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Tough conditions: the author during the test
Photo: Gerd Blank
When camping, on a hut tour or a long ferry crossing, you cannot overestimate the value of a good sleeping bag.
For me it is important that it is light and packs up small.
Nevertheless, it should warm up well, but not make me sweat.
But: What is too cold or too warm, everyone feels differently.
It helps that sleeping bags are usually marked with temperature values for which they are suitable.
In addition, the manufacturers usually indicate for which seasons the sacks are suitable.
I prefer models that I can use from spring to autumn.
If I ever want to spend the night in the snow during the winter, I'd rather get a model specially developed for such extreme conditions.
No matter what time of year: A down filling ensures cozy warmth while remaining airy.
An important aspect is the fill power of the down, which is shown with the »cuin« value.
In short: the higher this number, the better the thermal insulation in relation to volume and weight.
Alternatively, terms such as »fill power« and »loft« are used.
The pros and cons of down
No artificial material has as many good properties as down.
But there are also disadvantages.
Above all: The soft feathers come from ducks or geese.
You can't sugarcoat that, but you can at least reduce animal suffering through certified production conditions.
This can be seen on the corresponding sleeping bags, for example, by the RDS label, which stands for Responsible Down Standard.
However, this has an impact on the price: sleeping bags with a certified down filling are relatively expensive.
A cheaper alternative are sleeping bags filled with a mixture of down and synthetic material.
However, they are often heavier, larger or not quite as warm.
However, down should not get wet, because if it gets damp, it can clump together and then no longer warm well.
In addition, drying takes longer than with sleeping bags with synthetic filling.
A tip: the small compression bag that comes with the bag is only for transport, not for storing the sleeping bag, as the down is very squashed in it.
As a rule, a larger and air-permeable bag is included for storage, in which the feathers can unfold and ventilate.
For this test, I selected sleeping bags that are suitable for temperatures above freezing.
I spent several nights in and with these models:
This is how we tested
Material and design
: How good is the workmanship and what extras are there?
Function and comfort
: does the sleeping bag keep you warm and is it comfortable?
Filling and production
: How sustainable is the production?
Value
for money: is it worth buying?
Nordisk VIB 250
After taking over the German manufacturer Yeti, the Danish outdoor specialist Nordisk continues to have its sleeping bags made by hand in Germany.
This optically very attractive sleeping bag has a very slim cut, which limits the freedom of movement a little.
The very soft and breathable material is perfect for this.
For the filling, 230 grams of certified goose down from Europe were used, which achieve a fill power of 750 cuin.
However, the VIB is also available in variants with a larger filling weight.
In our latitudes, however, this thickness is sufficient for me.
Even at temperatures in the single digits, I didn't get cold inside.
I find it very practical that the side zip goes down to the ankle and can also be opened from below for a little ventilation on the feet.
It is sewn in such a way that it is difficult to get caught in the fabric, even when used with one hand.
The hood can be adjusted with a drawstring.
I liked to use the small mesh pocket on the inside for the charging box of my in-ear headphones, which I often use as a sleep aid.
The slightly padded neck is very pleasant, which means that you can sometimes do without a pillow.
Conclusion
The quality is right, the VIB also scores with its low weight, small pack size, good design and high level of comfort.
However, the production in Germany and certified down from Europe have their price.
Outwell Oak Lux
The Outwell mummy sleeping bag is relatively voluminous, has a wide cut at the top and also offers plenty of room for the knees.
As a result, you lie in it very comfortably and softly, almost like lying on a cushion – which may explain the name »Lux«.
The somewhat conservative design is deceptive, the interior is ultra-modern.
The outer shell is made of breathable polyester, and the filling consists of half RDS duck down and half polyester fibers, which Outwell calls "Isoball".
It's this mixture that makes the difference: I even lay very comfortably on a thin sleeping pad and it was warm enough at night when the temperature was around five degrees.
However, the Oak Lux feels heavy and inflexible.
I liked using it to sit in front of the camper when it got cooler in the evenings.
The sleeping bag has zips on both sides that reach around the knee.
An advantage of this construction: If you open both sides evenly, the entire upper part can be folded down.
The padded hood can be adjusted with drawstrings.
The small slot for an additional pillow on the neck is practical.
Conclusion
The Oak Lux is warm and comfortable with its polyester-down blend.
Two side zips help with temperature regulation.
However, the sleeping bag is too heavy for hiking and too bulky for the hammock.
Forclaz Trek900
The Forclaz sleeping bag is generously cut in the shoulder area, I never felt constricted.
But the feet also have plenty of space thanks to a special bulge.
The side zip goes down to the calf.
When opening or closing with one hand, the zipper occasionally got stuck on the fabric.
The outer shell is made of polyamide, the manufacturer uses 90 percent RDS duck down for the filling, the rest is duck feathers.
Unfortunately, the result is not as fluffy as the fill power value of 800 Cuin suggests.
Still, the Forclaz is quite comfortable.
There is a drawstring in the hood, which allows it to be tightened around the mouth and nose almost like a ski hat with a small breathing hole.
With a temperature of about ten degrees at night I wasn't freezing, but it shouldn't get any colder.
I would use this sleeping bag for camping at music festivals or a summer camp.
Conclusion
Despite the high cuin value, the sleeping bag lacks loft.
Nevertheless, it is particularly suitable in summer as a relatively inexpensive entry into the world of down.
Sea to Summit Ember Eb II
Sleeping bags are sometimes too warm for me and often too inflexible.
For this reason I was looking for an alternative for the test.
The Ember Eb II is a down filled quilt that is used like a blanket.
But - and that's the highlight - it can be attached to an air mattress with flexible cords.
There is also a drawstring at the foot part, which creates a kind of pocket that you slip into.
This is known from hotels where the duvets are often tucked under the mattress at the edges.
An optimal solution for me, because it gives me the best of both worlds – in impeccable quality.
The material of the outer skin consists of nylon.
The special thing about this case is that it keeps the air in well and the filling made of RDS goose down with a fill power of 850 Cuin has enough room to develop.
With a gentle shake, the down is distributed loosely in the air chambers.
However, the smooth cover slips sideways with every turn if you don't fasten it.
It is a pity that the straps are not sewn and are stuck in small openings from which you can pull them out if necessary.
So you have to be careful not to lose them if you don't use them.
On the other hand, the small pockets in the upper corners are practical, into which I can put my hands when covering up.
The thermal output is very high, even at temperatures of around five degrees I didn't freeze.
A special treatment is designed to protect the down from moisture.
This came in very handy in Sardinia's winter, as the air can get quite humid in the mornings.
Even under these conditions, the blanket sleeping bag showed no weakness.
Conclusion
The Ember Eb II is an alternative for those who prefer to sleep under a blanket rather than in a sleeping bag.
The heat output is high, but so is the price.
The small pack size and low weight make the quilt a good companion for trekking tours.
Mammoth Relax
The name Relax is apt: In this test, no sleeping bag was more comfortable, and I didn't prefer to spend a night in any of them.
If the Relax had sleeves, I would have worn it as a house suit to spend a rainy Sunday in it.
The polyester for the outer material has been processed so well that it is very comfortable on the skin.
At least 90 percent RDS goose down was used for the filling and supplemented with goose feathers.
The manufacturer states a fill power of 700 Cuin, which doesn't seem like an exaggeration.
However, the down is not evenly distributed within the air chambers.
Again and again you see gaps, especially when you hold the sleeping bag up to the light.
At low temperatures, this could lead to cold zones.
I find it very practical that the zipper is not on the side, but in the middle and extends to the feet.
The large hood can be closed almost completely around the head with drawstrings, only a small opening for the mouth and nose remains free.
And so that you can hide the outside world as completely as possible, there is a sleeping mask and earplugs in the side pocket of the compression sleeve.
For the test, I stayed in the tent at an outside temperature of about seven degrees and didn't freeze.
The packing size is small, the weight is low.
I like that even the design of the compression and storage pockets is good.
Conclusion
The mammoth is fluffy, soft and warm and offers practical extras.
An all-rounder that you're reluctant to take off.
With the high price, however, the gaps in the down distribution cloud the overall picture.
Mountain Equipment Helium GT 400
The name says it all: This sleeping bag from Mountain Equipment is as thick and fluffy as if you were gearing up for a mountain hike.
At the same time, it packs so small and light that you hardly notice the weight in the backpack.
The supple outer material made of recycled polyamide feels high quality and comfortable.
For the filling, the manufacturer relies on 90 percent RDS duck down, which is supplemented with duck feathers.
The abdominal strength value is 700 coins.
But compared to the other models listed here, the value could be significantly higher, the sleeping bag looks so bulging and fluffy - which is due to the quality of the down.
Mountain Equipment established the "Down Codex" back in 2009: Customers can trace the supply chains with the individual numerical code of a down product.
If you have registered the helium sleeping bag, you also get a free and »sleeping bag lifetime« repair service.
The Helium GT 400 is very comfortable and cozy and warm.
Even when the temperature was close to freezing, it kept you warm enough.
The magnetic closures for the neck and hood are very practical.
The side zip extends to about the calf, but unfortunately it occasionally gets caught in the fabric when you use it with one hand.
The pack size is relatively small, with a weight of around 700 grams, the sleeping bag is still well suited for trekking.
Conclusion
The Helium GT not only scores with its high fill power, but above all with the focus on sustainability.
The high price is mitigated with an extra-long warranty.
Robens Gully 300
The outer material and inner cover of this mummy sleeping bag are also made of polyester.
The workmanship is good, but doesn't feel particularly high quality.
In contrast to the representation on the official product image, the Gully 300 is not nearly as puffed up in person.
It's almost like letting some air out of a balloon.
This is probably due to the filling mixture used: 50 percent RDS duck down is in the front, while the back is filled with so-called MicroThermo Balls made of polyester.
They should ensure that there is hardly any heat loss and only minimal moisture absorption.
And this is where the sleeping bag scores.
The light mix of materials is quite comfortable at night.
At temperatures between five and ten degrees I didn't freeze a bit in it.
I found the spacious footmuff particularly pleasant.
The side-mounted and smooth-running zipper doesn't get caught, but ends at the height of my knee.
So I have to laboriously get out of my sleeping bag when I have a bladder squeeze at night.
The large hood can be adjusted with a drawstring and fixed with a Velcro fastener.
A pillow can be pushed into an opening at the neck for more comfort.
Important things or papers can be stowed away in the inside pockets.
Conclusion
The Gully 300 has found the right mixture for the filling - even if the bulking power is not particularly high.
Practical details and the relatively low price compensate for the moderately comfortable outer material.
Rumpl Woven Daydream
Sometimes a full sleeping bag is just too much.
When I'm lying in a hammock or watching the sunset on the beach, I prefer a blanket.
Here, too, downs are welcome to give me warmth.
Rumpl's blanket is lightweight and can be packed tiny.
It has a practical closure that allows me to wear it like a cape.
The manufacturer claims to use recycled materials and sustainably produced down in the production of its blankets.
However, there is no special certificate either on the ceiling or on the website.
The outer shell is made of polyester.
Especially in the hammock or when I sit in front of the camper in the evening, the blanket does a good job on my legs or on my shoulders.
However, for me it is a tad too short.
The price is anything but reasonable for a thin down comforter.
Conclusion
Pack size and weight of the down comforter are small, the design is appealing.
The Rumpl is a nice outdoor accessory, but not a substitute for a sleeping bag.
It's beautiful - but also quite expensive.
Background: Product tests in the Tests department
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