Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors
  3. News

L.L. Bean teams up with PrimaLoft, unveils first Aerogel-insulated sleeping bag

By

PrimaLoft sleeping bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Aerogel was invented by NASA, earning a reputation as the world’s lightest solid. It first came onto the outdoor scene because of its incredible insulation abilities but it has major limitations including friability, sensitivity to water, and lack of breathability. PrimaLoft brought the substance into the spotlight with its creation of PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel — a fabric that encapsulates the substance and allows for widespread use across the outdoor industry. Now, L.L. Bean has teamed with PrimaLoft to introduce the first Aerogel-insulated sleeping bag.

PrimaLoft first introduced NASA’s trademark Aerogel insulation to the market of outdoor apparel with Helly Hansen’s Lifepocket. The company utilizes PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel in the cell phone pockets integrated into many of their ski and snowboard jackets in order to maintain battery life. But PrimaLoft didn’t stop with PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel — the company developed a product that would integrate Aerogel into fabric.

PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel with Cross Core is the first product to combine Aerogel with fiber technology necessary for use in batted insulation. This invention allows for use of Aerogel in products that demand a degree of breathability. While PrimaLoft encapsulated the membrane as with the PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel, this new product boasts greater breathability thanks to the lofted element of the fibers.

L.L. Bean’s Ultralight Sleeping Bag features PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel with Cross Core and is available in a few different models. The line includes 20- and 35-degree mummy bags and a 20-degree rectangular bag. These products boasts a weight similar to comparable down bags, although they don’t compress quite as well. The Regular 20-degree mummy weighs in at 1 pound, 15 ounces. Additional features include a 20-denier ripstop nylon shell, small inside shoulder pocket, and trapezoidal foot box for added comfort.

L.L. Bean is the exclusive partner with PrimaLoft’s developer for the insulation for 2018, according to GearJunkie. You won’t just see the insulation in the sleeping bags but across a whole line of products including coats and jackets. For 2019, the insulation will be made available industrywide. This year’s Outdoor Retailer and Snow Show showed a widespread interest in the adoption of Aerogel technology. The substance is being utilized in boot insoles, toe caps, and glove fingertips — places where breathability isn’t necessary. You’ll see a release of more and more Aerogel products as the year progresses.

The Ultralight Regular 20-degree mummy bag retails for $220 while the Long version retails for $230.

Topics
Amanda Ellis
Amanda Ellis
Contributor
Amanda is an outdoor junkie and digital nomad with an insatiable hunger for gear. Based out of Raleigh, NC she travels to…
The best golf apps for iPhone and Android: 8 best ones in 2023
smart golf club

If you play golf, then it's likely you live and breathe golf, and like everyone else, you're probably always looking to improve your game. Hiring a coach and other methods are great ways to improve, but have you considered starting out by downloading an app? Golfing apps are some of the most advanced applications out there and make heavy use of artificial intelligence and GPS to both track your movements and analyze your swing. Golf apps can track an enormous amount of data about the way you play and can help you to turn those bogeys into birdies. Here are the best golf apps for iPhones and Android phones.

Looking for more useful apps? Check out our lists of the best Android apps and best iPhone apps you can download today.

Read more
Goal Zero’s new Skylight is an LED palm tree for emergencies
A Goal Zero Skylight shining LEDs lights into a darkened hallway.

Goal Zero is expanding its lighting range today with a backup LED system called the Skylight. The Goal Zero Skylight is an all-in-one set that includes a 33Wh battery built in and six LED panels that can blast out 6,000 lumens all told.

There are four brightness settings available, if that much light is overkill for your needs, and the panels can angle outwards as needed to cover a larger area. Combined with the 12 feet of telescoping available from the tripod, you can cover quite the range with visibility. A handle with a one-button release allows you to quickly deploy the Skylight for outdoor work or play, and stakes stored in the legs give you the option to keep it in place. A dedicated spool stows the charging cable when you're not using it, and a carrying case is included to store and move the whole kit.

Read more
The best electric bikes for 2023
Aventon Pace 500.3 with rider on it

Whether you're wondering what the fuss is all about with e-bikes, or you're an enthusiast shopping for a new model, the options have never been broader. There is an e-bike for just about anyone who wants to try electric two-wheeling, whether you want to spend $500 or $5,000. Using e-bikes for commuting is an eminently practical and cost-saving alternative form of transport for some people, but most riders choose e-bikes for fun and adventure.

Here are eight of the best e-bikes available today, from our favorite overall pick to more specialized choices for every type of rider, whether you're looking for something fast, portable, and just more affordable.

Read more