In a sleeping bag without a tent. Secrets of the latest generation sleeping bags

As my friend search engine says - "A sleeping bag is a container for a tired digger"... So ... a little about sleeping bags!

Well, to talk about what they are, I think, does not make sense.

All mankind is divided into two halves. The first one does not go on any hikes and they are not at all interested in the topic of sleeping bags. And the other half of humanity, periodically getting out into nature, knows perfectly well what sleeping bag, or simply - sleeping bag!

Whether a sleeping bag is necessary for an instrument search lover, and which one, depends on how long the person is going to detect, whether he is driving a car, or he has long walks ahead of him. And, of course, on the degree of preparedness of the individual for camp life.

My good friend manages all his life without a tent and without a sleeping bag, and the search experience there is hoo!

He throws spruce branches, foliage, grass, a piece of oilcloth on top and that's it, the place for spending the night is ready. But such an extreme vacation is not for everyone.

If a person is traveling by car, and not for one night, of course, it is stupid not to realize the opportunity to secure a normal night's rest - you need to take both a tent and a sleeping bag.

People who regularly practice multi-day cops or experienced hikers are, of course, more adapted to the proper arrangement of life in nature than those who never spend the night in nature. But all the same, and they are already very far from our ancestors, who were able, without prejudice to their health, to sleep naked on damp earth. And therefore, the creation of minimal comfort is necessary!

If, staying overnight in the bosom of nature, a person does not normally rest, does not recover, then he will wake up with an ache in his sides and with residual fatigue. Accordingly, the day will not be as fun and productive as we would like.

Yet again, eternal question Will I freeze at night or not?

Even if it is summer outside, even if the sun is scorching during the day, it is cool at night in nature, especially in the mountains. And people who do not take sleeping bags with them, one way or another, drag warm clothes with them for spending the night. Motivating this by the fact that the sleeping bag takes up a lot of space and so on ...

But a bunch of clothes for spending the night takes up no less space, and sometimes it comes out even heavier in terms of weight.

Gone are the days of heavy, unhygienic wadded sleeping bags, which only a well-trained person was able to carry over long distances. Modern sleeping bags are comfortable, light and reliable. The only advice that I will allow myself to give is not to overdo it with degrees. I don't mean degrees in liquid, although that's important. We are talking about the temperature regime of the sleeping bag, in which you can safely sleep in one or another bag without fear of freezing.

Excellent, proven and very inexpensive sleeping bag "duvet + 20" - just in time for the summer!
Available for order in all MDRegion stores.

There are many types of sleeping bags different weather and different temperatures. By the way, we already had a series of articles about this on our site. The lower temperature the bag is designed for, the more expensive it is and, most importantly, the warmer it is to sleep in it. But it's one thing when it's warm and quite another when a sleeping bag turns into an oven.

Not all sleeping bags have the property of ventilation.

My friend once bought himself a device designed for spending the night at extremely low temperatures. Typically, these bags are purchased for polar expeditions. It's certainly a good thing, but...

Waking up in the morning in this sleeping bag, he was always very sweaty, and he somehow didn’t sleep very comfortably. I had to unbutton at night, but still there was no feeling of a good rest. And this bag is very expensive, it was already too expensive to buy another one, and I suffered until I sold it.

Try to find a sleeping bag that is suitable for the region you are going to visit.

If big transitions are supposed, it’s not moving on your own transport, but you have to stomp many kilometers with your own feet, then naturally every gram in your backpack matters. And this value grows heavier with every hundred meters traveled. In addition to MD, a shovel, various things necessary for a hike and a search, as well as food, drink and God knows what you are carrying on your back and your house!

I can't give you definite advice on what to take with you. Everyone has their own selection criteria for the necessary and their preferences in choosing things. But personally, I always take a sleeping bag, but a tent only if I go by car and on foot I will not need to walk a lot.

A tent, even a double one, does not weigh half a kilo, and it takes up space. Therefore, I carry only a sleeping bag on me, and a piece of maple replaces my tent. A semblance of the same tent is built from it quickly and without any difficulties.

By the way, you can also build a screen that reflects the heat of the fire well. Or you can just cover with oilcloth on top.

The tent is comfortable and reliable - no doubt, but the oilcloth, unlike the tent, weighs practically nothing and takes up very little space!

Yes, I forgot to mention karemat (tourist mat, aka foam, aka isomat, aka bedding, aka karemat)!

A sleeping bag and a sleeping pad for me have long become something unified. It makes no sense to describe all the advantages of tourist rugs. A karemat in combination with a sleeping bag is the minimum set for a comfortable and healthy overnight stay!

So whether you take a tent with you or not, it's up to you. But I still think a sleeping bag is a necessary thing. Unless, of course, you are an incorrigible romantic and a fan of extreme sports who wants to take a survival course!

Good luck with your digging and hiking, and good night under the starry sky!

Dervish. (Crimean seeker).

In the process of evolution, sleeping bags have gone far from their ancestors - cuckoos from fragrant deer skins and heavy geological cotton cocoons. Manufacturers are constantly improving sleeping bags, introducing new materials and technologies. However, it is precisely because of this that the most difficult thing today is to choose a universal budget option. Well, if you spend your holidays only high in the mountains, then you buy a downy sleeping bag and do not suffer - there is something to pay for. And if you still go to the water or the desert? The sleeping bags presented on the modern market differ in design, weight, materials of the outer and inner layers, fillers and, of course, price.

So let's figure out in which cases it is not worth saving, and when you can be completely content with cheap models. The first thing to pay attention to is the manufacturer's temperature characteristics. These figures are obtained as a result of testing according to the current European standard EN13537 (sleeping in thermal underwear and socks).

So on sleeping bag must be specified:

upper limit of comfort (To Max) - the maximum temperature at which the average man can sleep all night (8 hours) comfortably in a relaxed position, without sweating, with a partially open bag;
lower limit of comfort (To Comfort) - the temperature limit at which the average woman in a relaxed position can sleep comfortably all night;
comfort limit (To Limit) - the lower temperature limit at which the average man, having taken a heat-saving position, can sleep through the night without feeling cold;
extreme temperature (To Extreme) - the maximum temperature at which the average man can spend the night without hypothermia. (The average consumer should not be guided by this indicator when buying.)

Previously, testing of sleeping bags was carried out by trained young men, usually climbers or military personnel. Later to work out common standards began to use thermomannequins. The standard is designed for the typical average European consumer living in a house with heating and mainly sedentary image life. By the way, he also takes into account the fact that women are more susceptible to cold than men.

The next serious parameter of sleeping bags is the insulation material. The warmest and lightest - down waterfowl. Down sleeping bags also have excellent compression qualities and, apart from the price, have only one drawback: natural down absorbs moisture very well and dries for a long time.

Sleeping bags filled with synthetic fiber practically do not absorb moisture and dry quickly. But until recently, they were distinguished by a significantly larger mass than downy ones. With the advent of Primaloft and similar heaters, the issue of extra grams has become less acute. The ultra-fine fibers of these materials are similar to the structure of down fibers, which gives them the appropriate heat-insulating properties. They have excellent water-repellent, breathable and compressive qualities and regain their volume even after repeated washing and drying. These sleeping bags are light and comfortable. Only the price can upset, but it is still less than for down sleeping bags.
Sleeping bags with simple synthetic fillers are much cheaper. Almost every manufacturer has its own proprietary name, but the essence is usually the same: these are hollow long fibers that differ only in thickness, density and the nature of weaving. A sleeping bag with synthetic filling can be chosen for any temperature range. As for volume and weight, everything is not so bad - such bags are quite compact and light, although they are inferior to more expensive models.

The outer material is usually various options nylon. You can find sleeping bags with a membrane, but the price is greatly increased.

Sleeping bags differ in cut. For summer and traveling by car, classic “blankets” are perfect. It is budget-friendly and convenient for a good night's sleep. You can cover yourself in the heat, you can zip two sleeping bags together if it's cold.

Cocoons are less comfortable for a person who is not used to hiking, but they are lighter and retain heat much better. Pay attention to the presence of a hood with adjustment and a collar adjacent to the neck, preventing cold air from entering the body. Be sure to have a heat shield under the zipper. A useful detail is a sling strap adjacent to the zipper, which prevents fabric from getting into the lock. Some cocoons are sometimes additionally insulated in the leg area.

All cocoons are usually available in two versions - with a right and left zipper, so that two sleeping bags can be fastened together. In the case of cocoons, however, this is not as convenient as in "blankets", since the zippers do not reach the leg area. Perhaps in this case it is better to take a double or triple option right away. Do not forget that more or less advanced models are produced in different sizes. How to choose yours? At the very least, you should not buy a sleeping bag with a large margin in length, but in width you can just give some margin with the expectation of warm clothes or the use of an insert.

Saving on the amount of luggage for transporting a sleeping bag, a compression bag is useful. But keep in mind that for long-term storage, sleeping bags are best kept straightened out so that they have a better chance of taking up the maximum volume when you need it.

"Alloy", Double model

Double sleeping bag-cocoon with Primaloft Sport insulation - warm, comfortable, multifunctional! Primaloft is much slower to absorb moisture and does not freeze, so it behaves better in wet weather or temperature changes. In addition, a double sleeping bag, other things being equal, is more compact and lighter than two separate ones. And, of course, it's warmer to sleep together. The experience of winter trips proves the advantage of collective sleeping bags over single sleeping bags in conditions of harsh overnight stays. However, even in the case of local exits, it has a number of advantages. Either way, it's very close. A serious barrier to the cold - a neck pack that blocks drafts and makes your vacation more comfortable for two. Two zippers (double-sided, two-lock) on each side of the bag are protected by an insulated strap and allow you to reach the right thing without unfastening the entire sleeping bag, or ventilate it. Under the head there is a through pocket that turns into a pillow if you put wearable things in it. Experienced travelers know how a comfortable pillow can help you recover from a hard day. The pocket is closed with flaps on both sides, and you don’t have to worry that things will get damp or shift during sleep.

Deuter model Exosphere-4L

The novelty of the outdoor market - a stretch sleeping bag-cocoon - will surprise even sophisticated travelers. To save heat, you do not need to choose a sleeping bag exactly in size and sleep stretched out or lug a spacious and heavier sleeping bag. You change position, and Exosphere follows the curves of your body. Elastic seams allow it to stretch by 25%. The peculiarity of the sleeping bag is "dry zones" with a water-repellent layer in the areas of the head and legs that are most exposed to contact with the tent wall. Raised leg compartment with an additional layer of Foot Warmer insulation. The hood is adjustable in volume with two drawstrings. Their different sections make it easy to adjust in the dark. Adjustable, insulated collar with Velcro closure for added comfort and a barrier to the cold. A voluminous windproof strip eliminates heat loss through the zipper, and a special tape prevents fabric from getting into its lock. Velcro prevents accidental opening of the zipper. Two-way zippers allow you to connect two sleeping bags. Has an inside pocket and hanging loops. Soft, light and warm insulation Deuter Thermo ProLoft resists getting wet and dries quickly. Thermal insulation is achieved due to the cascade arrangement of insulation layers with an overlap ratio of 2.5. Compression bag included.

Stretch. Gives you freedom of movement while keeping you warm. Plus emphasizes the dignity of your figure

The North Face, model Dark Star -29С

Versatile and very warm synthetic sleeping bag. The first thing you immediately pay attention to when removing the "dark star" from the transport packaging is a strong and fast gaining volume. The sleeping bag literally swells up like a fluffy feather bed. Manufacturers claim that it has been repeatedly tested in the most severe conditions. Double insulation construction - Climashield Prism on the outside and Climashield Apex closer to the body. Each strand of Climashield insulation consists of a twin fiber of different sizes. Larger fibers contribute to the preservation of volume, while smaller ones have the best thermal insulation characteristics. Climashield has minimal water absorption and is excellent at wicking moisture away from the body.

The anatomical cut of the leg area provides freedom of movement with minimal heat loss. The anatomical hood is equipped with an elastic drawstring. Large, adjustable neck roll, trimmed with soft fabric and closed with Velcro. Two-way zipper with fluorescent closure and anti-bite webbing is insulated with a thick roll. There is a small secret pocket. Comes with a compression bag with an original tightening system and a large-capacity ventilated bag for long-term storage.

Beacon.
Light-accumulative element on the zipper

Red Fox, model Arctic -30 long

Big and cozy, like a polar explorer in a home-knitted sweater. Omnitherm HL insulation is ultralight and very warm, has a unique combination of heat-shielding and ventilating properties - retains heat and allows moisture to evaporate. Manufactured using Shingl technology - with an arrangement of layers of insulation with a "tiled" offset for effective energy saving. The shape of the sleeping bag also serves the same purpose, allowing it to fit closer to the body. The anatomical hood is adjustable in volume with two cords of flat and round section for ease of manipulation in the dark. The neck tube, complete with a drawstring with a lock and a button, warms the shoulders. Detachable, two-way zippers allow easy fastening of sleeping bags and provide ventilation. A zipper with a heat-shielding valve is located near the ground to keep warm. A thick webbing placket prevents the fabric from getting caught in the lock. From accidental opening, the bag is fixed with a Velcro fastener, and for ease of use in the dark, its lock is equipped with a light-accumulative element. Of course, there is a pocket for small things. The bottom is cut to keep you warm and natural. The leg area is lined with fleece. Comes with a compression bag with comfortable drawstrings.

Cozy protection. Volumetric soft neck tube with size adjustment

Freetime Model Micropak 600

An ultra-light cocoon sleeping bag that will be a pleasant surprise for lovers of cycling, water and long hikes. Looking at the tiny package, it's hard to imagine that it contains a sleeping bag, and even more difficult - that it will keep you warm. Nevertheless, it is so. Of course, not in cold weather: the comfort temperature is +15 ... +10 ° С, but even with it you can’t do without a sleeping bag, especially since already cool weather gets into the fork up to T ° Extreme. The combination of compactness and warmth is made possible thanks to the 3D Spiral Hollow Fiber insulation (twisted tubular fibers into a spiral). In addition to its excellent thermal properties, thanks to its long-fiber structure, the filler restores volume even after repeated washes. The water-repellent properties of the material do not allow the sleeping bag to quickly gain moisture, and the wet material dries much faster than fluff. The sleeping bag is easy to care for. Outer fabric - Nylon Ripstop 280T - lightweight, flowing. The hood has an anatomical cut and an internal drawstring with a latch that allows you to adjust the volume. A variant with right and left zippers for fastening sleeping bags is possible. Two runners allow you to slightly open the sleeping bag for ventilation. The protective valve and seal along the zipper prevent fabric from blowing out and biting. To keep the zipper from coming apart, there is Velcro, and for small things there is a small pocket with a zipper. Sewn loops for storage and drying.

Marmot, model Cloudbreak 30

Cloudbreak 30 is a synthetic cocoon sleeping bag that combines minimalism and functionality. Thanks to the insulation Thermal R has the lightness and compactness of down. Thermal R is Marmot's own family of insulation. It is distinguished by medium elasticity and an excellent ratio of heat capacity and weight, which is enhanced by a special layout of the insulation. After compression, returns the original volume. Dries quickly. The outer and inner fabrics are light and very pleasant to the touch. From one glance at the sleeping bag, the eyes inevitably begin to stick together. The features of the sleeping bag include a hybrid heat-insulating design: the warmest parts of the bag are the central and in the leg area. Plus, an anatomical 3D hood with a drawstring, a soft roller around the face, a two-way zipper along the entire length, a special soft windproof strap and a sling that prevents the fabric from being bitten by the lock. There is also a garage for a zipper lock, which protects the face from contact with metal. Comes with a handy compression bag. This sleeping bag in its appearance, workmanship and functionality is another absolute success of Marmot.

Parking. Zipper pocket eliminates metal contact with the face

Just got back from a weekend trip. What if all the neighborhoods of Samara have already been laid out far and wide, and for new inspirations you have to go 300-400 kilometers from the city? There is only one answer: to try to complicate as much as possible those routes that have already been completed earlier. Rise, so to speak, one level up.
This weekend, according to the weather forecast, was going to be sunny and warm, but at night the air temperature should have dropped below zero. The best thing is to test your body and skills on a three-day trip light, that is, you only have food for three days and two nights, water for one day, a sleeping pad / foam, foil, matches, a knife / fork and a flashlight. Everything! There are no tents, sleeping bags, warm clothes, etc. can't be taken. Clothes - only those that are not for you, well, you could take gloves and that's it :-)
Slept in shorts...

Even though it was near zero :-)

I have a good friend named Pasha, in a narrow circle known as Pashtet. So, after each campaign with Pasha, what relates to the phrase "this is impossible" is terribly narrowed down for me. I remember how in the fall, on a hike without any boats, we crossed two fairly wide channels, using backpacks and garbage bags as watercraft; how we spent the night in the February forest at -20 under the scorching rays of the starry sky without palacto and sleeping bags.
In general, this trip also promised to be interesting. I wasn't even allowed to take a burner with me :-)

I only had an 18 liter backpack with me. In the backpack there were 4 cans of porridge from food, 3 cans of meat with vegetables, a loaf of bread, chak-chak, favli 0.5 kg and 3 liters of water, from equipment - a Termarest rug, an awning, foil, 4 ropes of 1 m each, a knife / fork / a spoon, a headlamp and, I cheated, took another spare fleece just in case.
So, how to spend the night in the forest without a tent and a sleeping bag!?
The answer is in the picture:

1. Pieces of 10-15 thick logs of 2.5-3 meters in length are harvested.
2. A "long" fire is kindled.
3. Everyone takes their place and pulls the foil blanket over them.
4. The group determines the time and duration of the watch. The second night we had 5 people. Each was on duty for 2 hours.
5. Everyone is sleeping, one is on duty. (I almost overslept my duty, three times I only woke up to throw firewood)

For the first night, we used an old fallen tree as the main source of firewood. The heat from it was such that you could sleep in shorts.

And this despite the fact that overboard was significantly below zero. The frost on the grass did not come down even at 9 am.

The second night we spent the night in a ravine. There were problems with the main firewood, so we had to prepare a lot of small firewood for the night. The temperature in the morning was around zero. Pasha was on duty from 3 to 5 and he said that it was zero in the morning. But at the same time, I personally slept very well .... Except that I burned my Termarest for 4 thousand rubles :-(

I remember that many were surprised that I rode my last bike trip with such

It's summer now, warm enough, which means it's time for hiking. Many drag tents, but it is quite possible to do without them. But this is extra weight, and a hike, first of all, should bring pleasure, and what pleasure can there be from an 80-liter backpack filled to the top?

I will make a reservation right away - you can spend the night without a tent, even if you go camping for a week. The most important thing is to choose the right place, otherwise everything will simply be wet with dew.

The bottom line is that no matter what type of shelter they build, it will still be most comfortable to spend the night in a sleeping bag and on a karemat.

No, but what? We spend the night without a tent, right? Right. There are three key factors here:

1. Ambient temperature. It is this factor that is initially important for the selection of a sleeping bag and a carriage for an overnight stay.

2. The thickness of the mat. If the temperature is as it is now, then it is quite easy to spend the night on a light Izhevsk karemet or a folding karem of the German army, because. they are quite thin. But my advice to you - if you do not want to go to bed after such a trip from pneumonia - take a thicker and more expensive karemat. It's not worth saving on yourself. There are also self-inflating or simply inflatable karemats (these are in the supply of the British Army). The thing seems to be good because small size, but more familiar and better than the classic karemat.

3. The sleeping bag itself. It is well known that there are sleeping bags for summer and winter. It is logical that summer ones are better than winter ones. The form factor of the sleeping bag is also important. There are three of them:

1. Blanket and duvet with headrest. A rectangular-shaped sleeping bag, the second option has something like a hood. The most versatile sleeping bag. Dignity - you can fasten two sleeping bags into one huge one - for family felting. The downside is that it is heavy and not compact.

2. "Cocoon". The shape of a person in such a sleeping bag is very reminiscent of a butterfly cocoon. Pluses, it is quite warm in it (due to the fact that a lot of insulation can be stuffed in it because of this shape). Cons: Quite uncomfortable.

3. "Elephant leg". Such a sleeping bag is quite compact, because it covers your carcass only to the waist. Pros - compactness and lightness. Cons: You can only sleep in warm clothes or just in very warm weather.

But the insulation of the sleeping bag is also important. On the this topic I've been bothering myself for a long time, but knowledgeable people they suggested that Primaloft or Climashield insulation would be ideal. Lightweight because they are synthetic. But at the same time warm enough. Sufficiently durable and resistant to compression.

This table shows the thermal insulation properties of various fillers.

I think the choice is obvious.

It is also worth noting the outer covering of the sleeping bag, but you should not bother about it. On sale you can find gore-tex covers or rip-stop covers suitable for any sleeping bag. For fans of the army, in camouflage.

A compression bag will also be useful to save space in your backpack.

Can for total immersion and recreating home comforts, buy sleeping bag liners, which are essentially a sheet.

In the photo - an army sheet-liner for a sleeping bag. Photo from the Internet. The girl in the insert refuses to be photographed in this way.

Now summary. If a sleeping bag is required only for summer, then take a sleeping bag in the “blanket” form factor. You more than need it. For a sleeping bag (if it was not included), buy a gore-tex cover, a compression bag and an inner sheet liner. Anything will be more convenient.

Whether it's a weekend trip out of town, a multi-day hike, or a challenging mountain expedition, wherever you're going, you need to think about arranging an overnight stay. A sleeping bag keeps you warm during sleep, and not only the quality of rest and recuperation during the night, but also health can depend on the correct choice. We figure out how not to get lost in the variety of models of sleeping bags.

To choose a suitable sleeping bag, first clearly answer the questions about what requirements the model must meet and in what conditions it will be used. At what time of the year are you going on a trip, for how long, what weather you are expected whether it will be hiking, rafting or climbing, how sensitive you are to low temperatures, etc.

Ultimately, choosing a sleeping bag is a compromise between thermal insulation, weight and compactness when folded (it's not fun to carry those extra pounds on yourself during a multi-day hike or climb) and the cost of the product.

Types of sleeping bags

In general, sleeping bags can be divided into camping, travel and expeditionary.

Camping sleeping bags

Camping does not imply that you will carry the equipment on yourself, at most you will carry it from the trunk of the car to the camp site. Camping sleeping bags are the most comfortable and convenient, but they have the largest volume and weight. This sleeping bag will make you feel right at home.

Travel sleeping bags

For example, a sleeping bag for a multi-day hike. In this case, you carry all your equipment on yourself, in a backpack over your shoulders. Tourist sleeping bags at the same temperature indicators will have less weight and volume than camping ones. Their task is to allow you to sleep well and recuperate for the next day of walking.

Expedition sleeping bags

Expeditionary sleeping bags are designed for use in harsh conditions: cold, snow, wind. For example, in winter camping trip, on high-altitude ascent.

Sleeping bag shape

By design, sleeping bags are divided into blankets and cocoons.

Sleeping bag-blanket

Rectangular sleeping bag. A long zipper can be unzipped and get a full-fledged blanket. May have a hood. Some models can be combined with each other. Basically, such sleeping blankets are used for camping and for hiking, when the weight of the equipment is not of fundamental importance. Due to their shape and cut, they are very comfortable for sleeping. Also suitable for big people.

Sleeping bag-cocoon

The sleeping bag-cocoon has an anatomical shape. It is equipped with a hood and is often supplied with a voluminous collar for increased thermal insulation. Due to the anatomical cut, the weight of the sleeping bag is reduced, and the fit to the body provides better preservation heat.

Manufacturers provide for the possibility of stacking sleeping bags. If desired, you can fasten models of different brands, but you should make allowances for the fact that the zipper on the cocoons often does not reach the end of the sleeping bag, and the final design will have a forked tail.

For the convenience of fastening (and this is a significant contribution to the thermal insulation properties of a sleeping bag - the two are much warmer), manufacturers produce models of sleeping bags in variations with a zipper on the left (L) or on the right side (R). If you're planning on stacking sleeping bags, consider purchasing two identical models with different zippers.

Sleeping bag temperature

EN13537 standard

Most sleeping bags pass a laboratory test to determine the temperature regime in accordance with the European EN13537 standard adopted by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The first such standard came out in 2002 (EN 13537:2002), then was updated in 2012 (EN 13537:2012), and Latest updates came out in 2017 as part of the ISO 23537-1: 2016 standard (International Organization for Standardization, ISO; International Organization for Standardization). In addition, another project is currently in development.

The standard is called "Requirements for sleeping bags" and indicates the procedure for conducting temperature tests and the rules for labeling sleeping bags intended for sports and active rest adult people. This standard does not apply to products designed for specific purposes, for example, sleeping bags for the military or sleeping bags for extreme expeditions. climatic zones as well as sleeping bags for children and babies. The limit temperature is -20°C.

On the one hand, thanks to the standard, sleeping bags of different brands can be compared with each other. On the other hand, testing and labeling sleeping bags in accordance with EN13537 is not a mandatory procedure, and the manufacturer retains the right to specify the temperature rating according to his own criteria based on his own tests. In addition, the studies on which the standard is based were mostly conducted on trained people, while how much our body loses heat is influenced by many individual factors, such as gender, build, age, experience and physical fitness.

The EN13537 standard provides for four temperature ratings:

Temperature maximum or Upper comfort limit T Maximum
Comfort temperature T Comfort
Limit temperature or Lower comfort limit T Limit
Temperature T Extreme

The first indicator can be optional, the other three must be present. Each of the four temperature indicators corresponds to either an "average" man (age 25, height 173 cm, weight 73 kg) or an "average" woman (25 years, 160 cm, 60 kg).

T maximum. Maximum temperature ambient air, in which the "average" man can sleep in an unbuttoned sleeping bag all night, without experiencing the inconvenience of feeling too warm and sweating.

T Comfort. The minimum ambient temperature at which the "average" woman can sleep continuously in a sleeping bag all night in a relaxed position, with the most possible comfort.

T limit. The minimum ambient temperature at which the "average" man can sleep continuously in a sleeping bag all night in a position that helps to keep warm, with the most comfort possible.

T Extreme. The minimum ambient temperature at which an "average" woman can survive in a sleeping bag for six hours without the risk of death from hypothermia.

When choosing a sleeping bag, be guided by the plug between the comfort temperature and the lower limit of comfort and take into account your individual physiological characteristics. For girls, thin people and those who tend to freeze quickly, it is better to rely on the comfort temperature. When choosing a sleeping bag, only experienced climbers and tourists who have sufficient experience behind them can focus on the extreme temperature.

Do not forget that a tourist rug will add heat to your sleeping bag (especially if you use two at once: a karemat and an inflatable / self-inflating one), thermal underwear or warm clothes and sleeping bags. In case of cold, it is better to put outerwear under you or throw it over the sleeping bag from above.

A sleeping bag that has passed the appropriate laboratory test is marked with EN13537 or the EN logo, confirming that it has passed the temperature test and that the materials of the sleeping bag comply with EN textile standards. Also on the sleeping bag label you can find other marking options:

"Temperature tested to EN13537" means that the sleeping bag has passed the temperature test according to EN13537, while the materials do not necessarily meet European textile standards.
"Temperature rating in accordance with EN13537" means that the manufacturer has tested and calculated temperature ratings independently, in accordance with EN13537.

If there is only one temperature setting on the label or in the description of the sleeping bag on the website, it should be considered as the temperature of the lower limit of comfort.

Insulation used in sleeping bags

Modern sleeping bags can be filled with natural down or synthetics.

Thanks to the rapid development of technological materials, synthetics have come close in their properties to high-quality goose down, but still cannot catch up with down best quality in terms of thermal insulation properties, plus, as a rule, has more weight and volume when packed. Nevertheless, synthetics for the most part have an important advantage - it retains its thermal insulation properties (continues to warm) even when wet and dries faster than fluff.

fluff

Lightweight filler with excellent thermal insulation and compression properties (warms well, compresses compactly), one of the drawbacks is the fear of moisture. Although modern manufacturers are increasingly using hydrophobic fluff, treated with special impregnations and having water-repellent properties. These can be found, for example, at Montbell and Brooks-Range. In addition, sleeping bags can use a moisture-resistant outer fabric or membrane that will protect the down from getting wet.

High-quality down will cost more than synthetics. The main indicator of the quality of down is determined using the Fill Power indicator. This is the ability of the insulation to straighten out after the load. For example, a sleeping bag was in a compression bag in a backpack while moving along the route, and in the evening you took it out for an overnight stay. The higher the Fill Power value, the more efficiently the down opens up and fills the volume, and the higher quality it is considered. As a rule, down with an FP of at least 550 is used in equipment, and the highest values reach 800-900 and even 1000 units and are used in top models.

The photo below shows the structure of fluff with different FP and how the same amount of fluff (85 grams) with different FP values occupies a different volume in a measuring cup.

Due to thermal insulation, low weight and good compressibility, down sleeping bags are preferred for winter and high-altitude ascents, as well as hiking and expeditions at the lowest temperatures.

Synthetic fillers

Unlike fluff, modern technological synthetics do not lose their thermal insulation properties even when wet, dry faster and in most cases will cost less, but, as a rule, weigh more, take up more volume when packed and clump faster. Weight and compression properties depend on the specific type of synthetics. The most common insulation that is found in sleeping bags from leading manufacturers: Thihsulate, Thermolite, Primaloft, Heatseeker and Climashield.

Synthetics can be preferred if you choose a three-season sleeping bag, plan a trip to a region with high humidity or a hike with possible temperature changes.

Sleeping bag accessories

As a rule, a sleeping bag is sold complete with a compression bag, which minimizes the volume of the sleeping bag and is intended for its transportation, or a storage bag in which the sleeping bag will lie at home not in a compressed, but fluffy form. When hiking, it is better to put a sleeping bag in a compression bag at the bottom of the backpack. Some prefer to carry a sleeping bag without packaging and put it in a backpack almost last, tamping it between the rest of the equipment and clothes.

Also, as a useful accessory, you can consider a hermetic bag. It will not allow moisture to pass to the sleeping bag during transportation and keep the product dry. Especially useful for down sleeping bags.

Another one useful thing- special inserts in sleeping bags. They perform multiple tasks. Firstly, it is the hygiene and cleanliness of the sleeping bag. The liner will keep sweat and sebum from staining the sleeping bag, and the liner is much easier to wash than a sleeping bag. Secondly, insulated liners increase the thermal insulation properties of your sleeping bag. Liners can be made of cotton, synthetics, fleece or microfiber, depending on the tasks to be solved.

How to choose a sleeping bag size

Most brands use standard sizes based on a person's height:

Regular. For height up to 180 cm.
Long. For height up to 198 cm.

Some manufacturers produce additional sleeping bags designed for heights up to 205 cm, designed for tall or large people, as well as those who need more freedom for a comfortable sleep. Women's models also have their own sizes:

WRegular. For height up to 170 cm.
WLong. For height up to 180 cm.

The manufacturer can also simply indicate the total length of the sleeping bag, for example, this is what Sivera does. In the size indicated as 185x73x46, 186 is the full outer length of the sleeping bag with a hood, 73 is the maximum width of the sleeping bag (in the chest and shoulders), 46 is the width in the legs.

Take a sleeping bag with a margin. For example, if your height is 180 cm or close to it, choose Long, especially when it comes to low temperatures. If the sleeping bag is tight, your feet may freeze (and they begin to freeze first), in addition, you will not be able to wrap yourself in a sleeping bag with your head.

There are several sizing guidelines. When choosing a summer sleeping bag, add a margin of 15-20 cm to your height. When choosing a three-season sleeping bag (autumn, winter, spring), add 30 cm. For expedition sleeping bags, this figure can be even more, because, firstly, you need to take into account attention to the thickness of the insulation, and secondly, it is likely that you will spend the night in a sleeping bag in outerwear and even shoes, and this requires additional space. In addition, in a winter hike or climbing, the size with a margin will allow not only to sleep in outerwear, but also to hide a flashlight, liners, clothes and other items that need to be kept dry and warm inside the sleeping bag.

If you buy a sleeping bag in a store and not online, feel free to “try on” the equipment: climb into a sleeping bag and make sure that it fits you both in length and width, and you are comfortable not only lying inside it, but also roll over to change position.

How to take care of your sleeping bag

Be sure to dry your sleeping bag after the trip.
Wash the sleeping bag strictly in accordance with the instructions on the label or on the official website of the manufacturer. In general, a delicate/manual setting, a temperature of 30°C, and detergents without bleach or chlorine are recommended. It is better to rinse the sleeping bag twice and do not use the spin cycle. It is better to dry the sleeping bag fully flattened on a horizontal surface.
It is necessary to store the sleeping bag unfolded, or in a special bag for storage. which will not compress the product too much. This will allow the insulation not to cake and retain its properties.

Photos: Evgenia Alekseeva.

Editing: Maria Kurochkina.