What does the term "EN-tested" mean and how is the warmth of your sleeping bag determined?
Are you looking for a sleeping bag for a warm destination, do you want an all-purpose sleeping bag for general use or maybe you're going to search for the snow? You pick a sleeping bag based on the temperature you're going to use it in. But how is the comfort temperature of your sleeping bag actually determined and how do you know if your sleeping bag is warm enough for your trip?
EN-tested
The term "EN-tested" refers to a standard temperature test (EN 13537) used for sleeping bags manufactured and/or sold in Europe. This makes it easier to understand and compare the insulating value of sleeping bags from different brands.
The test uses a "thermal mannequin", a kind of advanced dummy with built-in temperature sensors. These measurements assume that the test subject uses a sleeping mat and a tent and wears one base layer of thermal underwear.
A "standard male" in the test is 25 years old, 1.73m tall and weighing 73kg. A "standard female" is 25 years old, 1.60m tall and weighs 60 kg.
Temperature values
The EN13537 test produces four temperature results: upper limit, comfort, lower limit and extreme.
The four temperature values:
- Upper limit: the temperature at which a standard male can sleep without sweating excessively. This is determined with the hood and zippers open and with the arms outside the pocket.
- Comfort: the temperature at which a standard female can sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
- Lower limit: the temperature at which a standard man can sleep for eight hours in a rolled-up position without waking up.
- Extreme: the minimum temperature at which a standard woman can remain asleep for six hours without risk of death from hypothermia (although frostbite is still possible). A sleeping bag should only be used in emergencies within this range.
Here you can see how the temperature values are used for the nomad collection:
Although general temperature values have been established with the EN13537 test, you should keep in mind that the same temperature can be experienced differently. The EN temperature values are an excellent guide, but when buying a sleeping bag, always check how you experience the cold.
Stay warm & enjoy your trip!