Colin Snow
When preparing for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, choosing the right sleeping bag is critical. Sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm and comfortable in varying weather conditions. A warm-weather sleeping bag is typically designed for warmer seasons, such as spring and summer, and offers breathability and comfort during mild nights. These bags are rated based on temperature and seasonality, indicating the range of temperatures they are suitable for. It's important to note that temperature ratings are based on 'average' users and may not account for individual differences in comfort and weather conditions. Understanding the temperature ratings and your personal preferences will help you make an informed decision when choosing a warm-weather sleeping bag for your outdoor adventures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Key Factor | Temperature rating |
| Purpose | To indicate warmth and suitability for different conditions |
| Types | Three-season, four-season, and warm-weather sleeping bags |
| Three-Season Bags | Designed for spring, summer, and autumn; versatile in terms of warmth, weight, and bulk |
| Four-Season Bags | Designed for winter use and cold conditions |
| Warm-Weather Bags | Designed for mild to warm conditions; breathable and lightweight |
| Temperature Ratings | Based on standardised tests (EN 13537 and ISO 23537) to ensure comparable ratings across brands |
| EN and ISO Tests | Use a heated mannequin with temperature sensors to simulate a sleeping person in controlled conditions |
| Limitations | Ratings are based on 'average' users, so may not account for individual variations in comfort |
| Gender Differences | Women's bags tend to have higher ratings due to physiological differences, resulting in heavier bags |
| Rating Variations | Numbers may not match exact temperature ratings due to marketing and rounding choices |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
The EN and ISO tests use a heated mannequin dressed in a base layer and placed inside the sleeping bag on top of a closed-cell foam sleeping mat inside a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, measurements are recorded via sensors on the mannequin. The results are used to calculate the EN or ISO temperature ranges and limits.
There are four different temperature ratings to help guide users as to the warmth of a sleeping bag:
- EN Upper Comfort: The highest temperature at which an average 70kg man should feel comfortable.
- EN Comfort: The temperature at which an average 60kg female can sleep comfortably through the night. This is also known as the comfort rating.
- EN Lower Limit: The temperature at which a standard 70kg male can sleep for eight hours without waking. This is always lower than the comfort rating.
- Extreme: This rating means a woman won't die of hypothermia within six hours at that temperature.
It's important to note that temperature ratings are estimates and not precise indicators of how warm a sleeping bag will be. Lab testing can't account for variations such as differences in people's clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and more. Therefore, when using a sleeping bag outdoors, its comfort level may differ from its tested temperature rating.
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's essential to consider the coldest conditions you anticipate and select a bag that will keep you warm at or below that temperature. Three-season sleeping bags are designed for spring, summer, and autumn, while four-season bags are optimised for cold winter conditions.
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Lab testing
The key factor when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. Lab testing is used to simulate how a sleeping bag should be used, and the results are used to calculate temperature ranges and limits.
Lab-tested temperature ratings (indicated by "EN" or "ISO" ratings) are useful for making direct comparisons between sleeping bags from different brands. The EN and ISO tests use a heated mannequin with multiple temperature sensors to represent a sleeping person. The mannequin is dressed in a base layer top, tights, long socks, and a hat, then placed inside the sleeping bag on top of a closed-cell foam sleeping mat inside a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, measurements are recorded via the sensors on the mannequin.
The EN 13537 standard, introduced in 2005, offers four different temperature ratings to guide users on the warmth of a sleeping bag:
- EN Upper Comfort: the highest temperature at which an average 70kg man should feel comfortable
- EN Comfort: the temperature at which an average 60kg female can sleep comfortably through the night
- EN Lower Limit: the temperature at which a standard 70kg male can sleep for eight hours without waking
- Extreme temperature: the temperature at which there is a risk of health damage to a ‘standard woman’ by hypothermia
It's important to note that these ratings are based on 'average' users and should be used as a guide. Real-world comfort may differ from lab-tested temperature ratings due to variations in clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and other factors.
Before testing, sleeping bags are kept at a constant temperature and humidity and allowed to loft fully. The test runs until equilibrium is reached, and the thermal resistance is converted into temperature ratings based on historical data.
Some companies, such as Wiggy's, have also used human testers to rate their sleeping bags. They send their bags to Kansas State University's environmental laboratory for testing on a copper manikin. However, the only way to truly test a sleeping bag is with a human being, as manikins cannot account for variables like diet or mindset that affect real people.
Field Testing
In addition to lab testing, some companies also conduct field testing to rate their sleeping bags. For example, Wiggy's initially made bags that were used in the field without any temperature ratings. Once a bag demonstrated its performance at a specific temperature, it was weighed and assigned a rating. Other companies, such as Mountain Equipment, combine scientific testing, field trials, and expedition testing to determine their "Good Night's Sleep Temperature" rating, which indicates the minimum temperature at which an experienced user should feel comfortable.
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Women's sleeping bags
When choosing a sleeping bag, the key factor to consider is its temperature rating. This indicates the range of temperatures for which a sleeping bag is suitable, or in other words, how warm a sleeping bag is. Sleeping bags are generally categorised by their season rating, with three-season sleeping bags designed for spring, summer, and autumn, and four-season sleeping bags designed for winter. However, season ratings can be misleading, as they do not provide precise temperature information.
To address this issue, standardised tests, such as the EN 13537 and ISO 23537, have been introduced to provide more accurate temperature ratings. These tests use a heated mannequin dressed in base layers and placed inside a sleeping bag on top of a sleeping pad in a cold chamber. The EN test offers four temperature ratings: EN Upper Comfort, EN Comfort, EN Lower Limit, and EN Extreme, with the EN Comfort rating indicating the temperature at which an average 60kg female can sleep comfortably through the night.
When choosing a women's sleeping bag for warm weather, it is important to consider the temperature range you will be using it in. The NEMO Tempo 20 Synthetic sleeping bag, for example, has an EN comfort rating of 23 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for warmer climates. The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 is another option for warm weather, as it is lightweight and has a small packed size, making it ideal for fast-packing in summer or spring. The Kelty TruComfort Doublewide 20 is a spacious option for those who prefer to sleep with a partner, although it may be too warm for some. For a more lightweight and compressible option, the Sea to Summit Spark 45 is designed for mid-summer outings at low elevations.
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Three-season sleeping bags
Warm-weather sleeping bags are those designed for use in spring, summer, and autumn. They are also known as three-season sleeping bags.
When choosing a three-season sleeping bag, it is essential to consider the temperature rating. Temperature ratings indicate the range of temperatures a sleeping bag is suitable for and are based on standardised tests. The EN and ISO tests, for example, use a heated mannequin with temperature sensors dressed in a base layer and placed inside the sleeping bag on a sleeping mat inside a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, the sensors record measurements used to calculate temperature ranges and limits. However, it's important to remember that these ratings are based on "`average`" users and should be used as a guide, as real-world comfort may differ due to variables such as clothing, gear, body type, and weather conditions.
Other features to consider when choosing a three-season sleeping bag include the insulation type, bag shape, and size. A bag with good insulation will keep you warm, while a bag that packs down small and is lightweight will be more convenient for backpacking. The shape and size of the bag should provide a comfortable fit and enough room to stretch. Some bags also include draft-blocking details, snug-fitting hoods, extra zippers, and stash pockets, adding durability, warmth, and functionality.
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Weight and warmth
When it comes to sleeping bags, warmth and weight are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right one for your needs. A sleeping bag that is too heavy and bulky can negatively impact your trip as much as one that doesn't provide enough warmth.
The weight of a sleeping bag is often directly related to its temperature rating: as sleeping bag weight goes down, the temperature rating goes up. Warmer bags tend to have more down fill and require more shell fabric to contain it. However, it's important to note that the weight of a sleeping bag is just one part of the larger weight equation for your gear, and you can save weight in other areas, such as by choosing a lightweight tent.
While a heavier bag may provide more warmth, this is not always the case. Premium down bags, for example, provide great warmth for their weight. The shape of a sleeping bag can also impact its weight, with manufacturers often cutting weight by tapering the bag in, creating a mummy-style bag. However, this can impact comfort as these bags are more constricting. Quilts offer more wiggle room but may result in some heat loss.
The temperature ratings on sleeping bags indicate the range of temperatures the bag is suitable for. These ratings are determined by standardised tests, such as the EN and ISO tests, which use heated mannequins to represent a sleeping person. The EN and ISO tests provide two numbers: Comfort (for women) and Lower Limit (for men). The comfort rating is the temperature at which the average woman can sleep comfortably through the night, while the lower limit is the temperature at which the average man can sleep for eight hours without waking. It's important to note that these ratings are based on 'average' users and should be used as a guide, as real-world comfort may differ due to various variables.
Additionally, it's worth considering the environment in which you'll be using the sleeping bag. A bag that is suitable for fair-weather backpacking at low elevations may not be warm enough for sleeping at high altitudes in alpine conditions. Three-season sleeping bags, for example, are typically rated for temperatures down to approximately -5°C or 20°F, making them versatile for most three-season trips without causing worry about the forecast. However, you may find them too warm on balmy summer nights.
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Frequently asked questions
A warm-weather sleeping bag is designed for warmer conditions, offering comfort and breathability during mild nights. These bags are ideal for late spring through early fall camping, depending on your local climate.
When choosing a warm-weather sleeping bag, it is important to consider the temperature rating. The temperature rating indicates the range of temperatures for which a sleeping bag is suitable. A 40-degree sleeping bag, for example, is designed for temperatures as low as 40°F (around 4°C).
Warm-weather sleeping bags offer a balance between warmth and breathability, making them suitable for campers and hikers facing mild to warm conditions. They are also usually lighter and more compact than colder weather bags.
Some recommended warm-weather sleeping bags include the Western Mountaineering FlyLite, rated to 36 degrees, and the Feathered Friends Hummingbird UL 30, which is a narrower bag that saves weight.
