This year, one standout product in our Greener Gear Guide is the ReCOVER down sleeping bag by Bach Equipment. After putting it to the test during a recent camping trip in the stunning Lake District, I’m here to share my insights on its eco-friendly credentials and real-world performance.
Eco-Friendly Construction
This showcases the same innovative, eco-focussed design thinking seen in Bach’s Relay 3R sleeping mat, which I reviewed earlier in the year. It’s crafted from bluesign-approved, 100% recycled shell and liner fabrics, alongside 100% recycled down insulation.
This down is sourced from post-consumer products such as old down jackets, duvets, and pillows, which are meticulously collected, cleaned, sterilized, and processed to retain their insulating properties. Sometimes recycled down can be a bit lacking in quality but this stuff has a fill power of 750 and comprises 90% down clusters and 10% feathers, so it’s all good stuff. You can also tell this by the loftiness of the bag overall – nice and puffy!
Performance in the Field
One of the unique aspects of the ReCOVER Down – and I think this is a really nifty touch – is its innovative waterproof membrane at the foot end. This design feature prevents the insulation from contacting the damp surfaces of your tent or bivy bag – something I’ve often wished for during previous camping trips. The membrane, combined with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment, is also PFAS-free, enhancing its appeal from a sustainability standpoint.
