I have been wearing and testing a Selk’bag, which is a wearable sleeping bag style product. There will be people who think: “What on earth is that and what is the point?” and those, like Hubby G, who immediately see the benefits of Selk’bags. In fact, as soon as it arrived, he tried to grapple the bag from me. He reckons the Selk’bag Lite (for summer use) will be perfect for climbing trips.
While I still have ownership of the Selk’bag, I have found it most useful for chilly outdoor evenings (which, let’s face it, Scotland does so well, even in the summer!).
I already have a wearable bag that has a square end, open at the base, rather than the Selk’bag, which has legs. By far the biggest benefit of Selk’bags is my ability to wear it and move around, just like wearing a pair of loose-fitting padded trousers.
The Selk’bag Lite also has arms, a hood and removable booties.
The Selk’bag is sold in different heights sizes and is a unisex fit. Hubby G can share the Selk’bag with me (if I let him!). It’s not the most attractive item but, oh my goodness, it is warm and practical.
Wearing a Selk’bag offers all the benefits of the warmth of an insulated sleeping bag, while still having the ability to move around, walk, sit and do all the activities you might do at a campfire, barbecue or on a campsite.
Then, when you feel sleepy, you simply lie down in your wearable bag. It’s worth noting that the Slek’bag Lite is for summer nights and you might end up a little cold if temperatures drop too low. My recommendation is that you have an extra camping blanket to throw over you at night if needed.
In addition, wearing a sleeping bag can feel a bit odd compared to being inside a traditional shaped bag or under a duvet when sleeping. But for campsite convenience, the wearable sleeping bag is actually a good idea.
One downside is that if you are female, you need to strip the top half off to use the bathroom. It would be great if they had a zipped rear opening!
I am not sure the booties are too practical because they end up wet and muddy when you are outdoors. I think I will be more likely to remove these for around the campfire, but they will be cosier attached when heading off to sleep.
New collection of Selk’bags
The latest news is that Selk’bags, which was founded in Chile in 2009, has launched a 2021 collection that is available in the UK and in a range of bright colours. The insulation is hollow-fibre synthetic with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to keep out moisture.
Features include, elasticated hand openings, large kangaroo pockets, removable booties with reinforced outsoles, an adjustable hood and a two-way double zip. There is a stuff sack to compression the bag when not in use.
There are different types of Selk’bag, including the Original 6G at £159.99; Selk’bag Lite 6G for £99.99 (this is the one I have been testing); Selk’bag Nomad, made with 100% recycled fabric, for £249.99; and a limited edition Selk’bag Print Rainforest for £129.99.
The Selk’bag is available in sizes small to extra large and will fit wearers who are between 4’11” and 6’4” tall.
Me and Hubby G.
Selk’bag review in brief
Selk’bags are a brilliant idea. Not the most flattering look but in practical terms such a useful product for sitting around a campfire, at a barbecue or when between or after outdoor activities, such as climbing, running, walking and wild swimming.
It’s not cheap but I can see mine being really useful for many years. I think the removable boots will be better removed because they will end up worn out or mucky at a campsite. I will add them again if I end up sleeping in the bag, although I suspect I will reserve the Selk’bag for sitting about outdoors rather than sleeping in. See Selkbag.co.uk