Sleeping Bag Ratings

Ready to learn about sleeping bag ratings? If you've ever looked into buying sleeping bags, you'll see that they're often rated for a certain temperature. However, many of us have also found that such ratings can be pretty misleading. You may find yourself cold and shovering at ten or twenty degrees above the bag's rating. That can make it hard to choose your bag.

Unfortunately, the current method of determining sleeping bag ratings isn't very effective. After all, who you are, what kind of condition you're in, how large you are and what you're wearing could make a big difference in how comfortable a sleeping bag is. Generally, a copper mannequin is used to determine ratings, but this creates an extremely controlled environment - completely unlike the environments we use these bags in. The mannequin doesn't roll, is a fixed size, and has no metabolism.

That means that this kind of testing doesn't address the differences in the human body. It's fine for finding out the insulating power of the bag material, but it doesn't tell us much more. What's really important is that the bag must keep you warm. Remember - you can always unzip if you get too hot in a sleeping bag. However, misleading sleeping bag ratings that leave you out in the cold - literally - can't be fixed after the fact. Buy a bag that's a little warmer than you think you'll need, if there's any doubt.

After all, some bag manufacturers don't even do testing to come up with their ratings. They may have had testing done a few years ago, but that doesn't mean the current line has been tested. If you're using a company that's "optimistic" about its rating system, it may look like they're the best deal, at least by the numbers. However, when you take that bag out into the field, you'll find that ratings are the last thing you need to think about. Loft, type and quality of insulation, and many other factors are a lot more important.

When you're buying a new bag, give sleeping bag ratings a pass. Look at other factors, like the design of the hood section, foot area and draft tube. Look for obvious cold spots and think about the amount of insulation in the bag. Remember that the bigger the bag, the more insulation is needed. Make sure that insulation compartments are firmly packed to avoid cold spots, and make sure there are no areas for drafts. That'll get you a bag that's warm and cozy, no matter what.