Understanding Your Body Temperature & the Sleeping Bag Rating System

Those that have tried shopping for sleeping bags know that one of the most commonly displayed features of these bags is the “temperature rating system.” However, many people have experienced that the ratings are not a guarantee that you’ll have a sound night of sleep. Before taking advantage of sleeping bag deals, you might want to consider your temperature while sleeping.

There are primarily two types of sleepers: hot and cold. The hot sleeper can sleep throughout the night with a thin, if any, blanket. It is common for these sleepers to wake up without any sheets covering their body. Partners of these sleepers also tend to complain that the bed is made warmer by their presence.

Cold sleepers, on the other hand, go to bed and wake up with blankets over the body. They often don’t feel warm enough, even with this coverage, due to a slower metabolism during sleep. Those that don’t fall in either category can be categorized as “others” and fall somewhere in between.

Sleeping bag temperature ratings are, in actuality, the closest guess that a manufacturer could make regarding the warmth that the sleeping bag can provide to the average Joe. The number itself is simply the lowest temperature that survival is ensured, not a peaceful rest.

This number is typically determined by allowing employees or testers to try out the bags in a variety of conditions. The main reason that is number is not accurate is because everyone has a different sleeping body temperature.

IncrediBuys.com has sold a variety of sleeping bags by Ledge Sports:

• X-Lite +20
• Youth River Jr. 0 F Degree Mummy
• River +20