How Are Sleeping Bags Rated?

Comfort ratings – what are they?

A sleeping bag’s comfort rating will indicate the optimum temperatures at which the average male or female will feel too warm, comfortable or simply be able to survive, in the sleeping bag. 

There are few average people – some people will be more comfortable at cooler temperatures than others – and so this should be taken only as a guide. If you’re unsure go for the warmer option, as it’s much easier to cool off than it is to get warm.

Comfort ratings are shown as follows:

Upper limit – the highest temperature the average male can expect to have a comfortable night’s sleep at without too much sweating.

Comfort – the temperature at which the average adult woman can expect to have a comfortable sleep. 

Lower limit – the temperature at which the average adult male can expect to have a good night’s sleep in a curled position.

Extreme – the lowest temperature at which the average adult woman can survive. This rating comes with caution and additional consideration should be given if you plan to sleep in temperatures this low.

A wide range between the upper and lower limits is a good feature to look for, indicating an adaptable sleeping bag. If you get cold much easier than the average person, go for a sleeping bag with a higher lower limit.

Season ratings – what are they?