Non-Toxic Sleeping Bags: A Safer Camping Choice

You probably don’t associate your sleeping bag with hazardous chemicals.

But, the ugly truth is that sleeping bags often contain chemicals like PFAs and PFCs, which scientists at the National Institute of Health have connected to negative health effects.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the best non-toxic sleeping bags, and explain how to choose one that’s free of chemicals.

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What are PFAs and PFCs?

Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAs) and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFCs) are man-made chemicals that contain carbon and fluorine atoms. They are used in traditional sleeping bags to make them less flammable and more waterproof. However, they are also highly toxic.

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How to Choose a PFA/PFC-Free Sleeping Bag

• Material Composition: Look for sleeping bags made with natural fibers, 100% recycled polyester or nylon shells and PFAS-free DWR coatings.

• Certifications & Standards: Look for certificates that verify eco-friendly manufacturing processes, ike Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and bluesign® approval.

• Brand Transparency: Trust brands that openly disclose their supply chains and chemical use, like NEMO, Rab, Big Agnes and Vaude.

• Avoid Greenwashing: Steer clear of vague terms like “water-resistant” without PFAS-free verification and check hardware (zippers, clips) for PFAS traces.

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Where to Buy Non-Toxic Sleeping Bags (PFC/PFA-Free)

Therm-a-Rest Questar 0F

• PFC-free fabric made of polyester and durable water repellent (DWR) protection.
• Temperature rating of 0°F (-18°C) makes it great for winter camping.
• Lightweight design weighs just over two pounds
• Spacious mummy design contours to the shape of your body.
• Allows extra room for movement in the torso.
• Collared hood for protection in cold, windy weather.
• Attaches to an insulation pad.

Rab Solar Eco 0

• Made with 100% recycled Stratus synthetic insulation.
• Features a central zipper that’s easy to open and close.
• Ultra lightweight design optimized for backpacking.
• Sustainable and socially responsible manufacturing.

VAUDE Sioux 400

• Made of water-resistant, recycled polyester.
• Allows improved ventilation so you don’t get overly hot or sweaty.
• Insulated with 3-season Polyester fiber synthetic fill.
• Bluesign approved materials.

Exped MegaSleep 25/40

• Roomy, rectangular design.
• Lightweight microfiber insulation.
• Versatile 25/40-degree temp rating.

Sierra Designs Get Down 35

• Lightweight, 3-season, sleeping bag.
• Specifically designed for women.
• Extra insulation around the core and feet area
• DownTek water repellent down fill insulation.
• Thermal efficiency provides extra heat retention
• Adjustable hood and face gasket.
• Optimized for backpacking in extreme weather.
• Flame retardant-free materials.

Kelty Cosmic 20F

• Ethically sourced, 600-down power fill.
• Compact, lightweight Mummy shape design.
• Provides superior insulation in cold weather.

Reasons to Avoid PFAs and PFCs

• Studies show that exposure to PFAs and PFCs can be harmful, with increased risks of cancer, reproductive issues, liver damage, as well as effects to the immune system.
• PFAs and PFCs also remain in the environment for centuries before they finally degrade.
• Humans and wildlife can be exposed to PFAs and PFCs on a daily basis through skin contact or by inhaling fumes released during their use.
• These chemicals may also contribute to climate change by depleting the ozone layer that protects us from ultraviolet radiation.

Non-Toxic Certifications

MADE SAFE

• Focus: Bans 6,500+ harmful substances (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, flame retardants, heavy metals).
• Applies to: Apparel, bedding, childcare products.
• Key Criteria: Full ingredient transparency, no nanoparticles or synthetic biology.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

• Focus: Tests textiles for 300+ harmful substances (dyes, pesticides, heavy metals).
• Applies to: Fabrics, threads, zippers, and accessories in products like sleeping bags.
• Key Criteria: Annual updates to testing criteria; skin-friendly and allergy-tested.

Bluesign®

• Focus: Restricts toxic chemicals across the supply chain (water, energy, emissions).
• Applies to: Textiles, outdoor gear.
• Key Criteria: Bans PFAS/PFCs and prioritizes worker safety.

NSF Contains Organic Ingredients

• Focus: Requires ≥70% organic content by weight.
• Applies to: Personal care products (soaps, lotions).
• Key Criteria: Allows green chemistry methods banned by USDA Organic.

COSMOS Organic/Natural

• Focus: Bans parabens, synthetic fragrances, and GMOs.
• Applies to: Cosmetics, skincare.
• Key Criteria: 95%+ organic plant-based ingredients for COSMOS Organic.

NATRUE Certified

• Focus: 100% natural or nature-identical ingredients.
• Applies to: Personal care.
• Key Criteria: No silicones, microplastics, or mineral oils.

Academic Research on PFAs and PFCs

1. “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health” (2020)
   • Authors: Multiple contributors (PMC)
   • Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives
   • DOI: 10.1289/EHP10043
   • Key Findings:
     • Links PFAS to immune dysfunction, liver disease, lipid dysregulation, and cancer.
     • Highlights concordance between animal studies and human epidemiological data on immunotoxicity1.
2. “Comprehensive Analysis of PFAS Presence from Environment to Plate” (2024)
   • Authors: Research consortium (Nature)
   • Journal: Nature Food
   • DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00319-1
   • Key Findings:
     • Identifies fish, seafood, and biota as having the highest PFAS concentrations due to bioaccumulation.
     • Warns about PFAS persistence in surface water and food chains2.
3. “Advancing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Research” (2021)
   • Authors: NCEH/ATSDR team
   • Journal: Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
   • DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00316-6
   • Key Findings:
     • Proposes a public health research framework spanning toxicology, exposure, and human health outcomes.
     • Emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration for PFAS risk mitigation5.
4. “PFAS Environmental Pollution and Antioxidant Responses” (2020)
   • Authors: Italian research team (PMC)
   • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
   • DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218110
   • Key Findings:
     • Documents PFAS contamination in Europe, particularly Italy’s Veneto region.
     • Correlates PFAS exposure with oxidative stress and disrupted cellular defenses6.

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Related Posts:

• Decoding ‘Non-Toxic’: A Scientific Comparison of PFAS, Flame Retardant, and VOC Testing

Conclusion

It is important to consider the value of non-toxic sleeping bags when purchasing gear for camping and outdoor activities. In choosing a PFA/PFC-free sleeping bag such as ones offered by Teton, Patagonia, Kelty Cosmic or Sea to Summit, you can rest assured knowing that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals like flame retardants.

These non-toxic sleeping bags are also more eco-friendly with their use of recycled materials like Seealp 500’s down filling and packaging and other brands’ organic cotton fabric shells.

Furthermore, they provide safer insulation compared to other synthetic material options. For those wanting an even more sustainable choice with certifications for non-toxicity on top of all that—Merino Wool Sleeping Bags from Wildkin offer just that!