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Confused about sleeping bag temperature ratings (self.camping)

submitted 2 months ago by Kintarian to c/[email protected]

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Where I live it rarely gets down to 32 degrees. I bought a bag that said 20 degrees. After reading the manual it said that was the extreme rating. Will this bag keep me warm at 32 degrees or not?

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[–] ultranaut 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Possibly. Who makes the bag? For the most part only the higher end bags actually have accurate ratings.

[–] Kintarian 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Grand Teton

[–] ultranaut 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Grand Teton

I'm not familiar with that brand and can't find any useful info about them. I'd recommend not trusting the rating on there until you've established performance for yourself, and to bring something warm to put on so if it doesn't live up to the rating you won't be too miserable.

Also, insulation from the ground is super important. If you don't have a good sleeping pad, that will make a huge difference.

[–] Kintarian 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Well it was $79 and made in China sooo, you know

[–] ultranaut 2 points 2 months ago

In that case, I wouldn't trust anything on the label or any of the packaging. If you can swing it, a quality down bag costs more up front but can last decades if you take proper care of it (mainly always store it dry and uncompressed, and avoid folding it). If you're just car camping it's maybe harder to justify but if you backpack at all the weight savings that come with down are really worth it. One of mine is almost 20 years old and still going strong, amortized over the life of the bag it was a great deal back when I bought it.