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Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

Gear Review: Selk'bag 4G Lite

A sleeping bag with arms and legs – because onesies shouldn't just be for '80s-themed slumber parties.

by: Will Rochfort

1 2

The Selk Model stretching

1 2

The Selk Model sporting the hood

Gear
Sleeping bag

The Specs: $99
3 lbs. (size Medium)
Kids, Medium, Large, and X-Large
selkbagusa.com

Trust me: The Selk’bag 4G Lite is both as fun and functional as it looks. The combination of novelty and actual functionality is impressive, and as a result, this is the first piece of gear I’ve tested that folks have literally fought over.

Simply put, this is a sleeping bag with arms and legs. You unzip the chest flap, step into the legs, pull on the arms, and seal yourself into what one of our testers described as “the most comfortable clothing… I mean sleeping bag, or whatever this is… I’ve ever worn in camp.” The multi-use functionality is what really makes a difference between the Selk’bag and a standard mummy. You can put this on as soon as you get to camp, and thanks to reinforced nylon soles on the bottom of the feet, you can wander about in warmth and comfort.

Should you want to start cooking dinner (or anything else that requires fine motor skills), you can pop your hands out of Velcro-sealed holes at the ends of each of the arms. Once you’re done, you can head into your tent and crash in a sleeping bag that’s already warmed up. A warning to those who are considering this for their significant other: If you’re the last to get in the tent, you may find that the additional flexibility allows them to occupy 50% more tent space than usual.

Testers reported that sleeping comfortably took a bit of getting used to at first, since your arms and legs aren’t actually touching your body, but once situated, they slept soundly. The polyester fill kept our tester plenty warm on nights in the low fifties, and the adjustable hood (see the second photo above) had enough room to stuff in a travel pillow. Our tester’s favorite use, however, was in the morning. You know that feeling where you’re all nice and warm in your bag and don’t to get out? Problem solved: now you don’t have to. You can get going on your AM stretching (see photo above), get out and fire up the stove for breakfast, or just walk out to enjoy the sunrise.

The bag itself stuffs to a fairly large 12” x 9” x 9”, but because it operates as your insulated jacket and pants, you can save pack space by not bringing along extra layers. The 4G is rated to an accurate 45 degrees, but they also make the Classic, which is rated to 35 degrees with mostly the same features.

The only concerns were regarding ventilation and late night bathroom breaks– it’s a bit more difficult to unzip on really warm nights as compared to a standard bag.

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READERS COMMENTS

I think it is a step in the right direction. With some genuine advise and suggestions and less general criticism, this bag has already got lots of potential. As for "looking silly"...Dont get it. simple. there I solved a huge problem for childishness, insulting an invention, and not helping with a creation. Unless you have tried this bag out, I really don't wanna read downplay.Go twitter or something. Thank you
Posted: Nov 08, 2011 A true Backpacker

I think I'd just rather have a ski suit to wear. Since I hike and use a Clark Jungle Hammock as my tent, a ski suit would be warmer, multi-purpose, and easier to relieve myself in the middle of the night. Insulated socks would complete the sleep outfit.
Posted: Oct 30, 2011 Eric B

Folks,

Thanks for the comments! To answer a couple of your inquiries:
@Robert M: The list price for the bag is $99 (it's in the gray box in the review).
@ Ric U: The temp rating for this bag is an accurate 45 degrees for $99, which is mentioned in the second to last paragraph. If you're referring to the $159 Selk'bag Classic, it's rated to 35 degrees, but I have not personally tested it.

Thanks!
WMR
Posted: Oct 27, 2011 Will Rochfort (Tester)

I like this idea very much, but I have 2 concerns (besides unzipping for late night "pee" breaks.]
1. Wandering around camp & cooking & eating in the bag: In bear country, we cook away from our tents, and we change out of our cooking clothes. Any cooking odors can attract bears into your camp.
2. The reinforced feet is a good idea, but I would much prefer to be able to unzip my feet and velcro the bag around my ankles, and walk around in shoes or boots. Bad weather, wet ground, and rocks & sharp / rough ground will wear the foot pads awfully fast if the feet aren't ARMOURED! I'm sure this bag is not cheap, so I would like it to last for a good long time.
Posted: Oct 25, 2011 Robert M

How fireproof is it? When I can have a fire I often like to cook on it and then sit by it in the evening. Wearing clothes that might burst into flame and melt to my skin kind of puts a damper on the enjoyment though.
Posted: Oct 25, 2011 dropkick

I agree with the positive. The product is unique and needs more feed back. So wrap yourselves in whatever you want so long as it works. This one might. However, I didn't see any temperature ratings or durability. How about it tester people? What rating is a $159.00 suit going to get?

Ric U.
Posted: Oct 25, 2011 Ric U.

Good comments about cooking in this and also the moisture factor, could do without the snide comments about looks (you're camping, who the hell cares). The reason I will not be rushing out to buy this is the high temp rating (you'd think with so little air space to warm up, this "bag" would be rated for much lower temps!)
Posted: Oct 25, 2011 Ed Glantz

Or just sleep in a ski suit?
Posted: Oct 25, 2011 AZ Hiker

Hey,

Lets all cut up this product because it's different.
Posted: Oct 25, 2011 Bender

I was always taught not to sleep in your clothes, even if you're not sweaty, that bit of moisture can keep you cold at night.
Posted: Oct 25, 2011 Anonymous

And you can even say hi to your campsite neighbors and show them how stupid you really are! Great!
Posted: Oct 19, 2011 Mr. Mysteryguy

I took my 4G Lite to Isle Royale this year and was more than pleased with the warmth and weight. Unbelievably more comfortable than any mummy I've used.
Posted: Oct 19, 2011 Mike Schrank

Think the Eureka bag she is on might be a better thing to sleep in. I think the bear would laugh at you wearing that ..lol
Posted: Oct 19, 2011 Vinnie G

Yeah, go ahead and cook in this thing in bear country
Posted: Oct 18, 2011 dufferdumb

Bad idea to cook in anything your going to sleep in.
Posted: Oct 18, 2011 Mark Wilson