Evie Summers
Sleeping bags are rated according to their warmth and suitability for different conditions. The key factor when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. The original standard adopted by the sleeping bag industry was the EN (European Norm). Today, the ISO (International Standards Organization) oversees bag testing, which is almost identical to the EN bag test. Standardized laboratory tests produce a rating range for each sleeping bag, with two temperature ratings within that range: the comfort rating and the lower limit rating. 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 temperature ratings are estimates, and actual performance can vary depending on individual factors such as body shape, size, age, and metabolism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature ratings | 15 °F, 20 °F, 25 °F, 30 °F, 36 °F, 20 °C |
| Shape and cut | Mummy-style, roomy, narrow |
| Packed size and weight | 14 ounces, 22 ounces, 24 ounces, 2lb |
| Price | $500, $550, $735, $750 |
| Ideal for | Backpacking, car camping, winter trips, 3-season trips, warm sleepers, cold sleepers, women, men, larger people |
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Temperature ratings
The ISO test provides three temperature thresholds: Comfort, Limit, and Extreme. The Comfort rating is based on the temperature at which the "average female" can sleep comfortably through the night without curling up for warmth. This rating is typically used for women's sleeping bags as data shows that the "average woman" tends to feel colder than the "average man" in the same bag. The Limit rating, on the other hand, is based on the temperature at which the "average man" can maintain his thermal equilibrium in a curled-up position for eight hours without shivering or risking hypothermia. This rating is generally used for men's sleeping bags.
It is important to note that temperature ratings are estimates rather than precise indicators. Lab testing can only simulate how a sleeping bag will be used, and there are many variables that can affect the comfort level of the sleeper, such as clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and individual differences. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating slightly lower than the coldest temperature you anticipate experiencing. Additionally, the numbers on bag names may not always match the exact temperature ratings, as brands may round up or down to the nearest 0 or 5 for simplicity.
When shopping for a sleeping bag, it is advisable to compare temperature ratings between different brands and models. The EN and ISO ratings allow for direct comparisons, ensuring that you select a bag suitable for the expected weather conditions. It is also important to consider other factors besides temperature ratings, such as fit, insulation, and personal preferences, to ensure a comfortable and safe sleeping experience.
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Shape and cut
Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and features, depending on their intended use. The three basic shapes are rectangular, semi-rectangular (or "modified mummy"), and mummy. Rectangular sleeping bags are commonly used for camping, as they offer ample room for legs and arms to stretch out and can sometimes be fully unzipped and used as a comforter. They are also usually cheaper to manufacture. Mummy-shaped sleeping bags, on the other hand, are designed to boost warmth and reduce weight, with a slim cut and a contoured hood that can be tightened for added warmth. They have a snug fit, and you roll over with the bag rather than inside it. Semi-rectangular bags fall somewhere in between, offering a compromise between warmth and roominess. They come in various shapes, often described as "barrel" shapes.
The shape of a sleeping bag is an important factor in its weight. A bag with a sleek shape and a snug fit will be lighter than a roomier bag of similar material. This is because a bag with a smaller surface area requires less insulation to achieve the same temperature rating as a larger bag. Therefore, if weight is a priority, such as for backpacking, a mummy-shaped bag is often a better choice than a rectangular one.
The intended use of the sleeping bag will dictate the optimal shape and cut. For car camping, where weight and pack size are less of a concern, a rectangular bag that optimises comfort, convenience, and price is often preferred. In contrast, for backpacking or hiking, a mummy-shaped bag is usually more suitable due to its lightweight and compact design. Additionally, the fit of the sleeping bag is important, and it may be worth trying out different bags to find the most comfortable shape and size for your body type.
Some sleeping bag manufacturers offer women's-specific shapes that are typically shorter, narrower at the shoulders, and wider at the hips. These bags are engineered to better fit the contours of the average woman's body. It is worth noting that, at a given temperature, women's bags tend to weigh more than men's bags due to the increased insulation required to achieve the same comfort rating.
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Packed size and weight
The weight and packed size of a sleeping bag are important factors to consider, especially if you're backpacking or camping far from your vehicle. If you're car camping, you can prioritise warmth, roominess, and comfort without worrying as much about bulk or weight. On the other hand, if you're backpacking or camping far from civilisation, weight and packed size become critical considerations. Every additional ounce counts when you're carrying your gear on your back.
Weight is an essential factor when choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking. Lighter bags are generally preferred as they reduce the overall weight of your gear. However, it's important to balance weight with warmth, especially if you're camping in colder climates. The type of insulation and the shape of the bag are the biggest factors influencing weight. Bags with advanced synthetic or high-fill-power down insulation can provide greater warmth for less weight. The Feathered Friends Egret YF 20 Women's Sleeping Bag, for instance, is constructed with 900-plus fill power down and is one of the lightest bags available.
The shape of the sleeping bag also impacts weight. Mummy-style bags, for example, are designed to be snug and form-fitting, reducing weight and bulk while maximising warmth. Rectangular bags, on the other hand, offer more room to move around but are typically heavier due to the increased material used.
Packed size refers to how compactly a sleeping bag can be compressed for transport. A smaller packed size is desirable when space is limited, such as when backpacking. The insulation type and fill power influence the packed size, with down fill sleeping bags generally packing smaller than synthetic fill bags at the same temperature rating. The Feathered Friends Egret YF 20 bag, mentioned earlier, is also highly compressible, making it ideal for backpacking.
Quilts are an alternative option worth considering if you're seeking to minimise weight and packed size. Quilts pack smaller and lighter than traditional sleeping bags, although they may not provide the same level of warmth, especially in colder conditions. The REI Magma Trail Quilt 30, for example, is praised for its tiny packed size and low weight, making it a popular choice for backpacking.
In summary, weight and packed size are critical factors when selecting a sleeping bag for backpacking or camping far from your vehicle. Lighter and more compact options, such as those with advanced insulation and specific shapes like the mummy-style bag, are generally preferred. Quilts offer an even lighter and more compact alternative, although they may not provide sufficient warmth in all conditions.
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Cost
The cost of a sleeping bag can vary depending on its type, temperature rating, and features. Sleeping bags can cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000, with specialty manufacturers often charging a premium for their products. For car camping, a budget of around $130 is generally sufficient, while backpacking sleeping bags can range from around $150 to $500.
For example, the Rab Ascent sleeping bag, which is suitable for both backpacking and car camping, costs $270. The REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag, another lightweight option, is priced lower than other ultralight bags of comparable weight. The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is a more affordable option at $149, offering a comfortable and spacious design.
On the higher end of the price scale, the Sea to Summit Ascent sleeping bag provides superior warmth and packability due to its 750-fill down. The Western Mountaineering AlpinLite sleeping bag, filled with high-quality goose down, also falls into this category.
For those on a budget, the Coleman Brazos sleeping bag is a great option for mild adventures and family camping trips. Synthetic sleeping bags are generally more affordable and suitable for beginners or occasional backpackers. The Kelty bag, for instance, offers excellent value for its price, with solid zippers, good stitching, and a stuff sack.
When purchasing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider not only the cost but also the intended use, temperature rating, and desired features to ensure a comfortable and functional sleeping bag within your budget.
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Suitability for gender
Sleeping bags are often designed with a specific gender in mind, and there are several differences between women’s and men’s sleeping bags. The key differentiators are size, shape, weight, and temperature rating.
Women's sleeping bags often come in one size, catering to a person who is 5'6" tall, while men's sleeping bags typically offer more size options. Men's sleeping bags are usually longer than women's sleeping bags by about six inches, reflecting the taller average height of men. However, it is important to note that not all individuals conform to these gender-based averages, and some women may require a longer bag, while some men might prefer a shorter option.
The shape of women's and men's sleeping bags also varies. Women's sleeping bags are often designed to be wider around the hips and narrower around the shoulders, accommodating the typical differences in body shape between men and women. However, not everyone fits these gender-based assumptions, so it may be more practical to choose a bag that suits your unique body shape, regardless of the gender label.
Weight is another differentiating factor, with women's sleeping bags tending to be heavier due to the increased amount of insulation they contain. This additional insulation is a response to the fact that women generally feel colder than men in the same conditions, and it helps ensure a comfortable night's sleep for cold sleepers. The temperature rating on a women's sleeping bag, also known as the comfort rating, reflects this need for extra warmth. In contrast, men's sleeping bags typically use the lower limit rating, indicating the temperature at which a warm sleeper would still feel comfortable.
While some manufacturers create gender-specific sleeping bags, others design unisex bags. For example, the Western Mountaineering AlpinLite is a unisex bag that comes in different sizes, allowing users to select the option that best suits their body and sleep requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
The key factor when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. This indicates the bag's warmth and suitability for different conditions.
The two key ratings are the Comfort rating and the Limit rating. The Comfort rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable. The Limit rating is the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable.
Consider your own internal thermostat. If you often feel cold, use the comfort rating as a baseline and get a bag with a significantly lower comfort figure than the coldest expected temperature. If you sleep warm, you can rely on the lower limit rating, but it's best to give yourself a buffer of a few degrees Celsius.
