Sleeping Bags Explained

A Comprehensive Guide to Backpacking Sleeping Bags

When heading out on a backpacking trip, a good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining energy and morale. One of the most essential pieces of gear to ensure this is your sleeping bag. However, with various rating systems, fill types, and even the option of using a quilt instead of a traditional sleeping bag, it can be challenging to choose the right option. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about backpacking sleeping bags, including the different rating systems, fill types, and when a quilt might be a better choice.

Understanding Sleeping Bag Temperature Rating Systems

Temperature ratings are one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a sleeping bag. These ratings indicate the lowest temperature at which a sleeping bag will keep the average person warm.

EN/ISO Temperature Ratings

Most modern sleeping bags use standardized temperature ratings according to the EN (European Norm) 13537 or the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 23537 standards. These ratings typically include three key temperature points:

Comfort Rating: This is the lowest temperature at which the average woman can sleep comfortably. It’s usually the most realistic temperature rating to consider for most users.
Lower Limit Rating: This is the lowest temperature at which the average man can sleep comfortably in a curled position. It’s typically used as a baseline for determining the lowest temperature at which the bag should be used.
Extreme Rating: This rating indicates the lowest temperature at which the bag can keep you alive without frostbite. It’s more of a survival rating than a comfort rating and should not be used as a guide for regular use.

Key Consideration: When selecting a sleeping bag, always choose one with a comfort rating that matches the expected temperatures of your trip. This ensures you’ll stay warm without overheating.

Fill Types: Down vs. Synthetic

The fill material inside your sleeping bag determines its warmth, weight, compressibility, and how it performs in different conditions. There are two main types of fill: down and synthetic.

Down Fill

Down is a natural insulator made from the fine feathers found under the outer feathers of ducks or geese. It is highly valued for its warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility.

Pros:

Superior Warmth-to-Weight Ratio: Down provides excellent insulation for its weight, making it ideal for ultralight backpacking.
Highly Compressible: Down sleeping bags can be packed down into a very small size, making them easy to carry.
Durable: With proper care, down can last much longer than synthetic materials.

Cons:

Expensive: High-quality down sleeping bags tend to be more expensive than synthetic options.
Poor Performance When Wet: Down loses its insulating properties when wet, which can be a serious drawback in wet or humid conditions. While water-resistant down (treated with a hydrophobic coating) can help mitigate this, it’s not foolproof.
Allergy Potential: Some people are allergic to down or feathers, making these bags unsuitable for them.

Synthetic Fill

Synthetic insulation is typically made from polyester fibers. It mimics the properties of down but with some key differences.

Pros:

Better Performance When Wet: Synthetic fill retains much of its insulating properties even when wet, making it a better choice for damp environments.
More Affordable: Synthetic sleeping bags are generally less expensive than down options.
Hypoallergenic: Synthetic fill is a good option for people with allergies to down or feathers.

Cons:

Heavier and Bulkier: Synthetic bags typically weigh more and don’t compress as well as down bags, making them less ideal for ultralight backpacking.
Shorter Lifespan: Synthetic insulation tends to break down faster than down, meaning the bag will lose its warmth over time.

When a Quilt Might Be a Better Option

Backpacking quilts are an alternative to traditional sleeping bags that have been gaining popularity, especially among ultralight hikers. A quilt is essentially a sleeping bag without a back or a hood, relying on your sleeping pad to provide insulation beneath you.

Pros of Quilts:

Lighter Weight: By eliminating the insulation on the underside (which gets compressed and loses its insulating properties anyway), quilts can be significantly lighter than sleeping bags.
Greater Versatility: Quilts offer more freedom of movement and can be adjusted for varying temperatures by opening or closing the foot box or by layering.
Better Ventilation: Quilts are less confining, allowing you to regulate your temperature more easily on warmer nights.
More Packable: Quilts generally compress smaller than sleeping bags, saving valuable space in your pack.

Cons of Quilts:

Less Warmth: Because quilts don’t have insulation underneath, they rely heavily on your sleeping pad for warmth. If your pad isn’t well-insulated, you might feel cold.
No Hood: Quilts lack a hood, so you’ll need to wear a hat or balaclava to keep your head warm in colder conditions.
Drafts: Quilts can allow drafts if not tucked in properly, which can be a concern in colder environments.

When to Choose a Quilt:

Warm Weather: Quilts are an excellent choice for warm-weather backpacking, where the extra warmth of a sleeping bag isn’t necessary.
Ultralight Backpacking: If minimizing weight is a priority, a quilt can shave precious ounces off your pack.
Versatility: If you want a sleep system that can adapt to a range of temperatures, a quilt offers more flexibility than a sleeping bag.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sleeping system for your backpacking trips depends on a variety of factors, including expected temperatures, weight preferences, and personal comfort. Understanding the temperature rating systems, the differences between down and synthetic fills, and the benefits of quilts versus sleeping bags can help you make an informed decision.

For those who need maximum warmth in a lightweight package and don’t mind the cost, a down sleeping bag is hard to beat. If you’re looking for a more affordable option or are concerned about wet conditions, a synthetic sleeping bag may be more appropriate. And if you’re an ultralight hiker or planning a trip in warmer weather, a quilt could be the perfect solution for your needs.

Whatever option you choose, investing in a high-quality sleeping system will ensure you stay warm, comfortable, and well-rested on your backpacking adventures.