Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags are used by people all over the world, and they come in various shapes, sizes, and insulation types. In Canada, sleeping bags are essential for camping and military use. The Canadian Army has recently invested in new sleeping bags, but soldiers have reported that they are unsuitable for the country's typically cold winters. As a result, the army has had to issue older sleeping bags to troops during training exercises in Alaska. When choosing a sleeping bag in Canada, it is important to consider factors such as temperature ratings, insulation type, size, and additional features like sleeping pad sleeves or pillow pockets. Canadian-based brands like MEC offer a range of sleeping bags with different temperature ratings to suit the country's varying climatic conditions.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a sleeping bag
Temperature Rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag gives you a general idea of its performance and is useful for comparing bags. It tells you the lowest temperature that the bag is intended to keep the average person warm. However, it's important to remember that many other factors will influence how warm you sleep, such as hydration, how much you've eaten, fatigue, humidity, wind, and dampness. Choose a bag with a temperature rating that is slightly lower than the coldest temperature you plan to camp in. If you get too warm, you can always unzip your bag for ventilation.
Insulation Type
Sleeping bags typically come with either down or synthetic insulation. Down insulation consists of the feathers and plumage found on geese and ducks, while synthetic insulation is usually made from polyester. Down insulation is known for its remarkable warmth, low weight, and packability, but it is more expensive and susceptible to moisture. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is relatively inexpensive, easy to care for, and retains its insulating capacity even in damp conditions.
Size and Fit
Choose the right length and fit for your body. Consider whether you prefer a snug mummy-shaped bag or a roomier rectangular bag. Mummy-shaped bags are more space-efficient, while rectangular bags offer more space around the feet.
Additional Features
Look for extra features that enhance warmth and coziness, such as a hood, a stash pocket, or a pillow pocket. Some sleeping bags also have a sleeve or straps to secure your sleeping pad, ensuring you won't roll off during the night.
Sleeping Bag Liner
Consider using a soft sleeping bag liner inside your bag to keep it clean and add extra warmth. In hot weather, you can skip the bag and just sleep in the liner.
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Temperature ratings
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is a key factor when choosing one. It tells you the lowest temperature that the bag is intended to keep the average person warm. The rating is based on the assumption that you are using a sleeping pad for insulation and are wearing long underwear. It is meant to give you a general idea about performance and is useful for comparing bags.
There are a few different temperature rating systems for sleeping bags. The EN (European Norm) rating system, or EN 13537, was the previous method and is still used in many bags on the market. It offers four different temperature ratings: EN Upper Comfort, EN Comfort, EN Lower Limit, and EN Extreme. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) rating system, or ISO 23537, is the most recent standard, introduced in 2017. It includes the ISO Comfort Range, ISO Transition Range, and ISO Extreme Range. Both the EN and ISO systems are based on lab tests that use a heated mannequin wearing standard clothing and a closed-cell foam sleeping pad to measure the power needed to maintain warmth in a cold room. The ISO 23537 rating system is recognised globally and considered the best rating system for sleeping bags.
Sleeping bags can also be categorized by season. One-season sleeping bags are designed for summer camping and backpacking, with night-time temperatures above 5° Celsius/centigrade (C) or approximately 40° Fahrenheit (F). Two-season sleeping bags are designed for slightly cooler nights in spring and summer, with a temperature range of 0 to 5°C (or approximately 30 to 40°F). Three-season sleeping bags are for colder nights throughout spring, summer, and autumn, when temperatures might dip just below freezing (down to -5°C or approximately 20°F). Winter sleeping bags are for temperatures below 20°F and can go all the way down to -40°F or lower.
It's important to note that temperature ratings are just estimates and are based on 'average' users. Many factors can influence how warm you sleep, such as hydration, how much you've eaten, fatigue, humidity, wind, and dampness. Additionally, not all sleeping bags have an ISO or EN rating, and brands might not choose to get ISO testing on bags intended for mild conditions or casual use. Therefore, it's recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating a few degrees colder than the lowest temperature you plan to camp in.
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Insulation types
Sleeping bags are designed to trap heat that your body radiates to the surrounding environment. The insulation in the bag, combined with the construction method, provides the air space or loft necessary to minimize or slow the heat loss from your body as it sleeps. The temperature ratings of sleeping bags, such as 30°F, 20°F, etc., measure how efficiently the bag is able to retain heat. Bags with lower temperature ratings are better at trapping heat and will retain their insulating properties at lower temperatures.
There are two main types of insulation material found in sleeping bags: down (feathers) or synthetic (polyester). Down-insulated sleeping bags have an incredibly high warmth-to-weight ratio and are typically much lighter than a synthetic sleeping bag of a comparable temperature rating. Down insulation is typically much more compressible than synthetic insulation, meaning you can pack it down to a smaller volume. Down bags are also usually more expensive than synthetic sleeping bags. Down bags lose their insulating properties when they become saturated with water, so they are not ideal for humid or wet environments. Down bags should not be stored compressed for extended periods, as they will lose their loft or insulating properties.
Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, retains its insulating properties better than down when wet or damp. Synthetic bags require less maintenance than down sleeping bags and can be stored compressed for longer periods of time. Synthetic sleeping bags are generally heavier and bulkier than down bags of comparable warmth, and they are also usually less expensive.
In recent years, advancements have been made in the field of synthetic insulation, with products like StormLight™ and StormLoft™ offering improved water resistance and warmth retention. Synthetic insulation is also available in a variety of branded names, with most synthetics made of polyester.
The choice between down and synthetic insulation depends on factors such as budget, weight, packability, and the expected camping conditions.
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Synthetic vs down
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag, one of the most important decisions to make is the type of insulation. Sleeping bags with down insulation are made from the soft, fluffy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Down sleeping bags are a great long-term investment, as they are highly effective at retaining warmth and are lightweight. However, down insulation tends to clump up and lose its insulating properties when exposed to moisture. To mitigate this, some down sleeping bags are treated with a water-resistant application, allowing them to resist light moisture. Nevertheless, it is important to keep down-filled items dry to maintain their insulating capabilities. Additionally, down sleeping bags are generally more expensive.
On the other hand, synthetic sleeping bags, typically made of polyester, offer quick-drying capabilities and effective insulation even when wet. They are a more durable option and are also hypoallergenic. Synthetic insulation uses a combination of thinner and thicker polyester threads, with thinner threads filling empty spaces to trap warm air and thicker strands providing loft and durability. Synthetic sleeping bags are usually less expensive, making them a budget-friendly choice for campers. However, the fibres in synthetic bags may eventually compress and lose their fluffiness over time, resulting in a shorter lifespan compared to down bags.
The type of insulation you choose depends on various factors, including your budget, the expected weather conditions, and the weight you are willing to carry. Synthetic insulation is ideal for damp climates and those seeking a cost-effective option, while down insulation provides superior warmth and lightness, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent use. Additionally, some manufacturers offer hybrid sleeping bags that combine water-resistant down and synthetic insulation to leverage the benefits of both materials.
It is worth noting that sleeping bags come in different shapes, such as rectangular, barrel, and mummy styles, and have various features like sleeping pad sleeves or straps to secure the bag to a sleeping pad. The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is also an important consideration, as it indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag is intended to keep the average person warm. However, factors like hydration, fatigue, humidity, and wind can also influence how warm you sleep. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating a few degrees colder than the lowest expected temperature at your camping location.
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Military sleeping bags
The US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS) is a widely used system that consists of two Mummy-style sleeping bags—the Patrol and Intermediate Cold Weather, a bivy cover, and a stuff sack. Each sleeping bag can be used independently and is designed for different climates. The Patrol bag is for more temperate climates, ranging from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Intermediate bag is rated for colder temperatures, from -10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
The US Military Issue Extreme Cold Weather Sleeping Bag is another option, designed for temperatures as low as −20 degrees Fahrenheit. This bag was issued starting in the 1970s and is the warmest of its kind.
The Coyote USMC sleeping bag is a lightweight option, designed for temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be combined with a full USMC sleep system, including a Bivy and intermediate bag.
The choice between down and synthetic insulation is an important consideration for military sleeping bags. Down sleeping bags are a good investment for long-term use, but they lose their insulating properties when wet. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, retains warmth when wet and is generally more affordable, making it a good choice for damp climates and those on a budget.
Other features to look for in military sleeping bags include sleeping pad sleeves or straps to secure a sleeping pad, pillow pockets, and temperature ratings that match the intended camping conditions. It is also important to consider the terrain, climate, and elevation, as these factors influence the warmth and comfort of the sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeping bag.
Yes, there are different types of sleeping bags depending on their shape, insulation type, and brand.
Some sleeping bag brands in Canada include Big Agnes, MEC, Western Mountaineering, and Mountain Hardwear.
When choosing a sleeping bag, consider its size and fit, insulation type, additional features, and sleeping accessories. It is also important to consider the temperature rating of the sleeping bag and whether it is suitable for the climate you will be using it in.
