Advice for a winter bag purchase

[TomD]

The EU standard Doug mentioned has actually been around since 2005. It costs money to get a bag rated and unless the company plans on selling them there, probably not worth it for most manufacturers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EN_13537

For examples of how the rating works, look at MacPac's website; their bags are EN1357 rated.

www.macpac.co.nz

here is an example for a MacPac bag:
Weight
1.5kg
Colour
Left hand zip, Right hand zip
Fill weight
800gms
Fill power
800 loft
Temp rating
Comfort -7˚C / Limit -14˚C / Extreme -35˚C

As you can see, big range in the rating, but the -35C rating means you might survive but will be hypothermic after a few hours, so the useful rating is really -7C or maybe -14C depending on body type.

I have an old MacPac bag, but it is only rated to -5C (+23F). If I was buying a deep winter bag, I'd try to find a deal on a Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends bag like the WM Puma.
http://tinyurl.com/yj2zg2g

Super expensive, but you see used ones once in a while.

Since your friend is allergic to down, have him look at Integral Designs, the Canadian company.
http://tinyurl.com/yhft3gp

You might be able to get them to overstuff it if you need it for colder than 0F. The price is fairly reasonable compared to WM down bags.

 

[Barbarossa]

A good accessory to consider is a sleeping bag liner. Some are very compact and extend the temperature range of the bag. Mine both claim to add 15F.

If using one empty your bladder. They can be difficult to wriggle in and out of during the night

 

[DougPaul]

Temp rating
Comfort -7˚C / Limit -14˚C / Extreme -35˚C

As you can see, big range in the rating, but the -35C rating means you might survive but will be hypothermic after a few hours, so the useful rating is really -7C or maybe -14C depending on body type.

According to the REI page (link in my earlier post), the comfort rating is likely to be appropriate for an average woman, the limit rating is appropriate for an average man (men tend to sleep a bit warmer than women), and the extreme rating is for emergency survival.

Doug

 

[Chip]

A good accessory to consider is a sleeping bag liner. Some are very compact and extend the temperature range of the bag. Mine both claim to add 15F.

I've always used an inexpensive nylon bag cover. It adds 5 or 10 degrees to the bags rating, keeps me, the bag and the pads together at night and can be pulled over my face and breathed into on really cold nights.

I do have several bag liners; fleece (really nice if car camping), silk (hate them) and VBL (never used, but have lent it and would use if needed).