ASTM F1720-17 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F1720-17(2023) — Standard Test Method for Measuring Thermal Insulation of Sleeping Bags Using a Heated Manikin. This method specifies a laboratory procedure using a heated thermal manikin to quantify the dry-heat thermal resistance (insulation) provided by a sleeping bag or sleeping bag system, reported in clo or SI units.

Abstract

This standard describes a static (non-moving) test in which a constant-skin-temperature manikin is placed inside a sleeping bag or sleeping bag system and the heat input required to maintain the manikin temperature is measured to calculate thermal resistance. The method produces reproducible comparative insulation values but does not simulate all real-life sleeping or environmental conditions; departures from the procedure must be reported.

General information

• Status: Active — F1720-17 reapproved and published as F1720-17(2023) / F1720-17R23.
• Publication date: Current edition approved Nov 1, 2023; ASTM record updated / reapproval published in late 2023 (document shown updated Dec 22, 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 17.200.10 (Heat. Calorimetry) and 59.080.99 (Other products of the textile industry).
• Edition / version: Designation F1720-17 with reapproval year 2023 (shown as F1720-17(2023) or F1720-17R23).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Scope

The test method covers determination of the thermal insulation value of sleeping bags or sleeping bag systems by measuring the resistance to dry heat transfer from a constant-skin-temperature heated manikin to a relatively cold environment. Results apply only to the tested configuration and specified environmental conditions (notably air movement), and the method is intended for comparative and design evaluations rather than predicting all real-world human comfort outcomes.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of a multi-segment heated manikin maintained at a constant mean skin temperature to measure heat loss under controlled environmental conditions.
• Calculation and reporting of thermal resistance (insulation) in clo and SI units, with clear identification of units used.
• Specification of test environmental parameters (air temperature, air movement, instrumentation, and boundary conditions) because results are sensitive to these factors.
• Attention to system components: sleeping bag alone or as part of a system (with ground pads, clothing, bivy sacks, etc.) and the requirement to report any auxiliary products used.
• Requirement to report departures from the method and limitations of the static manikin approach versus real human sleeping dynamics.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and designers of sleeping bags and outdoor sleep systems, textile and product test laboratories, quality and compliance teams, R&D engineers evaluating insulation materials or constructions, and standards bodies comparing product thermal performance. Laboratories use this method for comparative testing, product development, and claims substantiation.

Related standards

Closely related manikin-based thermal test methods and sleeping-bag standards include ASTM F1291 (measurement of thermal insulation of clothing ensembles using a heated manikin) and international sleeping-bag requirements such as ISO 23537 (sleeping bags — material and performance parts), which provide complementary procedures and requirements for clothing, ensemble testing, and product classification.

Keywords

sleeping bag, thermal insulation, heated manikin, clo, thermal resistance, camping softgoods, ASTM F1720, manikin test method, insulation measurement.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F1720-17(2023) is a standardized laboratory test method that measures the thermal insulation of sleeping bags using a heated manikin to determine heat loss and calculate insulation values.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the test setup, manikin requirements, environmental conditions, measurement procedures, calculations, and reporting necessary to quantify sleeping-bag insulation under controlled, static conditions. It clarifies that results are configuration- and condition-specific.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Product manufacturers, laboratories, designers, and compliance/quality teams involved in outdoor sleep systems and textile insulation testing use this method for comparative testing, product development, and performance verification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The F1720-17 edition has been reapproved in 2023 and is listed as the active edition (shown as F1720-17(2023) / F1720-17R23). Users should check ASTM records for any subsequent revisions after 2023.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The standard is maintained under ASTM Committee F08 (Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities), Subcommittee F08.22 (Camping Softgoods), and is part of a family of manikin-based thermal test methods (for example ASTM F1291) and international sleeping-bag standards (ISO 23537).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include clo, thermal insulation, heated manikin, sleeping bag, thermal resistance, camping softgoods, and manikin test method.