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Every camper knows the moment. The fire is warm, the conversation is good, but the air is getting cold and your sleeping bag is waiting in the tent. The Poler Napsack solves that problem by letting you bring the sleeping bag to the fire. It is a wearable sleeping bag with zippered arm openings and a bottom that cinches up, so you can sleep in it, lounge in it or walk around in it.
Who makes it
Poler was founded in 2011 and is based in Portland, Oregon. The company says it has bridged the gap between action sports and traditional outdoor activities since day one, making fun and practical gear for travelers, surfers, skateboarders, snowboarders, cyclists, parents, kids and car campers.
Poler sums up its outlook with a phrase it calls Camp Vibes, short for camping vibrations, which it describes as a state of overwhelming joy, relaxation and enlightenment. The Napsack is probably the purest expression of that idea in its whole lineup.
What it is
Poler calls the Napsack the best camping invention since the s'more. It is a sleeping bag shaped so you can use it three ways. Zip the arm holes closed and cinch the bottom for full sleep mode. Unzip the arm holes to read, use a laptop or watch a movie in lounge mode. Or pull the bottom hem up through the inside, cinch the drawstring around your waist and walk around in it like a long puffy coat.
Here are the details Poler lists:
- Recycled synthetic insulation
- Zippered shoulder openings for your arms
- Drawcord cinch at the bottom
- Soft ripstop nylon exterior
- Handwarmer and accessory pockets
- Rated to sleep comfortably to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weight between 2 and 2.5 pounds
- 18 x 8 inch stuff sack included
Why it is cool
The Napsack turns a sleeping bag into something you use all evening, not just after lights out. You can sit by the fire, make a late cup of tea and wander back to your tent without ever leaving the warmth. Poler also suggests it for summer trips, couch surfing, music festivals and warming up after snowboarding or surfing.
It is just as good at home. Poler notes it is not too hot to wear inside, which makes it a cozy option for movie nights and cold mornings. The reversible versions add a second color or pattern on the inside, so you can flip it for a different look.
And it is fun. The Napsack has a playful, slightly ridiculous charm that makes it a favorite at campsites and festivals.
How to size and use it
Poler asks you to ignore your normal clothing size and choose by height:
- S/XS: fits up to 5 feet tall
- M: fits up to 5 feet 8 inches
- L: fits up to 6 feet 3 inches
- XL: fits up to 6 feet 8 inches
If you plan to sleep in it often with your arms zipped inside, or if you are within 3 inches of the top of a size range, Poler recommends going up a size so your feet have room. For walking, cinch the bottom around your waist and fold over the extra material.
Since it is rated to 50 degrees, the Napsack is best for summer camping, mild shoulder season nights and indoor use. On colder trips, treat it as a camp layer and pair it with a warmer sleeping bag for the night.
Care
Poler recommends hand washing in cold water with a light detergent, rinsing well to remove all suds, then laying it flat to air dry out of direct sunlight. For a final fluff, tumble it on the lowest heat setting for 20 minutes with dryer balls or tennis balls to prevent clumping. Do not tear off the care labels. Use scissors if you want to remove them.
Who it is for
The Napsack is for car campers, festival goers, van lifers and anyone who hates leaving a warm fire for a cold tent. It also makes a great gift for the person who is always cold on the couch. If you want a single piece of gear that adds comfort and a bit of fun to every trip, this is it.
Planning a camp setup? See the Helinox Chair One, the Barebones Edison Mini lantern, our guide to Snow Peak camping gear and our best camp coffee gear. For more, browse our buying guides.
