When I started building sleeping bags, I found that I could not use the EN 13537 sleeping bag test standard - it was cost prohibitive and provided me with too little data. So, I started reading everything I could get my hand on about how humans generate and retain warmth. I started finding out that the EN 13537 standard just wasn't good enough. I needed something better.

I came to realize that testing a manikin in a laboratory would not provide anywhere near the results that I would get if I tested real people in the real world -- during real backpacking trips. Manikins are nothing like real people; we move, we perspire and, well, we're human -- we get up and down during the night, put on and take off clothing, and adjust our gear for comfort. So I set out to find a test method that would work, and what I found was a relatively simple, inexpensive, and repeatable method that will help us to build -- and buy -- sleeping bags.

    We are very happy to announce that Ardeth's 4th prototype for the North Rim sleeping bag series is complete. This sleeping bag series is intended for the lightweight backpacker who is looking for a bag that is more versatile than a strictly ultralight bag. The North Rim series has a greater width (32") along the torso and hips to allow for ease of movement for side sleepers, or someone who likes to sleep with one knee up, and those who tend to toss about in their sleep. The North Rim series has no insulation on the bottom of the bag, saving weight and bulk. Instead, it uses integral straps to secure it to a wide range of sleeping pads.
    Using 3 oz. Primaloft One insulation and 1.1 oz. ripstop nylon fabric, this 6' 6" long bag weighs 1 lb. 3.75 oz. and compresses down below 9" x 9" x 7". It is intended to comfortable down to about 30°F.  Test results from our patent-pending sleeping bag test protocol will help us to establish the true temperature limitations of this bag.
    We hope to have testing completed by May 2012 and have this sleeping bag ready for market by June 2012.
    Ardeth sleeping bags are vegan and are handmade in America.
-Jason

Please click on any photo to enlarge

My first post on Trailspace.com about the new sleeping bag test method that I hope will come to replace the EN 13537 test method: http://www.trailspace.com/forums/gear-selection/topics/115783.html
Link to the test protocol on Ardeth: ASSP and an article I found interesting on EasternSlopes.com:
http://www.easternslopes.com/2010/03/08/the-new-sleeping-bag-paradigm-does-en13537-testing-really-work/

Do I want to revolutionize sleeping bag testing? Yes.