Blog - Camping Information

What fabrics are used for sleeping bag shells and linings?

The inner and outer fabrics of a sleeping bag protect the insulation, and are the only parts in contact with your body. Factors that go in to determining the type of fabric used here include comfort, breathability – good breathability keeps the bag drier on the inside, durability and weight – they are usually not supposed to be waterproof.

Shell fabrics:

Nylon, Polyester, Taffeta – found in the most basic bags, these materials are perhaps the least durable used. They are best for indoor or family oriented camping trips – i.e. nothing that will test the durability. They are, however, breathable and low-cost. Recommended for drier conditions.

Ripstop – ripstop fabric is nylon or polyester that has been slightly reinforced with heavier threads, making it more durable whilst maintaining breathability. Ideal for slightly more testing camping trips, or bags that are to be used frequently.

Breathable, water-resistant, technical textiles, such as DryLoft (a Gore product) - these materials offer excellent protection from moisture on the outside, whilst their breathability keeps the bag dry on the inside. Good for four season camping, DryLoft comes at a premium and is found less frequently than nylon and ripstop.

Many bags also come with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, which helps to minimise the amount of moisture absorbed. This can be especially important for down sleeping bags, which can be incredibly hard to dry, and will lose most of their insulating properties when wet.

For most family camping trips where conditions are mild, nylon or ripstop should suffice as a shell. Those looking to camp in more extreme conditions, should consider investing in DryLoft or other more premium fabrics.

Lining fabrics:

A suitable fabric for a sleeping bag lining should be breathable, smooth enough so that it doesn’t catch on clothes and should avoid trapping too much heat when you sleep in the same position for long periods of time, which can become uncomfortable.

Nylon, polyester, taffeta – used across all ranges of sleeping bags, from high end to budget, these materials are soft on the skin and breathable. Taffeta is the highest quality.

Polycotton – very comfortable against the skin, but takes longer to dry, making it less suitable for cooler climates. This features in lower end or less technical bags. Recommended for summer or indoor use.

Silk – often found in the more expensive sleeping bags, silk is soft and breathable, though it is more vulnerable to tears than other materials and can be much harder to repair.

A form of nylon should be suitable for most camping trips, whilst those looking for higher performing materials should consider taffeta or silk. If you’re considering polycotton bear in mind that these sleeping bags should be used in much drier climates or indoors.