Hiking and trekking sleeping bags

How to choose the ideal trekking sleeping bag?

A sleeping bag is far more than just an accessory. A bad night at altitude can compromise both your safety and your enjoyment. To select the right model from our range, it is crucial to understand thermal ratings and materials.

1. Decoding temperature ratings (EN 13537 standard)

Never choose your kit at random. The European standard defines three thresholds, but only one truly matters for your comfort:

• Comfort Temperature: This is the absolute reference. It indicates the outdoor temperature at which a woman (approximately 60 kg) can sleep in a relaxed position without feeling cold.
• Lower Limit Temperature: This is the threshold for a male user (approximately 80 kg) sleeping in the foetal position to retain heat. Below this, the cold will be felt.
• Extreme Temperature: To be disregarded when making your choice. It indicates the survival threshold before severe hypothermia (maximum 6 hours).

The Cimalp tip: Always allow a 5°C safety margin. If you expect 0°C at night, go for a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of -5°C.

2. Natural Down or Synthetic: The technical showdown

Your destination and the climate determine the filling:

• Down (Goose or Duck): It is the king of the weight-to-warmth ratio. It offers an unrivalled "fill power" (expressed in Cuin) unrivalled, trapping a maximum of air. The higher the Cuin (600, 800+), the warmer and more compressible the bag. It is the go-to choice for ultralight trekking and dry cold.
• Synthetic Insulation: Made from hollow fibres, it is slightly heavier but has one major advantage: it is hydrophobic. It continues to insulate even when damp (condensation, rain). It is also easier to wash and more affordable.

3. Optimising weight in your pack

In trekking, every gram counts. The Mummy shape (shaped at the shoulders and feet) is essential to reduce the volume to heat and the weight carried. Once compressed, your sleeping bag must take up as little space as possible at the bottom of your trekking backpack. Remember to use an efficient compression sack to optimise packing without throwing off your load balance.

The importance of the overall sleep system

Having a high-performance sleeping bag is not enough if the environment is not under control. Thermal insulation is a complete system that includes three inseparable elements:

Shelter (The Tent)

Wind is the number one enemy of warmth. A good bivvy tent creates a protective air bubble around your sleeping bag, significantly increasing the perceived temperature. For multi-day trekking, go for our lightweight and compact models that pitch quickly.

Ground insulation

It is the most common beginner's mistake: feeling cold because of the ground, not the air! Under your weight, the down compresses and no longer insulates at all. A sleeping mat with good thermal resistance is mandatory to cut out the cold coming up from the ground.

Nightwear

Never sleep fully clothed in your jacket — you risk sweating and then freezing. Adopt the "second skin" strategy: a clean, dry set made up of merino wool thermal underwear. Merino regulates your temperature and prevents odours. Don't forget a beanie (30% of body heat escapes through the head) and dry socks dedicated to night use.

Tips and maintenance to extend the life of your kit

• Pairing sleeping bags: Travelling as a couple? Check the zip positions (left/right) so you can pair two bags and share body heat.
• Storage: Never store your sleeping bag compressed at home! Store it loosely in a large mesh bag or hanging up, to avoid damaging the insulating fibres.
• Washing: Wash infrequently, and always with a specialist down detergent, at 30°C, with tennis balls to restore the loft when drying.

Ready for adventure? Now that you know how to sleep well, make sure you can go the distance: explore our selection of trekking and hiking shoes, designed to eat up the elevation gain before you slip into your sleeping bag.