Temperature ratings
Helsport’s temperature ratings are based on extensive clinical testing both in laboratories as well as practical testing in the outdoors. We test all our sleeping bags at the accredited test institute Thelma in Norway, one of Europe’s leading bio-thermal testing facilities for sleeping bags. We always give the European standard recommendations en-13537 in addition to our own temperature ratings. This makes it easier to compare sleeping bags to previous experiences. No temperature rating should be taken as a rule as there are several personal factors that can play a part in determining your comfort zone. We recommend testing your own sleeping bag in various conditions to compare the given temperature rating to your own comfort level. Our ratings are based on an average person wearing a single layer of thermal underwear and using a proper insulating mattress.
Helsport comfort temperature: Recommended lower limit of temperature for a standard person to be able to sleep comfortably.
Helsport extreme Temperature: The lower limit of temperature where a person can stay in the sleeping bag without taking harm or suffer from hypothermia. Shivering and interrupted sleep is expected. This is a safety limit and not a normal use temperature.
EN-13537:
T-comf (comfort temperature): the lower temperature limit at which an average woman can sleep comfortably in a relaxed posture on the back.
T-lim (limit temperature): the lower temperature limit at which an average man can sleep comfortably lying in a curled-up position.
T-ext (extreme temperature): temperature at which hypothermia can occur for an average woman after approximately 6 hours.
T-max (Maximum temperature): the upper temperature at which an average man can sleep without generating perspiration, without opening the sleeping bag.
The following factors are important to take into consideration:
• Level of experience:
Those used to sleeping in sleeping bags will hold warmth better.
• General physical condition
Present condition - If you are tired, weak or hungry your body will not produce as much heat.
Body Temperature – If you are warm and dry when you go to sleep, your body will resist drops in temperature.
Ambient Humidity – Will affect the sleeping bag´s insulation properties.
• Mattress – Much heat is lost through direct contact with the cold ground. A quality-insulating mattress will prevent heat loss and help keep you warm.
• Wind – Even a slight breeze will reduce a sleeping bag´s performance. Always lay in a sheltered spot. Bivouac bags and sleeping bag covers also greatly increase warmth.
Accessories
Investing in accessories is an easy way to improve the comfort and performance of your sleeping bag. Inflatable mattresses and pillows will not only provide more comfort, but also insulation and keep you dryer. We also offer unique accessories for sleeping bags like mosquito mesh and an expander, which increases the width of the sleeping bag by 40 cm. a removable sleeping bag liner will not only make cleaning easy but also increase the insulation rating up to 8°c.
Sleeping bag liners
Helsport’s removable sleeping bag liners are available in both rectangular and mummy shapes. Removable liners make cleaning your sleeping bag a breeze, save your sleeping bag from wear and tear and increase sleeping comfort by increasing the insulation properties dramatically. You can also use your liner by itself on warmer nights.
Polyester/cotton: 4 degrees
Silk: 6 degrees
Fleece: 8 degrees
