Selk Appeal (Lippi Selk'Bag)

Member Name: florascarlett

Product:	Lippi Selk'Bag
Date:	19/03/08 (760 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: It's warm, comfortable and fun.

Disadvantages: Can be expensive, availability

As I'm writing this review I'm wearing my selk. Like some of my favourite presents that I've received over the years, it was something that I would never have bought for myself, but love!

Essentially the selk'bag is a sleeping bag, but before you think that I'm a weirdo for sitting about the house wearing it, let me tell you a bit more about it.

The Basic Idea:

Rodrigo Alonso, the Chilean inventor who designed the selk'bag, took his inspiration from the Selk'nam of old. Ahh, so that's where the name came from. The Selk'nam were a nomadic people who lived in Chilean's Austral Extreme, also known as Tierra del Fuego, and were characterized by their height, physical strength and toughness to adapt to the most hostile environments. The freedom of the Selk'nam and their resistance to the most adverse weather conditions have been the main concepts for the selk'bag's image.

The selk'bag covers the whole body in a lovely mantle of cosiness, but because the arms and legs are separate, allows the wearer to walk, sit, roll, stand, hug someone, or do whatever they might feel inclined. I suppose it looks a wee bit like a space suit (without all the breathing apparatus and helmet), but is comfy and warm, and according to my husband, makes me look very cute!

The opening at the front of the selk'bag has inner and outer zips. There are also zips around the knee area which, when opened, provide leg ventilation. Also the soles on the feet of the selk'bag are made of a more resistant material, so walking about isn't a problem.

The hands can be freed by unzipping them from the inside as well as out, so you have the freedom to scratch your nose, use the remote control, or type a review on dooyoo, for example, whilst still enjoying the warmth of the selk.

Sizes:

The selk'bag comes in two sizes, S/M (for those under 6' approx), or L/XL (for those taller folk). I haven't yet seen any in children's sizes.

Varieties:

They also come in three different specifications, so be sure to look out for the one which most suits your needs. For you people who like all the details, here's the breakdown of the three different types, otherwise feel free to skip the next part:

Selk'bag 1

This has been developed for camping use in places such as beaches, forests, lakes, cabins, etc. Its technology/material combination permits a good performance, respecting extreme and comfort temperatures.

Total Weight: 1970 GSM.
Filling: Polyester hollow fibre bonded, 1x200g/sqm, good
performance, elastic.
Shell / Lining: Nylon 210T / 70 Deniers, soft touch.
Extreme Temperature: +5°C / 41°F
Comfort Temperature: +8°C / 46.4°F

Cost: Approx £90 online.
Colours: Yellow, light blue, green, dark red, or dark brown.

Selk'bag 2

More comfortable than the selk'bag 1, this has been developed for camping or outdoors such as beaches, forests, lakes, cabins, mid mountains, etc. Its technology/material combination permits an excellent performance, respecting extreme and comfort temperatures.

Total Weight: 1900 GSM.
Filling: Polyester Micro Fibre, 2x100g/sqm, soft pre-formed
padding, extreme even and soft, high performance,
extreme warm-keeping.
Shell / Lining: 66 Nylon 310T / 40 x 40 Deniers, soft touch.
Extreme Temperature: -10°C / 14°F
Comfort Temperature: -5°C / 23°F

Cost: Approx £130 online.
Colours: Green/grey, or navy blue/light blue

Selk'bag 3

The highest in quality of the selk'bag range, this has been developed for the coldest zones such as mountains, deserts (night) or other low temperature zones, as well as any other place such as lakes, forests, beaches, camping, cabins or other open spaces. Its technology/material combination delivers a high/outstanding performance, respecting extreme and comfort temperatures.

Total Weight: 1800 GSM.
Filling: White duck down. 90% Down / 10% Feather, 650g/pc.
Shell / Lining: Nylon 320T / 44 x 33 Deniers, soft touch,
downproof.
Extreme Temperature: -20°C / -4°F
Comfort Temperature: -15°C / 5°F

Cost and Colours: Not sure - arriving early 2008.

My Experience of the Selk'Bag:

I have a selk'bag 2, and although I haven't been on any camping trips since owning it (I did only receive it at Christmas after all), I have worn it round the house on many occasions and have enjoyed its comfort and warmth. You don't have to be a fan of camping to own a selk'bag - if you are anything like me, that is someone who gets cold easily even when the heating is on, or enjoys a lazy weekend lounging about, then you will enjoy chilling out in your selk!

I have also slept in it, which I suppose is its main purpose. Gone are the days of feeling restricted in a sleeping bag; in fact, I was able to sprawl about like I would do if sleeping in my bed! And don't you hate it when, sleeping in a regular sleeping bag, you turn over and the bag gets all twisted (or is that just me)? You need to try the selk!!

When I'm walking about in it - (you all still think I'm a weirdo, don't you?) it is slightly too big for me, I'm only 5'4" after all, however I warm up fast when I'm wearing it, and have I mentioned before that it's really comfortable!? Ok, it's maybe a tad expensive to buy one just to lounge about the house (the only reason I have given it 4 stars instead of 5), but if you like camping, or are looking to purchase a new sleeping bag, then you really should consider buying a selk'bag.

Basically I think it's great.

Selk'bags are produced by Lippi Sports, a Chilean outdoor company with more than 25 years experience. Have a look at lippiselkbag.co.uk for more information.

This review writing really takes it out of me - I think I'll have a snooze in my cosy, warm selk'bag...zzzzzz.

Summary: The best sleeping bag ever!