night. The limit rating is based on the temperature at which the average man can maintain thermal equilibrium in a curled-up position. The extreme rating indicates the temperature at which there is a serious risk of death from hypothermia.
Aside from temperature ratings, sleeping bags differ in shape, cut, fabric, fill, packed size, and weight. You should also consider the R-value of the sleeping mat you'll be using, as well as any additional layers you plan to wear.
