Is cold weather sleeping bag temp rating real or just marketing?

I was talking to my buddy Dave last weekend after a 28 degree night in Shenandoah where my 30 degree bag left me shivering, and he said most ratings are survival temps not comfort temps. He swears by adding 15 degrees to whatever the bag says, but I've met guys who run hot and say their bags are fine. So which side do you lean on, do you trust the tag or add a buffer?

2 comments

2 Comments

campbell.robin3d ago

Oh, I've noticed this in all sorts of things, not just sleeping bags. It's like the "recommended" tire pressure on your car door versus what the tire shop actually fills them to. I always add a buffer, especially if I'm the one who's cold when everyone else is fine.

jana_henderson523d ago

YES! @campbell.robin, I read that tire shops deliberately overinflate by 3-5 psi for safety.