As a hiker, you know that packing smart is key for any overnight adventure. And when it comes to overnight hikes, one of the most crucial pieces of gear is your sleeping bag! Whether you’re embarking on a cozy hut-to-hut trek, tackling a multi-day hike, or even pushing on a thru-hike, your sleeping bag is an absolute must-have.
If you’ve found yourself eyeing the Vaude Sioux 800 Synthetic Sleeping Bag, you’re in the right spot. In this review, I’ll dive into everything you need to know — its features, where I’ve tested it, the pros and cons of this particular model, and my final verdict. By the end, you’ll know if this bag is the one to take on your next adventure!
Author
Linde van Emmerik
Originally, Linde grew up in The Netherlands, but after graduating she made the move Down Under and spent six years between Australia and New Zealand. This is where she truly found her love for nature. She’s a little silly, which resulted in embarking on a journey of a lifetime: Te Araroa. Without ever having done an overnight hike, she decided to hike the length of New Zealand and got swept off her feet by the beauty this country had to offer. In 2024 she moved back to her home country, a country without a single mountain. So instead of climbing summits and hiking in the backcountry, she does the next best thing: write about it!
The Vaude Sioux 800 II Sleeping Bag is a versatile, synthetic fiber sleeping bag designed for three-season camping. Whether you’re trekking through the mountains or camping under the stars, this mummy-shaped sleeping bag has your back (and your warmth) covered. Rated for chilly nights, it keeps you warm down to -1°C, with a limit of -7°C, making it a decent option for spring, summer, and fall camping.
With the outer material made from durable polyester and synthetic fill, the sleeping bag is great against moisture. This makes sure you stay warm even when it gets damp outside. It’s also not too heavy and quite packable for backpacks that are 55L and above — so no need to worry about dragging any extra bulk on your hikes. This obviously depends on the rest of your gear (and snacks) too! Plus, with its eco-friendly Green Shape design, you can sleep soundly knowing you’re reducing your ecological footprint.
It’s got all the adjustable options you want as well —a hood, two-way zippers for ventilation, and even a little interior pocket for your midnight snacks. The sleeping bag comes with the zipper either on the right or left — all up to you. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned adventurer, the Sioux 800 II keeps things comfy and sustainable.
Key specifications
VAUDE Sioux 800 SYN II
Temperature ratings
Comfort: 5°C Limit: 0°C Extreme: -15°C
Weight
1,330 g
Filling
Sensofiber synthetic insulation, made from 100% recycled polyester
Shape
Mummy-style for optimal heat retention
Materials
Outer, lining, and filling: 100% recycled polyester
Packed size
Minimal: 28 x 25 cm Maximal: 40 x 25 cm
Zipper
Two-way zipper with thermal collar
Eco-friendly features
100% climate-neutral production, made entirely from recycled materials
Additional features
Contoured hood, warmth collar, inner pocket, foot box, and a compression stuff sack included
About the brand
VAUDE is a German family-run business that’s been rocking the outdoor gear scene since 1974. Founded by Albrecht von Dewitz, the brand’s name is actually a nod to his surname (pronounced Fau’de). What started with creating innovative backpacks has since grown into a company that makes all kinds of high-tech outdoor equipment—whether you’re into backpacking, bikepacking, or any adventure in between.
Testing the Vaude Sioux 800
A little while ago I took the Vaude Sioux 800 II Sleeping Bag on an overnight walk in the Netherlands. I can’t really call it a hike, since The Netherlands is one of Europe’s flattest countries. Anyhow, this test was part of a solo camping adventure where I wanted to see how the bag performed in real-life conditions. It was a typical Dutch summer night, with temperatures around 10°C, so not too cold, but chilly enough for a good test of the bag’s insulation. Ideally, I would’ve tested it with a cowboy camp but the Dutch summer nights can’t be trusted. With my PJs on, I jumped into the bag, hoping it would live up to its reputation.
Fit and comfort
One of the first things I noticed was the fit of the sleeping bag. The mummy shape is designed to retain heat efficiently, which is great for a cold sleeper like me, but the foot box felt a little bit tight. I tend to move around a lot in my sleep and the footbox didn’t provide quite as much space as I’m used to with my previous sleeping bags. For someone who moves less in their sleep, this might not be an issue, but if you’re a bit of a restless sleeper like I am, it’s something to keep in mind. That being said, the rest of the bag gave me plenty of room to shift around comfortably without feeling restricted. A good thing about the snug fit was, where I would previously wake up with the hood on my face, this sleeping bag moved with me however often I twisted and turned.
Temperature performance
Ever since moving back from tropical North Queensland in Australia, I’ve been a self-diagnosed cold sleeper — always wanting an extra layer to stay comfortable. However, at 10°C, I found myself perfectly warm throughout the entire night. The synthetic insulation in this Vaude sleeping bag does a good job of regulating temperatures. I didn’t feel cold, nor did I overheat. The balance between warmth and breathability is great. For those who plan to camp in moderate temperatures, I’d say this bag will keep you comfortable without causing you to wake up in a sweat.
The hood is easy to adjust and fits easily around the head, helping to trap warmth on cooler nights. For a cold sleeper like me, a hood is a necessity in a sleeping bag and it helps maintain that cozy, cocoon-like feeling throughout my night.
Handy features
One of my favorite little features was the hidden inside pocket. Probably more designed to store valuables like keys, a phone, or other small items, it turned out to be a game-changer for a completely different reason: snacks! I stashed a little midnight snack in there, and it can be incredibly handy if you wake up hungry in the middle of the night. It’s small enough to stay out of the way but big enough to hold a few essentials — or in my case, a Snickers bar.
Insulation and sustainability
The Sensofiber synthetic material is not only warm but it’s also designed to perform even when damp. While I didn’t encounter wet conditions during my test, it’s reassuring to know that if things did get damp, the insulation would still keep me warm. I have definitely had nights where all my gear was covered in condensation. The PFC-free water-repellent finish adds another layer of protection against this. Definitely a nice touch if you know you’ll be having some damp nights in your tent!
On top of that, the fact that this bag is made from 100% recycled materials is a huge win for eco-conscious hikers. Vaude’s commitment to sustainability is amazing, and knowing that this sleeping bag has a lower environmental impact made me feel even better about using it.
pro's
Temperature Regulation: The bag maintains a good balance between warmth and breathability
Affordable: The pricing for this sleeping bag is great in my opinion.
Hidden Inside Pocket: A handy feature for storing small essentials or snacks.
Durable in Damp Conditions: The synthetic insulation performs well even when damp, ensuring warmth on humid nights or in condensation-heavy environments.
Eco-Friendly: Made from 100% recycled materials, the sleeping bag is a great choice for eco-conscious adventurers.
con's
Tight Footbox: The footbox feels snug, especially for restless sleepers who move a lot during the night, which might feel restrictive.
Pack size: If you’re used to a down sleeping bag like me, this sleeping bag might feel a bit bulky, but I was still able to fit my other gear in without issues.
Weight: As with the pack size, this sleeping bag is a bit heavier than the down sleeping bag I normally use.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’d say the Vaude Sioux 800 II is a great choice for summer camping and moderate climates. If you are leaning towards adventures with more extreme temperatures, I’d consider adding a sleeping bag liner and some decent pajamas. In mild weather conditions, the insulation is great, providing warmth without overheating, and the hood and pocket features add extra comfort and convenience. While the foot box could be roomier, the rest of the snug fit made up for it, and I was able to move around while sleeping, without the sleeping bag shifting too much. The sustainability aspect is a big bonus too, making this a solid pick for eco-friendly adventurers.
I personally wouldn’t recommend this sleeping bag for a thru-hike solely because of its weight and pack size, but it’s definitely worth it to take it on shorter overnight adventures! For anyone looking for a reliable, affordable, and environmentally conscious sleeping bag, the Vaude Sioux 800 II is worth considering!
About the product
About the brand
Testing the Vaude Sioux 800
