Herbie Murray
When shopping for a sleeping bag, you may have noticed comfort temperature ratings, which are meant to indicate the lowest temperature a bag is intended to keep the user warm and comfortable, without the need for any additional blankets. These ratings are based on the premise that the average woman sleeps colder than the average man. However, it's important to remember that individual factors such as age, gender, metabolism, and personal preference can also affect how warm or cold you feel when sleeping. To account for these variations, standardized laboratory tests, such as the EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Standards Organization) tests, are used to assign temperature ratings to sleeping bags. 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 results are used to guide users in choosing the right sleeping bag for their needs.
Characteristics and Values of Comfort Temperature Sleeping Bags
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep the user warm and comfortable without the need for additional blankets |
| Temperature Ratings | EN (European Norm) or ISO (International Standards Organization) |
| EN Ratings | EN Upper Comfort, EN Comfort, EN Lower Limit, EN Extreme |
| ISO Ratings | ISO Comfort Range, ISO Transition Range, ISO Extreme Range |
| Factors Affecting Comfort | Clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, food, etc. |
| Season Rating | One season bags are for summer use, while three-season bags are for spring, summer, and autumn |
| Shape | Roomier bags tend to sleep colder than their ratings due to extra air space |
| Weight | Women's bags tend to weigh more than men's bags at the same temperature rating |
| Real-World Comfort | May differ from lab-tested temperature ratings due to various factors |
| Good Night's Sleep Temperature | A combination of scientific testing, field trials, and expedition testing to indicate the minimum comfortable temperature |
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What You'll Learn
- The comfort rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable
- The ISO Comfort Range is where a standard woman is not feeling cold in a relaxed posture
- The EN Comfort rating is the temperature at which an average 60kg female can sleep comfortably
- The comfort rating is used on women's bags because women tend to sleep colder than men
- The comfort rating is a baseline, but get a bag with a lower comfort figure than the coldest expected temperature
The comfort rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable
Sleeping bags are given temperature ratings to help guide users towards the right product for their needs. The comfort rating is one of these temperature ratings. It indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable. This is the temperature rating used for women's bags.
The comfort rating is based on the air temperature at which the "average female" can sleep comfortably through the night without curling up in a ball for warmth. This is the lowest temperature at which a bag is likely to provide a cosy night's sleep. If you tend to sleep cold, the comfort rating is the figure you should pay closest attention to.
The comfort rating is the result of standardised testing, which produces a rating range for each sleeping bag. The ISO test, for example, involves placing a heavily instrumented electronic mannequin, dressed in long underwear, inside the sleeping bag in question, and positioning both on top of a foam sleeping pad. The temperature of the air is then cooled, and the amount of electrical energy needed to maintain the mannequin's initial temperature is measured.
It's important to remember that temperature ratings are just estimates and that real-world comfort probably won't match lab-tested temperature ratings because of all the variables that a lab can't simulate. Individual preference, metabolism, age, gender, and metabolic rate can all affect how warm or cold a sleeper feels. Therefore, it's a good idea to use these ratings as a guide and consider getting a bag with a significantly lower comfort figure than the coldest expected temperature.
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The ISO Comfort Range is where a standard woman is not feeling cold in a relaxed posture
Sleeping bags have temperature ratings that indicate the warmth of a sleeping bag. These ratings are determined by standardised laboratory tests that simulate how a sleeping bag is used. A heated mannequin dressed in a base layer is placed inside the sleeping bag on top of a sleeping pad, inside a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, measurements are recorded via sensors on the mannequin. The results are used to calculate the temperature ranges and limits.
The ISO Comfort Range is one of the temperature ranges that is produced by these standardised laboratory tests. It is defined as the temperature range at which a standard woman is "not feeling cold", while sleeping in a "relaxed posture". This is the temperature rating used on women's bags. The comfort rating is the temperature for colder sleepers. At a given temperature, most women's bags weigh more than men's bags. This is because it takes more insulation to ensure a bag's comfort rating matches another bag's lower-limit rating.
The ISO Transition Range is where a standard man is "in a situation of fighting against cold (posture is curled up inside the sleeping bag), but in thermal equilibrium" and not shivering. The ISO Extreme Range states that "a strong sensation of cold has to be expected". In this range, there is a risk of health damage by hypothermia, and a sleeping bag should only be used in an emergency.
It is important to note that lab-tested temperature ratings are useful for making comparisons between sleeping bags from different brands. However, real-world comfort may differ from the lab-tested temperature ratings due to various variables that a lab cannot simulate, such as differences in clothing, gear, body types, weather conditions, and diet. Therefore, when using a sleeping bag outdoors, its comfort level may differ from its tested temperature rating.
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The EN Comfort rating is the temperature at which an average 60kg female can sleep comfortably
The EN Comfort rating is one of four temperature ratings offered by EN 13537, the official European criterion for the classification of sleeping bags. The other three ratings are: Upper Limit, Lower Limit, and Extreme. The EN Comfort rating is specifically designed to be used on women's sleeping bags. The comfort rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable. This is in contrast to the lower limit rating, which is the temperature at which a warm sleeper might feel comfortable and is the rating used on men's bags.
The comfort rating is based on a standardised laboratory test. A heated mannequin fitted with 15 temperature sensors to represent a sleeping person is dressed in a base layer, tights, long socks, and a hat. It is 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. This test is designed to simulate how a sleeping bag would be used in the real world.
It is important to note that the EN Comfort rating is an estimate and may not perfectly match your real-world experience. There are many variables that a lab cannot simulate, such as differences in clothing, gear, body type, weather conditions, and food intake. Therefore, when choosing a sleeping bag, it is essential to consider your own personal preferences and the lowest temperature you are likely to encounter.
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The comfort rating is used on women's bags because women tend to sleep colder than men
Sleeping bags are assigned temperature ratings based on standardised laboratory tests. The 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 is the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable, and the lower limit rating (which is always lower than the comfort rating) is the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable.
Women tend to have less muscle mass than men, and muscle is a natural heat producer. Women also have 6 to 11 percent more body fat than men, which keeps the inner organs warm but blocks the flow of blood carrying heat to the skin and extremities. Women also tend to be smaller than men, giving them a higher skin surface-to-volume ratio, which affects their perception of cold.
The comfort rating is the temperature at which a "standard woman" with a relaxed posture is "not feeling cold". The lower limit rating is the temperature at which a "standard man" with a curled-up posture is "just not feeling cold". This is the number most retailers and brands refer to.
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The comfort rating is a baseline, but get a bag with a lower comfort figure than the coldest expected temperature
Sleeping bag temperature ratings can be confusing, so it's important to understand how these ratings work before purchasing a sleeping bag. The comfort rating is the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable. This is the rating used for women's sleeping bags. The comfort rating is a good baseline to use when choosing a sleeping bag, but it's important to remember that it's just a standard and doesn't take into account individual differences. For example, women generally sleep colder than men due to their lower metabolic rate and muscle mass.
To ensure you stay warm enough, it's recommended to get a bag with a lower comfort rating than the coldest expected temperature. This is especially important if you're camping in an area where temperatures can drop significantly at night, such as in mountainous regions. Additionally, consider other factors that can affect how warm you'll sleep, such as your sleeping mat, clothing, and gear.
The EN and ISO tests use a heated mannequin dressed in base layers and placed inside a sleeping bag on a foam mat to simulate real-world conditions. The tests produce a range of temperatures within which the sleeping bag is expected to perform. The comfort rating is one of these temperatures, along with the lower limit rating and the extreme temperature rating. The comfort rating is the highest temperature at which an average 60kg female can sleep comfortably through the night. The lower limit rating is the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable and is used for men's bags. The extreme temperature rating indicates the risk of health damage by hypothermia, and a sleeping bag should only be used in this range in an emergency.
It's worth noting that not all sleeping bags have an ISO or EN rating. These ratings don't apply to bags designed for extreme cold or children's bags. In addition, brands might not choose to get ISO testing on bags intended for mild conditions or casual use. When choosing a sleeping bag, consider the lowest temperature you're likely to encounter and your own personal internal thermostat. If you tend to feel cold, opt for a bag with a lower comfort rating. If you sleep warm, you might be able to rely on the lower limit rating, but it's still recommended to give yourself a buffer of a few degrees Celsius.
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Frequently asked questions
A comfort temperature sleeping bag is one that is designed to keep the user warm and comfortable without the need for additional blankets.
The comfort temperature of a sleeping bag is determined through standardized testing, such as the EN (European Norm) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization) tests. These tests use a heated mannequin dressed in base layers and placed inside the sleeping bag on a sleeping pad inside a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, sensors on the mannequin measure the amount of electrical energy needed to maintain its initial temperature.
In addition to the temperature ratings, it is important to consider your personal preferences and sleeping habits. If you tend to feel cold, look for a bag with a lower comfort temperature rating. Other factors to consider include the shape and fit of the bag, the season and climate you will be using it in, and any additional gear you will be using, such as sleeping pads or extra layers.
Comfort temperature sleeping bags are designed for people who tend to feel cold or sleep in colder environments. They provide more insulation and are rated for lower temperatures than bags designed for warm sleepers. Consider your own internal thermostat and choose a bag with a comfort rating that matches your needs. Remember that these ratings are estimates, and individual factors such as metabolism and age can also affect your comfort level.
