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Warm, light, compact: the advantages of a down sleeping bag
Whether you’re bivouacking in the mountains or camping in late summer, one thing matters most when spending the night outdoors: getting a good night’s sleep. The right sleeping bag plays a crucial role in that. Many outdoor enthusiasts swear by down sleeping bags. Here’s why – and what you should look for when buying one.
Why a down sleeping bag is worth it
If you want to sleep outside in comfort while keeping things light and warm, a down sleeping bag is hard to beat. Down offers an unbeatable combination of excellent warmth and low weight.
- Extremely light and compressible – ideal for backpacking trips
- High loft provides superb insulation, even on frosty nights
- Long lifespan with proper care – an investment that lasts for years
When buying a down sleeping bag, focus on three key factors: temperature rating, down sourcing, and fit. Depending on whether you’re camping in summer, during the shoulder seasons, or in winter conditions, you’ll need the right level of insulation.
Look for recognized certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures the down filling comes from animal-friendly sources. And remember: a sleeping bag can only keep you warm if it fits properly – not too tight, not too loose.
>> Shop high-quality down sleeping bags for your next camping trip
What makes down high quality?
Not all down is created equal. The key indicator of quality is fill power (measured in cuin) – the higher the fill power, the better the insulation. But sourcing, processing, and sustainability are also important. 
A great example is Crystal Down®. This European duck down comes exclusively from animals raised under humane conditions, certified according to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). It’s cleaned, refined, and sterilized at high temperatures in Europe.
What’s particularly impressive: Crystal Down® offers fill power up to 900 cuin, delivering exceptional insulation at minimal weight. That makes it one of the most effective down fillings on the market.
For damp conditions, there’s even a water-repellent version: Crystal Down® Dry. It retains loft even when wet and dries faster – perfect for humid environments or autumn camping trips.
Two sleeping bags for different adventures
With the Ides and Iver models, Nordisk offers two thoughtfully designed options for very different needs. Both combine responsibly sourced, high-quality down with smart design and set new standards for comfort and function.
Nordisk Ides – versatility and comfort
Whether you’re trekking, bikepacking, or spending a night under canvas, the Ides impresses with high-grade Crystal Down® filling, a breathable, recycled nylon shell, and an adjustable contoured hood with draft collar – for a cozy sleep even on chilly nights.
Its slightly roomier mummy shape is especially comfortable for side sleepers, providing plenty of space to move.
Available in different versions, the Ides covers a broad temperature range from +5°C to -5°C. Weighing around 1100 g with a compact pack size, it’s ideal for demanding multi-day trips.
Perfect for: ambitious tours, comfort seekers, side sleepers
Nordisk Iver – for cold nights and challenging conditions
The Iver is made for expeditions, winter hut trips, or chilly mountain nights where reliable insulation is essential. Its premium Crystal Down® filling ensures excellent warmth at low weight.
A specially shaped, snug-fitting sharkfin footbox helps feet warm up quickly and stay warm.
At the same time, the extra-wide shoulder area provides freedom of movement for the upper body – ideal if you like to shift positions while sleeping.
The Iver comes in two versions: one for milder winter conditions around 0°C and a particularly warm one for temperatures down to -10°C. Its tough, recycled ripstop nylon shell makes it extra durable and resistant to wear and tear in rough terrain.
Perfect for: back sleepers, winter tours, cold climates
Your sleeping bag for your adventure
A sleeping bag is more than just a blanket for the outdoors – it’s key to your comfort, sleep quality, and safety. For many adventures, a down sleeping bag is the top choice: it combines superb warmth, low weight, and a small pack size.
When you choose high-quality down like Crystal Down® from responsible sources, you can count on top performance – and sleep with peace of mind.
With the Ides and Iver, Nordisk offers two models that adapt to different needs and adventures. That way, you’ll find the perfect sleeping bag for your trip – not the other way around.
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