Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are tested in a variety of ways to determine their suitability for different conditions. The key factor when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating, which indicates how warm it is. These ratings are based on standardised tests conducted in laboratories, which provide an 'even playing field' between brands. Tests may involve placing a test dummy or mannequin inside the bag, dressed in base layers or a tracksuit. Other tests include examining the bag's packed dimensions, weighing the bag, and sleeping in the bag each night to rate its comfort. The results of these tests can help consumers choose the right sleeping bag for their needs, whether it be for camping, backpacking, or more extreme conditions such as high-altitude use.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bags are tested for warmth in a lab
However, it's important to note that lab-tested temperature ratings are estimates and may not perfectly match real-world comfort. Variables such as differences in people's clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and other factors can affect the actual warmth of a sleeping bag in the field.
Some manufacturers may also choose to test their sleeping bags in real-world conditions, such as campgrounds or backyards, to complement lab testing. They may also consider additional factors such as the ease of packing, size, thickness, and appealing fabrics.
The temperature ratings of sleeping bags are typically indicated by "EN" or "ISO" ratings, which are based on standardised tests. These ratings provide a more precise and comparable system than season ratings alone. However, it's worth noting that not every sleeping bag has an ISO or EN rating, especially those designed for extreme cold or children's bags.
In addition to temperature ratings, sleeping bags may also feature season ratings, indicating their suitability for different seasons and temperature ranges. For example, a two-season sleeping bag is designed for slightly cooler nights in spring and summer, while a four-season sleeping bag is designed for winter use.
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Temperature ratings are estimates
The EN 13537 testing standard, for instance, uses a mannequin wearing a tracksuit or thermal underwear, with a fabric insulation of 0.049 m2.K/W ±10%. This standard also includes a sleeping pad, but the specific R-value is not mentioned. The thermal resistance of 0.85 m^2*K/W equals 4.82 R-value. However, it's important to note that not all sleeping bags have an ISO (or EN) rating. The test standard doesn't apply to bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags. Brands may also choose not to obtain ISO testing for bags intended for mild conditions or casual use.
In addition, temperature ratings on sleeping bags may not account for all factors that contribute to warmth or coldness during sleep. For instance, the design of the sleeping bag, such as the presence of a draft collar, a well-designed hood, or a well-constructed draft tube, can impact the bag's performance in the real world. The EN rating of a sleeping bag may also depend on the R-value of the sleeping pad used by the consumer, which may differ from the one used in the lab test.
To compensate for the limitations of temperature ratings, it is recommended to use the ratings as a baseline and choose a bag with a lower comfort figure than the coldest expected temperature if you tend to feel cold. Additionally, consider your personal internal thermostat and whether you tend to run hot or cold. It is also helpful to read reviews from real-world users and professional gear testers to get a more accurate understanding of a sleeping bag's performance.
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The EN standard is used for testing
The EN standard involves placing a thermal manikin, dressed in a tracksuit or thermal underwear, into the sleeping bag. The manikin is placed on a foam mattress with a specific thermal resistance, lying on an artificial ground made of a wooden board. The test does not specify the R-value of the sleeping pad used. The EN standard provides an objective comparison between different models from the same brand and across various brands.
It is important to note that the EN standard is based on ''average' users and should be used as a guide. Real-world comfort may differ from the lab-tested temperature ratings due to various factors such as differences in people's clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and more. Additionally, the manikin used in the test does not move, which can affect the test results as it does not compress areas of insulation or draw cold air into the bag.
The EN standard is not valid for bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags. Brands may also choose not to obtain EN testing for bags intended for mild conditions or casual use. Therefore, not every sleeping bag will have an EN rating.
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The test doesn't account for all variables
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are a complicated subject. Lab-tested ratings, indicated by "EN" or "ISO", are useful for comparing bags from different brands. However, it's important to understand that these ratings are estimates and may not perfectly match real-world comfort due to various factors that a lab cannot simulate.
One key limitation of the test is that it uses a stationary mannequin, which does not move or change positions. This means that the mannequin does not compress areas of insulation with its knees or hips, creating cold spots that a real person might experience. Additionally, the mannequin does not draw cold air into the bag at the shoulders or affect the draft tube near the zipper, which can impact the performance of features like draft collars or hoods.
Another factor that affects the accuracy of temperature ratings is the variation in people's clothing, gear, body types, and sleeping habits. The test typically uses a mannequin dressed in base layers or a tracksuit, but this may not reflect the actual clothing and gear choices of individual users. Different people also have different metabolisms and sleep patterns, with some people sleeping warmer or colder than others.
Furthermore, the test may not account for changing weather conditions, dietary habits, and other external factors that can influence how warm or cold a person feels in a sleeping bag. Temperature ratings are based on 'average' users, so they may not perfectly align with the experience of every individual.
To address these limitations, some companies, like Sea to Summit, choose to test each model individually in third-party laboratories, providing an objective comparison. However, it's still important for consumers to consider their unique needs and preferences when choosing a sleeping bag, as the ratings should be used as a general guide rather than an exact measure of comfort.
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Real-world comfort may differ from lab results
Additionally, the tests follow a specific protocol, such as dressing the mannequin in base layers or a tracksuit, which may not reflect the clothing and gear that an individual user brings with them. Other factors that can affect real-world comfort include differences in body types (some people sleep warmer or colder than others), changing weather conditions, and differences in food intake.
The temperature ratings on sleeping bags are estimates and should be used as a general guide. It is recommended to consider your own personal preferences and tendencies when choosing a sleeping bag. For example, if you often feel cold, opt for a bag with a lower comfort rating than the coldest expected temperature. On the other hand, if you tend to sleep warm, you may rely on lower-limit ratings but still allow for a buffer of a few degrees Celsius.
To get a more accurate idea of a sleeping bag's comfort, some testers take measurements without a pad and roll around on different surfaces like hardwood floors, campground dirt, and concrete driveways to assess the bag's natural padding and space. They also consider the bag's size, thickness, and fabric appeal. Reading reviews from real-world users and professional gear testers can also help determine if a sleeping bag's rating aligns with your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping bags are tested in labs using a variety of methods and standards. The EN 13537 protocol, for example, involves placing a thermal manikin dressed in a tracksuit into the sleeping bag, which is then placed on a foam mattress. Temperature ratings are assigned based on the results of these tests.
Lab tests can't account for all real-world variables, such as differences in body types, clothing, weather conditions, and sleeping pads. Therefore, the comfort level of a sleeping bag may differ from its tested temperature rating.
Temperature ratings are based on standardised tests, which provide a comparable system. However, they are calculated for ''average' users, so individuals may need to adjust their choices based on their personal preferences and sleeping habits.
