SIST EN ISO 23537-1:2022 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 23537-1:2022 - "Requirements for sleeping bags - Part 1" specifies thermal, mass and dimensional requirements and associated test methods and labelling for adult-sized sleeping bags designed for limit temperatures of ‑20 °C and higher. Published by ISO in collaboration with CEN (Technical Committee ISO/TC 83 and CEN/TC 136), this standard updates and supersedes earlier editions (2016 / 2018) and is intended for sports and leisure sleeping bags, not for military, extreme-expedition, infant or child products.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Thermal performance and range of utility: Defines a steady-state evaluation method for protection against cold, including procedures to calculate the temperature range of utility.
• Thermal manikin testing: Uses instrumented thermal manikins, controlled climatic chambers and artificial ground to assess sleeping bag thermal resistance under defined postures and conditions.
• Water vapour permeability index: Specifies measurement and minimum requirements that relate to moisture management and comfort.
• Dimensions: Requirements and measurement methods for inside length, maximum inside width and inside foot width for adult sizes.
• Total mass: Methods for measuring and reporting the mass of the sleeping bag.
• Labelling and consumer information: Prescribed marking, a graph for the range of utility, and required information to be supplied to the consumer.
• Test reporting and calibration: Test report content and reference values for calibration of thermal manikins are provided (Annex A). Annexes include a physiological model, rationale and guidance on misuse of temperature ratings.
• Limitations noted: Sleeping bags with non‑homogeneous fillings (local extra insulation) can present calibration and testing challenges; work is ongoing to address these. The standard explicitly excludes children/babies and certain specialised uses.

Practical applications and users

Who uses EN ISO 23537-1:2022:

• Sleeping bag and outdoor gear manufacturers - design validation, product development and label compliance.
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies - executing standardized thermal, dimensional and mass tests.
• Retailers and e‑commerce platforms - product specification checks and accurate consumer information.
• Product designers and materials engineers - benchmarking thermal performance and informing material choices.
• Standards organizations and regulatory bodies - harmonized labelling and market conformity.

Practical benefits:

• Consistent, reproducible temperature ratings and labelling for adult sleeping bags.
• Improved consumer safety and clearer product comparisons for campers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Related standards

• ISO 23537-2 - specifies requirements for material performance (complements Part 1).
• Other normative references and annexes in EN ISO 23537-1:2022 provide calibration data, precision estimates and physiological models used in testing.