In Europe, sleeping bags are certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) through ISO 23537-1:2022 certification. This standard provides a method for testing and rating sleeping bags based on their thermal insulation properties.
To obtain ISO certification, sleeping bags must undergo laboratory testing to determine their thermal insulation properties. This includes testing the sleeping bag's ability to retain heat, as well as its ability to protect against the cold. The testing takes place in a climate-controlled chamber, where the sleeping bag is placed on a mannequin and exposed to different temperatures.
Based on the results of the testing, the sleeping bag is assigned a temperature rating that indicates the minimum temperature at which it will keep the user warm and comfortable. This rating is broken down into three categories:
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Comfort Temperature: the temperature at which a standard woman can sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
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Limit Temperature: the temperature at which a standard man can sleep comfortably in a curled-up position.
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Extreme Temperature: the lowest temperature at which a standard woman can survive for six hours without risking hypothermia.
Sleeping bags that meet the ISO 23537-1:2022 standard are marked with a certification label that includes the temperature ratings and other relevant information.