Types of Sleeping Bags
A sleeping bag is basically a blanket that you can close yourself in (usually with a zipper). It functions as your bed when you are camping. The sleeping bags primary purpose is to provide you with warmth and protection from the elements. Sleeping under the stars can be wonderful if the weather cooperates, we recommend that you use a tent along with your sleeping bag (unless you plan on using a bivy for your sleeping bag while backpacking).- Upper Limit: The highest temperature at which a "standard" adult man is able to have a comfortable night's sleep without excess sweating.
- Comfort Rating: Based on a "standard" adult woman having a comfortable night's sleep.
- Lower Limit: Based on the lowest temperature at which a "standard" adult man is deemed to be able to have a comfortable night's sleep.
- Extreme Rating: Survival only rating for a "standard' adult man. This is an extreme survival rating only and it is not advisable to rely on this rating for general use.
These temperature ratings for sleeping bags were standardized in a study in Europe. The sleeping bags produced in the United States use this rating but are not standardized throughout the industry. A zero degree bag from one manufacturer may not provide the same warmth as another manufacturer's zero degree bag.
When looking to purchase a sleeping bag, the ratings are the lowest temperature of warmth the bag will give you. It is not necessarily the lowest temperature of comfort the bag will give you.