ISO 23537-1:2022

Overview

ISO 23537-1:2022 specifies thermal, mass and dimensional requirements and associated test methods for adult-sized sleeping bags used in sports and leisure with a limit temperature of ‑20 °C and higher. The standard defines how to assess sleeping-bag performance under steady‑state conditions (protection against cold), how to label limit/comfort temperatures, and what information must be supplied to consumers. It excludes sleeping bags for children/babies, military use and extreme‑climate expeditions.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Thermal performance and temperature ratings
  • Thermal resistance (Rc) measured on a thermal manikin under defined postures is the basis for deriving extreme, limit and comfort temperatures. Table values map Rc to temperature limits; linear interpolation applies between values.
  • The standard describes the steady‑state test principle, manikin calibration and calculation of the range of utility.
• Moisture transport
  • Water‑vapour permeability index (imt): material-specific index must be ≥ 0.45 to ensure adequate moisture exchange.
• Dimensions and mass
  • Inside length tolerance: ±3 cm.
  • Maximum inside width and inside foot width tolerance: ±2 cm.
  • Total mass measurement and reporting are specified.
• Test methods & reporting
  • Tests include thermal manikin testing, climatic room conditions, artificial ground, sample pre-treatment, and procedures for calculating temperature ranges.
  • Requirements for test reports, labelling (graph for range of utility, marking) and consumer information are included.
• Annexes
  • Calibration reference values, precision of test results, physiological model for range calculation, warnings against misuse of ratings, and test for maximum temperature.

Applications and who uses this standard

• Sleeping-bag manufacturers: design validation, R&D, product specifications, and accurate consumer labelling.
• Testing and certification labs: performing standardized thermal/manikin and moisture tests for compliance and calibration.
• Retailers and e‑commerce: comparing product claims and presenting consistent temperature ratings to consumers.
• Product designers and material suppliers: selecting fillings, shell fabrics and construction that meet Rc and imt targets.
• Consumers and outdoor professionals: informed selection of sleeping bags for hiking, camping and leisure activities (not for children or extreme expeditions).

Related standards (normative references)

• ISO 15831 - Thermal manikin methods
• ISO 11092 - Sweating guarded‑hotplate (thermal and water‑vapour resistance)
• ISO 139 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing
• EN 13088 - Mass of filled products (feather/down) These referenced standards provide supporting test procedures and conditioning protocols used by ISO 23537-1:2022.

Keywords: ISO 23537-1:2022, sleeping bags standard, thermal resistance, thermal manikin, limit temperature, water‑vapour permeability, sleeping bag labelling, sleeping bag dimensions.