Camping &rsaquo; Guides

Sleeping bag temperature ratings, demystified

Comfort vs limit vs extreme — and why you should buy warmer.

Short version: Buy a bag rated a bit colder than the lowest temperature you expect. Use the comfort rating, not the headline "extreme" number, and remember a sleeping pad matters as much as the bag.

The three numbers

Comfort — the temperature a cold sleeper stays comfortable. Use this one.
Limit — a warm sleeper stays okay, curled up. Optimistic for most.
Extreme — survival only, not sleep. Ignore for planning.

Down vs synthetic

Down is warmer for the weight and packs smaller, but loses warmth wet and costs more. Synthetic is cheaper, bulkier, and keeps some warmth when damp — better for wet climates and budgets.

The thing people forget

You lose most heat into the ground. A sleeping pad with a decent R-value does half the work — a warm bag on a thin pad still sleeps cold. Compare bags and pads together.

Compare sleeping bags →

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