Gina Johnson
When it comes to choosing a sleeping bag, there are several factors to consider to ensure a good night's sleep. From temperature ratings and insulation types to bag shapes and sizes, the options can be overwhelming. The key factor is the temperature rating, which indicates the lowest temperature the bag is intended to keep you warm at. However, it's important to remember that temperature ratings are estimates and don't account for individual variations. The type of clothing you wear, your metabolism, and external factors like humidity and wind can all impact your warmth. Additionally, sleeping bags come in different shapes, such as rectangular, mummy, and double, each offering varying levels of comfort and warmth. Other features to consider include zippers, hoods, stash pockets, and the type of insulation. The right sleeping bag for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the conditions you anticipate encountering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature ratings | Based on an "average sleeper" and indicate the lowest temperature at which a bag should be able to keep you warm enough for sleeping. |
| Temperature ratings categories | 1. International standards from EN or ISO. 2. Trustworthy homebrew ratings (usually from cottage companies). 3. Untrustworthy companies who cheat the system in some way. |
| Shape | Rectangular, barrel, mummy, and quilt. |
| Size | Choose the right length and fit for your body. |
| Insulation type | Down vs synthetic. |
| Zipper features | Getting a bag with more than one zipper slider makes it easy to adjust ventilation. |
| Stash pocket | Some bags offer a handy zippered stash spot for things like a watch or lip balm. |
| Stuff sack | A sleeping bag stored in a stuff sack will take up less space when stored. |
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Temperature ratings
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is a key factor when choosing one. It gives you a general idea of its performance and is useful for comparing bags. The rating indicates the lowest temperature that the bag is intended to keep the average person warm. However, it's important to remember that temperature ratings are estimates and not precise measurements. Lab testing simulates how a sleeping bag should be used, but there are variations in people's clothing, gear, body types, changing weather conditions, and other factors that can affect how warm or cold you feel.
There are a few standard methods for determining temperature ratings. The EN (European Norm) standard was the original industry-adopted method, which has now been replaced by ISO (International Standards Organization) testing. Both methods use a heated mannequin dressed in base layers and placed inside the sleeping bag on top of a sleeping pad in a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, sensors on the mannequin record measurements, which are then used to determine the temperature ratings. The EN standard offers four ratings: Upper Limit, Comfort, Lower Limit, and Extreme. Upper Limit indicates the highest temperature at which a 70 kg man can sleep without excessive perspiration, while Comfort indicates the temperature at which a 60 kg woman can sleep comfortably. Lower Limit is the temperature at which a 70 kg man can sleep for eight hours without waking, and Extreme means a woman won't die of hypothermia within six hours at that temperature.
The most useful temperature rating for a sleeping bag is around 30°F. At this rating, the bag should be warm enough for most spring and fall conditions while not being too hot in the summer. For winter camping, a 0°F bag is recommended, while summer campers may prefer a 40°F model. It's important to choose a bag that matches your expected conditions, as waking up shivering in the middle of the night can ruin your outdoor experience.
In addition to temperature ratings, other factors can influence your warmth when sleeping outdoors. These include the type of shelter, the sleeping surface, your metabolism, hydration, fatigue, humidity, wind, and dampness. It's also important to consider the size and fit of the bag, as a bag that's too long or short can affect your warmth. The shape of the bag can also impact your warmth, with mummy bags designed to boost warmth by having a snug fit, while rectangular bags offer more room to stretch out.
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Insulation types
When it comes to insulation types, there are two main options: synthetic and down. Synthetic insulation is made from fine-denier man-made fibres that mimic the properties of organic down. It is more affordable, water-resistant, and quick-drying, making it ideal for summer camping or humid environments. Synthetic insulation is also a good option for kids' sleeping bags as it keeps costs down and boosts durability.
Down insulation, on the other hand, is made from plumules, the fluffy filaments of goose or duck feathers. It provides excellent warmth with good compressibility, making it a popular choice for winter camping or backpacking where weight and packability are important considerations. Higher fill-power down provides more warmth for the same weight; a fill power of 500 is good, 600-700 is better, and above 700 is excellent. However, down loses its insulating ability when wet, so it is important to keep it dry. For ethical consumers, look for RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or TDS (global Traceable Down Standard) labels to ensure the down was sourced with high standards for animal welfare.
In addition to insulation type, other factors that affect the warmth and comfort of a sleeping bag include its shape and design features. Mummy bags, for example, are cut close to the body to maximise warmth, while rectangular bags offer more room to move around. Some bags may also have a hood, draft collar, or baffles to prevent heat loss.
It's important to note that temperature ratings on sleeping bags are estimates and are based on an "average sleeper". The comfort rating, which indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper will be comfortable, is typically used for women's bags as data shows that the "average woman" feels colder than the "average man". Other factors that affect how warm or cold you'll feel include your sleeping pad, clothing, humidity, wind, and metabolism. Therefore, it's recommended to choose a bag with a temperature rating that matches the coldest conditions you anticipate and consider adding extra layers or a sleeping bag liner for additional warmth if needed.
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Bag shapes
When it comes to bag shapes, there are a few common options to consider:
Rectangular sleeping bags offer ample space to move around, making them ideal for those who tend to shift positions while sleeping. They are often the most popular choice for car campers or those who prioritise comfort over weight and packability. Rectangular bags sometimes feature a two-way zipper, allowing them to be unzipped from the bottom for added ventilation or connecting multiple bags together.
Semi-rectangular or barrel-shaped sleeping bags provide a balance between warmth and comfort. They are slightly tapered towards the feet, offering more room than a mummy bag but still providing some thermal efficiency. These bags are suitable for those who want a more packable option without sacrificing too much space.
Mummy sleeping bags are designed for maximum thermal efficiency and weight savings. They are cut closely to the body's contour, providing a snug fit that minimises air pockets and heat loss. Mummy bags typically feature a hood that can be cinched tight around your head for added warmth. While they may feel restrictive to some, they are popular among backpackers and hikers due to their lightweight and compact nature.
Double sleeping bags, also known as two-person bags, are essentially a larger version of a rectangular bag designed for couples or those who want to share a sleeping space. They offer ample room for two people to stretch out and often come with features like built-in pillows or a split-zipper design that allows them to be separated into two individual bags.
Quilt sleeping bags, or top quilts, are essentially a specialised type of sleeping bag that only covers the top half of your body. They are designed to be used with a sleeping pad, providing insulation on top while relying on the sleeping pad for bottom insulation. Quilt bags offer maximum weight savings and packability, making them popular among ultralight backpackers and hikers.
When choosing a sleeping bag shape, consider your priorities in terms of comfort, warmth, weight, and packability. Each shape offers unique advantages, so it's important to select the one that best aligns with your intended use and sleeping preferences.
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Size and fit
The size and fit of a sleeping bag are critical to its warmth, comfort, and overall performance. A bag that is too big will allow too much movement, causing heat to escape. A bag that is too small will compress the insulation, reducing its effectiveness.
Sleeping bags are sized by their length, which should correspond with your height. For example, a 6-foot-tall person should sleep in a bag that is roughly 6 feet 8 inches long. This gives the sleeper the extra room needed for a correct fit. Most bags come in regular and long sizes, with some also offering a short option. Men's sleeping bags usually come in two standard lengths: regular (for people up to 6 feet in height) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches). A short version usually fits people up to 5 feet 6 inches. Women's bags also come in regular and long, with the regular size usually fitting people up to 5 feet 4 inches, and the long size up to 5 feet 10 inches. The best way to determine your preferred length is to try on different bags to see which styles feel most comfortable.
After length, the next most important measurement is shoulder girth, or the circumference of the bag across the shoulders. Most men's sleeping bags have a shoulder girth of 60 to 64 inches, while women's bags are usually slightly narrower, ranging from 56 to 60 inches. A 60-inch shoulder girth will feel snug for most men of a standard build, while a 64-inch bag will feel roomier. Ultralight bags tend to be narrower to reduce the overall size and weight of the bag.
The third key measurement is hip girth. Some mummy bags have added girth between the hips and shoulders to give sleepers more freedom to move and wear extra layers in cold conditions.
The shape of your sleeping bag should reflect the style of camping you plan to do. Mummy bags are tapered toward the feet, making them the warmest and most lightweight option. They are ideal for backpacking as they pack easily, but they are more restrictive. Rectangular bags are non-tapered, making them less efficient at heating but more comfortable to sleep in. They are a good choice for car camping in warm weather. Semi-rectangular bags, also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" bags, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess.
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Additional features
When choosing a sleeping bag, there are a variety of additional features you may want to consider to ensure you get a good night's rest.
Shape
One of the most important considerations is the shape of the sleeping bag. The two most common shapes are rectangular and mummy. Rectangular bags are roomier and often more
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Frequently asked questions
The key factor when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. This indicates the lowest temperature that the bag is intended to keep the average person warm. Other factors to consider include size and fit, insulation type, and additional features.
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, including rectangular, barrel, and mummy. Rectangular bags allow plenty of room for legs and arms to stretch out, while mummy bags have a snug fit to boost warmth and cut weight. Double sleeping bags are ideal for couples, and kids' sleeping bags are shorter, smaller, and more affordable.
Temperature ratings are based on tests conducted by placing a heated mannequin dressed in base layers inside the sleeping bag on a sleeping pad in a cold chamber. The EN and ISO tests provide four temperature ratings: Upper Limit, Comfort, Lower Limit, and Extreme. The Comfort rating is the most useful, indicating the temperature at which an average person should be comfortable.
The temperature rating depends on the season and your preferred sleeping temperature. A rating of 30°F is suitable for most spring and fall conditions, while a 40°F model is preferable for summer. For winter camping, consider a 0°F rating or lower. It's essential to consider your individual preferences and the specific conditions you anticipate encountering.
