Sleeping Bags — Temperature Rating

October 18 rosalie Sleeping Bags

The Temperature Rating of Sleeping Bags

The temperature rating of a sleeping bag indicates the coldest temperature in which that sleeping bag will keep you warm.  While there are no required standards consistent among manufacturers, the EN 13537 is a European standard designed to standardize the temperature ratings on sleeping bags manufactured and/or sold in Europe. The temperature rating provided for a sleeping bag is only a suggested guideline to use as a starting point. There are many factors that will affect how warm you will be in that sleeping bag.

• What type of metabolism do you have? Are you a ‘hot’ sleeper or a ‘cold’ sleeper? Are you the one who sleeps with minimal covers or do you bundle under several quilts and blankets, and then you are cold when you wake up? If you are the latter then adjust the temperature down by 10 degrees.
• Will you be eating hearty and drinking a lot of water? If not adjust down.
• How does the bag fit? Do you have minimal air space or do you need space to move around? Can you sleep in the bag with the hood cinched around your face with just a small opening for breathing? If not, adjust down.
• What type of tent are you in? If you have a winter tent then less concern. Are you using a three season tent or a summer tent and it is cold out? Then adjust accordingly.
• On the other extreme, are you always hot while everyone else around you is chilled? Then adjust up.

Click here to see a brief video displaying the features of the TETON Sports Celsius Sleeping Bag pictured above.

Select a bag with a temperature rating of at least an extra 15 – 20 degrees lower than you expect ever needing. You will be able to use it in a range of temperatures and will also give you flexibility on how much or what type of padding you want underneath or how many layers of clothing you will wear.

Warm weather sleeping bags are great for family camping trips in the warmer climates. They do not need special insulation or a heavy shell. They can be very inexpensive, starting at $10.00 for a basic sleeping bag. When the kids have a slumber party they will be happy to sleep in their favorite sleeping bag as they share the floor space with their friends.

Three Season sleeping bags are a good investment if you camp often and want a bag that is versatile and functional. You can stay very warm when camping in climates where the evenings get cool. Select a temperature factor taking the above factors into consideration. A general guideline is to get one with a minimum rating of 15 to 20 degrees. If it is too warm you can always open up!

Winter sleeping bags are for campers that find themselves out in cold weather where the temperatures are below freezing. The design that is the warmest is the mummy shape, as you have less air space to keep warm and with a hood and draft collar it helps to lock in warmth. Both down and synthetic insulation will keep you warm. Don’t be stingy. If you are camping in the winter cold get a bag with a rating of -40. Don’t be surprised by the cold winds blowing! Any winter bag must also have zipper draft tubes, shoulder collars, and a hood the fits close around the head to make sure you stay warm.

Visit our page “The Best Sleeping Bags” for more features and options to consider when selecting a great sleeping bag.

Select the BEST Sleeping Bag for You!

There are many brands of quality sleeping bags available.   Below are just a few of the excellent sleeping bags available today.  Click on the image or link for each to learn more about each bag pictured.   Agnes makes a great sleeping bag, as we haven’t met anyone who didn’t love their Agnes sleeping bag!  Eureka, Marmot and Kelty also make a quality product.  Many merchants offer a wide choice.  One of our favorites is Campmor and Gander Mountain.  They offer a large assortment of quality sleeping bags.  Amazon also carries many great brands to choose from.

Great Sleeping Bags
The Eureka Sandstone is perfect for camp or cabin. Eureka Sandstone 45 Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag Sleep comfortably, in the roomy Eureka Sandstone 45 Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag. It… [More] Price: $49.98  Buy Now
The Kelty Dualist hasd hybrid insulation for warmth and dryness. Kelty Dualist 30 Degree Sleeping Bag The Kelty Dualist 30°F Sleeping Bag adapts to unpredictable weather you face outdoors to keep you comfortable.  It has a thermal-comfort hood and natural-fit footbox for warmth and coverage head to toe. tube...[More]  Price:  $99.99   Buy Now
The ground layer of synthetic insulation provides maximum warmth in compression zones, while the top layer of down insulation provides warmth and comfort. Marmot Scandium 20 Degree Outdoor Composite Mummy Sleeping Bag The Marmot Scandium 20 degree Mummy Sleeping Bag is the result of extensive lab and field testing, to optimize the body mapping of different types of insulation to perfectly balance thermal efficiency, weight and comfort. … [More] Price: $199.00  Buy Now
The North Face Snow Leopard has a shaped hood for increased warmth and comfort. The vaulted footbox allows for natural foot movement. The North Face Snow Leopard Zero  Degree Sleeping Bag... Lightweight, warm and extremely durable, The North Face Snow Leopard 0 Degree Sleeping Bag will perform in all conditions. The efficient design maximizes warmth and compressibility while reducing weight. … [More] Price: $169.98  Buy Now
The Slumberjack Sojourn is lightweight and highly compressible, allowing you to pack your bag into the backcountry without taking up a lot of space in your pack. Slumberjack Sojourn -20 DriDown Mummy Sleeping Bag If you’re looking for a roomy yet lightweight, compact, warm and water resistant mummy bag, the Slumberjack Sojourn -20 DriDown Mummy Sleeping Bag is the answer!  Slumberjack’s unique “arms-out” feature allows you to keep insulation on your chest and head while freeing up both arms to manage tasks without leaving your bag [More] Price: $299.95  Buy Now

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