All Wenzel sleeping bags are sold with temperature ratings that range from approximately +40F (the Lakeside) to -10F (the Tundra), so you’ll need to select a sleeping bag based on how you sleep (hot, cold or average) using the manufacturer’s temperature rating as a starting point.
The temperature rating of a sleeping bagis the lowest temperature at which an average person will sleep comfortably. So first you need to know what an average sleeper is and how you compare? The best way to illustrate this is to look at the extremes (hot and cold), so that if you fall in the middle, you are average.
A ‘hot’ sleeper, is someone who typically will sleep covered in nothing more than a sheet, no matter what the temperature. Men tend to be hot sleepers.
The opposite, naturally, is the ‘cold’ sleeper. These people are easily recognised by the pile of sheets and quilts needed to remain warm during the night. Women tend to be cold sleepers (due to their lower metabolism).
So with this in mind, hot sleepers can select a sleeping bag based on the rating as is, or possibly even 5 – 10 degrees higher, while cold sleepers should add (actually subtract) an extra 10 – 20 degrees. For example, if you’re a cold sleeper looking for a sleeping bag that will keep you comfortably warm in temperatures at +40F, you will want to select one that is temperature rated down to +30F (such as the Sunward), +25 (theConquest) or possibly as low as +20F (the Santa Fe), if you’re a very cold sleeper.
By using the manufacturers temperature rating as a guideline, and knowing your sleep type, you can easily select the proper sleeping bag for your outings.
Wenzel sleeping bagsare backed by 120 years of outdoor memories. Wenzel is on a mission to help every family connect with the great outdoors by providing the tools needed to escape, reconnect and recharge.
Buy the Wenzel sleeping bag that’s right for your needs, and get it right here. Select from the roomy, rectangular Lakeside (temperature rated at 40F), or the mummy shaped Santa Fe(20F), all the way to the oversized Tundra, temperature rated down to -10F. So no matter what the climate, Wenzel has a sleeping bag that will keep you warm. Click on the appropriate link below for additional feature and purchase information.
To insure that you purchase the proper sleeping bag, be sure to select a sleeping bag that is temperature rated for the lowest nighttime temperature you expect to encounter. It is important to note that temperature ratings are not absolute, and are provided for comparison purposes only. Your actual comfort, and protection from the weather, will also depend on factors such as the season, land elevation, your metabolism and general health, wind, humidity, ground temperature, and more. In order to make sure you are warm get a bag that is rated lower than the lowest temperature you anticipate (you can always wear less or unzip the bag for ventilation). Another good idea is to use a sleeping bag pad or a camp mat under your sleeping bag. In addition to the added comfort, it will keep you insulated from the cold Earth beneath you. With these tips in mind, let’s look at some of Wenzel’s different temperature rated sleeping bags.
The Lakesideis Wenzel’s warm weather sleeping bag, with a temperature rating of 40F. This roomy, rectangular sleeping bag is perfect for warmer nights and family outings since unzipped, it converts into a quilt. Filled with non-allergenic Insul-Therm polyester and its quilt through construction makes theLakeside an excellent choice for warmer weather (above freezing) camping.
The Sunwardis another roomy rectangular seeping bag, but is temperature rated for slightly chillier (freezing) weather at 30F. Also filled with non-allergenic Insul-Therm insulation, kept in place with quilt through construction, theSunward will keep you warm on chilly nights.
Wenzel’s Conquest sleeping bag is the roomiest of its rectangular shaped sleeping bags. Five inches wider, and 4 inches longer than the Sunward, the Conquestprovides extra room to keep you comfortable sleeping with an extra layer (or two) on those very chilly nights. The additional non-allergenic Insul-Therm fill provides the Conquest with a temperature rating of 25F. Quilt through construction keeps the fill in place, eliminating cold spots.
Wenzel Santa Fe Mummy Sleeping Bag
The Santa Fe, mummy style sleeping bag is more thermally efficient, due to its form fitting shape. With less than half the fill weight of the Conquest, the non-allergenic Omega II polyester fill generates a temperature rating of 20F. The drawstring hood, draft tube and shoulder collar keep drafts out for a warm and comfortable nights sleep.
Wenzel’s lowest temperature rated, rectangular sleeping bag is the oversized Grande. Coming in at the same size as the Conquest, with 30% more fill and a cotton flannel liner, the Grande is temperature rated for a brisk 0 (zero) F. Roomy enough for extra layers of clothing, the Grande will keep you warm and comfortable.
For really extreme sleeping, the Tundrais an oversized rectangular sleeping bag with a hood, making it look like a cross between a rectangular and mummy sleeping bag. One inch wider and 9 inches longer than the Grande, with the same fill weight, the Tundra is temperature rated to a chilly -10F. This low temperature results from the thermally efficient hood, which keeps more body heat inside than the standard open ended rectangular sleeping bag.
Camping under the stars, means sleeping in all types of weather. From the quiet isolation under the Northern Lights, to your favorite National Park campground, the right sleeping bag is essential for a good night’s sleep.
Some great tips from Backpacker’s Gear School on how to select the right size sleeping bag. Believe it or not, sleeping bags are NOT, one size fits all.
