Ashwin Lewis
When camping in cold weather, you need protection from the cold air and the cold ground. While sleeping bags are great at protecting you from the cold air, a sleeping pad is essential for blocking cold temperatures from the ground. In this article, we will be discussing how to assemble an extreme weather sleeping bag, covering everything from temperature ratings and testing standards to key considerations when selecting a sleeping bag for extreme cold environments. We will also provide an overview of some of the best extreme cold weather sleeping bags on the market, highlighting their features, performance, and suitability for different conditions.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right sleeping bag
Temperature Rating
The temperature rating you need will depend on the season in which you'll be camping. For summer camping, a rating of 35° Fahrenheit or higher should suffice. Spring and fall sleeping bags can range from 10° to 35° Fahrenheit, while winter camping bags should have a rating of 10° Fahrenheit or lower. If you're camping in the dead of winter, a 0° or lower bag is recommended. Remember, you can always unzip a sleeping bag if you get too hot, but if you're too cold, you'll be in trouble.
Insulation
The type of insulation is another important consideration. Down insulation is generally more expensive, lighter, more compressible, and durable than synthetic insulation. However, synthetic insulation is more affordable, stays warm when wet, and is hypoallergenic. The "fill power" of down insulation indicates its quality, with higher numbers indicating greater warmth for the weight.
Weight and Packability
If you're backpacking, you'll want to minimise weight and bulk. Look for a lightweight sleeping bag that packs down small. The more expensive the bag, the lighter and thinner the nylon fabric will be. However, if you're car camping, weight and packability are less of a concern, and you can opt for a warmer and roomier bag.
Additional Features
Other features to consider include a hood for added warmth, draft tubes to prevent warm air from escaping, stash pockets for small items, pillow pockets, and sleeping pad compatibility. If you're camping with a partner, you might want to look into double sleeping bags or rectangular bags that can be zipped together.
Price
Finally, consider your budget. Sleeping bags can range from affordable options to high-end bags with premium features. The price will often depend on the bag's temperature rating, insulation type, weight, and brand.
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Sleeping bag temperature ratings
In the past, sleeping bag temperature ratings were tested by individual brands in their own labs, using different methods, making it difficult to compare products from different companies. To address this issue, the sleeping bag industry agreed to adopt standardised testing procedures, with most brands now sending their products to independent labs for testing. The original standard, known as EN (European Norm), has been replaced by ISO (International Standards Organization), which uses a nearly identical testing method. These lab-tested temperature ratings, indicated by "EN" or "ISO", allow consumers to make direct comparisons between sleeping bags from different brands.
It's important to remember that temperature ratings are estimates rather than precise measurements. Lab testing simulates sleeping bag usage by placing a test dummy dressed in base layers inside the bag, but it cannot account for various factors such as differences in body types, clothing, gear, weather conditions, and individual metabolism. Therefore, the actual comfort level of a sleeping bag in outdoor conditions may differ from its tested temperature rating. Additionally, the numbers on bag names may not match their exact temperature ratings, as brands often round up or down to the nearest 0 or 5 for simplicity.
There are three main rating categories: international standards from EN or ISO, trustworthy "homebrew" ratings from smaller companies, and ratings from untrustworthy companies that may cheat the system. The EN/ISO standards include the Upper Limit, Comfort, and Lower Limit ratings. The Upper Limit indicates the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration, with the hood and zippers open and arms outside the bag. The Comfort rating, typically used for women's bags, represents the temperature at which a standard female can sleep comfortably in a relaxed position. The Lower Limit, usually applied to men's bags, indicates the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
When selecting a sleeping bag, it's recommended to choose one with a comfort rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you anticipate. This will ensure that you stay warm and comfortable throughout your outdoor adventure. Additionally, consider investing in a high-quality sleeping pad with an appropriate R-value, as it plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of your sleeping bag's temperature rating.
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Sleeping bag insulation
Sleeping bags are designed to provide comfort and warmth at the end of a long, cold day. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the type of insulation it provides. The two main types of insulation are bonded (synthetic) insulation and down insulation. Synthetic insulation is made from polyester and looks similar to cotton candy. It is cheaper, easier to maintain, and performs better when wet. However, it may be heavier and harder to compress. On the other hand, down insulation comes from the underbelly of ducks and geese and provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. It is highly compressible but requires more maintenance and can get wet and lose its insulating properties.
The quality of down insulation is determined by its loft, or "fluffiness," which is measured by fill power (FP). A higher FP indicates higher-quality down with better warmth and compressibility. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the temperature rating, which indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. However, temperature ratings are estimates and may not account for individual differences in body type, clothing, and weather conditions.
To optimise the performance of a sleeping bag, a well-fitting bag is crucial. A bag with a more generous fit can provide greater comfort and allow for additional clothing to be worn or stored inside. Additionally, features such as a hood and foot box should be designed to maximise warmth and minimise heat loss. The hood should be shaped like an arctic parka hood, and the foot box should allow your feet to incline and splay apart without compressing the insulation.
Some sleeping bags, such as the Mountain Equipment Extreme Expedition bag, utilise advanced baffle systems to minimise heat loss. Their Gemini™ zip baffle system is lightweight, efficient, and protective, reducing heat loss by convection and radiation. Other bags, like the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF, provide extra space for comfort, but this can create uninsulated pockets of cold air, which can be mitigated by stuffing extra layers inside. For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Marmot Lithium offers warmth and compressibility at a reasonable price, although it may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions.
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Sleeping bag fit
The fit of a sleeping bag is critical to its performance. A bag that is too big will allow you to move around too freely, wasting heat. A bag that is too small will compress the insulation, reducing its effectiveness. The correct length for your bag should correlate with your height, with most bags coming in regular and long sizes, and some also offering a short option. For example, if you are 6 feet tall, you should opt for a 6-foot sleeping bag, which will actually measure roughly 6-foot 8-inches long, giving you the extra room needed for a comfortable fit.
The shape of your sleeping bag should reflect the style of camping you are planning. Mummy bags are the most popular shape, with a snug fit that tapers toward the feet, making them the warmest and most lightweight option. Rectangular bags are less efficient at heating but offer more space, while semi-rectangular bags offer a balance between warmth and space.
The hood of a sleeping bag is an important feature, as it adds warmth by trapping heat that would otherwise escape from your head. A properly fitting hood will wrap comfortably and naturally around your head, allowing it to move with your head as you roll from side to side.
When it comes to fitting a sleeping bag, there are three key measurements to consider: length, shoulder girth, and hip girth. Shoulder girth refers to the circumference of the sleeping bag across the shoulders, with most men's bags featuring a shoulder girth of between 60 and 64 inches, and women's bags slightly narrower, ranging from 56 to 60 inches. Hip girth is also an important consideration, especially for those who prefer more space to move around while sleeping.
Finally, it is important to consider the trade-off between warmth and comfort. A sleeping bag that fits snugly will be warmer, as it minimises the amount of air space around your body, but a roomier bag may offer a better night's sleep, especially for restless sleepers or those who feel claustrophobic in tight spaces.
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Sleeping bag maintenance
To ensure your extreme weather sleeping bag lasts for many years, it is important to take good care of it. Here are some tips for maintaining your sleeping bag:
Keep it Clean
Body oils, sweat, dirt, and grime can build up on your sleeping bag over time, reducing its insulating power. To prevent this, always sleep in clean clothes and use a bag liner. Liners are lightweight and can be made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester. They act as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping your bag clean and adding extra warmth. You can also protect your bag by wiping off any sunscreen from your face and neck before use and changing out of clothes you have cooked in, especially if you are in bear country.
Air it Out
It is important to air out your sleeping bag regularly, especially if it gets damp. Turn it inside out to dry out any moisture and ensure it is thoroughly dry before placing it in its storage bag. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for too long, as UV light can degrade the fabric. If your bag gets very wet, you may need to air it out for several hours.
Wash it Gently
If your sleeping bag is looking dirty or is losing its fluffiness, it is time to wash it. Hand washing in a bathtub is an option, but it can be labor-intensive. You can also use a commercial-size washer and dryer at a laundromat or a front-loading washer at home. Avoid top-loading washers with agitator columns, as they can damage your bag. When washing, use a detergent specifically designed for down sleeping bags, such as Nikwax Down Wash Direct, or a gentle, down-safe detergent if handwashing. Rinse thoroughly—multiple rinses are recommended to ensure no detergent is left behind.
Dry with Care
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and proceed to dry your bag. You can use a dryer on a low heat setting, but be cautious as the bag may not fit properly, and the heat could damage delicate nylon fabrics. Adding clean tennis balls to the dryer can help speed up the process and break up clumps of down. Alternatively, you can air dry your bag by laying it flat or hanging it up, being careful not to put too much stress on the fabric. Ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it.
Handle with Care
In general use, be gentle with your sleeping bag. Avoid jumping around while standing inside it, as this can damage the toe box. Be careful when sitting by a campfire with your bag, as sparks can burn holes in the fabric. Be patient with zippers to avoid fabric tears.
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Frequently asked questions
Temperature ratings are estimates, not exact sciences. The key factor is the bag's temperature rating, which should be at or below the coldest anticipated temperature. However, these ratings are based on lab testing that does not account for variables such as clothing, body type, weather conditions, and food intake. It is also important to note that not all sleeping bags have an ISO or EN rating.
Extreme weather sleeping bags are designed to withstand extreme cold and hostile environments. They are made with durable, rain-resistant fabric and construction optimised to maintain warmth for extended periods. They should also have a good fit to maximise thermal efficiency and comfort. The bag should also have a high R-value to block cold temperatures from creeping through.
The Mountain Hardware Phantome is rated to -45C and features 1282g of 800 fill power Russian goose down, making it one of the warmest bags on the market. The Wiggys sleeping bag is another highly-rated option, with ratings as low as negative 60. The Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions bag is also mentioned for its warmth and packability.
