Billym,

Wow very interesting. Looks like I was off a little on a couple of issues. But have a little new info as well.

For REI. I called them and spoke with a product specialist at corporate HQ.

For REI only they make random tests of ALL manufacturer bags as well as REI brand bags. They said that occasionally you will see identical bags in there store rated differently than an identical bag on a manufacturers web site.

When they test bags they do in fact have a dummy with sensors in it that they bring to body temperature, place in a bag and then in a freezer. I didn’t get into really specific procedure with them.

For REI specifically they rate bags at a “comfort” level not “survival” Level. However it is very important to note that this rating factors in the use of a sleeping pad.

It would be interesting to know what they clothe the dummy in. What if any % of body fat they take into consideration. Also what type of sleeping pad? I know in winter I use an extra thick or 2 sleeping pads.

Also it would be interesting to know the average temperature difference in a tent vs. not.

Cameron Ownbey

Seattle Backpackers
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Publishing seattlebackpackersmagazine.com