What is DownWool®? The high-performance insulation from Grüezi bag®
DownWool® – Sleeping bags & clothing with down and wool
Light as down. Compact as down. And in its element when wet.
DownWool® is the down and wool insulation developed by Grüezi bag®. It combines the excellent warmth of down with the special moisture and temperature regulation properties of wool.
The key point: DownWool® achieves comparable warmth with a similar weight and pack size to high-quality pure down. At the same time, DownWool® is significantly less sensitive to moisture and can even increase its loft in high humidity.
That's exactly why DownWool® is interesting for outdoor adventures where cold, moisture and changing temperatures come together – from trekking and bikepacking to camping, mountaineering and winter sports.
DownWool® is available in sleeping bags, jackets and vests from Grüezi bag®.
→ Discover DownWool® sleeping bags
What is DownWool®?
DownWool® is an innovative insulation filling made of 70% down and 30% wool . The two materials are permanently bonded together using a mechanical process developed by Grüezi bag®.
The idea behind DownWool® is not to replace the advantages of down with a heavier material. On the contrary: the lightness and small pack size of down are retained. The wool complements the down where it excels: in moisture management and temperature regulation.
This creates insulation that is lightweight, compact and at the same time particularly resistant to moisture.
The composition of DownWool®
| component | proportion of | Special characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Daune | 70% | Very high heat output with low weight and small pack size |
| Wool | 30% | Moisture absorption, temperature regulation and support of a pleasant climate |
The current DownWool® 2.0 generation features a further developed wool structure. This allows the wool to trap more air, resulting in improved insulation performance with the same fill weight. Grüezi bag® states that DownWool® 2.0 thus achieves the warmth-to-weight ratio of pure down.
Why DownWool®?
Because you don't have to compromise on weight and pack size to benefit from the advantages of wool.
High-quality down filling is lightweight, packs down small, and provides excellent insulation. DownWool® retains precisely these qualities.
The difference becomes particularly apparent when moisture is involved. While pure down can be sensitive to increasing humidity, the wool in DownWool® supports moisture transport and temperature regulation.
The result is insulation that not only keeps you warm, but can also adapt better to changing conditions.
DownWool® at a glance
Same weight. Same pack size. Greater safety in wet conditions.
- Very easy: DownWool® achieves a warmth-to-weight ratio on par with high-quality pure down.
- Packs down very small: The pack size remains comparable to high-quality down.
- Moisture resistant: DownWool® is significantly less sensitive to humidity than pure down.
- Up to 28,9% more loft: In high humidity, the filling volume of DownWool® can increase significantly.
- Excellent sleeping and wearing climate: Wool helps to balance moisture and temperature.
- Suitable for wet and cold weather: DownWool® can really show off its special properties, especially in damp and cold conditions.
DownWool® in high humidity, when moisture becomes an advantage
This is one of the special properties of DownWool®.
Down has excellent insulating properties. However, high humidity can impair the loft of a pure down filling. Less loft means less trapped air and therefore less insulation.
DownWool® reacts differently.
The wool content absorbs moisture. This changes the structure of the wool fiber and can increase its volume. As a result, the filling volume of DownWool® can also increase with rising humidity.
Tested by Hohenstein Laboratories
Grüezi bag® had the behavior of the DownWool® filling tested at different humidity levels by Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG .
In the test, the filling material was exposed to varying relative humidity levels of 50% to 90% at 23°C. After a conditioning period, the filling volume was measured.
The result: At up to 90% relative humidity, DownWool® increased its loft by up to 28,9%. The measurement is documented in test report no. 24.1121291 dated July 16, 2024.
More loft means more trapped air and therefore better conditions for insulation.
→ View the Hohenstein Laboratories test report
Why is DownWool® so interesting in wet and cold weather?
Cold, wet weather is among the most demanding conditions for outdoor equipment.
Temperatures are low, and the air is humid. This is compounded by condensation, perspiration, and possibly rain, fog, or snow.
It is precisely under these conditions that DownWool® can demonstrate its strengths.
The wool helps regulate moisture within the insulation. At the same time, the down remains responsible for warmth. In high humidity, the fill volume of DownWool® can even increase.
For DownWool®, moisture is therefore not simply a burden; under the tested conditions, it can even lead to more loft.
This makes DownWool® particularly interesting for autumn and winter tours, mountain regions, damp forests, tours by lakes and rivers, and for all outdoor activities where you don't want to rely on dry weather.
DownWool® and the sleeping climate
Warmth is not automatically pleasant.
Anyone who sleeps in a sleeping bag at night knows the problem: if it gets too warm, you start to sweat. If the moisture isn't wicked away sufficiently, the sleeping bag can feel damp. When the temperature later drops, this dampness becomes a problem.
DownWool® addresses this very issue.
Wool fibers can absorb and release moisture. At the same time, wool supports temperature regulation. This creates a larger area where the sleeping climate can feel comfortable.
This is one of the key differences between DownWool® and a pure down filling.
DownWool® and the wearing climate in clothing
The same principle is particularly interesting for outdoor clothing.
When hiking, biking, or mountaineering, periods of exertion and rest constantly alternate. During movement, the body produces heat. During breaks or in wind and cold conditions, additional insulation is needed.
A good insulated jacket therefore needs to be more than just warm. It should also be able to cope with changes in body temperature and humidity.
DownWool® supports precisely this balance.
The wool content aids in moisture management and temperature regulation. At the same time, the down provides excellent warmth at a low weight.
DownWool® compared to down and wool
DownWool® combines the strengths of both materials without sacrificing the crucial advantages of down in terms of weight and pack size.
| Property | Daune | Wool | DownWool® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very little | Higher | Very low – comparable to pure down |
| pack size | Tiny | Greater | Very small – comparable to pure down. |
| moisture management | More sensitive | Very good! | Very good and stable |
| Loft with high humidity | Can lose weight | Stabil | Up to 28,9% more filling volume |
| Temperature regulation | Limited | Very good! | Very good! |
| Sleeping and wearing climate | Very good! | Very good! | Excellent climate control |
What makes DownWool® special: You don't have to choose between the lightness of down and the climate-regulating properties of wool. DownWool® combines both in one insulation.
DownWool® or pure down?
Pure down is among the most efficient insulating materials. It is lightweight, packs down small, and offers excellent warmth.
DownWool® retains these advantages and complements them with the properties of wool.
The most important difference lies in how it handles moisture. In high humidity, the loft of pure down can decrease. DownWool®, on the other hand, was specifically developed for this situation and shows an increase in fill volume under the tested conditions.
If you want the benefits of down, but also want to be reliably insulated in damp weather, DownWool® is a particularly interesting solution.
DownWool® or pure wool.
Wool is an excellent insulating material and possesses outstanding properties in regulating moisture and temperature.
Their main disadvantage compared to down lies in their weight and pack size.
DownWool® therefore combines 70% down with 30% wool. This allows the high thermal performance of down to be combined with the climate-regulating properties of wool, without increasing the weight and pack size to the level of a pure wool filling.
DownWool® or synthetic fiber
Synthetic fiber fillings have their strengths and are a good choice for many outdoor uses. DownWool® takes a different approach: high-performance insulation with very low weight, small pack size, and excellent moisture and temperature management.
If you are looking for lightweight insulation and also value a comfortable climate, DownWool® is an interesting alternative.
DownWool® 2.0: even more performance at the same weight
With DownWool® 2.0, Grüezi bag® has further developed insulation.
An additional production step gives the wool a finer structure and more loft. This allows it to trap more air and increase its insulation performance with the same fill weight.
This means: more heat output without additional filling weight.
According to Grüezi bag®, the Biopod DownWool® Subzero 3-season sleeping bag achieves a 4°C improvement in EN comfort temperature thanks to DownWool® 2.0, while maintaining the same weight and dimensions. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
DownWool® sleeping bags
DownWool® has been used in Grüezi bag® sleeping bags since 2016. Today, there are models for different temperatures and uses – from particularly lightweight summer sleeping bags to warm sleeping bags for cold nights.
The combination of down and wool makes DownWool® sleeping bags particularly suitable for people who want to combine low weight, small pack size and a balanced sleeping climate .
DownWool® for summer and light tours
The particularly lightweight DownWool® models are ideal for warm nights and light tours.
The Biopod DownWool® Extreme Light is designed for low weight and a small pack size and is particularly suitable for summer, trekking, bikepacking and travel.
→ Discover lightweight DownWool® sleeping bags
DownWool® for 3-season tours
Different temperature ranges are available for spring, summer and autumn with the DownWool® Summer and Subzero models.
They are suitable for activities such as trekking, camping, hut tours and bikepacking.
→ Compare DownWool® sleeping bags
DownWool® for cold nights and winter
For low temperatures, the DownWool® Subzero and Ice models offer additional warmth.
The choice should always be based on the expected outside temperature, your personal perception of warmth, and the intended use.
→ Discover warm DownWool® sleeping bags
DownWool® sleeping bags according to temperature
| Model | Comfort temperature | Limit temperature | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Light | 12 ° C | 8 ° C | Summer, bikepacking, easy trekking tours |
| Summer | 8 ° C | 3 ° C | Summer, spring and autumn |
| Summer Comfort | 8 ° C | 4 ° C | Camping and comfort-oriented tours |
| Subzero | 2 ° C | -4 ° C | Three-season tours and cold nights |
| Ice | -1 ° C | -8 ° C | cold nights and winter tours |
Note: The temperature specifications refer to the respective models. Please always check the current information on the respective product page before purchasing.
→ View all DownWool® sleeping bags
DownWool® Clothing
DownWool® is not just insulation for sleeping bags. Grüezi bag® also uses DownWool® for lightweight and warm outdoor clothing.
A good climate is particularly important for an insulated jacket or vest: heat and moisture are generated during movement, while additional insulation is needed during breaks or in windy conditions.
DownWool® supports this alternation between movement and rest.
DownWool® Jackets
DownWool® jackets combine low weight with high thermal performance and the moisture-regulating properties of wool.
Depending on the model, they are suitable for trekking, hiking, biking, mountaineering, winter sports, travel or everyday use.
Due to their low weight and pack size, many DownWool® jackets can easily be carried in a backpack as an additional insulating layer.
DownWool® vests
A DownWool® vest keeps the upper body warm while leaving the arms free. This makes it particularly suitable for active outdoor activities and as an additional insulating layer.
Whether hiking, biking, traveling or in everyday life: DownWool® vests offer the combination of low weight, warmth and climate-regulating properties.
Who is DownWool® suitable for?
DownWool® is ideal for anyone who wants to travel light but doesn't want to compromise on sleeping and wearing comfort.
- Trekking and hiking
- bikepacking
- Mountaineering
- Hut tours
- Campsite
- Vanlife
- Travel
- Winter sports
- Outdoor adventures in changeable weather
- Everyday life in cold temperatures
DownWool® for Trekking
When trekking, every gram counts. At the same time, the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
A DownWool® sleeping bag offers the warmth of a lightweight down filling combined with improved moisture management. A DownWool® jacket or vest can also serve as a lightweight insulating layer.
This creates a particularly lightweight and versatile insulation system for trekking tours.
→ Discover trekking sleeping bags
DownWool® for bikepacking
When bikepacking, luggage space is limited. Sleeping bag, clothing and equipment must be as light and compact as possible.
DownWool® is therefore particularly interesting: The weight and pack size remain comparable to high-quality down, while the wool offers additional advantages in moisture and temperature management.
DownWool® for camping
When camping, damp nights, dew and high humidity can become an issue – especially at lakes, rivers or the sea.
DownWool® is particularly suitable for such conditions. The wool supports moisture regulation and can even increase its loft in high humidity.
This makes DownWool® an interesting choice for campers looking for a lightweight and comfortable sleeping bag with particularly good moisture management.
→ Discover camping sleeping bags
Certified DownWool® technology
The special properties of DownWool® are not just a theoretical assumption. Grüezi bag® tests the insulation under defined conditions.
An important piece of evidence comes from Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG . Test report no. 24.1121291 examined the behavior of the filling volume at relative humidity levels of 50% to 90%.
The result: DownWool® increased its fill volume by up to 28,9% with increasing humidity. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Such tests make the special properties of DownWool® comprehensible and differentiate the technology from mere marketing promises.
DownWool® – Insulation with a system
DownWool® is more than a blend of down and wool.
It is a coordinated insulation system in which each material performs a specific task:
- Daune It delivers high heat output at a low weight.
- Wool Supports humidity management and temperature regulation.
- The combination This allows for low weight and small pack size while maintaining high resistance to moisture.
The result is isolation for people who are outdoors and don't want to be dictated to by the weather when a tour can take place.
Frequently Asked Questions about DownWool®
What is DownWool®?
DownWool® is an insulation developed by Grüezi bag® made from 70% down and 30% wool. It combines the high warmth and light weight of down with the moisture and temperature regulation properties of wool.
Is DownWool® heavier than pure down?
No, DownWool® was developed to have a warmth-to-weight ratio comparable to high-quality pure down. With DownWool® 2.0, the insulation was further optimized, allowing for increased warmth with the same fill weight.
Does DownWool® have a larger pack size than down?
No. DownWool® achieves a small pack size comparable to high-quality pure down. This makes the insulation suitable for trekking, bikepacking, and other tours where space and weight are crucial.
What happens to DownWool® in high humidity?
This is a particular strength of DownWool®. The fill volume of DownWool® can increase with rising humidity. In a Hohenstein test, up to 28,9% more fill volume was measured at up to 90% relative humidity.
Why does DownWool® gain more loft when exposed to moisture?
The wool content absorbs moisture. This causes the wool fibers to swell and increase in volume. As a result, the fill volume of the DownWool® insulation can also increase in high humidity.
Is DownWool® suitable for wet and cold weather?
Yes. DownWool® is particularly resistant to moisture and was specifically developed for fluctuating conditions. In high humidity, the insulation can even gain in loft.
Is DownWool® suitable for summer?
Yes. The lightweight DownWool® Extreme Light and Summer models offer sleeping bags for warm and mild temperatures.
Is DownWool® suitable for winter?
Yes. The DownWool® Subzero and Ice models are sleeping bags suitable for significantly lower temperatures. The specific comfort and limit temperatures of each model are crucial in determining suitability.
Is DownWool® suitable for bikepacking?
Yes. The low weight and small pack size make DownWool® particularly interesting for bikepacking. At the same time, the insulation offers advantages in changeable and damp weather.
Is DownWool® also available as clothing?
Yes. Grüezi bag® also uses DownWool® in insulating jackets and vests. These combine light weight and high thermal performance with the moisture-regulating properties of wool.
Where is DownWool® used?
DownWool® is used by Grüezi bag® in products including sleeping bags, jackets, and vests. The technology was developed for outdoor activities where warmth, light weight, pack size, and breathability are important.
Discover DownWool® by Grüezi bag®
You want the lightness and small pack size of down – but significantly better performance in wet conditions?
Then discover DownWool®: an insulation developed by Grüezi bag® that combines down and wool into a high-performance insulation system.
Whether in a sleeping bag on a trekking tour, bikepacking, camping or as a warm jacket on the mountain – DownWool® was developed for people who are outdoors.
→ Discover DownWool® sleeping bags
→ Discover DownWool® jackets & vests
Further information and advice
Not sure which sleeping bag or insulation is right for your needs? Our other advice pages can help you choose.
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Sleeping bag according to area of use
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Trekking sleeping bags
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Camping sleeping bags
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All DownWool® sleeping bags
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All sleeping bags
DownWool® – light as down. Climate-regulating like wool. Designed for the outdoors.
