As a natural product, down offers the best warmth insulation for sleeping bag fillings. Nevertheless, quality depends on the individual animal, origin and selection procedures. In order to assess the quality, the volume of down is measured in relation to weight and given in terms of “cuin”*. The volume of down gives its so-called fill power, and thus its insulation properties. Often no statements are made about simple down sleeping bags. Reasonable camping and summer sleeping bags have 350 cuin, good sleeping bags 500 cuin, very good 600 cuin and the highest quality sleeping bags more than 700 cuin fill power. In the Alpinextrem range SALEWA uses +700 cuin (90/10, i.e. 90 per cent down, 10 per cent feathers) and in the Active range +600 cuin goose down filling.
*cuin measurement: the volume of an American ounce of down (28.35 grams) in cubic inches (16.39 cm3).

Artificial fibre fillings are to be recommended for damp climates. They absorb no moisture and offer insulation even in damp condition. As a result of years of research, development and experience, SALEWA relies on Powerfill fillings. These artificial fibres have properties similar to down: high repellent power, soft to the touch, long lifespan and small pack size. SALEWA uses Powerfill supreme for the best volume/warmth insulation ratio or Powerfill performance for light robust fillings.