Wool sleeping bag BIOPOD ZERO in practical test
Wool sleeping bag Biopod Zero in practical test
High-quality lightweight sleeping bag with comfortable and functional wool filling
Advantages
- pleasant sleeping climate
- very small and light
- good cut
- breathable, optimal moisture regulation
- windproof and water repellent
- pflegeleicht
Disadvantages
- Zipper could run more easily
- not suitable for temperatures below approx. 9°C
Grüezi Bag is a young sleeping bag brand from the Upper Bavarian Alps. I tested the Biopod Zero sleeping bag (40 denier nylon mini-ripstop/polyamide outer material, 85-92% pure new wool filling) on a multi-day trek (Selvaggio Blue) along the coast of eastern Sardinia in May. We spent all nights outdoors without a tent.
Grüezi Bag claims that, unlike down, wool insulates even when wet. While synthetic fibers aren't as sensitive as down, they don't have as good a climate and don't provide as much warmth as down. Grüezi Bag's innovative alpine wool filling combines the advantages of down and synthetic fibers. My experience confirms these claims.
What was striking during the night on the ferry deck during the arrival was that the sleeping bag remained pleasantly dry and warm, even in stormy and humid conditions. Even the wind was imperceptible in the wool sleeping bag! With nighttime temperatures of approximately 9–15°C during the trek, the Grüezi Bag provided enough insulation for me to sleep very well. The sleeping bag's small pack size (15 x 20 cm compressed) and low weight (1050 g including stuff sack) were also very beneficial for the multi-day tour with a heavy backpack.
Unlike down, wool filling retains its shape for a long time and can be easily machine washed using a wool cycle and wool detergent. Since wool is antibacterial and therefore odor-inhibiting, you rarely need to wash the sleeping bag anyway—airing it outside is sufficient.
The manufacturer specifies a comfort temperature of 7°C for women and 2°C for men (extreme temperature -12°C). As with almost all sleeping bags, you need to add about 3°C to achieve a truly cozy and warm night's sleep. This sleeping bag is therefore intended for summer use.
Practical and well-thought-out features include the pillow compartment (in which you can stuff a fleece jacket as a pillow, for example), the adjustable hood and the small zipped compartment on the outside.
Conclusion: The sleeping bag is very comfortable, light, and small – an absolute recommendation!
