Technology has not left the sleeping bag market untouched! That is how come you can now choose the temperature of your sleeping bag. However, what does that entail?
When you go out to shop for the sleeping bags, you will notice that most of the products will include the temperature description.
What is the meaning of the temperature ratings?
From a general perspective, that temperature shown on the product label, is the lowest the sleeping bag can excellently keep you warm. Initially, the rates were not necessarily standard. This is to say, it was not measured against what a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper requires.
A cold sleeper means that the person’s metabolism is low when they sleep. Such a person requires a little more insulation to keep warm. A hot sleeper has a high metabolism and so require lesser insulation to keep warm at night.
How to read the sleeping bag temperature readings
You will notice that some American companies are already making steps towards standardized temperature ratings. Such companies are adapting the European Norm to acquire these sleeping bag ratings.
For example, you can see “EN-13537” on a sleeping bag. That is the rating of that bag from the uniform rating system. Other standardized labels would include REI, Mountain Hardware, North Face and Marmot.
In 2017, ISO took over the rating standardization. ISO testing and the EN one is similar, and one can comfortably address them as one.
There are other readings on the sleeping bags which you may need to understand.
Upper limit– This refers to the maximum temperature an average man can sleep comfortably. A sleeper at that temperature will not sweat excessively.
Comfort– This will refer to the lowest temperature a woman will sleep comfortably.
Lower limit– This is the lowest temperature at which a man can enjoy their sleep comfortably.
Extreme rating- This will refer to the lowest temperature an average woman can possibly survive through the night.
Will a 30-degree sleeping bag keep one warm enough?
When choosing your sleeping bag, how warm it can keep you is key. Weather changes will also determine how warm your sleeping bag should keep you.
A sleeping bag with at least -20° Fahrenheit will be ideal for you. However, if you are in a warm region, -30° Fahrenheit will be a perfect choice. This is so especially when you are planning for your camping.
When choosing your sleeping bag, you would rather have one that is “a little too warm” than one that is “a little too cold.”
You may need to consider a sleeping pad to keep you from the hard ground.
What does a 0-degree sleeping bag mean?
Such a sleeping bag would basically mean that it is at 0° Fahrenheit. What does this mean? It signifies that the average sleeper will remain comfortably warm at 0° Fahrenheit.
However, as each person is different, you may realize that how warm you keep may differ from another person.
The 0 degrees sleeping bag is one that keeps you warm in places where temperatures might fall to 0 degrees or 18° Fahrenheit.
This sleeping bag will come in handy when you are planning for that winter trekking.
Can we say then that a 30-degree sleeping bag is warm enough?
Yes, such a bag is warm enough, specifically for winter. As we mentioned, each person has a different metabolism, and you would need to see whether the bag might be too hot for you.
However, if you are going to places experiencing 0 degrees temperatures, this sleeping bag could be your life saver. For those who have had enough camping experiences, you may be aware that some camping requirements are not optional.
For example, you cannot skip a sleeping bag that gives you the needed warmth. Use the sleeping bag temperature rating as a guide. Keep in your mind that your metabolism plays a key role in choosing your sleeping bag.
Choosing your sleeping bag- Are there any other factors to check out?
When you get the sleeping bag temperatures right, you also need to get the other features you need in the bag right.
Check the lining material. You need comfort as you sleep. Ensure the design of the hood does not lose the warmth you gather in the bag. Check that its padding and insulation is great too cause it can determine how long the sleeping bag will last.
Check the pockets- are they stash or pillow? Consider whether you will need a storage sack as well.
Now go ahead and enjoy your camping!
