Is there any worse feeling than waking up in the middle of the night in a muscle-cramping ball trying to get warm? Or gasping for air and struggling to unzip and evacuate your sweaty prison? As the first day of fall approaches, don’t let the changing seasons bring your outdoor adventures to an end. You just need to shuffle your gear up a bit. No matter the temperature or conditions, we have a sustainable suggestion for you and your fellow campers.
Goose Down Insulation:
1. The Adrenaline +20° recycled sleeping bag from Golite is the perfect 3-season bag for when the nights cool down. Weighing in at just over 2 lbs. this bag is light in your pack and on the environment, thanks to the 800-fill goose down, recycled polyester shell, and recycled polyester microfiber lining. It also comes in a women’s version.
2. If you like alternative sustainable materials and cold sleeping conditions look to the Battle Mountain -15° by Big Agnes. A 2007 Outside Magazine Green Gear of the Year Award winner, this bag uses 600-fill goose down on the top portion and Bamboo Charcoal Synthetic Insulation on the bottom.
3. For slightly warmer weather try the EcoPro+30° by Marmot. Insulated with 80% UpCycle filament fibers and 100% UpCycle PET™ shell and lining fabric. They also added a stash pocket near the hood, and a draft tube along the zipper to keep out the cold night air. There is also a warmer version for the ladies.
4. For chillier nights check out The North Face Green Kazoo +15° bag. The 100% post-consumer recycled polyester shell and recycled polyester lining make this bag a sure winner with the environment. Meanwhile, the bag’s baffles evenly distribute the 600-fill goose down to eliminate cold spots. Also available in a cool women’s color.
Synthetic Insulation:
5. If you favor synthetic filled bags and the environment, try the Skinny Fish by Big Agnes. This bag uses 100% recycled synthetic insulation as well as a shell and lining made from 100% recycled materials, resulting in a 96% post-consumer content by weight!
6. The Sierra Designs Wicked Hot +45° Sleeping Bag is designed for just that, wicked hot summer nights. This synthetic bag is made with Primaloft Eco™ made from recycled plastic bottles. And unlike some other synthetic bags this one won’t weigh you down, with a pack weight of only 23oz for the regular size.
7. The Ecogear Yosemite +0° bag is a solid choice that is easy on your wallet and on the environment. The Yosemite is insulated with recycled polyester that contains no PVC or phthalates and is coated with EPO which is a feel-good alternative to nasty PVC. This bag also has a well placed wind baffle and releases no toxins when recycled to keep you warm and ease your mind.
8. The Big Agnes Lost Dog +50° is a perfect choice for warmer weather when you travel south. This bag sports Primaloft Eco™ insulation produced with 50% recycled materials as well as a unique sleeping system. The bottom of the bag has no insulation but rather a sleeve for a sleeping pad. This ingenious idea reduces weight and bulk, while maintaining its warmth rating and eliminating slippage off of your sleeping pad.
9. Another great synthetic choice is The North Face Re Meow +20°. The 100% post-consumer recycled Climashield™ is warm and light, while the 100% post-consumer recycled ripstop polyester sheet is wind and water-resistant. Plus, it also comes in a very inoffensive ladies color.
10. And how about a special bag, just for women. The Sierra Designs Déjà Vu +5° is a great 3-season bag made from 95% recycled materials! With a recycled polyester insulation, a recycled polyester shell and a fabulous Cocona™ lining made with fibers from salvaged coconut shells, you are insured a good night sleep. The Déjà Vu bag is specifically designed for women with a narrower cut at the shoulders, more width at the hips, and more insulation at the feet and torso.
In one through ten you are sure to find an eco-friendly option for your trip in any season. Is there any better feeling than waking up to cool morning air on your face, while the rest of you is wrapped up in an oh so perfect cocoon? No more excuses. Winter, spring, summer or fall, just strap down and head out. Wishing you happy trails and sweet dreams.
