Europe has created a sleeping bag test criterion that is slowing making its way across the Atlantic.
Taking effect in several European countries, this criterion provides four temperature results:
- Upper Limit: the temperature at which a standard man can sleep without excessive perspiration.
- Comfort: the temperature at which a standard woman can expect to sleep comfortably in a relaxed position.
- Lower Limit: the temperature at which a standard man can sleep for eight hours in a curled position without waking.
- Extreme: the minimum temperature at which a standard woman can remain for six hours without risk of death from hypothermia (although frostbite is still possible).
The criterion applies a more standardized sleeping bag rating system across manufactures. This will provide more comparable temperatures and allow the consumer to more accurately compare and contrast sleeping bags. This criterion will benefit the information seeking consumer who seeks robust data when shopping. However, US manufacturers may resist this criterion, deeming it restrictive & costly. Currently in Europe there is no legal obligation for brands to conform to this criterion.
How long will it take US sleeping bag manufacturers to adopt Thermal Manikin man as their tester?
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