Sleeping bags

Can you recommend a sleeping bag for allergy sufferers?

This depends entirely on the type of allergy. For those who are allergic to dust mites or pollen, we would recommend a synthetic fibre sleeping bag, since the care and maintenance procedures are simpler and they can be washed more frequently. You will find an overview of our synthetic fibre sleeping bags here.

If you suffer from an allergy to specific materials like down or certain artificial fibres, you need to check which materials are used to determine whether the bag is suitable for you.

How do men’s and women’s models of sleeping bag differ?

JACK WOLFSKIN offers a comprehensive range of sleeping bags in both different lengths and gender-specific designs, as only a “well-fitting” sleeping bag can function to its full insulation specification.

Our dedicated women’s models are cut wider at the hips. The hood and foot box also benefit from an additional quantity of fill/ interlining.

NOTE: Two JACK WOLFSKIN sleeping bags with zips on different sides can be combined to make a double sleeping bag.

Why do I feel cold in my sleeping bag even though it is recommended for lower temperatures?

What do the sleeping bag temperature ratings mean?

The upper temperature limit (T max) defines the highest temperature at which the user can sleep comfortably without sweating profusely. Usually this is defined as the measurement for a “standard male” with the bag partially open. This is the upper limit of the comfort range.

The comfort temperature (T comf) defines the lower limit of the comfort range and the upper limit of the transition range and is the temperature at which the “standard female” user lying in a relaxed position gets a comfortable night’s sleep without feeling cold.

The lower temperature limit (T lim) defines the lower transitional temperature limit, and the upper risk limit, at which the “standard male” lying in the foetal position gets a comfortable night’s sleep without feeling cold.

The extreme temperature limit (T extreme) is the lowest temperature at which the sleeping bag protects the “standard female” user from hypothermia, i.e. without the body’s core temperature falling to a dangerous level. The extreme temperature defines the lower limit of the risk range.

The expected night-time temperatures should lie within the comfort range of the sleeping bag.

These values are based on the European Standard  EN 13 537 for sleeping bags and are determined by means of a standardised test conducted with a thermal dummy under controlled conditions. They assume the use of an insulating sleeping mat.

How reliable are the temperature ratings for sleeping bags?

The ratings are generally very reliable. Since January 1^st 2005, all sleeping bags have been categorised in accordance with European Standard EN13 537. The system has the advantage (for both the trade and the customer) of allowing comparisons to be made between sleeping bags produced by different manufacturers, since every European sleeping bag provider is obliged by law to test and label their bags in full compliance with this industry standard.

Individual susceptibility to the cold remains very subjective and difficult to quantify, however, since it is dependent on various factors. This means the tests can never be 100% accurate and the ratings should therefore be interpreted as a guide only.

The temperature ratings provide the best currently available method of comparison and standardisation.  The following simplified summary will be of help when selecting a sleeping bag:

• In the red comfort zone, even the inexperienced user will feel comfortable.
• In the white transitional zone, the experienced user will be able to adapt to the colder conditions, e.g. by wearing extra clothing.
• In the blue risk zone, the experienced professional will be obliged to take suitable additional precautions to prevent hypothermia.

These values are based on the European Standard  EN 13 537 for sleeping bags and are determined by means of a standardised test conducted with a thermal dummy under controlled conditions. They assume the use of an insulating sleeping mat.

How is the sleeping bag fill constructed/ attached?

What are the differences between down and synthetic fibre sleeping bags?

Down sleeping bags:

• virtually unbeatable warmth-to-weight performance
• should not be allowed to get damp
• for trips in icy cold weather conditions with sufficient opportunities for airing and drying 

Synthetic fibre sleeping bags:

• heavier than down but less sensitive and easier care and maintenance
• warm even when damp

for trips in damp weather conditions or with limited opportunities for airing and drying

Which features are special for Jack Wolfskin sleeping bags?