Synthetic And Down In One Bag

Interesting stuff from Norwegian sleeping bag specialists Nanok, with the new Airlock-5 sleeping bag which combines down and synthetic insulation to give the benefits of both.


The bag's constructed in two layers. The 550+ fill-power down inner layer sits next to your body where it maximises insulation and reduces weight and bulk, the stuff that down is good at in other words. Meanwhile an outer layer of synthetic fibre protects the more vulnerable down from dampness inside the tent and retains insulation value, even if it does get damp.

The outer fabric is waterproof and breathable too, though because the seams aren't sealed, you'll still need a bivvy bag or waterproof cover if you plan to sleep out in heavy rain.

The 'AirLock' name comes from Nanok's self-closing neck baffle, a big, down-filled baffle which works without drawcords to keep warm air inside the bag where it belongs.

It's similar in concept to the Berghaus Incinerator Duvet jacket which uses a mix of down and PrimaLoft fillings, again with the synthetic layer on the outside to counter damp conditions, so the basic idea isn't unique.

Claimed weight of the Airlock-5 is 1400 grammes, including 300 grammes of down and it has a Comfort rating of 22˚C, a Limit of 1˚C and an Extreme rating of -1˚C, so around two-season in conventional terms. Price is £140.

It'd be interesting to see a version with higher loft down - the 550+ fill power stuff in the Airlock-5 is relatively low spec - but it could be just the kitty for summer time use in condensation-prone single-skin tents or without a bivvy bag on settled summer evenings.

More details at www.nanok.no