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That cheap sleeping bag nearly got me hypothermic last weekend
Camped up near Mount Rainier last Saturday and figured my $40 bag from a big box store would be fine since it said 30 degrees on the tag. Woke up shivering at 3 AM with frost on the inside of my tent, temp was actually 22. Has anyone else had a bag fail way before its rating?
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terryj4511d ago
That 30 degree rating is basically a lie, they test those bags with a bunch of fancy insulation layers and a full meal in your stomach. I learned the hard way that you gotta add at least 10-15 degrees to whatever the tag says for survival, and even then you're gambling if the temp drops more. My buddy had the same issue with a 20 degree bag last winter, woke up with his water bottle frozen solid at 18 degrees.
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Start trusting the European EN rating system instead of the made up US one. @terryj45 is right about adding 10-15 degrees, but honestly for a $40 bag you basically got a glorified blanket. Those big box store tags are straight up lies, they test with hot mannequins wearing thermal gear. Real talk, check the "comfort" rating not the "survival" rating on any bag you buy. Comfort rating is what actually keeps you alive, the survival rating just means you won't die but you'll be MISERABLE. I only buy bags now that have a comfort rating at least 10 degrees below the coldest temp I expect.
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