Colin Snow
Sleeping bag ratings are a crucial consideration when choosing a sleeping bag, as they indicate the warmth and suitability of the bag for different conditions. Sleeping bag ratings are often indicated by a season rating, which corresponds to the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. For example, a three-season bag is designed for colder nights in spring, summer, and autumn, when temperatures might dip just below freezing. However, the rating system can be confusing, as there is no universal standard for measuring ratings, especially in North America. Some manufacturers have adopted the European EN or ISO testing methods, which provide a standardized rating system, while others set their own temperature ratings. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider factors such as the shape, features, and age of the product, as well as the temperature rating.
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Sleeping bag temperature ratings
Summer Bags
Summer bags are typically rated for temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and above. They are designed for summer camping and backpacking, where nighttime temperatures remain warm. These bags are usually more compact, easy to carry, and affordable.
Two-Season Bags
Two-season sleeping bags are suitable for slightly cooler nights in spring and summer, with a temperature range of 0 to 5 degrees Celsius (30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit). They can also be used during mild autumn nights or for people who sleep cold even in summer.
Three-Season Bags
Three-season bags are versatile and can be used throughout spring, summer, and autumn. They are designed for colder nights when temperatures might dip just below freezing, down to 0 to -5 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit). These bags offer a good balance between warmth, weight, and bulk, making them popular for camping and backpacking.
Four-Season Bags
Four-season bags are designed for winter use, with temperatures around -10 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower. They are optimized for cold conditions and often feature bulkier construction with advanced insulation to handle frost, snow, and extremely cold temperatures.
It's important to note that the temperature ratings provided by manufacturers may vary, and it's always a good idea to read reviews and consider factors like shape, features, and the age of the product. Additionally, non-EN/ISO-rated bags may have less consistent ratings, so it's recommended to choose bags from companies with a reputation for conservative ratings.
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Seasonality
Sleeping bags are rated according to their warmth and suitability for different seasons. Seasonality is a critical factor in determining the rating of a sleeping bag. It refers to the time of year for which the bag is designed and its ability to provide comfort and protection during specific seasons.
Summer sleeping bags are typically rated for warmer weather and are designed for temperatures above 0°C (32°F) or 5° Celsius/centigrade (40° Fahrenheit). These bags are lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, making them ideal for backpacking and camping in milder conditions. They often pack down small and are designed to save weight and space.
Three-season sleeping bags are versatile options that can be used throughout spring, summer, and autumn. They offer a good balance between warmth and weight, making them popular for camping and backpacking in varying conditions. Three-season bags are designed for temperatures down to around freezing, with ratings ranging from 0°C to -5°C (32°F to 23°F).
Two-season sleeping bags bridge the gap between summer and three-season bags. They are designed for slightly cooler nights in spring, summer, and autumn, with a temperature range of 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 40°F). These bags offer versatility for campers who experience milder conditions or for those who tend to sleep cold even in summer.
Winter or four-season sleeping bags are designed for colder conditions, with night-time temperatures dropping below freezing. They are optimised for frosty or snowy weather, where temperatures can reach -10°C (14°F) or lower. These bags often feature bulkier constructions and advanced insulation to handle extreme cold.
It's important to note that the temperature ratings provided by manufacturers may vary, and it's always a good idea to read reviews and give yourself a buffer when choosing a sleeping bag. Additionally, factors such as humidity, wind, sleeping pad insulation, and personal preferences can also impact the suitability of a sleeping bag for a particular season.
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Weight and bulk
When it comes to sleeping bags, weight and bulk are critical factors to consider. If you're planning a human-powered overnight trip, the weight of your sleeping bag and how small it can be packed away will be major considerations. An extra pound or two can make a significant difference on extended backcountry trips, and a larger packed size will increase the size of your backpack, placing the weight you're carrying further from your centre of gravity.
Generally, warmer bags are bulkier and heavier than colder bags, so it's important to analyse weight and packed size between bags with similar warmth. Spending a little more for a lighter or more compressible sleeping bag is worth considering if you're planning to venture deep into the backcountry.
Backpacking bags are designed to be lightweight and pack down smaller, providing more warmth for their weight. Down insulation is the lightest insulator, and down-filled bags are more compressible and durable than synthetic bags. Down fill relies on loft to keep you warm, and as the fill power rating rises, you get a higher quality, loftier fill that provides better insulation for a given weight. “Ultralight” or “UL" sleeping bags usually feature 800+ fill power down insulation.
If you're car camping or boating, weight and bulk are less important considerations, and you can prioritise comfort, convenience, and price. The ALPS Outdoorz Redwood -10 is a heavy-duty, oversized bag that's perfect for cold-weather car camping, but its large size and weight make it unsuitable for backpacking.
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Waterproofing
You can try putting the end of your sleeping bag in a large plastic bag, or a lightweight and durable rescue blanket. This will help to protect you from the heat (shiny side out) and keep you warm (shiny side in).
There are waterproofing sprays on the market that claim to be usable on nylon, suede, leather, and Gore-Tex. However, these sprays will not make your sleeping bag waterproof, and they will also remove the breathability of the bag.
So, is it possible to make a sleeping bag totally waterproof? No. Would this be a good idea even if you could? No.
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Shape
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the most common being rectangular. This shape is often used for camping as it offers ample room for legs and arms to stretch out and can even be unzipped and used as a blanket. They are also usually cheaper to manufacture.
The mummy bag is another common shape, designed with a hood and tapered sarcophagus shape that maximises thermal efficiency. This design is usually used for backpacking as it saves weight and space. The tapered shape, however, reduces legroom, so some people may find them uncomfortable. Mummy bags are usually more expensive.
A third option is the semi-rectangular bag, also known as a "modified mummy" or "barrel" shape. This is a compromise between warmth and roominess. The "double sleeping bag" is a good option for couples, or rectangular bags that can be zipped together.
The shape of a sleeping bag is a major factor in its weight, with sleek and snug bags being lighter than roomy ones. The shape will also determine how warm the bag is, with bags that have more room being less efficient at retaining heat.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeping bag rating indicates its warmth and suitability for different conditions.
Sleeping bag ratings are grouped by temperature ranges, which are further divided into seasons. The ratings include:
- One-season bags for summer use
- Two-season bags for spring and summer
- Three-season bags for spring, summer, and fall
- Four-season bags for winter use
- Five-season bags for extreme cold and high-altitude expeditions
When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the temperature you'll be camping in. Select a bag with a comfort rating suitable for that temperature range. For example, for summer camping, choose a lightweight bag with a comfort rating of 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Additionally, pay attention to the shape, features, and age of the product, as these factors also impact its performance.
