Nanok Of The North Arrives In UK

There was one interesting new outdoors face at the SOLTEX trade show in Manchester this week, Norwegian sleeping bag makers Nanok - yes, that's right, as in Nanok of the North - were debuting their range of synthetically-filled bags in the UK.

The bags are in the shops right now and we're expecting one on test soon. The name, since you ask, is Inuit for 'polar bear'.

So what makes these bags any different from dozens of other synthetic-filled sleeping bags? Nanok co-founder Chris Allen, formerly of Ajungilak (that's him in the pics) says that they have real advantages over competitors, but of course he would.

Contruction

Chris points out that while lots of bags use two layers of filling in stitched-through channels, so theoretically there is no overlap between seams and no cold spots, machine stitching means that sometimes the parallel seams do coincide, reducing the efficiency of the bag.

Nanok use a double-layered construction with the tubes of filling running at right angles to one another to eliminate any seam overlap, which is a technique normally used on top-end down bags.

They also use a differential cut and what they call a 3D construction. That includes stiffer than normal sidewalls in for a better, more efficient fit to the body, which also allows them to place the main zip on the top of the bag. The hood uses a break in the side insulation to increase wrap at the neck like an anorak hood.

All neat touches which, say Nanok, add a few per-cent each, but add up to a real advantage overall. Another example is an outer fabric which is less permeable than the inner to reduce heat lose from the bag, which making it easier for heated air to get to the insulation.

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The filling too is unusual. It's a blend of synthetic fibres, which, like Golite's fillings, contains no glue or solid binder. These are additives which allow synthetics to be transported more easily in mat form, but actually reduce the lofting and insulation performance of the bag. Some insulation contains up to 25 per-cent glue...

Next the aesthetics have been thought about with distinctive, shiny face fabrics, which you'll either love or loathe. The gold version was a tad Abba for us, but hey, each to their own.

Last but not least, the bags come with a compression stuff sack that will entertain anyone who followed the recent forum thread on the subject where several people mooted the idea of a square-shaped bag for easier packing. Guess what, the Nanok bag is just that. Square compressor ends mean the bags pack down into a rectangular package that should sit more efficiently in a rucksac.

Two Ranges

There are two ranges, a lightweight Performance model for backpacking and climbing - a bag with a comfort rating of around minus 10 C would cost around £120 - and a car camping 'Comfort' bag that's heavier and bulkier as well as incorporating arm zips on both sides for luxurious morning cooking.

Like we said, we should have one for review soon. In the mean time, more information from the Nanok web site. The company also produces a range of down bags.