Gina Johnson
Sleeping bags are a must-have for camping, backpacking, and outdoor adventures. They come in various shapes, sizes, and temperature ratings to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, choosing the right sleeping bag is essential for comfort and warmth. Mummy bags are snug and warm, while rectangular bags offer more room to move. Synthetic bags are affordable and dry quickly, while down bags are lightweight and compressible. With a range of options, from budget-friendly to high-end, there's a sleeping bag for every camper and outdoor enthusiast. Some even double as wearable sleeping bags, perfect for indoor and outdoor use, providing freedom of movement while keeping you cosy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mountain Equipment |
| Type | Synthetic and down-filled sleeping bags |
| Gender | Men's, Women's, Unisex |
| Price | £25 to £300 |
| Temperature Ratings | EN 13537 or ISO 23537 |
| Fill Weight | Directly proportional to warmth |
| Fill Power | Indicator of down quality |
| Outer Fabric | GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ for extreme conditions |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping bag temperature ratings: EN 13537 or ISO 23537 are the standard methods
- Down sleeping bags: Expensive but offset by their quality, performance, and lifespan
- Synthetic sleeping bags: A more affordable option, suitable for extreme environments
- Sleeping mats: Essential for comfort, warmth, and reliability when sleeping outdoors
- Fill weight and power: Higher numbers indicate greater down quality and warmth
Sleeping bag temperature ratings: EN 13537 or ISO 23537 are the standard methods
Sleeping bags are an essential piece of kit for any outdoor enthusiast, and choosing the right one can make the difference between a comfortable sleep and a restless night. One of the most important considerations when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. The EN 13537 (or EN13537) standard was the first widely adopted international standard for measuring sleeping bag temperature ratings. This European standard was designed to bring consistency to the temperature ratings of sleeping bags sold in Europe. It applies to all sleeping bags except those for military use or for extreme temperatures (below -25°C).
The EN 13537 standard was updated in 2012 and 2016, with the publication of ISO EN 23537:2016, which aimed to make the ratings even more consistent. This standard defines a test procedure using a calibrated mannequin in a climate-controlled room to measure a sleeping bag's maximum temperature, comfort temperature, limit temperature, and extreme or survival temperature. The comfort rating is based on a "standard woman" who is not shivering "in a relaxed posture", while the lower limit rating is based on a "standard man" who is "curled up inside the sleeping bag" and also not shivering.
The ISO 23537 standard also requires specific consumer labelling on each sleeping bag, including a graphic based on the four calculated temperatures. This makes it easier for consumers to compare different sleeping bags and ensures that temperature ratings are trustworthy. The standard has been adopted by the majority of sleeping bag manufacturers, including Mountain Equipment, who played a large part in its development.
It's worth noting that the temperature rating of a sleeping bag is just one factor in staying warm at night. Other gear, such as a warm sleeping pad, sleeping clothes, and a shelter, are also important. Additionally, it's essential to go to bed warm, well-fed, and hydrated, and to choose a location that is protected from the wind.
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$13.5 $24.99
Down sleeping bags: Expensive but offset by their quality, performance, and lifespan
Down sleeping bags are expensive, but their quality, performance, and lifespan make them a good investment. Firstly, the quality of down insulation is measured by its fill power, which refers to how much loft or fluffiness the down clusters have. The higher the fill power, the more expensive the sleeping bag, but also the lighter and more insulating the bag. Generally, 800 fill power and up is considered high-quality down, with 900-plus-fill-power goose down being the best quality.
Secondly, down sleeping bags offer superior performance in terms of warmth and weight. Down is lighter and more packable than synthetic insulation, and it can also keep its loft over a long period if properly cared for. While wet down loses its insulating properties, taking a long time to dry, down sleeping bags can be exceptional performers in cold conditions, especially when coupled with a thoughtful design. For example, the Feathered Friends Swallow YF 20 Sleeping Bag is cut wider for backpackers who sleep hot, and it's a pound lighter than its competitors.
Thirdly, down sleeping bags tend to last longer than synthetic bags. Synthetic bags generally last 3-5 years, whereas down bags can last for years or even decades with proper care. Down sleeping bags should be washed with a gentle cycle and down-specific detergent and dried thoroughly at low heat. They should always be stored uncompressed in a cool, dry place to maintain their shape and loft.
In conclusion, while down sleeping bags are more expensive, their high-quality insulation, superior performance in terms of warmth and weight, and longer lifespan make them a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Synthetic sleeping bags: A more affordable option, suitable for extreme environments
Sleeping bags are essential for a comfortable night's sleep outdoors. Synthetic sleeping bags are a great option for those looking for an affordable alternative to down sleeping bags. While down sleeping bags are popular for their warmth, lightweight, and compressibility, synthetic bags have their advantages, especially in extreme environments.
Synthetic sleeping bags are more affordable than their down counterparts. Down sleeping bags can be expensive due to their lightweight insulation and excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Synthetic bags, on the other hand, offer a more budget-friendly option without compromising functionality. For example, the Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 is a synthetic bag priced at $169, providing a practical solution for 3-season conditions.
Synthetic bags are ideal for wet and humid conditions. Unlike down, synthetic insulation continues to insulate even when wet. This makes synthetic bags a better choice for wet weather or activities. The Marmot Trestles Elite Eco, for instance, offers comparable warmth to down bags in a weather-ready package. Synthetic bags are also low maintenance and do not require the same level of care as down bags to maintain their performance.
In extreme environments, durability and protection are crucial. Synthetic sleeping bags, such as the Teton Sports Polara 3-in-1, offer versatility and customizability. It features a warm fleece removable interior liner and a durable outer shell, allowing users to adjust to different environments. Synthetic bags with GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ technology provide exceptional protection against moisture, breathability, and rain resistance, making them suitable for challenging conditions.
While synthetic sleeping bags offer advantages in affordability and wet conditions, it's important to consider other factors when making a purchase decision. The temperature rating, fill weight, and comfort should also be taken into account to ensure the bag suits your specific needs. Additionally, synthetic bags may not be as lightweight or compressible as down bags, which is important to consider if weight and space are priorities.
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Sleeping mats: Essential for comfort, warmth, and reliability when sleeping outdoors
When sleeping outdoors, a good sleeping bag is essential. However, a decent sleeping mat is just as important. Sleeping mats are key to a comfortable, warm, and reliable night's sleep when in the outdoors.
A good night's rest is crucial when preparing for a big day of outdoor activities. Sleeping bags can make or break your night, but a sleeping mat can add that extra layer of comfort and warmth. The best sleeping mats are those that are lightweight, pack down small, and are, of course, comfortable and warm.
When choosing a sleeping mat, consider the temperature ratings. The majority of manufacturers now use the EN 13537 or ISO 23537 standards to determine the warmth of their sleeping bags and mats. The warmth of a down sleeping mat, for example, is determined by the fill weight—the more down, the warmer it will be. The quality of the down is also important, with a higher fill power indicating superior quality. Look for a fill power of 700 or above for a very good quality mat.
Other features to consider are the outer fabric and its breathability. For extreme conditions, GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ is a good option as it is lightweight, breathable, and rain-resistant. Sleeping mats with these features will ensure you stay dry and comfortable while also allowing perspiration out.
Investing in a good sleeping mat is a wise decision. With the correct care, a high-quality mat will last for years, providing you with a reliable and comfortable sleep solution for all your outdoor adventures.
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Fill weight and power: Higher numbers indicate greater down quality and warmth
When it comes to sleeping bags, fill weight and power are important factors in determining warmth and quality. The fill weight of a sleeping bag refers to the amount of down in the bag, usually measured in grams. This is a crucial factor in warmth as it determines how much insulating material is present to trap body heat. A higher fill weight means more down, which generally results in greater warmth.
Fill power, on the other hand, is a measure of the quality of the down. It indicates the size of the down clusters, with larger clusters fluffing up more to create more loft. Higher fill power numbers indicate superior down quality and greater loft, which translates to improved insulating efficiency. The higher the fill power, the more air spaces are formed within the down, trapping more heat and keeping you warmer.
While fill power is important, it is not the sole determinant of warmth. The warmth of a sleeping bag depends on a combination of factors, including both fill weight and fill power. For instance, a 900 fill power jacket with 2 ounces of fill weight will provide the same warmth as a 600 fill power jacket with 3 ounces of fill weight. Therefore, it is essential to consider both the fill weight and fill power specifications to make an informed decision about the expected warmth of a sleeping bag.
Additionally, other factors such as the baffles, or compartments, within the sleeping bag also influence its warmth. Baffles prevent the down from settling in one area, ensuring even distribution and minimizing cold spots. The type and shape of the baffles impact the overall warmth of the sleeping bag. Thus, when selecting a sleeping bag, it is crucial to consider not only the fill weight and power but also the baffle design to ensure optimal warmth and comfort during your outdoor adventures.
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Frequently asked questions
Mountain Equipment offers a range of synthetic and down-filled sleeping bags that are the choice of today's leading alpinists and arctic explorers.
The majority of sleeping bag manufacturers, including Mountain Equipment, have adopted the Standard methods EN 13537 or ISO 23537 for determining temperature ratings.
The warmth of a down sleeping bag is primarily determined by the fill weight, or the number of grams of down in the bag. The fill power also indicates the quality of the down, with a higher number representing better quality.
In addition to a good sleeping bag, a decent sleeping mat is essential for a comfortable night's sleep outdoors. Look for mats that are warm, comfortable, lightweight, pack down small, and reliable.
