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These days, almost every sleeping bag sold is given a thermal insulation numeric "rating", either the USA version or the more accurate European version. But vintage bags did not have this industry standard.

Is there any way to get a good idea of the insulating ability of a vintage bag other than getting your body inside it for a night of sleep?

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    Heck - some would argue sleeping in a bag is the only way to determine the actual insulating ability of bags with a rating.
    – Lost
    Mar 20, 2013 at 0:28

2 Answers 2

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The main problem with any ratings is that the insulation degrades pretty quickly, at least the synthetic one. Down holds its insulation properties longer, but it’s not perfect either. So the only reliable way to find out the quality of an older bag is spending a night in it.

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  • I would argue the same goes for any bag... even ones with ratings.
    – Lost
    Mar 20, 2013 at 0:30
  • I test any gear on the balcony before going out in the wild and indeed I think it's the best starting point to check out your equipment.
    – Dakatine
    Nov 17, 2014 at 14:04
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The primary rating that should be on the bag is the pounds of insulation.

It is a somewhat imperfect measure, but a summer bag might well be 2 or 2.5 pounds. A three-season might be 4, but that would not likely be enough for actual outdoor winter camping - but OK for a semi-heated cabin space.

An older full-winter bag might be six pounds or more, with associated both heavier bag and fuller/fluffier/thicker walls.

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  • I've never seen a pounds of fill rating on a bag - but often a degree rating. Is this a European thing?
    – Lost
    Mar 20, 2013 at 0:30
  • Canadian at least - I presumed it was at least common across North America...
    – sdg
    Mar 20, 2013 at 0:39

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