Season and Temperature
rating sleeping bags

Rating sleeping bags vary according to manufacturer. However, season ratings and temperature comfort ratings are the most commonly used. Both assume use of a sleeping pad and a tent.


Approximate guide

Season ratings are an approximate guide to when you can expect a backpacking sleeping bag to keep you warm. Temperature ratings give the lowest temperature at which the bag should keep you warm or a comfort range.

But remember as individuals have different tolerances to cold and bags are used in different conditions, sleeping bag ratings can only be a rough guide. Be conservative with your temperature ratings when selecting a sleeping bag. You can always unzip a bag if it's too hot. If it's to cold you can wear extra clothing or use a sleeping bag liner.


Recommendation

For wilderness trips I recommend you to always go for a three season or a winter sleeping bag. Three season bags will keep you comfortable when temperatures dip down to 10 degrees above zero. Winter bags keep you safe and warm at temperatures of approximately 5 degrees above zero and lower. Even in summer time the nights can be pretty cold.

After all, there's nothing more miserable than sleeping in a bag in the wilderness and being cold....

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