Buying Guides: Sleeping Bags

Types of Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bag choice will mainly depend on the time of year and conditions you're likely to encounter, as well as your chosen activity. They are split into the following categories:-

1-2 season

Best for hot countries. Lightweight (usually less than 1kg) with small pack size.

2-season

Use from late spring to early autumn when temperatures don't drop below zero. Average weight: 1kg-1.5kg.

3-season

Use from early spring to late autumn when temperatures may drop below zero, and also mild winter nights. Average weight: 1.4-2kg.

4-season

Down filled and high quality synthetic bags give enough insulation for very cold winter nights and mountain use. (Down- soft feathers, goose or duck, with low weight and small pack size).

Sleeping Bag ratings

Comfort Rating

All sleeping bags are graded for warmth. This rating shows the range of temperatures within which the bag is designed to keep the user comfortable. For example, a bag with a rating of +20 indicates that most users should stay comfortable in air temperatures of 20 degrees Centigrade and above.

Extreme Comfort rating

Each sleeping bag is also given a rating that denotes the lowest temperature at which an experienced user should be able to stay comfortable. An experienced user will adapt their clothing and posture to the conditions, and will also know how to overcome the weaker parts of the bag.

All sleeping bags are tested using a European Standard EN13537