What is EN 13537 and How to Choose a Sleeping Bag

EN 13537 is a European standard that defines the minimum requirements for sleeping bags, including the rating system for cold temperatures.

The standard requires sleeping bags to be tested in a laboratory to ensure they meet specific temperature ratings, which are then marked on the bag.

To choose a sleeping bag that suits your needs, you need to consider the temperature rating, which is usually indicated by a comfort temperature and a limit temperature.

The comfort temperature is the temperature at which you'll feel comfortable and relaxed, while the limit temperature is the temperature at which you'll start to feel cold.

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EN 13537 ratings can be confusing, but understanding them can help you choose the right sleeping bag for your needs.

The comfort rating is specifically for women, indicating the lowest temperature at which a woman can remain comfortable in the sleeping bag, provided she's wearing long johns and sleeping on a 1″ pad.

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There are three main ratings to pay attention to: Comfort, Lower Limit, and Extreme.

The Lower Limit rating is for men and designates the lowest temperature at which a man can remain comfortable in the sleeping bag, wearing long johns and sleeping on a 1″ pad.

The Extreme Limit rating designates the coldest temperature you could survive without freezing to death, but be aware that online retailers sometimes misquote it as the Lower Limit or Comfort rating.

Here's a quick summary of the three ratings:

The EN/ISO testing protocols are a standard for all sleeping bags, allowing users to reliably compare bags of similar ratings.

Tests are carried out by independent specialized organizations, including the Norwegian Thelma AS, the German Hohenstein Institute, and the American Institute for Environmental Research.

EN 13537 testing uses dummies, not human beings, to simulate heat release from the human body. The test involves heating the dummy to 34 °C and measuring the thermal energy required to maintain this temperature across different parts of the dummy within a 30-minute period.

The thermal resistance of the model is calculated based on the temperature difference on the surface of the “subject” and outside the sleeping bag (in the climate chamber).

The EN 23537 standard is widely accepted globally, but compliance with its requirements is not mandatory for sleeping bag manufacturers. It remains a recommendation rather than a compulsory standard.

Since 2005, the norme EN 13537 has allowed for a standardized protocol of test and precise temperature ratings, which is a very good thing.

However, 10 years after the implementation of this norm, many users have understood that these 3 temperatures are not to be taken literally, but that many other factors must be taken into account.

To buy a sleeping bag, it is very important to inform yourself on the type of construction of the sac, its fabric, its water resistance, the origin of its filling, to verify the correct size of the bag corresponding to your measurements, and to monitor your hydration, your good nutrition and the type of environment in which the nights will take place.

The norme EN 13537 is simply a first step to allow comparing sleeping bags between them.

Here is a list of countries that use the EN 13537 criterion:

Temperature Ratings are a crucial aspect of EN 13537. The standard uses a range of temperatures to rate a sleeping bag's performance, rather than a single temperature.

The EN/ISO testing protocols involve tucking a sensor-rich, heated manikin into a sleeping bag, and placing them in a cold chamber on a basic foam mat. This test helps establish key benchmarks like when the manikin's heat accumulates in the sleeping bag.

There are three main temperature ratings: Comfort, Limit, and Extreme. The Comfort temperature rating is the most important for beginners, female users, and those sensitive to the cold. It indicates the lowest temperature at which a person can stay warm and comfortable.

The Comfort temperature rating is also known as t° comfort ♀ or t° comfort. Men and experienced tourists can focus on t° comfort ♂ or t° limit, as well as the range between this and the given “female” value.

The Extreme temperature rating is not a recommended focus for everyday use. It's primarily an indicator for potential emergencies and can be kept in mind to avoid panic in such situations.

Here's a summary of the temperature ratings:

The EN 13537 standard has improved the way sleeping bags are labeled, making it easier to compare different models. However, it's essential to consider other factors like the type of construction, fabric, and weather conditions when choosing a sleeping bag.

Temperature specs are especially important during difficult hikes, during the changeable off-season, and during mountain climbing. For these situations, it's recommended to have a temperature margin, which is not just recommended but mandatory.

If you're planning a camping trip, a sleeping bag is a must-have item. The EN 13537 standard is a reliable way to compare sleeping bags and choose one that suits your needs.

The EN/ISO testing protocols are a standard for all sleeping bags, and the ratings from this test allow users to reliably compare bags of similar ratings that test to this standard. The test involves tucking a sensor-rich, heated manikin into a sleeping bag and placing them in a cold chamber on a basic foam mat.

To choose a sleeping bag, you should consider the comfort temperature, also known as t° comfort. This is the temperature at which a woman can stay comfortable, and it's a good indicator for beginners, female users, and those who are more sensitive to the cold.

Men and experienced tourists can focus on t° limit, which is the temperature at which a man can stay comfortable, and also consider the range between this and the given "female" value.

For hot summer nights, consider a sleeping bag with a high t° max rating, which will help you stay cool and comfortable.

Here's a rough guide to help you choose a sleeping bag based on the weather and hiking conditions:

By considering these factors and the EN 13537 standard, you can choose a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and comfortable on your camping trip.