Sleeping-bags
In response to questions about sleeping bags we have added these notes…
We recommend a good quality “3 season” sleeping bag for all participants. Although we do not expect night frosts during the summer we can experience cold nights on occasion, particularly in the first and last months of the season (May and September).
If you are unsure about your sleeping bag, it is possible to increase its warmth and comfort with a liner and good mattress.
Season classification
- 1-2 Season Bag: Comfortable down to +5°C
- 2 Season Bag: Comfortable down to +1°C
- 2-3 Season Bag: Comfortable down to -2°C
- 3 Season Bag: Comfortable down to -5°C
- 4 Season Bag: Comfortable down to -7°C
Comfort ratings (EN 13537)
Sleeping bags on sale within the EU are marked with a standard EN rating for temperature, which provides a standard to compare types and brands. The comfort rating of a sleeping bag relates to the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep the average person warm and should be used only as a guide. The minimum recommended temperature relates to the lowest temperature recommended by the manufacturer, but it is important to note that it can be difficult to sleep well at the extreme end of the temperature rating.
Sleeping bags are labeled with 3 distinct temperature ratings (strangely including differences for men and women):
- EN Comfort – This is the lowest temperature at which a Woman will have an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
- EN Comfort Limit – This is the lowest temperature at which a Man will have an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
- EN Extreme – This is a survival rating only. It shows the lowest temperature at which a Woman should avoid hypothermia.
It is important to note that the EN Extreme rating is NOT a suitable rating to base your choice of sleeping bag on.
Thórsmörk Trail Volunteers 