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If you happen to’re able to push your backpacking or tenting out to the shoulder season months — or past — your first buy is probably going a chilly climate sleeping bag. In fact, what constitutes “chilly climate” is subjective. If you happen to stay within the southern climes of america, 45-degree in a single day temperatures would possibly really feel chilly. Fairbanks-based employees author Tyler Freel, in his testing of the best winter jackets for extreme cold set the benchmark at adverse 20. For this story, I’ve centered on sleeping luggage that might be acceptable for circumstances hovering round freezing and down into the kids, however not the intense chilly you may expertise in some components of North America.
If you happen to take just one factor away from this text let or not it’s this: You want a chilly climate sleeping bag and a chilly climate sleeping pad. If you happen to solely add certainly one of these items to your equipment, you may be prone to hypothermia.
Greatest Chilly Climate Sleeping Baggage
Greatest Chilly Climate Sleeping Pads
How I Selected the Greatest Chilly Climate Sleeping Baggage
After I’m testing one thing just like the best backpacking water filters or the best hand warmers, I often must get a little bit artistic. A producer would possibly say that it’ll filter 100,000 gallons or maintain warmth for eight hours, however there’s no method to actually know what it’s able to till you get on the market and check out it in the true world. However that isn’t the case with chilly climate sleeping luggage. For this class, there is just one take a look at you’re going to care about: Is the bag as heat because it says it’s? And that is measured utilizing a third-party testing protocol: ISO 23537-1:2022, previously EN 13537.
Lab Testing Chilly Climate Sleeping Baggage: ISO 23537-1:2022
On this take a look at, a heated manikin is wearing thermal underwear, socks, and a facemask. The manikin is then zipped right into a sleeping bag and positioned on a board with an R worth of 4.8. This all goes inside a temperature managed room. Sensors contained in the sleeping bag measure how heat it’s as soon as the room drops to a set temperature. Whereas only a few sleeping bag producers have their very own testing equipment for this objective, nearly all of them are verified by third events like that of Kansas State University.
There are three outcomes that come out of this take a look at: a “consolation” score, which is the temperature at which you’ll be able to fairly count on to be heat; a “restrict” score, the bottom temperature at which you’ll be able to safely use a sleeping bag; and an “excessive” score. That is the temperature at which you’ll most likely survive, however are in danger for hypothermia and frostbite.
There are, nonetheless, a number of issues with this take a look at. The primary is that it doesn’t take your private physiology under consideration. Some individuals run sizzling and can want much less insulation whereas others run chilly and can want extra. The opposite is that producers usually are not in step with how they use and promote the outcomes of those checks. Some will use the restrict score because the said temperature score of a sleeping bag, whereas others will use the consolation score. Typically they’ll take a look at a few of their luggage, however not others. And generally they bury the ISO testing outcomes on the product web page in favor of their very own inside temperature score system.
However the greatest drawback of all is how restricted ISO testing is. There are many producers who don’t do it in any respect. That is why your 20-degree Walmart sleeping bag isn’t preserving you heat, and it’s additionally why a 20-degree ultralight sleeping bag will not be all the time fairly as much as the job. In spite of everything, the simplest method to save on weight and value is to chop the insulation. Even among the many producers that do carry out this testing, it’s usually restricted to sure fashions and sizes.
This can be a mess, and it makes discovering a sleeping bag with the correct quantity of insulation unnecessarily troublesome, particularly if you have already got a ballpark concept of what number of levels hotter you’re searching for your cold-weather sleeping bag to be. For this story — which focuses on sleeping luggage with a restrict temperature score between -10 levels Fahrenheit and 10 levels Fahrenheit — I went via the web sites of the highest sleeping bag producers and pulled sleeping luggage’ consolation and restrict ISO/EN scores, together with value, measurement, weight, and fill, so to examine side-by-side. The place this info was lacking on producer’s web sites, I queried them instantly for solutions. The complete desk is under, together with 41 compiled picks from 14 totally different manufacturers.
That will help you get began in your seek for the appropriate cold-weather sleeping bag in your wants, I narrowed the sector down to 6 choices that almost all impressed me on heat to weight, inside area, and worth for each down and artificial fashions.
Greatest Chilly Climate Sleeping Baggage: Critiques & Suggestions
Greatest Down: Therm-a-Rest Questar 0F
Key Options
- Restrict Score: 0°F
- Consolation Score: 14° F
- Weight for a Common: 2 kilos, 11 ounces
- Suits People: Lower than 5 ft, 6 inches to six ft, 6 inches
- Shoulder Girth: 58 to 66 inches
- Hip Girth: 58 to 64 inches
Professionals
- Underneath 3 kilos
- Comparatively reasonably priced
- Fairly roomy
- Nice guarantee
Cons
- Not the lightest decide on this checklist
- Chilly sleepers may have a hotter bag or a liner for subfreezing temperatures
Chilly climate sleeping luggage are a balancing act. It must be heat, sure, nevertheless it additionally must be mild sufficient to hold into the backcountry. Some chilly climate sleeping luggage obtain this by trimming down the basic mummy form till it feels such as you’re in a strait-jacket. Others use a lot premium down that they find yourself costing the identical as a down fee on a automotive.
The Therm-a-Relaxation Questar dials in all these competing components to provide a sleeping bag that’s heat and cozy with out breaking the financial institution or weighing over 4 kilos. It achieves this by choosing the extra reasonably priced (if much less flashy) 650 fill energy down and focusing nearly all of it (65 p.c) on the highest of the bag. Solely 35 p.c of the bag’s down is within the backside portion of the bag as a result of the insulation beneath is a much less environment friendly insulator than that on prime of your physique. Down insulates by lofting, trapping air inside its tiny wispy filaments. The portion of the down your physique is on prime of can’t loft, and so isn’t very efficient. That’s why you additionally want a fantastic cold-weather sleeping pad, irrespective of how the down in your sleeping bag is distributed.
The one individuals who shouldn’t seize this bag are people who are likely to toss and switch within the evening, rolling the underside of their sleeping bag on prime of them. If you happen to do this on this bag, you might get up shivering in the midst of the evening.
The upshot is that the Questar is a roomier and lighter weight bag for its value level and heat than the competitors. And it’s backed by Therm-a-Relaxation’s restricted lifetime guarantee, which is among the finest within the enterprise.
Greatest Artificial: Mountain Hardwear Shasta 0F
Key Options
- Restrict Score: 0° F
- Consolation Score: 13° F
- Weight for a Common: 4 kilos, 9 ounces
- Suits People: Lower than 6 ft to six ft, 6 inches
- Shoulder Girth: 62 to 64 inches
- Hip Girth: 55 to 58 inches
Professionals
- Affordably priced
- Nice guarantee
- 80 p.c of the sleeping bag’s insulation is from recycled materials
Cons
- Tight mummy form could also be much less comfy for aspect sleepers or broader people
- Heavy
Loads of backcountry lovers are keen to pay extra for a cold-weather prepared light-weight down sleeping bag. However in case you worth affordability over weight, then you definitely’d be higher off taking a look at an artificial sleeping bag. The Mountain Hardwear Shasta 0F was lower than half the value as my finest down decide, and is simply as heat.
Whereas the Shasta doesn’t resort to redistributing insulation to maximise weight to heat just like the Therm-a-Relaxation Questar, it does sport the basic mummy form of so many cold-weather sleeping luggage. If you happen to’re new to this time period, it’s known as a “mummy” form as a result of these sleeping luggage are so restrictive that they drive you to sleep flat in your again, with out transferring (arms folded over your chest is often elective).
For loads of again sleepers, that is comfy sufficient, particularly since this form is exceptionally good at conserving warmth. For aspect sleepers, nonetheless, it may be a deal breaker. It’s additionally powerful for people with broader shoulders or hips as these will be such a good match that they’re troublesome to zip up. However in case you’re inside the measurement vary of this bag and don’t thoughts sleeping in your again all evening, this can be a nice alternative that can show you how to get monetary savings for the remainder of your equipment.
Roomiest: Western Mountaineering Sequoia MF 5F
Key Options
- Restrict Score: 5° F
- Consolation Score: 18° F
- Weight for a Common: 3 kilos, 4 ounces
- Suits People: Lower than 6 ft to six ft, 6 inches
- Shoulder Girth: 66 inches
- Hip Girth: 61 inches
Professionals
- One of many roomiest cold-weather sleeping luggage with an ISO score
- Surprisingly light-weight given its measurement and options
- Nice guarantee
Cons
- Very costly
- Smallest measurement continues to be pretty massive
If cash isn’t any object and luxury is paramount, then you definitely’ll be properly served by the Western Mountaineering Sequoia MF. Along with having one of many roomiest circumference measurements on the hips of something I checked out, it additionally has a semi-rectangular form (versus mummy) that permits for at the very least some tossing and turning.
It takes lots of insulation to heat up all that further area, however Western Mountaineering retains the burden inside manageable ranges through the use of 850 fill energy down. It additionally has zippers on both sides of the sleeping bag, and an adjustable draft collar. If you happen to’re planning to sleep below a tarp as an alternative of a tent, in addition they make a model made with Gore Infinium material, which is totally windproof and really water-resistant (see the testing completed on the Montbell Versalite, which additionally makes use of this material, within the best rain jackets for backpacking).
Greatest Light-weight: Western Mountaineering Versalite
Key Options
- Restrict Score: 9° F
- Consolation Score: 21° F
- Weight for a Common: 2 kilos
- Suits People: Lower than 5 ft, 6 inches to six ft, 6 inches
- Shoulder Girth: 62 to 63 inches
- Hip Girth: 53 to 54 inches
Professionals
- Solely 2 kilos for a daily measurement
- Obtainable in three measurement ranges
- Nice guarantee
Cons
- Very costly
- Not as heat as different picks on this checklist
This one was a tricky name. The Western Mountaineering Versalite clocks in at a cool 2 kilos for a measurement that might match a 6-foot particular person, however solely goes to a restrict temperature of 9 levels. The Therm-a-Relaxation Parsec, alternatively, weighs 6 ounces extra and goes right down to a 0 diploma restrict score. However, realistically you may most likely discover a sleeping bag liner below 6 ounces that can make up that 10-degree distinction in case you want it, so the Versalite it’s.
Just like the Western Mountaineering Sequoia, this one will get its mild weight from its use of premium down — 850 fill energy down. Fill energy refers back to the variety of cubic inches 30 grams of down can fill. So 30 grams of 650 fill energy down can fill 650 cubic inches, whereas 30 grams of 850 fill energy down will fill 850 cubic inches. The extra cubic inches of lofted fill you have got, the higher insulated you may be.
There are different components that can enhance or hinder insulation, although, so don’t simply search for a sleeping bag with essentially the most loft potential and assume that may be a substitute for the ISO testing. For instance, some sleeping luggage might have down that’s poorly distributed, leading to chilly spots. Others might have a free closure on the neck that permits chilly air to seep in through the evening once you toss and switch.
Greatest Price range Down: Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 0F
Key Options
- Restrict Score: 0° F
- Consolation Score: 13° F
- Weight for a Common: 3 kilos, 2 ounces
- Suits People: Lower than 6 ft to six ft, 6 inches
- Shoulder Girth: 62 to 64 inches
- Hip Girth: 53 to 56 inches
Professionals
- One of many least costly down sleeping luggage in the marketplace
- Not excessively heavy
- Obtainable in a Gore-Tex model
- Nice guarantee
Cons
- Intense mummy form could also be uncomfortable for some people
Down is pricey. Premium down could be very costly. And cold-weather sleeping luggage that use down want much more right down to hold you heat than one thing just like the best down jackets. So down sleeping luggage will nearly all the time be costlier, often far more costly than their artificial counterparts.
Whereas there have been a number of down sleeping luggage in my temperature parameters that had been cheaper (the Marmot Ouray, the Marmot Teton, and the Big Agnes Greystone), they had been all women-specific sleeping luggage. Ladies-specific sleeping luggage are shorter, as a result of girls are sometimes shorter. Shorter sleeping luggage means much less down. Much less down means much less expense.
The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Go 0F stood out as one of many few regular-length down sleeping luggage I checked out that approached the value level of artificial luggage whereas sticking near the burden of different down luggage. The draw back right here is that this can be a very intense mummy form (try the hip measurements earlier than making a closing buy) which may be uncomfortable for some people. It additionally options fewer extras, like a draft collar, in comparison with different choices. (Though they do make a Gore-Tex version for further climate safety.) However for its value and down bonafides, this one is difficult to beat.
Greatest Price range Artificial: Mountain Hardwear Bozeman 0F
Key Options
- Restrict Score: 0° F
- Consolation Score: 13° F
- Weight for a Common: 5 kilos, 7 ounces
- Suits People: Lower than 5 ft, 8 inches to six ft, 6 inches
- Shoulder Girth: 58 to 65 inches
- Hip Girth: 53 to 62 inches
Professionals
- Underneath $200
- Nice guarantee
Cons
With outside gear, you may have two of the next: low weight, low value, nice efficiency. If what you need is nice efficiency and a low value, then the Mountain Hardwear Bozeman 0F it’s. It throws weight proper out the window (this sleeping bag is 5.5 kilos), nevertheless it nails the efficiency at a sub-$200 value level.
Greatest Chilly Climate Sleeping Pads: Critiques & Suggestions
Greatest Total: Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions
Key Options
- R Score: 8.5
- Weight for a Common Mummy: 1 pound, 4 ounces
- Obtainable Sizes: Common, common mummy, common extensive, lengthy extensive
Professionals
- Greatest warmth-to-weight ratio there’s
- Comes with a useful velcro strap
- Bigger measurement is a superb match for greater people
Cons
Whenever you’re sleeping outside in chilly climate, you want safety from two issues: the chilly of the air and the chilly of the bottom. Sleeping luggage, each down and artificial, are aces at defending you from the chilly of the air. The chilly of the bottom, thought? Not a lot. That’s what your sleeping pad goes to do. One of the best chilly climate sleeping pads are examined to find out their R worth, which is a measurement of their capability to dam (resist) chilly temperatures from creeping via. The upper the R worth, the extra safety you’ll have. If the bottom goes to be coated in snow or frozen, you need at the very least an R worth of seven. The upper the higher.
Learn Subsequent: What Is R Value? It’s Why Your Sleeping Bag Doesn’t Keep You Warm
I examined out the Nemo Tensor Excessive Situations and if heat and packability is your aim (it’s), there’s nothing higher. It packs right down to lower than a Nalgene, it solely weighs a few pound, and it’s simple to inflate utilizing the supplied pump sack. Three inches of peak means you’ll be lots comfy however, extra importantly, an R worth of 8.5 goes that will help you sleep a complete lot hotter than you’d in any other case.
Greatest Light-weight: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm
Key Options
- R Score: 7.3
- Weight for a Mummy Common: 15.5 ounces
- Obtainable Sizes: Common mummy, common extensive mummy, and enormous mummy
Professionals
- Underneath a pound
- Mummy form accessible throughout all sizes
Cons
- Valve and stuff sack aren’t my favorites
- Not as insulative as the opposite two on this checklist
Every thing about chilly climate tenting and backpacking is large and heavy. If you happen to’re attempting to realize a sub-25 pound base weight (the perfect we are able to hope for generally), then it is best to severely think about the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir Xtherm. It’s not fairly as insulative as Nemo’s Tensor Excessive Situations, however it’s a contact lighter. Even higher, it maintains the burden financial savings of the mum form throughout the lineup, so you may benefit from the weight financial savings of shaving off the corners of your pad within the massive and extensive variations as properly.
Learn Subsequent: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir vs Nemo Tensor
Greatest for Tenting: Exped Deep Sleep
Key Options
- R Score: 9
- Weight for a Common: 3 kilos, 10 ounces
- Obtainable Sizes: Common, common extensive, lengthy extensive, lengthy further extensive, duo
Professionals
- Very excessive R score
- Cheaper than the opposite choices right here
- Exped affords a two-person version of the Deep Sleep
Cons
If you happen to’re tenting out of a car, then you definitely’re most likely not all that involved about weight, leaving you to deal with efficiency and value. For my cash, the winner for that’s the Exped Deep Sleep. Whereas arguably not fairly as comfy because the Exped MegaMat, it’s acquired a better R score, extra sturdy material, and cheaper price level. Even higher, it’s provided in a greater diversity of sizes, together with a two-person pad.
Chilly Climate Sleeping Baggage Backed up by ISO Testing
Under is a complete checklist of accessible sleeping luggage with a restrict score between -10 levels Fahrenheit and 10 levels Fahrenheit.
Sleeping Bag | Restrict Score | Consolation Score | Value | Weight | Suits Up To | Shoulder Girth | Hip Girth | Fill |
Big Agnes Greystone 0° | 3° F | 16° F | R: $370 L: $370 |
R: 3 lbs, 5 oz L: 3 lbs, 9 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 60” L: 63” |
R: 54” L: 57” |
600 fp down |
Big Agnes Women’s Greystone 20° | 10° F | 23° F | R $270 L: $270 |
R: 2 lbs, 5 oz L: 2 lbs, 9 oz |
R: 5’ 6” L: 6’ |
R: 54” L: 57” |
R: 53” L: 56” |
600 fp down |
Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 0° | -1° F | 12° F | R: $450 L: $450 |
R: 3 lbs, 12 oz L: 4 lbs, 2 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 62” L: 65” |
R: 54” L: 57” |
650 fp down |
Big Agnes Lost Ranger UL 3N1 0° | 4° F | 17° F | R: $670 L: $670 |
R: 2 lbs, 15 oz L: 3 lbs, 3 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 62” L: 65” |
R: 54” L: 57” |
850 fp down |
Big Agnes Women’s Roxy Ann 3N1 15° | -1° F | 15° F | R: $400 L: $400 |
R: 3 lbs, 5 oz L: 3 lbs, 11 oz |
R: 5’ 6” L: 6’ |
R: 56” L: 59” |
R: 51” L: 54” |
650 fp down |
Exped Waterbloc Pro 5° | 9° F | 21° F | S: $800 R: $800 L: $800 |
S: 2 lbs, 11 oz R: 2 lbs, 13 oz L: 2 lbs, 15 oz |
S: 5’ 8” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 62” R: 62” L: 63” |
S: N/A R: N/A L: N/A |
850 fp down |
Exped Ultra -5° | -4° F | 17° F | MW: $900 LW: $900 |
MW: 3 lbs, 2 oz LW: 3 lbs, 5 oz |
MW: 6’ LW: 6’ 6” |
MW: 64” LW: 65” |
MW: N/A LW: N/A |
850 fp down |
Therm-a-Rest Parsec 0° | 0° F | 14° F | S: $530 R: $570 L: $620 |
S: 2 lbs, 2 oz R: 2 lbs, 6 oz L: 2 lbs, 9 oz |
S: 5’ 6” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 58” R: 63” L: 66” |
S: 57” R: 58” L: 59” |
800 fp down |
Kuiu Super Down Sleeping Bag 0° | 1° F | N/A | R: $750 L: $800 |
R: 2 lbs, 9 oz L: 2 lbs, 12 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 62” L: 64” |
R: 57” L: 59” |
850 fp down |
Marmot Women’s Ouray 0° | 0° F | 14° F | $340 | 3 lbs, 13 oz | 5’ 6” | 58” | 57” | 650 fp down |
Marmot Women’s Teton 15° | 0° F | 14° F | $310 | 3 lbs, 10 oz | 5’ 6” | 58” | 57” | 650 fp down |
Montbell Seamless Down Hugger 800 Expedition | -4° F | 10° F | R: $720 L: $770 |
R: 3 lbs L: 3 lbs, 6 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 51” (72”) L: 55” (77”) |
N/A | 800 fp down |
Montbell Seamless Down Hugger 800 #0 | 9° F | 21° F | R: $560 L: $610 |
R: 2 lbs, 3 oz L: 2 lbs, 6 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 51” (72”) L: 55” (77”) |
N/A | 800 fp down |
Montbell Down Hugger 650 #0 | 5° F | 18° F | R: $420 L: $450 |
R: 3 lbs L: 3 lbs, 7 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 54” (68”) L: 58” (73”) |
N/A | 650 fp down |
Montbell Seamless Burrow Bag Expedition | 0° F | 12° F | R: $250 L: $270 |
R: 5 lbs, 15 oz L: 7 lbs |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 58” (73”) L: 62” (70”) |
N/A | Exceloft |
Montbell Seamless Burrow Bag #0 | 5° F | 18° F | R: $230 L: $240 |
R: 4 lbs, 9 oz L: 4 lbs, 15 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 57” (72”) L: 61” (77”) |
N/A | Exceloft |
Montbell Down Hugger 800 Women’s #0 | 9° F | 21° F | $540 | 2 lbs, 1 oz | 5’ 8” | N/A | N/A | 800 fp down |
Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 0° | 0° F | 13° F | R: $325 L: $345 |
R: 3 lb, 2 oz L: 3 lbs, 5 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 62” L: 64” |
R: 53” L: 56” |
650 fp down |
Mountain Hardwear Bozeman 0° | 0° F | 13° F | S: $170 R: $180 L: $190 |
S: 4 lbs, 13 oz R: 5 lbs, 7 oz L: 6 lbs, 2 oz |
S: 5’ 8” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 58” R: 62” L: 65” |
S: 53” R: 58” L: 62” |
ThermalQ |
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0° | 0° F | 13° F | S: $670 R: $680 L: $710 |
S: 2 lbs, 8 oz R: 2 lbs, 11 oz L: 2 lbs, 13 oz |
S: 5’ 8” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 56” R: 58” L: 60” |
S: 49” R: 52” L: 55” |
850 fp down |
Mountain Hardwear Phantom Gore-Tex 0° | 0° F | 13° F | R: $830 L: $860 |
R: 3 lbs, 4 oz L: 3 lbs, 7 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 64” L: 64” |
R: 58” L: 58” |
850 fp down |
Mountain Hardwear Shasta 0° | 0° F | 13° F | R: $200 L: $210 |
R: 4 lbs, 9 oz L: 4 lbs, 15 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 62” L: 64” | R: 55” L: 58” |
Thermal.Q |
NEMO Sonic 0° | 0° F | 14° F | S: $550 R: $600 L: $650 |
S: 3 lbs, 4 oz R: 3 lbs, 6 oz L: 3 lbs, 12 oz |
S: 5’ 6” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 61” R: 63” L: 65” |
S: 56” R: 58” L: 60” |
800 fp down |
NEMO Forte Endless Promise Women’s 20° | 8° F | 21° F | R: $220 L: $240 |
R: 3 lbs, 13 oz L: 4 lbs, 4 oz |
R: 5’ 6” L: 6’ |
R: 59” L: 59” |
R: 54” L: 54” |
Artificial Zerofiber™ PCR |
Rab Mythic 600 Down | 10° F | 23° F | $750 | 2 lb, 1 oz | 6’ | 63” | 53” | 900 fp down |
Rab Neutrino Pro 700 Down | -4° F | 14° F | $580 | 2 lb, 11 oz | 6’ | 63” | 53” | 800 fp down |
Sea to Summit Trek 0° | 0° F | 12° F | R: $430 L: $460 |
R: 4 lbs, 3 oz L: 4 lbs, 10 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 4” |
R: 62” L: 66” |
R: 59” L: 63” |
650 fp down |
Sea to Summit Trek Women’s 15° | 3° F | 16° F | R: $400 L: $430 |
R: 3 lbs, 9 oz L: 4 lbs |
R: 5’ 7” L: 6’ 1” |
R:57” L: 61” |
R: 57” L: 61” |
650 fp down |
Sea to Summit Spark 0° | 0° F | 14° F | R: $650 L: $680 |
R: 2 lbs, 7 oz L: 2 lbs, 11 oz |
R: 6’ 1” L: 6’ 6” |
R: 61” L: 65” |
R: 53” L: 57” |
850 fp down |
Sea to Summit Spark Women’s 15° | 5° F | 16° F | R: $550 L: $580 |
R: 2 lbs, 1 oz L: 2 lbs, 4 oz |
R: 5’ 7” L: 6’ 1” |
R: 56” L: 64” |
R: 52” L: 56” |
850 fp down |
Stone Glacier Chilkoot 0° | 0° F | 14° F | $650 | 2 lbs, 10 oz | 6’ 5” | 64” | 48” | 850 fp down |
The North Face One Bag | 5° F | 20° F | $350 | R: 3 lbs, 13 oz L: 4 lbs, 2 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 61” L: 63” |
R: 57” L: 59” |
800 fp down and Heatseeker Eco Superior |
Therm-a-Rest Questar 0° | 0° F | 14° F | S: $410 R: $440 L: $470 |
S: 2 lbs, 9 oz R: 2 lbs, 11 oz L: 3 lbs, 1 oz |
S: 5’ 6” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 58” R: 63” L: 66” |
S: 58” R: 61” L: 64” |
650 fp down |
Therm-a-Rest Saros 0° | 0° F | 14° F | S: $220 R: $250 L: $270 |
S: 4lbs, 5 oz R: 4 lbs, 15 oz L: 5 lbs, 4 oz |
S: 5’ 6” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 58” R: 63” L: 66” |
S: 58” R: 63” L: 64” |
eraLoft Polyester Hole Fiber |
Western Mountaineering Antelope GWS | -2° F | 10° F | S: $875 R: $905 L: $930 |
S: 2 lbs, 10 oz R: 2 lbs, 13 oz L: 2 lbs, 15 oz |
S: 5’ 6” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 62” R: 62” L: 63” |
S: 53” R: 53” L: 54” |
850 fp down |
Western Mountaineering Antelope MF | -1° F | 13° F | S: $740 R: $760 L: $790 |
S: 2 lbs, 5 oz R: 2 lbs, 7 oz L: 2 lbs, 9 oz |
S: 5’ 6” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 62” R: 62” L: 63” |
S: 53” R: 53” L: 54” |
850 fp down |
Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF | -1° F | 13° F | S: $835 R: $860 L: $885 |
S: 2 lbs, 12 oz R: 2 lbs, 15 oz L: 3 lbs, 1 oz |
S: 6’ R: 6’ 6” L: 7’ |
S: 66” R: 67” L: 67” |
S: 57” R: 58” L: 58” |
850 fp down |
Western Mountaineering Kodiak GWS | -2° F | 10° F | S: $985 R: $1,015 L: $1,055 |
S: 3 lbs, 2 oz R: 3 lbs, 5 oz L: 3 lbs, 8 oz |
S: 6’ R: 6’ 6” L: 7’ |
S: 66” R: 67” L: 67” |
S: 57” R: 58” L: 58” |
850 fp down |
Western Mountaineering Sequoia GWS | 0° F | 14° F | R: $1,055 L: $1,095 |
R: 3 lbs, 10 oz L: 3 lbs, 13 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 66” L: 66” |
R: 61” L: 61” |
850 fp down |
Western Mountaineering Sequoia MF | 5° F | 18° F | R: $925 L: $960 |
R: 3 lbs, 4 oz L: 3 lbs, 7 oz |
R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
R: 66” L: 66” |
R: 61” L: 61” |
850 fp down |
Western Mountaineering VersaLite | 9° F | 21° F | S: $705 R: $720 L: $735 |
S: 1 lb, 14 oz R: 2 lbs L: 2 lbs, 2 oz |
S: 5’ 6” R: 6’ L: 6’ 6” |
S: 62” R: 62” L: 63” |
S: 53” R: 53” L: 54” |
850 fp down |
Chilly Climate Sleeping Baggage with out EN or ISO Scores
Third-party sleeping bag testing is pricey, to the tune of $1,000 per take a look at. As such, most sleeping bag producers will take a look at some, however not all of their sleeping luggage. In my expertise, if a sleeping bag producer has examined one temperature score, typically the temperature scores of the remainder of the sequence can be correct. That is notably true for gear producers like Therm-a-Relaxation which have their very own testing services in home that they use.
Nevertheless, there are a number of sleeping bag producers that eschew the ISO scores for an additional cause: They suppose their very own testing and expertise outweighs the simulated setting utilized in ISO testing. This, to me, is kind of subjective, however there are a few sleeping bag corporations who don’t take a look at utilizing ISO or EN to have in your radar. When you can seemingly belief these corporations’ luggage to carry out as marketed, don’t attempt to examine them to ISO rated luggage from different producers.
- Feathered Friends: Feathered Buddies has 40 years of expertise making down every part (sleeping luggage, jackets, expedition fits), with a deal with mountaineering. Whereas I want they did use the ISO testing to offer extra correct apples to apples comparability of their merchandise with the likes of Therm-a-Relaxation and Western Mountaineering (who even have a historical past of manufacturing merchandise for these communities), presently this isn’t info they supply.
- Wiggys: As employees author Tyler Freel famous in his overview of the Antarctic in our roundup of the best sleeping bags, Wiggys is the gold customary in case you are critical about staying heat in excessive chilly. Wiggys make sleeping luggage with scores as little as adverse 60 (method past what the ISO take a look at goes to), and they’re what individuals in Alaska truly use in chilly climate.
What to Search for in a Chilly Climate Sleeping Bag
EN or ISO-Rated Temperatures
It was as soon as the case that there was no method to know if a sleeping bag producer’s 0-degree sleeping bag was acceptable to be used in sub-freezing circumstances — and lots of weren’t. Thankfully, now there’s a customary take a look at for sleeping luggage to guage heat: ISO 23537. This was once known as EN 13537, so in case you see a sleeping bag referring to their EN score, that’s OK too.
This take a look at is completed in a managed setting utilizing a heated model with temperature sensors on it, and an insulated sleeping pad — there’s even a protocol for what sort of clothes the model is sporting. The take a look at supplies three temperature scores. The primary is the consolation score. That is the bottom temperature at which the typical lady can be heat. The subsequent is the restrict score. That is the bottom temperature earlier than the typical man begins shivering. People who run particularly sizzling might discover that they’re nonetheless comfy at this score, however most won’t. Lastly, there’s the intense score. That is the temperature at which you’ll most likely survive, however are in danger for hypothermia and frostbite.
Additional complicating issues is that ISO 23537-1:2022 is usually solely used for sleeping luggage with a hood — typically, that is solely mummy-shaped sleeping luggage. That is fairly irritating for backpackers and backpack hunters that use quilts or extra conventional rectangular sleeping luggage, however till a typical is created for these different sleep methods, count on there to be some variation in how heat equally rated quilts are between producers. You may determine which temperature scores had been completed utilizing this customary by searching for ISO-rated consolation and restrict temperatures on the sleeping bag producers’ web site.
So in case you are shopping for a 0-degree sleeping bag, which of the above scores does it discuss with? Sadly, this isn’t standardized. Some sleeping bag producers state the consolation score; some state the restrict score. To make sure your sleeping goes to be comfy at 0 levels you’ll must examine the technical specs, which is able to specify consolation and restrict scores. It is best to actually do that anyway, since some sleeping bag producers are utilizing Celsius as an alternative of Fahrenheit, and you might be in for a impolite awakening if you buy a sleeping bag rated for -5 C.
There are some limitations to the ISO testing protocol. It doesn’t take a look at for temperatures under -25 levels Fahrenheit. It doesn’t certify sleeping luggage for youngsters. And it doesn’t permit for hoodless sleeping. Lastly, as a result of it’s happening in a managed setting, particular person expertise might fluctuate.
However for first-time cold-weather sleeping bag purchases, it’s a God ship. Till you might be comfy with the popularity and nuances of your most well-liked sleeping bag producer, the EN/ISO scores are going to offer the peace of thoughts it is advisable to truly make a purchase order.
Different Components to Contemplate When Selecting a Chilly Climate Sleeping Bag
Selecting a Temperature Score
One of the best ways to know what temperature score you want in your sleeping bag is, sadly, expertise. And as soon as you already know what you want for, say, 30-degree in a single day temperatures, it turns into rather a lot simpler to determine what it is best to use for 10-degree in a single day temperatures. But when that is your first time buying a sleeping bag with an ISO-rating, listed here are my suggestions.
- Common males: Choose a bag primarily based on its restrict score
- Common men and women who run chilly: Choose a bag primarily based on its consolation score
- Ladies who run chilly: Select a bag that has a 10-degree hotter consolation score
Size
Selecting a chilly climate sleeping bag that matches your physique is essential, nevertheless it’s additionally essential to decide on one which isn’t too lengthy. Overly massive sleeping luggage can take longer to heat up, which will be fairly uncomfortable in freezing temps.
Shoulder and Hip Girth
Sadly, essentially the most heat-efficient sleeping form is the mummy-style sleeping bag and nearly all the chilly climate sleeping luggage accessible are some variation of this form. The issue with this model of sleeping bag is that it assumes your physique goes to have common proportions, and there are many our bodies on the market that don’t. I’ve supplied hip and shoulder measurements within the above specs to get you began, however make sure you get into your sleeping bag earlier than taking it out into the sector so you may make certain that you match comfortably.
Weight and Packed Dimension
Backpackers and backpack hunters ought to think about, however not overly deal with weight and packed measurement. If it’s a must to get an even bigger backpack to accommodate your chilly climate sleeping bag, then so be it: Don’t skimp on the temperature score of your sleeping bag for lack of area. People who’re touring by different means ought to pay no consideration to weight and packed measurement in any respect.
Value
Metal your self: True chilly climate sleeping luggage are expensive, particularly in case you are searching for a down possibility. Even the price range choices are going to run you upwards of $200, and if you would like one thing constituted of a premium down, count on to pay properly over $600.
Climate Resistance
Most of the sleeping luggage I checked out used a therapy on the down to assist it resist water, however some took it a step additional and used a weather-resistance shell materials. If you happen to plan to make use of one of many best camping tarps, exposing you to the wind and a few rain, that is one thing to contemplate.
What to Search for in a Chilly Climate Sleeping Pad
Down and artificial fills work by trapping air, making a barrier between the heat inside your sleeping bag and the chilly, chilly air exterior of it. And sleeping luggage that defend you from chilly climate must lure lots of air to maintain you heat. You may see this occurring as quickly as you pull the bag out of its stuff sack; this capability to lure air is how a down sleeping bag can go from one thing the dimensions of a toaster oven to a totally lofted sack of heat. However there’s a catch: If the down can’t loft (fill with air), it’s dropping a ton (though not all) of its insulation potential. And there’s something that’s stopping an enormous portion of your sleeping bag from lofting: you. The portion of your sleeping bag that’s beneath your physique will not be lofting, and isn’t defending you.
Learn Subsequent: Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads
In case you are sleeping in a hammock, you should utilize a product known as an underquilt to dam the chilly, however in case you are sleeping instantly on the bottom (as most cold-weather campers are) you want an insulated sleeping pad. Insulated sleeping pads block the temperature of the bottom from seeping via to the opposite aspect, and their capability to do that is measured utilizing an R score. Like with ISO sleeping bag scores, that is completed by a 3rd get together utilizing a particular testing protocol, so you may belief that one producer’s 4.2 R score is similar as one other producer’s 4.2 R score.
R-Score Chart
Whereas the under chart is offering suggestions primarily based on ambient air temperatures, keep in mind that the temperature of the bottom is what your sleeping pad is obstructing. In early spring, the bottom could also be fairly chilly regardless that the ambient air temperature will not be particularly chilly. The inverse could also be true for the autumn months.
Temperatures | Common Producer Advice | My Advice for Chilly Sleepers |
Heat (55 F or hotter) | 1.5 | 2 |
Cool (40 F to 55 F) | 3 | 4.5 |
Chilly (25 F to 40 F) | 4 | 6 |
Excessive Chilly (lower than 25 F) | 5+ | 7+ |
In my expertise, the R score suggestions supplied are sometimes too conservative, particularly for people that determine as chilly sleepers. When you’ve got been struggling to remain heat in an appropriately rated sleeping bag, think about buying further floor insulation earlier than buying a brand new sleeping bag. One reasonably priced method to experiment with that is to buy the Therm-a-Relaxation Ridgerest, a closed-cell foam pad that has an R worth of two. In your subsequent outing, strive doubling up your present sleeping pad with the Therm-a-Relaxation Ridgerest. R worth is cumulative, so in case your present sleeping pad has an R worth of 4 and also you pair it with the Ridgerest, you’ll find yourself with an R worth of 6.
The ISO sleeping bag take a look at is completed utilizing a 4.8 R-rated sleeping pad: That is the minimal R-rating it is best to have in case you are headed out for an evening of sleeping in chilly climate. If you happen to sleep chilly, I’d begin with a 7 R-rating for something under freezing temps. In my expertise testing and recommending outside gear, having an insufficient sleeping pad is often the rationale somebody is sleeping chilly; not the sleeping bag. I’ve additionally discovered that chilly sleepers are particularly delicate to having insufficient sleeping pads: If you happen to sleep chilly, don’t hesitate to buy a sleeping pad rated for excessive circumstances in your shoulder season journey. It’s going to make an enormous distinction.
FAQs
Whereas many individuals prefer to put the most effective backpacking pillows contained in the hood of their chilly climate sleeping bag, the hood is supposed to go round your head. Cinch it tight sufficient that it stays in place however not so tight that it blocks your mouth in case your head turns sideways when you sleep.
Many trendy sleeping luggage have a sturdy water-resistant (DWR) therapy on the skin to stop water from seeping inside and swamping the insulation. Past that, search for a ripstop nylon or polyester shell material that’s between 10D and 20D in case you are backpacking, greater if weight isn’t a consideration.
Ladies sometimes run colder than males, and so extra usually want a hotter sleeping bag. You realize your physique finest, so if you already know you run heat, be at liberty to make use of the restrict score as an alternative of the consolation score when making your choice.
There are execs and cons to down and artificial. Down supplies the identical insulation at a decrease weight, however is fragile and does poorly when moist. Artificial insulation is heat even when moist and cheaper, however is considerably bulkier and heavier. Contemplate your priorities when selecting a chilly climate sleeping bag.
Learn Subsequent: Down versus Synthetic Sleeping Bags
Remaining Ideas
Whether or not you’ve been sleeping chilly within the alpine or seeking to broaden your adventuring out to the shoulder season and past, there’s a cold-weather sleeping bag for you. I’ve compiled an inventory of the ISO-rated sleeping luggage from prime producers, so to get began in your search with confidence.
Greatest Chilly Climate Sleeping Baggage
Greatest Chilly Climate Sleeping Pads