Waterproofing Sleeping Bags

We offer a number of different options to protect sleeping bags from water.

Drishell, Ultrashell and Hypershell are water-resistant, highly breathable fabrics that are also very light. They are usually the best way to keep the down or synthetic insulation we use in our sleeping bags dry. These fabrics are very effective at protecting the down from condensation drips inside a tent. However, these light fabrics are too light to have their seams taped, so they will let water in at the stitch line (e.g. if you are sleeping in a puddle).

Therefore, we can add a fully-taped waterproof outer shell to most of our sleeping bags. This optional Dri-LX outer does, however, add to the weight of the bag. While a shelled sleeping bag is not designed to be used alone in heavy rain (the hood area is open to the elements) the shell does protect the bag when it is used outdoors without a tent, for example in a snow-hole or under a tarp.

If there is a serious danger that the sleeping bag will get wet, we recommend using synthetic insulation such as in our Zeta synthetic sleeping bags. They are designed for big wall bivouacs in damp conditions.

Our ultralight M.Degree bag range was designed with weight saving in mind. An optional waterproof foot cover is available to protect the most vulnerable part of the bag. This can be sewn on or – so you can detach it and strip the bag right down for super-minimalist overnights – we can make it stud-on: it’s up to you.