Sleeping bags are essential for camping, backpacking, or backyard sleepovers—but no matter the activity, be sure to choose a vegan one that isn’t filled with down feathers stolen from birds. Farms from which down is obtained harm the environment in the same ways farms that raise animals for meat do. They generate massive quantities of manure and slaughter waste, use huge amounts of water, contribute to greenhouse-gas emissions, and pollute the water, air, and land. Did you know that all the birds suffering in the down industry are ultimately sent to the slaughterhouse? There, the standard practice is to hang them upside down, stun them, and then slit their throats.
Thankfully, many companies are responding to the growing demand for animal-friendly materials by choosing innovative insulators made from bamboo fiber, flowers, coconut-shell derivatives, milkweed, and recycled plastic bottles, which are better for birds and the environment. They also function more effectively in the outdoors because they dry quickly and continue to insulate even when damp, unlike birds’ down.
There’s sure to be a vegan sleeping bag on the market that fits your needs. Here are a few:
Vegan Sleeping Bags Perfect for Backpacking
Weight is something to consider when you’re shopping for a vegan sleeping bag to take backpacking.
Enlightened Equipment Revelation APEX Custom
Enlightened Equipment’s CLIMASHIELD APEX insulation is down-free and ultra-light. The Revelation APEX Custom allows you to choose your temperature rating, length, width, and even fabric color for the perfect fit.
Mountain Hardwear Lamina Eco AF 15F
If you prefer a standard bag, this mummy-style bag from Mountain Hardwear is lightweight and made from recycled materials.
Budget Vegan Sleeping Bags
If you’re searching for a warm-weather bag and don’t want to break the bank, these are for you.
oaskys Camping Sleeping Bag
This is a great budget option for car camping, keeping you warm in temperatures above 50 degrees.
REI Co-op Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag
REI is known for its inexpensive, high-quality sleeping bags. This one is perfect for those who want to try backpacking but don’t want to invest too much.
Down-Free Mummy Bags
The mummy bag’s unique shape fits closely around your body, trapping in warmth and reducing excess bulk and weight.
The North Face Eco Trail Synthetic 20 Sleeping Bag
Made from all recycled materials, the Eco Trail bag will keep you warm in as low as 20-degree temperatures.
Coleman Silverton Sleeping Bag
This reasonably priced bag is one of many down-free options from Coleman, a company that made the decision to sell only synthetic sleeping bags after talks with PETA.
Vegan Mummy Bags for Side Sleepers
It can be difficult to sleep on your side in mummy bags. With more room around the knees and elbows, these options are specifically designed to increase comfort for side sleepers.
NEMO Forte Synthetic Sleeping Bag
PrimaLoft’s RISE insulation keeps this bag toasty even in 20-degree temperatures. It also features Thermo Gills to allow for body-heat ventilation and an integrated pillow pocket for extra comfort, and it comes in both men’s and women’s styles.
Big Agnes Sidewinder Camp 20˚
This bag by Big Agnes features FireLine ECO synthetic insulation made from recycled materials, keeping you warm without any stolen feathers. It’s available in both men’s and women’s styles.
Vegan Sleeping Bags for Summer
If you’re camping or backpacking in warmer weather or tend to run hot when you sleep, you might want a bag with a higher temperature rating.
Sea to Summit Glow Synthetic Quilt
This super-lightweight option from Sea to Summit is a summer quilt that can be used alone on nights above 50 degrees. You can also secure it to a Sea to Summit sleeping bag for an extra layer of warmth in the winter.
Down-Free Sleeping Bag Options for Winter
If you’ll be camping in cold conditions, you’ll want to invest in an appropriately rated bag.
Mountain Hardware Lamina Sleeping Bag -20 Synthetic
Thermal.Q insulation keeps this bag warm even in sub-zero temperatures.
Vegan Double Bags
Snuggle up to your partner in a down-free double bag—with twice the room and all the warmth.
Big Agnes Cabin Creek 15˚
This doublewide bag has two pad sleeves so you can sleep together comfortably.
Vegan Sleeping Bags for Kids
Spark your child’s love for the outdoors with this cozy bag.
The North Face Youth Eco Trail Synthetic 20 Sleeping Bag
This kids’ version of the Eco Trail Synthetic Bag features the same high-quality recycled fill as the adult-sized model and offers warmth even when wet.
Vegan Camping Blankets
Camping blankets can be used as an extra layer in your sleeping bag or just for keeping warm around the fire.
VOITED CloudTouch Indoor/Outdoor Camping Blanket
This soft camping blanket is made from water-resistant recycled fabrics and soft CloudTouch fleece that no sheep were harmed for.
Wearable Down-Free Sleeping Bags
Sometimes you just don’t want to leave the comfort of your sleeping bag on cold mornings. With wearable bags, you don’t have to!
The Reversible Napsack by Poler
This bag can be cinched into a puffy coat complete with zippers at the shoulders so that you can use your arms.
Vegan Sleeping Bags for Dogs
Keep dogs cozy and warm, too, with their own insulated blanket or sleeping bag.
VOITED Quilted Premium Recycled Pet Blanket
This durable, waterproof blanket is machine washable. After a day of outdoor adventure, your animal companion can retreat to the tent for a cozy night in.
Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
Your dog will love curling up in this warm bag at the end of the day.
There’s more to keeping warm at night in the outdoors than just your sleeping bag. No matter which bag you choose, you can have an even cozier night with these vegan camping tips:
- Get a good sleeping pad with a high R-value.
- Wear warm wool- and silk-free base layers of clothing. Recycled polyester blends are a great option.
Pledge to go down-free and learn how you can cut out animal-derived materials:
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