Herbie Murray
Choosing the right sleeping bag is an important decision, especially for camping and hiking trips. Sleeping bags come in different shapes and sizes, and there are a few key measurements to consider when selecting one. These include length, shoulder girth, and hip girth. The type of sleeping bag you need depends on the climate and conditions you'll be using it in. Sleeping bags have temperature ratings, which indicate the range of temperatures they are suitable for. Bags with higher temperature ratings are designed for colder temperatures and vice versa. It's important to consider the fit of the sleeping bag as well, as a snug fit will keep you warmer. Other factors to consider when verifying a sleeping bag include the type of insulation, the shell material, and whether it has any additional features such as a waterproof coating or a hood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Camping, hiking, backpacking, etc. |
| Temperature ratings | Based on an "average sleeper", these are assigned by independent labs and are useful for comparing bags from different brands. |
| Season ratings | One-season bags are for summer use, two-season bags are for spring and summer, three-season bags are for spring, summer, and autumn, four-season bags are for winter, and five-season bags are for extreme cold. |
| Shape | Rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, double |
| Size | Length, shoulder girth, and hip girth are key measurements. |
| Weight | For backpacking, a lightweight bag is preferable. |
| Insulation | Down or synthetic fill. |
| Ethical standards | RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS (global Traceable Down Standard) indicate ethical treatment of ducks and geese. |
| Fabric | Polyester or nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. |
| Care | Keep clean, dry, and protected. Use a sleeping bag liner. Avoid direct sunlight and sharp objects. |
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What You'll Learn
- Temperature ratings: Lab-tested ratings give an estimate of warmth, but real-world comfort may differ
- Shape: Rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, and double sleeping bags offer different levels of roominess and warmth
- Fit: Length, shoulder girth, and hip girth are key measurements to consider for comfort and warmth
- Season rating: Bags are designed for different seasons, from summer to winter and even high-altitude use
- Care: Keeping your bag clean, dry, and protected will ensure its longevity and insulation efficiency
Temperature ratings: Lab-tested ratings give an estimate of warmth, but real-world comfort may differ
Sleeping bag temperature ratings are a complex topic. Lab-tested ratings are useful for comparing products from different brands. However, it's important to remember that these ratings are estimates and may not perfectly match your real-world experience due to various factors that labs cannot simulate.
The EN and ISO tests, the industry standards for temperature ratings, involve placing a heated mannequin with temperature sensors inside a sleeping bag on a foam pad in a cold chamber. The mannequin, representing a "typical" person, wears base layers, including a top, tights, long socks, and a hat. As the temperature drops, the sensors measure the energy required to maintain the mannequin's temperature. This data is used to determine the EN or ISO temperature ranges and limits.
The EN 13537 standard offers four temperature ratings: EN Upper Comfort, EN Comfort, EN Lower Limit, and EN Extreme. The "Comfort" rating indicates the temperature at which an average 60 kg female can sleep comfortably through the night. The "Lower Limit" rating is the temperature at which a standard 70 kg male can sleep for eight hours without waking. The "Extreme" rating indicates the risk of hypothermia.
It's worth noting that these ratings are based on "average" users and should be used as a guide. Individual factors such as metabolism, clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and food intake can affect your comfort. Additionally, women's sleeping bags typically have more insulation, making them warmer than similarly rated men's bags due to physiological differences.
When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the lowest expected temperature and your personal preference for warmth. If you feel cold easily, opt for a bag with a lower comfort rating than the coldest expected temperature. If you tend to sleep warm, the lower limit rating may be sufficient, but it's advisable to allow some buffer.
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Shape: Rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, and double sleeping bags offer different levels of roominess and warmth
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to select the right shape that offers the desired level of roominess without compromising warmth. Secondly, the temperature rating of the bag is crucial, as it indicates how warm the bag will be. Finally, the fit of the sleeping bag matters – it should be snug enough to retain warmth but not too tight as to be uncomfortable.
Let's take a closer look at the different shapes available:
Rectangular Sleeping Bags
Rectangular sleeping bags offer ample room for both legs and arms to stretch out. They usually zip up on one side and are open at the top for the head. This type of bag can sometimes be completely unzipped and used like a comforter. Rectangular bags are ideal for those who prioritise comfort and prefer to move around while sleeping. They are also a good option for car camping as bulk and weight are less of a concern when you don't have to carry your gear. However, their rectangular shape means more air needs to be warmed, making them less efficient at retaining heat than other shapes. Additionally, their spacious design can make them bulky and less suitable for hiking or backpacking.
Semi-Rectangular Sleeping Bags
Also known as a "modified mummy" or "barrel" shape, semi-rectangular bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They provide a more snug fit than rectangular bags but still allow for some movement. This shape is a good middle ground for those who want a balance between warmth and the ability to move their limbs.
Mummy Sleeping Bags
Mummy bags are designed to maximise warmth and minimise weight. They are contoured around the shoulders and tapered at the feet, with a hood that can be tightened around the head to trap warm air inside. This snug fit means you roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Mummy bags are ideal for backpacking as they are lightweight, packable, and versatile. However, some people may find them restrictive or uncomfortable due to their tight fit, particularly those who sleep on their sides or experience claustrophobia.
Double Sleeping Bags
Double sleeping bags are designed for couples and offer a spacious option for two people to sleep together. Alternatively, some rectangular bags can be zipped together to form a double bag, but they need to be the same model and brand. Double bags provide ample room for two people to stretch out and move around, making them a good choice for couples who want both comfort and warmth.
In summary, the shape of a sleeping bag plays a crucial role in determining its warmth, weight, and roominess. Rectangular bags offer the most space but may be less efficient at retaining heat, while mummy bags are designed for maximum warmth and minimal weight but may feel restrictive to some sleepers. Semi-rectangular bags offer a balance between warmth and roominess, and double bags provide spacious accommodation for couples. When choosing a sleeping bag, it's essential to consider your personal preferences, sleeping style, and the type of camping you plan to do.
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Fit: Length, shoulder girth, and hip girth are key measurements to consider for comfort and warmth
When it comes to fitting a sleeping bag, there are three important size dimensions to consider: length, shoulder girth, and hip girth.
Firstly, length. Men’s sleeping bags usually come in two standard lengths: regular (which fits people up to 6 feet in height) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches). A short version is sometimes available, which usually fits people up to 5 feet 6 inches. Women’s bags also come in a regular and long, though the measurements vary by brand and style. Generally, you want to opt for the shortest length sleeping bag that fits you to minimise extra room and maximise warmth around your feet.
Secondly, shoulder girth, which is the circumference of the sleeping bag across the shoulders. Most men’s sleeping bags feature a shoulder girth somewhere between 60 inches and 64 inches. Women’s sleeping bags are usually slightly narrower across the shoulders, with a shoulder girth generally ranging from 56 to 60 inches. The easiest way to determine your preferred shoulder girth is to test several sleeping bags of different dimensions to find the measurement that best balances comfort and warmth for you.
Lastly, hip girth, the circumference of the sleeping bag across the hips. This dimension varies primarily based on whether it’s a men’s or women’s sleeping bag, but is generally consistent across the two gender styles. Most men’s bags feature a hip girth of around 58 inches, while women’s are often a bit wider (up to 60 inches) to accommodate the female physique. As with shoulder girth, the easiest way to determine your preferred hip girth is to try out several different models.
It's worth noting that a sleeping bag that fits you well will feel snug without being uncomfortable. This reduces the amount of air you need to heat up and keep warm, and stops warmth from escaping when you move around. However, there is a trade-off between warmth and comfort. Restless sleepers or those who feel claustrophobic in tighter spaces may prefer a roomier bag, which is slightly less warm but allows for more freedom of movement.
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Season rating: Bags are designed for different seasons, from summer to winter and even high-altitude use
Sleeping bags are designed for different seasons, from summer to winter and even high-altitude use. Sleeping bag season ratings are designed to make it easier to choose your sleeping bag. The 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 when choosing a sleeping bag. The rating you select will depend on where you will be using your sleeping bag and the temperature you are comfortable sleeping in.
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is a complicated subject. It helps to understand how the bags are tested for warmth in the lab and the meaning of some not-so-intuitive terms used in bag temperature ratings. Lab-tested temperature ratings, as indicated by "'EN'" (European Norm) or "ISO" (International Standards Organization) ratings, are useful for making direct comparisons between sleeping bags from different brands. However, real-world comfort may not match lab-tested temperature ratings due to various factors that a lab cannot simulate, such as differences in clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and more.
Sleeping bags in the US are typically named by their limit temperature. The "comfort" rating refers to the optimum temperature range where you will feel warm and comfortable when rolled up in the bag. When the bag is used in temperatures below the "comfort rating," you are likely to feel cold. On average, women feel colder than men, so the "comfort rating" for women's bags is set higher than for men's bags. The "lower limit" rating, which is always lower than the comfort rating, indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable. This is the temperature rating used for men's bags.
The "extreme" temperature rating is the survival temperature, the limit at which the bag will keep you alive without frostbite or other temperature-related ailments. It is not the lowest temperature you will be comfortable in, and regular use of the bag at this temperature is not recommended. For example, the Everest Down Sleeping Bag has an extreme survival rating of -28°C, designed for extreme conditions where there may be a threat of hypothermia.
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Care: Keeping your bag clean, dry, and protected will ensure its longevity and insulation efficiency
To keep your sleeping bag clean, dry, and protected, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, consider using a sleeping bag liner, which acts as a barrier between your skin and the bag, keeping it clean. Liners are lightweight and typically made from cotton, silk, wool, or polyester. They can also add an extra 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit to your bag's temperature rating. At the end of your trip, simply wash the liner instead of the bag.
Additionally, always protect your bag from the ground by placing a pad underneath it. If you're camping out under the stars, this will prevent dirt and moisture from seeping into your bag. Some sleeping bags have durable waterproof fabric on the underside, but even these need protection from sharp objects and tree resin. Be careful not to jump around while standing inside your sleeping bag, as this can damage the toe box. If you're sitting by a campfire, avoid using your new bag as a wrap; instead, opt for an older synthetic bag to prevent burn holes.
To keep your bag dry, it's important to air it out daily. Turn it inside out to dry any moisture, but don't leave it in direct sunlight for long periods, as UV light can degrade the fabric. If your bag gets soaked, air it out for several hours. Always air out your bag as soon as you get home from a camping trip. When storing your bag, ensure it's thoroughly dry to prevent mould from forming.
In terms of washing your sleeping bag, it's recommended to do so at least once a year, or more frequently if used often. Wash your bag before storing it for an extended period to remove body oils and greasy residues. Hand washing is an option, but it's labour-intensive. Instead, consider using a front-loading commercial washer at a laundromat, opting for a gentle cycle and a non-detergent soap specifically formulated for down or synthetic bags. Avoid top-loading washers with agitators, as these can damage your bag. If you're using a home washing machine, unzip the bag completely to prevent snagging or breaking.
Drying your sleeping bag can take several hours, especially for down bags. Use a dryer on low heat to avoid damaging the fabric. For down bags, add two to three tennis balls to help agitate the fill and restore loft. Avoid dry cleaning your sleeping bag, as the solvents can strip the natural oils from the down, impacting its loft.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your needs. Sleeping bags come in different shapes, sizes, and temperature ratings. If you're camping in your car, you can opt for a roomier, warmer bag. If you're backpacking, you'll want a lightweight, compact bag that can handle the temperatures you'll encounter.
There are three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular (or "modified mummy"), and mummy. Rectangular bags offer plenty of room, while mummy bags are more snug to retain warmth and reduce weight.
The three key measurements to consider are length, shoulder girth, and hip girth. You want a bag that fits snugly around your body to minimize air space and maximize warmth.
Temperature ratings indicate the range of temperatures a sleeping bag is suitable for. They are based on standardized tests but are estimates as they can't account for all variables. Choose a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest expected temperature at your campsite.
Keep your sleeping bag clean, dry, and protected. Avoid jumping or sitting by a campfire with your bag on. Air it out daily and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods. Consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep it clean and add extra warmth.
