7 BEST PFAS-FREE, NON-TOXIC SLEEPING BAGS TO SLEEP SAFELY UNDER THE STARS
This blog post is all about the best PFAS-free, non-toxic sleeping bags!
Whether you prefer car camping in nature, a cozy night in a tent in your backyard, or rugged backpacking and mountaineering, a reliable sleeping bag is a must-have for every camper.
It keeps you warm, comfortable, snug, and secure, offering a sense of safety, like a personal cocoon in the wild.
But how safe are sleeping bags, really?
Most sleeping bags sold by popular brands contain toxic chemicals like flame retardants and PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, which are linked to serious health issues.
If you’re on the lookout for safe, PFAS-free sleeping bags, you’re in the right place!
In this article, I’ve rounded up the 7 best non-toxic sleeping bags for adults (plus a few for kids!), so you can enjoy your time in nature with true peace of mind.
I’ve made sure to include options for every budget, as well as models that meet all kinds of needs.
Plus, most of these are made from eco-friendly materials!
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Why choose PFAS-free, non-toxic sleeping bags?
Almost all sleeping bags and outdoor gear like tents and waterproof clothing contain PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), or what we often call “forever chemicals”.
The term PFC (perfluorinated chemicals) is also commonly used but is an older designation for this family of chemicals.
PFAS or PFCs can have negative impacts on our health over time.
They are particularly problematic as they do not break down naturally in the human body, meaning that they can persist for decades.
Research has shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may cause an increased risk of some cancers, decreased fertility, developmental effects in children, a weakened immune system, interference with our hormones, and increased cholesterol levels.
In sleeping bags, those chemicals are usually found in the outer shell, which is typically treated with a PFAS-based Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to make it water-resistant and quick-drying.
However, PFAS aren’t the only toxic substances we can find in sleeping bags.
Outdoor gear is often treated with flame retardants, which are linked to many other health issues.
Exposure to fire retardants may lead to thyroid and endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, negative effects on child and fetal development, immunotoxicity, and even cancer.
And that’s not all!
Sleeping bags can contain many other harmful chemicals because they’re usually made with synthetic materials, chemical treatments, and toxic dyes.
That’s why it’s crucial, especially if you go camping regularly or do it with kids, to choose healthier, non-toxic sleeping bags!
What to look for when shopping for non-toxic, PFAS-free sleeping bags?
If you want to buy a non-toxic sleeping bag, make sure to only buy from brands that are transparent about how their gear is made and whether or not chemical treatments are added.
You want to purchase sleeping bags that are clearly labeled as “PFAS-free” or “PFC-free” and free of flame retardants.
If you can’t find this information on the product page, it’s often a red flag, but it’s worth asking the brand directly if you’re unsure.
To ensure the sleeping bag is safer, preferably choose one carrying a third-party certification such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Bluesign, MADE SAFE, or GOTS.
Also, be cautious of sleeping bags that have a strong, noticeable smell when you unbox them.
Those emit volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) during the off-gassing process.
VOCs can cause difficulty breathing and nausea, irritate your nose, throat, and eyes, damage different organs, and some can even lead to cancer.
So while the off-gassing process is temporary, it’s still best to steer clear of sleeping bags with a strong chemical smell.
For a more eco-friendly option, choose one made from sustainable materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and natural down.
If you opt for down, make sure it carries the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification.
It’s also worth investing in quality as quality brands are a lot more likely to use better materials and their products are usually built to last!
Lastly, try to support brands that have implemented sustainable practices throughout their supply chain.
7 best PFAS-free, non-toxic sleeping bags to sleep safely under the stars
1. Feathered Friends
PFAS-free sleeping bags: YF Models (& More Soon)
Feathered Friends is an outdoor gear brand founded in 1972 that creates sleeping bags for adults and kids.
They’re all handmade in Seattle, and their temperature ratings range from 40°F to -60°F, so they meet all kinds of needs!
All the brand’s YF 3-season sleeping bags are PFC-free, and the rest should make the transition to PFC-free fabrics later in 2025.
They’re also free of flame retardants and are insulated with 100% Responsible Down Standard-certified down.
Feathered Friends’ YF sleeping bags feature recycled lining and a water-resistant fabric with enhanced downproofing and water-beading properties (even after years of use!).
Plus, they’re easily packable and soft to the touch.
There are lovely colors to choose from, and the kids’ models are designed to grow with your children thanks to the drawstring at the feet, which can make the sleeping bag shorter!
2. NEMO
PFAS-free sleeping bags: All
NEMO has a great selection of eco-friendly sleeping bags made with high-quality materials that are free of PFAS and flame retardants.
They are crafted with a recycled polyester shell and insulation either made from hydrophobic, RDS-certified down, or post-consumer recycled content.
NEMO sleeping bags are great for all kinds of outdoor activities and are lightweight, packable, and warm.
The brand also offers different sizes, including a double sleeping bag.
It has implemented multiple sustainable practices in its business.
For instance, it has effectively cut its carbon emissions by 22% in only two years, and its offices are powered by renewable energy.
You can also send back most of the sleeping bags for recycling (at the end of their long lives).
3. Rab
PFAS-free sleeping bags: Almost All Of Them
Whether you love camping, mountaineering, or trekking, Rab has you covered with its sleeping bags with temperature ratings ranging from -40°F to 41°F.
The brand has lots of shapes, colors, sizes, and materials (including recycled fabrics) to choose from.
Some of the sleeping bags are designed for very cold conditions, others are made to be incredibly lightweight, and others pack very small.
You’ll be able to choose between hydrophobic RDS-certified down or synthetic filling, but none of them contain any flame retardants.
Out of the 58 options available, 52 are also PFAS-free and the others are currently being phased out.
In the meantime, you can see whether the product has PFAS in it on the right of each product page, in the “Sustainability Features – Material Facts” tab (it’s worth checking to be sure!).
4. Wildkin
PFAS-free sleeping bags: All
Looking for non-toxic sleeping bags for kids?
Check out Wildkin!
This small Tennessee-based brand sells adorable sleeping bags for children.
These are made from a soft blend of polyester and cotton, keeping your little ones warm no matter the climate.
They’re also well-ventilated and lightweight and come with elastic storage straps and a matching drawstring storage bag.
Plus, you can throw them in the washing machine whenever they get dirty!
Wildkin’s sleeping bags are available in a wide range of cute, playful patterns, including dinosaurs, little birds, hearts, fairies, sharks, and trucks!
More importantly, they’re not coated with DWRs, so they do not contain PFAS chemicals.
And all the materials are free of phthalates, BPA, lead, and flame retardants.
5. Big Agnes
PFAS-free sleeping bags: All
Big Agnes offers sustainable sleeping bags made from eco-friendly materials.
Their shell and lining are crafted from recycled polyester (from recycled fishing nets for most of them) with a PFAS-free, non-toxic water-repellent finish.
They’re insulated with PFC-free, Responsible Down Standard-certified down designed to keep you warm while repelling water thanks to Bluesign-approved chemistry.
If you’re looking for a double sleeping bag for two people, the brand has exactly what you need!
Its King Solomon 20°F Doublewide Sleeping Bag offers a roomy sleeping space, and its double anti-snap zippers allow you to enter the bag from either side.
Plus, you can use it as a comforter when it’s fully unzipped.
Not to mention it also attaches easily to your sleeping pad, so you won’t roll off during the night!
Big Agnes’ sleeping bags are lightweight and packable, and I love that the brand’s facilities run on renewable energy.
6. VAUDE
PFAS-free sleeping bags: All
VAUDE crafts sustainable outdoor products such as high-quality sleeping bags and pads.
They’re available in different colors and shapes, including rectangular blanket-shaped pieces and body-contouring mummy models.
Depending on the sleeping bag you choose, you’ll be able to use them outside from spring to early fall or in more extreme temperatures during the winter months.
They’re either insulated with a lightweight recycled polyester fill or, for the warmer options, with down.
The shell is crafted from recycled plastic bottles and treated with a PFC-free finish to make it dirt-resistant and water-repellent.
VAUDE sleeping bags do not contain any PFAS or flame retardants and are designed to be easily repairable.
The brand also uses 100% green energy and has taken steps to reduce waste.
For instance, it uses leftover materials and turns them into new products!
7. Exped
PFAS-free sleeping bags: All
Exped is the only brand I could find that sells OEKO-TEX-certified sleeping bags!
It means that all the fabrics it uses are free of harmful chemicals such as flame retardants and PFAS-based DWR treatments.
It has many different sleeping bags to choose from, with options for every budget.
From cold-weather pieces to cozy double models made for two, there’s something for every kind of camper.
Their shell fabric and lining are mostly made from recycled polyester or recycled nylon, and the insulation is either recycled polyester or fully traceable, RDS-certified duck down.
The brand also has a few natural options featuring an organic cotton shell and lining and ethically sourced wool insulation.
Did I mention that Exped offsets the carbon footprint of its products and that it offers repairs for the sleeping bags?
It also uses plastic-free, FSC-certified packaging and upcycles its material scraps into new products!
Final thoughts on the best PFAS-free, non-toxic sleeping bags
I hope you’ve found this article about the best non-toxic sleeping bags helpful and that you could find a model that will serve you well!
Not only do these allow us to camp outside while staying warm and cozy, but they’re also safe to use and free of harmful chemicals like flame retardants or PFAS.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
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- How to pack like a minimalist?
Which chemical-free sleeping bags have you decided to get?
Please leave a comment!
Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can find safe, non-toxic sleeping bags too.
Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!
It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!
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Vivian Wade
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