Sleeping Bags & Camp Bedding

Sleeping Bags & Camp Bedding: frequently asked questions

Which sleeping bag temperature rating should I look at?

Shop by the comfort figure. EN ISO 23537 gives three numbers: comfort, for a relaxed sleeper who feels the cold; limit, the lower point where a curled-up sleeper stays warm enough for a night; and extreme, a survival-only reading that risks hypothermia. Pick a comfort figure a few degrees under the coldest night you expect, and lower still if you sleep cold.

Which R-value mat suits camping in Britain?

For warm summer campsites, an R-value around 2 is enough. For three-season use, including cold spring and autumn nights, aim for 3 to 4, and for winter or frozen ground choose 5 or more. R-values tested to ASTM F3340 can be compared across brands, and the values of two stacked mats, such as foam under an inflatable, can be added together.

Down or synthetic fill for a damp British climate?

Down is lighter for the warmth it gives and compresses smaller, which suits backpacking and wild camping. Synthetic insulation is bulkier but keeps more of its warmth when damp and dries faster, which helps in wet British conditions and for children. Hydrophobic down, used in some NEMO bags, narrows the gap, and good tent ventilation limits condensation.

Can I use an air mattress in a car or van?

Yes. This range includes mattresses shaped for pick-up beds, SUV back seats and specific car models, plus self-inflating mats sized for vehicle floors. Measure the flat load length and width with the seats folded and compare them with the mattress dimensions. Self-inflating foam mats are quieter and insulate better on cold floors than a basic air bed.

Sources: astm.org