Fall 2015 Preview: Sleeping Bags and Pads

Ethical down has recently become an industry hot topic, but Fjallraven implemented their own internal standard (focused on humane slaughtering, no live plucking, no overfeeding, etc.) for ethically sourced down over five years ago. Like all of their bags and apparel, this three-season 23 degree bag has 100% certified goose insulation in accordance with Fjallraven’s Down Promise, which is audited by third party agencies in Sweden. ($300, 2 lbs. 9 oz.)

For those dabbling in winter camping, enter the Ocelot. Combine this little number (filled with The North Face’s proprietary Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation) with your standard three-season bag to turn it into a winter-capable sleep system. You can also use the overbag as a regular 40 degree bag for summer pursuits, or you can turn it into a blanket for two via the wraparound zip. 1 lb 7 oz, $99

With an R-value of 5.6 and hybrid self-inflating/air chamber design, the Dualis is a winter basecamping dream. Use the air release valves on either corner to fine tune the firmness of the mattress, and you’ll be counting sheep on 4.25” of plush insulated comfort. 5 lbs 0 oz, $149

Self-inflating mattresses are making a comeback. The Evolite series features an internal alternating foam and air chamber design (picture a rib cage with foam bones), which reduces the weight relative to traditional mattresses by not using foam throughout the entire pad. The Plus model adds a half inch of height relative to the standard version, and there’s also a thin film of Thermacapture throughout the pad. Metallic properties in the film reflect your body heat back at you, contributing to the overall 3.2 R-Value. 1 lb 4 oz, price $140.

Your eyes are not deceiving you; it’s a sleeping bag for dogs! There isn’t a temp rating, but there are different configurations depending on how warm your dog sleeps (you’ll have to talk with them about that). This synthetic-filled sack zips shut on colder evenings, or the ¾ zipper can be completely unfurled for summer nights. Bonus: the pad sleeve in the bottom fits the closed cell Landing Pad sleeping mat (sold separately; $30). 1 lb. 11 oz, $99