Innovation & Technology
Our Technology
In 1972 we introduced the very first self-inflating sleeping pad and have remained at the forefront of outdoor comfort technology and innovation ever since. Check out our latest technologies and innovation timeline below to see all the groundbreaking introductions we’ve made along the way.
Sleeping Pads & Cots
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TRIANGULAR CORE MATRIX™
Our ground-breaking air pad technology uses a patented, two-tiered construction of triangular baffles to create the most stable air pad available. This complex internal structure also boosts heat retention and, when combined with our ThermaCapture™ technology, creates sleeping pads with our highest warmth-to-weight ratios.
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STRATACORE™ FOAM
StrataCore uses a continuous layer of thermal foam capped by alternating air channels and foam ridges. This reduces bulk considerably yet maintains a consistent foam barrier throughout the sleeping pad. The result is reduced convective heat loss and the best warmth-to-weight ratios available in our self-inflating pads.
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PRESSURE MAPPING
A pressure-mapped sleeping pad is built based on biometric data generated by a range of people lying on a pressure-sensitive surface. This allows us build sleeping pads with added support in high-pressure areas (hips, shoulders, etc.) and low-density, foams elsewhere. The result is exceptional, targeted comfort with minimal bulk.
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RIDGEREST™ & Z LITE™ TECHNOLOGY
When we introduced these iconic thermally formed patterns, they changed foam pads forever. They boost warmth with air-trapping peaks and valleys and dual-density foam provides a durable yet soft sleeping surface. The nesting “egg crate” pattern of the Z lite pad maximizes compactness and remains the ultralight standard in closed-cell foam pads.
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BOWFRAME™ TECHNOLOGY
Our patented BowFrame™ cot design converts lightweight poles, stretch-free fabric and unique cot feet into a tension-spring system that holds the cot together and provides superior, off-the-ground sleeping comfort and support. When used, the cot’s bow poles are designed to flex until the middle of the pole contacts the ground, offering the user greater stability while still maintaining flex for comfort.
Sleeping Bags & Quilts
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ZONED INSULATION
For the best thermal efficiency, Zoned Insulation concentrates fill on the top and sides of your sleeping bag where its uncompromised loft is best utilized to trap heat. This works in concert with your sleeping pad–where the majority of insulation beneath you comes from–to maximize warmth and reduce unnecessary weight.
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QUILT & BLANKET LOOPS
Most of our bags are equipped with small loops along their perimeter. These mate with corresponding straps on our quilts and blankets allowing you to securely snap an extra layer of insulation on top of your bag and customize your system’s comfort to a wider range of conditions.
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RESPONSIBLE DOWN STANDARD
All of our down is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)–a movement that aims to reward and influence the down and feather industry for practices that respect the humane treatment of ducks and geese. RDS certification assures stringent oversight throughout the supply chain so you know what’s in your bag.
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ERALOFT™ SYNTHETIC INSULATION
Advanced EraLoft polyester fibers are spun with a hollow channel at their core. This design traps more heat than solid fibers and sheds weight. They’re also highly compressible, repel water and dry fast while superior temperature regulation delivers comfort across wide range of temperatures.
Big Ideas. Small Footprint.
We are committed to providing you with the best possible solutions in outdoor comfort and keeping a vigilant eye on our environmental footprint while we do it. From smaller things, like repurposing die-cut foams to make our Compressible Pillows, to a broad, global awareness of our supply chain’s impact, it’s a complicated puzzle but one we’re always looking to find answers to. One of our longest-standing initiatives has been a commitment to making our products “In Market”. This initiative has enabled us to greatly reduce the length and complication of our supply chain, resulting in better service and a smaller global footprint.