Shell materials for your
lightweight sleeping bag

There are a variety of outer layer materials available for a lightweight sleeping bag. All for different needs.


Breathable

The shell material has to be breathable, which means a more comfortable stay in your bag. Your sleeping bag should allow the natural perspiration breathe through the bag, and not get trapped inside…you want it to be warm and dry on the inside.


Mild and dry



Low cost and very breathable, nylon, polyester and taffeta are best used when conditions will be mild and dry. They breathe very well but without waterproof treating offer very little protection in damp conditions.

Extremely breathable material as cotton should only be used in the warmest of conditions.


Microfiber

Ripstop is nylon or polyester that has heavier woven into the material. Ripstop is strong, moisture resistant and very breathable.

Also made of nylon or polyester, microfiber is very tightly woven fibers that are very strong and to varying degrees, water- and wind-resistant. Most shells are made of microfiber.

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