Gina Johnson
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep outdoors, choosing the right sleeping bag is essential. Sleeping bags come in various shapes, sizes, and temperature ratings, so it's important to select one that suits your needs. In Arizona, the temperature can vary depending on the season and elevation, so it's crucial to consider the time of year and specific location of your trip when deciding on a sleeping bag. For example, if you're camping near the river in the Grand Canyon during the winter months, you might need a different sleeping bag than if you're hiking at higher elevations in the summer.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bag temperature ratings
Sleeping bags are designed for different seasons and temperatures, and choosing the right one is crucial to staying warm during your outdoor adventures. Sleeping bag temperature ratings can be a complicated topic, but understanding them will help you select the right bag for your needs.
Standardized Temperature Ratings
The sleeping bag industry has adopted standardized laboratory tests, such as the EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Standards Organization) standards, to assign temperature ratings to bags. These tests use a heated mannequin dressed in base layers and placed inside the sleeping bag on a sleeping pad to simulate real-world use. The EN 13537 and ISO 23537 standards provide different temperature ratings:
- Upper Limit ( EN): The temperature at which a standard male can sleep without excessive perspiration, with the hood and zippers open and arms outside the bag.
- Comfort ( ENand ISO): The temperature at which a standard female can sleep comfortably in a relaxed position. This is the rating used for women's bags.
- Lower Limit ( ENand ISO): The temperature at which a standard male can sleep for eight hours in a curled-up position without waking. This is the rating used for men's bags.
Season-Based Ratings
Sleeping bags are also categorized by the number of seasons they are designed for:
- One-season sleeping bags are suitable for summer camping and backpacking, with temperatures above +5° Celsius or +40° Fahrenheit.
- Two-season sleeping bags are designed for slightly cooler nights in spring and summer, with temperatures ranging from 0 to +5°C or +30 to +40°F.
- Three-season sleeping bags are versatile and can be used in spring, summer, and autumn, even when temperatures dip just below freezing (-5°C or 20°F).
- Four-season sleeping bags are designed for winter use, with temperatures dropping to around -10°C or +15°F.
- Five-season sleeping bags are for extreme cold conditions, ranging from -10°C to -40°C, and are used for high-altitude expeditions and polar regions.
Additional Considerations
When choosing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider factors beyond temperature ratings:
- Shape and Fit: Sleeping bags come in rectangular, semi-rectangular, and mummy shapes, offering varying levels of warmth and roominess. Mummy bags are snug and designed to boost warmth, while rectangular bags provide more space.
- Features: Look for features like hoods, multiple zipper sliders, stash pockets, and stuff sacks that enhance comfort and convenience.
- Sleeping Pad: A good sleeping pad with an appropriate R-value is crucial for insulation and comfort. Cheap pads may not provide sufficient insulation.
- Personal Factors: Real-world comfort may differ from lab-tested ratings due to variations in clothing, gear, body type, metabolism, and weather conditions. Consider your sleeping habits and preferences when choosing a bag.
In conclusion, understanding sleeping bag temperature ratings and the various factors that affect your comfort will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a sleeping bag for your outdoor adventures. Remember to consider the expected temperatures, your personal preferences, and the features that will enhance your overall sleeping experience.
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Sleeping bag shapes
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the four most common shapes:
Rectangular
Rectangular sleeping bags are the most common type of sleeping bag. They offer ample room for both legs and arms to stretch out and move around. Some rectangular bags can be completely unzipped and used like a comforter, making them ideal for warm-weather camping. They are a good choice for campers who prioritise comfort over warmth. Rectangular sleeping bags are typically used for car camping as they are usually bulkier and heavier.
Semi-rectangular
Also known as a "modified mummy" or "barrel" shape, semi-rectangular sleeping bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They come in a variety of shapes, some of which offer extra shoulder room, making them a good option for side sleepers. Semi-rectangular bags are generally more slender than rectangular bags, with a rounded top and a slight taper at the bottom. They are well-suited for cool-weather camping when conditions are chilly but not extremely cold.
Mummy
Mummy-shaped sleeping bags have a slim cut and a contoured hood that can be cinched tight for added warmth. They have a snug fit, and you typically roll over with the bag rather than inside it. This design maximises heat retention, making them ideal for bitterly cold conditions. Mummy bags are usually lighter than other shapes, making them popular among backpackers.
Double
Double sleeping bags are designed for couples and are typically rectangular but twice the width of a standard sleeping bag. They usually have zippers on both sides for easy entry and exit. Double sleeping bags can also be found in other shapes, such as barrel and mummy. They are ideal for camping couples who want to cuddle up together.
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Camping vs backpacking bags
Arizona is a state with varied elevations, from the low-lying desert to the high mountains. This means that the temperature can vary significantly depending on where exactly you are camping or backpacking. In the summer, temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona, can reach highs of 40°C (104°F) and lows of 27°C (80°F). In the winter, the average high is 20°C (68°F) and the average low is 7°C (45°F). However, in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is at a higher elevation, the average high in the summer is 29°C (84°F) and the average low is 10°C (50°F). In the winter, the average high is 8°C (46°F) and the average low is -5°C (21°F). So, depending on where you are in Arizona, you will need a different temperature rating for your sleeping bag.
Now, when it comes to choosing a sleeping bag for camping or backpacking, there are a few key differences to consider. Firstly, let's understand how sleeping bags are rated for temperature.
Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is an estimate of the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep an "average sleeper" warm. The EN (European Norm) and ISO (International Standards Organization) tests use a heated mannequin with temperature sensors dressed in a base layer and placed on a sleeping mat inside a cold chamber. As the temperature drops, the sensors record the temperature at which the mannequin is no longer feeling cold, resulting in a comfort rating, and the temperature at which the mannequin is fighting against the cold, resulting in a limit rating.
It's important to note that these ratings are just standardised ranges and do not account for individual variations such as clothing, metabolism, and weather conditions. So, when choosing a sleeping bag, it's recommended to pick one with a lower temperature rating than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter.
The main differences between camping and backpacking sleeping bags lie in their weight, size, and warmth efficiency.
Camping Sleeping Bags
Camping sleeping bags are typically heavier, bulkier, and more geared towards comfort. They often have a simple rectangular shape that allows for ample room to move around and stretch out. You can also find double sleeping bags designed for couples, which are even larger and heavier. Camping bags usually don't need to be packed into a small space, so you can prioritise comfort and warmth over weight and size.
Backpacking Sleeping Bags
On the other hand, backpacking sleeping bags are designed to be lightweight and compact, as they need to fit into a backpack. They are more snug and efficient, providing more warmth for their weight. The mummy shape is common in backpacking bags as it boosts warmth and reduces weight. The outer shell of a backpacking bag is typically made of ripstop nylon or polyester, sometimes with a water-repellent finish.
When choosing a backpacking sleeping bag, weight and compressibility are the main considerations, along with ensuring it provides sufficient warmth. It's a balance between finding a bag that is light and small enough to carry easily, while still keeping you warm enough during cold nights.
In summary, the main distinction between camping and backpacking sleeping bags is the focus on comfort and roominess for camping bags, versus the emphasis on lightweight, compact, and warmth efficiency for backpacking bags.
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EN and ISO ratings
Sleeping bags come in various shapes and sizes, and are designed for different seasons and temperatures. To help consumers make an informed choice, sleeping bags are now independently tested and provided with a "comfort" and "limit" rating. These ratings are indicated by "EN" (European Norm) or "ISO" (International Standards Organization) ratings.
The EN/ISO tests use a heated mannequin fitted with 15 temperature sensors to represent a sleeping person. The mannequin is dressed in a base layer, 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. Measurements are recorded via the sensors on the mannequin as the temperature drops. The results are used to calculate the EN or ISO temperature ranges and limits.
EN 13537, introduced in 2005, offers four different temperature ratings: EN Upper Comfort, EN Comfort, EN Limit, and EN Extreme. The first two ratings indicate the highest temperature at which an average 70 kg man should feel comfortable, and the temperature at which an average 60 kg woman can sleep comfortably through the night, respectively. The EN Limit rating is the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still feel comfortable, while the EN Extreme rating states that "a strong sensation of cold has to be expected" and that "there is a risk of health damage by hypothermia."
The ISO update, introduced in 2017, serves as the testing protocol for all certified sleeping bags. The ISO Comfort Range is defined as the temperature range at which a standard woman is "not feeling cold," while 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 is the same as the EN Extreme Range.
It's important to note that lab-tested temperature ratings are estimates and may not match real-world comfort due to various variables that a lab cannot simulate. Additionally, the numbers on bag names may not match the exact temperature ratings, as brands may round up or down to a number that ends in 0 or 5 for simplicity. Therefore, it is recommended to look at the actual test rating on a bag rather than relying solely on the number in its name.
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How to prepare for sleeping outdoors
Arizona is a great place to camp outdoors, with over 31 state parks and recreation areas offering a range of services and amenities. The fall is the perfect time to go camping in Arizona, with mild temperatures, scenic views, and colorful leaves. Even if it's chilly outside in the morning, the temperature should rise throughout the day.
Choosing a Sleeping Bag
The key factor when choosing a sleeping bag is its temperature rating. Sleeping bags come in different seasonal ratings, ranging from one-season bags designed for summer camping to five-season bags designed for extreme cold. If you plan to camp in Arizona during the fall, a three-season sleeping bag is a good option, as it is designed for colder nights throughout spring, summer, and autumn when temperatures might dip just below freezing. You should also consider the shape of the bag, with rectangular bags offering more room to move around, and mummy bags providing a snugger fit to boost warmth and cut weight.
Staying Warm
To stay warm while sleeping outdoors, make sure you are dry before getting into your sleeping bag. If your clothes are damp, switch into a dry set. A synthetic fleece vest or wool sweater, and a knit cap are good options to keep warm. It is also important to eat and stay hydrated before going to bed. A warm drink, such as tea or hot chocolate, can help warm you up and hydrate you.
Other Considerations
In addition to a sleeping bag, there are other essential items to bring when sleeping outdoors. A flashlight is important, especially during the nighttime when it gets dark very quickly in Arizona. A camping stove can be useful for cooking and saving money on eating out. It is also important to bring enough food and water to stay hydrated and eat regularly during your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The temperature of your sleeping bag will depend on where and when you're camping in Arizona. If you're camping in the summer, a one-season bag will be suitable, as temperatures will stay above 5° Celsius/centigrade (C) or 40° Fahrenheit (F). If you're camping in the spring or autumn, a two-season bag will be suitable, as temperatures will range from 0 to 5°C or 30 to 40°F. If you're camping in the winter, a three or four-season bag will be necessary, as temperatures can drop below freezing.
A one-season bag is designed for summer camping, where temperatures will be above 5°C or 40°F. A two-season bag is designed for cooler nights in spring and autumn, with a temperature range of 0 to 5°C or 30 to 40°F.
Sleeping bags are given temperature ratings to indicate the range of temperatures they are suitable for. You should look for a bag with a rating that matches the expected temperatures in Arizona during your trip. Keep in mind that women's sleeping bags tend to have higher temperature ratings than men's bags, as they have more insulation.
In addition to temperature rating, you may want to consider the shape and features of your sleeping bag. If you're car camping, you can choose a roomier bag, while a backpacking bag will need to be lighter and more compact. A snug-fitting hood, multiple zipper sliders, a stash pocket, and a stuff sack can also be useful features.
To ensure your sleeping bag will be warm enough, check the expected temperatures in Arizona during your trip and choose a bag with a suitable temperature rating. It's always better to prepare for colder temperatures, as you can always unzip a bag that feels too warm. Additionally, you can use a sleeping bag liner to add extra warmth if needed.
