Miya Pearson
A good night's sleep while camping is essential, and a warm sleeping bag is a key factor in achieving this. Sleeping bags are rated according to temperature ranges, with the lowest-rated bags designed for winter camping and the highest-rated bags intended for summer camping. Fleece sleeping bags are a popular option for campers, and they can add up to 12°F of extra warmth when used as a liner inside another sleeping bag. When used on their own, a fleece sleeping bag with a rating of 50°F will provide a comfortable night's sleep in temperatures down to the mid-to-high 50s. In colder conditions, a fleece sleeping bag liner can be added to a three-season sleeping bag to provide extra warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature Rating | 50°F by itself, adds 12°F when used to line another sleeping bag |
| Size | 75 x 33 inches |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Use | For summer and shoulder-season backpacking, especially in the mountains |
| Ideal Temperature Range | 20°F to 32°F and above |
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What You'll Learn
Fleece sleeping bag warmth ratings
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is essential to consider its temperature rating. The EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) ratings are the most widely used standards. EN offers four ratings, but "EN Comfort" and "EN Lower Limit" are the most relevant. "EN Comfort" indicates the temperature at which an average female can comfortably sleep through the night, while "EN Lower Limit" represents the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours without interruption.
Fleece sleeping bags typically have a temperature rating of 50°F (10°C) for adults. When used as a liner inside another sleeping bag, they can add up to 12°F (6.7°C) of extra warmth. This means that a fleece liner can enhance your primary sleeping bag's temperature rating by about 12°F. For example, if your sleeping bag is rated for 30°F, using a fleece liner can make it suitable for temperatures down to 18°F.
The appropriate temperature rating for your sleeping bag depends on the weather conditions and the type of camping you plan to do. For summer camping in Montana and other mountainous regions of the US, a bag with a rating of at least 20°F is recommended. In very warm climates, bags rated to 30-40°F will be more comfortable.
If you intend to camp during winter in colder regions, a bag with a lower temperature rating is necessary. Winter sleeping bags are available with temperature ratings of 0°F and below, with some bags rated for extreme cold at -20°F or even -40°F.
It is worth noting that individual preferences and tolerances for temperature can vary, so choosing a sleeping bag with a suitable rating depends on your personal comfort level. Additionally, factors such as the design of the sleeping bag, the use of a sleeping pad, and the presence of wind protection can also impact the overall warmth you experience.
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How to increase warmth in a sleeping bag
A fleece sleeping bag can be made warmer in several ways. Firstly, it is important to understand how sleeping bags keep you warm. Sleeping bags work by trapping and radiating your body heat. Therefore, any measures to increase the body's heat will help keep you warmer for longer.
One way to increase your body heat is to eat lots of protein-rich and carbohydrate-rich foods. Quick-burning foods such as sugary snacks will provide a rapid energy boost, while complex carbohydrates like pasta, rice, and dried fruit will release energy more slowly throughout the night. It is also a good idea to do some light exercise before bed to boost your body heat, but be careful not to break a sweat, as this can lead to rapid heat loss.
Another way to increase warmth is to use a sleeping bag liner. A liner can increase the warmth of your sleeping bag by a few degrees, with some sources claiming between 5 and 15 degrees. Liners are typically lightweight and compact, and they help keep your bag cleaner for longer. Silk, cotton, and fleece liners are all good options, and they come in various shapes to fit your sleeping bag.
If you're camping in extreme weather, a vapor barrier liner is a good option. While these liners are not very comfortable and can make you feel clammy, they significantly increase the warmth of your bag.
To reduce heat loss, make sure you wear a beanie or balaclava to bed, especially if your bag doesn't have a hood. You can also use the hood, neck baffles, and drawstrings to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering. Additionally, always sleep in dry clothes, as moisture evaporates and siphons off heat. Merino wool is a good option, as it keeps you warm and doesn't hold onto odors.
Finally, consider using additional insulation items like a down jacket or fleece as a mini blanket inside your sleeping bag. A sleeping mat with a suitable R-value for the temperature range you're camping in will also help to insulate you from the cold ground and prevent heat loss.
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Temperature ratings for sleeping bags
When choosing a sleeping bag, the key factor to consider is its temperature rating. Sleeping bag temperature ratings are determined through lab testing, which simulates how a sleeping bag should be used. A sleeping pad is placed under the bag, and a test dummy—typically wearing base layers—is placed inside the bag. While this protocol ensures that all bag tests are done the same way, it cannot account for variations in people's clothing and gear, differences in body types, changing weather conditions, and other factors. Therefore, a sleeping bag's temperature rating is an estimate rather than a guarantee.
There are several temperature rating systems for sleeping bags, including the EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) ratings, which are based on scientific tests to determine the warmth of a sleeping bag. Both EN and ISO tests include using a heated mannequin wearing light clothing and a hat, and a closed-cell foam sleeping pad. The EN rating scale produces a Lower rating (for male sleepers) and a Comfort rating (for female sleepers). The Comfort rating is the temperature at which a standard female can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position, while the Lower rating is the temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking. ISO 23537 standards are similar, with Comfort ratings based on a "standard woman" who isn't shivering "in a relaxed posture," and Lower Limit ratings based on a "standard man" who is "curled up inside the sleeping bag" and not shivering.
In addition to the EN and ISO ratings, some companies also use their own "homebrew" ratings, which are generally trustworthy, especially for smaller cottage companies. However, it's important to be cautious of untrustworthy companies that may cheat the system and provide unrealistic marketing claims that could put consumers in dangerous situations.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's recommended to select one with a temperature rating slightly lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. This will ensure that you stay warm and comfortable. It's also important to consider the type of sleeper you are—if you tend to sleep cold, opt for a warmer bag and consider additional insulation, such as a sleeping pad or liner.
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Sleeping bag shape and warmth
The shape of a sleeping bag is an important factor in determining how warm it will keep you. The two most common shapes are the "snug mummy" and the "roomy rectangular" shape. The former is designed to be snug around the body, providing less space to heat up and retain warmth. This makes it a good choice for colder conditions. On the other hand, rectangular sleeping bags offer more space, making them a better option for those who prioritize comfort and have less need for warmth retention. Rectangular bags are also easier to zip together, which can be useful for families or groups camping together.
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is a key consideration when choosing one. The EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) ratings are commonly used standards. EN offers four ratings, with "EN Comfort" and "EN Lower Limit" being the most relevant. "EN Comfort" indicates the temperature at which an average woman can comfortably sleep through the night, while "EN Lower Limit" represents the temperature at which a standard man can sleep for eight hours without waking. ISO 23537, introduced in 2017, is very similar to the previous EN testing method.
Sleeping bags are generally categorized into three types based on temperature ranges: summer bags, 3-season bags, and cold-weather/winter bags. Summer bags are suitable for temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and above, making them ideal for warm, summer-like conditions or lower elevations. 3-season bags cover a range of 20 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, providing adequate warmth for summer and shoulder-season backpacking, even in high mountains where temperatures can drop below freezing in summer. Cold-weather/winter bags are essential for temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit and offer ratings of 0 degrees, -20 degrees, or even -40 degrees for extreme winter conditions.
When considering warmth, it's worth noting that a fleece sleeping bag liner can provide significant additional warmth. A liner can add anywhere from 5° to 15°F of extra warmth, depending on the material. Specifically, a fleece liner can increase the temperature rating by up to 12°F, making it a valuable addition for winter camping or colder nights.
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Sleeping bag material and warmth
Sleeping bags are designed to trap heat that is radiated by the body to the surrounding environment. The temperature ratings of sleeping bags, such as 30°F, 20°F, etc., measure how efficiently the bag is able to retain heat.
Sleeping bags can be made from a variety of materials, with the two most common types being down and synthetic. Down sleeping bags have an incredibly high warmth-to-weight ratio and are typically much lighter than synthetic sleeping bags of a comparable temperature rating. They are also more water-resistant than they used to be, and will retain their insulating properties even when damp. However, they lose these insulating properties when they become saturated with water, and they are typically more expensive than synthetic sleeping bags. Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, are generally heavier and bulkier than down bags of comparable warmth, but they are much more affordable. They also retain their insulating properties better than down insulation when wet or damp, and they require less maintenance than down sleeping bags.
The specific material and construction of a sleeping bag can affect its warmth. For example, the Alps OutdoorZ Redwood sleeping bag features a sturdy cotton canvas shell with a cozy flannel liner, which makes it one of the warmest bags on the market. The Western Mountaineering MegaLite is another example of a warm sleeping bag, with a high warmth-to-weight ratio that makes it appealing to backpackers.
In addition to the bag's material and construction, its shape can also affect its warmth. Mummy bags tend to be snugger and more form-fitting, which can help to retain heat. Rectangular bags, on the other hand, offer more room to move around, but may not be as efficient at trapping heat.
Sleeping bag liners can also be used to add extra warmth to a sleeping bag. For example, the Coleman Stratus Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner is rated for 50°F by itself, but can add 12°F of warmth when used to line another sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
A fleece sleeping bag typically has a temperature rating of 50°F. When used with a primary sleeping bag, it can improve the bag's temperature rating by about 12°F.
For summer camping, a bag with a temperature rating of 32°F and up should suffice. Synthetic bags are a good option as they dry quickly and don't lose all insulating ability when wet.
For winter camping, a bag with a temperature rating of 20°F and below is recommended. For pure winter camping in the Northern US or high-altitude mountainous terrain, a bag with a rating of at least -20°F to -40°F is essential.
EN (formally known as EN 13537) and ISO (ISO 23537) are two different rating systems used to standardize the method for rating the warmth of sleeping bags. While EN was the previous method, ISO introduced a new standard in 2017. Both methods include using a heated mannequin wearing long underwear, a hat, and a closed-cell foam sleeping pad for testing.
