1. Scope
The Proposed Scope of the working standard is to create a test method that measures the insulation rating of camping sleeping pads using hot plates. The insulation rating will correlate to a proposed temperature scale that provides a recommended temperature range in which the sleeping pad can be used.
Currently, there does not exist a standardized test method for determining the insulation rating of a sleeping pad used for camping. Although standards exist for home insulation and batting, these methods do not address various aspects of sleeping pad including construction, method of setup, variable geometry, heterogeneous pad construction, coring, etc., that may greatly influence the resulting insulation rating. There are a substantial number of companies in the Outdoor Industry that manufacture sleeping pads who would benefit from adopting a universal test method. Right now, every company uses a different standard or variation on a standard to determine the insulation rating for sleeping pads. The difference across test methods is vast, and in some cases, different units of measure are used (without labeling), leading to general confusion as to what the insulation rating corresponds to. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for customers to make informed purchasing decisions for sleeping pads. A standardized test method for determining insulation rating will allow customers to more accurately compare the performance of sleeping pads.
Keywords
Camping; mattress pad; R value; thermal resistance; temperature rating; insulation rating; sleeping pad; hot plate
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
[Back to Top]
