Why does everyone review sleeping bags based on temperature ratings nobody actually tests?

I saw three reviews this week calling a 20 degree bag 'toasty' when they tested it in 50 degree weather in their backyard, so how is that supposed to help me when I'm shivering at 30 degrees near Lake Tahoe last October - has anyone actually tested a bag in real conditions or is it all just guesswork?

2 comments

2 Comments

valw361mo ago

Actually had this same problem last year. I took my old 20 degree bag up to Mt. Whitney in June and froze my butt off at 25 degrees. Learned my lesson and got a 0 degree bag from a brand that posts actual EN rating tests online instead of just marketing numbers. The difference is night and day when you're stuck sleeping cold at 2am... really wish more companies would be straight about what their bags can actually do.

loganthompson1mo agoMost Upvoted

Man that 2am shiver is brutal, I feel your pain on trusting those optimistic ratings.