Check out these vegan sleeping bags for cruelty-free comfort on your outdoors trips!
Spending the night camping in a beautiful setting with nothing but the sounds of nature is a beautiful experience, but, it’s not quite as fun with the wrong sleeping gear!
Lasting the night in a sleeping bag which is too hot will leave you dripping with sweat and dehydrated. Forgetting a sleeping bag or packing one which isn’t warm enough; and you’ll spend the night shivering your tootsies off. Neither are ideal situations.
The age old problem for us vegan adventurers is that many of the better quality and warmer sleeping bags were filled with down feathers, which, unfortunately, are cruelly plucked from birds. It’s not so easy having a good nights sleep knowing you’re being kept warm thanks to the suffering of hundreds of animals, is it?
I’m happy to say that times have changed and you can now find awesome vegan sleeping bags which are cruelty-free, environmentally friendly, super comfy and top quality. Whether you’re planning a short Summer camping trip, an arctic expedition or even a weekend camping at a festival, you can do it in an ethical way with a vegan sleeping bags.
Vaude // REI // Vango // Marmot // Nemo // Mountain Equipment // North Face // Big Agnes + More!
Keep reading to find out…
- Why are down sleeping bags cruel?
- Down sleeping bags Vs. Synthetic sleeping bags
- Vegan sleeping bag buyers guide incl. what to look for, shapes and sizes, temperatures, seasons and costs
- The best vegan sleeping bags on the market
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Why are down sleeping bags cruel?
Unbeknownst to many people, the insulated lining of coats, sleeping bags and lots of bedding products are actually filled with down feathers. Down feathers are plucked from birds, generally being the under layer which keeps them warm, or from young birds with fresh feathers. These birds are kept alive in cruel conditions to be continually plucked of their feathers. A horrific existence.
Without going into too much graphic detail it’s a terribly cruel practice that is completely avoidable. If you want to find out more you can read PETA’s article on down feathers here – vegan sleeping bags are most definitely the way forward!
Introducing synthetic sleeping bag insulation (it’s cruelty-free and vegan!)
Fortunately for us adventure-driven animal lovers it’s now more than easy to find vegan sleeping bags thanks to synthetic insulation. Previously, this technology wasn’t considered comparable to down but now some of the best sleeping bags on the market are completely vegan.
The biggest outdoor brands, including Big Agnes, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, North Face, Vaude and Vango now have their own vegan insulation technology which rocks. Lightweight synthetic sleeping bags, warm enough for all conditions, are now widely available everywhere – hell yeh!
Nonetheless, within the outdoor community down vs synthetic sleeping bags are a big debate, so it’s best to fill you in. This way, if someone asks you why you went synthetic you’ll have a few things to say other than “because down is cruel!”.
Synthetic sleeping bags pros
- Cheaper
- Faster drying
- Keeps insulating when damp
- Non-allergenic
- Cruelty-free!
Down sleeping bags pros
- Lighter weight
- Compresses smaller
- Durable
And, to top it off, many of the brands listed above have also started using eco-friendly and recycled materials. Vegan sleeping bags use synthetic materials, which have been one of the reasons microplastics are increasingly being found in water sources, so this is a huge step. It’s helping create the ultimate ethical sleeping bag: better for the environment and better for animals.
How to tell if it’s a vegan or down sleeping bag?
As down is generally more expensive, it’s normally pretty clearly labelled.
Down sleeping bags will normally be labelled – down-fill, 600-fill-down, power down, duck down, goose down – basically, if it says down in it, steer clear! Individual companies may also have their own brand of down filling, but it will always be labelled as down.
Vegan-friendly sleeping bags are not often labelled as vegan but will be labelled as synthetic sleeping bags.
Some sleeping bags are also a down/synthetic blend, so make sure you don’t get caught out by this!
Keep reading below to find our buyer’s plus some of the best vegan sleeping bags on the market.
Vegan sleeping bag buyer’s guide
With such a fantastic selection of bags available, we’ll run through all the things you should consider to help you get the best night’s sleep in the wild!
First things first, what do you need the sleeping bag for?
Before you even start looking at different products you should first think about where you’ll be sleeping and what your priorities are. Here are a few things to think about…
Temperatures – are you going to be using the sleeping bag in hot or cold conditions? Are the conditions likely to vary or change?
Shape, size and weight – do you need something that’s lightweight and easily packed in a rucksack? Or is size not an issue and you’re looking for the most comfortable option possible?
Price – are you a big spender wanting the latest technology or just a cheap fix for a one-off trip?
Specific trip or all-round use – are you looking for a hiking sleeping bag? A sleeping bag for backpacking? Do you have one trip in mind or do you want something which you can take on a variety of different adventures over many years?
Have a think about the ideal sleeping bag for you and then check out the things to look for when buying below.
Want to stay warm camping in the cold? These hacks are awesome
What to look for: Temperature
Temperature ratings are often shown by the range of conditions it’s suitable for. For example, one sleeping bag might show:
- Comfort 5°c (temperatures the bag will be comfortable to sleep in)
- Lower comfort 0°c (colder temperatures the bag could be used for)
- Extreme -15°c (absolutely minimum temperatures the bag should be slept in)
This means you should only plan to use the bag in comfortable conditions, the extreme level is just a safety precaution.
Also, rather than by comfort levels, a sleeping bag’s temperature rating can also be shown as seasons:
- 1 season = +3°C
- 2 season = +2°C to -2°C
- 3 season = -3°C to -7°C
- 4 season = -8°C to -12°C+
It’s also important to look at temperature ranges. Some vegan sleeping bags may only have a temperature range of 5°C whilst others may have a range of more than 20°C.
*Tip* It’s better to be too hot than too cold. If it’s too hot you can take off a layer but if the temperatures drop and you don’t have the right sleeping bag you could end up in a dangerous situation!
If camping is new to you, take a look at these tips and this camping packing guide!
What to look for: shape, size and weight
This is down to personal choice but pick something which works for your needs. If you’re going to be carrying the bag with you it’s best to find the lightest and smallest one possible, which still provides enough warmth for your trip. If you’re going to be driving to a camping area then maybe the weight doesn’t matter as much and you want to find the most comfortable option possible.
Sleeping bags also come in a number of different shape styles which may be more suited to different people.
Rectangular: gives you more room to move, airier and suited to warmer temperatures. They can also be opened to form a duvet though they are generally larger and heavier.
Semi rectangular or loose mummy: a compromise between rectangular and mummy styles of sleeping bags.
Mummy: the warmest sleeping bag option which is generally smaller, lighter and often has the most advanced technology. It does allow less movement but is the most practical for outdoors trips when size/warmth ratio is a concern.
Double: best for couples or families wanting to sleep together. Body heat keeps you warm but it can be big and bulky for a single person to carry.
Many sleeping bags come in different models for body size e.g short, regular or long options and also male or female, so you can pick the right thing for you.
And finally, the weight. Usually, the colder conditions a sleeping bag is for the larger and heavier it will become but these are the average weights you’re likely to come across:
- Lightweight = less than 1 kg
- Standard = Less than 2 kg
- Heavy = less than 3 kg
*Tip* Think about your trip and whether you’ll be carrying the sleeping bag for long periods of time. Trying to shove a massive bag into a rucksack isn’t fun and will weigh you down on things like long hiking trips.
Stay comfortable whilst you’re camping, take a look at these tips!
What to look for: Costs
Ahh, the bit you’ve all been dreading…
Luckily, cruelty-free sleeping bags don’t have to cost the Earth and spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get a better bag. The cheapest one on this list is only £25!
However, it’s advisable to get a good quality bag, especially if you’re going to be camping in cold conditions. You don’t want to regret buying the cheapest sleeping bag when you’re shivering at night, in a tent covered in snow.
As a general rule of thumb with outdoor gear, the more you pay the lighter and smaller it gets. With sleeping bags, this means you can find cheap options suitable for colder temperatures but they will be heavier. If you want to find a 4 season sleeping bag which is lightweight then you can expect to pay much more.
Generally, these are the prices you can expect to pay…
- Budget – less than £50
- Mid-range – less than £100
- Top-end – £150+
Looking for more vegan outdoors gear? These articles might be useful!
The Best Vegan Hiking Boots and Buyer’s Guide
Vegan Insulated Jackets for Outdoor Adventures
Merrell Agility Peak Flex Vegan Trail Running Shoes Review
Vegan Sleeping Bag Q&A
Q. Are there different sleeping bags for men and women? And can women use men’s sleeping bags? Yes, brands produce men’s and women’s sleeping bags, or unisex. Typically, women’s sleeping bags are slightly warmer with a narrower top and wider mid-section. Can a woman use a men’s sleeping bag? TOTALLY! And Vice versa.
Q. Are sleeping bags machine washable? Synthetic materials are much easier to care for than down but it’s still best to keep the washes to a minimum. Check the washing instructions to be safe.
Q. Can sleeping bags be zipped together? Yes! If you get rectangular sleeping bags, most can be zipped together to make a big duvet.
Q. You’ve shown the sleeping bag comfort temperature, but is that the max? The comfort level is the temperature you’ll be fine camping in with minimal extra clothing. Most sleeping bags can go at least another 5°C cooler than the comfort rating, sometimes a lot more! Click on the individual items to check.
Any other sleeping bag questions and just drop us a comment below!
Popular vegan sleeping bags on the market
As we mentioned there really are a huge amount of options available and we listed some of the best choices below. Many offer different lengths and men/women’s fits so check out the links to find out more!
Best cheap vegan sleeping bags – Vango Latitude 200 Sleeping Bag
One of our personal faves and we actually own one of the later models. The Vango Latitude 200 is a cracking price for the quality of the sleeping bag you’re getting. It uses Insulite Helix technology to keep you warm, has internal pockets and is even recommended by the Duke of Edinburgh himself.
Price: £45
Weight: 1.5 kg
Temperature: -3°C comfort
Shape: Mummy shape
Find Now on Amazon
More Vegan Vango Sleeping Bags
- Vango Stratos Alpha / 2°C / 1.4 kg / £36.5 / Cotswolds
- Vango Ultralite Pro 100 / 8°C comfort / 0.9 kg / £40 / Amazon
Best cheap sleeping bags – REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag
The REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is the ideal option if you search for a cosy, toasty sleeping bag on a budget. It keeps you comfortable even in colder months. It’s tough enough to negotiate the wild yet light enough for weekend excursions. After a hard day outside, the roomy rectangular form allows you lots of space to relax. This backpack provides comfort without the heavy price tag regardless of your level of camping experience.
Price: £ 73.75
Weight: 2.2 kg
Temperature: -6°C comfort
Shape: Rectangular shape
Find Now on REI
Best mid-range vegan sleeping bag – Vaude Sioux 1000 sleeping bag
Not only is this a really nicely designed water-resistant sleeping bag which has great warmth for its weight, but it’s also very eco-friendly. Vaude makes real efforts to not only produce products with sustainable materials but to also make sure they’re made under fair working conditions.
Price: £105
Weight: 1.7 kg
Temperature: -7°C comfort to -24°C extreme!
Shape: Relaxed mummy shape
Find Now on Amazon
More Vegan Vaude Sleeping Bags
- Vaude Sioux 100 / 7°C comfort / 0.6 kg / Sustainable / £70 / Amazon UK / Amazon US
- Nemo Tempo / 1°C comfort / 1.65 kg / Sustainable/ £200 / Amazon / Nemo
Best 1 season sleeping bag (+3°C) – REI Co-op Helio Sack 50 Sleeping Bag
Searching for a lightweight sleeping bag ideal for travels in warm weather? The deal is the REI Co-op Helio Sack 50 Sleeping Bag. For those hot, beautiful Summer evenings, at a feather-light 500g (yes, it’s the lightest on this list!), it’s easy to pack and the carry is excellent. Designed for one-season use, it keeps you snug when the temperature somewhat dips. Without feeling overly tight, the laid-back mummy form offers the ideal blend of warmth and comfort. Ideal for everyone seeking a lightweight, hassle-free sleeping option for their outdoor adventures.
Price: £43
Weight: 500g (the lightest sleeping bag on this list!)
Temperature: 10°C comfort
Shape: Relaxed mummy shape
Find Now On REI
More Vegan REI Sleeping Bags
- REI Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag / -6°C comfort / 1.5 kg / £80 / REI Men’s & Women’s
- REI Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag / -6°C comfort / 1kg / £106 / REI Men’s & Women’s
Best 2 season sleeping bag (+2°C to -2°C) – Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 30
We think this is one of the best synthetic sleeping bags on the market! Not only is it lightweight and comfortable up to -1°C, but the Marmot Trestles Elite is also made from 100% recycled materials and packs down to a very small size. Because of its good weight to warmth ratio, we think it’s the best backpacking sleeping bag option for milder destinations.
Price: £120
Weight: 970g
Temperature: -1°C comfort
Shape: Relaxed mummy shape
Find Now on Alpine Trek // REI
More Vegan Marmot Sleeping Bags
- Marmot Nanowave 45 / 10°C comfort / 0.8 kg / £93 / Alpine Trek & Backcountry
- Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 / -6°C comfort / 1.3kg / Sustainable materials / £209 / Alpine Trek & REI
Best 3 season sleeping bag (-3°C to -7°C) – Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree 550
Meet your new best friend: the Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree 550, the top 3-season sleeping bag for people who enjoy a good wriggle and stretch under the sky. Its laid-back mummy form allows you that extra space around your arms and elbows, ideal for individuals who find they dance in their sleep. Made to be comfortable down to -7°C, it is ready for those cold evenings. If things heat up, however, simply unzip the gills to release some of that toasted air.
The best thing is that, this bag not only treats you but is also kind to the earth. it’s light enough to tote anywhere and a good investment in both comfort and sustainability. The Kelty Cosmic 20 has your back whether the weather is erratic or you simply want a reliable friend on your wild wanderings.
Price: £194
Weight: 1 kg
Temperature: -7°C comfort
Shape: Relaxed mummy shape
Find Now
Find Now on Amazon // REI
More Vegan Nemo Sleeping Bags
source: rei.com
Best 4 season vegan sleeping bags – NEMO Disco 15 Endless Promise
Presenting the NEMO Disco 15 endless Promise, the best 4-season vegan sleeping bag made for travelers concerned in comfort and the environment. You will stay warm even on those chilly evenings with a cosy mother form and a -9°C comfort rating. Just 1.4 kilograms makes it ideal for carrying on all your environmentally friendly adventures. Knowing you are choosing sustainability, get ready to sleep peacefully.
Price: £170
Weight: 1.4 kg
Temperature: -9°C comfort
Shape: Mummy shape
Find Online Now
Best Four Season Sleeping Bags – Big Agnes Lost Dog 15 Sleeping Bag
Lightweight, good protection from the cold and also a water-repellent outer shell. The Big Agnes Lost Dog also uses Eco synthetics made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials which is great!
Price: £140
Weight: 1.4 kg
Temperature: -9°C comfort
Shape: Mummy shape
Find On REI Now // Find On Alpine Trek Now
More Vegan Big Agnes Sleeping Bags
- Big Agnes Blue Lake 25 / -3°C comfort / 1 kg / £90 / Cotswold
- Big Agnes Echo Park 40 / 4°C comfort / 1.4 kg / Sustainable materials / £120 / Amazon
Best expedition-level sleeping bag – Marmot CWM Long Sleeping Bags
All set to face the toughest of Winter trips? Your cosy cocoon against the cold is our mummy-shaped sleeping bag, coming in at only 3.5 kilos. Designed for the adventurer who seeks severe circumstances without compromising warmth. This sleeping bag guarantees you will sleep like a log, regardless of the wildness of the weather; whether you are camping under a blanket of stars or conquering the frozen mountains.
Price: £1,105
Weight: 3.5 kg
Temperature: -35°C comfort!
Shape: Mummy shape
Find On Amazon Now
More Vegan Mountain Equipment Sleeping Bags
- Mountain Equipment Mens NOVA II / -3°C comfort / 1.2 kg / £170 / Cotswolds & REI
- Mountain Equipment Starlight III / -8°C comfort / 1.7 kg / £130 / Cotswolds & REI
The best double sleeping bag – The North Face Dolomite One Duo Sleeping Bag
How cosy is this vegan sleeping bag! Not only is it a bag designed for two (or even three if you’re small) it’s also got two cover layers to suit you depended on how cold it gets. Considering it’s basically two bags rolled into one it’s fairly lightweight, especially as you’ll be comfortable into the minus temperatures.
Price: £173
Weight: 3.7 kg
Temperature: -1°C comfort
Shape: Mummy shape
Find Now On
Amazon
More Vegan North Face Sleeping Bags
- North Face Eco Trail 35 / 8°C comfort / 1 kg / £110 / Amazon UK / Amazon US
- North Face Lynx / 5°C comfort / 0.8 kg / £120 / Ellis Brigham (no longer available)
Best Vegan Camping Quilt – Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX 40°
Enlightened Equipment offers a completely unique option: a 100% vegan camping quilt. These are handmade sleeping quilts which can be completely open and used as a blanket or opened up and used as a quilt. It makes them incredibly versatile, they’ve got raving reviews and they’re bloomin’ lightweight. Also comes with a completely organic stuff sack, which is cool! Check out their website for a completely customisable version, with different lengths, weights and warmth ratings.
Price: £140
Weight: 500g
Temperature: 3°C comfort
Shape: Quilt
Find On Enlightened Equipment
Have any other vegan-friendly sleeping bags you’d recommend or want some extra advice? Drop us a comment below!
Vegan Sleeping Bags for Ethical Adventures + Buyer’s Guide
Nowadays you’ll find plenty of sleeping bags for vegans, the question is: which one will you pick? After that, you just need a good sleeping pad and a tent and you’re all ready for some camping adventures!
