"Cheap" bags and temp ratings

[cornfedkiller]

I understand that some companies use comfort ratings and some use survival ratings, and I would guess most of the cheaper bags use survival ratings since it makes the bag sound warmer than it really is, but my question is this:

Are zero degree rated bags from Kelty, Big Agnes, Alps, REI, Wiggys, Slumberjack, etc all the same warmth?

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Nope. There is no universally accepted and utilized manufacturing guideline, R ratings are grossly exaggerated by some. Wiggy's ratings are dead on IMO but you pay the weight & bulk penalty. In AK they are the only bags you'll find sold everywhere. When I am heading into damp/wet conditions I take a Wiggy's. Why? This video is why.

 

[grappling_hook]

Are zero degree rated bags from Kelty, Big Agnes, Alps, REI, Wiggys, Slumberjack, etc all the same warmth?

For most bags from Big Agnes, REI, and Kelty-- pretty much, yes. For the others-- no. There is independent an EN/ISO testing standard that gives tested bags a Comfort rating and a Lower Limit rating, but not all companies submit their bags for testing, so you'll have to look at reviews to see if those ones are true-to-rating like the ISO tested bags.

 

[baevx8]

I had the same question as the OP. A ton of lower-end bags with 0 degree ratings for a portion of the cost of lightweight, high-end down bags. Thanks for the input.

 

[zacattack]

I had the same question as the OP. A ton of lower-end bags with 0 degree ratings for a portion of the cost of lightweight, high-end down bags. Thanks for the input.

I have a 0 degree cabelas bag, a 0 degree feathered friends and like a 30 degree Walmart special. The cabelas is good to about freezing. The Walmart to in the 50’s. I think if I ever get cold in my feathered friends some serious shit has happened. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t trust the ratings on lower end bags.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Go to various sites and look at the specified temperature ratings for individual bags. You’ll quickly find out which brands use the T-limit and which ones use the T-comfort. You’ll then get an idea of the delta between the two ratings.

There are usually sales throughout the year so you can typically get a solid mid-grade for a damn good price.

 

[cornfedkiller]

What about synthetic vs down?

Looking at a zero degree Big Agnes bag, and guessing the synthetic is just heavier and bulkier, but is the warmth the same as a down bag?

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

What about synthetic vs down?

Looking at a zero degree Big Agnes bag, and guessing the synthetic is just heavier and bulkier, but is the warmth the same as a down bag?

Look at their EN temperature ratings and compare that way. Do like for like.

Yes, an advertised 0* synthetic bag can be warmer than an advertised 0* down bag. A 0* t-comfort bag is going to be warmer than a 0* t-limit down bag. Best to pay attention to details as they can bite you.

 

[bubbay]

Nope. There is no universally accepted and utilized manufacturing guideline, R ratings are grossly exaggerated by some. Wiggy's ratings are dead on IMO but you pay the weight & bulk penalty. In AK they are the only bags you'll find sold everywhere. When I am heading into damp/wet conditions I take a Wiggy's. Why? This video is why.

so agree wiggys is spot on if only the rookies knew

 

[rclouse79]

I posted this in a different thread, but I think it is a good buy for a zero degree bag. I have yet to use it in cold weather, but if feels like it will be warmer than my 20 degree Sierra designs bag. I don’t know if it is still available but the same bag at rei and cabelas was $100 more.

 

[rclouse79]

A trick I use is to bring a lighter bag and wear a puffy jacket to bed. I have been toasty down into the teens with my 20 degree bag and my big puffy down coat. It makes it a hell of a lot easier to get up in the morning too.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

There is a lot to be said for waking up toasty and staying that way while making the coffee...nuther plus for the Wiggy's.