Ashwin Lewis
Choosing the right sleeping bag can make or break your camping trip. The warmth of a sleeping bag is determined by its filling, which is measured in grams per square metre (GSM). The thicker the filling, the warmer the bag. Sleeping bags with synthetic hollowfibre filling are ideal for warmer weather, while those for colder weather are usually stuffed with heavy down. Down sleeping bags are more expensive, lighter, and have a better warmth-to-weight ratio, but they absorb moisture easily. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, are cheaper, easier to clean, and perform better when wet. Other factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag include its shape, weight, and temperature and season ratings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Camping, backpacking, family holidays, festivals, indoor use |
| Temperature ratings | Comfort, limit, extreme |
| Temperature rating icons | Comfort temperature, limit temperature |
| Season ratings | 1-4 |
| Ideal temperature ratings | Summer bags: up to 2°C; Winter bags: -9°C |
| Shape | Mummy, rectangular ("envelope") |
| Insulation | Down, synthetic |
| Filling | Hollowfibre, downing |
| Weight | Depends on purpose and duration of travel |
| Additional features | Hood, neck baffle, zip baffle, internal pouch |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag ratings: Season, comfort, limit, and extreme
Sleeping bag ratings are designed to make it easier to choose your sleeping bag. They are based on the outside temperature and the lowest temperature you will be comfortable sleeping in. The temperature rating is an important factor to consider when choosing a sleeping bag, and it will depend on where you'll be using it and the temperature range you are comfortable sleeping in.
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. The ratings range from season 1, designed for summer camping, to season 4, designed for cold winter nights with frost or snow on the ground. Season 1 sleeping bags are ideal for warm summer nights, festivals, and indoor use. Season 2 bags are suitable for late spring and early autumn when nights can get cold. Season 4 bags are down sleeping bags designed for frosty and snowy winter nights.
In addition to season ratings, sleeping bags also feature temperature ratings, which indicate the range of temperatures for which a sleeping bag is suitable. These figures are based on standardised tests, providing a more precise and comparable system than just the season rating alone. However, it's important to note that these figures are based on ''average' users and should be used as a guide. The three temperature ratings are:
- Comfort: This is the temperature at which a standard adult female can have a comfortable night's sleep. It is the temperature rating used for women's bags, as women tend to sleep colder than men. It is the optimum temperature for feeling warm and comfortable when rolled up in a sleeping bag.
- Limit: This is the lowest temperature at which a standard adult male can have a comfortable night's sleep. It is the temperature rating used for men's bags. The sleeping bag should not be used in temperatures colder than the limit rating.
- Extreme: This is a survival rating for an adult female, indicating that after eight hours, hypothermia may set in. It is not a useful rating for ensuring a warm and comfortable night's sleep.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the warmth-to-weight ratio, which looks at the effectiveness of the insulation against the weight. A bag with high-quality insulation will be very warm and light, while a bag with less expensive insulation may be just as warm but will require more filling, making it heavier. Additionally, the features, insulation, and material of a sleeping bag can all impact your comfort. For example, a good hood is essential if you are a cold sleeper or heading to a cold location.
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Insulation: Down or synthetic
When choosing a sleeping bag, one of the first steps is to consider the insulation type. There are two main types of sleeping bag insulation: down and synthetic. Down sleeping bags are made with the fine under-feathers from ducks or geese, while synthetic bags are filled with man-made insulation, usually poly-fibres.
Down sleeping bags have an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for backpacking and trekking. They are also highly compressible, which is advantageous when packing space is limited. Additionally, down bags are typically more comfortable as they adjust better to temperature changes. However, down has the significant disadvantage of losing its insulating properties when it gets wet, and it takes a long time to dry. The process of harvesting down can also be controversial, so it's important to choose products from companies with ethical standards.
Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, are generally cheaper, easier to clean, and require less care. They perform better in wet conditions, retaining around 50% of their insulating ability when wet. However, synthetic bags do not retain heat as well as down, so they may not be ideal for winter trips. Synthetic insulation will also weigh more to provide the same level of warmth as down.
When deciding between down and synthetic insulation, it's essential to consider how and where you'll be using the sleeping bag. If you're backpacking or trekking and need to conserve weight, down might be the better option. If you're camping in wet or humid conditions, synthetic insulation could be preferred due to its ability to retain some insulating capability when wet.
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Shape: 'Mummy' or rectangular
The shape of a sleeping bag is an important factor to consider when purchasing one. Mummy-shaped bags are tapered, being wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, resembling a mummy’s shape. Rectangular sleeping bags, on the other hand, have a typical rectangular shape with the same width from head to toe.
Mummy bags are generally more lightweight and efficient at retaining heat. Their tapered shape limits the amount of air inside the bag, making it easier to warm up and maintain warmth. They are also more packable, making them a good choice for backpackers and hikers who need to save space. Mummy bags also usually come with a draft collar and a hood that can be tightened around the head, further preventing heat loss.
Rectangular bags offer more space and freedom of movement, making them ideal for people who move a lot in their sleep or prefer different sleeping positions. They can also be a good option for couples, as they can capture each other's body heat. Rectangular bags are often bulkier, making them more suitable for car camping rather than hiking or backpacking.
It is worth noting that some people may find mummy bags restrictive, especially if they are side sleepers or tend to shift around a lot in their sleep. In such cases, a semi-rectangular or relaxed mummy bag could be a good compromise, offering a bit more room while still providing better warmth retention than a fully rectangular bag.
Ultimately, the decision between a mummy and a rectangular sleeping bag depends on individual preferences, the intended use, and the importance placed on factors such as warmth, weight, packability, and comfort.
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Temperature: How to gauge the right rating
Temperature ratings are an important factor when choosing a sleeping bag. The rating you choose will depend on the outdoor temperature you'll experience, your personal preference, and how susceptible you are to the cold.
Sleeping bags have two or three temperature ratings: Comfort, Limit, and Extreme. The Comfort rating is the temperature at which the average woman can sleep comfortably outside. The Limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the average man can sleep comfortably. The Extreme rating is a survival rating for an average woman, after 8 hours of which hypothermia may set in.
The Comfort rating is a good guideline for colder sleepers. If you sleep warmer or are more experienced sleeping outdoors, the Limit rating is more relevant. The temperature inside a sleeping bag should be within the Comfort Range for optimum warmth and comfort. If the temperature inside the bag drops below the Comfort Range, it will be too cold to sleep in. If the temperature inside the bag climbs above the Comfort Range, it will be too warm to sleep in. As a rule of thumb, you should never use a sleeping bag if it climbs or drops five degrees above or below its Comfort Range.
Season ratings are also useful for determining the temperature range of a sleeping bag. Season 1 sleeping bags are designed for warm summer nights and are ideal for festivals or indoor use. Season 2 sleeping bags are designed for late spring and early autumn, where nights can get cold. Season 4 sleeping bags are for cold winter nights with frost or snow. Winter sleeping bags should have a rating of around −9ºC, while summer bags can be up to 2ºC.
The warmth of a sleeping bag is determined by the amount of filling inside it, measured in grams per square metre (GSM). Sleeping bags with synthetic hollowfibre filling are ideal for warmer weather, while those for colder weather are usually stuffed with heavy down. The warmth-to-weight ratio is an important consideration, as it looks at the effectiveness of the insulation balanced against the weight. Down sleeping bags have a superior warmth-to-weight ratio compared to synthetic bags, but they are more expensive and susceptible to moisture loss. Synthetic bags are cheaper, easier to clean, and perform better when wet, retaining around 50% of their insulating ability when damp.
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Weight: Warmth-to-weight ratio
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider the weight and warmth requirements of the bag. This is known as the warmth-to-weight ratio. This ratio looks at the effectiveness of the insulation and balances it against the weight of the bag. For instance, a bag with high-quality down clusters will be very warm and light, whereas a bag with less expensive insulation will need more material to achieve the same warmth and thus be heavier.
Down sleeping bags, made from duck or goose feathers, are more expensive, lighter, and have a superior warmth-to-weight ratio compared to synthetic bags. However, down is more susceptible to moisture, losing its loft and insulating power when wet. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, are cheaper, easier to clean, and retain their insulating capacity in damp conditions, but they are heavier and do not retain heat as well as down bags.
If you are going backpacking or hiking, weight becomes a crucial factor as you will be carrying the bag all day. In this case, a down bag with a high warmth-to-weight ratio may be preferable. However, if you are not hiking for days and have space in your car, weight is less of a concern, and you can opt for a bulkier synthetic bag.
Ultimately, the warmth-to-weight ratio depends on the quality of the insulation and the design of the bag. It is important to consider your specific needs and choose a bag that balances weight and warmth effectively for your intended use.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two key types of sleeping bag: down sleeping bags and synthetic sleeping bags. Down sleeping bags are made with the fine under feathers from ducks or geese, whereas synthetic bags are filled with man-made insulation, usually polyester. Synthetic bags are cheaper, easier to clean, and perform better in wet conditions. Down bags have a superior warmth-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for winter trips.
Consider the temperatures you'll experience and the sleeping bag rating you'll need. The warmth of a sleeping bag is determined by the amount of filling inside it, measured in grams per square metre (GSM). The thicker the filling, the warmer the bag. If you're going backpacking, weight is also an important factor.
Sleeping bag ratings are designed to make it easier to choose the right bag. Ratings range from season 1, designed for summer camping, to season 4, designed for cold winter nights. The temperature rating is an important factor to consider, with most bags having a comfort rating, a limit rating, and an extreme rating.
The comfort rating refers to the optimum temperature at which a standard adult woman can sleep comfortably outside. If the temperature drops below the comfort range, the bag will be too cold to sleep in. If the temperature climbs above the comfort range, it will be too warm.
The most common shape is the mummy shape, which is tapered towards the feet and therefore more fitted, improving heat retention. Rectangular sleeping bags are roomier and better for warmer weather.
