Overheard two guys at REI arguing about sleeping bag ratings

Was picking up fuel canisters last Tuesday. One guy swore his 20 degree bag was fine for 10 degree nights. Other guy said he almost froze to death trusting that math. Got me thinking about how comfort vs survival ratings differ. Anyone else find their bag's limit is way off from what's printed?

2 comments

2 Comments

skylercooper2d ago

Oh man, the whole "I'm tough, my bag is tougher" thing always gets me. I was on a trip in the White Mountains and a buddy swore his 15 degree bag was fine for a night that hit 5 degrees (he was wrong, obviously). Turned into a whole thing where he ended up sleeping in his rain jacket and shivering so loud we all heard it. My Kelty bag says 20 but I've had it frost up on me at 25, so I just add 15 to whatever the tag says now and plan around that. The temp ratings are honestly a marketing game (or maybe just wishful thinking from the company).

jesse7732d ago

lmao that "I'm tough, my bag is tougher" energy is peak REI parking lot energy right there. Buddy of mine had a 20 degree Marmot bag rated "to keep you alive" not "to keep you comfortable" and he learned that the hard way on a 12 degree night in the Adirondacks. Dude was curled up with his empty backpack like it was a heated blanket. Honestly those temp numbers on tags are basically suggestions from a company that never left their climate controlled office.