Svalbard

Since 2012 Helsport has used the European standard EN13537 to rate its
sleeping bags. This standard allows comparisons amongst sleeping bags from
different producers.

It is important to know that the temperature rating is valid for an average
person, in an average situation. When you are out hiking, no single trip is the
same. People react differently to cold, levels of fitness can vary, and the
surroundings will change every time.

• TCOMF: the green zone is called the "comfort zone", and in this
  temperature range most people will be able to sleep comfortably.
• TLIM: the yellow zone is called a "transition zone", between comfort and
  risk. Many people can sleep comfortably in this temperature range, but
  some may also start to freeze.
• TEXT: The red zone is the "risk zone" and, in this range, a strong
  sensation of cold has to be expected. There is a risk of hypothermia. An
  average-sized woman can only tolerate this zone for six hours.

There are no hard and fast rules here, and what type of sleeping bag is right for
you will depend on what type of trips you’ll be using it for, your personal
preference and your budget.

High-quality down sleeping bags will always be warmer relative to their weight
than synthetic sleeping bags. The lifespan of the two types is roughly the
same. Down sleeping bags are more demanding with regard to correct
maintenance and storage (they should be stored in the storage bag or hung
up).

Synthetic bags insulate better than down bags when wet. Luckily, it’s rare for a
sleeping bag to get soaking wet, but it’s something that’s worth bearing in
mind when choosing a sleeping bag. Regardless of how well a sleeping bag
insulates, it’s no fun sleeping in a wet bag.

You certainly can wash your sleeping bag, but you shouldn’t do it too often.
Using a sleeping bag liner that can be washed often is a good alternative.
A sleeping bag liner does not only protect your sleeping bag, it’s also very
comfortable and can increase the temperature limit of your sleeping bag by
up to 8 degrees.

Sleeping bags can be washed at 40 °C with a low spin. It’s important to use a
detergent especially adapted for sleeping bags in order to avoid residue
building up in the filling. Synthetic sleeping bags can be washed at 60 °C,
although this will shorten the product’s lifespan. Again, we recommend using
a liner instead and washing it more frequently if required.

Always tumble-dry your sleeping bag. It’s a good idea to put some tennis balls
or special dryer balls in the drum to help “fluff up” the bag’s filling again.