ASTM F1853-11(2018)

Standard Test Method for Measuring Sleeping Bag Packing Volume

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method can be used to quantify and compare packing volumes of sleeping bags. It defines the volume occupied by a sleeping bag under a standardized load (see 4.2).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the quantitative volume of a sleeping bag in a cylinder under a standardized load.  
1.2 This test method uses a physical volumetric measurement applicable in the laboratory or in the field.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are provided for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2018
• ICS: 97.200.30 - Camping equipment and camp-sites
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.22 - Camping Softgoods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1853-11 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Sleeping Bag Packing Volume
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018

Overview

ASTM F1853-11(2018), titled “Standard Test Method for Measuring Sleeping Bag Packing Volume,” establishes a reliable and comparative method for determining the packing volume of sleeping bags. Developed by ASTM International, this standard helps manufacturers, retailers, and consumers quantify the space required to pack a sleeping bag under controlled and repeatable conditions. By providing a standardized approach, ASTM F1853 ensures consistency in volume measurements and supports fair product comparison across the outdoor industry.

Key Topics

• Standardized Physical Measurement: The method specifies the use of a cylindrical container and a standard loading system to apply a consistent pressure to the sleeping bag. This allows accurate, repeatable results both in laboratory settings and in the field.
• Quantitative Volume Determination: The packing volume is calculated based on the height of the compressed sleeping bag in a measuring cylinder, ensuring an objective metric.
• SI and Inch-Pound Units: Results are reported primarily in SI units (liters or cubic meters), with inch-pound units included secondarily for reference.
• Applicability and Scope: The procedure is suitable for different materials and designs of sleeping bags, including down and synthetic fill products.
• Safety and Compliance: The standard requires users to account for relevant safety, health, and environmental considerations during testing, in accordance with applicable regulations.

Applications

Measuring sleeping bag packing volume using ASTM F1853-11(2018) offers significant benefits in various sectors of the outdoor equipment industry:

• Product Development: Manufacturers utilize this test method to optimize sleeping bag designs for minimal packing volume, meeting market demand for compact, lightweight gear.
• Performance Comparison: Retailers and consumers can rely on standardized volume data when comparing products, improving purchase confidence and satisfaction.
• Quality Control: Consistent volume measurement supports quality assurance processes and helps identify production inconsistencies.
• Specification and Procurement: Brands, agencies, and institutional buyers can specify maximum or minimum packing volumes for sleeping bags, ensuring products meet defined transportation and storage requirements.
• Field Evaluation: The allowance for field application makes this method suitable during research and testing in actual outdoor environments.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM and international standards complement ASTM F1853-11(2018) in the evaluation of camping soft goods:

• ASTM F1720 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Thermal Insulation of Sleeping Bags
• ISO 23537-1 - Requirements for Sleeping Bags, including labeling and performance
• ASTM F3340 - Standard Test Method for Thermal Resistance (R-Value) of Camping Mattresses

Incorporating these standards in conjunction addresses a broader range of performance attributes in outdoor sleeping products.

Practical Value

The implementation of ASTM F1853-11(2018) in product marking, marketing, and quality control ensures that sleeping bag packing volume is measured and reported in a consistent, transparent manner. Its use:

• Facilitates accurate product comparisons and informed purchasing decisions
• Supports innovation by providing clear benchmarks for design optimization
• Enhances consumer trust through transparent and standardized reporting

For outdoor brands, compliance with ASTM F1853-11(2018) provides a technical advantage and demonstrates commitment to international best practices in product evaluation and user safety.

Keywords: sleeping bag packing volume, ASTM F1853, standard test method, outdoor equipment, camping gear, product comparison, laboratory testing, field testing, quality control, SI units, volumetric measurement.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1853 − 11 (Reapproved 2018) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Sleeping Bag Packing Volume
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1853; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope deforming when the loading system is applied. See Annex A1
for specifications on a typical design.
1.1 This test method covers the quantitative volume of a
sleeping bag in a cylinder under a standardized load. 4.2 Loading System—Acircularplateorpistonstructurethat
closely matches the diameter of the measuring cylinder, with
1.2 This test method uses a physical volumetric measure-
weights, that provides a 6.90 6 0.07 kPa (1.00 6 0.01 psi)
ment applicable in the laboratory or in the field.
load. The diameter of the plate or piston structure should be
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
slightly undersized, compared to the measuring cylinder, to
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are
allow air to escape as the bag under test is subject to the
provided for information only.
loading force. Small ventilation holes are also acceptable to
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the allow air to escape. See Annex A1 for specifications on a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the typical design.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.3 Measuring Scale—A scale accurate to 1 mm (1/16 in.)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
and having a capacity to measure the height of the loading
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
system in the measuring cylinder. For convenience, multiple
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
scales can be placed around (and can be affixed to) the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
measuring cylinder so opposing height readings can be taken
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
directly. Additionally, scale markings can be customized to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
read packing volume directly since the cross-sectional area of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the cylinder is constant.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Procedure
2. Terminology
5.1 Perform tests at ambient temperatures between 10 and
2.1 Definitions: 25°C (55 and 80°F).
2.1.1 sleeping bag, n—a structure made of down, synthetic
5.2 Zip up the sleeping bag and place feet end first into the
fiberfill, shell fabrics, or other materials, or both, that is
measuring cylinder.The bag should be packed down slightly to
designed for people to use for thermal protection when
make its distribution in the measuring cylinder as uniform as
sleeping (for example, outdoors, tent, cabin).
possible. Sleeping bags with low air permeability outer shells
may be turned inside out to minimize the settling time
3. Significance and Use
(entrained air release) when the load is applied.
3.1 This test method can be used to quantify and compare
5.3 Apply the loading system to the sleeping bag in the
packing volumes of sleeping bags. It defines the volume
measuring cylinder and allow to settle. The system is deemed
occupied by a sleeping bag under a standardized load (see 4.2).
settled when the change in measured height is less that 1 mm
in a 1 min interval.
4. Apparatus
5.3.1 UsingthetypicaldesignshowninAnnexA1,placethe
4.1 Measuring Cylinder—A circularly round container,
piston assembly into the measuring cylinder with the first
measuring in diameter 45 6 3 cm (18 6 1 in.), suitable to
round disk contacting the surface of the bag. Stack weights on
contain the sleeping bag being measured, and capable of not
top of the second disk of the piston assembly for a total (piston
and weights) of 114.1 kg (250.0 lb).
5.4 Take two height readings to the nearest 1 mm (1/16 in.),
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilitiesand is the direct responsibility of
one opposite the other, of the height of the compressed bag in
Subcommittee F08.22 on Camping Softgoods.
the measuring cylinder.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
5.4.1 Using the typical design shown in the annex, take two
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F1853 – 11. DOI:
10.1520/F1853-11R18. height readings, one opposite the other, at the top of the second
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1853 − 11 (2018)
3 3
disk of the piston assembly. Areas where the bag material
V = packing volume, m or L, where 1000 L = 1 m ,
creeps up past the loading system
...