Sleeping Bags

Selk’bag Nomad Sleeping Bag Suit | Review

Leaving the comfort of your sleeping bag is sometimes the last thing you want to do. And now you don’t have to

Why We Chose The Selk’bag Nomad Sleeping Bag Suit: Great eco credentials, innovative design

Created in Chile in 2009, Selk’bags are essentially wearable sleeping bags. They are a bit like onesies in this sense, but with more specialist insulation and cushioning for a life spent outdoors.

They are also uniquely built with arms and legs to give you freedom of movement when you’re out camping. This means you can wear your sleeping bag suit when sitting around your campsite as well as in your tent at night. Getting ready for bed, then, requires no effort at all.

Who Is The Selk’bag Nomad For?

This isn’t really the kind of thing anyone’s going to be taking on a backpacking trip along the Pacific Crest Trail. Instead, it’s a great option for things like camping holidays and festivals, where you want something to keep you warm while chatting around the campfire long into the evening. OK there’s nothing stopping you from taking it on a multi-day hike, but we’d say it’s a touch on the heavy and bulky side for that.

FYI. Our editor Will, who is 5 foot 10, is wearing the XL version and it’s probably one size too big for him. Photos: Mike Drummond

With a comfort rating of 6°C, and a recommended comfort limit of 2°C, there’s enough insulation there to keep you toasty in warmer climates, though you might want something a bit heftier if you run cold. For UK summers though, this should more than do the job.

Materials

Design innovations aside, the Nomad also has some incredible eco credentials. In fact, both the outer shell and linings are made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials including recycled PrimaLoft Black Insulation ThermoPlume. This, in theory, gives the same kind of warmth as 550 fill power down, and coupled with the Nomad’s seamless baffle construction, should reduce the amount of cold spots when compared with traditionally stitched sleeping bags.

ThermoPlume is additionally very soft and compressible, and helps keep the Nomad’s pack size relatively small for its weight.

65 discarded plastic bottles have actually been recycled into polyester fibres to help create each Nomad bag. This is a big move forward in terms of sustainability as it generates less waste and reduces greenhouse gas emissions overall.

The Nomad also uses YKK Natulon recycled zippers made from PET bottles and post-consumer materials. All in all, impressive stuff.

Features

With sizes ranging from a small (1.6kg) to an extra-large (2.1kg), there’s also an adjustable insulated hood, elastic hand enclosures for easy movement, a balaclava face mask option for extra warmth, leg vents for breathability, and a dual zipper design throughout for easy access to your pockets or fly.

Other cool features include a weather-resistant DWR coating, a kangaroo pocket at the front, a cargo pocket on the side, and removable booties so you can seal your feet in for warmth at night. It’s worth noting that though the booties are reinforced with a durable nylon and have enough durability and water resistance to withstand a quick nip out of your tent or for the run between your camping chair and the beer cooler.