Gina Johnson
When shopping for a sleeping bag, it's important to understand the temperature ratings to ensure you stay warm enough. The EN rating system, short for EN/ISO, is one of the two international temperature rating systems used by sleeping bag manufacturers. It was introduced in 2005 to provide a standardised rating for sleeping bags, allowing consumers to compare products. The EN/ISO protocol considers various factors, including a sleeper's metabolism, clothing, and how exposed the bag will be to wind and moisture. The test involves placing a heated manikin with temperature sensors into a sleeping bag in a climate-controlled room to determine the bag's thermal resistance. While the EN rating system is widely used, it has some limitations, such as variations in manikin shapes and test conditions, which can affect the accuracy of the ratings. Therefore, it's essential to consider other factors, such as fit, insulation, and real-world testing, when choosing a sleeping bag suitable for your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard | EN 13537 |
| Testing method | A heated manikin with temperature sensors is placed inside the sleeping bag in a climate-controlled room on a standardized mat |
| Manikin attire | Standard pyjamas and a cold-weather mask |
| Rating | "Comfort" and "limit" rating |
| Comfort rating | Lowest temperature at which the average female will have a comfortable night's sleep |
| Limit rating | Lowest temperature at which the average male will have a comfortable night's sleep |
| Extreme rating | Lowest temperature at which a sleeping bag is suitable for use |
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What You'll Learn
- EN/ISO ratings consider factors like a sleeper's metabolism, clothing, and exposure to wind and moisture
- EN/ISO testing protocols involve a heated manikin with sensors in a climate-controlled room
- The test looks for benchmarks like when the manikin's heat accumulates and when it is lost
- The comfort rating is the temperature at which the average female will sleep comfortably
- The limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the average male will sleep comfortably
EN/ISO ratings consider factors like a sleeper's metabolism, clothing, and exposure to wind and moisture
EN/ISO ratings are designed to give consumers a clear idea of the temperatures a sleeping bag can be used in. The ratings are based on standardised laboratory tests that involve placing a heated thermal manikin, dressed in a specific base layer, into a sleeping bag. The manikin is then placed in a climate-controlled room on a basic foam mat, and measurements are taken as the temperature drops. This process helps determine the sleeping bag's thermal resistance and identify key benchmarks, such as when the manikin's heat accumulates in the bag and when heat begins to be lost.
While the EN/ISO testing protocols provide a standard for comparing sleeping bags, it's important to note that they may not account for all individual factors. For example, the tests are based on an "average" person, typically around 75 kg and 170 cm tall, and assume the use of a specific base layer and sleeping pad. Individual factors such as body type, metabolism, and physical state can affect how warm or cold one feels. Additionally, the tests are conducted in controlled environments with minimal wind and no moisture, which may differ from real-world camping conditions.
To address these limitations, some companies have developed their own temperature ratings that consider additional factors. For example, Mountain Equipment's "Good Night's Sleep Temperature" rating combines scientific testing, field trials, and expedition testing to provide an indication of the minimum temperature an experienced user would find comfortable. This rating forms part of their "Good Night's Sleep Guarantee," allowing consumers to choose with confidence.
It's also worth noting that not all sleeping bags have an ISO or EN rating. These ratings are not applicable to bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags. Additionally, brands may choose not to seek ISO testing for bags intended for mild conditions or casual use. In such cases, the temperature ratings provided by manufacturers may be estimates rather than actual test results, and consumers should use them as rough guidelines rather than absolute comparisons.
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EN/ISO testing protocols involve a heated manikin with sensors in a climate-controlled room
The manikin is clothed in a standardised base layer, similar to what a camper might wear, along with a pair of standard pyjamas and a cold-weather mask. It is then placed in a climate-controlled chamber, on a basic foam mat, with the sleeping bag being tested. The climate-controlled room helps maintain a constant temperature, and fans are used to increase air movement, ensuring constant mixing. The manikin remains in the room for 3 to 6 hours to reach steady-state conditions.
As the temperature in the chamber drops, measurements are taken from the manikin. The test aims to identify key benchmarks, such as when the manikin's heat accumulates in the bag, the range where the temperature remains steady, and the point at which heat is lost. This data helps determine the sleeping bag's temperature rating and ensures consumers can safely choose a bag suitable for their needs.
The EN/ISO rating system has improved the accuracy of sleeping bag temperature ratings and provides a standardised method for testing and comparing different bags. However, it is important to note that the manikin may not represent individual sleep patterns or real sleeping environments, and the test's accuracy diminishes below -15°C.
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The test looks for benchmarks like when the manikin's heat accumulates and when it is lost
The EN/ISO testing protocols are a standard for all sleeping bags. The ratings from these tests allow users to compare bags with similar ratings and choose a bag that suits their needs. The test involves tucking a sensor-rich, heated mannequin, dressed in a base layer, into a sleeping bag and placing it in a cold chamber on a basic foam mat. As the temperature in the chamber drops, measurements are taken from the mannequin.
The test looks for benchmarks like when the mannequin's heat accumulates in the sleeping bag, the range where its temperature remains relatively steady, and the point at which heat begins to be lost. The test also determines when heat is lost at a rate where continued use of the bag would put the user at risk. These benchmarks help establish the "comfort" and "limit" ratings of a sleeping bag. The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable, while the lower limit rating indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still be comfortable.
It's important to note that the EN/ISO sleeping bag rating is read in ranges of temperatures, reflecting the subjective nature of warmth for different body types. The numbers included along the continuum are points of reference to help users estimate if the sleeping bag will provide ample insulation. For example, the EN Upper Comfort rating is the highest temperature at which a 70kg man should feel comfortable, while the EN Comfort rating is the temperature at which a 60kg woman can sleep comfortably through the night.
The ISO 23537 test, an update to the EN ratings, is considered the best rating system for sleeping bags. It helps identify bags that deviate significantly from their advertised ratings, but it may not differentiate between bags within a few degrees of each other. Additionally, the test does not account for variables such as individual sleep patterns, real sleeping environments, airflow, and fabric breathability. Therefore, it is recommended to consider other factors when choosing a sleeping bag, such as weight, materials, price, and reviews from professional gear testers.
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The comfort rating is the temperature at which the average female will sleep comfortably
The comfort rating of a sleeping bag is the temperature at which the average female will sleep comfortably. This is a standardised metric that is part of the EN/ISO testing protocols, which are a standard for all sleeping bags. The comfort rating is usually 10º-20º higher than the lower limit, which is the lowest temperature at which an average man can sleep comfortably.
The comfort rating is based on a "standard woman" who is not feeling cold and is in a relaxed posture. This is in contrast to a "standard man", who is in a situation of fighting against the cold (curled up inside the sleeping bag) but is in thermal equilibrium and not shivering.
The EN/ISO testing protocols involve placing a sensor-rich, heated manikin, wearing a specific base layer similar to what a camper might wear, into a sleeping bag. This manikin is then placed in a cold chamber on a basic foam mat, and measurements are taken as the temperature drops. The test looks for key benchmarks such as when the manikin's heat accumulates in the sleeping bag, the range where its temperature remains steady, and the point at which heat begins to be lost.
It's important to note that the comfort rating is just a guideline, and the actual warmth of a sleeping bag can vary depending on various factors such as the fit of the bag, the type of tent or sleeping pad used, and individual sleep patterns. Additionally, the manikin used in the test may not represent all body types, so it's recommended to try a sleeping bag for fit before purchasing.
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The limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the average male will sleep comfortably
The EN (European Norm) rating scale was the original standard for the sleeping bag industry. Today, the ISO (International Standards Organization) oversees bag testing, but the method is almost identical to the EN test. The EN/ISO testing protocols are a standard for all sleeping bags, and the ratings from these tests allow users to compare bags with similar ratings and choose one that suits their needs.
The EN/ISO tests use a heated mannequin with multiple temperature sensors to represent a sleeping person. The mannequin is dressed in a base layer, tights, long socks, and a hat, then placed inside the sleeping bag on top of a closed-cell foam sleeping mat inside a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, measurements are recorded via the sensors on the mannequin. The results are used to calculate the EN or ISO temperature ranges and limits.
The EN 13537 standard, which was introduced in 2005, offers four different temperature ratings to help guide users on the warmth of a sleeping bag. The EN Lower Limit is the temperature at which a standard 70 kg male can sleep for eight hours without waking. This is the lowest temperature at which the average male will sleep comfortably. It is also known as the Lower rating and is always lower than the Comfort rating.
It's important to note that the EN/ISO sleeping bag rating is read in ranges of temperatures, not a specific rating, reflecting the subjective nature of warmth for different body types. The numbers included along the continuum are points of reference to help you estimate the sleeping bag that will provide ample insulation.
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Frequently asked questions
EN is one of the two international temperature rating systems used to describe how cold or warm it is inside a sleeping bag. The ratings are based on users' comfort levels in ambient temperatures.
The numbers on EN-rated sleeping bags are temperature ratings that indicate the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average sleeper warm. For example, a 20°F bag should keep you comfortable down to 20°F.
EN ratings consider various factors, including a sleeper's metabolism, clothing worn in the bag, and how exposed the bag will be to wind and moisture. The EN ratings also consider how much insulation your body needs from either the air or the ground below.
There are three different types of EN temperature ratings: comfort rating, limit rating, and extreme rating. The comfort rating shows the temperature at which the average female will have a comfortable night's sleep. The limit rating is the lowest temperature at which the average male will have a comfortable night's sleep. The extreme rating is the lowest temperature at which a sleeping bag is suitable for use.
