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The North Face’s Latest Camping Innovation Makes Sleeping Outdoors Easier for Everyone

The Universal One Bag was developed with one goal: make exploring comfortable and accessible to all adventurers.

Close-up of a black, gray, and mustard yellow North Face sleeping bag with a drawstring hood.The North Face
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By Hayley Helms

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Getting outside is often framed as simple, but for many outdoor enthusiasts, it’s anything but.

The recently released Universal Collection from The North Face addresses friction points that traditional gear often overlooks.

Person with red hair wrapped in a gray and yellow North Face sleeping bag sitting on grass with rocky hills in the background.
The Universal One Bag was co-created with adaptive athletes and the adaptive sports community, resulting in a more welcoming outdoor experience.
The North Face

The Universal One Bag isn’t the first zipperless sleeping bag to hit the market in 2026, but it is the most deliberate.

One bag fits all

The Universal One Bag, along with the entire TNF Universal Collection, was informed by input from two of the brand’s adaptive athletes, Vasu Sojitra and Maureen Beck.

“The hallmarks of great design should provide a positive user experience from start to finish for all users,” says Senior Technical Equipment Designer Luke Matthews.

Mummy-style sleeping bag in mustard yellow, gray, and beige with The North Face logo on the hood.
The main body is made with 30D recycled polyester with a (non-PFC DWR) finish. The heavier wing is made with a 75D polyester, and the lighter wing is 50D polyester.
The North Face

“Thanks to [our athletes’] collaboration and insight, we built a collection that removes barriers through intuitive design elements.”

Those elements can be found on every aspect of the new sleeping bag. The construction eliminates zippers, instead using two magnetic Fidlock closures to provide a secure, accessible fit.

Close-up of a gray and mustard sleeping bag with an olive green sleeping pad underneath secured by a black strap.
The hassle-free fixed footbox makes for more comfortable rest.
The North Face

Two insulated “wings” allow for real-time temperature regulation; fold both over for the most warmth, flip one off to cool down or fully spread the pair for the most breathability.

The heavier inner wing is constructed with a warmer next-to-skin material and the lighter wing is made with a cooler-to-the touch alternative.

Person wrapped in a yellow and gray sleeping bag sitting on green grass with rocky mountains in the background.
The Universal One Bag features a 20°F / -7°C temperature rating.
The North Face

Unlike other zipperless sleeping bags, the Universal One Bag employs rubberized touch points and oversized loops on draw cords to make adjustments easier, while an integrated sleeve locks your sleeping pad in place all night.

The North Face sleeping bag with black, mustard yellow, and beige sections, partially open to show the interior lining.
Strategically placed tactile lining panels and silicone prints help make the bag’s components easy to find by touch.
The North Face

No detail has been overlooked; the included stuffsack is shaped to be operated with one hand, and the fixed footbox keeps everything in place.

Close-up of a black jacket sleeve with a zippered pocket and a yellow and beige quilted fabric background.
The magnetic Fidlock closure is much easier to operate than a traditional zipper .. and much quieter.
The North Face

While the Universal One Bag was developed with the intention to provide greater outdoor access to a wider audience, its considerate configuration makes for a more restful night of sleep for experienced and newer campers alike.

Availability and pricing

The Universal One Bag is available now on The North Face’s website, retailing for $280. The Regular length is sold out, but Short and Long options are still available.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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