Influence of Body Moisture on the Thermal Insulation of Sleeping Bags
Abstract
The influence of body moisture on the insulation properties of 10 different sleeping bags designed for extreme conditions below - 30 deg C, as well as the capability to be used at such low temperatures was investigated in a shared research project of TNO and EMPA. The sleeping bags were assessed with standardised laboratory tests, human subject tests and a system assessment with specialised apparatus. It tuned out that the moisture released at such low temperatures leads to condensation within the sleeping bag and ice between the bag and the underlay which reduces the thermal insulation considerably. Even at - 20 deg C both human subject tests and laboratory measurements demonstrate that the sleeping bags investigated have already reached or even exceeded the limit for which comfortable sleep is possible. Details on the limits of use given by the manufacturers are normally based on computer calculations. With two different computer models the calculated temperature ranges were compared to the measurements. It seems necessary to make further investigations in the field of simulation of heat and moisture transfer through complex compositions of textile layers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADP012412
Entities
People
- E. Den Hartog
- M. Camenzind
- M. Weder